My Dumb Questions Thread

[Buckeyelights]

I’m sure this will be the first of many really dumb questions that’ll I have.  The beauty of the forum is that at least you can’t see my embarrassed face.  Oh well here goes. 

My current or past year’s hardware set-up was a simple single network of 12 LOR (CTB16PC) controllers, 1 LOR 8 channel controller, for a total of 200 LOR channels.  Plus 4 eight channel, D-Light controllers, 32 channels, all daisy-chained together on a single network connect via a USB hub utilizing a USB-RS485 adapter.

In the XLights set up tab it gives me a choice of selecting either LOR hardware or D-Light hardware, not both on the same network or universe.  How can I set those up on the same network?

Also what would be the correct baud rate? If I remember correctly, my previous set-up had the baud rate at 115,200.  However it looks like XLights limits the baud rate of 115,200 at 96 channels.  Since I’m at 232 channels I assume I select the baud rate at 250,000.  Please confirm that or straighten me out.

Once I get the set-up correct for my let’s call them regular lights (mini’s & LED’s), and import/convert a couple existing sequences into XLights; then I’ll try adding some RGB channels, hoping to add a pixel tree.

Thanks for your patience, understanding and assistance to the newbie.

[Buckeyelights]

So I'm wondering, since nobody has replied with how to put LOR controllers and D-Light controllers on the same network; that I should conclude that I need to have a separate network for each of them?

Tks!!!!

[DDameron]

Sorry... I can't answer your specific question... I have 22 LOR 16 channel controllers and 2 D-light 16 channel controllers ( that I've converted to DMX) (as well as a bunch of RGB pixels, etc)... But I run them all in DMX mode and use a DLA etherdongle with e1.31... Setup in Xlights uses the pixelnet configuration... Works great... Hopefully, someone else can answer your question...

Dan

[Buckeyelights]

Dan,  Thanks for your thoughts about at least one way to do it.  So if running the controllers is the only way, how do I convert these controllers to run in DMX mode?

Tks!!

[fdunham]

Dan,  Thanks for your thoughts about at least one way to do it.  So if running the controllers is the only way, how do I convert these controllers to run in DMX mode?

Tks!!

I can't speak to the LOR controllers, but converting the D-Light controllers to DMX is relatively easy. You must either reflash the PIC on the board or buy a new PIC and flash it with DMX firmware (if you want to save the D-Light firmware). You can also buy the PIC with the firmware already on it from Darryl (on the D-Light board). There is lots of information on how to do it on the D-Light board. I converted all of mine to DMX last year (several AC16s, AC8s  and a couple of DC16s).

Fred

[DDameron]

To run The LOR controllers in DMX, you just need to make a simple crossover cable to go to the first controller... The rest of the controllers are connected (daisy-chained) as usual... No crossover needed...

Fdunham's reply is the way to go for the Dlight controllers... I purchased the chips and programmed them myself, but you need a PicKit to do it that way... If you don't have the programmer, it's easiest to get the pre-programmed chips from Dlight :-)

[JonB256]

Since I have a mix of DLA Lynx controllers and D-Light DMX controllers, I run my DMX first to the Lynx controllers (normal daisy chain), then have a crossover on the last Lynx output, then that goes to my D-Light controllers (normal daisy chain).

Minimizes the number of crossovers. Since my total CAT5 cable length is WAY UNDER any kind of maximum, it is just more convenient.

My Pixelnet devices are on their own CAT5 daisy chain.

[Buckeyelights]

First and most importantly thanks for your advice.

So if I understand the suggestions correctly, I need:
1. Order 4 pre-programmed chips from D-Light (I don’t have the programmer, don’t want it, cause I won’t know what to do with it). I've searched the D-Light website and forum for info on purchasing the chips, but didn't find it. I emailed D-Light, hopefully they'll reply with ordering info.
2. Replace the chips on the D-Light boards or find someone local that can because I’ve never soldered before and this probably isn’t something to learn on.
3. I’ll need a crossover cable for the LOR controllers.  Ok, what’s a crossover cable and where do I get that rascal from?
4. JonB256, are you suggesting that I’d run my LOR controllers first, then place the crossover cable between the last LOR and first D-light controller with the new pre-programmed chip in it?

Am I even close to understanding it?

TIA!!!

[JonB256]

A couple of things -

The D-Light chips aren't soldered, they're in sockets and are easy to remove with a thin bladed pocket knife.
I just looked at the D-Light.us website and did not see them for sale anymore.
Those are PIC 18F2420 chips. Drop me a PM with how many you need. For a very modest fee, I can buy them, program them, and ship to you.


LOR controllers and D-Light controllers don't need any crossovers - they both use "Pins 4 and 5" normally. (the crossover is only needed when you toss in a DMX device that uses "Pins 1 and 2" for control).  You can mix LOR and D-Light DMX however works best.

[DDameron]

Hi...

Don't want to contradict JonB256 ('cuz he knows A BUNCH !!), but in my experience (YMMV), you DO need a crossover cable for the LOR boxes for them to recognize DMX (I built my own)...

The easiest way to get a crossover cable for Your LOR boxes is to order from here:

http://store.creativelightingdisplays.com/LOR-DMX-Cat5-Cross-Over-Cable-LOR-DMX-CROSS.htm

This also has the coupler so that you can just connect with your existing cable :-)

Please let me know if you need more help...

Dan

[JonB256]

Dan, I left out "between them" when I was talking about LOR and D-Light controllers.

LOR controllers and D-Light controllers don't need any crossovers between them - they both use "Pins 4 and 5" normally.

[JonB256]

I made all my own cross-over devices. I ordered a BUNCH of Tool-less Keystone Jacks from E-Bay a long time ago, but Home Depot and Lowes have a similar product on the shelf.

I've attached pictures.  The important part is that wires 1 and 2 (Orange and Orange/White) are crossed over to 4 and 5 (Blue and Blue/White) and then 4 and 5 cross back to 1 and 2.

I just used the ends of a bad CAT5 patch cable (dog ate it). With the two good ends, you can make two crossovers.

In the "bigger" picture, look closely at the color coding the the Keystone Jack. the "Orange" wire is connected to the "Blue/White" side.
The Blue wire is connected to the "Orange/White" side.  Depending on the Keystone Jack you purchase, follow that color coding and you'll be good to go. Cheap and easy.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[DDameron]

I absolutely agree, JonB256... Once you get the DMX signal to the first controller, no matter which one that may be, no other crossover cable is needed... Glad we're on the same page :-)

Dan

[Buckeyelights]

Thanks Dan & JonB.  I really appreciate the advice and clarification that I'll need one cross-over cable, that'll go from the laptop, the show computer to the first LOR controller.

Let me go back to part of my initial question, slightly modified.  With the DMX network of both LOR & D-Light controllers, what will be my set-up in XLights?  Baud rate too?

Tks!!!!!
Joe

[JonB256]

Thanks Dan & JonB.  I really appreciate the advice and clarification that I'll need one cross-over cable, that'll go from the laptop, the show computer to the first LOR controller.

Let me go back to part of my initial question, slightly modified.  With the DMX network of both LOR & D-Light controllers, what will be my set-up in XLights?  Baud rate too?

Tks!!!!!
Joe

You have several choices, but since you ask about Baud Rate, I'll assume that you are using a USB/RS485 dongle, so you pick "Add USB" for your network. Next, you must choose the Protocol.

If you are going to use the LOR USB Dongle you already have, then you go to the bottom choice, "Open DMX"  Baud Rate is Grayed Out because all USB DMX dongles work at the same speed. Pick a COM Port. Put in a "Last Channel" value by adding up the number of channels you will need. Add some more for good luck! There is no penalty for using the full 512 channels.

Now, let me preach momentarily. I do not recommend using an LOR Protocol Dongle to run a DMX controlled show. You will still need the dongle to program your controllers. I highly recommend a dedicated DMX dongle. (like the ENTTEC Open or the ENTTEC Pro or several others). They put out a better DMX waveform. Yes, I know that many have used their LOR dongles for DMX successfully. But I have an O-scope and have looked at the difference and it is not pretty. DMX is a robust protocol and RS485 is an even more robust output. That is why is usually works. But when the signal degrades due to bad cables or moisture, the LOR dongle will drive you crazy wondering why nothing works right. End of Preaching.