Extron Control via StreamDeck with RS232 Connection

I’m an audiovisual technician who supports a wide range of medical conferences and events. This often involves switching between several “presentation” computers at our tech table that presenters control remotely from a podium. I’m a big fan of reducing steps involved in switching from one presentation to the next, so I worked to automate the process of switching the video source and the mouse & keyboard control (KVM). I had one too many moments where I would switch the computer but forget to give the presenter mouse and keyboard control. My setup uses an AnalogWay Zenith 100, which we control using Bitfocus Companion. We use an Extron SW4 USB Plus to switch mouse and keyboard control then a USB extender over Cat-5 to the podium. This tutorial explains how to set up an RS232 serial connection between a StreamDeck and an Extron USB switcher. I hope anyone seeking similar workflow efficiencies finds this useful. 0:08 - Demonstration 1:25 - Getting Started 2:32 - What Cables to Use 3:16 - Rewiring The Cable 4:39 - DB9 Connectors Explained 5:28 - Plugging Everything In 6:19 - Finding the COM Number 6:54 - Setting up Companion Connections for Generic TCP Serial Port & Generic TCP and UDP Requests 9:27 - Adding Buttons for Extron Control 10:12 - Testing Extron Buttons 11:57 - Creating Triggers (automated message to change Extron source when PCs go to Program) 13:26 - Creating Button to Toggle Triggers On/Off 14:49 - Adding Feedback to Buttons (Changing Colors, etc.)