Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Trying to program a HDMAX421

I recently bought a HD421 from that well known auction site to see whether I could add it to my 562V, 518, 565, DSP5000 (Centre, left & right) setup in order to be able to auto-switch the HDMI sources in line with the audio sources... but have failed miserably!

It seems very similar to this HD421 will not switch the 861 thread, except that Monacle is using an 861 as Controller and I'm using a 565. The other difference is that mine always goes to HDMI 4 no matter which source I select (power up defaults to HDMI 1.)

I suppose the big question is: can the HD421 be used in a 500 series system?

If the answer is "no" then we can all skip the rest of this post and get a beer instead! But if the answer is "yes, of course it can be used in a 500 setup" then we can progress.

I have the comms chained like :

565 comms port 1 via 5M ->
DSP5000C then via 5S ->
DSP5000(R) then via 5S ->
DSP5000(L)

565 comms port 2 via 5C ->
518 then via 5C ->
562V then via 5C ->
HD421

So, next question: is this correct?

I have also tried programming it using the "legacy" Configuration program running under Windows 7 Pro(64), using a USB to serial converter and the supplied serial lead. However the control program is unable to do a fetch. Note that at this time it is disconnected from the audio system completely and connected directly to the PC (so, no 500 comms in operation - does this matter? does it need to have a 500 Controller "in circuit" before a fetch will work?. Interestingly although it will not fetch, it will store (or perhaps I should say, the program is telling me that a store was successful!

I have tried the Control Window app (in MSR+ mode) which does appear to be able to connect directly (implying that the cable is OK?) but only ever sets the HDMI to port 4 (manually it works fine).

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions, anyone?

BTW, does the unit have a factory reset?

Cheers

Chris

I briefly had a HD421 in my 500 series-based system and recall programming it with a terminal using basic RS232 codes (found on Meridian's support site). I never used a config program to program it at all. I'm afraid it's been a while and I had it so briefly, I can't recall any other details, but I do remember getting it to work as I wanted with my setup using DIN-based comms.

Hope that helps.

John

I used one for a long time with a 568. So the answer appears to be yes to that part.

Factory reset? Don't think so. You certainly can't type it from the front panel.

So there is hope, then . It's good to know that it can be done. Thanks to you both

Chris

It's not fully clear from your first post what you have and haven't tried so forgive me if this is old news. The process is seemingly obvious when you know the principal but rather counter-intuitive when you don't.

Whilst you might use the Legacy Config for some 500 series kit and older 800 stuff you need to use the newer Meridian Config program for the newer HD421. And in fact checking your original post none of your kit is computer configurable? So you may have no experience of using this either way?

What you'll need to do to get started is select one of the newer processors such as a G68/61 (you can't get beyond the first step without this) and then select the HD421 from the sources list IIRC, if you then right click on the HD421 and go to properties you can define which MSR+ source key is assigned to which HDMI input. you don't need to worry about adding the other connections in as you're, in effect, only creating a config file to load to the HD421, you will however have to add a pair of speakers to move through the set up steps to the end where it lets you "store" the config to the HDMax421. Obviously you'll need to configure your 565 as usual from the front panel to use the same source keys you configured them to in the M-Config program (bearing in mind the different source key labelling between the MSR that the 565 is expecting vs the MSR+ that the M-Config program is ported to. There is a key to this in the wiki but trial and error will get you there if all else fails).

You will need to have a null modem cable, and appropriate USB to RS232 adaptor but if you've been playing with the control window you must have the required connection. Once you've created your config file you'll need to connect to the HD421 and click on the "store to HDMax421" near the end of the set-up routine in the M-Config program.

As always with these things it would be much easier to demonstrate than to describe, I'm happy to try and elucidate or send a few screen shots of the process or even a completed config file if it would help? Send me a PM and I'll help if I can.

Regards and good luck, despite needing to just "get-it" and the way Meridian do things the config program is hugely versatile and relatively simple considering what it can do. Hard work to learn it all just to set up a HDMI switch but hey you'll need it when you, inevitably, upgrade!

Richard

By gad, Sir, I think you've cracked it! I can now program the inputs and use the "connection window" to mimic my MSR+ and switch the inputs around.

Tomorrow I'll connect it up to the rest of the system and see what happens, but it certainly looks exceedingly promising

And you're right about M-Config; it's almost worth getting a G61/68 just so I can play with the program

Many thanks for taking the time to explain it.

And I really should change my username Syltonia Honkong Suzy Wong is in fact our 14 year old Burmese Tortie girl... Miaow!

Tell that to some of the people on this forum today and they just wouldn't believe you. (With apologies to all Monty Python fans currently in mourning!)

Glad to have helped.

Richard

So I finally got around to connecting the HD421 to my system, using 5C cables daisy-chained from 565 (port 2) -> 518 -> 562 -> HD421. Unfortunately this hangs the system completely! If I unplug the HD421, control returns to normal.

Is there anything wrong with my connections?

I think I already said that the other chain is 565 (port 1) -5M-> 5000C -5S-> 5000(right) -5S-> 5000(left).


I haven't got any further coz I need to borrow a laptop in order to run M-config "in situ" (Up to now, I had been using my desktop in the study to load the config file into the HD421).

Is there anything obvious that I've missed?

Crikey not a good time to ask difficult questions but it always happens to me at this time of night too! I'm a bit tired so good ideas are short supply. I would try swapping the comms around, not many alternative chains but may be worth a go?

If you haven't the first thing is put the system in standby and press clear on the MSR to establish controller in the system. That might help.

Need some sleep I'm afraid but I'll give it some thought. Are all the comms leads good, no loose connections they're all proper Meridian c5 leads?

Good luck

Richard

Try plugging the HD421 comms into the 565 and as Richard said, make sure you define controller.
Just a thought as I had to do this with my MC200. It was important for proper operation.
Chris

What you mean with "hang-up"- does all equipment go out of standby and after that there is no reaction or does it wake up at all(not go out of standby)?
In standby (and HD421 connected) press clear on the MSR for 1-2 seconds >>report what the display(s) shows.
In standby press display on MSR >>which equipment react ?
The inputs of the HD421 are factory set(but can be changed with Mconfig) refer to this manual.

So when you unplug the C-lead at the HDMAX421 the controls,
are working correct and connect the c-lead "hangs-up"?
Is that correct ?

If so make that:
1)Try the clear procedure and check the correct diplay on your G65 as "controler" and all other equipment as "N.controller".
2)If that worked, try if all is working now.
3)Is there no correct display or function,disconnect the c-lead
to your HD421 at BOTH ends.
4)Repeat steps 1) and 2)
5)Is all is correct now, exchenge the removed C-lead from the 421 with the c-lead that is connected on your 565.
6)Repeat steps 1) and 2)
7)Is its not correct now, the C-lead is faulty.
8)if its correct, then disconnect the end of the c-lead opposite to the 565 (518 com input follow your post) and connect that end in the HD421.
9)Repeat steps 1) and 2)
10)If its not correct- i have to think over
11)If its correct-just try to add the other equipment.
I dont think some order is necessary with a C-lead, but you never know..

Robert
If so, after maked the "clear procedure",
-make that:

HURRAH!



That seems to have done the trick, the controller was the 5000C speaker, but after a few "clears", the controller is now the 565 and the system no longer hangs, and the HDMI now switches with the MSR+. Even the family are impressed!

I'll let it run for a couple of days before finally removing the Oppo switcher. But so far so good!

Many, many thanks to everybody for your help.