Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: DTS6AD Serial Control

This is topic DTS6AD Serial Control in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Matt Close (Member # 996) on 02-06-2018, 07:22 PM:

Trying to add serial control to our faithful old DTS6AD. CPU version is current at 2.08
Upload/download dts program works fine so comms are good.
String I'm trying to send is just volume control:

V38<cr>

Has anyone had experience with controlling these units?

Posted by Matt Close (Member # 996) on 02-07-2018, 06:03 PM:

Nobody?

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-07-2018, 07:03 PM:

So far I didn't know this feature existed for the 6AD. Do you have any documents telling you remote control through RS232 is possible? All I know is that the RS232 was for config backup and restore, and only the RS422 ports were intended for remote control, but that feature never made it into the operating software. Long time ago, though...

- Carsten

Posted by Matt Close (Member # 996) on 02-07-2018, 08:35 PM:

Yes, this document suggests it's possible.
http://www.film-tech.com/warehouse/manuals/TN-E374A.pdf

I've found other documentation around the web where another unit had 6AD compatible mode for control. It was supposed to be in from firmware 1.06 and above.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-07-2018, 09:10 PM:

So, did you try

X<CR> ?

Are you using this with a laptop or stationary computer? What kind of RS232 interface is used - a fixed port on the computer, or a USB-serial converter? The latter often have issues due to level variations against properly spec'd older equipment. The connection cable needs to be a nullmodem (crossed) cable - are you sure your's has the correct wiring? You say that the config up-/download works - is that using the same cable and computer you are trying to control volume with?

- Carsten

Posted by Matt Close (Member # 996) on 02-07-2018, 10:15 PM:

Yep, didn't even bother with a USB adapter. Went right for an old PC set up with the correct port specs. Also definitely crossed over null modem cable. The up/down software works using the same cable and computer.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-08-2018, 06:44 AM:

Okay, so does it say anything with X<CR> ? When you have a terminal connected during boot-up of the AD, does anything readable appear on screen?

Unfortunately, regular status updates seem to be transmitted only through RS422, as these could help to diagnose the connection.

- Carsten

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 02-08-2018, 10:52 AM:

the cr is often a issue and you may want to try 0D

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 02-08-2018, 12:34 PM:

Also what software are you using as a serial terminal program
also did the unit send back any response
You may want to try a straight through serial cable for control

Posted by Matt Close (Member # 996) on 02-08-2018, 06:53 PM:

Thanks Gordon. I've have already tried reversing the serial lead connections just for fun. I've also tried patching to the 422 ports. The 232 port give no response to any command, but I did come across a document somewhere that I think said it only gives responses through the 422 automation ports (Carsten might confirm) but will accept commands from the 232 port. I am using a nifty program called serial talk that simply sends out strings. Great for testing. I will play with the OD you suggested.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-08-2018, 07:34 PM:

Corretly wired, the RS422 should give status commands from key actions, the RS422 levels should be able to trigger the Rx line of the PC. However, that doesn't help much if the AD doesn't accept commands from TX. The document should mention it, but is there maybe some setting in these firmware versions to enable remote control?

- Carsten

Posted by Matt Close (Member # 996) on 02-13-2018, 05:49 PM:

ok, I've used a 232 to 422 converter and connected to the 422 rj45 'automation' ports. No action from the unit other than just echoing back the exact string sent to the DTS6AD from a PC.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-13-2018, 09:51 PM:

Did you try both RS422 ports? And pressing a few keys on the unit while connected?

- Carsten

Posted by Matt Close (Member # 996) on 02-14-2018, 04:02 PM:

Sure did. Both upper 422 ports do nothing. I get no status strings when pressing buttons.

Also, does anyone know if DTS or Datasat tech support still exist? All their emails bounce

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-14-2018, 04:19 PM:

There are some people supporting Datasat, but those will not be the same people who supported the DTS units I guess.

I may have a look into my DTS document collection, but I don't think I'll find something useful there...

Daniel Schulz used to work for DTS and DATASAT, he is active on this forum and MAY have an idea, but chances are low...

- Carsten

Posted by Daniel Schulz (Member # 1881) on 02-14-2018, 08:05 PM:

This is outside of my knowledge base I'm afraid, but there is one remaining field tech engineer from the beginning of DTS who is still at Datasat - I will try to get ahold of him. I'll also try to confirm a valid contact email for Datasat tech support, post-ATI acquisition. They are still selling the AP20 so there must be some tech support somewhere...

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-14-2018, 08:27 PM:

Hi Daniel, they have updated their support email addresses on the DATASATDIGITAL website, but my first attempt to reach them was unsuccessful.

- Carsten

Posted by Matt Close (Member # 996) on 02-18-2018, 06:20 PM:

Thanks so much guys. Daniel, that would be awesome. I feel like there must be someone, somewhere who would know.