Correct Serial Cable for Pioneer Plasmas

[mlaun]

Hi,

what kind of cable do i need to connect the USB adapter to a Pioneer. Do I need a null modem DB9 or a straighgt DB9 ? Is there a perticular cable recommended?

thanx

(forum search didn't bring up anything for me)

[DisplayHarmony]

Serial Cable needed for Pioneer Displays (and several other Manufacturers but not all) - will work with the Keyspan:

DB9 Female to DB9 Female Straight-Through.

[Turbe]

Interesting Turbe. I think I'm going to have to consider this one. Time to start digging around for my old serial cables.

Anyone in the computer field can help me with this question, is connecting to the TV basically the same as connecting as console to a server? You know, when you don't have a head on that server and you go through serial to get to console with a laptop or another computer.

You are probably like me and have many cables, gender changes and null modem adapters around.

I couldn't find my straight-through serial cable (actually gave up after going through a few boxes) so I used a 1' DB9 Female to DB25 Male cable and used a gender changer, null model adapter and a modular console cable (configured null modem) from some US Robotics/3Com Total Control Enterprise Hubs. The blue cable goes to the Pioneer (has another modular connector - DB9 Female).

BTW, null modem is just a cross-over cable. Two serial cables, each configured as null modem, can be connected together to make a straight-through cable.

To Laptop (gray USB cable via Keyspan):
http://i36.tinypic.com/30ib613.jpg

To Pioneer (blue cable):
http://i34.tinypic.com/33m32wo.jpg

[maximus74]

Pls help me with the following situation: I bought the serial cable, as well the USB adaptor; I use a Dell Inspiron 1525 which unfortunatly don't have a serial output. Please can some one give an advice how to set the COM1 (or any other out put) to get the signal throu the USB. Many, thx in advance. :please:

[Turbe]

Pls help me with the following situation: I bought the serial cable, as well the USB adaptor; I use a Dell Inspiron 1525 which unfortunatly don't have a serial output. Please can some one give an advice how to set the COM1 (or any other out put) to get the signal throu the USB. Many, thx in advance. :please:
I moved your Post here.

You need a USB-to-Serial Adapter. ControlCAL supports the Keyspan (others may work). See the Posts above this one.

[Rabid1]

I'm having issues getting ControlCal to turn my 6020 on.

I'm using a KeySpan adapter, and it is correctly installed on my 64 bit Vista machine.

The baud rate is set to the default 9600. When I load ControlCal, the green light on the KeySpan goes from flashing to steady.

ControlCal gives no communication errors. All of the ControlCal's settings are set to default.

I click the power on button, it shows the command was sent, but nothing happens, even after over a minute.

Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Rick

[maximus74]

I have usb-to serial adapter also the cable RS232 but i can't access a com port
requested by the software.My laptop is dell 1525.:please:

[Turbe]

maximus74:
I'm only familiar with the Keyspan (some USB to Serial Adapters don't work because they don't mimic a Serial Port 100%). Unfortunately, due to many variables, I can only help further if you use the Keyspan (I would try a different Serial Cable - see below).

Find out what COM Port has been assigned to the Adapter (COM1-COM9) and make sure ControlCAL is configured to use that COM Port (with the Keyspan, you could check this from the Keyspan Serial Assistant application).

If you are still having problems, use the links above and purchase a Keyspan which is probably the #1 recommended USB to Serial Adapter (including on AVS).

Also, how confident are you that your Serial Cable is a Straight-Through one (not Null-Modem)? Do a search here and you may be surprised how many people swap out their Serial Cable (which they believed to be Straight-Through) and communication with the Display starts working.

I'm having issues getting ControlCal to turn my 6020 on.

I'm using a KeySpan adapter, and it is correctly installed on my 64 bit Vista machine.

The baud rate is set to the default 9600. When I load ControlCal, the green light on the KeySpan goes from flashing to steady.

ControlCal gives no communication errors. All of the ControlCal's settings are set to default.

I click the power on button, it shows the command was sent, but nothing happens, even after over a minute.

Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Rick

Rick, sounds like you don't have a Straight-Through Serial Cable, see the last paragraph for my reply to maximus74 (above).... this is the #1 problem (wrong Serial Cable). Search and see how many are confident they have a Straight-Through only to swap it out and it starts working.

Of course, verify what COM Port the Keyspan is set to (you can from the Keyspan Serial Assistant application).

NOTE: I have not done any testing with 64-Bit Vista (it doesn't sound like there is any issue in your case).

[Rabid1]

maximus74:
I'm only familiar with the Keyspan (some USB to Serial Adapters don't work because they don't mimic a Serial Port 100%). Unfortunately, due to many variables, I can only help further if you use the Keyspan (I would try a different Serial Cable - see below).

Find out what COM Port has been assigned to the Adapter (COM1-COM9) and make sure ControlCAL is configured to use that COM Port (with the Keyspan, you could check this from the Keyspan Serial Assistant application).

If you are still having problems, use the links above and purchase a Keyspan which is probably the #1 recommended USB to Serial Adapter (including on AVS).

Also, how confident are you that your Serial Cable is a Straight-Through one (not Null-Modem)? Do a search here and you may be surprised how many people swap out their Serial Cable (which they believed to be Straight-Through) and communication with the Display starts working.



Rick, sounds like you don't have a Straight-Through Serial Cable, see the last paragraph for my reply to maximus74 (above).... this is the #1 problem (wrong Serial Cable). Search and see how many are confident they have a Straight-Through only to swap it out and it starts working.

Of course, verify what COM Port the Keyspan is set to (you can from the Keyspan Serial Assistant application).

NOTE: I have not done any testing with 64-Bit Vista (it doesn't sound like there is any issue in your case).

Thanks Turbe. That was the problem. With the right cable things went quite smoothly :)

[maximus74]

I don't know what is the problem but i can't send the data to my panel.
Everything i do it dosn't work.When i press the power button on ControlCal my plasma didn't receive any signal.My usb-serial rs232 adapter it's working with all
rs232 devices and is compliant with usb v1.1.It is possible to install the ControlCal on another pc without to expire my activation?:please:

[maximus74]

Hi,Turbe
i have a friend who has a desktop with rs232 out .Is it a good choice for me to go in this way instead to use usb-rs232 serial adapter?Thank you a lot.

[Turbe]

What about your serial cable? This is the #1 source of communication problems (if you look around this Forum, you will see what I mean, see Post #14 (http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2278&postcount=14) above).

You need a DB9 Female to DB9 Female Straight-Through Serial Cable (not a Null-Model Serial Cable).

Of course, there is a chance that it's still your USB-to-Serial Adapter.. give it a try on your friend's laptop but if your cable is configured as Null-Model it won't work.

[cinergi]

I just got controlCAL and the Pioneer Elite Pro-111FD display profile along with the special profile that allows you to check the hours on your panel. I wasn't sure controlCAL would work since I use VM fusion (Win XP sp3) on a Mac. Well, at first, it didn't so I assumed it was an incompatibility with fusion so I tried running controlCAL on my PC where it didn't work there either. ControlCAL would freeze when you hit the Power ON button.

After testing 6 different serial cables I gave up but remembered reading somewhere how to test a serial cable with a multimeter to see if its straight thru or null. For those who don't know how to do this: put your multimeter in continuity mode (upside down horse shoe symbol) then stick one probe in any pin on one side of the cable then stick the other probe in the same pin on the opposite side of the cable. If the probes are too thick to fit into the pins stick a paper clip or thumbtack inside the pins then touch the probes to the clip or tack. If you multimeter shows a reading (mine beeped as well) then you have a straight thru cable. To see if your cable might be a null cable stick one probe in pin 2 and the other in pin 3. If you get a reading then it's a null cable.

One out of the 6 cable I tested turned out to be a straight thru. Using this cable made everything work even with fusion on a mac. So, when Turbe says, if you have a problem it's probably your cable, he's right. I didn't believe him. Now I do. Hope this helps any controlCAL newbies out there like me.

Doug


TURBE EDIT: :D

[select_id]

ADMIN EDIT: I don't suggest doing what select_id did (exposed wires) and using it with your Pioneer Plasma.

If you have a null modem cable and if your cable socket is removable, you can use it (if you dont use it for another application).

First, only open the one connectors socket and find the colors of 2 and 3 numbered cables.
http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/1705/31122008589smallhj8.jpg


After that, cut the cable from the middle and connect only three cable, ground to ground, number 2 to number 3 and number 3 to number 2.
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/3403/31122008590xsmallau7.jpg

[Turbe]

EDIT: I don't suggest doing what select_id did in the Post above (exposed wires) and using it with your Pioneer Plasma.


Yes, basically on a Null Modem configured Serial Cable:

Pin 2 <----> Pin 3
Pin 3 <----> Pin 2

or

Pin 2 Pin 2
X
Pin 3 Pin 3




You want Straight-Through on the Pioneers:

Pin 2 <----> Pin 2
Pin 3 <----> Pin 3

Dont' forget about GND

[bvickrey001]

Serial Cable needed for Pioneer Displays (and several other Manufacturers but not all) - will work with the Keyspan:

DB9 Female to DB9 Female Straight-Through.


My computer has both a DB9 female and male port. I have a straight through male/female cable - do I have to use the female to female connection or will the male/female cable work as long as I identify the right com port?

[Turbe]

The Female port with 3 Rows of Pins is not a Serial Port, it's a VGA (external Monitor Port). Serial Ports on PC"s will always be Male and only have 2 Rows of Pins (either 9 Pins or 25 Pins total).

[Germ@n]

I just wanted to let everyone know how important it is to use the correct serial cable when using ControlCal. As Turbe has said on a number of posts you need to make that you are using a straight through serial cable and NOT a Null modem serial cable. This will eliminate any communication errors you have between your t.v. and computer.

Finally, I would like to say that using ControlCal is very easy to use, and thats saying alot since I do not consider myself to be very computer saavy. :thumbsup:


Turbe Edit: :D

[Turbe]

If you don't want the hassle in purchasing the right Serial Cable and the Keyspan, we now offer ControlCAL Bundled with the ControlCAL USB Serial Adapter and Serial Cable (configured for the Pioneer 8G/9G Plasma Displays).

For more information, click on this link: http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173

[bluemark81]

bluemark81, check your cable with a Multimeter.. also, see these Threads:


http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29

I am using a DB9 to DB9 with a Keyspan #USA-19HS.

Do I check the opposite end that's connected to the TV because my 151 is on the wall and I don't particularly want to lift it off unless I need to. I do have a Multimeter, but how do you test a DB9 cable?

COM1 and 2 didn't seem to work, but as soon as I selected COM3, it seemed to recognize it, but how can I tell if the USB port that I'm using is COM3?

I know the Keyspan works since I use it for my Anthem pre/pro and my Velodyne DD15 sub.

[Turbe]

You don't want to guess at the COM Port that is assigned to the Keyspan, use the info in this Thread to verify the COM Port your Keyspan has assigned itself to (using the Keyspan USB Serial Adapter/Keyspan Serial Assistant).

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29

In regards to your Cable, make sure Pin 2 goes to Pin 2 on the other end of the cable, same for 3.

[bluemark81]

I tried to calibrate again this morning. Got power on no problem (I was using the wrong COM port inititially)

When I press the start calibration button, I get the following message: Pioneer C3 Calibration Mode was not enabled.

I continued by selecting my input (I'm only using input 6) and pressed the ISF day mode button and then refresh.

When I started to calibrate, each time I sent a setting, the flow screen indicated sent, followed by "received error code". I suspect this has something to do with the very first C3 error code.

I've exited and now awaiting some advice.

Some background info. TV is a 151, pc is running Vista.

Also, while attempting the calibration, the very first setting is called Y-Delay. I didn't see that setting in D-Nice's recommended settings.

Also, maybe a stupid question, but after the calibration is done, does this mean I will have 3 new A/V selections? ISF day, night and auto?

[Turbe]

blumark81, something is still up with the cable (since you can't even enter the ISFccc Mode and you are getting this message: "Pioneer C3 Calibration Mode was not enabled."). Don't even bother trying to Set an Input, ISFccc Memory/Mode, REFRESH, SEND ALL etc. until you can actually enter the ISFccc Interface.

Read Rin-chan's post about his cable issues and how it was finally resolved with a new cable here (read from that Post down several Posts): http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3137#post3137

He was having the same problem - Can POWER ON/OFF but not enter the ISFccc Interface. See this Post: http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3141&postcount=143



We have our USB Serial Adapter and Serial Cable (configured for the Pioneers) for $35US including USPS Priority Shipping within the US.

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173
.

[bluemark81]

blumark81, something is still up with the cable (since you can't even enter the ISFccc Mode and you are getting this message: "Pioneer C3 Calibration Mode was not enabled."). Don't even bother trying to Set an Input, ISFccc Memory/Mode, REFRESH, SEND ALL etc. until you can actually enter the ISFccc Interface.

Read Rin-chan's post about his cable issues and how it was finally resolved with a new cable here (read from that Post down several Posts): http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3137#post3137

He was having the same problem - Can POWER ON/OFF but not enter the ISFccc Interface. See this Post: http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3141&postcount=143



We have our USB Serial Adapter and Serial Cable (configured for the Pioneers) for $35US including USPS Priority Shipping within the US.

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173
.

Thanks. I read the info you sent but I think I'll abort the ControlCAL effort before I royally screw things up. I'll just live with Pure mode as the picture is pretty darn good with it. Thanks for trying to help me anyway.

[Turbe]

The ISFccc Interface has only picture adjustments so there really isn't anything to screw up. The problem is with the cables since the type required for the Pioneer Displays are not that common and most Resellers don't have a clue about Null-Modem vs Straight-Through.

EDIT: PM Sent and offered to send you just the Cable. :D

[GrandeBoma]

Hello to all

I am having problems with connecting the pc to the pioneer. I couldn't find a 9-pin straight forward female to female serial, so I used a DB-9 female to DB-25 female null-modem cable connected with a DB-25 male to DB-9 female null-modem cable. They are both crossed over so the result should be a straight through cable (DB-9 to DB-9 female female)? :confused: I can't get it to work

EDIT: Problem solved with a straight through male to female cable and a gender changer

[Flatspotter]

Does the straight-through RS232 cable need any other pins besides 2, 3 and 5? I'm trying to confirm I can connect to my 5020 before I purchase a profile. I'm using a Prolific (according to the Device Manager) USB adapter that came from Cables To Go. It works with my company's instruments, but we only use TX, RX and GND, none of the handshake signals. I have the port number and baud rate, etc. set correctly, but I can't read anything back from the 5020. The RS232 cable I'm using only has pins 2, 3 and 5 connected (straight through).

[Paul]

I tried control Cal on a Pro111FD using the 9G ISFccc regions 1 profile. I could power on and off the display and change inputs but thats all. After selecting ISF night or day then pressing REFRESH I get no values or "invalid values received from display" in RED. Changing a calibration value and press send did nothing. Any idea's where I went wrong?

[Turbe]

Please give all the steps (buttons) you used/pressed after POWER ON.

[Paul]

Press "Start Calibration" (believe I got a message "No communication from display")

(I could power on....I continued anyways)

Selected "Input", then "set" (I could change inputs no problem)

Pressed "ISF Night" (did not notice anything)

Pressed "REFRESH" (some data loaded in RED)

Try to change a calibration control value
(Don't recall exactly but I believe I got a message "invalid values received from display)

I try to change a calibration value's but nothing happened.

[Turbe]

Press "Start Calibration" (believe I got a message "No communication from display")

(I could power on....I continued anyways)



If you got the No communication from display message, this is a problem (You should get a message with something like ISFccc/C3 Enabled).

There have been 2 others that experienced similar (can Power ON/OFF but not enter the ISFccc Interface). I actually have one cable myself that does this (never have taken the time to try to figure out why). Replacing the cable resolved this.

Feel free to read through these Threads too:

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110

-Turbe

[Paul]

I was using a USB brand 2.0 USB adaptor with a straight through cable (null cable with null adaptor). Since this combo has worked for other equipment I did not think it was a problem.

I am going to buy the Keyspan USA19HS and use it with a straight through cable (not a null cable with null adapter) and see what happens.

Your recommended Keyspan USA19HS USB-A to Serial (RS-232) Adapter product says "configured for Pioneer"
I was going to buy one from a local supplier.
Would their be a difference?:)

[tony22]

If you got the No communication from display message, this is a problem (You should get a message with something like ISFccc/C3 Enabled).

There have been 2 others that experienced similar (can Power ON/OFF but not enter the ISFccc Interface). I actually have one cable myself that does this (never have taken the time to try to figure out why). Replacing the cable resolved this.

Feel free to read through these Threads too:

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221

http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110

-Turbe

I got the dreaded C3 Not Enabled message after I powered up my 111FD successfully with ControlCAL. Will the display power up if a null modem cable is accidentally used? If not then I don't know why this cable isn't working. I'll have to dig through my stash for another one.

[pbjr]

Does anyone know if I can use *two* of these to get the job done?

I have the blue wire as well, is it crossed? Can I use a standard cat5 cable instead?

Thanks,
PBjr.

Turbe - Thanks for the pic! :)

http://i34.tinypic.com/33m32wo.jpg

[Turbe]

You could, but if 1 is crossed your will need another that is crossed (or an adapter that does this).

[tony22]

Turbe, is it possible that a reason for getting the C3 Not Enabled message is that the cable is fine, but the serial parameters (baud rate etc) may not be set up correctly? Could that allow a simpler operation like Power On to work while messing with the calibration functions?

[Thyrus]

Turbe and all,

When I had similar issues last night with my cable set, and after ordering another from TURBE, I couldnt let it rest :) Used another PC with a real COM port and same issue, could switch on and off but that was it...

So, I realised that there must be another issue..
And it was! I didnt get my hands on a gender changer so I used an assembly set for a DB9f-f cable set. Basic idea is you can route the cables as you please we use this to configure Basestations in the Public Safety environment.

And guess what: I was STUPID enough to not "mirror" the cable connections in the plug.

Here is how it SHOULD look like (for future reference in the event someone else has such issues).


http://www.abload.de/thumb/p101002204gi.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=p101002204gi.jpg)

[UdoG]

Does anyone know if I can use *two* of these to get the job done?

I have the blue wire as well, is it crossed? Can I use a standard cat5 cable instead?

Thanks,
PBjr.

Turbe - Thanks for the pic! :)

http://i34.tinypic.com/33m32wo.jpg

I think pin 5 is not connected so you will have only pin 2 and pin 3 (straight through).

I checked a standard patch cable (RJ45) together with the adapter which is shown in the picture - pin 5 is not reserved.

Udo

[drpfg]

I recently set my ISF profiles on my PRO 101-FD, with Controlcal and would like to comment on my cables for all of you in Canada.

Thank you Turbe for your bundles with ControlCal and Cables, the price is fair , the problem is Customs and the extra GST charged at the border.

I purchased a serial DB9 F/F Straight thru 6($4.99), and a generic USB serial adapter(14.99) from Canada Computers.

Load the drivers as directed in the text file on the driver CD, and connect the USB adapter.
Follow Turbe's concise instructions to set your COM ports on your computer.
Then open ControlCal and set the COM port selection to match.
Voila worked like a charm.
I also used a USB extension cable 10' to have a permanent connection from my monitor and PC.

[quartex73]

Hi
I have a cisco serial cable like this
https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/servlet/JiveServlet/showImage/2-12836-2033/olderconsolecable.jpg
both rj are terminated using the female connector (the one in the picture)
but it seems it doesn't work. wrong cable?

[Turbe]

I believe Cisco uses a Null Modem cable.. if so, that is not the right type for Pioneer.