DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Express => Topic started by: Rich Renn on March 09, 2013,
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Hello
I have issues with 2 Lynx express controllers I purchased 1 was almost built and I built the other, The 1 built from start to end. The first issue one shows the dmx led light even though there is no dmx connected to it. The other one starts up fine but when I try to change the mode nothing happens I have looked at all the solder joints under a lighted magnifier and see nothing wrong and all the chips are set in place with no issues.
Thanks
Richard
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By chance are the pics programmed yet? Alot of people get excited and forget they
till have to program the pic. :)
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I do not know they do every thing the ones do in the video I watched to put them together that said the pics where pre programmed.
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The one with the dmx light do you mean the Data led ? If so ignore it for the moment as some of the RS485 do this. You can swap the two rs485 chips on the express and see if it goes away.
The second one, does the lynx express stuff scroll on power up and if it does does it move real slow? If it scrolls slow reflash your pic it is a bad load of firmware. If the mode button does nothing then it could be install backwards we have had people do this before. There is a little pin and a little hole on the pcb to line up but it is possible to assemble backwards.
RJ
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I would reflash the pic. Every LE I have received from a coop or bought from another member has had issues. Once I reflashed the pic they all work great.
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Yes it is the data led I swapped the rs485 chips and it is still on, today i am going to test it with a DMX signal to see if it works properly. The other one powers up and scrolls fine, I checked the switch and it is installed properly so I am going to try and flash the pic and see if that helps if not I am thinking it could just be a bad switch.
Richard
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Okay I flashed the Pic now I can get the mode switch to cycle to the test mode, when I run the test the leds will start flickering to the point they go almost out, and the other board still has the DMX led on but I have not gotten to the point of putting a signal to check it, like I said I purchased these from some one and all your help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Richard
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Not all led strings are created equal. Some don't like to be dimmed. Many are half wave - I can see them flicker even when plugged strait into the wall outlet.
Many of us check the sight regularly just to see if there is someone we can help. It's our way of giving back to the community.
RM
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Not a string of leds but the green leds on the board when I run the test cycle, but thanks.
Richard
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Hello
would any one be willing to let me ship these two express's to them to check out what the issue is with them I would gladly pay you for your time if need be. I tried testing with DMX and I can get the Data link light to come on very weak on one and the other is on all the time. I have both boards at this time cycle fine at start up I can set the start channel with out any issues. Thank you to all who have replied so far
Thanks
Richard
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Richard, can you post some good detailed pictures here! Of both sides if each express.
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will post pictures tomorrow
thanks
Richard
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Hello
Here are three pictures of the first board if they are not clear enough I will try with another camera I figured we would start with one board and then move to the next one
Thanks
Richard
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I cannot tell anything from those photos, the quality is not very good. s
Sorry.
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I agree with TexasStingray. Can you by chance take some higher resolution pictures? You do have the angles that we need.
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After I looked at them i thought that might be the case I will use a better camera tomorrow
Richard
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Richard just so things are clearer:
When you enter the test mode (TST on the display) the following should happen, the 16 channel LED's should turn on one at a time from 1 to 16 then LED's 2 and 4 should stay on. If this is not happening then there is a problem.
Also quoting from the WIKI: "Before using test mode, and after all components are installed you should update the firmware using the instructions available below in "Flashing or Re-flashing the Express Pic". If you fail to do so, the existing firmware may produce inconsistent results noticible by LEDs that fail to light or show as half-intensity."
Hang in there, you will get this working and we will be here to help. Just make sure to ask DETAILED questions (IE: "the green channel LED's" instead of "LED's").
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Caretaker
All that you posted happens. I had re flashed the pics the first time some one mentioned it just to make sure as far as the green channel leds going half way out and flickering I think I have that issue solved as it has not done it since I posted that, I went back and made sure all the chips where seated properly. I hope the pics I just posted will be better for all to see. As a first timer at this I find That the help from all is just amazing and I hope I can repay the favor some day.
Thanks
Richard
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This is board 1
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This is board 2
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Ok, now that you have reflashed the PICs, what exactly are you seeing with each board?
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AT this time I can run the test mode and it all looks good, when I use the mode button to get to the test mode and run the test, I then have to hit the reset button as the mode button will not work from that point, then I use the mode button to get to the channel set section to set the channel.The DMX data light is now showing on both boards with no DMX hooked up to them. Today I hooked up a dmx signal and nothing I could not get the channel leds to come on at all I was able to check and make sure I had a signal with my mulimeter and I did and that was with them daisy chained together.
Richard
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Never mind about the Data lights just fixed that issue, or should I say the wife found the Issue LOL
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ALL STOP all the hard work you have been doing all is appreciated but my wife came in and made me feel like an idiot the RS-485 chip by the DMX in port was in backwards on both boards just tested with the LYNX dongle I built and all works fine. I wish she could have found it before I pulled the rest of my hair out. any time you are in north east ohio the drinks are on me lol
Thanks
Richard
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Yeah, I was going to post and say that but your last post bet me.
Glad it was an easy fix.
RJ
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Sounds like the WIFE deserves a couple of drinks on you!!! <res.
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Glad you got it working without having to ship it out. Please have you wife check DLA regularly and help those in need with other issues. LOL.
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I will have her do that, it was the very fist time she looked at them I gave her a hug and said thank you to her but I need the drink as she will never let me live that one down. you guys are great and thanks again
Richard
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We've all been there. Agonize over a non-functional board for hours/days, and then a friend looks at it and says "did you really mean to put that chip in backwards?..."
Of course, the only difference is, with your wife finding it, you'll not forget that error for, oh, well, a year or two at least.... ;D
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Glad to hear that all is working. Big thanks to your wife, but as you mentioned she will remind you of it. Now to start sequence the show and get her opinion of it before you go live(LOL)
Steve (from Edmonton)
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Well congrats on having two working Expresses! Now you get to move on to bigger and better projects.
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Yes I can I have 4 more on their way and I am also building a Pixelnet Ether Dongle right now so the fun will just continue just hope the wife don't get mad at me and stop looking my work over lol
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Where are you located in N.E. Ohio, I'm in Niles.
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Yes I can I have 4 more on their way and I am also building a Pixelnet Ether Dongle right now so the fun will just continue just hope the wife don't get mad at me and stop looking my work over lol
Have her stuff the boards and you solder... ;D
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I am right on the lake by the PA line in Conneaut
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Not too far away, nice to me a fellow Ohioan..
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I too am from Ohio. I'm 2.5 hours south of Conneaut and hour 45 from Niles. I'm in Gnadenhutten, OH. Do either one of you go to the Ohio Mini? LUO, Light Up Ohio?
Dan
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I haven't been to either one, I'm just starting out in the blinky flashy world. I had to look up Gnadenhutten, never heard of it even though I've been all around that area....Nice to meet you.