Controlling DirecTV Set Top Box (STB) via USB or Serial
How to control DirecTV D11 via USB
The DirecTV D11 Satellite set top box contains a USB port that can be used as a serial port to change channels and perform other tasks on the box. To do this, you need the following cable:
1. USB->Serial Adapter (IOGEAR GUC232A, ATEN UC-232A, BAFO BF-810 are known supported) (usb male to 9 male) 2. 9-pin Null-Modem Adapter (9 female to 9 female) 3. 9 pin serial cable. (9 female to 9 male)
The end result of this is a null modem serial connection between computers. I assume that using two USB->Serial adapters would also work, given that the Null Modem adapter was still used.
I used the BAFO BF-810 adapter (found for $9 online) and a pair of 9pin DSub to RJ45 adapters wired as a crossover serial cable, along with a straight-through ethernet cable.
I started with the directv.pl script used to control the D10 box. I had to change the speed to 115200 from 9600 (contrary to the installers guide which says 9600 or 155200, which must be a typo). I also had to enable hardware flow control in order to get reliable operation.
External Links
- DirecTV D11 Users Manual
- DirecTV D11 Installers Guide (Contains serial command guides)
- DirecTV Serial Control Script