bxs122:

I ran into this same exact thing last night as I moved my HTPC to Vista (x64) and was reinstalling my D11 control module. If you run the bat file as Administrator it will fail in finding the dll. If you run as a user then Vista's UAC kicks in and doesn't allow the registration to complete. So what you need to is disable UAC, run the bat file to register, enable UAC again.

As for the post above regarding the xA6 being read incorrectly as 78 - I've fixed that problem and have posted an update to http://www.outdoorgrace.com/DirecTV-D11/bxsDirecTVSerialControl.zip the update will also includes support for those using Vista (x64) build

I wanted to say thanks for the fix of xA6... I am dreadfully afraid of moving on to Vista... I definately want to update my hardware before taking the plunge. I tried a beta and it was just painfully less efficient.

I have been using the Serial Control since my last post. It's been working great. It's not 100% consistent, when changing channels up or down. I say it's about 99.9 %. This is still way faster than IR.

My latest project is getting proper ATSC guide information with H20 DirctTV guide integrated. There is a way to get all sub channels integrated using XMLTV and Bladerunner Pro. I have a Zap2It account and have been downloading channel setups for DirecTV and my ATSC lineup.

I am still trying to figure it out.. But thought I would mention my working status with the Serial Control.

Hey guys. Sounds like the solution is coming along. I remember testing the original D10 app for serial changing about 2 years ago. Also, I have used the firestb program as I switched to Comcast for a while. Now I am heading back to DirecTV and have ordered two standard receivers so I assume they will be the D11's. Also, I am using the 32bit version of Vista on my MCE system. So does this app support channel changing of 2 receivers at this point or is that still in the works. I couldn'd discern this from reading through the thread. Thanks!

Brian

I connected an IOGear GUC232A USB-Serial adaptor to my DirectTV D11 receiver and a null modem, to my MCE 2005. I unpacked bxsDirecTVSerialControl.zip into the "Program Files" folder and ran "Reg.bat" to register the add-in. The component registered successfully giving only the "strong name" warning reported earlier in this thread. I then cold-started both the D11 receiver and the PC.

After disconnecting the IR Blaster, I tried it. The receiver channel does *not* change, although the small activity light on the IOGear blinks briefly when the channel change button is pressed on the MCE remote.

Here's my configuration file:

--------------------
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<configuration>
 <appSettings>
  <add key="EnableLogging" value="1" />
  <add key="LogFile" value="C:\\directTv.log" />
  <add key="SerialPort" value="4" />
  <add key="ChangeChannelCommand" value="xA6" />
  <add key="RetryCount" value="2" />
  <add key="PortSpeed" value="9600" />
  </appSettings>
</configuration>
--------------------

This is from DirecTV.log:

--------------------
2/22/2007 6:46:14 PM: MediaStatusChange:

(UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)379
Make sure unit is on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
RS232.IOTimeoutException: Read Timeout.
   at RS232.Rs232.Read(Int32 Bytes2Read)
   at DirectTvSerialControl.DirectTvMediaStatusSession.ChangeChannel(Int32 number)
   at DirectTvSerialControl.DirectTvMediaStatusSession.MediaStatusChange(Array Tags,  Array Properties)
--------------------

The channel number shown in the log is correct.

Can anyone see where the problem is?

Thank you.

Your setup looks to be just about there - the fact that you saw a brief blink tells me that you are pointing to the right COM port and that the IOGear and serial cable are hooked up correctly.

Last thing you need to do is set   <add key="PortSpeed" value="9600" /> to a value of 115200 so that the line reads   <add key="PortSpeed" value="115200" />

Although the Port may be set in Device Manager as 9600, this setup with the D11 needs to have a speed of 115200.

After you set the new value in the config, reboot and give it another try - just remember to post your findings here.

Brian

MovieBuff:

I connected an IOGear GUC232A USB-Serial adaptor to my DirectTV D11 receiver and a null modem, to my MCE 2005. I unpacked bxsDirecTVSerialControl.zip into the "Program Files" folder and ran "Reg.bat" to register the add-in. The component registered successfully giving only the "strong name" warning reported earlier in this thread. I then cold-started both the D11 receiver and the PC.

After disconnecting the IR Blaster, I tried it. The receiver channel does *not* change, although the small activity light on the IOGear blinks briefly when the channel change button is pressed on the MCE remote.

Here's my configuration file:

--------------------
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<configuration>
 <appSettings>
  <add key="EnableLogging" value="1" />
  <add key="LogFile" value="C:\\directTv.log" />
  <add key="SerialPort" value="4" />
  <add key="ChangeChannelCommand" value="xA6" />
  <add key="RetryCount" value="2" />
  <add key="PortSpeed" value="9600" />
  </appSettings>
</configuration>
--------------------

This is from DirecTV.log:

--------------------
2/22/2007 6:46:14 PM: MediaStatusChange:

(UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)379
Make sure unit is on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
RS232.IOTimeoutException: Read Timeout.
   at RS232.Rs232.Read(Int32 Bytes2Read)
   at DirectTvSerialControl.DirectTvMediaStatusSession.ChangeChannel(Int32 number)
   at DirectTvSerialControl.DirectTvMediaStatusSession.MediaStatusChange(Array Tags,  Array Properties)
--------------------

The channel number shown in the log is correct.

Can anyone see where the problem is?

Thank you.

At this time I've no plans to try and add support for two D11 boxes since I only have the one and not looking to spend another monthly fee to DirecTV. That is not to say the idea of playing around with the code to get two supported doesn't sound like fun.

TechBri:

Hey guys. Sounds like the solution is coming along. I remember testing the original D10 app for serial changing about 2 years ago. Also, I have used the firestb program as I switched to Comcast for a while. Now I am heading back to DirecTV and have ordered two standard receivers so I assume they will be the D11's. Also, I am using the 32bit version of Vista on my MCE system. So does this app support channel changing of 2 receivers at this point or is that still in the works. I couldn'd discern this from reading through the thread. Thanks!

Brian

Thanks, bxs, for the tip on the PortSpeed configuration value. I chose 9600 because the D11 Installer's Guide indicates that this is the correct speed to communicate with the receiver. Your recommendation on using 115200 got the PC and receiver talking.

Now, when I press a channel change button on the MCE remote, I get two brief flashes on the IOGear activity light. Perhaps this indicates both the request and response. DirecTV.log reports a successful channel change, but the channel still does *not* change. Here's a excerpt from the log:

-------------------

2/23/2007 6:49:04 AM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)276
Make sure unit is on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Disable display
<- 0xFA 0x86
Changing to channel 276
<- 0xFA 0x78 0x1 0x14 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0 0xF4 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
-------------------

Although the channel fails to change, I do see a very, very short "blip" in the receiver video about 1/4 second after requesting a channel change. Also, the channel display is disabled as the log indicates. I have confirmed that channel 276 is available by manually selecting it with the DirecTV remote.

Any further guidance you can provide would be most appreciated. I'll be happy to report all test results here.

Thank you.

from the log file you posted I beleive you have an older version given the change command listing as 0xFA 0x78 - this should instead be 0xFA 0xA6

Download and install the latest - http://www.outdoorgrace.com/DirecTV-D11/bxsDirecTVSerialControl.zip

Brian

MovieBuff:

Thanks, bxs, for the tip on the PortSpeed configuration value. I chose 9600 because the D11 Installer's Guide indicates that this is the correct speed to communicate with the receiver. Your recommendation on using 115200 got the PC and receiver talking.

Now, when I press a channel change button on the MCE remote, I get two brief flashes on the IOGear activity light. Perhaps this indicates both the request and response. DirecTV.log reports a successful channel change, but the channel still does *not* change. Here's a excerpt from the log:

-------------------

2/23/2007 6:49:04 AM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)276
Make sure unit is on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Disable display
<- 0xFA 0x86
Changing to channel 276
<- 0xFA 0x78 0x1 0x14 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0 0xF4 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
-------------------

Although the channel fails to change, I do see a very, very short "blip" in the receiver video about 1/4 second after requesting a channel change. Also, the channel display is disabled as the log indicates. I have confirmed that channel 276 is available by manually selecting it with the DirecTV remote.

Any further guidance you can provide would be most appreciated. I'll be happy to report all test results here.

Thank you.

 

bxs: And that was exactly the problem! Thanks!

Here's a couple of notes from my install of bxsDirecTVSerialControl (Update 02.17.2007). After a couple of days of testing I can report that my receiver, a DirecTV D11-100, works flawlessly with this software. I especially appreciate that the channel change banner is disabled before changing the channel. That banner was annoying when making a permanent copy of a show to DVD.

Also, my MCE PC did not come with a serial port, so I am using a USB-Serial converter at both ends of the null modem. That works fine as well.

This plugin is a wonderful addition to my setup. The receiver and PC are now tightly integrated and I never have to wonder if the channel is really going to get changed prior to recording.

Thank you, bxs, for sharing this software with us.

bxs122:

from the log file you posted I beleive you have an older version given the change command listing as 0xFA 0x78 - this should instead be 0xFA 0xA6

Cool - great to hear that was the problem...just sorry I didn't post the update sooner (real life caught up for a while).

Also glad to hear you like that I disabled the banner - I could not stand seeing that thing pop up and since the D11 specs listed the command set to disable I took a bit of freedom and integrated the change.

Next step is to rewrite the code to drive to D11 boxes.

Brian

MovieBuff:

bxs: And that was exactly the problem! Thanks!

Here's a couple of notes from my install of bxsDirecTVSerialControl (Update 02.17.2007). After a couple of days of testing I can report that my receiver, a DirecTV D11-100, works flawlessly with this software. I especially appreciate that the channel change banner is disabled before changing the channel. That banner was annoying when making a permanent copy of a show to DVD.

Also, my MCE PC did not come with a serial port, so I am using a USB-Serial converter at both ends of the null modem. That works fine as well.

This plugin is a wonderful addition to my setup. The receiver and PC are now tightly integrated and I never have to wonder if the channel is really going to get changed prior to recording.

Thank you, bxs, for sharing this software with us.

bxs122:

from the log file you posted I beleive you have an older version given the change command listing as 0xFA 0x78 - this should instead be 0xFA 0xA6

 

bxs122: I've been trying to track down a problem where the DirecTV STB occasionally changes channels unexpectedly during program recording. At first I thought the problem might be IR noise from remotes being used in the MCE room, but thought this a long shot because channel changes during recording need to be manually confirmed.

I think the problem may be with bxsDirecTVSerialControl (Update 02.17.2007). The problem is easily repeatable. Here are the steps:

1) Over a network connection, erase DirecTv.log.

2) Insert a DVD, or click Play DVD or start a DVD via "My DVDS". Set the remote control aside. The DVD will start displaying it's menu.

2) While the menu is displaying, watch the folder containing DirecTv.log (again, via a network connection). In a few moments you will see the DirecTv.log file appear. The log file shows that bxsDirecTVSerialControl is attempting to change the channel to low numbered channels, starting with 1. If you wait long enough, eventually a change to a channel you receive will be sent to the STB and the channel *will* change. If a recording is in progress, you will lose it following this point.

3) Stop the DVD. Exit out of "Play DVD" or "My DVDs". There will be no more unexpected channel change requests.

The problem happens when viewing both real (physical) DVDs as well as DVD images.

Here's my log file following this test. Any assistance you can offer would be most appreciated.

Thank you.

3/18/2007 12:39:46 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:39:46 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:39:46 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:39:47 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:40:53 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)2

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 2
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x2 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:40:53 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)2

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 2
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x2 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:41:04 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:41:04 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed

A most interesting find - this will take some thinking since the event I respond to in the code is for the most part specific to changing channels. I will look into this and see what I can figure out. Thanx for posting this.

Brian

MovieBuff:

bxs122: I've been trying to track down a problem where the DirecTV STB occasionally changes channels unexpectedly during program recording. At first I thought the problem might be IR noise from remotes being used in the MCE room, but thought this a long shot because channel changes during recording need to be manually confirmed.

I think the problem may be with bxsDirecTVSerialControl (Update 02.17.2007). The problem is easily repeatable. Here are the steps:

1) Over a network connection, erase DirecTv.log.

2) Insert a DVD, or click Play DVD or start a DVD via "My DVDS". Set the remote control aside. The DVD will start displaying it's menu.

2) While the menu is displaying, watch the folder containing DirecTv.log (again, via a network connection). In a few moments you will see the DirecTv.log file appear. The log file shows that bxsDirecTVSerialControl is attempting to change the channel to low numbered channels, starting with 1. If you wait long enough, eventually a change to a channel you receive will be sent to the STB and the channel *will* change. If a recording is in progress, you will lose it following this point.

3) Stop the DVD. Exit out of "Play DVD" or "My DVDs". There will be no more unexpected channel change requests.

The problem happens when viewing both real (physical) DVDs as well as DVD images.

Here's my log file following this test. Any assistance you can offer would be most appreciated.

Thank you.

3/18/2007 12:39:46 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:39:46 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:39:46 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:39:47 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:40:53 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)2

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 2
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x2 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:40:53 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)2

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 2
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x2 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:41:04 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed
3/18/2007 12:41:04 PM: MediaStatusChange: (UserXpLib.MEDIASTATUSPROPERTYTAG)MSPROPTAG_TrackNumber=(System.Int32)1

Opening : 4
Port Speed : 115200

Making sure unit is tuned on:
<- 0xFA 0x82
-> 0xF4
Unit is on ... continue with channel change
Changing to channel 1
<- 0xFA 0xA6 0x0 0x1 0xFF 0xFF 0x0
-> 0xF0
Channel successfully changed

Brian:

Thanks for the followup.

If I can be of assistance in running alpha or beta tests, please private message me and I will send you my e-mail address.

Thanks again.

bxs122:

A most interesting find - this will take some thinking since the event I respond to in the code is for the most part specific to changing channels. I will look into this and see what I can figure out. Thanx for posting this.

DirectTV only supports specific models of USB-Serial adaptors, so you must make sure yours is the IOGear GUC232A. I got mine at http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=2066 and had no problems with it.

I am running the D11-100 so I can't speak to issues with the 500. However, the DirecTV installer's guide does not distinguish different D11 models so presumably this means they all work the same.

Can you expand on your IR blaster problem?

seaquest9283:

I have the DirecTV D11-500, i cant seem to be able to get this to work, do i need differnt settings. also every other time or so the MCE computer doesnt see the IR blaster, any thoughts on that. My setup is the null and the iogear. i just bought another iogrear to see if thats the problem. thanks for any help.