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