Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: CP650 automation via DCP-2K4

This is topic CP650 automation via DCP-2K4 in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by James Skinner (Member # 7385) on 02-17-2013, 04:19 PM:

We have a DCP-2K4 connected to a Christie CP-2000M projector via SDI for video and connected to a Dolby CP650 via AES for audio.

For alternative content (blu-ray, Satilltie, PC) we use one of the DVI inputs on the CP-2000M and connect the audio though the CP650's external 6ch analog inputs.

We use automation cues on the DCP-2K4 to automatically switch the CP-2000M projector video from DVI input to the SDI link whenever content plays from the DCP-2K4 and then switch it back when playback finishes.

However the CP650 audio channel switching has not been automated which is not ideal. When the DCP-2K4 runs we have to manually switch to Format U1 and then when we run alternative content connected by analog we have to switch the CP650 back to Format 11.

We would like to automate the switching of the audio similar to how we have the video input selection automatically switch on the CP-2000M projector. Ideally the DCP-2K4 would switch the CP650 to Format U1 when it plays any content and then switch back to Format 11 when done.

Both the DCP-2K4 and the CP650 have serial ports and automation connectors. The CP650 also has an Ethernet port but manual says 'for future automation use' so I expect automation via Ethernet is not possible.

What would be the easiest way to connect the DCP-2K4 and CP650 for automation? Should we use the serial ports or automation connectors?

If we use the serial ports is it as simple as connecting the two devices with a null modem cable and then using the automation cues on the DCP-2K4 to send the appropriate format_button commands to the CP650?

If we where to use automation connectors instead how would we connect them? Would we need to use two relays on the GPIO output of the DCP-2K4 and connect them to the inputs of the CP650 Automation I/O Connector? Does anyone recommend any particular product for this?

Once connected either way I assume then we can use the DCP-2K4 automation to setup some default macro cues that are always executed before and after any content is played to perform the automated audio switching?

I'm new to theater tech so any help is much appreciated. What would be the simplest approach? Is any online information describing such setups? Would serial be the easiest to setup?

I assume in bigger setups some type of automation hardware and software is used? We have other equipment that could be automated in an ideal situation. It would be nice to be able to send automation commands to all devices. I'm guessing there is special dedicated automation hardware of some type that can be sued to tie everything together with multiple serial and GPIO connections? Given that we have a pretty basic setup can we get away with using the DCP-2K4 for most automation needs?

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-17-2013, 07:40 PM:

Doremi has a technote and device library available for CP650 automation over ethernet.

- Carsten

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 02-17-2013, 11:37 PM:

The CP650's Ethernet port has been functional for some time now. Note, it is VERY primitive and can only support ONE device talking to it at a time. If you have a device that opens the port and keeps it open...that is it.

Serial and contact closure, I've found, to be more reliable.

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 02-18-2013, 07:22 AM:

As Carsten and Steve point out, you can use Ethernet to automate the CP650 from the Doremi. Contact Doremi support for details.

However, it sounds like what you are looking for is an eCNA-5 or a JNIOR. The eCNA is a dedicated, built from the ground up cinema automation, and is incredibly flexible and powerful. The JNIOR is adapted from a more generic automation controller for cinema use. I don't know a whole lot about the JNIOR, but it is quite popular, and possibly less expensive. Either would be an excellent choice for your situation.

Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 02-18-2013, 12:51 PM:

The Doremi CP650 device "cueslib" xml file works OK, adding the CP650 to "library" in macro editor. You can select formats and change fader settings - a limited selection though. If you can edit xml files it's easy to add more fader settings to the cueslib file. I haven't had a major problem with the ethernet control but it does very rarely miss cues. The other option I've used is with a Jnior using the "serial control" option: it's fricking complicated to figure out the first time but works well - you send commands to the Jnior and it in turn controls the CP650 via (bulletproof) serial. This lets you control fader level as well. With relay contact automation you can only select format buttons and do mute/unmute. It's much better to be able to directly set a lower fader level for trailers without needing multiple digital input buttons with different fader presets.

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 02-18-2013, 03:23 PM:

Hi Dave,

You can also control the CP650 using the doremi serial, without using a Jnior.

Posted by James Skinner (Member # 7385) on 03-09-2013, 12:20 PM:

Thanks everyone. I got the suggested CP650 device library XML from Doremi and so far it seems to be working pretty well via Ethernet.

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 03-09-2013, 04:48 PM:

Hi,

Are the xml libraries on the Doremi support website or did you ask them a copy?

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 03-10-2013, 09:15 AM:

It's on ftppublic - Doremis european support server, under products/DCP-2000/Option_pkg/cueslib

- Carsten

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 03-10-2013, 09:41 AM:

got it, thanks!

I usually have several macro files on my laptop, from which I copy and paste the relevant section, so I don't have to amend anything at all, but it's nice to know there are libraries available, they may be useful.

Thanks again

Posted by Aleksandar Obradovic (Member # 7266) on 03-11-2013, 03:42 PM:

a little bit of help:

1. connect CP650 with doremi with ethernet cable via switch
2. Set IP address of CP650 OSD via menu to be in same range with doremi
3. Add new raw device to doremi with next parameters:
IP address
tcp protocol
port 61412

now you have to make some macros. go to the macro editor and add next macros

add->input/output->send msg->
msg label as you wish
device - name of your dolby
msg type - text
msg - raw ascii command

here is a list of some commands
mute on - mute=1\r\n
mute off - mute=0\r\n
format change to non sync - format_button=7\r\n
volume set to 3.5 - fader_level=35\r\n

if you wish i can compile everything for you. just send me pm.

BR

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 03-11-2013, 04:26 PM:

on the "how to create your own cuelib" the document ends with

quote:
This new cueslib can be preloaded on all new servers when you pre-configure them in your office or warehouse. You can also create and ingestible pkg.

How can that be done?

Posted by Aleksandar Obradovic (Member # 7266) on 03-11-2013, 06:00 PM:

hm... it can be a little "tricksy" [Smile]

you have to prepare xml's and the you must have root password for server and then to upload that xml to proper folder on server...

When we are talking about doremi almost everything is based on xml so you can download needed xml then change it and then upload it back.

Tell me exactly what you need and then i will write you an entire procedure.

BR

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 03-12-2013, 02:54 PM:

I know how to upload the XML by FTP, but the PDF says that a package could be created to be ingested.
Can you help me on that?

You have a PM!

Posted by Brenard Cabiles Jr. (Member # 7462) on 01-13-2014, 08:09 AM:

2. Set IP address of CP650 OSD via menu to be in same range with doremi

do you have the procedure on how to change IP address of CP650? do i need to use a PC with a software or i can change it from the menu itself?

Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 01-14-2014, 11:09 AM:

You need the CP650 setup software. Once you connect (serial of course), it's pretty hard to find where to set it. To save you a lot of frustrating searching and trying to guess where the hell the Dolby programmers might have hidden it... "Network Settings" is under the "Window" tab.

Posted by Aleksandar Obradovic (Member # 7266) on 01-17-2014, 08:54 AM:

There is no need to use software to change IP Address of CP650. You have to open front cover and set DIP switch #6 to ON (down position) and then you can go thru menu and directly change IP address. BTW i will upload cueslib for doremi tonight from home and all you have to do is to upload it to your doremi to folder \doremi\etc\cueslib\

BR Alex

Posted by Maroje Sardelich (Member # 7694) on 02-27-2014, 02:21 AM:

I think the best thing is to go thru menu on CP itself. Windows XP work ok with usb to serial adapters, windows 7 works ok only if you have built in RS232 in your laptop, windows 8 so far unable to connect to CP650 with usb to rs232 adapter. But having virtual box and windows xp and usb adapter works fine [Smile]

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 02-27-2014, 01:27 PM:

Windows 7 (32 or 64bit) works well with adaptors, but not with all of them.

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 02-28-2014, 10:44 AM:

I use a Keyspan (by Tripp Lite) USB-to-serial adapter and have had no issues. Windows 7 64bit.