Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian config connection problems

Hi,

I hope you can help with my problems here. I'm connecting a Dell Windows 7 laptop to a (new to me) 861v4 via Startech USB Null Modem cable. I believe the firmware is 4.1

When fetching I get the following message:
Any suggested will be gratefully received.

Thanks,
Simon

Hi,

Try using the Meridian Control Window (the PC application that come with Mconfig), that looks a Meridian remote and controls via RS232).

If that can control your processor and you see feedback messages in the app from the process this would suggest the cabling et al is ok between the PC and the 861. If not the suspect cabling.

Regards,
Carl

Are you using a null modem cable (crossover) as well as the Startech converter which sounds like it already has null modem function built in?

If so, you either need to see of you can disable null modem on Startech unit (I don't know if this is possible) or use a straight cable instead of null modem crossover. Alternatively a second null modem cable or crossover adaptor will sort, albeit intelligently.

Thanks for your replies.

Carl, I will try using the Meridian Control Window when I am next at home and report back.

Ian, no I'm only using just this one device,
Startech 1-Port USB to Null Modem RS232 DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable with FTDI used successfully by Duncs, purchased from the same place.

Thanks again, Simon

Hello again.

I have tested this and yes I can succesfully control the 861 from the computer using the Meridian control window.

Now I am at a point where I need some other suggestions, if anyone else can help?

Simon

To add that with the same laptop and USB null modem cable that I have just connected to my 561, fetched and saved an edited msf file the first time of trying!

What chances that the 861 is faulty?

Thanks, Simon

I have had a serial to USB dongle that worked with a 568.2. But with a HD621 it could be used for MSR commands, but not fetch or store.
Some serial to USB devices are not made equally!!

Update for those with a similar condition - I have experimented with a different laptop and another USB null modem cable, but have exactly the same symptoms. These are not being able to fetch/save from/to the 861v4 from the Meridian Configuration Programme, despite the 861 being identified by the laptop.

Yes I can use the MSR control window and yes the port is configured correctly. I have been at this for many hours now and my wife commented this morning that I must have OCD to waste so much time on it...!

However, there is some light on the horizon. I attempted fetching with the Meridian Legacy Programme, it connected first time! And so after configuring the 861 cards, speakers, sources, etc. I am now ready to start room correction once the cinema seats arrive!

Am I missing anything using the old Legacy software?

Thank you, Simon

The 861v3 used the Legacy setup programme, it was Mconfig for v4 onwards. There's no facility to set up MRC in the Legacy programme (it predates MRC by several years), but if you can get everything else set up that way, then at least you are up and running in the meantime.

What cards are in your v4, and when you put it into standby and press "Display" on the remote, what info appears on the 861 display?

Cheers

George

Hi George. It reads as follows:

"Micro 861 4.1 /4211"

Cards fitted are:
IA00
OA02
IE42
OE12

Hello George.
I have now used the Legacy programme to click through, configure and save a test room correction profile. When launching room correction, I noted the message “product BIOS is Meridian 861, version 2.10” Is this relevant to the problem I’m having?

I still cannot configure, fetch or save via Mconfig.

Thank you for looking. Simon

Does the firmware program work? Has the unit been retyped once yet?