DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx USB DMX Dongle => Topic started by: NavyGator on January 05, 2011,
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I am new to DLA and just requested to have 2 boards in the dongle coop. I figured that would give 1 active unit and one backup unit. I feel like I am under ordering the boards because there are numerous requests for 4, 6 and even 8 boards. With a $45 dollar parts list and enclosures still to buy plus the board building, I was wondering why people are ordering so many boards?
Could you guys help enlighten me on the numbers I am seeing?
Thanks,
Rich
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I was wondering the same thing...I am no expert at all but I do know for sure that at least 1 back up is a good idea. Mine went out about 3 times this year.
The only reason I could think of multiples is if you are using more than one DMX universe (512 channels) or preparing for smartstrings. Although I am not sure if the smartstring dongle is the same board or not...
I am really just learning myself but here is my .005 cents (not even 2 cents worth.)
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2 is a good start. Some may be using multiple universes or Pixelnet. For the shipping reason I got 4. It is nice to have an extra boards if you need them. The only difference is board cost shipping is the same for 2 or 4 boards. You do not have to buy parts for all of them at once.
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I am new to the hobby but I ordered 4. I will probably only build one to start and build a backup one later. The reason I ordered 4 is at the rate they are going it will only be $3 or $2.50 per board. Shipping for up to 4 is ~$4. For an extra $5 or $6 I will have 2 extra boards if something goes wrong and I can order the parts whenever (no need to hope RJ still has a board in stock). Plus with my novice soldering skills I am fully expecting to break at least one practicing. Plus I have ambitions to get over the 4096 channel limit for pixelnet on 1 dongle but that will have to wait till 2012.
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I was wondering the same thing...I am no expert at all but I do know for sure that at least 1 back up is a good idea. Mine went out about 3 times this year.
The only reason I could think of multiples is if you are using more than one DMX universe (512 channels) or preparing for smartstrings. Although I am not sure if the smartstring dongle is the same board or not...
I am really just learning myself but here is my .005 cents (not even 2 cents worth.)
Why did your's go out 3 times? This is very odd for the dongle?
RJ
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I need at least 2 for pixel control and I am pretty sure that is a good chunk of what is being ordered. They are really meant for DMX and it has a very limited number of channels per universe (512 to be exact).
I did see the 16000 channel controller is in the works but I would like to get some proto types up and running as quick as possible this year. And I don't have any patience when it comes to blinky. Christmas is over but I'm more excited than ever lol.
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i'm requsting 6, but i might even more... I want to get 1 (with maybe 1 backup) for pixelnet, i still want to play with dmx, as my only expierence has been with simple on/off circuits, and with this being modified for pixelnet so easily, i can see rj coming up with something-else-net in the future... nice to be able to play with all of the technologies.
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I like to have a few on hand to help out a friend or a new user when RJ is out. Also thinking about the SS,s PixelNet dongle.
Ron
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I needed a backup and at least one for SS and one for a project at work
John
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I have one already, and just requested 4, I only plan on building 1 maybe 2 of the 4, but if something should happen to one of them the I will have extra PCB's. as of 10:43pm Central Time I counted 204 so we should hit the 250 mark pretty soon lowering the price to 2.51 each that only $5.02 more for the extra 2 PCB's with no additional shipping as the shipping prices listed say it is for 4 boards.
Just Food for Thought
Scott
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I was wondering the same thing...I am no expert at all but I do know for sure that at least 1 back up is a good idea. Mine went out about 3 times this year.
The only reason I could think of multiples is if you are using more than one DMX universe (512 channels) or preparing for smartstrings. Although I am not sure if the smartstring dongle is the same board or not...
I am really just learning myself but here is my .005 cents (not even 2 cents worth.)
Why did your's go out 3 times? This is very odd for the dongle?
You tell me...lol.
Whatever was wrong was intermittent. You lead me to replace the silver clock thing that was not putting out the right volts. I did that and it worked for a week. then had the same symptoms. I would re-solder and it would work again for a week. I am sure the problem is me I just dont know where, lol.
Thanks for all your help and support RJ
RJ
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Yes I remember now I forgot. sorry you had issues.
RJ
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Requested 4
1 - Pixel House
2 - Pixel Tree
3 - LE DMX
4 - (Spare)
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Requested 4
1 - Pixel House
2 - Pixel Tree
3 - LE DMX
4 - (Spare)
You do know that the PixelNet hubs can daisy chain so you don't need a seperate dongle for each display. Now if you are going to use over 4000 pixels between the two of them then that's a different story. As for the DMX, you could use a seperate dongle or you could simply get your DMX universe form one of the PixelNet hubs as they can output that for you as well.
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You do know that the PixelNet hubs can daisy chain so you don't need a seperate dongle for each display. Now if you are going to use over 4000 pixels between the two of them then that's a different story.
4000 pixels or 4000 channels?
4000 pixels would be 12000 channels.
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You are correct, 4000 channels.
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I'll throw my question in this thread, maybe RJ will set it.
Does anybody know what version of the PCB is in the current coop? Is it the v2.0 board or have there been changes made to it?
Thanks.
Ron
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I'll throw my question in this thread, maybe RJ will set it.
Does anybody know what version of the PCB is in the current coop? Is it the v2.0 board or have there been changes made to it?
Thanks.
Ron
I never sell old versions of PCB's the latest Dongle is V2
I am updating the silk to show the smaller cap.
RJ
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Thanks for all the input guys. I guess with all the excitement with the smart strings I should have figured that was behind some of the numbers. I liked the idea of having a couple of extra boards on hand in case a friend of gets interested in DLA, so I increased my board order by 2.
Thanks again,
Rich
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Okay I am new to RJ's dongle building procedure. I have put my request in for boards and have ordered the parts and case. My understanding is that there is a PIC chip that I will need to send to a member from the WIKI page to be programmed correct? And I assume the "Pixelnet" flash isn't out yet to get this ready for SmartStrings yet correct? If I am correct, where would I watch for to know when to mail the chip to get the "Pixelnet" flash?
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You are correct, the chip will need to be programmed. I don't think that the flash for Pixelnet has been released yet but RJ will make an announcement when it is in the Pixelnet coop when it gets going. I wouldn't worry about missing that as many will be talking about it in the dongle and smart strings sections as well and you should also see it appear i the Wiki. If you are going to be putting smart strings in your display you may want to invest in your own programmer because if I understand it correctly and I may be wrong, each string controller will also have a pic and may need to be programmed down the road. Normally Pics come programmed in full coop kits but the shear volume of them in the upcoming smart string coop may prevent that from happening this time and once again, the large number of them may also overwhelm the members volunteering to program for others which could extend your wait time to get the Pics back.
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There's a group of helpful folks listed in the Wiki that will program your PICs for you. Just select somebody close to you and shoot them a PM.
http://diylightanimation.com/wiki/index.php?title=PIC_Programming
Ron
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IMHO, with all the money we put into our displays, buying a pickit and adapters is just a rounding error in our spending. I have had to reflash all my LEs and wireless equipment at least once and I firmly expect that I will need to do it again. For me there is no answer, but to own my own. By the time I start spending postage money sending chips back and forth I would also be spending money that could have gone toward owning my own pickit and I would not lose time in mailing things back and forth and running to the post office.
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What kit are you using to program your pic?
Is there a good one we should consider?
RW
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Here you go:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ICSP-Adapter-ZIF-Kit-w-PICkit-3-USB-Programmer-/330441491548?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cefd9045c
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Is that the one you use? It says it does the 18f2450 but the description acts like the software that comes with it is squirrely.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ICSP-Adapter-ZIF-Kit-PIC-w-PICkit-2-USB-PICkit2-/330441491337?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cefd90389
that is what I use
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You need the 28 pin ZIF (ICSP28) to do the 18F2450. I recently researched the issue to make my Pic programmer decision...
Kirk
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ICSP-Adapter-ZIF-Kit-PIC-w-PICkit-2-USB-PICkit2-/330441491337?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cefd90389
that is what I use
Do I need all of that? I am just getting started & didn't want to have a bunch of stuff that I don't need. Do I just need the one for the 28 pin ?
Thanks