Projector RS-232 control

[Burloon]

Hello: My name is George and I am trying to control a pair of BENQ SH-963 projectors using the RS-232 serial ports on the projectors. All I need to be able to do is to turn the projectors on and off simultaneously, and possibly to blank the screen on both projectors simultaneously. I can't use the IR remotes provided with the projectors as they are too far away from where they need to be controlled from. The projectors will be about 75' (as the cable flies) from the control booth, where we do have a laptop PC.

I believe this can be done, I just don't know how or even where to start looking.

I will appreciate any help anyone can give me.

 

[kanewolf]

The BENQ website has an RS232 command manual for that projector -- http://benqimage.blob.core.windows.net/driver-us-file/RS_Commands_Generic_082613.pdf

The commands are simple ASCII strings.

BUT, that projector has an ethernet port and a built-in web interface. Human control via the web browser would be easier. Programmatic control would be easire via RS232 -- see User's Manual PDF page 21 -- http://benqimage.blob.core.windows.net/driver-us-file/projector_um_user_manual_20150206_111058_benq_network_projector_operaiton_guide_en.pdf

 

[Burloon]

You can still use IR, just run a CAT5 or CAT6 from where you want to control it to the projectors and wire up the IR "eye". Super easy.

https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-IR-Repeater-extender/dp/B009ZGK6QS

If you want to cut and splice an ethernet cable, you can get a long 3.5mm extension instead:
https://www.amazon.com/Sewell-Direct-SW-29727-75-Infrared-Extension/dp/B00SZJ72JU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1469209317&sr=1-1&keywords=SW-29727-75

Thank you. I ordered both from Amazon; I will let you know how it works.

 

[Burloon]

The BENQ website has an RS232 command manual for that projector -- http://benqimage.blob.core.windows.net/driver-us-file/RS_Commands_Generic_082613.pdf

The commands are simple ASCII strings.

BUT, that projector has an ethernet port and a built-in web interface. Human control via the web browser would be easier. Programmatic control would be easire via RS232 -- see User's Manual PDF page 21 -- http://benqimage.blob.core.windows.net/driver-us-file/projector_um_user_manual_20150206_111058_benq_network_projector_operaiton_guide_en.pdf

Thanks for the reply. I understand about the ASCII codes for the various commands; what I don't understand is how to get those commands from a box to the projector. Does someone make such a box? If so, how to I program the box that I want a button the box to send the code for "projector on" to the projector via the RS-232 interface on the back of the projector? I think I have the concept down, I just need the nitty-gritty of how to implement the concept.

 

[kanewolf]

You could use two USB to serial port adapters on a laptop. Create a little power shell (or other favorite scripting language) to send the commands from a laptop. I would still recommend using the ethernet port and the built-in webserver.

 

[Burloon]

You could use two USB to serial port adapters on a laptop. Create a little power shell (or other favorite scripting language) to send the commands from a laptop. I would still recommend using the ethernet port and the built-in webserver.

Thank you

 

[Burloon]

You can still use IR, just run a CAT5 or CAT6 from where you want to control it to the projectors and wire up the IR "eye". Super easy.

https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-IR-Repeater-extender/dp/B009ZGK6QS

If you want to cut and splice an ethernet cable, you can get a long 3.5mm extension instead:
https://www.amazon.com/Sewell-Direct-SW-29727-75-Infrared-Extension/dp/B00SZJ72JU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1469209317&sr=1-1&keywords=SW-29727-75

Thank you. I ordered both from Amazon; I will let you know how it works.

I use that BAFX kit all the time, it should serve you well. However, just a tick of the trade, if the IR "eye" isn't labeled on the projectors, you can use a flashlight up close to see where it is. Just make sure you stick the emitter right on top of the IR eye. The BAFX IR eye and the base unit both blink when they receive a signal, in case you need to troubleshoot placement and want to make sure everything is working correctly.