DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Express => Topic started by: Dholley on July 18, 2011,
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Okay Guys I call Uncle,
I can't figure it out. I tested my dongle and my express approximately one month ago and all was fine. Now when I run the test for all lights from vixen there is no respose. The lights do not come on. Here is what I have so far:
1. It is a LE 4 and the self test works fine, all leds light and lights that are plugged into channels light up
2. I have downloaded and install the correct FTDI driver for the usb port
3. I have matched the baud speed in vixen with the com port
4. I have terminated the express, this is the only board I"m testing
5. The wireless jumper is on
6. I have tried with another computer with xp and with another computer with windows 7 no luck
7. I have power to both sides of the express
8. The dongle I'm using was successful in lighting a board approximately 1 month ago
Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
Danny
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Hi Danny,
When you plug the dongle into the computer does the computer recognizes the dongle (connection noise)
Can you verify that you are using the correct com port? Is Enttec DMX Pro Attached plugin enabled?
Do you have the DMX add-ins plugin unchecked
Can you try different cables (maybe they got damaged)
Rick R.
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Do the dongle's LEDs come ON?
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Hi Ron and PK,
Yes the computer does recognize the dongle and it shows it be com port 3. I have the Entec DMX Pro Attached and enabled.
When you say DMX add-ins plugin unchecked, are you referring to the Entec DMX Pro plugin? If so it is checked.
I have tired another cat 5 cable with no luck. I swapped usb cables, the first time I swapped cables, the lights came on and stayed on WITHOUT a request from Vixen. I unplugged the board and the lights went off. I restarted Vixen, plugged in the board and tried the test again and no lights. I swapped cables again and no lights.
Pk the led red and green lights are on.
Should I try re-picing the dongle?
Thank you,
Danny
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When you say DMX add-ins plugin unchecked, are you referring to the Entec DMX Pro plugin? If so it is checked.
I believe what they are referring to is in vixen under the add in tab make sure DMX is not check this is in the add in when you open up a sequence the tab is in between tools and triggers
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Hi Lineman,
I did have DMX checked under the Add-In Menu. I unchecked it but still no lights.
Thank you.
Danny
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Danny,
Does the dongle have dmx or pixelnet firmware?
Is the LE set to channel 1?
Is Vixen sending to the same channels that the LE is set to?
If you do a channel test and select all channels, does anything happen?
It is probably something simple. We just need to help you find it.
John
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Hi John,
To the best of my understanding the firmware is DMX. I downloaded it from the wiki websites as instructed by RJ.
The LE is set to channel one. I am testing all channels for board 1.
In an effort to find the problem, I setup another board (let's call it board 2). I have it set to channel one, for testing purposes I have only one channel cord connected for board 2, when I try to test just channel one, nothing happens, when I test all channels it comes on and stays on, even when I close vixen. The only way I can get the string to turn off in turn off the the board.
To recap; when testing board 1 nothing happens even when testing all channels. When testing board 2 if I try to test one channel (which is channel 1 by the way) nothing happens, if I test all channels, channel one lights up and stays on.
Any suggestions are greatly welcomed.
Danny
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Can you take a picture of Board 1 please both front and back and post the pics here. We have many eagle eyes here. 8) :o
Is the jumper for wireless installed on the LE?
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Hi Dennis,
It will take me a minute to get some pictures. The wireless jumper is on the board.
I have re-flashed the dongle and the express, board 2 with no luck.
When testing board 2 via vixen all the lights come on and stay even after I close vixen.
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Pictures of Board 2
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Pictures of board 1 front and back
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I can't see the boards very well, but board 1 has the wireless module on it, but also the remove for wireless jumper is attached. i think it makes a difference. Did the V4 have to have the 485 chip uninstalled to run wireless?
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I removed the wirless module from boad 1, no change no lights via vixen, the self test works fine
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What version Dongle? What firmware on the Dongle and LE?
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I think the dongle is version 2. I am attaching a screen shot with additional information of the firmware for the dongle and express
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Are the pix of the front sides blurry to others as well? You might want to repost some pix that have a little more clarity...
-Paul
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Hi Paul,
I will try to get some higher resolution and more focused pictures.
Danny
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I don't know if it matters with the jumper, but you might try removing the wireless module and seeing if that changes anything.
-Keith
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Hi Keith,
I did remove the module and no change. I got your pm about possibly changing the com port to either above 10 or below 10. Would you or some tell me how to do this and if I change the com port do I need to reload the FTDI driver for that com port? When I look under device manager I only see one com port (com port 3) and I don't see an option to change the number.
Also, do I need to plug into a specific usb port on my computer or will the computer recognize the dongle and assign the correct com port no matter which usb port I use?
Thank you,
Danny
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I was able to change the com port to number 11, I updated the dmx plug in in vixen to match this port, still no lights.
The previous com port number was 3.
Is troubleshooting a gift, because I am not feeling the joy :'(
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I would suggest PMing RJ about setting up a teamspeak chat to trouble shoot the problem
This is the next logical step after the forum help doesn't work
Cheers
Rick R.
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DHolley:
Are coming to the LSH Academy in Houston on Aug 6-7th?
There will be several users of LE's there who can help you with the Lynx communication problem.
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Attached are some better pictures of both boards:
As a reminder:
Board 1 does not light at all via vixen, self test is fine
Board 2 will light via vixen but will not turn off even with vixen closed, self test if fine
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I would believe that if two expresses tested when they were built and put away for a while, then they both do not work. I am going to guess the dongle is not putting good dmx out. or we have a software config issue. Pm me what evening you can spare a 20 minutes on Teamspeak and we should be able to get it figured out. Do we know this dongle was working and both of these could receive DMX before? Your are not flashing your Dongle with pixelnet by accident are you? And the both self test ok. Do the Two both show DMX leds when you self test with a dongle sending data to them?
RJ
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PM Sent
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Good afternoon. I'm trying to see if any my lighting problems are related to vixen, so I'm trying another lighting software, FreeStyler. Does anyone know what controller to use with the Lynx Dongle. I assume that's the same as the output plugin we choose in vixen, Entec DMX USB Pro. There is not an exact match in Freestyler, I chose Entec Pro and it would not work.
Is anyone familiar with Freestyler and would you advise how to work this software.
Thank you!
Danny
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You could also try Olive Studio to test your DMX output. It works with the Lynx Dongle. http://dazlyn.com
--Matt
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He's got a red and green led lit. So the dongle is working correctly, right? Did you reflash the PIC's by chance?
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yes I reflashed the dongle. And a reflashed board 2
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To test have you tried RJ's Test console on the WIKI? It makes it easy to test with a small package of software.
Called DMX Deck
http://www.diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Software#Lynx_Software
Just set the comport and adjust the ch # you want to test. Use the slider and you should see the LEDs on the LE respond accordingly if it is getting a signal.
-JS
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Hi JS,
I downloaded the DMX DECK Software and ran the test. I assume there are no settings required other than selecting the correct com port and selecting the channels you want to test?
I ran the test for board 1 and at first nothing happened, no lights, then I switched USB cables and one of the mini lights came on and the other leds that I had turned on came on also. I then switched back to the original cable, and the lights DID NOT go off. The cable was unplugged and the lights were on!
I turned the power off to the board then on and ran the test again, switched the cables again and no lights no leds. Nothing.
I must admit I'm gonna have a greater appreciation of a working system once it's up and running. This troubleshooting is getting a weeeeee bit old.
Thanks for your help guys. I refuse to be defeated!
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Yeah trouble shooting can get old that is for sure. I just wanted you to have the smallest software for easy testing.
RJ's chat with ya will help as he can walk through a lot easier than posts back and forth.
-JS
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If you want to try a simple program then just look at the wiki software page
You can try RJ's DMX Deck or Rick's StartPattern
http://www.diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Software#Lynx_Software
Cheers
Rick R.
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Would someone give me the details of how to use TeamSpeak. I used it last time to listen but I'm not really confident on how to use it. And do you need a microphone connected to talk, or can that be done by phone?
Do we each have a unique password or does RJ give out the password for each occasion?
Thanks!
Danny
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Wouold someone please look at the attachment and advise if these are the correct drivers for the Lynx Dongle.
Thank you,
Danny
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The driver details looks just like mine
leave password blank
info from the wiki page
Windows Info
media:TeamSpeak2.zip Get TeamSpeak
Download and Install program
Once you have the main screen open Right Mouse click and add a new server
Server Label = DLA
Server Address = tx5.teamspeak.cc:8799
Nick name = your dla username
Leave rest of the options as is
IMPORTANT Go to Menu Settings
Sound Input/Output Settings
Change Voice Send Method to PUSH TO TALK
Select a key on your keyboard active the speech mode, Select non alpha key (ie: Ctrl, Shift, Alt)
Options
Device select (bottom of screen) Microphone (Sound card) external mic
Windows sound menu make sure your mic is not muted
Have fun chatting
Hope that helps
Rick R.
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Thank you!
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Sounds like you may have a bad USB cable or jack. Try using your second cable and this time use a different USB port and see if that makes any difference. One thing do not change USB cables OR unplug/replug your dongle while you have a software program opened such as Vixen or RJ's DMX deck, it will screw up the communication between the program and the dongle. Always close the program then unplug the dongle. I have had a couple of computers with flakey USB ports where one works sometimes but the rest work fine all the time. The fact that you got the lights to come on indicates there is some sort of communication problem.
Hi JS,
I downloaded the DMX DECK Software and ran the test. I assume there are no settings required other than selecting the correct com port and selecting the channels you want to test?
I ran the test for board 1 and at first nothing happened, no lights, then I switched USB cables and one of the mini lights came on and the other leds that I had turned on came on also. I then switched back to the original cable, and the lights DID NOT go off. The cable was unplugged and the lights were on!
I turned the power off to the board then on and ran the test again, switched the cables again and no lights no leds. Nothing.
I must admit I'm gonna have a greater appreciation of a working system once it's up and running. This troubleshooting is getting a weeeeee bit old.
Thanks for your help guys. I refuse to be defeated!
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Caretaker;
I used a different usb cable and plugged into a different usb port and no change, no lights.
Danny
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there was an issue that I had with my dongle where you needed to solder a jumper wire between v10 and the female socket for the dongle.
Cant remember where this article was as a friend did it for me
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Not familiar with this issue. Unless it was the USB module that ad a no connect on the power trace? I knew about those.
RJ
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Thanks to everyone that was on TeamSpeak this evening. Initially I thought we had a quick and simple solution, a bad cat 5 cable, I swapped out the cat 5 cables and both boards were working, but it didn't last.
We were wrapping things up and I decided to test one of the boards one more time and no lights came on.
RJ, thinks the problem may lie some where in the dongle. I Will be out of town this weekend and will check the solder joints of the dongle when I return.
I will keep you posted and thanks to everyone for their help and support.
Danny
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Thanks to everyone that was on TeamSpeak this evening. Initially I thought we had a quick and simple solution, a bad cat 5 cable, I swapped out the cat 5 cables and both boards were working, but it didn't last.
We were wrapping things up and I decided to test one of the boards one more time and no lights came on.
RJ, thinks the problem may lie some where in the dongle. I Will be out of town this weekend and will check the solder joints of the dongle when I return.
I will keep you posted and thanks to everyone for their help and support.
Danny
Bring it to the Academy and RJ and others can help you find the problem.
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Did you make the CAT 5 cable or did you test the CAT 5 cable?
I removed the wirless module from boad 1, no change no lights via vixen, the self test works fine
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HI DLA Members,
I am back from out of town. I checked the solder joints of the dongle as RJ suggested and touched up a number of them. Retested and have the following results:
Board 1 does not work at all, board 2 works inconsistently as follows; around 139 the LEDs come on dimly, at 144 the LEDs go off, come on dimly at 147 the off again at 160 this pattern of off and on continues until I get to around 176 where the LEDs come on and stay on. Also this is where the mini lights begin to light.
Would someone advise of what this inconsistent lighting pattern means, assuming it is the dongle can you tell what part of the dongle I need to replace. I believe I have thoroughly checked the solder joints and tired to touch up any that were questionable.
I did not make the cat 5 cable, but I have two cables that worked previously, I will be happy to test if someone would advise how.
Your assistance if greatly appreciated.
Danny
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I have been trying different combinations of usb cable and cat 5 and may have made some progress. It's too early to say for sure.
Would someone tell me a trust worthy name brand for cat 5 and usb cables. Also what is the best way to test a cat 5 or usb cable. I can tell you from experience; just because a usb cable will work your printer it does not mean you can rely on it to work your express.
Thank you!
Danny
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Okay, I'm losing my sense of humor. It stopped working again, no signal to the express. Why would would it work part of the time and then after approximately 5 minutes it stops working?
Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Danny
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Two thoughts are we sure the dongle is putting out data. There is a tread some were on here on how to build a easy simple data tester. Last idea it is a temperature issue.
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Is your USB port going into sleep mode?
There is a thread on here about how to adjust the power settings for the different operating systems.
http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=5029.msg83471#msg83471 (http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=5029.msg83471#msg83471)
Edit: Added one of the links
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I disabled sleep mode for the usb root hub. No change.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Danny
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The seqence your running isn't 5 minutes long and ending? I have had that happen and thought something was wrong. Where are you at? do we have a member close? A know good dongle and cable would really help. I rally think your express is working and it is a dongle/software issue. Not many issue on the controller will act like that. Normally it will or will not work unless moving it causes it to quit then I would say Express was the issue.
Does vixen keep running when it quits working or do you get an error from it like com port error?
RJ
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Hi RJ,
I am using the test all channels feature in vixen so I'm not really running a sequence. I tested with vixen and the Lynx DMX DECK. The controller was working with both programs and then stopped.
I agree I think it is either the dongle or a cable. I'm going to buy a new USB cable. I am near Houston, if someone has a working Dongle I could borrower to verify the problem that would be great.
Thanks to you and all the DLA members.
Danny
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So if you are in Houston, Are you going to the Lone Star Acadamy? If so, I and many others will be there with stuff that we can use to test and could get you going in a hurry. Even if you were not planning to might want to think about it. I can assure you I will be showing some stuff a number of our users will be very interested to see for the first time.
RJ
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RJ,
I sent you PM regarding your post.
Danny
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Dear DLA Members,
The saga continues. I may have narrowed down the culprit, when I plug my USB cable into the dongle port the connection is a little loose. When I test with vixen I can get the lights to come on or go off by wiggling the cable. Assuming this is the problem what is the solution short of replacing the USB modular and hoping for a tighter fit.
It's like having a cord plugged into an wall outlet that does not have a tight fit and therefore poor electrical conduction.
Thanks!
Danny
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Are you sure you have pushed the USB connector in all the way on the dongle. When I push the usb plug into the dongle it stops with about 1/4 inch of the connector still showing. Then I push it a little more, it goes in a little further so that only about 3/16" is still showing plus I get a solid feeling click.
RM
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Hi RM
yes, it's all the way in, it makes a little "click" sound and approx 3/16s" is showing. The connection is loose and the port itself moves ever so slightly. I don't see a way to tighten the port. I have checked all the solder joints that hold the usb module in place and touched up any that were in question. Still the port moves a tiny bit. I have tried with 3 different USB cables
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Here's the latest,
I bought a new USB cable connected it to board 1, it worked with the vixen test for a little while then stopped all together, additionally the leds would shimmer on a slow fade.
Connect to broad 2, it worked for a moment and then the leds would not go out when unselected via vixen. I took the Dongle apart...AGAIN! Reinspected for questionable solder and joints soldered possible bad joints.. AGAIN!
Restested with board 2, it worked continuously and correctly while I was testing. Retested with board 1, best I can remember the lights worked continuously but would shimmer on a slow fade.
I purchased Board 1 from another member and was advised that some of the 3.3 voltage regulators for a particular Coop had some issues, but would probably be okay unless using in extremely cold weather. At first I was undecided about replacing it but decided to change it out just in case. I don't know if the shimmering effect was directly related to the 3.3v regulator but I retested board 1 and it worked continuously and correctly (no shimmer on fades) while I tested.
As for as the dongle is concerned, at the moment it is working and it appears after all my travel it was a bad solder joint or joints.
May the hardest part be behind me. I would much rather see the lights work than work on them!!!
Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions. I am truly amazed at the kindnest and willingness to help of the DLA Members.
Best Wishes and God Bless,
Danny
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One of the problems I'm constantly running into with USB is that China and Hong Kong seems to have a different standard for the USB connectors than what the US has. Most of the cheapo stuff I get on EBay that originates in China or Hong Kong seems to always have loose fitting connectors or sockets.
It sort of mimics what you're describing. Not sure if you're using any of these foreign connectors, but even in today's standards, you can't guarantee that a locally purchased item wasn't made elsewhere.