Send sequence from xlights..... red test lights go out

[GALENM]

I am new to the hobby
I am running xlights  2017.44   with a WIN7 laptop. I am using an arduino with DMX 2811 sketch as a controller.
For now I have 2 strings of 100 lights.
When I power on the arduino it sends a test pattern of multi colors,pause, then solid red lights indicating waiting for signal. That would tell me my network is working.  I verified that the ip address was correct in setup.
I had it working a few days ago then thinking I was on my way I connected another string of 50 lights to an additional output pin. That made  3 lines in the setup. That setup did not work so I backed everything back to my 2x100 setup. I thought I was back to original.
Then the problem started. When I was in Xlights I clicked the lightbulb "The send signal Button" and the red lights went out and stayed out till I clicked the lightbulb again releasing the send signal button. In a few seconds the red lights came on again.
Any ideas for me?
Thanks for the help

[keithsw1112]

So when you clicked output to lights it looks like the controller received data (the lights went out). When you click output to lights that is exactly what xLights does ... sends lots of zeroes. So it sounds like it is working ok.

To get it to send non zero data you need to click on an effect on a model mapped to the controller or press play and play your sequence.

[GALENM]

Thanks for your reply.
Sorry nothing changed. I clicked the light bulb to send to the lights, the red lights went off. I clicked play and the effects display showed my effect playing as the time mark  moved across the screen but no signal to the lights. Again when I clicked the lightbulb off, my red lights reappeared.
I do occasionally get the message when first starting xlights. "Another process......." but gilrock in another message assured me that this was only a message and not an error so I have ignored it.

[GALENM]

I downloaded the test program da_131 and when running a test with this, again the red lights go out till I stop the test.

[Gilrock]

If its reacting the same with da_131 then it's your hardware.

[keithsw1111]

I agree with Gil. You need to look at your sketch to see why it would accept data but not output test data. If it fails in da131 then its a configuration issue with your sketch or what you are configuring in XLights.

[GALENM]

Thanks guys
It was in the sketch.
The frustrating thing is that I am not sure where I created the problem . The only parts of the sketch I knowingly changed was global.h.
I went back to a "clean" version of the program and everything is fine.
I always try to create a new version(save to a different name) of the sketch every time I make a change but this time I could not successfully revert to a previous version. I just need to be more careful when making changes so that I can revert.
I do not see many mentions of using an arduino as a controller. Is the arduino a little used controllers and does it have limitations? What is a popular and affordable controller. I do not plan to be a power user.

[Gilrock]

If you're going to ask what's affordable then I guess we need to make a questionnaire to find out your yearly income and current debt situation.

I don't think many use an Arduino.  I just bought one a couple weeks ago to play with but haven't hooked it up yet.

[keithsw1111]

I used arduinos for years. It’s a hard hard way to do pixels. I still use them for some relay elements but retired the last of my pixels on them this year. In fact you may be using the sketch I wrote.

[GALENM]

I have been introduced to Arduino as a controller at our local MakerSpace group and am beginning to agree with Keith that it is a hard way to do lights. I have had all kinds of grief.
Our goal was to do it on the cheap but beginning to wonder if we are going the right way.
I would be open to trying another controller if it is more stable.
I think I am using Keith's arduino sketch. I think I have it going and either I do something and it is not working and I have to go back to the original file.
We are talking of introducing a group of 10-12 guys to lights but I am fearing disaster if they all have as much trouble as I. Especially guys with little computer background.
What would you suggest as the next step?
I have no desire to create a large system.
Thanks for your help

[Gilrock]

Most of us like the Falcon controllers.  You can start with a smaller F4v3 to get started.  Checkout pixelcontroller.com.

[keithsw1111]

I would agree with Gil. The falcons are the easy path. While $100 for a controller may seem like a lot that little controller can run 4000 pixels out of the box and for another $50 can run 8000. You really can’t go wrong.

There is also the Pi option but one fully built you will have a less capable controller for almost the same money and less stable.

[bwinter]

I have been introduced to Arduino as a controller at our local MakerSpace group and am beginning to agree with Keith that it is a hard way to do lights. I have had all kinds of grief.
Our goal was to do it on the cheap but beginning to wonder if we are going the right way.
I would be open to trying another controller if it is more stable.
I think I am using Keith's arduino sketch. I think I have it going and either I do something and it is not working and I have to go back to the original file.
We are talking of introducing a group of 10-12 guys to lights but I am fearing disaster if they all have as much trouble as I. Especially guys with little computer background.
What would you suggest as the next step?
I have no desire to create a large system.
Thanks for your help

Don't forget the option of simply using a PiHat/PiCap (approx $35) on a Raspberry Pi.  Good alternative, especially if you're not expecting (or wanting to start with) a large system.

[GALENM]

Don't forget the option of simply using a PiHat/PiCap (approx $35) on a Raspberry Pi.  Good alternative, especially if you're not expecting (or wanting to start with) a large system.

Where can I get the PiHat/PiCap?

[jnealand]

pixelcontroller.com