Keyspan USA 28XG RS422 Adapter Not Communicating?

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Keyspan USA 28XG RS422 Adapter Not Communicating?

I'm trying to install a Keyspan USA 28XG USB-to-RS422 adapter on a G5 Quad FCP 6.0.4 system, and cannot get it to communicate with a PVW-2800, DSR-1600, or DSR-45. I have followed all installation instructions, used newest v2.5 driver, confirmed ports in the Keyspan Serial Assistant application, and spent 40 minutes on the phone with Keyspan tech support personnel who had never heard of Final Cut Pro (I had to spell it). Their bottom line was basically "it's not us, it's them", suggesting I contact the software manufacturer for support, "if they are still in business." I've searched these boards, and haven't found anything specific enough to help. Anyone using one of these? Brian Conner? Zeb?

Thanks guys,
tim

Mac Pro 8-core, Mac OS X (10.5.4), 8 GB; FCP 6.0.4; AJA Kona LHe; Ciprico MV4210 5TB; G5 Quad, Mac OS X 10.5.4

Posted on Oct 1, 2008 9:05 AM

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Answer 1

ADCNR_Tim Author

Level 2

460 points

Oct 6, 2008 8:02 AM in response to ADCNR_Tim

I know someone's using one of these?

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Answer 2

Oct 6, 2008 8:50 AM in response to ADCNR_Tim

You'd need to find another device besides stuff form Sony to determine whether the Keyspan is at fault.
I stopped using Keyspan products in System 9 on the old blue and white original G3s. The Keyspan StealthPorts simply stopped working. The G4 version of the unit was s total waste of money.

bogiesan

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Answer 3

ADCNR_Tim Author

Level 2

460 points

Oct 6, 2008 9:19 AM in response to David Bogie Chq-1

Thanks for the input, Bogie. Unfortunately I don't have a non-Sony deck, although I've also tried it on my Mac Pro 10.5.5 to no avail.

tim

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Answer 4

Oct 6, 2008 10:29 AM in response to ADCNR_Tim

Sure it's working fine for me (10.5.5)
- Connect the keyspan to a USB Port and connect your serial cable to Keyspan port 1.
- install the driver (that's it : don't open Keyspan serial assistant.
- connect the VCR and put it on remote
- Go to FCP menu (the first menu) - Audio/video settings - Device control presets
- Duplicate any settings and rename it "422 Sony" for example
- Go to "edit" button below
- In protocol : set Sony RS-422
- Audio mapping : 2 channel
- Time source : LTC
- Port : Keyserial1
- Frame rate : yours (its 25 pal for me)
Hope this'll help otherwise contact me at tqh@wanadoo.fr. Since I'm in Paris, France my day is off.now.

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Answer 5

Oct 6, 2008 10:33 AM in response to Hung Ton Quoc

Hung, great post, thorough, informative, concise. Thanks for your addition to the discussion, hope it helps.

bogiesan

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Answer 6

ADCNR_Tim Author

Level 2

460 points

Oct 6, 2008 11:48 AM in response to Hung Ton Quoc

Hung Ton Quoc wrote:
Sure it's working fine for me (10.5.5)
- Connect the keyspan to a USB Port and connect your serial cable to Keyspan port 1.
- install the driver (that's it : don't open Keyspan serial assistant.

I followed the instructions which said to install the driver first, then connect the adapter. I have now uninstalled the driver, rebooted, and followed your steps, but I still have no communication. I'm about ready to throw it away!

Keyspan Driver v2.5

In the preset, I have:
*Protocol: Sony RS-422*
*Audio Mapping: 2-Channels*
*Time Source: LTC*
*Port: KeySerial1*
*Frame Rate: 29.97*
*Default Timecode: Drop-Frame*

I've also tried *Use Deck Search Mechanism* checked and unchecked.

Thanks for your help. I don't know what else there is to do other than what you said. I'm going to verify the pin-out on the 8-pin to 9-pin cable, but it is a brand new Pipeline Digital CM9 cable which is supposed to work. I wish I had a way to verify communication on the Keyspan ports, other than FCP.

tim

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Answer 7

Oct 6, 2008 12:24 PM in response to ADCNR_Tim

I have a usb-serial adaptor floating around someplace but haven't had to use it in years. Why do I think that you need to check the usb and serial settings in the system profiler to make sure you've installed the drivers/software correctly? Worth a shot. I'm pretty sure it's a keyspan problem not a fcp problem. Do you have the cable connected directly to a usb port on the mac (not on a hub)?

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Answer 8

ADCNR_Tim Author

Level 2

460 points

Oct 6, 2008 1:35 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

Michael Grenadier wrote:
Why do I think that you need to check the usb and serial settings in the system profiler to make sure you've installed the drivers/software correctly? Worth a shot.

It is. But that suggestion made me try swapping from a back port to a front port. No change though.

I'm pretty sure it's a keyspan problem not a fcp problem.

I'm inclined to agree. I tried installing it on my Mac Pro, which has no problem with RS-422 through the Kona, and no luck.

Do you have the cable connected directly to a usb port on the mac (not on a hub)?

No hub. Thanks for the suggestions though. It's very much appreciated.

tim

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Answer 9

Oct 7, 2008 12:19 AM in response to ADCNR_Tim

Stupid question but :

When edit to tape or log and capture : did you select "device control : 422 Sony" ? (in Capture settings window)
Are your VCR on "remote" position ?

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Answer 10

ADCNR_Tim Author

Level 2

460 points

Oct 7, 2008 6:35 AM in response to Hung Ton Quoc

Hung Ton Quoc wrote:
Stupid question but :

When edit to tape or log and capture : did you select "device control : 422 Sony" ? (in Capture settings window)
Are your VCR on "remote" position ?

Yes, and Yes. There aren't stupid questions. 🙂

I did, however, forget to bring my multimeter to the office so I could check the mini DIN-8 to DB9 cable pinouts. I really don't think the cable is the problem, since it is known to be compatible.

tim

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Answer 11

ADCNR_Tim Author

Level 2

460 points

Oct 8, 2008 2:40 PM in response to ADCNR_Tim

Well, I just can't figure this thing out. Keyspan (Tripplite) seems to be satisfied that the adapter is working fine. I think I may just return it, and get a Kona LSe instead. It seems that these adapters haven't really worked on systems after OS X came out. Our graphics guy agrees with David Bogie on that one.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

tim

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