[mythtv-users] Serial port on Motorola DCT2244 cable boxes

[Mark J. Small]

On Friday 14 July 2006 21:48, Go Hskrs wrote:
> I tried to set up serial control of my DCT2244 using several packages,
> including the program in
> /usr/share/doc/mythtv-0.19/contrib/channel_changers/dct-channel,
> but all of them timed out, reporting that the cable box wasn't responding.
> Nothing happened on the cable box.
>
> Having had enough head-on-wall action for one day, I emailed the local
> cableco, to wit:
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: drone <emaildrone at mylocalcablemonopoly.com
> <Collins.R at insightcom.com>> Date: Jul 12, 2006 8:18 AM
> Subject:
> To:
>
>  You wrote:
> > Hello - Would like information on how to get the serial (DATA) port
> >
> > enabled on my Motorola DCT-2244 cable box.  Account number is
> >
> > 123456789-10.  Thanks.
>
> Unfortunately, the serial port is not active as a serial-port on any of the
> DCT-series boxes and there is no way to activate it.  It is our
> understanding that this port is built in by Motorola for diagnostic
> purposes, but has no other function.
>
>
>
> Sorry to be unable to assist you,
>
> -----------
>
>
> I thought I'd read that some MythTVers have gotten their DCT2244 serial
> ports to work, so I'm wondering about authoritative sources to which I can
> point these folks, to let them know they're wrong.  I tried to find a
> Motorola / General Instrument (?) datasheet on this box, but no luck so
> far.
>
> Or is he right, and I'm confused?
>
> I'm probably going to wind up using an IR blaster, because I don't feel
> like fighting my cableco on the serial port issue, but I would like to be
> able to enlighten them so that future customers don't get bad information.
>
> Thanks.  If this is more appropriate for an LIRC mailing list, please point
> me there.

If your cableco won't activate your serial port, then its definitely time to 
use an IR blaster.  I had the same problem.  I've got my IR blasters working 
pretty well now.  If you want some hints, search the archives for my posts.

Mark