DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx MR16 / 16 CH DC Controller => Topic started by: Nightowlz1966 on April 26, 2012,
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OK I have read the programming instructions about 10 times now and it makes no sense to me..
What software and where do I get it to configure the start channel of the mr-16?
PS.
I only have an EtherDongle programmed for DMX to program it with.
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Hello
In Wiki under software click on Lynx software then Lynx address utility
Jess
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Send me a PM
I have a program that should work for you but its still in beta
Until RJ updates the Lynx Address Utility it doesn't work with the EtherDongle
Rick R.
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Thanks for the replies
Right after I posted this I found the software, but in turn I also found that the ether dongle wasnt supported for programming the start dmx channels
My first 2 projects from this site where the mr-16 and an ether dongle last month.
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You can use vixen to do it. Just set all channels off then set channel #1 to the chanel number you need. If is is greater than 255 then set the 1st channel to 255 and the second channel to a number that added to 255 will get you the start channel you want.
Then have VIXEN repeat so it sends it out over and over and do the programming. They just are looking for the values of channel #1 and #2 and using them to set the address.
RJ
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RJ,
I am looking at creating some of my own receivers, kinda as a learning aid for micro controller programming, I have it working & I like how easy you made the programming of the starting channel by looking at the 1 & 2 channels. Do you mind if I use that that technique to program my receivers.
Thanks for all you do.
If I could get just 1/1,000,000 of you knowledge.
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this procedure works for me. http://vimeo.com/18828283 using Vixen.
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Can this technique be used with other controllers?
Ssc?
Mr16?
Aether2?
Le?
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Steve, this topic is in the MR16 so I would say yes to at least that one. And I have successfully programmed mine doing that. I used the DMX Deck but cannot go above 508 for the first of 3 channels on my own receiver.
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http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=8540.0
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RJ,
I am looking at creating some of my own receivers, kinda as a learning aid for micro controller programming, I have it working & I like how easy you made the programming of the starting channel by looking at the 1 & 2 channels. Do you mind if I use that that technique to program my receivers.
Thanks for all you do.
If I could get just 1/1,000,000 of you knowledge.
I don't care I was asked by a few others from another forum years ago and told them sure so I certainly don't care if you do.
RJ
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Can this technique be used with other controllers?
Ssc?
Mr16?
Aether2?
Le?
SSC and LE need more info so no it doesnot work with them.
RJ
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Ok
Just this Weekend Rick R posted a program in the Software WIKI
http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8540.0;attach=8576
This will work for programming start address for SSR4-DMX, MR16, Freestyle
and also works with the EtherDongle which is one of the problems I was having and
didnt know it was a problem....
Rick and RJ thanks for everything you do to help us and make this Hobby more fun.
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Can this technique be used with other controllers?
Ssc?
Mr16?
Aether2?
Le?
It worked!
I've only tried a newly-assembled MR16, but I was having problems changing the channel with the Lynx Address Utility. After many failures I used xLights and the method described. It worked the first time!
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Steve what program did you use with xLights that set the start address. I have 4 & only 1 set using RJ's program.
Mike
In response to Mike, and to others that might be interested, here is the procedure that I followed.
Step 1: First create a working DMX environment.
You have many choices:
- Lynx DMX USB Dongle,
- Lynx Pixelnet USB Dongle with Active Smart Hub and DMX coming out of that Hub,
- Pixelnet EtherDongle with Active Smart Hub and DMX coming out of that Hub,
- or ANYTHING that talks DMX and is supported by xLights
Step 2: Add the MR16 to the network and attach lights to the MR16
Set the jumper to use the 2 pins matching up to "Operate"
If using dumb RGB, make sure that you put the common wire on Positive "+" and the wires for each color on separate Ground terminals. Make sure that the first channel is attached -- it is not essential, but aids in the validation steps.
Connect the MR16 to the DMX network.
Connect the MR16 to power... the attached lights should flash quickly.
Step 3: Demonstrate that xLights to MR16 works:
- Configure the DMX (or PixelNet) network in xLights under "Network Setup"
- Use "Lighting Test" to turn on ALL channels to the DMX network...
- Select "All" for Selection Mode:
- Select the correct tab for the DMX network, ie. Network 1
- Click on one of the channels and all should be checked (since "All" was used...)
- Under the Standard tab, choose the radio button "Background Only"
- Move the slider up to 255 (max)
- If the Dongle, the MR16 and the DMX network is working, the MR16-attached lights should come on!
At this point we know the MR16, the network and xLights are in harmony. :)
Step 4: Program the controller.
This employs RJ "no-config tool" technique. It can be done over any of the DMX configurations in Step 1. It can be employed with Vixen, and if LSP allows channel intensity to be controlled at a level of 1-255, it can be used as well. I am providing the instructions for xLights below.
Assuming that the setup is still as we left it in Step 3, with all channels on, and intensity at 255, let's continue...
If you are setting starting channel from 1-255 use this of steps:
- Choose the button "All Lights Off" (at this point all MR16-attached lights should go off)
- Uncheck any of the channels, they should ALL go off (again since "All" was used...)
- Select "1" for Selection Mode:
- Check Channel 1
- Under the Standard tab, choose the radio button "Background Only"
- Move the Background Intensity slider up to the starting channel of your choice... in the middle of the slider bar you will see the number reflecting the current level from 0-255. The level that you see will be the starting channel that you want to have assigned. (Use level 47 to use channels 47-62.)
- Remove the jumper for "Operate", at this point lights may start flashing
- Move the jumper to "Program", the lights will flash, but at a different rate
- Wait 3 seconds, then remove power from the MR16
- Move the jumper back to "Operate"
If you are setting starting channel from 256-510 use this of steps:
UNFORTUNATELY, the procedure below does not work. You cannot use xLights and the method I describe to program starting channels from 256 and up. The reason: the current xLights version applies the same level to ALL channels that are selected. If you change channel 2's level using the slider, it will also change the level on channel 1, and channel 1 will no longer be 255. Still, you might read through this procedure to understand how Vixen or LSP might be used to accomplish this instead. I will allow someone else to spell out the Vixen/LSP details.
- Choose the button "All Lights Off" (at this point all MR16-attached lights should go off)
- Uncheck any of the channels, they should ALL go off (again since "All" was used...)
- Select "1" for Selection Mode:
- Under the Standard tab, choose the radio button "Background Only"
- Check Channel 1
- Slide the Background Intensity slider bar to level 255 (max).
- Check Channel 2
- Calculate the number for Channel 2... subtract 255 from your desired value, the remainder is the value to assign to channel 2.
- Move the slider up to calculated number... in the middle of the slider bar you will see the number reflecting the current level from 0-255. (Use level 47 to use channels [255+47]-[255+62], or 302-317.)
- Remove the jumper for "Operate", at this point lights may start flashing
- Move the jumper to "Program", the lights will flash, but at a different rate
- Wait 3 seconds, then remove power from the MR16
- Move the jumper back to "Operate"
Step 5: Test it!
Without going into details, deselect all channels (1+2).
Select the channels that you expected to be set and change the background intensity to verify!
Good luck!
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Steve
I am guessing you never tried my Start Channel program. It works with both the Lynx USB dongle (pixelnet or DMX) and the EtherDongle (either firmware)
For the Etherdongle there is only one thing needed to setup (total number of channels)
For the Lynx USB dongle it needs the com port
Its in the Wiki
http://www.diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Software#Windows_Programs
Rick R.
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I am guessing you never tried my Start Channel program. It works with both the Lynx USB dongle (pixelnet or DMX) and the EtherDongle (either firmware)
Rick R.
Thanks, Rick. I forgot about that discussion. I will give it a try.