Christopher

We're trying to control some projectors via the Max [serial] object and RS232, but have run into a snag with Max 5; our message MUST start with zero. Specifically, the syntax is: '02 4F 4D 4E 03' for instance. It cannot be '2 4F 4D' etc., we've tried with other software. Seems straight forward enough, but with Max 5 every time we try to form the string '02' it gets abbreviated to '2'. Try typing '02' into a message box, umenu, whatever, the '0' magically disappears. If we try to form the string on the fly, say with [sprintf 0%i] the zero gets knocked off, even though [sprintf 1%i] works as one would suspect. The only way we can pass the message '02' is if we put quotes around it, but then the [serial] object complains "Serial doesn't understand "02 4F 4D 4E 03".

Any help MUCH appreciated. We've got a lot of equipment we want to control this way.

how-to-pass-the-string-02-in-max-5

 accepts ints. It looks like what you want to send are hex values. So 0x02 is 2, 0x4f is 79, 0x4d is 77, etc.

Generally, the ints sent thru a serial port are ASCII values... (in ASCII 4f 4d 4e is the "OMN" string). So you may need to play with 

serial accepts ints. It looks like what you want to send are hex values. So 0x02 is 2, 0x4f is 79, 0x4d is 77, etc.
Generally, the ints sent thru a serial port are ASCII values... (in ASCII 4f 4d 4e is the "OMN" string). So you may need to play with itoa/atoi.


Based on atoi this is a hex to int converter.

Based on atoi this is a hex to int converter.
_
johan


The same thing, but with only one standard object (there are some funny nice features deeply hidden in Max):

Thank you gentlemen. That both explains well and solves the problem.

did you manage to get your patch working? I am doing the same exact thing with a panasonic projector and having difficulty getting it to work. I've done other rs-232 controls before in max but this one is frustrating me. my projector wants also wants STX and ETX at the beginning and end… in theory I am sending the integers to serial object as follows: 50 65 68 90 90 59 80 79 70 51 13

spelled out with itoa that means '2ADZZ;POF3'

Hi Christopher
did you manage to get your patch working?  I am doing the same exact thing with a panasonic projector and having difficulty getting it to work.  I've done other rs-232 controls before in max but this one is frustrating me.   my projector wants also wants STX and ETX at the beginning and end… in theory I am sending the integers to serial object as follows: 50 65 68 90 90 59 80 79 70 51 13

Figured it out.. its like the above integer stream but '2' and '3' instead of 50 and 51

simple example patch attached :) It is quite literal, just figuring out the actual ascii codes to send, but with a little more work it could be made to do the translation of any command. BTW this is for Panasonic PT-Dxxxx series, some Panasonics do not require the AT ZZ for projector ID.

simple example patch attached :)  It is quite literal, just figuring out the actual ascii  codes to send, but with a little more work it could be made to do the translation of any command.  BTW this is for Panasonic PT-Dxxxx series, some Panasonics do not require the AT ZZ for projector ID.

Once you get going its hard to stop :) I found a more detailed serial command doc digging around panasonics site, which allowed me to add more commands, such as lens zoom, focus etc etc. I also streamlined and switched to sprintf to format commands easier. new and improved enclosed

Once you get going its hard to stop :)  I found a more detailed serial command doc digging around panasonics site, which allowed me to add more commands, such as lens zoom, focus etc etc.  I also streamlined and switched to sprintf to format commands easier.  new and improved enclosed 

@all: I want to control a Kramer VP-88ETH Matrix with Max via RS232. I have a USB-Serial Converter from HAMA. Honestly I am not really firm with this kind of things, but thought it shouldn't be too dificult. As I understand the manual of the Matrix, to switch for example Input 1 to Output 3 it needs the HEX code: 01 81 83 81

http://www.kramergermany.com/support/product_downloads.asp?pid=371).

(as for all the other controls, I have no idea).

Anyhow, I don't get it to work at all. "Serial" doesn't send hex-data, right? Any help on getting started is very appreciated!!

How do I even know, that the Matrix is receiving any data at all from the macbookpro?

@all: I want to control a Kramer VP-88ETH Matrix with Max via RS232. I have a USB-Serial Converter from HAMA. Honestly I am not really firm with this kind of things, but thought it shouldn't be too dificult. As I understand the manual of the Matrix, to switch for example Input 1 to Output 3 it needs the HEX code: 01 81 83 81
(the download page of the manuals: http://www.kramergermany.com/support/product_downloads.asp?pid=371).
(as for all the other controls, I have no idea).
Anyhow, I don't get it to work at all. "Serial" doesn't send hex-data, right? Any help on getting started is very appreciated!!
How do I even know, that the Matrix is receiving any data at all from the macbookpro?

How to pass the string '02' in Max 5?