Question About FPP Projector Control

[L1011]

Based on what I'm reading in the FPP 9.x Manual I suspect the answer is no, but I'm asking just to be sure. 

FPP uses a serial port to control a projector. Does this serial port have to a dedicated RS232 port, or can the "serial" port be a USB cable?  

My Epson PowerLight 1776W uses a USB-B port as a serial port (it does not have an RS232 port). Can I simply hookup a USB-A from my Pi and the USB-B to the projector and will serial communication work? 

Thank you in advance for any replies! 

[darylc]

No. You'd have to check the manual of the projector to see what other options it has.

[MikeKrebs]

Would a "null modem cable" work? Something like this? It has a chip in it so should present as a standard serial port. (edit: seems the 1776W uses a "printer cable" (that's what IT always called them) so this cable wouldn't work but there might be others)
https://www.amazon.com/RIKYJIC-Modem-Meters-FTRS232RL-NMC-2-5M/dp/B0DJF3WR4K/

Google AI thinks it might work:
connect Epson PowerLite 1776W to rpi using usb for controlling using esca

https://www.google.com/search?q=connect+Epson+PowerLite+1776W+to+rpi+using+usb+for+controlling+using+esca&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=1e116d9a69546cc9&ei=Oh25aIHzM6ftptQPg--M0A0&ved=0ahUKEwiB-Izyqb6PAxWntokEHYM3A9oQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=connect+Epson+PowerLite+1776W+to+rpi+using+usb+for+controlling+using+esca&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiSWNvbm5lY3QgRXBzb24gUG93ZXJMaXRlIDE3NzZXIHRvIHJwaSB1c2luZyB1c2IgZm9yIGNvbnRyb2xsaW5nIHVzaW5nIGVzY2FIiZQBUJkLWJ2SAXALeAGQAQCYAWagAdUUqgEEMzYuMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCG6ACpg7CAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgIFECEYoAHCAgUQIRirApgDAIgGAZAGCJIHBDI1LjKgB7txsgcEMTguMrgH9g3CBwgwLjUuMTkuM8gHgQE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

Edit: I might have missed it but reading the 1776W manual gives no indication that it supports any control protocol other than the remote.

[L1011]

I found an AI entry that claimed the 1776W used the VGA port as an RS232 port via a null modem cable. However, when I pulled the manuals for the 1776W I could find no such supporting documentation. I'm not sure if I'm going to spend the money (around $50 to buy all the correct cables/adapters) just to find out it doesn't work because AI got it wrong. I may just use the 1776W inside my home as a game projector for the kiddos and get a different projector with an RS232 port for use in the light show. 

Thanks! 

[L1011]

Also, there is a WIFI module available for the 1776W. I may go that route in lieu of an RS-232 connection but I have more reading/research to do on that. I'm brand new to using a projector in the light show so I'm a noob.

[darylc]

Did you look into hdmi cec, does your projector support that?

[L1011]

No, I didn't but I will check it out.  Thanks!