Unable to add Arcam AV41 Driver

[Don Cohen]

I'm replacing my Marantz SR7010, where I used an RS-232 Driver, with an Arcam AV41 Processor, with both RS-232 and IP Drivers available. I installed and physically connected it, and my Router shows the unit's IP Address (where I then created an IP reservation). I turned it on, and it sends a signal to my display, so it is working. I downloaded the current Control4 Drivers from Arcam's website, and did a copy/paste of both the AVR41 Serial and IP drivers to the appropriate Drivers Documents folder, to have a look at both.

When I tried to add the driver to my theater room, it starts for a second, then I get this:

Ok, so I thought maybe I needed to do it with SDDP. I used the web interface for the Arcam, and found the setting in the Engineering tab to turn on Control4 SDDP, and have it Send the signal. It then became available as a Discovered Driver. However when I double-click it to add the Driver, I still get the same error message.

I'm sure I'm missing something obvious. I restarted Composer Pro, but no change.

What am I doing wrong?

[chopedogg88]

Reboot your controller 

[Don Cohen]

11 minutes ago, chopedogg88 said:

Reboot your controller 

That did it - rookie mistake!!

Thanks for the incredibly quick response.

SDDP brings in the IP Driver - are there any reasons to use the Serial Driver instead?

[msgreenf]

1 hour ago, Don Cohen said:

That did it - rookie mistake!!

Thanks for the incredibly quick response.

SDDP brings in the IP Driver - are there any reasons to use the Serial Driver instead?

If you didn't have it an IP network onsite. Or couldn't for some reason connect it to the network. 

[BY96]

8 hours ago, Don Cohen said:

I'm replacing my Marantz SR7010, where I used an RS-232 Driver, with an Arcam AV41 Processor, with both RS-232 and IP Drivers available.

FYI - I have an AV40 using C4 and IP and installed the latest firmware (1.60) when it came out from Arcam. However, it created havoc with Control4. It kept turning the display on inappropriately and also had trouble changing inputs. Yet, when I unplugged the LAN cable from the AV40, the problems stopped. I worked with Arcam for weeks and finally downgraded to the prior AV40 firmware (1.54). The problem stopped instantly. Go ahead and try 1.60, but if you have any problems, I can send you the older firmware. 

[Don Cohen]

6 minutes ago, BY96 said:

FYI - I have an AV40 using C4 and IP and installed the latest firmware (1.60) when it came out from Arcam. However, it created havoc with Control4. It kept turning the display on inappropriately and also had trouble changing inputs. Yet, when I unplugged the LAN cable from the AV40, the problems stopped. I worked with Arcam for weeks and finally downgraded to the prior AV40 firmware (1.54). The problem stopped instantly. Go ahead and try 1.60, but if you have any problems, I can send you the older firmware. 

Many thanks for this. I don't recall the firmware number, but it's brand new, and no updates were found, so I'm probably on 1.60. I did start with SDDP/IP before I got the advice about RS-232, but it has been a bit unstable. Sometimes it doesn't turn on with the room.

And weirdly the Arcam Remote's power button has no effect.

Thanks for the offer on the older firmware - I'm not there yet, but may get there if things don't improve.

[BY96]

Just now, Don Cohen said:

Many thanks for this. I don't recall the firmware number, but it's brand new, and no updates were found, so I'm probably on 1.60. I did start with SDDP/IP before I got the advice about RS-232, but it has been a bit unstable. Sometimes it doesn't turn on with the room.

And weirdly the Arcam Remote's power button has no effect.

Thanks for the offer on the older firmware - I'm not there yet, but may get there if things don't improve.

Are you pressing "Amp" on the remote prior to pressing the power button? 

The Arcam isn't great about finding new updates. You really need to do any updates with a USB stick and not online. Arcam recommends using no bigger than an 8GB stick for the update. 

Check your firmware. Your problems could be related to 1.60. 

[Don Cohen]

9 minutes ago, BY96 said:

Are you pressing "Amp" on the remote prior to pressing the power button? 

The Arcam isn't great about finding new updates. You really need to do any updates with a USB stick and not online. Arcam recommends using no bigger than an 8GB stick for the update. 

Check your firmware. Your problems could be related to 1.60. 

I was wondering about that 'Amp' button. I tapped it, and now the Power Button works. A bit odd, but ok.

I am also surprised the web interface isn't accessible when the unit is in Standby. I don't know if this is the firmware version, but it shows Device version: 0.100.1585.0x40bf934. I'm not seeing anything else so far.

How do you like it overall? It's also creating some HDMI headaches with my madVR Envy and JVC NZ9. Completely stable with my prior Marantz SR7010. Still sorting that out...

[Don Cohen]

And further, from the Driver documentation:

. In order to enable standby mode functionality, press the menu key on the front panel
            for more than 4 seconds to bring up the extended front panel menu, and change the standby
            mode to "manual" and Under Menu > HDMI Settings set "HDMI Bypass and IP" to "On".

Weirdly, I was unable to get sound when playing Tidal through my EA-3. It wasn't until I changed that HDMI Bypass and IP setting from On to "Low Power" (whatever that is?!) - then it stared playing just fine.

Hopefully I'll get it all sorted out, but off to a very bumpy start. And then having my brand new ATI AT528NC 8-channel Class D Amp not put out any sound at all was just icing on the cake. It doesn't seem to be fully powering on according to how the manual describes it. Many, what a day!

[BY96]

2 minutes ago, Don Cohen said:

And further, from the Driver documentation:

. In order to enable standby mode functionality, press the menu key on the front panel
            for more than 4 seconds to bring up the extended front panel menu, and change the standby
            mode to "manual" and Under Menu > HDMI Settings set "HDMI Bypass and IP" to "On".

Weirdly, I was unable to get sound when playing Tidal through my EA-3. It wasn't until I changed that HDMI Bypass and IP setting from On to "Low Power" (whatever that is?!) - then it stared playing just fine.

Hopefully I'll get it all sorted out, but off to a very bumpy start. And then having my brand new ATI AT528NC 8-channel Class D Amp not put out any sound at all was just icing on the cake. It doesn't seem to be fully powering on according to how the manual describes it. Many, what a day!

Yes, you need to enable "HDMI Bypass and IP" if you want to do anything over IP (like the web interface) while it is in standby. I can't see how this setting would impact music from your EA-3. For IP use, it needs to be set to "On." That way, Control4 can turn the Arcam on. 

[Don Cohen]

Just now, BY96 said:

Yes, you need to enable "HDMI Bypass and IP" if you want to do anything over IP (like the web interface) while it is in standby. I can't see how this setting would impact music from your EA-3. For IP use, it needs to be set to "On." That way, Control4 can turn the Arcam on. 

I believe you, but that's what I found. I tested Tidal, and got no sound at all until I changed that.

I'm switching to the RS-232 Driver now, and see if that will help this funkiness.

[BY96]

15 minutes ago, Don Cohen said:

How do you like it overall? It's also creating some HDMI headaches with my madVR Envy and JVC NZ9. Completely stable with my prior Marantz SR7010. Still sorting that out...

I love the Arcam. I know people had a lot of problems when the AV40 was released, but most all of the problems have been solved. I don't pass any video through my Arcam now (using a Lumagen), but when I did, I never had a problem. However, HDMI headaches are not uncommon with any device. 

Are you on AVSForums? If not, join that forum for the Arcam thread. It is very helpful for problem solving. 

[Don Cohen]

Just now, BY96 said:

I love the Arcam. I know people had a lot of problems when the AV40 was released, but most all of the problems have been solved. I don't pass any video through my Arcam now (using a Lumagen), but when I did, I never had a problem. However, HDMI headaches are not uncommon with any device. 

Are you on AVSForums? If not, join that forum for the Arcam thread. It is very helpful for problem solving. 

Thanks. I'm there big-time. I'm 'DLCPhoto' there, and it seems I spend half my life there!! 

[BY96]

Just now, Don Cohen said:

Thanks. I'm there big-time. I'm 'DLCPhoto' there, and it seems I spend half my life there!! 

Yep, seen you around there. The Arcam thread is great for getting help with issues like the ones you are having. But I do think you need to find out the firmware you are running. If you go to the web interface, Setup, Engineering, it will be the last box. 

[BY96]

Here is the thread:

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/arcam-avr10-20-30-av40-pa240-410-720.3098290/page-350#post-62696393

[Don Cohen]

50 minutes ago, BY96 said:

Here is the thread:

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/arcam-avr10-20-30-av40-pa240-410-720.3098290/page-350#post-62696393

Yeah I'm going to head over there now. This thing is really flakey - I've changed settings using the web interface, and they simply don't stick. Region was set to US when I first started it up, and it changed on its own to Europe. And that HDMI Bypass setting won't stick either. And I've looked everything, including that Engineering page, and just do not see the firmware version listed.

[BY96]

That is weird. The firmware is usually listed under Host/IAP. 

Arcam also has great tech support if you need it. 

[Don Cohen]

3 minutes ago, BY96 said:

That is weird. The firmware is usually listed under Host/IAP. 

Arcam also has great tech support if you need it. 

Are they available on weekends too?

I posted at AVS - I figured I had nothing to lose, so I asked it to do a Factory Reset. Figured I'd just start clean. No big surprise, but it didn't do anything. All of the speaker selections were still there (which they weren't when I first turned it on this morning.

I'm pretty fed up. I've been fighting this dang thing all day long!!

[BY96]

3 minutes ago, Don Cohen said:

Are they available on weekends too?

I posted at AVS - I figured I had nothing to lose, so I asked it to do a Factory Reset. Figured I'd just start clean. No big surprise, but it didn't do anything. All of the speaker selections were still there (which they weren't when I first turned it on this morning.

I'm pretty fed up. I've been fighting this dang thing all day long!!

I sent you a PM on AVSForums with my cell number. I can also send you a PM here. 

 

[c4toys]

have you power cycled receiver? Arcam and audio control are similar. I have to restore my receiver to be able to recalibrate sound. I would default and try again

[Don Cohen]

2 hours ago, c4toys said:

have you power cycled receiver? Arcam and audio control are similar. I have to restore my receiver to be able to recalibrate sound. I would default and try again

I have, and thanks for the suggestion.

@BY96 was kind and generous enough to give me his phone number, and we spoke for a while last night. One thing that was very helpful was his suggesting to use the Arcam's interface directly on its display, rather than through the web interface. With that, I was able to do a full factory reset, and was able to make most of the settings adjustments there. We made some changes that potentially could improve HDMI communications in my theater.

But even after that, the web interface was basically useless. I cleared my browser cache, tried a different browser, but the result was the same. It just didn't seem to properly contact.

Whether this will allow an improvement in HDMI connection remains to be seen. That is today's task.

[c4toys]

are you upgrading from 1080p resolution? what display are you using and hdmi cable version?

[Don Cohen]

Just now, c4toys said:

are you upgrading from 1080p resolution? what display are you using and hdmi cable version?

I have a JVC NZ9 and madVR Envy Extreme. Everything was fine with the prior Marantz SR7010. The Cable had supported everything - 4k/HDR @ 60fps when needed. The only thing that has changed is the processor. The Marantz was HDMI 2.0b, while the Arcam is HDMI 2.1. I don't need or want HDMI 2.1, but everything has it now. I do a lot of work with support for the madVR Envy, and when there is a processor with HDMI 2.1, things are much less stable.

[c4toys]

use a 2x1 hdmi splitter between the rec output and the display. there are emulators but the splitter does basicly the same thing

[Don Cohen]

6 minutes ago, c4toys said:

use a 2x1 hdmi splitter between the rec output and the display. there are emulators but the splitter does basicly the same thing

I actually have one (AV Star), but having that in the chain didn't help. I like to connect my Envy and a BenQ Monitor at the same time, so I can check Envy menus easily without turning on the Projector. But that seemed to create problems, rather than solving them. My cables are all passive, not fiberoptic, so the splitter trick that can be helpful in many situations, really doesn't apply.

But I do appreciate your suggestions. The only thing that gets me going now is putting the JVC into EDID B. That limits it to HDMI 2.0b, rather than HDMI 2.1. I realize there is no difference with consumer content, disc and streaming, but it was working fine with EDID A before hand. Maybe that was because there was no HDMI 2.1 earlier in the chain, so it 'reverted' to HDMI 2.0b. But now that there is an HDMI 2.1 Processor, that seems to be what trips it up. And perhaps if I changed my cable to a 48gbps one that might help. But as I don't see practical benefit, and running it would be a hassle, I probably won't.

Thanks!