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I'm slowly working on setting up an automation system and looking to install cqc later this week. I was looking through the list of drivers and it doesn't look like my projector is supported.
I'm planning to write my own driver, but need to know where/how to get the needed information. the 7700 has an 8-pin mini-Din serial connector. I found a pdf online for an older benq that shows the pin layout for the same style connector, but I don't know if it's the same between projectors. I also assume I need a command reference for the projector.
I searched online, but wasn't able to find anything. Do you guys normally email the companies directly for this information? are they usually forthcoming? what exactly do you ask for (so I get the terminology correct)?
Thanks!
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Writing the companies is an obvious choice, but results vary. Some companies are happy to give individuals that information, others are not.
You basically want to ask for the serial control protocol, or the commands needed to control the device over its serial plug. I would also ask for the correct pin out for your model while you are at it. It is probably the same as the other model, but you never know. Which leads us to the next comment....
Be aware that many company's documentation is rather weak when it comes to this control protocol. I'm not sure why, but it's like the companies hire monkeys to write some of the documents. So even if you are successful in getting a document, do not be surprised if everything isn't perfect. Some features might not be documented at all, or may be documented wrong. So it might still take some trial and error to figure out what the actual commands are.
Brian - a long time user that rarely messes with the system now
Other systems used:
SageTV w/ cablecard tuner & multiple extenders for viewing
BlueIris and IP cameras for CCTV
Incredible PBX for home phone
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For the 8700 there's a little info on the protocol in the PDF owners manual.
Dean Roddey
Explorans limites defectum
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thanks guys, I've sent BenQ a request, I'll let you know how things go.
Posts: 21
Threads: 5
Joined: Aug 2007
it's been a while, but I finally made a breakthrough, so wanted to follow up on this (this was one of the key things keeping me back from fully switching over to CQC to control my theater).
I emailed BenQ multiple times with no response. They even have a knowledge base article that says to contact them for this info, but no luck.
Searching online, I did however find this ftp site with a lot of manuals:
http://www.starin.info/Product%20Info/Be...s/Archive/
the file "RS232 Protocol (05-2007).xls" (cryptically) tells about the rs232 cabling and protocol for all of their projectors. From this file, I was able to order a prefab db9->din cable for the projector, as well as find the list of commands for the projector.
with all of that in place, I was able to connect to the projector and start issuing commands. once I had all of the pieces in place, it was very easy.
one disappointing aspect is that the projector doesn't have many query commands, so you can't query the status of various settings. I did however find that the power on/off status can be determined indirectly; most other commands will only work if the power is on.
so I'm now working on a PDL driver to control things.
