# Sony RCP-TX7 Remote Control Panel

## Summary

The Sony RCP-TX7 is a larger remote control panel for Sony DXC-D30/D30P and
DXC-637 series camera systems. It can connect through CCU-TX7/TX7P systems, and
some later CCU-D50 workflows support it in TX7 mode.

Primary operating manual:
<https://pro.sony/s3/cms-static-content/operation-manual/3859859131.pdf>

ManualsLib mirror:
<https://www.manualslib.com/manual/800089/Sony-Rcp-Tx7.html>

## Known Specifications

From the RCP-TX7 operating instructions and related Sony catalog material:

- Power requirements: 10 V to 17 V DC, supplied from the camera or CCU.
- Power consumption: 4.0 W.
- Connector: circular 10-pin CCU/camera connector.
- Cable: CCA-7 10-pin remote cable.
- Maximum cable length: 50 m with CCA-7 cable.
- Data transfer: new protocol complying with RS-232C.
- Supplied accessories: number plates, screws, washers, cable, operating
  instructions.
- Dimensions vary slightly by source:
  - Operating manual text: 100 x 300 x 50 mm.
  - CCU-TX7P/other catalog-style references: 100 x 330 x 70 mm.
  - Treat dimensions as source-dependent until measured.
- Weight:
  - Operating manual text: about 1.1 kg.
  - Some catalog references: about 1.5 kg.

## Supported Systems

Confirmed in the operating manual:

- DXC-D30/D30P.
- DXC-637 series.
- CCU-TX7/TX7P with CA-TX7/TX7P and compatible camera head.
- Direct connection to DXC-D30/D30P when docked with CA-537/537P or VCR.

Related Sony material also ties RCP-TX7 to:

- CCU-D50 in TX7 mode.
- DXC-D35/D50/D55 series, depending on CCU/camera mode and exact system.

## Main Features

The RCP-TX7 operating manual describes:

- High-speed and high-precision remote command transfer.
- Direct camera-head or CCU connection.
- LCD status/menu display.
- Full camera adjustment and paint controls.
- Lens focus/zoom and tripod pan/tilt control support where compatible.
- Scene file memory for 16 shooting conditions.
- Setup file support for DXC-D30/D30P.
- Multi-camera coordination through command link when CCUs are connected.
- Operation locking modes: `FULL`, `PAINT`, `IRIS/M.BLACK`, and `LOCK`.
- Master/slave operation in multi-camera systems.
- Camera power, bars, auto setup, monitor select, gain, shutter, knee, gamma,
  detail, iris, master black, white/black balance, flare, matrix, shading, and
  diagnostic menu controls.

## Manual Contents

The official operating instructions contain:

- Overview.
- Location and function of parts.
- Operation panel and connector.
- Main operation section.
- Menu operation/setting display section.
- Paint section and CALL button.
- Menu operations.
- Menu contents.
- File operations.
- Scene files.
- Setup files for DXC-D30/D30P.
- Skin detail and skin matrix adjustment.
- Multi-camera control.
- Specifications.

## Service Manual Leads

The local manuals folder now includes a downloaded RCP-TX7 service manual:

- [docs/manuals/0a9f4a.pdf](manuals/0a9f4a.pdf) - ManualsLib-rendered
  22-page service manual from manual 3317117.

ManualsLib also links that service manual as an "Also See" item from the
operating manual page:

<https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3317117/Sony-Rcp-Tx7.html>

Several manual sellers list `RCP-TX7 Volume 2` separately and describe it as a
schematic/circuit-diagram volume:

- <https://www.owner-manuals.com/RCPTX7VOLUME2-service-manual-SONY.html>
- <https://www.manuals-in-pdf.com/download-RCPTX7VOLUME2-SONY-p-1426169.html>
- <https://pdf-manuals.ru/sony/rcp_tx7_volume_2_manuals.html>

For board-level repair, Volume 2 is likely still important because it is
repeatedly described as containing circuit diagrams/schemas and parts catalog
data, and it is not present in the current local PDF set.

## Connector and Protocol Notes

The RCP-TX7 has a 10-pin CCU/camera connector. The operating manual states that
power supply and signal exchange are both carried through this connector.

The RCP-TX7 specification says data transfer uses a new protocol complying with
RS-232C. The DXC-D30 material similarly says the 10-pin remote connector for
RM-M7G/RCP-TX7 is designed according to RS-232C and can be controlled from a PC
with the proper Sony protocol.

Practical implication:

- Do not assume generic RS-232 command syntax.
- Verify voltage levels and pinout from service manuals before wiring adapters.
- Expect a proprietary Sony command protocol above the serial layer.

### 10-Pin Connector Pinout

The RCP-TX7 service manual and CCU-TX7 service manuals give enough information
to build a working restoration pinout. The RCP-TX7 connector is a 10-pin male
`REMOTE` / `CCU/camera` connector. Its mating connector is listed as Sony
`1-566-437-11` 10-pin female, equivalent to a Hirose `HR10A-10P-10S` assembly.

| Pin | Signal | Direction / purpose | Notes |
| ---: | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Spare | unused | No function shown. |
| 2 | VBS X | CCU/camera to RCP | Composite video, 1.0 Vp-p, sync negative. |
| 3 | VBS G | video ground | Ground/reference for pin 2. |
| 4 | S.DATA | RCP to CCU/camera | RS-232C-based serial data, 38,400 bps in CCU-D50/TX7 notes. |
| 5 | S.DATA GND | serial/data ground | One of two data grounds. |
| 6 | S.DATA GND | serial/data ground | Second data ground. |
| 7 | S.DATA | CCU/camera to RCP | RS-232C-based serial data, 38,400 bps in CCU-D50/TX7 notes. |
| 8 | Spare | unused | No function shown. |
| 9 | Power ground | DC return | Ground for the +12.5 V remote power feed. |
| 10 | Power input | DC input to RCP | Nominal +12.5 V DC; documented range 10.6 V to 17.0 V. |

The CCU-TX7 service manual describes the CCU-side direction as pin 4
`RCP -> CCU` and pin 7 `CCU -> RCP`. On the RCP service manual side, the same
two conductors are seen from the opposite end of the cable.

Pins 2 and 3 are composite video, not serial. Some CCU-TX7 notes say the remote
video output on those pins applies to later serial-number units only.

### Cable and Power Notes

- Intended cable family: CCA-7, with CCA-7-5 supplied in some RCP-TX7 systems.
- Maximum length: 50 m.
- RCP power is supplied through the connector, not by a local power supply.
- Operating manual power consumption is 4.0 W. Treat OCR readings of `40 W` as
  a decimal-loss error unless confirmed from the original page image.
- Use shielded cable and preserve strain relief; the manuals explicitly call
  for shielded interface cables and warn against tight bends behind the panel.

### Protocol Notes

The manuals repeatedly describe the link as RS-232C-compliant or based on
RS-232C, but Sony protocol is still required. The DXC-D30 manual says a PC can
control the camera through the 10-pin remote connector only with the proper Sony
protocol. For restoration, first verify power and continuity, then scope pins 4
and 7 with high impedance before attaching any serial adapter.

## Repair Notes

Good first checks for a non-working RCP-TX7:

- Confirm 10 V to 17 V supply on the 10-pin remote cable.
- Confirm polarity before applying power: pin 10 is positive and pin 9 is DC
  return.
- Confirm pins 4 and 7 idle/transition as serial data before attempting to
  decode commands.
- Inspect the circular 10-pin connector and cable.
- Confirm the CCU/camera is in a mode that accepts RCP-TX7 control.
- On CCU-D50, verify whether the system should be in `TX7 mode`, not `M5A mode`.
- On CCU-D50 in TX7 mode, verify the remote/local priority switch: remote
  priority is needed for a device on the rear-panel REMOTE connector to take
  control.
- On CCU-D50, set `RCP RATE` to `38400`; the manual says RCP-D50/D51/TX7 will
  not connect with the wrong rate.
- Check operation lock mode; in `LOCK`, most controls are intentionally disabled.
- If using CCU-TX7 with COU-TX7 installed, confirm panel/remote/local control
  selection.
