DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Express => Topic started by: zaccutt on November 30, 2012,
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Hi guys,
Trying to get these LE's working, I am running a LOR dongle and have made a converter wire for testing the Lynx. When I plug in the cable into DMX in the Data link led barely turns on and flickers ever so slightly.
I believe my converter cord is correct, I only have 4 wires going into it though as that's all that seemed to be used. So going into the Lynx dmx in pins 1,2,3 and 7 are filled. Do you need more then the 4 wires? Do you know why the Data LED might barely flicker and when un plugged it stops?
Thanks!
Zac
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Lynx DMX is only 1&2, 3-8 are not used.
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Here is a link that I started with. I used the "Lynx and LOR Crossover Connections" cable so you can use it either way.
http://diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=General_Information_on_Dongle_Connections
My cable was the other standard to I made this picture to help me with the conversion.
I'm not a fan of the USB485B adapter for DMX. I tested mine last year for testing DMX and it was a mess. I used an Entec Pro all year and tested the Lynx in S3 and that worked. There is also a DMXKing adapter that is also supposed to be like the Entec Pro for less money.
Regardless, the LED should light up properly regardless of the adapter.
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Ok, and would you know how a Lynx controller could be tested with LOR software? Is there any chance the LOR hardware utility could find this LE or am I wasting my time? Whats the best way to connect to this LE and test it?
By the way, I cut the two extra wires and the Data LED is still doing the same thing.
Thanks
Zac
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Unfortunately my favorite feature of LOR (network searching) is a LOR function and not a standard DMX feature so the LOR control panel will not do you any good (only if you use a LOR network with LOR gear). You can use your LOR adapter for DMX as long as its a supported device for DMX. You just need to setup the adapter as a DMX universe. I don't recall if the LOR DMX deck works for testing. I used xLights and the LOR sequence editor for testing.
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And how would you set up the adapter as a DMX universe? I will be running a LOR network and wish to convert my signal out of the LOR USB dongle to some LEs so it must work with LOR still as well. I have tried setting the channels in the sequence editor to DMX and obviously that is not working.
Zac
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I knew that question was coming next so I went on a video search. These links have the information you need and is easier to see. I only watched enough to see that they talked about how to setup a DMX adapter in LOR S3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTcPfGFehEI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BbYsPzyTQU
The bad news now is that you need two adapters to run. One for the LOR protocol and one for DMX as they are two separate protocols. The only way to serve DMX and LOR off the same adapter is with a IDMX from LOR.
I would purchase a Lynx adapter if someone has one for sale or purchase an Entec Open or Entec Pro for DMX and use the LOR adapter for LOR.
Or if you get really creative you can run your LOR controllers in DMX mode along with your LE's. I'm running my LOR and Lynx controllers this year all under DMX from an Etherdongle............ But that is a bit more complicated. :)
Hang in there. It's easy once you get it all figured out.
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Alright, well I have an Ether dongle that I purchased a while ago for a future project. It was from a member on here so I assume it is flashed for pixelnet. So I suppose my best option is flashing the ether dongle for DMX and run everything off of it.
I was under the impression that I could run my LOR controllers as normal and run a conversion wire to the LEs having them set up in LOR as DMX?
And therefore just use my LOR dongle.
Zac
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I ran 35 LOR + 4 LE's in 2010. Last year I ran 8 LE's and the rest LOR. This year I have all AC LE's except for 4 DC LOR cards all running DMX. It's the first year in about 4 that my show is a show and nooooot a a a a ss hhh oooow. i.e not lagging and sticking.
It didn't come without a lot of work but it was worth it so far.
I would flash the ED with DMX firmware and use it at a minimum for your LE's. I have been using the ED with LOR S3 since 11/20 and it has been rock solid.
However you do it having the ED gives you options... And options are good.
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Was it laggy because you had so many controllers maybe? I will have a total of 10 with both systems.
Sounds like I want to avoid the LOR USB adapter.. I have heard that several times now
I don't have a pickit... is my main problem.
Zac
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10 controllers will not be a problem under LOR. I don't think I started having issues until we went over the 300ish mark.
I would pickup a Pickit3 from J1sys (ED). It will do both the LE and ED and it's almost mandatory anymore for RJ's gear.
I would try the LOR adapter for DMX and see what you get. I didn't have a good experience but Dan from LOR posted once that some of the older USB485B chips were slower than the new ones and this could cause it. If was a widespread issue they wouldn't support it so I think it might just be my adapters.
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Ok so bluntly though, how could I get this running asap? I'm out of time now unfortunately.
If I want to run everything off of one adapter I need to buy the IDMX (which appears to be too much money) or I need to flash the ED to DMX and run both adapters or I need to flash the ED and run everything DMX?
Thanks
Zac
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Actually wait a minute, I think this ED is flashed for DMX. Now I have the ED selected in network preferences in LOR (dpb3lh8d) and have tried the protocol as Lynx, raw dmx and Enttec. It still is not controlling the lights and my Data link LED is not on. Also, the green LED on the ED is off. Ideas?
Thanks!
Zac
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Actually wait a minute, I think this ED is flashed for DMX. Now I have the ED selected in network preferences in LOR (dpb3lh8d) and have tried the protocol as Lynx, raw dmx and Enttec. It still is not controlling the lights and my Data link LED is not on. Also, the green LED on the ED is off. Ideas?
Thanks!
Zac
The ED has to be setup as E1.31 and connected to a network switch or router.
Go back into the Network Preferences and remove all your setting and then add the E1.31 for each Universe you are using.
Use Multi and will put in the 239.255.0.1 for the Universe 1.
Now connect to ED to your router only.
In LOR you must start the Control Panel and it will show if your connection is working, if not you will see errors.
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Sorry what do you mean by router? I'm assuming you just mean an internet router? So would I run the computer to the ED to the router to the controllers?
And when I set it up and choose Multicast I cannot specify an IP unless I choose specify.
Thanks
Zac
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computer to the router
etherdongle's metal rj45 jack to the router.
etherdongle's plastic rj45 jack to the equipment.
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To get everything to talk to the 1 LOR adapter you will need to run the whole show in DMX mode. This means remapping your channels from LOR to DMX. Not a quick fix but doable.
How this works:
The LOR controllers have LOR and DMX firmware meaning they are multilingual.
The Lynx controllers only have DMX firmware so it can only listen for DMX.
Now. To get the ED setup please follow this video and pray that you don't have any odd networking problem. It's a slick device but it can be complicated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9apwKcVtCF4
If the ED has DMX firmware then you can setup your LOR adapter for your LOR controllers and use the ED speaking DMX for the LE's.
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computer to the router
etherdongle's metal rj45 jack to the router.
etherdongle's plastic rj45 jack to the equipment.
Be very very careful on this one!
etherdongle's metal rj45 jack to the router -> or direct to computer.
etherdongle's plastic rj45 jack to the equipment - > in your case the Lynx Express.
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The ED can be hooked up directly to your computer or to a switch / router.
Computer -> ED -> Lynx Express
Computer -> Switch/Router -> Lynx express
I run my setup like this as my ED is in the garage and my computer is in the house and it's working wonderful. I have cat5 run to the garage.
Computer -> switch -> switch -> ED -> combiner -> Univ 1 and 2 -> LE
The ED gives you many more options. Unfortunately these options can bring about complexity.
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i made my comment b/c of the comment about router placement. in the previous comment.
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Sorry what do you mean by router? I'm assuming you just mean an internet router? So would I run the computer to the ED to the router to the controllers?
And when I set it up and choose Multicast I cannot specify an IP unless I choose specify.
Thanks
Zac
Your computer should be on the router also.
If you select Multicast you do not need to change anything, you use the default, that is why it is grayed out.
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There are several ways to connect your EtherDongle. First would be by connecting it to your Router/Cable Modem like in Picture 1. Second would be directly to your computer (or to a second network card on your computer) like in picture 2
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Ok, so I have the USB ED V2. I am only running one universe. So I can go directly from the computer to ED then out to the LE. I won't need a combiner with only one universe? However he mentioned a 'protocol bridge' to run the LE.
Is there something I am missing? I have it set up correctly in LOR and the control panel reads 'connection accepted' and E1.31 universe 1 opened on the IP address. Data link LED is still not on at all now.
And remapping the system is easy as I havent set any of them up yet.
Thanks for your patience
Zac
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The etherdongle doesn't have usb. Do you mean a lynx dongle which is usb and can be flashed for dmx or pixelnet depending on firmware used?
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.
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I guess so, sorry I thought I had asked for the Ether dongle haha! So if this is the LYNX DMX dongle, which it says it is on the board, how do I recognize this in LOR? I still believe it is flashed for DMX so we should be ok if I can figure out the LOR settings.
Zac
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If using lor v3 I think it is called open dmx. Then you have to make a special crossover cable between the lynx dongle and the lor units. Unit number 1 is channels 1-16. Unit 2 is channels 17-32 ect. How to make that crossover is elsewhere on this forum. Prior to v3 you have to use xlights to talk to lor via dmx.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.
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Hi, ok so I just want to test an LE so I have the lynx dongle and then a regular cat 5 cord to the LE. I have to know what to set the DMX universe in LOR to, either raw DMX, ENTEC DMX USB Pro, Lynx or E1.31
My adapter shows up as DPB3LH8D
Thanks
Zac
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You know I don't have the correct driver installed. How do I get rid of the automatically installed one and install the right one?
Thanks
Zac
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If your LOR adpater is working then the driver should be good. Also if you can see the
ID of the Lynx dongle the driver should be good. In the network window you will have your LOR adapter setup as normal. Get this done and make sure it works before proceeding.
After that reopen the network configuration window and setup your Lynx dongle under the DMX tab using Lynx as the DMX type.
DPB3LH8D -> Lynx.
Shutdown the network utility and start the control panel to start the DMX listener.
Your physical hardware will look like this.
PC -> LOR dongle -> plain cat5 -> LOR controllers
PC -> Lynx dongle -> plain cat5 -> Lynx Express
On a side note. Make sure you have the "Remove for Wireless" jumper "on" on your LE.
Once this works you should be good.
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Hi Jeff,
The LOR adapter has been working fine. Also the LOR adapter allows me to control lights from the sequencer and from hardware utility on a LOR board. I have set up the lynx dongle as required.
In the listener it states that the connection with the lynx is accepted and the adapter is open.
The Data link light is still off on the controller and the Green LED is still off on the Lynx DMX adapter.
And I now have the remove for wireless jumper removed.
Ideas?
Thanks
Zac
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Before going forward, start the sequence editor and see if the green light comes on. I don't have a machine to test my dongle with at the moment. The manual says the green LED lights when it receives a DMX single.
The driver setup information is under the initial setup section as well and you may want to re-install it.
http://www.diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dongle_Manual_v2
Initial Setup
Is there any chance you could post a screen shot of your network window for both the LOR tab and DMX. I think you are very close to getting it.
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If he is not using wireless, it seems to me he shouldn't remove a jumper called "Remove for wireless" because I would think that would make the board run in wireless mode. Am I wrong as I don't have that board?
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.
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My bad. I got mixed up on another thought. Sorry. The wireless jumper should be on unless you have a wireless unit attached. The terminator should be on for the last unit.
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On the terminator, wouldn't you terminate the last controller if using more than one controller or if using a single controller? Sorry I don't have any experience with that particular board but do have other dmx equipment.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.
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I just got myself an Mtn Dew. Yes the terminator should be on for one unit, or the last unit. I fixed the previous post.
Time for someone else to take over. I'm doing more harm than good now. ::)
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Here is screen shots of both tabs.
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u320/zaccutt/LightshowDMXtab.jpg)
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u320/zaccutt/LightshowLORtab.jpg)
I have tried reinstalling the driver, the links in the wiki do not work but I found them through a search and I loaded the CDM driver file which ran a quick program and then it disappears as though it was successful.
I had the wireless jumper and the terminator jumper on the whole beginning trying to set this up. I will try it again.
Zac
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The DMX screen looks correct.
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Test jumper on dongle is removed also. So the dongle is not sending out a DMX signal because there is no green LED which means some setting is wrong? How do I check if the device is flashed for DMX rather than pixelnet?
Zac
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Without a Pickit programmer I'm not sure you can.
Anyone else have an idea?
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Post your LMS file here so we can take a look at your configuration.
Zip it then attach to a post.
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Hi,
I am just using a test sequence to just get some life outta the LE. I then have to configure all of my channels in my sequences. The animation sequence is attached.
Thanks
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Today is my final set up day! Hoping to get the rest of the controllers out. If you have any ideas please let me know, I will try anything. All of your help is greatly appreciated.
I guess the main problem is the dmx dongle is not sending out dmx, which would mean LOR S3 is probably not sending out signal to it. When I used the list utility it states the dmx dongle is on com 5. Lor is on com 4. The listener shows the lynx connection is accepted. I tried dmx deck however it crashes when I start it..
I just tried testing it in xlights with various settings to no avail. Green LED on dongle is still off.
Zac
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The Lynx USB DMX dongle will connect and show perfectly in LOR even if the PIC chip is "not programmed" or programmed for Pixelnet. On your LOR DMX config screen, you can clearly see the unique 8 digit "code" for your Lynx dongle. The sad thing is, that will be seen whether the dongle works or not. :(
I'm not sure where you got that Lynx dongle, but without the green light, it isn't putting out anything (DMX or Pixelnet).
Now, you can use just the LOR adapter, but you will have to run any LOR controllers in DMX mode and use converters between any LOR controllers and Lynx controllers. Depending on your wiring layout, that could be a single converter or it could be MANY.
In my Universe 1, I use some D-Light DMX controllers and some Lynx Express. Though it added a bit to the length of cable, I elected to put the 3 Lynx at the end of the daisy chain, thereby using only one converter.
If you want to use the LOR adapter as DMX, you will need to REMOVE it from the LOR network screen, then add it to the DMX screen as an "OPEN" "Raw" protocol adapter. Remember that the LOR adapter is outputting on pins 4 and 5, so go to your LOR controllers first (or use a converter before connecting to a Lynx)
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Wonderfully said.
The only thing to note is if you use the USB485 series dongle the protocol to use is:
Raw DMX Protocol
LOR USB485
LOR USB485B
LOR USB485-ISO
Here is some more good reading on DMX and dongles and where I got this.
http://seasonalentertainmentllc.com/pdf/UnderstandingDMX.pdf
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Ok I tried to use the LOR adapter to run the LE simply to test it and I removed my LOR from com 5 and found the LOR adapter under the DMX tab setting and used the raw DMX protocol. (I was using the conveter cable that comes with the Lynx dongle) Still no lights and the Data Link LED is still off.
Should I try testing it with Xlights?
Thanks
Zac
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Yes, I'd try xLights. There's an adapter that comes with the Lynx? I never got one. Made my own.
Also, if you are using an adapter, what color wires are you crossing?
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Be careful on just looking for colors as there are multiple standards of cat5. Watch the pin numbers first and colors second. Also make sure you look at the diagram correctly whether the tab is up or down as it can be confusing.
To test this I would cut a cat5 cable and just twist the wires first to make sure you have it correct. After this you can solder them up or put an end on. I purchased a cat5 crimper and ends but I find it easier to just solder them.
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Hi Jon, yes the adapter came with the Lynx from the guy I bought it. I also made my own, on the one I made I crossed 4>1 and 5>2. After switching this adapater to try the LE it will now not work to run the LOR boards I have at all. I have tried everything but the controllers are not getting signal. Hmmm not sure.
What should I set the controller to in Xlights?
I have tried open dmx but no lights and the Data link on the board is still off. Should this be lit as soon as the controller receives signal from the device or only when lights are playing?
Zac
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Just to make sure.
If you only crossed 2 wires the correct end has to be plugged into the LOR device and LE from what I recall. Switching the cable around will make it not work. If you swap the 4 then the cable is universal meaning you can plug either end into the LE or LOR device.
I posted a picture and link on an earlier post on how to make the universal cable.
Can I ask what part of the country you live in? I'm about ready to make a cable and send it to you so we can rule this out. :)
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Pin 1 and 2 going into the Lynx controller is pin 4 and 5 from the source. When is the data link LED supposed to light? Like any time a dongle is connected?
Zac
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Ok progress!
In Xlights, set as open DMX on comm 4 which is the LOR dongle, the controller started responding, working normally! I didn't even change anything else and its with the cord I made. So I was simply just using the test mode in Xlights. Now I have to try to get the LOR working in Xlights
How do I make the LOR controllers run DMX? Do I set it all up in the sequence editor and then load the sequence to xlights?
Zac
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We probably already talked about this but you have the control panel running when testing lor correct. :)
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When I was testing LOR previously I was just using the sequence editor. I had 7 LOR controllers running. And also in the hardware utility they worked normally and it could find all of them. However after removing the LOR settings in LOR to try it over on DMX the LOR will now not work with it back to the previous way. So my best bet I suppose is to run it all off of Xlights in DMX?
Any other solutions welcomed haha
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I'm not sure I follow but when you are just testing the one LOR adapter you must only have it specified in one are. Either LOR or DMX, not both. Also what version of LOR software do you have?
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Yeah, I only ever had the Lor adapter enable in one protocol. I am running Lor 3.8.0
I feel so close now, I will try to change my sequence channel numbering tonight and then load the sequence to xlights and see if I can get LOR and Lynx working together.
Will keep you posted.
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I can’t help with xLights. I would start another thread maybe as there are others that may be able to help.
On a side note, do you have the “advanced†version of LOR S3?
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Yes, I do have the advanced version of LOR. I am leaving work early today to try to figure this out. I will try to get everything running thru LOR in the raw dmx protocol this afternoon. I suppose I just have to set the channels to dmx and thats it? The controllers don't need to be told to run dmx? If not I will try xlights.
Zac
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I suppose I just have to set the channels to dmx and thats it? The controllers don't need to be told to run dmx?
Zac
Yes, in the Tools / Channel Config, go down channel by channel and change from LOR to DMX Universe 1 and the new channel number.
The "formula" for LOR Unit ID/Channel to DMX conversion is pretty simple.
Unit 1 is 1 thru 16
Unit 2 is 17 thru 32
Unit 3 is 33 thru 48
etc....
LOR Unit ID minus 1. Multiply by 16, then add the LOR channel number.
The LOR controllers will auto sense the DMX protocol and respond at those channel numbers
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Ok, so this should be easy, can I still use LOR to run it there fore test it in sequence editor?
Thanks
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To test from the Sequencer program, you must be sure the LOR Listener is running. It is a "command line" box that actually does the conversion from LOR to DMX. No Listener, No output.
Also, under Play, be sure the "Control Lights" line is checked. Usually is by default, but check before you panic.
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Ok, still no go.
So the lynx will only work in xlight tester, it will not play its set of channels from the LOR sequence through xlights or now it works in sequence editor!. I changed all of the channels to DMX and tried the LOR controllers (with no converter wire) and they are not getting signal from the LOR adapter anymore.. The LOR boards also have no signal in the LOR sequence editor with the control panel open.
So now it is getting the LOR boards to get signal.
Thanks
Zac
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Did you make sure the Light O Rama control panel is running? From the LOR help file:
"The LOR Comm Listener is a program that runs in the background, allowing other programs (such as the Sequence Editor and the Show Player) to control DMX devices. The Comm Listener must be running in order for those programs to control such devices.
The LOR Comm Listener is automatically started when the LOR Control Panel is started, unless DMX support is not configured (for example if the license level does not support it, or if no DMX listener port is specified in the Sequence Editor's Network Preferences dialog). Also, it is automatically shut down when the LOR Control Panel is shut down. So, to make sure that you can control your DMX devices, make sure that the LOR Control Panel is running."
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Hi, thanks for the quick reply,
The listener is active. LOR boards just cant see the dongle?
Update, When in the LOR sequencer I pressed play and a bunch of things turned on but were unresponsive.. haha probably not helpful
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Hi, thanks for the quick reply,
The listener is active. LOR boards just cant see the dongle?
When you open up your LOR Network Configuration (preferences) it see the dongle correct? In the picture below you can see the unique number my LYNX dongle has and that I set the protocol to LYNX.
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Yes, but I am using Raw DMX instead of the lynx protocol.
Random parts of my LOR display are turning on for about 15 seconds every few minutes. I am waiting for a car to start watching haha.
I have tried every setting, lynx, raw dmx and every other possibility, these LOR boards can not read the signal, status LED is still flashing. I tried a new cat5e cord. Controllers are in 4.32 firmware (the highest) And the Raw DMX adapter opens and is accepted in the listener.
Zac
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In Caretaker's picture, it shows the DMX tab. Yours should be similar but say Raw.
In the LOR tab, it should be blank (no adapter). Yes?
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That is correct Jon.
Zac
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and - on the Options tab, be sure that the second box about Old MPC blah blah blah is unchecked.