[Scott Gammans]

I searched both this forum and the HTPC forum and no dice, so here goes: Does anyone out there know of a Windows program that will allow PC control of an NEC VT540 projector via the mini DIN 8-pin PC control port?


On page E-40 of the VT540 manual there are specifications for some of the PC control codes, but not all of them. And, although I am a systems analyst/programmer by day and *could* write a control program myself, I really have no desire to reinvent the wheel if someone else has already developed something.


I love my projector but hate that dumb credit-card remote. Since I'm already using my HTPC's keyboard to run things, it'd be convenient to control the projector from there, too.


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Scott Gammans
[email protected]
The Official Scott Gammans Website

Another satisfied NEC VT540 owner

 

[Man E]

I have a program named cen100012.exe that is for that purpose. I forget where I found it but am certain that someone here directed me to it. I am unable to find it on the nectech website. I have never installed it so I don't know how well it works (I got it "just in case I needed it" - you should see my garage http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif ). If you would like a copy of the self-extracting installation file that I have I could e-mail it to you. It's about 4.5MB.



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The Manny from Hell has spoken

The button is labeled "Play", not "Pay". STOP the MPAA!

Our Silent Angels


[This message has been edited by Man E (edited 03-06-2001).]

 

[Scott Gammans]

I'm pretty leery of virusii... but go ahead and e-mail it to me. Please use this account:


[email protected]


Since no one else here seems to have heard of anything, I'm going to post this question in the HTPC forum.


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Scott Gammans
[email protected]
The Official Scott Gammans Website

Another satisfied NEC VT540 owner

 

[Warren460]

I have not looked yet, however, the projector does ship with a CD Rom. Is the software on that CD. Also, have you sent your query to NEC, perhaps they can help.Their web address is http:\\\\ www.Nectech.com

 

[Man E]

What 'chu talkin' 'bout Willis? http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif I did not receive a CD with mine.



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The button is labeled "Play", not "Pay". STOP the MPAA!

Our Silent Angels

 

[Scott Gammans]

I did not receive a CD-ROM with my projector either, but I bought a factory refurbished unit from John Andrews (abigpicture) so that might be the reason why. (I didn't get the lens cap either.)


Well, thanks to Manny I got the PC Control Utility and gave it a whirl and all I have to say is, "What a piece of crappy software!"


The program was written by NEC itself, so at the very least I expected to have access to the same set of features that are available via the credit card remote. WRONG! The only functions available are to turn the projector on and off, change the picture source (RGB/s-video/composite), mute the picture and/or sound, and transfer your own logo to the projector (which actually is kinda neat; I'm going to whip something up before my premiere movie night tomorrow night).


That's it. No picture adjustment functions. No access to aspect ratio control, magnification, etc., etc. Needless to say, I am disappointed. I was hoping I'd get to stick the remote where the sun doesn't shine--back in its slot http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif


I am definitely going to write my own program now. I think I'm going to develop it in two pieces: a COM object that actually contains the serial communications functions, and a Windows GUI that uses the COM object. That way, if I ever want to change the user interface I only have to change the GUI part. Having the communications mechanism in a seperate object will also allow other (future) programs to control the projector.


If anyone thinks they might be interested in the finished product, I'm going to sell it as shareware for a nominal fee to recoup some of the costs of development (I've done this sort of thing before and it has helped pay for at least one component in my home theater http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif ). I've set up a link on my website for what (for now) will be called Project X , if you care to track my progress.


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Scott Gammans

Another satisfied NEC VT540 owner--except for the remote http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif
[email protected]
The Scooterplex Cinema


[This message has been edited by Scott Gammans (edited 03-09-2001).]

 

[Man E]

Scott - did you get a cable with your projector or did you make/buy one?

Thanks!



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The button is labeled "Play", not "Pay". STOP the MPAA!

Our Silent Angels

 

[Scott Gammans]

If you are referring to a standard VGA cable, yes, I got a nice one with the projector. If you mean a "component V" cable, well... John A. sold me a good VGA-to-BNC cable for $20 which I then proceeded to mangle by not correctly following drmyeyes' instructions for how to create a cheap CV cable. Doesn't matter, though... I don't use my DVD player anymore now that I have my HTPC up and running.


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Scott Gammans

Another satisfied NEC VT540 owner--except for the remote
[email protected]
The Scooterplex Cinema 1 Project X

 

[Man E]

None of the above. I meant the PC control cable.



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The button is labeled "Play", not "Pay". STOP the MPAA!

Our Silent Angels

 

[Scott Gammans]

Oh THAT cable... no, didn't get a cable in the projector box, but I would imagine I could find one at any well-stocked computer superstore like MicroCenter.


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Scott Gammans

Another satisfied NEC VT540 owner--except for the remote
[email protected]
The Scooterplex Cinema 1 Project X

 

[Man E]

Quote:

Originally posted by moonsan1905: This is the german NEC homepage. There you can find the software FOC

Ahh, but only if you can read German. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif



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The button is labeled "Play", not "Pay". STOP the MPAA!

Our Silent Angels

 

[kelliot]

The cable may be a mini-DIN to DB15 Mac-like serial interface.


Also, the software that I downloaded off of the German site looks like it potentially has a broad range of control functions in Demo mode.


I'm going to try and find a cable and try it with my MT1040.




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Ken Elliott

 

[bb80301]

Reviving an old thread...


Anyone have any experience/success with PC control of a VT540?


Thanks and regards

BB80301

 

[Man E]

I have used their program and have the detailed specs for the interface. I haven't looked at it in a while, but seem to remember the interface being short in the areas of color control. Anyway, I have so many manual switches to throw in my configuration just to switch between input devices that computer control of this one device won't help much http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif



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The button is labeled "Play", not "Pay". STOP the MPAA!

Our Silent Angels

Please visit The Manny Page!

 

[otaku]

If anyone's still looking for the control codes, I have an RTF document from NEC tech support that supposedly lists all of the serial control codes for their projectors.


I requested it with the intention of writing a small app to control my LT-150 (inputs, gamma, power on/off, aspect ratio, etc...), but haven't gotten around to working on it yet.


If anyone is interested in a copy, drop me an e-mail and I'll forward it on. Be warned though, the code scheme is kinda funky, and doesn't look very friendly. Not that you couldn't hack something together pretty quickly, but it isn't a simple terminal protocol like I would expect.


DB.