Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: SDDS DFP-D2000 QC-Software problem

This is topic SDDS DFP-D2000 QC-Software problem in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Hannes Ziegenhorn (Member # 9849) on 11-05-2019, 08:01 AM:

Hello
Since I startet playing around with SDDS processors, I often had trouble connecting the Sony DFP-D2000 to a PC.
The Setup-Software works with almost all Computers I tried (Windows 98 or XP). But the SDDS QC-Software (V3.0 from the warehouse) only worked on two W98-Laptops so far.
On the Windows 98 SE Computer I set up last week, the Setup-Software runs fine, but the QC-Software shows the Message: "Not able to establish communications with DFP number 10803. Try reconnecting a different serial number."
The serial number is as shown on the DFP display. Also with another DFP-D2000 (and its respective serial number) I get the same error message.
So it seems to start a communication with the processor and getting a response, but something isn´t working as supposed.
Could please somebody explain to me what the cause of his error is and how to fix it.

Thanks
Hannes

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 11-05-2019, 09:42 AM:

Are you using a DB9 null cable?

Posted by Michael Zarits (Member # 10747) on 11-06-2019, 12:34 PM:

If you already use a DB9/null cable as Brad mentions try different brands. I used 4 different null cables until one finally worked. Unfortunately there's no manufacturer branding on my working cable.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 11-06-2019, 12:39 PM:

There is a standard pinout for a null modem cable, so that shouldn't make a difference if the cable conforms to the standard.

My guess: is the OP using a USB-to-serial adapter or a computer with an actual serial port? The former sometimes causes problems with certain types of equipment. Tripp-Lite/Keyspan is generally recognized as good, but, of course, a physical serial device is preferred. Maybe someone who regularly deals with Sony equipment can post what works.

Posted by Marin Zorica (Member # 1716) on 11-06-2019, 01:04 PM:

Adapters camn be strange........make you're own null odem cable, or use small null model db9 changer......

Last time i did play with SDDS was few weeks ago, and i did set up virtual machine with XP so i can run it under windows 10 on lamptop, than i did not have problem to use either com port which is genue on my elitebook, ether some profilic usb-rs232 converter........but is you use converter it MUST be rs232, not just regulat com which run just pure RX/TX, but it needs to have real RS232 voltage levels, because sony has MAX232 on UART and level which are out of standards are not recodnized.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 11-07-2019, 06:07 AM:

Since Sony used the wrong gender...even a null modem cable would require a gender-bender to work. I make my own using 9-conductor shield with the right gender connectors...never had an issue.

Posted by Hannes Ziegenhorn (Member # 9849) on 11-07-2019, 04:35 PM:

I built a male to female full-nullmodem-cable according to the diagramm in the DFP-D2000 software manual.
I heard that some USB-adapters don´t work, so i´m using the serial port on the mainboard (the correct drivers are installed).
But my initial question remains: Why does the Setup-Software work correctly but the QC-software won´t connect and gives the error message. So they should be able to communicate and I guess it could be a software-issue.
Are there any earlier versions of the QC-software available?