# Research Notes

## What Is Well Established

- RM-M7G has a 41-page service manual available publicly through ManualsLib.
- RCP-TX7 has an official Sony 28-page operating manual PDF.
- RCP-TX7 has at least one 22-page service manual listing on ManualsLib.
- RCP-TX7 Volume 2 is probably the schematic/circuit volume and appears mostly
  on paid/manual mirror sites.
- Both devices use Sony's 10-pin remote ecosystem through CCA-7 cables.
- RCP-TX7 uses a data protocol described as RS-232C-compliant/new protocol.
- DXC-D30 material confirms that PC control is possible only with proper Sony
  protocol.

## What Is Not Yet Confirmed

- Exact command protocol framing, baud rate, checksums, and command table.
- Exact RCP-TX7 schematic availability from free public sources.
- Whether the RCP-TX7 ManualsLib 22-page service manual includes only service
  notes or also board-level diagrams.
- Whether all CCA-7 cables are fully straight-through for every pin in every
  system, although related service documentation strongly suggests this cable
  family is the correct interconnect.
- Exact differences between RM-M7G and RM-M7GP.
- Exact dimensional/weight discrepancy for RCP-TX7 between operating manual and
  catalog-style references.

## Suggested Next Steps

1. Save local PDFs for the official Sony manuals and service-manual pages if
   licensing/usage allows.
2. Obtain the RCP-TX7 service manual and Volume 2 schematic manual.
3. Extract the 10-pin remote pinout from:
   - RM-M7G service manual.
   - RCP-TX7 service manual.
   - CCU-TX7 service manual.
   - CCU-D50 service manual, if available.
4. Compare pin names across devices and create a normalized pinout table.
5. Check whether serial lines are true RS-232 voltage levels or TTL-level serial
   with RS-232-style framing on any particular device.
6. Use a passive serial analyzer or high-impedance oscilloscope probes on a
   known-working camera/remote combination before attempting custom control.
7. Document observed packets, timing, and state transitions in a future
   `docs/protocol/` folder.

## Practical Reverse-Engineering Cautions

- The remote connector carries both power and data, so a wiring mistake can
  damage the remote, camera, or CCU.
- Sony uses the phrase RS-232C in several documents, but that does not guarantee
  standard DB-9 pinout, command language, or safe direct wiring to a PC serial
  port.
- Some connected cameras disable local controls while RM-M7G/RCP-TX7 is present.
  That can look like a fault if the control handoff behavior is not expected.
- CCU modes matter. CCU-D50 can operate in M5A mode or TX7 mode, and the wrong
  mode can make a good panel appear nonfunctional.

## Sparse Forum Trail

Searches for exact forum-style discussions around `RM-M7G` and `RCP-TX7` found
mostly manual mirrors, reseller listings, and camera/CCU manuals. There does not
appear to be a rich public repair-forum trail for these exact units. The best
available repair information is in the service manuals and related CCU manuals.