linux rs-232 button interface

pandersson61 · 10-12-2006, 12:00 PM

Hi,
I am building a new htpc out of an old dvd player. I have connected the buttons on the front of the dvd player to an rs-232/serial port on the computer (using these schematics: http://www.modasylum.com/content.php...ERFACE&page=2). Basically what the the interface does is to connect the CD DSR CTS RI pins to the DTR pin in different combinations. Thus allowing 15 buttons to be connected to the serial port.

Does anyone of you guys know of any software able to handle this or any similar device?
Apparently lirc doesn't work. I have tried googling for a couple of hours but have found nothing.

Thanks

/Peter

macemoneta · 10-13-2006, 11:19 AM

You'll probably need to roll your own. It's not that difficult. For example:

Code:

#!/usr/bin/expect
global Port
global Serial
set Serial "/dev/ttyUSB2"
set last "off"

proc cleanup {} {
global Version
global Port
   close $Port
   exit
}
trap cleanup {SIGINT SIGHUP SIGQUIT SIGUSR1 SIGTERM}

proc monitor {} {
global Port
global last
   set DCD [lindex [fconfigure $Port -ttystatus] 7]
   set DCDstate "off"
   if {$DCD == 1} {
      set DCDstate "on"
   }
   if {$DCDstate != $last} {
      catch {exec /usr/local/bin/someprogram &}
      set last $DCDstate
   }
   after 5000 monitor
}

monitor
while {1} {
   after 1000
}

The above will monitor the state of the DCD, and run a program when it changes.

pandersson61 · 10-13-2006, 08:44 PM

Hi!
Thanks for the reply!
I'm not trying to buy you here. But if i were to get you the hardware, could you consider writing the software?
Of course i would design the hardware according to your specifications. But i have no knowledge of programming. I'm not a master designer but i think i could come up with something that would look allright if your're interested. Hopefully other people might be interested in the software/hardware as well.
My brother knows how to write good code, but i have used him too much already. It feels like he has to program every stupid idea i can come up with...

Thanks for the reply!

/Peter

macemoneta · 10-13-2006, 08:55 PM

No thanks. I've retired from that career, after nearly 30 years of it.

This site does have sort of a help wanted section, so feel free to post there if you're looking for someone and are willing to compensate them.