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Coolterm to control video projector

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 10:28 am
by irdac
I am trying to use Coolterm on a Mac to control a video projector. I have searched for months on a way to do this and found the coolterm software. Unfortunately I don't know what to do to make this work, I am a graphic designer not an electronics or software engineer.

I want to use my Mac to control the projector in a lecture theatre, (eg switch inputs, black screen, power off), the infra red remote signal does not reach the projector.

In another venue I have an AMX audio visual control system costing thousands which works great. I don't have any money to buy another system so the computer sounds a cost efficient saving.

A common issue appears to be that the serial adapter cable does not work, in my case it works to programme the AMX box, so I hope that is one less issue to work through.

I have the following:
- Coolterm application
- MacBook Pro
- USB to Serial port converter cable
- Hitachi projector
- control codes published by Hitachi

Can I get any pointers on how I go about using coolterm to to this?

thanks

Re: Coolterm to control video projector

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 10:39 am
by roger
Can you post additional information about the projector, such as the model number, links to specifications, manuals, control codes, etc.?
Is this the command specification you have?: http://www.hitachi-america.us/supportin ... 2Codes.pdf

Also, what is the make and model of your USB to Serial adapter cable?

Re: Coolterm to control video projector

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 8:46 am
by irdac
Roger
Thanks so much for replying, I am very grateful to you for any help you can give.


Projector is Hitachi CP-X 2510
Webpage for the Hitachi codes: https://estadoc.hitachi.eu/docpublicSea ... m=CPX2510Z#
(click on the English version to download the PDF)
All Hitachi projectors use the same code for commands, irrespective of the model.

The USB to serial adapter is an: ATEN USB to RS-232 Adapter
website is: https://www.aten.com/global/en/products ... 7opFS-ZOL4
The adapter works perfectly with other equipment: Wacon drawing tablet, and the AMX AV control system we have.

The Hitachi Command spec you referenced is for Hitachi televisions and not relevant for projectors.


Coolterm looks to be a very useful application, it has very good reviews on the web and I know people are using it for the purpose I require, I just can't find a simple tutorial of how to use it.

Regards
Gary

Re: Coolterm to control video projector

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 4:32 pm
by roger
Hi Gary,

thanks for posting the additional information. Based on the manual, it should be pretty straightforward to send commands to the projector.

Since you're ATEN USB serial adapter seems to work with other equipment, I'm going to assume that the driver has been installed properly on your MacBook Pro.

The next thing piece of hardware you'll need is a female-to-female RS-232 crossover cable (aka null-modem cable) to connect the projector to the adapter. This one should do the trick:
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-10- ... B00006B8BJ

Next, you will need to properly setup CoolTerm's connection settings ("Options" button in the toolbar). Per the Hitachi manual, they should be set as follows:
  • Port: Select the one corresponding to your ATEN adapter from the list
  • Baudrate: 19200
  • Data Bits: 8
  • Parity: none
  • Stop Bits: 1
  • Flow control: leave all boxes unchecked
Next, click "Connect" in the toolbar. The serial port is now open, and you should be connected to your projector.

Per the projector's user's manual, it expects to receive commands in particular format. Luckly, all the command strings are listed on pages 10-19. They are in in hex format. To send commands in hex format, do the following:
  • Use the "Connection/Send String..." menu command to open the "Send String" window.
  • Click the "Hex" radio button to switch the entry mode to hex.
  • Enter any command from the table just in the way it's listed in the table. For example, to send the "Power Set Turn On" command, enter the following:

    Code: Select all

    BE EF 03 06 00 2A D3 01 00 00 06 00 00
  • Click the "Send" button to send the command to the project.
If everything worked ok, the projector should turn on.

I hope this helps.

Roger

Re: Coolterm to control video projector

Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2019 2:05 am
by irdac
Hello Roger

Since my last post, I have a new computer, new software, new cables and new drivers and at last everything works!

Thank you so much for your help, I would not have been able to achieve this without your help.

regards Gary

Re: Coolterm to control video projector

Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2019 1:39 pm
by roger
irdac wrote:Hello Roger

Since my last post, I have a new computer, new software, new cables and new drivers and at last everything works!

Thank you so much for your help, I would not have been able to achieve this without your help.

regards Gary

Glad to hear it!

Roger