No Output on Lynx Ethernet Dongle (SOLVED)

[jeffl]

The etherdongle is an E1.31 device  that converts to pixelnet.  Everything you are explaining sounds correct as xLights doesn't know anything about Pixelnet and doesn't need to.   That's why we can use the etherdongle with programs like LOR.

I think you need to post and image of you Channel Outputs from the Pi.  If it works in the Pi it should work in xLights.  In fact I always test stuff in xLights first and then move on to the Pi.

[t.jo13t]

Pixelnet is a protocal that rj created over at dla. Its pertty simple 1 Pixelnet  universe  is 8 dmx universes. So if you set it up in xlights you just define e131 as 32 universes for  etherdongle in set up tab and its that simple. The fpp takes e131 and outputs it to equipment that accepts e131. Or there is the option to use the falcoln fpd with the fpp which then takes 64 dmx universes and converts them up  to 12 pixelnet universes to output to devices that can accept pixelnet as a protocal for which they were designed for in their firmware. This is what I understand as to be true
 
Set up you etd as defined above , pick the universe on the hub you want to use put the proper start address in your models for the universe you are using and make sure e 131 is enabled on setup page ( the dmx universes will say yes or no, you want yes) click on output to lights and play. Hope some of this helps

Joe

[wftxlites]

Here is the FPP Outputs.  They are identical to XL Setup of outputs. I will setup all 32 universes if you think that is the issue.

Thanks for the detailed explanations.

[t.jo13t]

2 questions,

Are you trying to go through the fpp with the etd for lights

What are you using off of the hub to your tree

[wftxlites]

I am using both pixels and DMX devices off the Hub. The problem is trying to test using Xlights. The fpp output works fine when I import the Xlights file to the FPP.

[jnealand]

I'm thinking that the XL E1.31 output is only being interpreted by the E1.31 device into whatever protocol the devices firmware supports.

You are correct, the ETD does the conversion to pixelnet or with different firmware it converts it to DMX.  I use my spare etd with xl test all the time, but I have never tried to run a sequence from xl.  I have been using the Pi and FPP for 3 years so have not used xl in production for a while.  I will have to try to run a sequence during the day when the show is not running.  Maybe it has something to do with fseq file format now that the sequencer automatically makes that the file of choice.  Wonder what would happen if you used convert to go from fseq to xseq.  Remember that the current devs have not touched the base xl player and the player was designed for xseq.

[jeffl]

How is your computer connected to the network? Wired or wireless?

[t.jo13t]

When you say coming off the hub to pixels, what are you connecting the pixels to after the hub? . I would then try the etd by it self without the fpp in xlights. I have been doing that the last couple of weeks working out issues. I just start a new squence and bring in the model view I am testing , throw  an element on it and hit output to lights. If you want to go through the fpp as I have been doing the last couple of days then put it in bridge mode and enable e131 output, then go into xlights and try it the way its stated above. Alot of most issues are improper channel assignments or setup. Thats why I asked what you are connecting the pixels to after the hub

Joe

[wftxlites]

Hub = Pixelnet 16 port Active Hub
Pixels = Smart String Controllers
DMX Devices = DMX Light Controllers

The issue is with Xlights output to ETD. When I test my sequence from Xlights there is no blinky.

Here are my tests:

Test 1. Xlights with test sequence on Win7 PC ---> Network to ----> ETD ----> Smart String Active Hub ------> Smart String Controllers
Does not work.

Test 2. Xlights on Win7 PC ---> USB Dongle ---DMX out---> Light Controller
Works

Test 3. Xlights generated .fseq file from same test sequence ----> transfered to FPP ---> Network to -----> ETD  ------> Smart String Hub ------> Smart string controllers.
Works

It is the Xlights output from the PC that does not work. My other sequencing program LSP works on the PC just fine and generates output to ETD, Hub, and controllers, so it is Xlights that has the problem. I just need to figure out why. From what everyone here and on other forums are saying this should work.

Still baffled.

[jeffl]

How is your computer connected to the network? Wired or wireless?

How is the PC connected to the network?  Wired or wireless?

[jnealand]

Are you running the sequence play from the layout tab or are you using the scheduler to play.  I'm beginning to think there may be an issue with the scheduler and fseq files vs xseq files.

[wftxlites]

How is your computer connected to the network? Wired or wireless?

How is the PC connected to the network?  Wired or wireless?

ETD is wired.

Are you running the sequence play from the layout tab or are you using the scheduler to play.  I'm beginning to think there may be an issue with the scheduler and fseq files vs xseq files.

I have tried the test tab and play from sequencer tab. I am turning on the light bulb too.........sigh.......

Now I have uninstalled on my PC and went backwards to V4.0.35 Beta and started from scratch. Added ETD with all 32 universes, built an RGB model of a tree in universe 2 starting at chan 513 where they are currently addressed on my mega tree (outside in the snow), added the model, created an animation seq this time, added timing marks, added effects, saved and rendered. Turned on the output light blub and pressed play. AND no blinky.....sigh again............... I'm watching the tree on my cameras, so at least I don't have to go outside and occasionally I will go look out the front door........even started my show from FPP for a sanity check. (Which works by the way)

I know I am close to the solution when I am ready to give up! That would be close to now.

[jeffl]

ETD is wired. Is the PC also wired?

[wftxlites]

Yes, PC is wired too.

Are you running the sequence play from the layout tab or are you using the scheduler to play.  I'm beginning to think there may be an issue with the scheduler and fseq files vs xseq files.

Now, I have converted the fseq file to xseq and set it in the scheduler and No blinky.  It was a good thought from jnealand.

[Gilrock]

I don't know you tell me how you setup your FPP to get it to work?  Did you use an E1.31 output or the Falcon Pixelnet/DMX page?