running xlights from a laptop issue

[mrgimmeone]

i recently added xlights to a laptop in hopes of using it to run my sequences. i have made all my sequences from a different PC with xlights that is hardwired to my router. the problem i am oddly having is i can run the sequences fine from the wired PC but when i connect the ethernet cable from the laptop to the controller and try an run the sequences it does nothing. But if i have the controller plugged into the PC thats hardwired i can play them from the laptop which has no cable running to it. what the heck is going on here?

[keithsw1111]

My guess your wifi and Ethernet are both connected to the same subnet. So XLights is sending the traffic out the wifi connection instead of the wired connection.

[mrgimmeone]

then how would i change that so that i can run the show from the ethernet port of the laptop but still be able to use my wireless on it as well.

[jnealand]

To me the simplest answer is to buy a Raspberry Pi for $35 and use the free FPP software instead of your laptop.  Then your laptop can be used for computing, email, web surfing, etc.

[Phrog30]

then how would i change that so that i can run the show from the ethernet port of the laptop but still be able to use my wireless on it as well.

Turn wireless off, get your show running off of Ethernet port then turn on wireless.

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[Gilrock]

Isn't there an option to force which Ethernet port is used?

[mrgimmeone]

I do have it on a raspberry pi but I'd like to be able to run tests and or run the show with the laptop if needed.

[Gilrock]

If you run Check Sequence xLights will tell you which Ethernet adapter is being used to transmit E1.31.  I also believe Keith added a feature so you can specify the port to be used.  Just look through the menus to find it.

[mrgimmeone]

I had found a force ip in menu but when I tried to put my IP address in it would not let me select ok, only close.

[mrgimmeone]

ok i set the force ip to what it said in the check sequence and still nothing. now just to make sure i've got this hooked up right, i have the cable plugged in my laptop and the other end plugged directly into my controllers etho port.

[babybear]

I have never been able to run my controller right from my laptop. I have always had to put a modem in line. Right wrong or indifference. 

[mrgimmeone]

so basically i need at the very least a wireless switch of some sort inline with it. which is probably why it works when the cable is plugged into my main hardwired PC and i can still control the lights through the laptop even tho the laptop doesn't have any cables connected to it.

[Ebuechner]

You'll need to setup a static IP on the laptop and at minimum use a crossover cable. You can use a switch to eliminate the need for a crossover cable. Some computers will allow you to hook up directly without a crossover cable but I would use the crossover cable or switch to eliminate any potential problems.

[Phrog30]

I've connected before without a crossover cable or switch. I'm sure it depends on the controller.

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[mrgimmeone]

i do have a wifi extender/booster that has a ethernet port on it to direct plug in to. think that may be sufficient? it is a sandevices E682 and when i've tested using my hardwired PC it worked fine but i had it connected with a 4 port ethernet splitter so i think it would be directly connected that way which is why it worked i'm sure.