RS422 connection for Mojo DX

[Jon Zanone]

You’ll probably need to get a Rosetta Stone to convert the RS-422 to a serial port on your PC. I think Keyspan still sells a USB version (I used to use one on my Mac…)

Jon

“Jamming our heads full of figures and angles
And telling us stuff that we already know”

Willie The Wandering Gypsy & Me
Billy Joe Shaver

[Koji Hayasaki]

Thanks Jon

I tried RS232-RS422 cable and hooked it to MOJODx and HD Connect.
It didn’t work. Then I tried with my PC port and the HD-Connect.
Now I have deck control and was able to batch capture.

I thought I was supposed to connect the cable with the MOJO DX. Then what the RS 422 connector on MojoDX is for??

[Bob Zelin]

It makes me vomit that AVID does not make it explicitly clear what you need for RS422 VTR control on their own website. Every other company that makes capture products (AJA, Blackmagic, MOTU, and Matrox) include RS422 control, but AVID, who charges more than anyone else, makes this an “extra”, and doesn’t even tell you what to do on their website.

You have not specified if you are on a PC or a MAC. IF you are on a PC, you need an Addenda Electronics RS 2/8 RS232 to RS422 adaptor. This comes with all the cables you need, and is about $98 US. This product plugs into the 9 pin COMM (serial) port on your HP PC.

If you have a MAC, it becomes more confusing. AVID keeps everything a secret. For years, AVID specified the Keyspan Dual Serial Adaptor model # USA-28X. However, this product is no longer readily available, and the drivers don’t correspond to modern OS-X 10.5x formats on the Tripplite website (Tripplite now owns keyspan).
I believe that the current product for the MAC is the Keyspan
USA-19HS. This is a USB to 8 pin serial adaptor, however, it has a 9 pin male connector, and does not come with any additional cabling. You will need a 9 pin female to male cable – and this is an “older style” pin for pin 9 pin extention cable. This means that none of the pins are crossed(like in an RS232 cable which has transmit and receive reversed). You just need a straight thru extention cable.
These used to be very common, but since no one uses COMM ports these days on PC’s, they have become scarce. They are readily available from mail order companies on the internet, but not in your local store.

Why does AVID keep this a secret. Why is this information not readily available on their website or knowlegebase ?

Bob Zelin

[Kris Anderson]

Bob is correct. I have the 19HS adapter. I have a short 9pin cable that goes to a small RS232 to RS422 converter and then another 9 pin cable to the deck. It’s really annoying when I have the Kona 3 BOB racked up under the Avid DX and the 9 pin connection on the AJA is staring at me all day…. laughing.

[Mike Most — account bouncing, bad address]

The RS422 port on the Kona 3 can be used with Avid and works just fine. In fact, that’s exactly how I set up two systems.

[Kris Anderson]

I had no idea you could do that. That’s good to know. Unfortunately, with the DX card, the Fiber card and the local Raid card I have no room on this machine for the Kona. Will keep it in mind for the others though!

[Steve Harley]

Quick question:

I believe Bob indicated that MACs only needed a USA-19HS and a “straight through” female-to-male extension cable.

While Kris indicated the use of a 19HS — connected to a small RS232 to RS422 converter (Addenda RS2/8 ???) — and then another 9 pin cable to the deck.

Which one of these is correct?
Or are they both correct?
In which case, what circumstances would require the use of 232 to 422 adapter?
And, if an adapter is sometimes necessary, would the Addenda RS 2/8 be appropriate?

[Steve Harley]

Kris,

Would you mind commenting on my last post?

I’m a bit confused about the necessity of the RS232 to RS422 converter with the 19HS adapter.

Thanks very much.

[Adam Laufersweiler]

Here is the Avid KB technote describing which adapters and cables you need depending on your Editor and OS version.

https://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=273699

[Steve Harley]

Thanks Adam.