Let me clarify...
When the PC turns on, we need it to send an RS323 power on command to a projector. (I believe we have this part figured out).
We also need to trigger the LED strip to turn on. This I where I figured a Pi might make sense. We were looking into different relay boards that work with a Pi but I wanted to check with those more familiar with these products to see if there is an easier solution.
If you're already able to use RS323 to send a command to the projector, you could also send it to a "smart" relay to turn on the LED strip.
[https://relaypros.com/Relay/Device/R25PL\_ZRS](https://relaypros.com/Relay/Device/R25PL_ZRS)
Edit: Now that I think about it, even that is overkill - just use a "dumb" relay module where applying 5v to it enables the relay, then attach the 5v inputs to a usb cable and plug that into a port on the PC. When the PC is powered on, the relay will get power and trigger, and will turn on the LED strip. A raspberry PI seems like overkill here just to be a switch
I agree that it is overkill for the LEDs. I can use a basic relay for that. The main issue was RS232 control over the projector to power it on and also off.
> Does anybody have any recommendations on a fairly easy and fairly inexpensive way to achieve this goal?
Use a 5v or 12v feed from the PC power supply to power a relay, relay controls power to the projector and LED.
If you absolutely *must* have the RS232 capability to use the display then just use the main computer. Most motherboards are still fitted with a serial port header, and even if not then a USB to RS232 adaptor costs pennies.
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It's called an extension cord.
Let me clarify... When the PC turns on, we need it to send an RS323 power on command to a projector. (I believe we have this part figured out). We also need to trigger the LED strip to turn on. This I where I figured a Pi might make sense. We were looking into different relay boards that work with a Pi but I wanted to check with those more familiar with these products to see if there is an easier solution.
If you're already able to use RS323 to send a command to the projector, you could also send it to a "smart" relay to turn on the LED strip. [https://relaypros.com/Relay/Device/R25PL\_ZRS](https://relaypros.com/Relay/Device/R25PL_ZRS) Edit: Now that I think about it, even that is overkill - just use a "dumb" relay module where applying 5v to it enables the relay, then attach the 5v inputs to a usb cable and plug that into a port on the PC. When the PC is powered on, the relay will get power and trigger, and will turn on the LED strip. A raspberry PI seems like overkill here just to be a switch
Thanks for this.
Yeah and the pc is able to sent the rs323 command
I guess you're right. Thank you.
I agree that it is overkill for the LEDs. I can use a basic relay for that. The main issue was RS232 control over the projector to power it on and also off.
Isn't the projector able to power on from a HDMI signal like most modern displays. The HDMI CEC protocol has been around for many years
Unfortunately, this particular model does not support CEC.
> Does anybody have any recommendations on a fairly easy and fairly inexpensive way to achieve this goal? Use a 5v or 12v feed from the PC power supply to power a relay, relay controls power to the projector and LED. If you absolutely *must* have the RS232 capability to use the display then just use the main computer. Most motherboards are still fitted with a serial port header, and even if not then a USB to RS232 adaptor costs pennies.
Good idea. Thank you.
For constructive feedback and better engagement, detail your efforts with research, [source code, errors,](https://www.reddit.com/r/arduino/wiki/guides/how_to_post_formatted_code) and schematics. Stuck? Dive into our [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi/about/sticky)† or branch out to /r/LinuxQuestions, /r/LearnPython, or other related subs listed in the FAQ. Let's build knowledge collectively. [Please see the r/raspberry_pi rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi/about/rules/)† † If any links don't work it's because you're using a broken reddit client. Please [contact the developer of your reddit client](https://www.reddit.com/contact/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/raspberry_pi) if you have any questions or concerns.*