Autopatch assistance

[IVB]

I just got an Autopatch, pretty basic, 4 4BNC inputs, 6 4BNC outputs, LCD panel on the front.

I'm trying to get it working via the LCD panel first, then moving on to integrating with CQC.

I followed the manual, made sure it was a master enclosure. I was hoping to just press Input1, Output1, take, and have it work, but no such love.

Is there some way to check what the config file mapped the connectors to, or is this is 1way deal where I gotta learn ytools and create a new config file (and build a null modem cable, upload via serial)?

[liftn]

I called Autopatch, and they emailed me the configuration layout. As long as it has not been changed you can get it from them. Exactly what do you have hooked up to where??

[CJO]

Also, I don't think you need a null modem- just a straight through should work.

CJ

[ellisr63]

I just got an Autopatch, pretty basic, 4 4BNC inputs, 6 4BNC outputs, LCD panel on the front.

I'm trying to get it working via the LCD panel first, then moving on to integrating with CQC.

I followed the manual, made sure it was a master enclosure. I was hoping to just press Input1, Output1, take, and have it work, but no such love.

Is there some way to check what the config file mapped the connectors to, or is this is 1way deal where I gotta learn ytools and create a new config file (and build a null modem cable, upload via serial)?
Did you do this....
press change....input......# you want to change.... output....... # you want it to go to..... then the take button

press status...... output..... # you want staus on.... take button

press status......input........# you want status on.... take button


hope this helps

[IVB]

I did do the change button as I read that in the docs, but I didn't try the status button. Thanks for that, i'll have to check that out.

I'm taking a bit of a SWAG that BNC 1/2/3 are component 1/2/3 [i think they were color coded, can't quite remember], furthermore that input board BNC1/2/3 is set to input1. Same dealio with the output. Hence, all I did was hookup the 777 to Input 1/2/3, and the plasma to output 1/2/3. I know the 777 is on as I hooked up the digital output to the 3805, and I can hear the DVD playing.

That's why I was hoping just doing the " change: input=1, output=1, take" , would work.

[ellisr63]

Here is a sample of what my config would look like for 4 inputs and 6 outputs. The numbers in the paranthases are the numbers next to each BNC... ie 16 would be for the BNC 16. The input number would be the grouping you want..

[packet] ;RGB_1C.CFG

#AA#01#0F#BA ; Prepare CPU for Upload Procedure


[grouping]
Input 01 = ( 01:01 01:02 01:03 01:04 ) ;DVD 1 RGB
Input 02 = ( 01:05 01:06 01:07 01:08 ) ;DVD 2 RGB
Input 03 = ( 01:09 01:10 01:11 01:12 ) ;DVD 3 RGB
Input 04 = ( 01:13 01:14 01:15 01:16 ) ;SAT 1 RGB

Output 01 = ( 01:01 01:02 01:03 01:04 ) ;Family Room RGB
Output 02 = ( 01:05 01:06 01:07 01:08 ) ;Garage RGB
Output 03 = ( 01:09 01:10 01:11 01:12 ) ;Living Room RGB
Output 04 = ( 01:13 01:14 01:15 01:16 ) ;Bedroom 3 RGB
Output 05 = ( 01:18 01:18 01:19 01:20 ) ;Bedroom 2 RGB
Output 06 = ( 01:21 01:22 01:23 01:24 ) ;Master Bedroom RGB

does this help you? Modify this to your needs and upload it to the AP... (don't forget to stop CQC)... then start Y Tools and load the config... then upload to the AP unit. It is very simple to do and once you have the config in YTools you can mod it there as I recall.

[ellisr63]

I did do the change button as I read that in the docs, but I didn't try the status button. Thanks for that, i'll have to check that out.

I'm taking a bit of a SWAG that BNC 1/2/3 are component 1/2/3 [i think they were color coded, can't quite remember], furthermore that input board BNC1/2/3 is set to input1. Same dealio with the output. Hence, all I did was hookup the 777 to Input 1/2/3, and the plasma to output 1/2/3. I know the 777 is on as I hooked up the digital output to the 3805, and I can hear the DVD playing.

That's why I was hoping just doing the " change: input=1, output=1, take" , would work.
... you do know that red in must go red out etc... if not you will either have no pic or garbled red or garbled blue.. I am assuming you did not make a mistake on your wiring.

[penngray]

Also, I don't think you need a null modem- just a straight through should work.

I had straight through serial cables and they didnt work. I had to cut them and make my own, the 4YDM manual has a diagram for cable pin outs.

its simply this...

RD #2 ------ TD #3
TD #3 ------ RD #2
SG #5 ------ SG #5

and loops for
DSR #6..DTR #4
RTS #7..CTS #8

[ellisr63]

Vivek, If you are communicating from the front panel and your video is not switching... I would try making a new config file.. they might have been using the BNCs in a different config than you are... another thing you might want to try... disconnect your video in and outs from the AP and move the digital coax from BNC #4 to #3 input and output and so on to see what your config is actually doing (since your digital audio is a known working item on the AP).

[IVB]

I had straight through serial cables and they didnt work. I had to cut them and make my own, the 4YDM manual has a diagram for cable pin outs.

its simply this...

.......
and loops for
DSR #6..DTR #4
RTS #7..CTS #8

By loops, do you mean 6->4 AND 4->6, ditto for 7/8, on both ends of the cable?

[penngray]

sorry not giving all the details
...

PC End Autopatch End
RD #2 ------ TD #3
TD #3 ------ RD #2
SG #5 ------ SG #5


also loops for the PC end.
DSR #6..DTR #4
RTS #7..CTS #8

and by loop I just mean that #6 is connected to number #4 on the cables PC end. (same for #7 and #8)

no loops required on the autopatch end.

[ellisr63]

Vivek, did you ever get your cable made? Also do you know how to get the status of the AP?
tia

[IVB]

haven't tried yet, was busy getting some stuff finished up for the 2.0 walkthrough today, plus ended up spending all morning replacing our garbage disposal cuz it broke.

Hoping to get to the cable tomorrow. Once that happens, i'll learn CML so I can update that driver to be 2-way (well, add the status command anyhow)

[ellisr63]

haven't tried yet, was busy getting some stuff finished up for the 2.0 walkthrough today, plus ended up spending all morning replacing our garbage disposal cuz it broke.

Hoping to get to the cable tomorrow. Once that happens, i'll learn CML so I can update that driver to be 2-way (well, add the status command anyhow)
Please let me know when the status is implemented as I would like to use the feature.
tia,

[IVB]

Just built the cable.

Which software package am I supposed to use with W2K and a 4YDM? I see
- yTools for config file upload for W2K [got that off their site]
- 4yroute is discussed in manual, not on site
- APControl V2.2 for 4YDM is on site but only for 95/98/NT, not in manual
- APControl V3.0 for XP doesn't support 4YDM, is on site, not in manual.

thx.

[ellisr63]

Just built the cable.

Which software package am I supposed to use with W2K and a 4YDM? I see
- yTools for config file upload for W2K [got that off their site]
- 4yroute is discussed in manual, not on site
- APControl V2.2 for 4YDM is on site but only for 95/98/NT, not in manual
- APControl V3.0 for XP doesn't support 4YDM, is on site, not in manual.

thx.
I use Ytools for windows.. just shut down CQC so it can get the port and then you can load your config.

[IVB]

Here is a sample of what my config would look like for 4 inputs and 6 outputs. The numbers in the paranthases are the numbers next to each BNC... ie 16 would be for the BNC 16. The input number would be the grouping you want..

[packet] ;RGB_1C.CFG

#AA#01#0F#BA ; Prepare CPU for Upload Procedure


[grouping]
Input 01 = ( 01:01 01:02 01:03 01:04 ) ;DVD 1 RGB
Input 02 = ( 01:05 01:06 01:07 01:08 ) ;DVD 2 RGB
Input 03 = ( 01:09 01:10 01:11 01:12 ) ;DVD 3 RGB
Input 04 = ( 01:13 01:14 01:15 01:16 ) ;SAT 1 RGB

Output 01 = ( 01:01 01:02 01:03 01:04 ) ;Family Room RGB
Output 02 = ( 01:05 01:06 01:07 01:08 ) ;Garage RGB
Output 03 = ( 01:09 01:10 01:11 01:12 ) ;Living Room RGB
Output 04 = ( 01:13 01:14 01:15 01:16 ) ;Bedroom 3 RGB
Output 05 = ( 01:18 01:18 01:19 01:20 ) ;Bedroom 2 RGB
Output 06 = ( 01:21 01:22 01:23 01:24 ) ;Master Bedroom RGB

does this help you? Modify this to your needs and upload it to the AP... (don't forget to stop CQC)... then start Y Tools and load the config... then upload to the AP unit. It is very simple to do and once you have the config in YTools you can mod it there as I recall.

Does it matter where the Y/Bp/Br/digital audio are on the 1/2/3/4, as long as it's the same for inputs & outputs?

[IVB]

sorry, one more question. Can I take everything you have in your [ code ] group and copy it into yTools, or is there something else needed?

[IVB]

never mind, just got it working.

Woohoo! Now off to learn CML so I can add that status command. Don't hold your breath, this might take some time

[ellisr63]

never mind, just got it working.

Woohoo! Now off to learn CML so I can add that status command. Don't hold your breath, this might take some time
Glad you goy it working :-)

[IVB]

ok, only partially working. I've been emailing autopatch tech support as the red refuses to route. Only the green/blue will route. This is what they said.


I would suspect that the red from the DVD player has a high DC offset. Try another DVD player if possible to see if it works.

If another source works try measuring the red output for a DC level. If this level is +/- .6 volts DC this may be the source of your problem.

If this is the case the only two options you have is to replace the DVD player or get a DC blocker to put in-line with the system.

Hope this helps, let me know how things go.


Anyone know what a DC blocker is?

[robertmee]

ok, only partially working. I've been emailing autopatch tech support as the red refuses to route. Only the green/blue will route. This is what they said.



Anyone know what a DC blocker is?

Yes, I use them all the time on my video distribution system. You can get them from worthington, hometech, etc. Radio shack used to carry them, but no longer.

[CJO]

Before buying a DC blocker, you could also try switching the signals and seeing if the problem is actually with the red signal or with the port itself.

CJ

[IVB]

Before buying a DC blocker, you could also try switching the signals and seeing if the problem is actually with the red signal or with the port itself.

CJ

Yeah, tried switching red/green, no love.

Thanks for the worthington/etc heads up. I'll look into that.

[ellisr63]

ok, only partially working. I've been emailing autopatch tech support as the red refuses to route. Only the green/blue will route. This is what they said.



Anyone know what a DC blocker is?
A DC blocker is what they use for sat receivers to stop the DC from going into your tv tuner if you are using a splitter.

That is interesting as I have the cx985 and that uses the same motherboard as the 777es. Did you also try a dif input and a dif output?? I'm thinking maybe you have a bad card.

Try this Vivek... make a new config file and split the 4 bncs up into 4 seperate lines and then send the signals one command at a time and then check the status on each line of the config file... If this doesn't make sense call me and I will explain it better.

Also have you tried plugging the 777es directly into your tv to make sure the 777es is not at fault?
Ron

[robertmee]

Also have you tried plugging the 777es directly into your tv to make sure the 777es is not at fault?
Ron

A valid check as I just bought a 777es and it came with a dead component output. It's on a fedex truck being exchanged as we speak.

[IVB]

Also have you tried plugging the 777es directly into your tv to make sure the 777es is not at fault?

Yep, that works fine. And I used a multi-meter to check the cables, they're good.

I also swapped the red/green signals on the autopatch to see if the BNC port was at fault. Same dealio, the green was transmitted, the red wasn't.

I didn't specifically try a different input or output card, I may as well since it doesn't hurt to try.

[ellisr63]

Vivek, Did you try making a new config.... breaking the input card doen to 4 inputs and also the output card to 4 outputs... then put digital audio through each input and each output... check staus each time to verify that the AP has actually switched? When you say you swapped the red and green....did you swap it at each end or just one?

[IVB]

Vivek, Did you try making a new config.... breaking the input card doen to 4 inputs and also the output card to 4 outputs... then put digital audio through each input and each output... check staus each time to verify that the AP has actually switched? When you say you swapped the red and green....did you swap it at each end or just one?

Didn't try that, will also do that.

For the swap, I swapped the red/green on both the input & output cards.

[ellisr63]

Didn't try that, will also do that.

For the swap, I swapped the red/green on both the input & output cards.
The best way is most likely....
take one known cable and run red to red... green to green etc with a config that is switching the input and output your are testing.. that is why I suggested your digital audio... if you get sound it works if you don't you found out where the problem is...
hope this helps you vivek...

[IVB]

oooh, good idea - thanks.

[IVB]

Yes, I use them all the time on my video distribution system. You can get them from worthington, hometech, etc. Radio shack used to carry them, but no longer.

Well, I tried all the various configs on the autopatch, no dice. I'll try a DC blocker next.

I see this page on hometech (http://www.hometech.com/video/atten.html#dc), any tips as to which one of these to buy?

[robertmee]

Gc-dcblock

[ellisr63]

Have you got it working yet vivek?

[IVB]

nope, just ordered the DC blocker. No combination of cards/cables work - it's always the red that drops out.

[ellisr63]

Vivek, when you hook up just a regular video feed (composite) will it work properly through any of the AP inputs and outputs?

[IVB]

ok, you managed to find the one combo I didn't try. I'll check that out.

Thx for the assistance.

[ellisr63]

ok, you managed to find the one combo I didn't try. I'll check that out.

Thx for the assistance.
It's a shot in the dark.... hope it gives you more info to solve this weird problem. :-) If not maybe I might have some time this weekend and I can help you solve the problem Sunday.

[ellisr63]

Did you ever get this solved?