Serial Ports
jimmyw
Posts: 112
in AMX Hardware
I have a question, we normally use ~20 serial ports in a house, is this about average for most dealers? We used to use a lot more, but IP is replacing serial left and right. Thoughts?
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The reason I prefer 232 over IP for most devices is the fact that I only have to worry about the device I am controlling, the processor and the wire connecting the two. I don't need to worry about IP address changes, switches breaking, network traffic causing problems, maintaining a connection,...
The reason I prefer IR on simple devices is because that is what is most commonly used to control the device. If there is a problem with IR control on a cable box, millions of people will call and complain. If there is a problem in the 232 or IP protocol, hundreds of people might call
The reason I prefer Relays on simply things like open/close is that it is simple to troubleshoot.
I hope that helps you answer the real question, but if you want a number, we average around 10 serial devices.
Jeff
We find that 80% or so of the whole house systems done with our software (usually from 6 to 24 rooms, maybe 10 sources, audio and video distribution, a couple theater/avr's, HVAC, security...) can be done with the 7 serial connections on a 3100.