rs-232 channel changer

[kcjeeves]

Just curious here...I have a PVR 250, no ir blaster that I'm aware of...I also have a Scientific Atlanta d-9834 satellite box, AFN/AFRTs. 2 things I was wondering if anyone knew.

1 - The Satellite box has a rs-232 port in the back, I've read that some STBs can be controlled via serial straight from the PC, anyone know if this is possible, just bypass the the blaster all together, or any DIY rs-232 ir blasters plans.

2 - This satellite box also has a rj-45 in the back. States in the manual about multi-casting over IP of something. Anyway to integrate that into GBpvr?

thanks..

KC

[markbb1]

Just curious here...I have a PVR 250, no ir blaster that I'm aware of...I also have a Scientific Atlanta d-9834 satellite box, AFN/AFRTs. 2 things I was wondering if anyone knew.

1 - The Satellite box has a rs-232 port in the back, I've read that some STBs can be controlled via serial straight from the PC, anyone know if this is possible, just bypass the the blaster all together, or any DIY rs-232 ir blasters plans.

2 - This satellite box also has a rj-45 in the back. States in the manual about multi-casting over IP of something. Anyway to integrate that into GBpvr?

thanks..

KC

1. I used to have one of the old AFN decoders, might be the model you have. If so, and if you have the manual, it will tell you the details you need to control the receiver (start/stop/data bits, data rate, etc). If the rs-232 is the 25-pin connector, the pinouts are not standard, but the manual does provide the pinouts for it. There is also a specific command syntax for changing channels, etc., (also in the manual). I doubt that anyone has ever provided an executable for controlling the Scientific Atlanta d-9834 via the serial port to the DIY PVR community. If you are a programmer, and you can make a cable, you could probably cobble something together in a couple of evenings. With a correctly pinned cable, it should be possible to control the box using HyperTerminal (as a start to verify that the rs-232 port is active and working as the manual says).
Other than that, you could use WinLIRC and a LIRC serial port IR blaster, but I recommend getting a USB IR blaster (I use a Windows MCE 2005 beanbag/blasters that I got on e-bay for about $16 plus postage). If you decide to try WinLIRC, go here http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...ht=winlirc.
2. I defer to Sub, but wouldn't be very hopeful. He probably doesn't have a Scientific Atlanta d-9834 at his disposal to tinker with.