learning camera controller commands

[jozee]

Hi,
I have a video camera with a cabled remote which controls the camera iris, colors etc...
I want to learn the command sent by the remote into the camera.
Here is what i did so far:

First try:
1. bought 232Analyzer software
2. cut the remote cable and discover (through manual) the correct data wires (TX+, TX-, RX+, RX-)
3. connected the TX+ and TX- into my serial port [pins 2+ and 5-]
4. set the port settings (which i do not know them) to 9600, 8 databits, none, stop=1
5. turned everything on and start operating the remote.

The results in HEX was only a bunch of FF's, no matter which button i clicked the result was FF.


Second try:

1. bought 422 to 232 adapter
2. bought 485 to 232 adapter
3. tried the test with each adapter

same results, only FF


Here are some images :



Please help, I'm really stacked

 

[Pha5e]

You may need to adjust your baud rate or sampling rate. You will need to look up details of the control type. If it is Sony, it will be LANC (Control-L). I think Panasonic use Control-M?

 

[jozee]

Thanks for your reply,
I've tried almost every combination of Baudrates, DataBits, StopBits ans parity possible,
I've got the exact same results every time.

What are "Control-L" And "Control-M"?

 

[Pha5e]

LANC (Control-L)

You may need a null MODEM configuration.

Have you tried tieing the two transmit lines on the PC serial connection together?

 

[jozee]

You may need a null MODEM configuration.

Have you tried tieing the two transmit lines on the PC serial connection together?

No i didnt, What do you mean by that?

 

[Pha5e]

Try tieing the two TX lines together on the PC serial connection i.e. connect +TX to -TX

 

[jozee]

Try tieing the two TX lines together on the PC serial connection i.e. connect +TX to -TX

do you mean like that?

 

[Pha5e]

No, on the PC serial port.

 

[jozee]

The pc serial port ha common ground. ii've tied TX (pin 3) and ground (pin 5), the results are the same
is there any possibility that this remote cannot be read by pc port and 232anlyzer?
maybe there is some hidden or unknown data?

 

[Pha5e]

In your diagram, you have the +TX and -TX of the serial port connecting to the +RX and -RX on the 422 to 232 converter. I do not see the ground?

Are you using 422 to tap off the camera control.

Have you found out which protocol your camera uses? You will need to read up about the data stream.

 

[jozee]

what if i dont know the protocol?

 

[Pha5e]

Re: Protocol

what if i dont know the protocol?

Look it up in the manual. Is it a Sony or Panasonic camera? There should be some writing near the port on the camera which will tell you which protocol it uses.