[QLab] Puzzler: rs232 Commands from Qlab?

[Christopher Neumeyer]

OK, so I've got an oldie but goody. Not sure if it's even possible
anymore, BUT, I've got an old Tascam DV-D6500 dvd player that I'd love
to trigger via Qlab. It has a rs232 command port, which we used to
use SFX to trigger it. Can Qlab talk rs232? And yes, I know Qlab
does video, but I'm outta video outs. :( Any ideas, or chalk this
one up to progress? (OR, if anyone can remember HOW to get SFX 5.6 to
talk rs232, THAT would be awesome as well...)

Cheers
Chris

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[Christopher Ashworth]

Yup. Using a third party application called Serial Bridge and the
Script Cue you can send RS232. I tested it and once it's set up it's
really pretty slick.

http://www.perceptiveautomation.com/serialbridge/

On Apr 14, 2010, at 5:43 PM, Christopher Neumeyer wrote:

> OK, so I've got an oldie but goody. Not sure if it's even possible
> anymore, BUT, I've got an old Tascam DV-D6500 dvd player that I'd
> love to trigger via Qlab. It has a rs232 command port, which we
> used to use SFX to trigger it. Can Qlab talk rs232? And yes, I
> know Qlab does video, but I'm outta video outs. :( Any ideas, or
> chalk this one up to progress? (OR, if anyone can remember HOW to
> get SFX 5.6 to talk rs232, THAT would be awesome as well...)

________________________________________________________

[Christopher Ashworth]

The screenshot in the documentation actually shows what this would
look like once you have Serial Bridge running:

http://figure53.com/qlab/documentation/scriptcue.php

[*]

Would this also allow Qlab to work with Light Factory via it's telnet
command interface or is telnet & RS232 completely different Chris?

Thanks,

*

[RJ Givens]

are you triggering q-lab from an outside source? if so what?

might be better for you to just use regular midi to trigger cues.

On Apr 14, 2010, at 2:11 PM, qlab-r...@lists.figure53.com wrote:

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> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:51:00 -0400
> From: Dan Scully <dans...@mac.com>
> To: "Discussion and support for QLab users." <ql...@lists.figure53.com>
> Subject: [QLab] Scripting MSC on/off
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> Hi-
>
> Is there a way to toggle MSC control on and off, other than going to
> the preferences? I'm looking for a keyboard shortcut, or a script cue
> I can run, etc...
>
> Any thoughts appreciated...
>
> Best,
> Dan Scully
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[Christopher Ashworth]

On Apr 14, 2010, at 6:03 PM, * wrote:

> Would this also allow Qlab to work with Light Factory via it's telnet
> command interface or is telnet & RS232 completely different Chris?

They're different--RS232 is an old-school serial protocol, while
Telnet is an old-school TCP/IP protocol.

[Robert Larsen]

I can second this. I use the QLab/Serial Bridge/USB-RS232 adapter
combo to control an Extron matrix switcher quite happily.
~r

On Apr 15, 9:45 am, Christopher Ashworth <ch...@figure53.com> wrote:
> Yup.  Using a third party application called Serial Bridge and the  
> Script Cue you can send RS232.  I tested it and once it's set up it's  
> really pretty slick.

[Rich Walsh]

On 14 Apr 2010, at 23:03, * wrote:

> Would this also allow Qlab to work with Light Factory via it's telnet
> command interface or is telnet & RS232 completely different Chris?

Two thoughts:

1. telnet is done by the command line
2. the command line can be controlled by shell scripts

Alternatively:

1. telnet sessions are done in Terminal
2. Terminal is scriptable

I have no knowledge of telnet at all, so I can't help you any further
than that. Try starting here:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=214565

Rich

[Christopher Neumeyer]

Wow. Alrighty-then!!! Dunno if my old 1.6 g5 will handle it, but
I'll try. Although running ScriptCue gives me the hebejebies. I can
barely type emails, let alone try to "program" rs232 code for apple
scripts. And the whole part of "once it's set up"... ;P

Maybe I'll try to find the DVD remote again.

Cheers!
Chris N.

>
> Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:45:47 -0400
> From: Christopher Ashworth <ch...@figure53.com>

> To: "Discussion and support for QLab users." <ql...@lists.figure53.com>

> Subject: Re: [QLab] Puzzler: rs232 Commands from Qlab?
> Message-ID: <B5FF2FD0-ED65-42DD...@figure53.com>

> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
>

> Yup. Using a third party application called Serial Bridge and the
> Script Cue you can send RS232. I tested it and once it's set up it's
> really pretty slick.
>

> http://www.perceptiveautomation.com/serialbridge/
>
> On Apr 14, 2010, at 5:43 PM, Christopher Neumeyer wrote:
>

>> OK, so I've got an oldie but goody. Not sure if it's even possible
>> anymore, BUT, I've got an old Tascam DV-D6500 dvd player that I'd
>> love to trigger via Qlab. It has a rs232 command port, which we
>> used to use SFX to trigger it. Can Qlab talk rs232? And yes, I
>> know Qlab does video, but I'm outta video outs. :( Any ideas, or
>> chalk this one up to progress? (OR, if anyone can remember HOW to
>> get SFX 5.6 to talk rs232, THAT would be awesome as well...)
>
>
>

> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:47:10 -0400
> From: Christopher Ashworth <ch...@figure53.com>

> To: "Discussion and support for QLab users." <ql...@lists.figure53.com>

> Subject: Re: [QLab] Puzzler: rs232 Commands from Qlab?
> Message-ID: <6390CE38-004D-4203...@figure53.com>

> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
>

> The screenshot in the documentation actually shows what this would
> look like once you have Serial Bridge running:
>
> http://figure53.com/qlab/documentation/scriptcue.php
>

________________________________________________________

[Smith, Andy]

Hi List

OK, so, here's the thing, I am getting tired of being called into shows
that have been created on Qlab where there has been a reported error in
the system, only to find that an operator has been playing with the
mouse or keys and tried to jump a cue that has been missed (as you would
on a lighting desk) or ran out of sequence, allowing video files to play
underneath and clogging a system up.

So, I am wondering, does anyone have the knowledge & interest to either
make and sell USB style 'go' 'stop' 'escape' type controls specifically
for Qlab? I think it would be great to be able to purchase from fig53 or
perhaps, in my case, to able to distribute in the UK. I remember the old
revox days where there was a remote switch, and, for simplicity, would
like to see a similar option for Qlab. I understand it is also a matter
of training users, but they still sometimes just don't get it!! - These
artistic lot!!

Thanks

Andy C. Smith
Technical Manager
South Holland Centre
Market Place
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE11 1SS

01775 764872

Andy...@sholland.gov.uk

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[Paul Gotch]

On Thu, Apr 15, 2010 at 10:09:15AM +0100, Smith, Andy wrote:
> for Qlab? I think it would be great to be able to purchase from fig53 or
> perhaps, in my case, to able to distribute in the UK.

You want Andy Leviss of this parish and of http://ducksecho.com/
although he's says he's only making single custom units to order at the
moment.

-p
--
Paul Gotch
--------------------------------------------------------------------

[Rich Walsh]

This could get a bit complicated to set up, but have a look at:

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20061109133825654

The very last comment looks interesting:

cu -l /dev/whatever -s 19200

Again, I don't know much about serial either - but it looks like cu
could be used to send serial commands if you don't want to go down the
Serial Bridge route.

Rich

[*]

Consider "off the shelf" MIDI triggering instead of USB for a few reasons.

For cheap & simple:

(1) Midi Solutions Footswitch (contact closure to midi message)
(1) industrial momentary NO or NC push button
(1) midi interface (if it's not already a part of the audio interface)
(1) Midi Solutions Power Adapter (if the midi interface doesn't provide
power)

For more control:

I've used the JLCooper MCS2-Midi for over a season now & while it's been
bullet proof, it's expensive & has fixed midi commands. The nice thing
about it though is that it has FF & RR & other buttons for special things
like RESET ALL, STOP, STOP ALL, PAUSE ALL, UNPAUSE ALL etc... you can
program any button to do any function once you know what each button sends
out.

This unit allows for the operator to never touch the keyboard, mouse,
touch pad, etc...which as you have stated is where things can go wrong.

I've got (2) MCS2-MIDI devices in systems now. One show being run by a
teenager with no botched cues after two weeks.

Write off list if you would like more information.

*

On Thu, April 15, 2010 4:09 am, Smith, Andy wrote:
> Hi List
>
> OK, so, here's the thing, I am getting tired of being called into shows
> that have been created on Qlab where there has been a reported error in
> the system, only to find that an operator has been playing with the
> mouse or keys and tried to jump a cue that has been missed (as you would
> on a lighting desk) or ran out of sequence, allowing video files to play
> underneath and clogging a system up.
>
> So, I am wondering, does anyone have the knowledge & interest to either
> make and sell USB style 'go' 'stop' 'escape' type controls specifically
> for Qlab? I think it would be great to be able to purchase from fig53 or
> perhaps, in my case, to able to distribute in the UK. I remember the old
> revox days where there was a remote switch, and, for simplicity, would
> like to see a similar option for Qlab. I understand it is also a matter
> of training users, but they still sometimes just don't get it!! - These
> artistic lot!!

[gtwi...@yahoo.com]

Why not use a USB solution? X-Keys has some nice programmable units. Haven't used one myself for Qlab, but have been considering it.
George
"Just Listen"
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

-----Original Message-----
From: "*" <ra...@rabyn.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:16:33
To: Discussion and support for QLab users.<ql...@lists.figure53.com>

[Charles Coes]

Though not specifically for Q-lab the X-keys products offer customizable USB keys that can be made into a very good remote for Q-lab.  They don't send the Key-up command, so you'll need to disable the key up requirement in the general preferences.  

They also work really really well as a set of 'macro' keys, firing keyboard triggered scripts that help with programming, the nice thing being that you can stack up modifier keys on them, so that you'll never hit the key combination by accident.

Website here:

http://www.xkeys.com/

Charles Coes
cco...@gmail.com 
www.charlescoes.com
"When I'm working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong." - Buckminster Fuller

[Paul Gotch]

On Thu, Apr 15, 2010 at 02:21:17PM +0000, gtwi...@yahoo.com wrote:
> Why not use a USB solution? X-Keys has some nice programmable units. Haven't used one myself for Qlab, but have been considering it.
> George

The trouble with USB is that because it's sending keyboard events QLab
has to be focused to get them. MIDI units are nice because QLab will
listen to midi if it is focused or not.

Unfortunately MIDI units are pretty expensive, for example the JLCooper
mentioned earlier costs ~ 300 UK pounds on this side of the pond.

-p
--
Paul Gotch
--------------------------------------------------------------------

[*]

Good point Paul.

FYI,

JLC has a online refurb store that sells devices at a discounted price.
When I called the first time & asked, "Do you have any refurbished
MCS2-MIDIs in stock?" I think they said something like, "if not, we'll
pull one from regular stock." Both of the "refurbished" units I've
purchased have been brand spanking new. So probably a way to keep from
pissing off their dealers.

Last one I purchased was less than $300 USD with extra push button (to
make them glow in the dark) & a spare power supply (that doesn't by the
way power anything downstream).

*

On Thu, April 15, 2010 9:29 am, Paul Gotch wrote:
> The trouble with USB is that because it's sending keyboard events QLab
> has to be focused to get them. MIDI units are nice because QLab will
> listen to midi if it is focused or not.
>
> Unfortunately MIDI units are pretty expensive, for example the JLCooper
> mentioned earlier costs ~ 300 UK pounds on this side of the pond.

[gtwi...@yahoo.com]

Good point

------Original Message------
From: Paul Gotch
Sender: qlab-b...@lists.figure53.com
To: ql...@lists.figure53.com
ReplyTo: Paul Gotch
ReplyTo: Discussion and support for QLab users.
Subject: Re: [QLab] 'Go Switch' options

Sent: Apr 15, 2010 9:29 AM

On Thu, Apr 15, 2010 at 02:21:17PM +0000, gtwi...@yahoo.com wrote:
> Why not use a USB solution? X-Keys has some nice programmable units. Haven't used one myself for Qlab, but have been considering it.
> George

The trouble with USB is that because it's sending keyboard events QLab

has to be focused to get them. MIDI units are nice because QLab will
listen to midi if it is focused or not.

Unfortunately MIDI units are pretty expensive, for example the JLCooper
mentioned earlier costs ~ 300 UK pounds on this side of the pond.

-p
--
Paul Gotch
--------------------------------------------------------------------

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Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

[sam kusnetz]

unless there's been an update in the last week or so, x-keys are not
compatible with os 10.6 (snow leopard).

FYI.

sam
--
Sent from my wireless telegraph.

On Apr 15, 2010, at 8:38 AM, qlab-r...@lists.figure53.com wrote:

> Though not specifically for Q-lab the X-keys products offer
> customizable USB keys that can be made into a very good remote for Q-
> lab.

[David Bibby]

If there is enough interest in a dedicated QLab "control surface" it's something I might consider producing.

What's the general feeling on a low cost USB device which doesn't just emulate a keyboard so would work with QLab in the background?

Regards,
David

[gtwi...@yahoo.com]

I was thinking about making a 1 off for myself, so, what do you have in mind?
George
"Just Listen"

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

-----Original Message-----
From: David Bibby <david...@googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:15:33
To: Discussion and support for QLab users.<ql...@lists.figure53.com>
Subject: Re: [QLab] 'Go Switch' options

[Paul Gotch]

On Thu, Apr 15, 2010 at 09:15:33PM +0100, David Bibby wrote:
> What's the general feeling on a low cost USB device which doesn't
> just emulate a keyboard so would work with QLab in the background?

I'd certainly be interested, however 'low cost' is relative. It needs
to have enough spent on it to get decent buttons and a decent case with
enough weight to it that it won't go anywhere on the desk, and of
course you should make some money off building the thing.

If that means it has to cost say between 50 and 100 UKP then so be it.

Unfortunately I suspect everyone is going to have different views about
how many buttons should be on it and what size and layout they should
have.

-p
--
Paul Gotch
--------------------------------------------------------------------

[gtwi...@yahoo.com]

Not a bad idea to poll intended users

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Gotch <paulg...@chiark.greenend.org.uk>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:37:57
To: <ql...@lists.figure53.com>
Subject: Re: [QLab] 'Go Switch' options

[David Bibby]

On 15 Apr 2010, at 21:37, Paul Gotch wrote:

I'd certainly be interested, however 'low cost' is relative. It needs
to have enough spent on it to get decent buttons and a decent case with
enough weight to it that it won't go anywhere on the desk

I agree entirely!

Unfortunately I suspect everyone is going to have different views about
how many buttons should be on it and what size and layout they should
have.

And I'd be extremely surprised if they didn't!

On 15 Apr 2010, at 21:18, gtwi...@yahoo.com wrote:

so, what do you have in mind?

Well, I was thinking something along the lines of a big Go button, Next and Previous sequence buttons (the same as using + and - on the keyboard), maybe Stop All and Pause/Unpause All buttons, and definitely some user customisable buttons - all gently glowing so you can see them in the dark!

The user buttons would be assignable to a list of 'standard' QLab commands and probably be able to fire AppleScripts so that one could send instructions to other applications.

I'd quite like to be able to have the buttons get brighter (tally high) to alert you to QLab's status - i.e. the Go button light's up brighter when QLab is playing something, but dims when it's not, etc.

I'm just thinking out loud at this stage really, so feel free to pick enormous gaping holes in my ideas, or make suggestions that others might like to see.

Cheers,

David

[talkingtobrian]

Wow, reviving this thread from 8 years ago! I hav run into a situation where this is needed, for a DVD player. Plus, I like plugging anything with an electrical cord into Qlab and seeing what I can do.

Software is no longer available, and I'm looking for current stuff but it seems to be more midi-focused, and I am not 100% sure what I am looking for yet. Any thoughts, in 2018? I'm assuming some applescripting is going to come into this.
-brian

[Michael Sauder]

This is a timely request, as just the other day I was batting around an idea.

Currently QLab has fairly limited network communication capabilities compared to many other show control solutions, requiring AppleScript and terminal hacks to send out fairly basic commands to, for example, projectors. And currently I'm playing around with C# and looking for a project to tackle while doing so.

I've been mentally batting around the idea of creating a middleware application that can act as a UDP/TCP/Serial/Telnet/SSH/HTTP/OSC/etcetc gateway/receiver/converter/whatever. At it's simplest, it would take a UDP packet from QLab and convert it into a telnet command which it sends on out to a defined destination. I have a number of enhancements in mind (such as serial connectivity), but that's the basic starting point.

Two questions:

- Does Figure53 have any network enhancements in the pipeline that would reduce the need for such an app?

- Does anyone know of Mac apps that already do such a thing?

Thanks,

Michael

--

Michael Sauder

Show Control Programming and Design

Email: michael...@gmail.com

[Jon Seale]

Michael,

The simplest thing I can think of would be something like an arduino or RaspberryPi which could receive OSC and send out RS232. 

 - Jon

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[Sam Kusnetz]

HI folks

We are interested in expanding the capabilities of the Network cue over time, but I cannot make a reasonable guess at a timeline for that.

I can tell you that direct support for RS-232 in QLab is not very high on our list.

Several folks have reported success using these as a translation device:

https://www.moxa.com/product/Serial_Device_Servers.htm 

You send UDP strings to the box and it forwards them as serial strings.

Best

Sam

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Sam Kusnetz | Figure 53

s...@figure53.com

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/qlab/4E47DCF5-B20C-47B6-9B9D-F662964938C2%40jonsworld.com.

[Joe H]

Perhaps this
http://www.globalcache.co.uk/global-cache-ip2sl-itach-tcpip-to-serial-rs232-5-p.asp

Global cache ip to serial

[Alexander (Mailing List) Taylor]

I know there was a list member (Douglas from http://douglasheriot.com) who wrote an application to do this a few years ago.  I'm not sure if it ever made it out of beta, but it worked very well from my testing.  I'd love to see that worked on again!

Alexander

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[nizer]

CoolTerm works great for me. Does rs232 and serial