8/3/2009 11:51:40 AM

Has anyone ever tested or implemented controlling the projector (turning on/off, etc) via a serial cable? What software have you used? Any tips?

8/3/2009 3:26:30 PM

Some manufactures have their own software that you can use, however this is a pretty rare occurrence.
I'm actually about to write some software for my church to control a projector.

8/3/2009 6:25:16 PM

Most projectors that I have used have the ability to control via RS232 (serial). I would use Hyperterminal. I currently use hyperterminal to make changes or updates to my Altinex Scaler. I did have to make my own cable, as I couldn't find a pre-made one. The user's manual should provide the syntax for whatever changes you need to make.

8/4/2009 10:04:05 AM

Ours had an option to plug in the remote with a 1/8" plug. So we ran a long cable and use the remote wired. Works great for us.

8/22/2009 4:24:39 PM

Bit late on the reply perhaps but we turn our projector on and off all the time using the serial por. There is approx 30m of cable between our control panel (a procon faceplate hich we have progammed to control both projector and scaler). I have written software for it as well although I never spent the time debugging as we only use it for maintenance and checking lamp life etc. As Gap say the manual should contain the syntax required (or if not there then the website will) and it is not that difficult to do.

8/23/2009 8:35:37 AM

Ours also has the 1/8" cable, and that is how we control it. No need to worry about batteries.

I also want to mention that newer projectors have a Cat5/Cat6 (LAN) port (and even wireless) to communicate via ethernet.

8/23/2009 9:48:37 AM

The computer networking team is going to put a wireless accent point up there, so we will be able to piggy back on that and get or projector on the LAN.

8/23/2009 5:22:30 PM

Just be aware that some projectors can only take control signals by LAN or RS232 not both even if they support both options, our projector is like that so we have it set to RS232 as it makes it simpler for everyone who uses it and also allows us to make the control panel automatically shut it down when the power switch is flicked (all the power is on a start up/shutdown timer to try and help preserve lamplife and for the pa system to help prevent blowing speakers).

8/24/2009 11:59:18 AM

Since I posted my question, we have decided to purchase 2 new projectors. They are the Dell 4210x. From the specs, it will be a more operator friendly device. As some of you have stated using also, it does have an Ethernet port which we will be connecting to. We will be able to turn on/off and switch video sources from 125 away. VERY EXCITED about not using a remote. Another nice feature, is the projector can send you emails if it detects an error. As well as lamp life reminders. It just went off sale. They were only $799 w/ 2 yr warranty.
Specs: (for those who are curious)
3600 lumens
2000:1 contrast
2-vga/1 s-video/1 HDMI

I will let everyone know how the image is, once we get them online this week.

8/15/2014 8:34:14 AM

Hi,

To control our Projector we have used the software Bill Redirect from www.BillProduction.com with this software you can create buttons and put the RS232 projector commands under each button to create your customize remote control ... You can also after control the software via your iPad, iPhone ... To do the iphone part we have used this documentation: http://www.billproduction.com/Bill_Redirect_iPod_iPhone_iPad_Remote_TCPIP_Remote.pdf I have disable the Keyboard section and use the Serial section and all work's !


We have found this example on another forum:

To control peripheral like a projector I usually use Bill Redirect software from www.Billproduction.com company

Solution to control your projector PT-AE8000U:

Manual of the protocol (commands) of your projector: www.audiogeneral.com/Panasonic/ptae8000u.pdf

Step by step solution:
- First download and install Bill Redirect Software: http://www.billproduction.com/Bill_COMtoKB.ZIP
- Disable all section except: Serial Port and Virtual Keyboard
- In section Serial Port, set the Switch to: On
- In serial Port Configuration, set:

In field "Serial Port Number" enter the port number where your projector is connected.
Bauds: 9600
Parity: None
Databit: 8
Stopbit: 1

- Click on: Virtual Keyboard Configuration
- After click on: Add
* At this point a button appear ... it's your action button ... used latter to control your Projector !
- Enter the command you want to do in the field "String to send ... is push" example to set the input to HDMI 1 use this command:
{ASCII:2}IIS:HD1{ASCII:3}


*** Another example ... the command to "Picture mode switch" is: {ASCII:2}OVM{ASCII:3}
*We have found each command in the manual of your projector



To test your button click on: Run


- Click on the virtual button created to test the command !
- You can create several buttons to control what you want ...



For more information about the possibility, use the manual of the product: http://www.billproduction.com/Bill_Redirect_Manual.pdf


This solution can work's with any peripheral !