Luup Plugin: Panasonic TV Control over RS-232/Serial

[guessed]

Folks,
I've released the source code for an "early access" version of the Panasonic TV Control over RS-232.

You can find the basic details here, including where to download the codebase:
    http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Panasonic_TV_Plugin

This code only works with Panasonic TV's whose RS-232 connections are connected to Vera.  Development/testing was done against a Panasonic Viera (TH58PZ850) so slight differences might exist for other Panasonic models with RS-232 connections.

I'll use this thread to take any feedback on the code, functionality (etc), and then fold the necessary changes into the Wiki page, or the Panasonic TV's driver codebase.

At this point I'm waiting for the release of certain other components, but what's there will likely be useful to others wanting to write a driver for their TV (Receiver, etc).

[strangely]

Having a go at getting mine to work today as i just got back from my trip.
I think I've got everything configured, just need to try to get to the back of the TV now, plug it in and test it.

*edit
Looks like i'll have to go into work to get a serial cable as the only one i have here is a male/female

[guessed]

I just added a note to the Plugin Wiki page to cover the need for the DB9F-DB9F gender changer.  I have an "inline" version so I'd forgotten about that.

[strangely]

I couldn't find the one i had in work (more like one of my coworkers stole it), so i did a trip to radio shack for a couple of female DB9's and just soldered one up with pins 2 and 3 crossed and 5 as the ground. Hopefully it doesn't need anything else. Cant really try it at the moment as my wife is in front of the TV and my vera seems to have locked up too

[guessed]

 . That's why I include test URLs for Volume Up/down as it's fairly non disruptive to test... Once you have the cabling in place of course...

[strangely]

My Vera is still stuck on the main page despite a reboot so there's going to be no testing at the moment 

[strangely]

@guessed

in the wiki you mentioned to use a minimum of version 1.0.966; shall i use that version or is there any thing newer or more stable?

[guessed]

It's 1.0.994.  There are newer, but this is the version where MCV added STX-ETX Protocol support, which is needed to drive that sort of TV.

So, 1.0.994 or above, technically  ;-)

[strangely]

I think i have the serial port created and configured properly, although should i have anything written in the path field and also should the controlling device be zwave or the IP address listed as the serial port?

However every time i create D_PanasonicVieraTV1.xml in the devices page it then locks up my vera for some reason and i have to wipe it. Any ideas?

[guessed]

@strangely,
Are you on 1.0.994 or something else?  I once made the mistake of mis-typing the version# and moved to 1.0.997 (nine-nine-seven, "Porsche dreaming" perhaps?) and it fairly well hosed my Vera (it wouldn't complete the startup process as you describe below).  I eventually got it back to '994 safely.

You can PM me with the logs (assuming attachments are allowed) and I can take a look at what's going on. with it sometime tonight.  I believe we're both in the same TZ.

If attachments wont work, PM me and I'll give you an Email address you can send them to.

[strangely]

Thanks for the help!

It is back to 994 (after going to 997) but its not very stable. when i get home tonight i'll have a play around and see if i can pin down why its not very stable, i think its something to do with my proxied serial port setup and or trying to use square connect.

I'm in SoCal  so i'll see what i can get to you later log wise and i'll PM you.

[guessed]

ok, I have both the SquareConnect, my Alarm and the Weather all hanging off of 994 and that part's working fine.  My TV is "Ethernet" remote'd using a WIZnet 110SR, so I've switched away from the USB Serial cables (for now).  My Vera is now hard-mounted into the Structured Wiring Closet, which is upstairs from the TV... hence the need for the WIZnet (or similar)

So we need to isolate a few things down.  Can you elaborate on the wiring setup of your "proxied serial port" setup?

Specifically, USB-Serial Cable maker, how you have it wired (intermediate Hubs, Hacked ASUS etc).  Please provide as much detail as possible on the connections between Vera and the TV to help diag.

[strangely]

Like you i have my vera upstairs in a closet that contains all my AV gear.
Network wise vera is connected to an 8 port switch with about 6 other devices, upstream from the switch (in my attic) it connects to my Dlink router (wan connected to my cable modem) i then have the router connected to another 8 port switch which distributes to all the rooms via wall plates. My Panasonic TV is connected to one of these normally but i have disconnected it temporarily to plug into the wiznet.

Its not a connectivity problem as not only can i ping the wiznet from my PC but also from vera using the IP address i set it to.

I've given up trying to get my USB serial device working as vera never recognized it despite the chipset looking like its supported, its an old  tripplite  u209-000-r that i've had for about 5 years which i think is based on the Prolific - PL-2303 chipest.

The only things that are currently plugged into vera are my USB UIRT and the dongle.

For the wiznet i think i have just set it up badly somehow and is conflicting with the USBUIRT perhaps?
I'll write a detailed description of what i did to add it but it was largely based on one of your posts with the device number and IP addresses changed.

[denix]

@strangely,
Are you on 1.0.994 or something else?  I once made the mistake of mis-typing the version# and moved to 1.0.997 (nine-nine-seven, "Porsche dreaming" perhaps?) and it fairly well hosed my Vera (it wouldn't complete the startup process as you describe below).  I eventually got it back to '994 safely.

Been there, done that! The same mistake... MCV should probably remove that version from their servers.

[denix]

(http://www.nkb.me.uk/image/image5.jpg)

Built-in hex editor unlocks plasma TV features:

"a guide to unlock extra features on Panasonic televisions. The hack works on the G10 models of plasma TVs and uses the service menu to gain access to the EEPROM memory. With a few quick steps you can change some data with a built in hex editor, unlocking several new settings menus, or bricking your entertainment centerpiece"

http://www.nkb.me.uk/