I'm considering the 990, which would be parked next to an HTPC should I decide to take the plunge. I'm wondering if I can send commands (switching inputs, etc.) from the PC via the USB/RS-232 ports -- I'd like to minimize the number of things which need to be automated with IR in my setup. I'm a programmer, so pointers (no pun intended) to protocol documentation and the like would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

I can't seem to find the right thread, but Scott indicated they would be publishing or starting a thread on the RS-232 codes.

Yep, it sounds like Scott's getting close to having a document ready for us that should cover the RS-232 codes.

One question via RS-232 codes... Would we have to invoke them htrough a terminal window...or do you think / know / envision someone putting together something like a VB or HTML (web page)-based method? I was thinking this may be way cool as in theory, I could use my PDA with 802.11.b through my WAP and back out through the host PC. In this way, I'd have a remote whose operation would not be line of sight. I am using something like this now for my Audiotron DAR's (which are accessed via static IPs on my wired network). It's pretty handy actually to be able to control a device from a PDA, and it would be most excellent to control the 990 from a web page interface running on (eventually) a pda.

Any thoughts on this?

Mark

From what I've been able to figure out of the protocol so far, it's not a human-friendly ASCII sort of protocol. However, everything else you describe is possible with an application on a PC.

I will likely be implementing a protocol driver for the 990, but it will be for my custom home automation system which runs on Linux.

RS-232 is one of the oldest supported protocols in the computer industry. A lot of devices including some PDA's have a form of RS-232 port, or you can get a USB to RS-232 adapter and go from there.

No matter what hardware and software method you use, there will be some coding involved to control the 990. Having said that, I am sure there will be many flavors available to the group through this forum.

I intend to do some interfacing myself, as I am reasonably comfortable with the protocol. Since my Sony VPL-HS51 also can be controlled remotely and my Feedback Destroyer Pro (Midi device), I think I will be busy for quite some time tinkering..

Also, there are wireless rs-232 adapters for Bluetooth devices that would allow you to build a remote controller out of a wireless PDA.
http://www.insight.com/site/product/deta...code=08-2396488

I'm with you guys (I think...). I guess what I am after is the ability to string the RS-232 cable from the host PC to the 990 (but it looks like trikos' comments / links hold promise). Ultimately...I'd love to control this just like I do my (3) Audiotrons, that is, either from any PC on my home netwrok (wired or wireless) as well as from my palm Zire 72 via 802.11.b; I have tried the bluetooth interface on the Zire and found it to be comparatively limited in terms of range (compared to the 802.11b) as well as speed. I do have to say it is way cool to control the Audiotrons via the Zire as the 802 interface isn't line of sight like the Bluetooth (appears to be / is.

I guess I need to reasearch this a bit more...

There are also rs-232 to 802.11 devices as well. Just more coin..

If you have lots of coin, you could even buy wireless touch tablet pcs and have the works in every room in the house!

As the saying goes in the computer industry:
"With enough gold bricks you can cross any river, no matter how deep and how fast.."

Heres some links for RS-232/802.11 devices:

Lantronix remote setup facility:
http://www.lantronix.com/device-networking/external-device-servers/wibox.html

Builtin OS, no programming language (passthru):
http://www.datahunter.com/serialan.html

C development, web based administration:
http://www.neteon.net/prod.asp?pc=18&p=24&pcn=Wireless%20Serial%20Device%20Server

Intellisock development, web based administration:
http://www.dpie.com/pcbus/rs232wireless.html

900mhz RS-232 wireless, needs the Xpress bridge to be 802.11b compatible:
http://www.maxstream.net/