Hardware with RS232 documentation and driver support

[lostdog]

Since I'm just starting out, once I get my initial HA system in place I'd like to start thinking of replacing my current hardware with hardware that has control via rs232. I'm still undecided as to what software I'll be running, but that could be decided based on the response to this post.

What I'm looking for is a list of hardware devices with the ability to control via rs232 and which have documentation and/or driver support available in the different software packages. For example, I noticed that my Olevia 537H LCD tv has a RS232 control port, and with 123's help, found the documentation. I haven't been able to find any current drivers for any HA packages however.

Category: LCD TV
Manufacturer: Syntax Olevia
Model: 537H
RS232 Documentation: http://secure.olevia.com/jsp/rs232/files/RS232_MTK.doc
RS232 Software Drivers: ??

If someone already has this sort of info or can update any items listed, please let me know. This may be a good candidate to create a google spreadsheet or something.

 

[123]

There are several huge threads about Olevia monitors on AVSForum. I searched it for "Olevia RS232 protocol" and found this link:
http://secure.olevia.com/jsp/rs232/rs232.jsp

For the 537H model: http://secure.olevia.com/jsp/rs232/files/RS232_MTK.doc

Several HA apps provide drivers for the current crop of monitors. Some provide a driver-wizard that helps you build a driver for your specific brand/model. The wizard will construct a skeleton-driver (includes all common TV functions) and lets you fill in the command codes (that's where you need the model's RS232 protocol).

 

[lostdog]

There are several huge threads about Olevia monitors on AVSForum. I searched it for "Olevia RS232 protocol" and found this link:
http://secure.olevia.com/jsp/rs232/rs232.jsp

For the 537H model: http://secure.olevia.com/jsp/rs232/files/RS232_MTK.doc

Several HA apps provide drivers for the current crop of monitors. Some provide a driver-wizard that helps you build a driver for your specific brand/model. The wizard will construct a skeleton-driver (includes all common TV functions) and lets you fill in the command codes (that's where you need the model's RS232 protocol).

Thanks! That's great help. I had done some googling as well as looking at Olevia's web site, but hadn't come across that document. I've updated my original post with the info.

 

[mcascio]

lostdog,

In the case of MainLobby (Cinemar Software) we have a Generic Serial Driver that allows users to communicate with any devices we don't support. Or we also offer custom services to develop a driver for you.

 

[Jimmyjam]

There is a CQC driver that can be used for some Olevia TVs. I don't know if it supports your particular one or not.

 

[nadler1ny]

PowerHome supports RS232 right out of the box. I use it to control a receiver and a speaker/amp selector switch. You do have to write simple macros though to control the functions of the RS232 devices. I'm not sure whether that's necessary for the other software mentioned.

 

[123]

For an example of how you can build a custom driver, using a wizard, have a look at the following video-tutorial. It shows how to build Generic Two-Way Serial Devices. If you just want to see the Wizard in action, fast-forward to time mark 18:20.