Simple steps to use LOR Controllers as DMX

[MSDowney]

I have read all sorts of papers and watched several videos and I am just plain confused.  Here is what I have...

1. 6 LOR controllers CTB16-PC Firmware 4.40

2. PC to Unit1 and then the other units daisy chained together and working fine (Show is running right now though LOR software)

3. I have some 682 controllers and I want to add a RGB Mega tree.

4. 682 works fine through xLights and lights all work.

5. I have successfully brought LOR files into sLights.

So here is what I need to know.  The LOR part of the lights is WAY slow and is terrible whenoutputting to the lights so a very nice guy suggested running the LOR as DMX.

This is where I am confused... I have read the LOR pdf and seen several videos and posts on this but they always go off to places I do not need.

 Now that I have everything hooked up and working, how do I now change the LOR controllers to work as DMX?

Hardware and software wise.  Please keep it simple as I am not very smart

[jnealand]

If your LOR controllers are current on firmware versions they already understand DMX.  So you need a DMX source (dongle) and a conversion cable for the very first box in the chain.  Pretty simple to make with a keystone jack and a cutoff end from an ethernet cable.  there are lots of DMX sources, but not knowing your skill set or what you have in house makes it hard to pick one.  Other folks smarter and more experienced that me can give you more detailed info.

[Greg.Ca]

Jim,

I use J1Sys P12S's and Pixlite16 pixel controller boards. Both of these boards have on board DMX RJ45 output jacks. I'm not sure if San Device boards have on board DMX outputs but it seems to me if using J1Sys or Pixlite 16's, it's becoming easier to run LOR controllers in DMX mode if using those boards. I also believe that the latest Falcon boards also have DMX RJ45 outputs.

It's getting easier to integrate LOR controllers with little or no additional hardware. LOR now sells a Pixlite 16 'look-a-like' board that integrates the operation of LOR controllers right on the board without any special cable. It 'reroutes' the RJ45 pins right on the board.

He may need that special custom cable that switches pins around on the RJ45 if the 682 has on board DMX. If the 682 does NOT have onboard DMX, then he is looking at a E.131to DMX bridge?

My 2 Cents.

--Greg--

[jnealand]

There are other post floating around that detail the issue that Lor uses different pinouts for DMX than the rest of the industry which is why you need an adapter cable.  I have even read of a vendor that sells a cable for that.  I've sold all my LOR boxes off several years ago so I don't keep up with all the integration issue details anymore.

[MSDowney]

I found the right DMX Dongle and the Cross over cable is a easy make...  Thank you so much for your help.  I means a lot.