running xlights from a laptop issue

[babybear]

Just for the fun of it I'll have to go make a crossover cable and try it. Now I'm using a Pi3 and a BBB for my P10 panels and not going to look back.

[Gilrock]

I haven't seen any detailed info provided.  What is the IP address of the controller?  What is the IP address of the PC having trouble?  Might need to look at multiple adapters.  Open CMD prompt and type "ipconfig /all" to get a report.  What is the IP address listed when you run check sequence?

[keithsw1111]

There is no point forcing the IP address unless you are sure you are forcing it to the IP address of the right adapter.

[mrgimmeone]

controller ip is 192.168.1.207 / PC ip is 192.168.1.73 / the check sequence ip says 192.168.1.73

[keithsw1111]

So no wifi. Just an Ethernet connection.

[mrgimmeone]

no no. i have wifi. but i cant get the controller to play a test or sequence directly from the laptop when its plugged into it.unless i plug the controller into my hardwired PC.

[keithsw1111]

So what is the IP address of the Ethernet port and the wifi?

[mrgimmeone]

ethernet port of laptop is 192.168.1.73 and wifi is 192.168.1.254 i believe

[Ebuechner]

If you have the option just turn off your Wi-Fi adapter so you're only dealing with the ethernet port.

[mrgimmeone]

i have turned off the wifi adapter and it still would not play directly from the laptop. in the ethernet options it says the ethernet port is unidentified.

[Ebuechner]

Next step to hook up any computer directly would be to setup a static IP on the ethernet port for the computer. Your IP address has to be established either in the computer or on a router to setup a network for you're controller card to talk to.

[Ebuechner]

Static IP for the computer.
IP address=192.168.1.73
Subnet mask= 225.225.225.0
Default gateway=193.168.1.1

[mrgimmeone]

i may be going about it all wrong or not explaining what i'm trying to do correctly. i'm trying to connect one side of an ethernet cable to the ethernet port of my laptop and the other end to the controller and run tests and or run the show direct with xlights. i don't know if that's even possible without the laptop being connected to the internet. all i do know is that if i connect it this way it doesn't work but if i connect the cable from the controller to my hardwired PC i can control the lights from both it AND the laptop even tho the laptop isn't directly connected by any cables so i'm assuming it's doing it wirelessly.

[mrgimmeone]

i have a wireless extender/booster with a ethernet port and imma try and see if it still works when plugged into that.

[Ebuechner]

I understand what you're trying to do. The reason it works when you're hooked up to your internet is because you have a default gateway. By setting up a static IP on the computer you're establishing a network that the controller can talk to directly. You still might need a crossover cable or a switch to connect the two. I run my controllers directly from my computer. This really is the best way to run your show so that someone streaming Netflix doesn't cause a lag in your show running on a home network.