I got an Arduino for Christmas, and have a project in mind. I need some advice on the potential that this might work and some general approach help. So here is what I would like to do.
So, first off, I run the lyrics on a screen at my church. We got a new NEC projector with a 9 pin d-sub port labeled PC control. I did some research and found that if you sent a code (ex. 02H 10H 00H 00H 00H 12H) on one pin, the projector would, using this example, mute the picture. Could I attach a button or two that will then send a command when pressed?
Keep in mind that I am completely clueless, but I'm working on it. If I did a poor job explaining, please say so. I can provide whatever I have that might help you understand what I am hoping for.
Also, I attached the information I got from NEC, in case it helps.
the projector would, using this example, mute the picture.
Is there another code to dim the sound?
Could I attach a button or two that will then send a command when pressed?
Attach them to what?
Keep in mind that I am completely clueless,
Will do.
The 9 pin serial port is meant to be connected to a PC, where serial data is transmitted using +12V/-12V signals. The Arduino used 0 and +5V for the same thing. Your projector will not understand the Arduino, and any reply from the projector will destroy the Arduino. You need a serial to TTL converter (MAX232) in between.
Thanks for the quick response. Yes, there is another code to mute the sound (02H 12H 00H 00H 00H 14H) but with our configuration, I don't need to control sound. That is done by the sanctuary sound system. I was hoping to attach the buttons to the Arduino, which told it to send the picture mute command through a pin on the Arduino that sent it through a DB9 connector and ultimately into the projector, some 50 feet away. Honestly, I don't care about getting a reply from the projector, so I'd likely not connect the Arduino to a reply pin from the projector. With that in mind, could I avoid having to use the TTL thingy you mentioned? If not, could you draw me some kind of schematic type thing as to how it would all be connected? I'm a little confused by the whole TTL converter thing. Again, I apologize for my cluelessness.
Thanks,
With that in mind, could I avoid having to use the TTL thingy you mentioned? If not, could you draw me some kind of schematic type thing as to how it would all be connected?
No, you can't avoid using a TTL thingy. When you get your TTL thingy, it will come with a schematic. They are cheap.