I realize there are probably hundreds of threads on issues with deck control but I thought a new thread might be needed given software changes over the years.

I'm working on a MC Symphony option (PC) v8.4.2 running on an HP xw8600 and an Avid Nitris DX. This system has worked flawlessly over the years and I've captured and mastered from it numerious times. However, in recent years it hasn't had to do much tape capture or mastering as most all media comes and goes in digitial file form.

I'm trying to digitize some old BetaSP tapes using a Sony PVW-2650 deck. I have things wired up (component/XLR stereo) and I have incoming picture and sound. For deck control, I used to have a special serial cable wired for RS232 (PC) to RS422 (deck) control. However, I have since misplaced that cable. Instead, I have a dataMate DM7015 adapter which I thought would do the trick using a couple of serial cables betwen the adapter and the devices (PC & deck). Given that the adapter to deck requires a serial cable with 2 male ends (which I don't have), I'm using a male-to-male adapter between the dataMate and the cable to the deck allowing the system to be wired up. I've tried various configurations of wiring but the attached picture below is the one that gives me power and data lights on the adapter.

I checked the deck for it's local/remote protocol setting and it doesn't really matter what it's set to (1, 2 or 3) since all options retain the remote RS422 port live and active. The main difference in setting on this deck is whether buttons on the front are disabled or enabled depending on the remote/local switch setting. I also checked my workstation for its sole COM1 port settings and it is active and without conflict. The fact that the dataMate receives power from the COM1 port should be an indication that the computer is working as it should. While I don't believe it is necessary, I also changed the baud rate on the port to 38400 (from 9600). The rest of the port is at it's default of 8 data bits, no parity (none), 1 stop bit and no flow control (none).

I configured the port and deck solely in the Deck control settings in MC and made sure that the Communication (Serial) Port settings was set to none. Controller Settings (ProTools and similar) are also set to no controller and no port. I added the Direct channel and deck manually but also allowed the system to auto configure it. No matter what I tried, no dice. However, I did notice the data light on the dataMate blinking when I would do a Check Decks in the Capture tool. It appears as though the computer and deck are talking to each other but simply not speaking the same language. Naturally, I made sure that the deck remote/local switch was set to remote.

My first instinct tells me that i have a serial cable problem. I'm assuming that standard serial cables can be used with the dataMate adapter but I may well be wrong and that the adapter is also intended to be used with custom wired serial cables. I don't feel that there is any issue with the serial port on the PC as I've used it many times over the years with all sorts of decks. The onyl difference today would be that the system is runnign W10 rather than W7 as it was in the past. Shouldn't matter (famous last words). I also don't feel there is an issue with the deck serial port but can't be sure. I'd need another deck and another cable (custom cable without adapter as I used to have?) to test that hypothesis.

Any feeback or insight is much appreciated.

Thanks, David

I should add that I found a thread with the following 232-422 cable wiring but I assume that this is how the Avid wants a single serial cable to be wired without the dataMate (Rosetta Stone type) adapter in order to have deck control.

David

As far as I know, the rs422 side of the addenda rosetta stone adapter, that what it is called, should be a 1 to 1 male male d9 cable.

So pin 1  to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, etc.... until 9 to 9. Following Sony's rs422 standard. All 9 oins used.

The rs232 side I'm not sure, but it is either a nul-modem cable, pin 2 to 3 and pin 3 to 2 plus ground or a straight thru cable 2 to 2 and 3 to 3 plus ground. I have several and can check later this weekend if needed. 

I was having trouble logging in here but it's working now. But yes, the rs422 side needs a proper rs422 cable, which it kinda looks like you have in that black cable coming off the turnaround. And I'd try to reduce adapters in the chain. I'm in the middle of a big tape capture and I had to dust off the cob webs to remember how. What would have changed in your system since you did it last? I probably had this issue 20 years ago, but I don't recall the specifics. Heck,

I have all formats of decks I was thinking if starting a service bueru for ingesting footage.

Thanks for your replies gentlemen.

I'm hoping to have the problem solved as I just borrowed a known working cable. It uses the same dataMate adapter as mine but has a short serial cable between the PC and adapter and a long cable between the adapter and deck. These two cables are "custom" as the 422 side is male-male to plug in to the female ends of the deck and adapter. The PC side is likely just a standard male-female 232 off the shelf cable.

Given your comments, I suspect that the issue with my cables was the 422 cable side which was likely missing. I was just using standard 232 cables (from a huge box of assorted cables) assuming the adapter was doing the magic but of the 422 side needs a 422 wired serial cable, then that's probably the issue.

Curious because the adapter suggested data was flowing but probably lost in translation. I'll test this cable set I have and fingers crossed, all will be well.

If all works, I can just order a 422 serial cable and I should be good to go using my own adapters. In the past I never had this issue as I used a custom wired 232-422 cable which has no adapters. That's the cable I unfortunately lost. Of course, once I order the 422 cable to use with the adapter, I'll likely find the custom Avid-Deck cable... :)

David

Yup,

problem solved. The cable and adapter I borrowed work as expected. It looks like the set below.

It must be the RS422 cable end but I haven't tested that by swapping in my own adapter and 232 cable from the PC end. If that also works then I just need to pickup a male-male 422 cable.

Hoping this thread might help others (or even myself in the future!), I'm going to attach some drawings I downloaded from the net. It sheds some more light on the issue.

Thanks again!

David