DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: bassmants on October 22, 2013,
-
Just started messing around with these trying to get them to work and here is what happens and what I've tried. Built and modded several V2's to V3 ssc. Programmed pic with test hex and it makes the strip change colors/chase etc. All seemed good at that point. Then reprogrammed with V3 modded hex. So now I have been attempting to set a start channel and mess around with them, but can't seem to get them to do anything which is weird. I thought maybe the etherdongle wasn't communicating, but plugged a LE into the dmx out and it works. Can someone go down the steps you do to program SSC's and operate so I can see if I am forgetting something? I also have some V4's, but figured I'd build the older ones first and see how it goes. I have tried a few with the same results, test works, nothing else.
Thanks :)
-
the wiki refers to a new executable that replaces the config utility for the v3 firmware.
Make sure you use the new utility program (http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9752.0;attach=9716) that is provided to program your modified SSC's. You only have to replace the exe file with one provided no new installed needed.
-
Yeah, I saw that and that is what I have. Must be doing something wrong.
-
So now I have been attempting to set a start channel and mess around with them, but can't seem to get them to do anything which is weird
Does the string flash when you set the start channel or can you not get past that step at all?
-
The strand must be plugged into a hub like the smart hub (for example). The jumper on the SSC must be closed to program the start channel. Set your options in the utility and then transmit. String should start to flash rapidly white. Stop transmitting. String will continue to flash. Power down your hub. When the lights stop flashing move the jumper back to just a single post. Power your hub back up and test your start channel.
-
You don't have to power down the hub, just remove power from the SSC. You could unplug the cable from the hub, unplug the cable from the ethernet pigtail or power down the hub, whichever is most convenient to you. I've done them all at one time or another.
I'm thinking that you do not have the correct firmware. Check in the wiki to make sure that you have the latest. There were several variations that came out when the mods were being done.
-
You don't have to power down the hub, just remove power from the SSC. You could unplug the cable from the hub, unplug the cable from the ethernet pigtail or power down the hub, whichever is most convenient to you. I've done them all at one time or another.
I play it safe and don't want to risk blowing a fuse as they are a pain to replace. :)
-
I don't even get the flash?
-
Are you using a smartstring hub? Going straight from a dongle to the SSC won't work as the SSC needs power.
-
Make sure that you are selecting the correct output device. I believe that it defaults to the USB dongle as the output device and if you are using an ETD, it will not send the required output.
-
Yes, active hub and selected ED. I am able to power the flexstrip and put test firmware on it and it works, just can't seem to communicate with it with modded firmware and utility. I may build a V4 tonight and see if it works. This is my first tests of SS stuff. Looks simple enough on the vids etc. Just missing something.
-
It looks like you may have a build issue on the input side. Did these controllers ever work prior to the mod or did you just build it now with the mod? I would look at the connection between the input connector and the board and make sure that the correct wires are connected to the correct ports. Another thing to check is that the RS485 is inserted correctly and not backwards or with any bent pins. If everything looks good, then consider swapping out the RS485 with one from a different unit. The test firmware does not use the input side of the SSC so it will work just fine regardless of the state of the input components.
-
I've tried 2 different controllers with the same results. I will look at both.
-
I would check Pins 1 and 2 on the input to make sure that they are connected with an ohm meter or good continuity tester. The power appears to be connected correctly or even the test firmware would not work. If this is ok, then I would put more tine looking around the 485 (smaller chip) for issues. You could also post some clear closup pics of both the front and back of the SSC so that we can have a look at it as well. You would be supprised how easy it is to get locked up and just not see an issue no matter how many times you look at it.
-
OK, built a V4 and programmed pic. Everything checks. Hookup up, nothing... Maybe the hub has an issue? One more weird thing is when I try the utility it reprograms the pic on the SSC sometimes. Ideas?
-
Make sure that after you program the SSC, that you remove the jumper. The hub input should be ok or the DMX side would not work. I would check the orietation of the 485 chips on the hub. They control the signal going to the ports on the hub. What do you mean by sometimes?
-
Ok, to be clear, I program the pic, checksums are correct. I put the program jumper on, hook up to hub, run utility, nothing happens. No rapid flashing. Remove jumper. Go back to the pickit3 to look and the checksum is different.
Checked the orientation and numbers on all chips on the hub. They are in correctly and oriented properly. I have the shunts on all universe 1's like in the manual. Sorry about this, I am stumped at what could be going on. I'll see if I can post pics of the hub and an ssc.
Also, ran all cat5 cables through my tester and they all check out OK.
-
Hi Terry,
I can help you out. I have working equipment and can provide a second look for you. It sounds to me like something is not on or set right. Send me a email and we can discuss meeting.
Thanks,
Craig
-
One issue I found and it sounds VERY familiar to my problem is the RJ45 connector that goes into the hub is loose. I wonder if you have the same problem. Connect the RJ45 connector into the hub and see if there is any play in the connector. I ended up having about a 1/8th of an inch vertical wiggle on the connector. I ended up putting a very small screw between the tab on the rj45 connector and the rj45 female end on the hub to hold it into place. It might just be the cheapo ends that I have for my network cables, but it caused me no end of grief. once I sorted that out I don't have problems with programming my SSCs anymore.
Ok, to be clear, I program the pic, checksums are correct. I put the program jumper on, hook up to hub, run utility, nothing happens. No rapid flashing. Remove jumper. Go back to the pickit3 to look and the checksum is different.
Checked the orientation and numbers on all chips on the hub. They are in correctly and oriented properly. I have the shunts on all universe 1's like in the manual. Sorry about this, I am stumped at what could be going on. I'll see if I can post pics of the hub and an ssc.
Also, ran all cat5 cables through my tester and they all check out OK.
-
I am strongly beginning to think that he somehow has or is using the wrong firmware. So far, he said that the strings are working with the test firmware. This indicates that the hub is supplying power and that the both the nodes and the procesor and the output side of the SSC is working. It also shows that the input side of the SSC is wired correctly, at least as far as power goes. He said that he also tested the system by connecting an LE to the DMX output of the hub and it worked. This indiates that the ED is functioning and that the input to the hub is ok. I'm not sure if simply powering up a SSC will change the checksum but he has noted that the checksum is changing after he attempts to set the starting address. Unless simply powering up the hub causes it to make changes that affect the checksum (which is possible), this would indicate that the SSC is receiving data but is not outputtig correctly. The wrong firmware would cause that. He did say that even a Ver4 unit is not outputting so unless there is something wrong with that one as well, it points to an issue with the hubs PixelNet outputs.
Posting PIC's will help to determine the issue. I would post a picture of the system connected as well as closups of the hub and SSC front and back.
-
I also agree that it sounds like the wrong firmware. I said that back in reply #5 and it seems to have gotten passed over.
-
I don't think it's the wrong firmware. I pulled them directly off the wiki, multiple times, checked and rechecked. Craig, thanks, I will email you.
-
Does the programming utility you are using have grouping? If not, you are using wrong utility. I had some issues attempting to "replace the .exe file"...
-
Yes it has grouping.
-
maybe he can pull the firmware and post the hex here, someone can download it, install and see if it works for them?
-
I think that the best idea would be if he can get Craig to take an actual look at the setup. The next best thing would be to post some pics so that we can also see what is going on and rule out hardware issues. A screen shot of the setup utility and how he has it configured would also be really helpfull.
-
I will be meeting up with Craig in the next couple days. Thank you all for your patience and insight. I will definitely post what we/he finds.
Terry
-
Thanks to Craig for meeting up with me. After some trial and error, we determined my ED was good, hub was good and string was good. After several attempts we were able to get the V4 to program. One V3 was my blindness putting a white/green stripe instead of white/orange on data. Good eyes Craig. The other worked after flashing. We were thinking somehow I was having problems flashing with my Pickit3 vs his Picket2. Not sure why. When I got home I fixed the other V3 programmed the pic again and tried the utility with nothing again. So that got me thinking...must be the utility. I looked at it and realized it didn't have grouping. I misread it before and thought if I downloaded the utility from under the V4 it was good. I then saw the .exe file zwiller mentioned and put it and now all is working. Sorry for the long post. I feel like an idiot that I didn't see the grouping window on the utility. I somehow thought is was something else I guess. Anyways, I have put 4 more V3's together and a couple V4's together with no more issues. Thanks to everyone for trying to put me straight. <fp.
-
Been there, done that... You should be set now. Happy blinky!
(perch, walleye, or blue gill guy) Sam
-
Happy to help another addicted light a holic. The World needs more animated lights shows!
Craig
-
Agreed!!