MC Pro Workstation&Video-switching

[niekbeem]

Eddy, this is what the BlackBox' manual says, maybe you can see if this will work? Looks like it responds to ascii-codes 1 thru 4?

4.3 Serial Control (AVSW-DP2X1A and AVSW-DP4X1A Only)
The Video Switch’s built-in serial interface allows users to control the Switch through a PC, serial controller devices, or home theater systems.

Configure the controller’s serial port as shown below.
Baud Rate: 9600
Data Bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1
Flow Control: None

To select a source device via serial interface, select the number that corresponds to the port it is connected to.

NOTE: Use a DB9 cable for serial connection.


[niekbeem]

Eddy, the manual for the 2-port Gefen says that it responds to Ascii-codes as well (see attachment), so does this mean both the Gefen and the Blackbox will -theoretically- work?

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL INTERFACE
What features are available via the RS-232 serial communications port?
The GEFEN 2x1 DisplayPort KVM can accept commands through the RS-232 serial communications port located on the rear panel.

The current RS-232 control features are:
• Switching of inputs.

How do I use these features?
These features were initially intended for utilization by custom installers in automated setups. However, these features can be tested by using any Windows PC with the Hyperterminal program.

What pins are used for communication with the 2x1 DisplayPort KVM?
Only pins 2 (Receive), 3 (Transmit), and 5 (Ground) are used for communication. A null-modem adapter should not be used with this product.

Only Pins 2 (RX), 3 (TX), and 5 (Ground) are used on the RS-232 serial interface

What are the communication port settings?
Bits per second: 9200
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
Flow Control: None

[EddieJones]

As long as the codes are the same I presume it would work but have never tested it.

[niekbeem]

Dear Eddy, I've contacted support from BlackBox here in NL, and they figured some things out about the different (ASCII-) codes the 3 devices work with.
It seems that the BlackBox responds to the same ASCII-codes as the Gefen 2:1-switch does, but those ASCII codes differ from the Gefen 4:1 codes....at least; that's what we could make up from the 3 manuals.............
That's why I have the following question:

The switch codes for the Gefen 2:1 are different from the Gefen 4:1.
Can I change them (in the MC Pro) for use with the Gefen 2:1 or the BlackBox 4:1 switch?
Gefen 4:1 uses: ASCII ‘r 1’ and ‘r 2’ and ‘r 3’ and ‘r 4’ (<r> <space> <1>)
Gefen 2:1 uses: ASCII ‘1’ and ‘2’
BlackBox 4:1 uses: ASCII ‘1’ and ‘2’ and ‘3’ and ‘4’

I hope you've got some time to dig into this?
Much appreciated, again and again.

Thanks!
Niek.

[EddieJones]

I'm pretty sure we have customers using the 2 port switches already but will ask software to look at the code and see.

[niekbeem]

Thanks Eddy,
I appreciate your time and patience in this.

Let's await what software says.

Niek/ Amsterdam.

[EddieJones]

The code is just sending out just the number so not sure if the 2 port will work....but I know we have customers using 2 port gefens...whether they are serial or parallel control I don't know.

[niekbeem]

Eddy,
if the MC Pro only sends out ASCII "1", "2", "3" and "4", when one presses the Workstation-buttons 1 thru 4, I can see why the Gefen 2-port switcher should work, though I can not see why the Gefen 4-port switch would work. The 2-port version responds to ASCII "1" and "2" , but the 4-port switch responds to ASCII "r 1" thru "r 4" ..........

I'm getting confused now
I wish there wasn't this much money involved, that I just could test the BlackBox (which is a lot cheaper than the Gefens) and if it's not working, I buy a Gefen......

Thanks!
Niek.

[EddieJones]

This guide say just 1,2,3,4 http://www.gefen.com/pdf/EXT-DVI-441DLS.pdf

[niekbeem]

Yeah, you're right.
I think I forgot to mention I'm on DisplayPort......the Gefen 4:1 DisplayPort-switcher is called Gefen EXT-DPKVM-441 and its manual says it listens to ASCII "r 1" thru "r 4". So it seems that those codes differ from the Gefen 2-port DisplayPort-switcher, called Gefen EXT-DPKVM-241: this machine seems to respond to ASCII-codes "1" and "2" (and works with an MC Pro).

Your example shows that the Gefen DVI-switchers have proven their functionality with the MC Pro in the past, because they respond to ASCII "1" thru "4"......so, that may mean that the BlackBox will work as well ? At least, that's how it looks to me?

I think I'm gonna contact BlackBox support and let them read our findings and if they agree with my theory I'll order the 4-ports BlackBox DisplayPort-switch.

To be continued.......
Thanks again for your help.
Niek/ Amsterdam.