Generic serial control question

[DanTron 2]

I'd like to send some basic strings of text out a serial COM port on my Windows PC running Kodi/CinemaVision.  I just want to control lights etc using my own automation solution rather than any store bought ones.  i.e. an old AMX controller.  What would be the easiest way to accomplish this?  Thanks!

[Ragnarok 198]

14 hours ago, DanTron said:

I'd like to send some basic strings of text out a serial COM port on my Windows PC running Kodi/CinemaVision.  I just want to control lights etc using my own automation solution rather than any store bought ones.  i.e. an old AMX controller.  What would be the easiest way to accomplish this?  Thanks!

Hey there! So I'm guessing you have an Arduino or a similar device controlling your lights. I think that the best way to do what you're asking is via Python. I found this article outlining how to talk to an Arduino over a serial interface that might be helpful. It is a little bit convoluted, but you can execute Python scripts, and even executables using Action Files. If you have an application on your computer that can successfully talk to your devices, and can interface with that application via a script or command line, you should be golden.

Hopefully that helps. Let me know how you work it out!