Runco VX-8D External Control, Serial Communications, RS-232 Connection, Port Configuration

6. External Control

In addition to using the DHD Controller front-panel keypad or remote control unit, there are two methods of controlling the VX-8d and DHD Controller externally:

•Using a serial (RS-232) link to send ASCII commands and receive responses to those commands.

•Using discrete infrared (IR) codes to program a third-party remote control unit.

The following sections describe both of these methods.

The DHD Controller uses a simple text-based control protocol to take requests from control devices and to provide responses to such devices. This section describes how to send control messages over a serial link between the DHD Controller and an automation/control system or a PC running terminal emulation software.

6.1

Serial Communications

To interface the VX-8d with an automation/control system or a PC running terminal	RS-232 Connection and
emulation software, connect it to the Display Control output of the DHD Controller as	Port Configuration
shown in Figure 3-10and Figure 3-11.Connect your control system or PC to the RS-232
input of the DHD Controller as shown in Figure 3-17.
Configure the RS-232 controller or PC serial port as follows: no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop
bit and no flow control. Set the baud rate to 19200, to match that of the DHD Controller
RS-232 port.
Serial commands to the DHD Controller take the following form:	Serial Command Syntax

• Commands are not case-sensitive.

• For a single command that takes no parameters, type the command followed by a carriage return; for example, to set the aspect ratio to Letterbox, type LETTERBOX <Enter>.

• For a single command that takes a parameter, type the command, a space or a comma and the desired value followed by a carriage return; for example, to set the brightness to -10, type BRIGHTNESS -10<Enter> or BRIGHTNESS,-10<Enter>.

• You can also send a string of multiple commands on a single line, separated by commas. For example, COMPOSITE,BRIGHTNESS 50,16:9 <Enter> switches to the Composite video input, sets the brightness to 50 and sets the aspect ratio to 16:9. Command strings can be up to 255 characters long.

Avoid combining the ON or POWER 1 commands with other commands

Note	on a single line. After sending ON or POWER 1, allow at least five (5)
	seconds for the DHD Controller to power up. If you have enabled the
	ISF splash screen (refer to Splash Configure on page 63), allow 15
	seconds for the DHD Controller to power up.
	Once it does, it will accept and properly execute multiple serial
	commands.

Runco VX-8d Installation/Operation Manual 73