[mythtv-users] Serial control of RCA DirecTV box -- should I bother?

[Rich West]

Brian Walter wrote:
> H P Ladds wrote:
>   
>> Thanks to both Brian and Rich,
>>
>> I need to clarify one point: My DirecTV box (RCA DRD523RB) has a nine
>> pin serial port connection labeled "SLOW SPEED DATA." The port is not
>> an RJ*, but an actual nine pin connection.
>>
>> I'm using a store bought nine pin to nine pin cable to connect puter
>> to DirecTV box. I'm assuming that the cable is a null modem cable, but
>> I bought the cable (as an impulse purchase) months ago while shopping
>> a Radio Shack. The packaging is long gone.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>   
>>     
> If you don't get any response from the box via the directv.pl script, ya 
> might wanna consider a null modem adapter, just to be sure....
>
> So you currently have serial-serial.  Have you tried the directv.pl 
> script? Just to see? 

I found the manual on line..
http://www.directv.com/learn/pdf/System_Manuals/RCA/RCA_DRD523RB.pdf

The manual refers to it as a "Home Control" interface.  Kinda weird, 
actually.  However, I think you do need a null modem for it to work with 
the directv.pl script.

-Rich