DiyLightAnimation

Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: rrowan on March 26, 2011,

Title: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on March 26, 2011,

Hi Folks,

The wiki has been updated with more info about the Smart Strings. It now includes Links to Ray to buy the lights and accessories along with videos and documentation and more. Later we will be adding manuals and firmware.

http://diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Equipment#Smart_Strings

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: Freebird on March 26, 2011,

Awesome.  Thanks Rick.

Freebird

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: D56VillageNut on March 26, 2011,

Great to have all the information there.  Can I point out one minor error.
 
In the Light Type table the item labeled "RIDGED Strips" should be RIGID meaning not flexible.  RIDGED means it has ridges on it.  The link is also mislabeled.

Feel free to call me whiny or nit picky but I think we should use the correct term.  Thank you.

Alan T

(I wasn't sure about editing the wiki so I thought I should leave this someone with a little more experience in editing the wiki)

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: NavyGator on March 27, 2011,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Great to have all the information there.  Can I point out one minor error.
 
In the Light Type table the item labeled "RIDGED Strips" should be RIGID meaning not flexible.  RIDGED means it has ridges on it.  The link is also mislabeled.

Feel free to call me whiny or nit picky but I think we should use the correct term.  Thank you.

Alan T

(I wasn't sure about editing the wiki so I thought I should leave this someone with a little more experience in editing the wiki)

I made the change. Thanks for pointing it out.

Rich

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on March 27, 2011,

Thanks Alan and Rich

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: taybrynn on March 29, 2011,

Great job on the WIKI page !!

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rm357 on March 29, 2011,

Any chance of getting a ssc picture/bom Added?

Thanks,
RM

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: tbone321 on March 29, 2011,

While I think that a pic of the controller might be nice, I wouldn't count on a BOM being posted until the first coop for them ships.  What I would like to see when possible are the manuals for the hub and controllers.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on March 29, 2011,

Hi Guys,

Yeah I need to get a ssc picture posted. Wiki boms are a thing of the past. When RJ is ready and happy with the Mouser bom then he will give me the link to be posted in the wiki. The manuals, firmware, etc will be posted when ready but when is yet to be determined.

Sorry I can't provide any more info (I really don't have any LOL)

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: Rbar on May 16, 2011,

As someone who held and witnessed a demo of smart strings at a mini this weekend, please accept my appreciation for the smart string wiki, especially the links to Ray Wu's store.  All the information is interesting and useful.  I enjoyed the videos of RJ dipping his cords to take the extra step towards achieving weather resistance.  The can-do, go-forward attitude of the smart string crowd is refreshing ( and hopefully contagious).
Richard B.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on June 01, 2011,

Hi Folks,

Some people have discovered that I have uploaded RJ's hex files and SS utility to the wiki. I just wanted everyone to know they are there. The Windows program is located in the SS Library under software and in the Software page of the wiki. The hex files are with each device. The SSC has two hex files. The normal one to control the nodes and a separate test mode hex file that auto runs a sequence when power up, so you don't need you computer.

http://diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Equipment#Smart_Strings

Cheers and thanks to RJ for all of that coding

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on June 02, 2011,

Hi Folks

RJ has released the Vixen ver 2.1.x output plugin for Pixelnet. Just place the pixelnet.dll file to your /plugin/output folder and then you can select it to send data to the Lynx USB dongle with pixelnet firmware loaded.

Its in the Software section of the Smart String Library in the Wiki

http://diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Equipment#Smart_String_.2F_Pixelnet_Library

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: Rainlover on June 02, 2011,

Thanks Rick.
Thanks RJ.
Off to see if I can figure this out.

John

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: Rainlover on June 10, 2011,

I went to the wiki page http://diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Equipment#Smart_Strings and clicked on the flexible strips link to aliexpress
http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701799/209843764-425556741/4m-waterproof-LED-digital-strip-by-tube-DC12V-input-without-controller-10pcs-TM1809IC-m-30pcs-5050.html
and it says the item is no longer available. I clicked on the other smart string links and they all say that the item is no longer avalable.
Did Ray change the listing?

John

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: mokeefe on June 10, 2011,

Looks like their may be an issue with Ray's store.  If you click on his main store and try to look list all his products, nothing comes up.  So either Ray is out of business or there's a glitch in the system.

-Mike

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on June 10, 2011,

I agree with Mike,

Something happen there. We will have to wait and see whats going on.

I did a search for one of the string nodes and found it with a different contact name. I am just not sure if its the same chip in the nodes.

Lets just wait and see, maybe RJ can talk with him.

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: chrisatpsu on June 10, 2011,

i would wait before buying nodes that look like our nodes...

remember, they could be from the old factory, so the quality would be lower.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: hbomb341 on June 10, 2011,

Is it juts me or is it Ironic that RJ said “If Ray is gone tomorrow …” on the call last night ....

 ;)

Harrison

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: keitha43 on June 10, 2011,

I know he is not out of business and I just received a second shipment of nodes yesterday and 3 were flaky and he emailed me back that he would ship me replacements along with a sample c9 cover to try.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: taybrynn on June 10, 2011,

It was interesting to hear that the old factory did not honor their product replacements for defectives, so made Ray pay for replacement out of his own pocket.  Even more impressive Ray did this for us. 

My only gripe for repeat orders is how pricey the shipping is, despite how small the box (I get) is.  They pack a lot into a really small box, then cover it with a gallon of tape and padding.   This is why you must ask Ray for a combined shipping quote, as its almost always more reasonable then ... esp. on larger orders.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: mokeefe on June 10, 2011,

Just got email from Ray who said not to worry.  His site is just being updated and should be back online by Monday.  Hopefully "updated" doesn't mean higher prices.

-Mike

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: Corey872 on June 10, 2011,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Hi Folks

RJ has released the Vixen ver 2.1.x output plugin for Pixelnet. Just place the pixelnet.dll file to your /plugin/output folder and then you can select it to send data to the Lynx USB dongle with pixelnet firmware loaded.

Its in the Software section of the Smart String Library in the Wiki

http://diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Equipment#Smart_String_.2F_Pixelnet_Library

Cheers

Rick R.

Good to know.  Has there been any estimation on when the Pixelnet code for the dongle will be released?   

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: Rainlover on June 10, 2011,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Good to know.  Has there been any estimation on when the Pixelnet code for the dongle will be released?  

The dongle pixelnet firmware is on the wiki under pixelnet hardware in the Lynx Dongle/Pixelnet box. http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3554.0;attach=6049

John

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: richardb on June 11, 2011,

I just noticed that the lights themselves are no longer available also...
Anyone find out what is going on?

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: KeithTarpley on June 11, 2011,

Greetings,,,

http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=5327.msg87170#msg87170

Keith

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: richardb on June 11, 2011,

Ray wu(2011-06-11 03:44:18)
hi
Ray wu(2011-06-11 03:44:23)
yes
Ray wu(2011-06-11 03:45:59)
my website will work again on monday
Ray wu(2011-06-11 03:46:02)
sorry for the problem
RichardB(2011-6-11 5:45:51)
I was looking to purchase some of the "smart String" lights from the DiyLightAnimation website (RJ and company) but they appear to be unavailable... Can you provide status?
Ray wu(2011-06-11 03:46:34)
please check again on monday
Ray wu(2011-06-11 03:46:40)
sorry for the trouble

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: golights on June 15, 2011,

I am looking for information on the 12v option for the smart string hub.  I can't seem to find any on the wiki.  Would somebody mind pointing me in the right direction. 
Thanks,
Ken

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on June 15, 2011,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

I am looking for information on the 12v option for the smart string hub.  I can't seem to find any on the wiki.  Would somebody mind pointing me in the right direction. 
Thanks,
Ken

What type of info are you looking for?

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: golights on June 15, 2011,

RRowan,
I am looking for the parts that will need to be purchased to make this happen.  I did not include this option in my coop order and there is not a list for the parts attached to the mouser parts or that I can find in the wiki. 

Ken

Edit Post
Rick has updated the wiki with this information.  thanks again Rick
http://www.diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Equipment#Pixelnet_Hardware

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: foxathome on June 16, 2011,

I second the request by golights. I have acquired some DC power supplies and I would like to add the option to my Smart String Hub. Did not order it initially as I intended to use PC power supplies.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on June 16, 2011,

Hi Folks,

Been working on updating the wiki but I need help from the members who have the pickit3

I have a checksum for the hub of 8196, I seen that number a few times so I am guessing that is correct.
I need checksums for the SSC and Pixelnet dongle.

So the goal is to have the checksums for both the pickit2 and pickit3. Currently I don't have a pickit3 so I need your help

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: foxathome on June 17, 2011,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Hi Folks,

Been working on updating the wiki but I need help from the members who have the pickit3

I have a checksum for the hub of 8196, I seen that number a few times so I am guessing that is correct.
I need checksums for the SSC and Pixelnet dongle.

So the goal is to have the checksums for both the pickit2 and pickit3. Currently I don't have a pickit3 so I need your help

Cheers

Rick R.

Pickit 3 - Smart string controller 6-15-2011.hex checksum = A598

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: keitha43 on June 17, 2011,

A598 is what I got for the ssc. 613B is what I get for the pixelnet dongle. Odd that the pickit 2 and 3 read the same on the dongle but not the ssc and hub which is why I thought something had gone wrong.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: taybrynn on June 17, 2011,

The checksum seems to vary depending on which version of PICit, plus which PIC chip you have indicated that you are using.

I tried Programmer -> Manual Device Select  ... and then picked PIC24FJ32GA002  (from SS hub mouser BOM, but is  the same PIC as what is used in SSC BOM also) ... then import a hex file and see what the checksum shows.

The manual device select (mode) seems to allow me to verify the hex file  checksums without having to have an actual PIC chip in the programmer.

The latest 6-15-2011 SSC firmware for pickit2 showed A520.

The SS Hub firmware for pickit2 showed 811E

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on June 17, 2011,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

The checksum seems to vary depending on which version of PICit, plus which PIC chip you have indicated that you are using.

I tried Programmer -> Manual Device Select  ... and then picked PIC24FJ32GA002  (from SS hub mouser BOM, but is  the same PIC as what is used in SSC BOM also) ... then import a hex file and see what the checksum shows.

The manual device select (mode) seems to allow me to verify the hex file  checksums without having to have an actual PIC chip in the programmer.

The latest 6-15-2011 SSC firmware for pickit2 showed A520.

The SS Hub firmware for pickit2 showed 811E

The reason why you are seeing the correct checksum when you manually select the pic is because the software needs to know what pic its calculating the firmware for. If you were to select a different pic it will give you a different checksum with the same firmware.

I have added to all of the Checksums a spot for pickit2 and pickit 3. Now I don't have a lot of checksum for the pickit3 since I don't own one yet.

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: JoeFromOzarks on June 17, 2011,

Here are the Checksums for most of the DLA devices using the PicKit3 Utility, a PicKit3 and the J1Sys ICSP/ZIF's version 1.1

(I'll add the MR16 and the SSR4/DMX Checksums when I can fetch them from the garage.)

:) joe

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on June 17, 2011,

Thanks Joe

I updated the wiki

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: JoeFromOzarks on June 18, 2011,

You're welcome, glad to help!

But I cannot find my PicKit1 or PicKit2 programmers.  I'm guessing senility has set in.  I found my old lpt port eprom burner {and eraser} though!!  (The things I've kept over the years... jeesh!)  Until I find the PicKit2, I'm unable to fetch those CheckSums.

If anybody needs help burning the PIC's, please yell!

:) joe

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Thanks Joe

I updated the wiki

Cheers

Rick R.

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: jess_her on June 19, 2011,

Hello Rick and all
Just programed my smart string hub pic with a pickit 3 j1sys 1.2 ver zif board.       checksum 8196
smart string controller pic, pickit 3  j1sys ver 1.2 zif board.                                   checksum A598
Jess

Title: Re: Smart String Wiki Page
Post by: rrowan on June 19, 2011,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Hello Rick and all
Just programed my smart string hub pic with a pickit 3 j1sys 1.2 ver zif board.       checksum 8196
Jess

Thanks Jess

Cheers

Rick R.