5
Communication with PCR3000R via RS232 is done with simple ASCII commands. The port settings are :
38400 baudrate, 8 databits, no parity, handshake off
. These parameters can not be changed.
The physical connection is made with a straight through wired 9 pin serial cable (NO null modem cable !)
Maximum wire length depends on cable quality and influence caused by external interference.
Pin 2 : TX data : data transmission output.
Pin 3 : RX data : data transmission input.
Pin 5 : GND : ground connection.
Other pins are not used.
Serial commands used in PCR3000R have been simplified and consist basically of a command such as
PLAY, STOP, ...commands are not case sensitive.
Some commands require an attribute, such as TRACK #, where # stands for a numeric value, in this case
the track number. The unit needs no carriage return <CR> at the end of the instruction.
From here we assume that you are familiar with RS232 communication protocols and hardware. If not,
please read the user manual of your control device first. In case you are experiencing a problem with serial
communication, start at the basics, connect a computer with a working serial port, use the right serial cable,
use a simple terminal program, make communication settings and start from there.
Please note that most commands sent from the infrared remote control will also be shown on the serial
port. This is the easiest way to find out whether your serial communication settings are correct. Unknown
characters in your terminal communication program usually indicate that the baudrate is incorrect.
Below is a table with the list of commands recognized by PCR3000R and some examples of the replies
sent by the PCR3000R.
RS232 communication
Important notice:
always allow the unit to acclimatize during at least one hour. E.g when the unit has been
transported in cold weather conditions, the electronics and optical devices inside the unit might condensate,
causing malfunction or even permanent damage to the unit !
Please note that the unit may respond slowly when you change the input source. This depends on the size
and number of files present on the media.
