DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Aether => Topic started by: complacent_one on October 27, 2011,
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Ok, so i Have built my second unit and i still seem to not know what is going wrong.
If power is applied with SW2 toggled to the outside of the PCB the led flashed slowly red.
I used the lynx express config tool and attempted to change the starting channel multiple times.
1. Power aether 2 with the switch to the outside (slow red flash)
2. open config tool and set for start channel of 1, transmit
3. switch sw2 to the inside, rapid flash then holds on a greenish white
4. switch sw2 back to the outside, slow red flash
5. remove power from aether 2
6. stop transmit and exit utility
7 reapply power to aether and run test controller in LSP
channel 1 activates green, 2 blue, 3 white.....no red??
Can someone please tell me if I have the procedure correct?? Am I missing something??
Both controllers are doing the same thing.
Even tried moving to channel 2, 4, 145, you name it...I am assuming my programming sequence must be incorrect.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!!!
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Please....anybody.....???????
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Now you are using 4 channels correct. This is my only guess till I have mine built next week.
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Yes, I am using a 4 channel controller in LSP, It is a modified Renard Control block. supposed to be 1, 2, 3 (R, G, B) and 4 White..
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Do you have a meter? Have you compared the working drivers to the non working ? Do you have a screw touching a pad grounding it out? Do you have power at the 2nd and 3rd pins from the left on the front of the board on the red driver?
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Just start over with the basics:
1 - Reflash the pic, it defaults to channel #1 as the start address.
2 - Use RJ's DMX Deck program (in the wiki software page) and see if the Aether2 works correctly. (set the correct com port)
2a - If it works correctly then you know something in LSP is not configured properly.
2b - If it Doesn't work then start out with the basic trouble shooting, Solder issue, Parts in the correct spot, Try different cat5 cables
3 - Let us know the results of the above
Rick R.
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I have not checked that, but the red led flashes with power applied and sw2 switched towards the outside of the pcb. seems like it is getting power.
If I apply power with the lynx dongle disconnected, then it does nothing, as soon as I plug in the dongle, the red led starts flashing.
i just reflashed the pic with my pickit3 and the latest hex file....same thing.
I tried operating using RJ's DMX deck, and I get green on channel 1, blue on channel 2, and white on channel 3.....no red control.
This is with two different Aether's...so I am figuring I am having an issue with the way I am trying to configure the channels...my steps are wrong or something. I doubt it is the Aether itself...
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When setting the curves in the Lynx Express Utility, am I supposed to use the Aether 1 thru 4 curves for channels 1thru4 or am I supposed to use the aether 42 for one of them???
I searched quite a bit for this info, but cannot seem to find it.
Thanks...
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A newly flash pic doesn't need to be programmed. Just use it on channel #1
Did you try another cat5 cable? Make sure its a straight cable and not a cross over. Is the cables home made or store brought?
If another cable doesn't work then I would bet there is a solder bridge somewhere if the red led flashes when power up.
If Aether is the only thing connect make sure the termination switch is on.
Normal steps to program
1 - Power OFF, keep off until step #4
2 - Move switch to program mode
3 - Startup Lynx Express program and set the start address and transmit
4 - Power up the Aether (on)
5 - Count to 3
6 - Power OFF
7 - Stop program and exit
8 - move switch back to operate
9 - Power back on and test.
Rick R.
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Did you double/triple check the wires from the led to pcb and the wires from the pigtail (cat5 female) to the pcb?
Are they correct?
Rick R.
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Just finished VM'ing (resistance checking) the jumper layout from the pcb to the LED...good to go, also tried 3 different cat5 cables, premade...not home made.
Check the Cat5 pig tails to the board...orange and the orange white look good....
I guess I will have to unpack a couple LE's in the morning and give them a shot...make sure the dongle is proven to operate properly.
It seems a bit strange that the deck works but is offset the way it is and of course not operating the red...
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OK..think I have made some progress...at least on getting a couple more beers in me.
So I sent the hex again, I know it says it took the first time. This correct Channel one as red, 2green, 3 blue and 4 white. Now I will see if i can control via LSP.
Thanks for the help fellas!!!
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Congrats on getting them working
How did the LSP setup/seq go?
Rick R.
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It actually works pretty well.
I just used the canned REN based controller that is in the controller library in LSP2 Pro. It is stock as 8 channels.
I will be running 3 Aether2's this year, so I will set it up as a 12 channel
Channel 1 will consist of 3 Logic channels 1,2,3(RGB) for Aether2 No1
Channel 2 will consist of 3 Logic Channels 4,4,4 (W, W, W)
Channel 3 will consist of 3 Logic Channels 4,6,7 (RGB) = Aether2 No2
....etc....
When the REN is set up, need to configure output for RGB control.
Sequencing consists of one row for RGB and one row for white per Aether....played around with it till about midnight and looks pretty nice....Was seeing some serious spots when I was done....
by the way...figured out my issue with the flashing red and the whole Green channel as start channel.
I used the following instruction from the Wiki for the original Aether..
Step 1 - Turn the aether on
Step 2 - Start the utility and start sending the data
Step 3 - Open the glass front on the Aether
Step 4 - Move the jumper and the leds will cycle throught the colors fast (like 1/2 a sec) and stop on white.
Step 5 - Put the jumper back to operate and unplug the aether.
Step 6 - Close the glass door
Step 7 - Shut the utility down.
Step 8 - Plug the aether back in
Well after you posted up the instructions stating not to apply power till step 4 it worked.
If you cycle the Operation/Programming switch(SW2) with power applied, it will cause it to funk up the firmware. I did not screenshot it, but I read the hex after I did so and some of the values were wiped. i reflashed, then tested and everything was good to go. I have not tried to run the lynx express config tool yet to change the addresses, but I have a feeling it should work now.
Thanks for all of the help!!
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I am having similar problems. I am working with 1 aether 2 at a time. I start from a fresh flash of the PIC with the same behavior as the OP (ie. channel 1 green, ch2 blue, ch 3 white...). This behavior is the same in dmx deck and in lightshow pro.
I then work through the programming process as described by Rick to set a new channel number. Then when I power the unit back on after programming the unit does not respond to any channel...
Any thoughts?
Frank
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oy!
I never learn. updated to the latest lynx start address utility and things work great <fp.
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reflash the pic. sounds like it got corrupted
Rick R.
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oy!
I never learn. updated to the latest lynx start address utility and things work great <fp.
So now that I have had some more time to mess around with the Aethers, I decided I would try to address them.
I tried the Lynx Express Config tool, But it sends it back to Start Channel of green on Channel One, even if I say program the unit for a start channel of 5 or 9 or whatever. Cannot seem to change the address. So I plug the Pickit3 back in and flash the original hex back to it and Channel one is correct with red.
The wiki says to use the config tool, am I supposed to be using the adressing tool. I tried that and I get an Aether that will not respond on the programmed channel or on number one???
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Use the address tool. The aether ll does not use the curves.
Rj
Sent from my Charge by Tapatalk
RJ
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I have to say I am having the same issues. I have redone the PIC I have unload and reloaded the Lynx Address Utility and I still get the following. SW2 left Slow red blinky, Channel one Green, two Blue, three White and four nothing. I did read RJ's update and had the SW2 to the right for program and all I get is green if I program to channel 1. If I try for channel 10 I get nothing. I have reviewed all my solder joints and connections. It is funny we have all had the same issue. I will keep you all up to date as I progress. If you have any ideas please let me know.
kevin
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Add me to the club. With both switches are to the right, I apply power and get a great flash of what appears to be all colors at once. The light then performs perfectly to my sequence in Vixen; channel 1=G, 2 =B, 3=W, but 4=nothing....no red. Leave power on, put SW2 in program mode and led starts blinking red. Kill Vixen, fire up addressing util to move start channel to 161 (also tried config tool) but red just keeps blinking away and util starts flashing "Address being transmitted" and never returns.
Move SW2 back to operate mode and led changes from flashing red to solid green. Fire Vixen back up and everything works the same as before...starting at channel 1. No issues with firmware corruption...but I have reflashed several times just to see if it makes a difference.
Still tinkering....I'll post more if I can get a better result.
Mike E.
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Add me to the club. With both switches are to the right, I apply power and get a great flash of what appears to be all colors at once. The light then performs perfectly to my sequence in Vixen; channel 1=G, 2 =B, 3=W, but 4=nothing....no red. Leave power on, put SW2 in program mode and led starts blinking red. Kill Vixen, fire up addressing util to move start channel to 161 (also tried config tool) but red just keeps blinking away and util starts flashing "Address being transmitted" and never returns.
Move SW2 back to operate mode and led changes from flashing red to solid green. Fire Vixen back up and everything works the same as before...starting at channel 1. No issues with firmware corruption...but I have reflashed several times just to see if it makes a difference.
Still tinkering....I'll post more if I can get a better result.
Mike E.
Try a different order:
1 - Start Address Utility and set the start channel you want. Hit transmit
2 - With Aether2 OFF move switch to program mode
3 - Turn ON Aether2 once it starts to flash red turn Aether2 OFF
4 - Move switch back to operate mode
5 - Stop Address Utility
6 - Turn Aether2 back on and test with your sequence software of choice.
Rick R.
P.S. I don't have a Aether but the above seems right. Also its possible if you move the opera/program switch with the Aether2 on you might have to reflash the pic before it works correctly.
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Tried the new order a couple of times. Same results. I'm really stumped why there is no red under normal operating mode...thats bugging me more than the addressing. I'll have some more time to look at it tonight.
Thanks and ...and keep the suggestions coming. We'll get it figured out.
Mike E.
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Tried the new order a couple of times. Same results. I'm really stumped why there is no red under normal operating mode...thats bugging me more than the addressing. I'll have some more time to look at it tonight.
Thanks and ...and keep the suggestions coming. We'll get it figured out.
Mike E.
Do you have a Pickit to flash the pic??
If so, Flash it. Make sure that after the flash is complete that SW2 is in the inboard position prior to powering the device. From my limited experience , at no time should the oper/program switch (sw2) be toggled while power is applied. If you can flash it with the Hex file, then channel one will start as red...
I am going to dig back into tonight to set if I can get one of them to take a new address.
John
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It does seem that if you switch SW2 while powered is screws with the PIC program. I am still working the issue. I agree do not move the SW2 anytime the unit is powered. Let me know if you all are seeing the same issue with the PIC? It is just an observation. I will try more to night. Right I have to work to pay for my hobby. Kevin
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Ok. I've got updated instructions for everyone, and also for Rick's revised manual.
I saw a couple bugs with the software, and with instructions the user can avoid some and work past others.
I also saw a situation where I tried to change the channel to 321-324, and I ended up with 510-512. (R,G,B... but no W)
Another oddity... before I set the channel, I found that only channels 1,2,3 were available as G,B,W (no R as it was likely an inaccessible 0)
Left/outer-most switch (SW2): Program Switch
Toggled left/outer: Program, Toggled Right/inner: Operate
Right/inner-most switch (SW1): DMX Termination
Toggled left/outer: Term Off, Toggled Right/inner: Term On
Here are the instructions:
1. Turn OFF power to AetherII
reset USB dongle
set DMX terminate (inner-most) switch to inner position (terminate on)
2. [While OFF] Verify that the outer-most switch it toggled to the inner position [Operate Mode]
3. [While OFF] Start the "Lynx Address Utility" as Administrator
4. [While OFF] Set COM port for dongle using Settings/Comport and the [Update] button
5. [While OFF] Change StartChannel number to XXXX
6. [While OFF] Select button "Program"
7. [While OFF] Flip outer-most switch to outer position [Program Mode]
8. Turn ON power to AetherII
9. [While ON] Wait for flashing red on AetherII
10. Turn OFF power to AetherII
11. [While OFF] Flip outer-most switch to inner position [Operate Mode]
12. [While OFF] Stop "Lynx Address Utility" (it may abort... don't worry about it)
13. [While OFF] Exit the utility.
14. Turn ON power to AetherII (if it lights up as blue, connection to the dongle was lost and the dongle should be reset...)
15. [Optional] Disconnect USB connection to Dongle
16. [Optional] Reconnect USB to Dongle
17. Test the device
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I just came up wit the same. the 1,2,3, R,G,B no white. The cause of this is switching the outer SW2 during power up. I had success after re-programing the PIC. The power must be off to the Aether when switching SW2.
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The 123/GBW and 510-512/RGB happened during my testing.
If you follow the steps I've listed, it should work as intended.
...and none of my experimentation required that I reprogram the PIC. I think that can get you back to normal, but usually it is unneeded... just start again.
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I followed the instructions above (and Wiki manual) to program the start channel. I saw the "RED" flashes when I turned the Power ON. However, nothing was changed, I still get 1,2,3, 4 (white). How can I change the start channel to 201 ?
Thanks.
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In step 5,
5. [While OFF] Change StartChannel number to XXXX
you should select channel 201 in the drop-down list.
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I just tried that too. Nothing was changed.
FYI - all channel 1, 2, 3, and 4 (white) is functioning but I just can't get it to change to 201.
Please help
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BTW - do I use Pick3 device to program or I should use "USB Dongle" to program the start channel?
Thanks
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use the USB dongle and the Lynx Address Utility.
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Steve,
Thanks, I was using the "USB Dongle". I'm still not sure why I can't program the start channel to 201.
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It seems to be something that I did and didn't fully document, or something that you are doing that is not on the list... or a dozen other things.
I'm looking now to see if anyone else has a problem with the procedure.
another option is to follow Rick's procedure, currently listed in the wiki manual page for aetherII. I don't see anything in my list that he is not saying -- but I think I am being more explicit.
so, try the procedure in the wiki. let's see what happens.
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Yes, if you are having success it is blind luck, or we have missed something important. If I reprogram the pic (fully erase it, load hex & verify), everything is perfect RGBW on channels 1-4. No matter what process I follow, running either of the configuration utilities and trying to set the start channel to 161, it screws up the chip and I am back to the GBW on channels 1-3. Trying to set the start channel to lower values like 24 has even more alarming results, like full green when power is applied. Killed power and reset dongle and no channels would light until I reprogrammed chip.
Lather, rinse, repeat, drink shot of Jameson, lather, rinse, repeat....<fp. <fp.
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Another thought. I noticed throughout my procedure that I have the inner-most switch flipped to the outside. I've left it in that position throughout the configuration, and also through my testing of the unit with Vixen. Can you try that to see if there is any effect?
I prefer to think I am not experiencing blind luck, only experiencing som karma after a lot of other blind alleys. :)
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Definitely appreciate the help and encouragement <res.
Setting the terminate switch towards the outside of the case seems to force the red led on while the other channels obey the sequence under normal operation. I tried to set the start channel with both switches toggled to the outside of the case and got different results every time I applied power. For now, if I reprogram and stick with the default start channel 1, I have a working Aether....they'll all have to dance in unison.
giving up for the night....thanks again!
Mike E.
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Tonight I will have my second (and final) AetherII assembled in the case, I'll try the procedure I've listed from the start. I'll also video the experience.
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Mike,
I noticed in your picture in the other thread that I only saw 6 wires soldered to the LED. You didn't leave off a pair of wires did you?
-Keith
Definitely appreciate the help and encouragement <res.
Setting the terminate switch towards the outside of the case seems to force the red led on while the other channels obey the sequence under normal operation. I tried to set the start channel with both switches toggled to the outside of the case and got different results every time I applied power. For now, if I reprogram and stick with the default start channel 1, I have a working Aether....they'll all have to dance in unison.
giving up for the night....thanks again!
Mike E.
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Steve,
You don't sleep? ;D You were staying late last night trying to help me and now what are you doing at 5:30am :) <res.
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The original manual instructed to solder 6 wires starting at #1, so I did. After I didn't get all my colors, I went ahead and added the other two and asked Rick to correct the manual in the Wiki. So good to go now, but I guess we should replace my pic that Rick used in the manual since someone else will surely notice the missing wires too and think they did something wrong.
Mike E.
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Yeah - I too was followed the original instruction, which only required 6 wires :)
After reading so many posts, I'm confused now.
On the "Aether II Answers for Questions for everyone" thread. RJ has the following.
Here is the information being asked in many different threads.
1 -
Switches on the Aether II -
Right switch is terminate and moving it to the right turns it on.
Left Switch is Operate/ Program and moving it to the right is program.
So both should be to the left for normal operation
The instructions from "Steve" and Wiki manual indicated that the "Left (w2) switch" moving it to the left (outside edge) is program.
Which ones is correct?
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The manual has been updated, and I'm 100% sure it's accurate...based on my own experience. The aether obeys sequences from Vixen with the program/operate switch to the right (toward the center of the light), but only blinks red when the switch is to the left (toward the side of the case).
Mike E.
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I too saw 6-wires, but i ignored it. :) I thought at that time it was a misprint -- especially since all discussions mentioned the 4 channels. Mike has fixed the wiki to show 8.
The picture added later was confusing as well. I don't know if it was meant to show one in progress, or it was meant to show one completed -- but with 6 connected. The picture really should be replaced in the wiki. I'll take a new pic tonight of my 2nd unit.
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Thanks -
I'm still trying to figure out why I can't change the start channel number to 201.
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Yes, if you are having success it is blind luck, or we have missed something important. If I reprogram the pic (fully erase it, load hex & verify), everything is perfect RGBW on channels 1-4. No matter what process I follow, running either of the configuration utilities and trying to set the start channel to 161, it screws up the chip and I am back to the GBW on channels 1-3. Trying to set the start channel to lower values like 24 has even more alarming results, like full green when power is applied. Killed power and reset dongle and no channels would light until I reprogrammed chip.
Lather, rinse, repeat, drink shot of Jameson, lather, rinse, repeat....<fp. <fp.
Alrighty now...for those of you who are still having trouble getting the start channel to take, I've found the 100% foolproof method and duplicated it numerous times. Works with a freshly programmed chip AND even one that has been hosed (GBW on channels 1-3) after a botched attempt or bumping the switch while the unit was powered up.
1) Start with a freshly programmed chip just for good measure
2) Move both switches towards the LED
2) Power up the Aether
3) Start Vixen or whatever app you are using to trigger the Aether; make sure you can talk to the light regardless of how its obeying. Stop whatever sequence is running but leave the app up.
4) Start the Lynx Address Utility; update the com port to make sure there are no conflicts
5) Select the start address in the Lynx Address Utility and hit program. If your chip is hosed, the light will turn green..ignore it.
6) Move the program switch to "program mode" (towards the case), the LED will begin to flash red.
7) Move the program switch back towards the LED, you should get a single bright pop of light. If any other result move the switch back towards the case, wait for a red flash and move it back. Its all a matter of timing for moving the program switch back to run mode. Try to flip it right after the red flash. Repeat as many times as it takes to get the white pop of light...and your DONE.
8) Stop the Lynx Address Utility if it hasn't crashed
9) Fire up your sequence and watch in amazement as your Aether obeys on the channels you selected.