I have a couple of questions regarding 232 commands for Denon DVD players....

I understand that each command requires the following...

Start of Text (02h)
Command Code
Parameter Code
End of text (03h)
Block Check Character

In the documentation I see that four bits are reserved for the parameter codes.
Do I need to enter the parameter "00h" four each "bit" that does not require a parameter code or do I skip these in the string if not needed?

How exactly do I enter the Block Check Character portion of the string?

How should the string look exactly? For example, do I need to type the < and > for each "bit"? Do I need a space between each "bit"?

For example what would the string look like exactly for Directly Selecting Disc 5 based on the information below?

Disc Select Command Code (ASCII): 51h (Q)
Disc number Parameter Code (ASCII): 35h (5)

Thanks in advance!!!

Alright, I think I have already figured.

Disc Select 5:
02 51 35 00 00 00 03 38 39

Do I get a gold star or "try again" stamp?

I think you're on the right track, Tony (RTI AV INSTALLER ) was a great help, have a look at this link to a thread I posted last year, it should help.

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Iain

I had looked at that very thread shortly after I posted. Based on the info I derived from it I created an excel calculator to quickly generate the checksum and resulting BCCL and BCCH values so that I could quickly create a speadsheet of the DVD codes.

All of the codes checked out per the specifications in his post but I can not seem to get the codes to work.

In fact, I can not seem to get my Denon AVR codes to work either???

I am using a RTI RP6. The AVR3806 codes are output on port 1 (9600n81) and the DVD2930 codes on Port 2 (9600e81). I am using the RTI CM232 "module" cable. I am not using a null modem cable (Denons receive on pin 3!?!).

Example codes...

AVR:
PWON\r (Power On)
SICD\r (CD Source input)

DVD:
02 20 00 00 00 00 03 32 33 (Power On)
02 47 00 00 00 00 03 34 41 (Menu)

This is my first crack at controlling Denon products via 232 from an RTI product. I would absolutely love someone to lead me to the ahhhh haaaa detail(s) that I am missing here.

As far as the receiver goes, have you amnually turned it on. Then send an off command via RS-232??

THis is key. You have to turn the unit OFF via RS232 (once) before it will respond to any RS232

Yes I have.

I am sitting in front of a test rig right now. Here is what I have...

AVR3806
DVD1930CI
T2C
RP6/RM433
CM232 (2)

I am receiving signal on the RP6 and the proper ports are flashing. Neither the Receiver or DVD will respond

OK, DVD solved. I had not selected the "Hex" button before I entered the DVD Hex string. It works like a charm!

The Receiver is still non responsive. I powered down, disconnected everything and did a microprocessor reset just in case I may have not proceeded in the correct sequence.

I reconnected, powered up the receiver but had no luck issuing the initial Power Off command via 232.

Well, it is a good thing that I have this forum to work out my stupidity!

I always find that once asked, the answer to the question begins to reveal itself.

Looking at the pin call outs of the CM232 I realized that there was no ground connection and the Denon documentation for the amp specified a ground. For sh*ts and giggles I ran a ground wire from the RP6 terminal block to the phono ground lug on the 3806 and it worked like magic. Shortly there after I recalled seeing something on this and found the tech note that mentioned this very scenario.

Read Your Manuals!

I never had to do this, just a CM232 from the receiver to the RP-6.

It worked the instant I hooked up the ground wire. Perhaps the 3806 is different somehow?

I had to do the same thing on an installation today of another 3806.

RTI does mention this in their RS232 tech bulletin which can be downloaded from their dealer site.

This is interesting, I have never had a problem with a 3806 being controlled via a cm232. I have however, had spotty performance with 2307 and 2807's, that may be corrected with this grouding scheem, I will give it a try and let you know. One note with Denon AVR serial, when they show a space between digits, make sure you enter that space as indicated.

David,

Do you know how to enter the correct 232 Parameter Codes for the 100 digit, 10 digit and 1 digit direct track access commands for Denon DVDs?

For Example...

Direct Select: 02 4C 00 03
PC0=100 digit code
PC1=10 digit code
PC2=1 didgit code

Do I just enter 100 00 07 for 107 or do I convert these decimal numbers to a 2 digit hex?

BTW... I created an excel sheet that auto calculates the BCCH and BCCL for each code without having to first calculate the checksum and which has the commands documented in 2 digit hex form. Just commands at this time...no status.

Troy, I've been trying out the same thing without a lot of luck either! I agree with you with the start, 02 4C. Then 32 for the search mode, so now we're up to 02 4C 32, then, as we're working with binary, we have to stay with two digit numbers, I would put 00 (Track number - 100 digits), 00 (Track number 10 digits), then 01 for Track 1, 02 for Track 2 and so on.
After that 03, then using the checksum calculator I get 82;- 38 32. My string now looks like ;- 02 4C 32 00 00 01 03 38 32 Unfortunately it doesn't work!
Can anyone help out please?

Sorry for poping in late. I have not had the opertunity to solve this problem myself, Further, I have not found the need for using serial with Denon single or 5 disc DVD players, If I have a customer that is all bent on serious DVD control, I sell them a Lexicon RT-20 single disc player, or if the funds are available, an Escient or an Experinet system. I am kind of confused as to why Denon has not switched thier players over to the simple code stucture used in their receivers?