My Batcave - MA rack, Rives designed room - Page 10

Originally Posted by GetGray

Mike:

For RS232 I think I am going to use this:


http://www.deepsurplus.com/Network-S...w-as-1-91-font


http://www.deepsurplus.com/Network-S...w-as-8-42-font

At the PC end you use a RJ45 to DB9 connector. With this panel you'll have the ability to add a ethernet jack should you want one.

But if you want RJ45 for your panel they have these:


http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=669

Originally Posted by Mike_WI

I'm thinking about remote controls.
Since I've heard about the RS-232 benefit in the Oppo BDP-83 thread, I've been thinking about that.

I went to my post #1 on this thread and looked at my MA rack gear that does and does not have RS-232 jacks.

Gear with RS-232 jack
Projector/DVR UPS: Furman M1500-UPS-PFP (2 IR outputs, & RS-232 jack) -- plan is to turn off projector lamp if power off for >30 sec or so
Projector: JVC RS20 1080p
Receiver: Denon 5308CI (FW updated 2-6-09) [2 RS-232 jacks)
Blu Ray (future): awaiting Oppo BDP-83 + RS-232 modification)

No RS-232 jacks
Surge: Surge-X SEQ
Cable: SA8300HD + WD 500GB MyDVR Expander via eSATA
DVD/SACD/DVD-A: Oppo DV-980H
Blu Ray (current): Samsung BD-P1500
Game: Xbox with planned upgrade to Xbox 360 (Jasper) in the future
Ethernet Switch: D-Link DES-1024D 24-Port 10/100 Rack Mount Switch

The room is wired for a jack in the front of the room to have an IR blaster if needed routed to the back rack.

I'm also hoping to get room light control and basement HVAC control.

Mike

Originally Posted by Mike_WI

That looks pretty cool.

I was wondering if there are any digital temperature displays/probes that can be hooked up to my plate.
I didn't see any (for the plate I got) on the MA site.
Funlvr1965 got me thinking about monitoring one (or more) sites in the rack to watch the temp.

Any thoughts?

Originally Posted by SOWK

Looking Good Mike.



Wayne, when are you going to be putting up your Batcave Pics?

Originally Posted by ldgibson76

Hello Mike.

It's really fun following your thread and watching the progression of your Home Theater. It's really looking good. Great Job, Bravo!
By the way, what universal remote are you using for the RS-232 compatibility?

Regards.

Originally Posted by funlvr1965

I guess they call this progress, the 980 has been sold and just waiting to be shipped out. I didn't get the rs232 option mainly because I found out that I can add it myself later if I need it for $50.00 I deal with computer hardware everyday so it just makes sense to me and Oppo sells it to me directly with instruction, no soldering involved. Just received today so theater won't get to do much with it for a bit, still last minute tyding up and painting the stairwell of the theater room and besides I've been over to Mike's place and I think he's tweaked his unit pretty good so I dont think I will have much to add anyway. Thought about the Denon but couldn't justify the extra cost.

Originally Posted by funlvr1965

Mike your'e better at this documenting thing than me, Ill just callya , as far as the mod is concerned the reason I didnt get it with the unit is because I could always add it later and its cheaper if I do it myself. I dont think I will purchase the mod until I am able to implement it into my system, currently the RTI T3 remote with the right cable is capable of only one-way RS232 so I will receive no feedback telling me what movie is playing or providing any data on my remote. I know you also purchased the player with the mod so you could use it and from what I understand using it with the Oppo will give you some useful data, just understand that these lower end however more convenient remotes ( Harmony for one) won't allow you to take advantage of the mod you purchased, this is definately an area where you get what you pay for. I have the Logitech Harmony and I also have the RTI T3 which I love but if I wanted to stick with RTI I would have to upgrade to their T4 with XP-8 processor in order to do full two way serial communication or I would need to jump to an appropriate remote from URC and purchase their MS-400 processor. I wasn't ready to make that comittment so I decided to pass on the mod for now but i'ts nice to know it's there if I need it . I'm also waiting for my faceplate to come in from Fullcompass but fortunately I have an extra shelf that came with the rack so I can sit it in there for now. Gotta get back to working on the rack and making sure everything works including RF control

Originally Posted by Mike_WI

Cool ideas from Wayne in the Lumagen RadianceXD support thread -- link (start of RS232 front port discussion) -- re: MA rack plates for connecting an easy access RS232 port for frequent Radiance FW updates.

I think you could also connect ethernet, USB, etc. ports for other functions.

MA rack plate for adapters for RS232 (etc) connections on front of rack

Very cool.

My notes from that thread copied below (that Radiance thread has more pics from Wayne):
--------------------

You're fast...

Adapter - Link


Switchcraft EHDB9MFB

9 Pin DSUB Male to Female, Black finish
EH SERIES OVERVIEW
Switchcraft's newest line of connectors, the EH Series, offers a wide range of connectors all within a standard XLR housing. A single panel cut-out allows the end user to mount multiple formats including USB-A, USB-B, Firewire, S-VHS, 3.5mm stereo with normal circuit, MIDI, both 9 pin and 15 pin HD D-sub, plus RCA and BNC feed-thru's. Perfect for systems integration, pro audio, A/V, data, etc. The connectors conveniently mount into standard XLR diagonal hole knockouts, which allows the installer to easily combine the different formats into standard pre-knocked plates or racks without having to custom drill and tap a specific hole for a specific connector. You can also populate your own combination of EH connectors in Switchcraft empty QG rack panels or single and dual gang wall plates.



Plate - Link or Whirlwind
????



Middle Atlantic Products UNI-1C

The UNI Series laser-cut connector panels feature knockouts that are designed to accept a number of connectors, including XLR and Neutrik. Our innovative design lets you mount both male and female connectors to the same holes simply by knocking out the correct pattern. Made from one-piece flanged steel, black powder coat finish.



or


Whirlwind PR1

1.75" 1-space punched rack panel with 10 XLR holes. Panels are made of .090" thick 5052 aluminum with bent flanges for rigidity and have a brushed black anodized finish.
Note: Image shows multiple rack panel models.


The Whirlwind is a lot cheaper.
I'll have to check your pics and here if that is what you did.

Thanks,



Mike

PS - Just for the record, this would be "cleaner" if it was incorporated in the Radiance, but hey, a good retrofit.

*EDIT*
Pics added.
Wayne - it looks like you got the MA plate.
Any reason you didn't get the Whirlwind?
What are you using the ethernet connection for? No easy access for it behind rack for BR player, etc?

Originally Posted by funlvr1965

Hey Man you did it you will find updating your lumagen this way to be pretty convenient, my rack is only 27 units high so its really out of the question for me but did you give any thought to a shelf where you could put or store your laptop so you could do updates or just link up to your equipment?

Originally Posted by GetGray

Mike: What does the iPod dock look like wiht an iPod in it? Who makes it? My kids would like one of those.

Originally Posted by ddgtr

Hey Mike,

If there is no digital out from the laptop then you do not need the dac... Just run it to your preamp and you'll be fine (of course, quality of playback depending on the source).

As far as the benefit of adding a dac if a preamp is used? It depends on a lot of factors. Quite a few people find that by adding a tube dac (doesn't have to be an expensive one) noticeably improves performance, provides a little warmth and extra detail, etc etc...

In my case I did notice a great improvement with my amp/tube preamp/dac lineup compared with just running the receiver.

Given the fact that it's your secondary setup, you must decide how far you want to go... If upgraditis is causing bad itching (as it's always the case with many of us here) you should get that bad boy and trick out that office!

I checked out the link for the dac, it looks good! There are a few small companies out there that make these, and apparently people are really happy with them. Here is a link to another one http://www.audioreview.com/USBTDcrx.aspx

As always, this is just my opinion...

Setup looks awsome,

Cheers

Originally Posted by ddgtr

^^

The only way to really find out is of course, to try plugging it into your configuration...

However, if the TCA's circuitry is properly designed and implemented, you should be able to hear a nice improvement. Of course, the price is really attractive and I like the fact that it gives you volume control therefore eliminating the need for a preamp especially in a secondary setup.

Another thing to consider is that a preamp does not necessarily guarantee an improvement in sound (or at least a blind test one), as it's the case with any other component. But you do need some form of volume control and the nice thing about the TCA is it provides that while being able to take in an usb input from your laptop. I think it's a good way to go, this way you're making good use of the UPA2 since the receiver is acting up...

Looking forward to your impressions once you get the TCA!!

Originally Posted by Happytobehere200

Mike.

As for DAC, you might want to look into the High Resolution Technologies Music Streamer USB DAC. TAS gave it positive review for the money - http://www.avguide.com/review/tas-19...-survey?page=1 -

This version is $99. Given the price I've been thinking about trying this one myself. They also have a higher end version but I think it is like $299. Here is info on the higher end version. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/s...streamer+.html