Crossover cable

[MSL]

Finished building my first EtherDongle. I flashed the DMX firmware onto the chip with my PICkit 3. Hooked it up to an Express (through a reversed combiner). Configured xLights to run the e1.31 network. Ran a test and got nothing. Been trouble shooting it for the last 2 days off an on.

When the EtherDongle is powered up I get a green light inside but no light on the MagJack. The Express shows that it is receiving data (data link light is on steady) but xLights cannot control the Express.

I read that since my laptop is 7 years old (2007) I might need a crossover cable. I can't find information on what wires cross over to where (not that it's not there, I just can't find it). Can someone give me a diagram or a link showing how the wires cross so I can make a cable?

Since this is my first EtherDongle build I am just learning how to trouble shoot it. If anyone has a different idea on what I should do let me know.

Thanks,

MSL

[tbone321]

Here is the wiring of both class A and B crossover cables.

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[MSL]

Thanks for the response.

Is there a way to know which one to use?

Can I damage the EtherDongle if I use the wrong one?

MSL

[tbone321]

It makes no difference.  If you look, you will see that the pin connections are the same, they just use different wire color for those connections.  The most common it type B but either one will work.

[MSL]

Thanks again Tbone.

Mark

[caretaker]

Also if often helps if you set a IP address for your laptop (if you not connecting it to a network) instead of it obtaining one automagicaly.

[MSL]

Made the crossover cable. Nothing changed. The EtherDongle is not working.

My setup:

Wireless on the laptop is turned off.

I flashed the EtherDongle with DMX firmware (EtherDongle_DMX.hex) ( got the hex file from here: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login ) to test since I already have working Expresses.

Computer -> EtherDongle (MagJack) -> Combiner (Pixelnet out) - Universe 1 "In" on combiner -> Express.

When everything is plugged in I have a green light on the board. No lights on the MagJack. Data Link light is lit on the Express.

I am testing with xLights. 4 Networks set to E1.31. My computers IP address (but not in sequence / all for are the same).

The laptop is showing nothing is plugged in with either a "straight" or "crossover" cable.

What I have done so far:

Made a crossover cable
Checked for bridges
Went over my soldering
Made sure the 8 chips were in correctly
Re-flashed the DMX firmware

Photos of the board attached.

Did I set it up correctly? If so, what would be my next step?

Mark

[tbone321]

The first step would be to take the laptop out of the picture.  If you have a hub or a switch or if your cable router has multiple ports (built in switch), then plug the ETD into one of those (with a straight cable).  If the link lights light up on the switch and the ETD, then we will know that the issue is with the old laptop and if not, then we need to look further into the ETD.

[MSL]

I plugged the ETD into the ATT router. Powered the ETD up. Green lite in board. No lights on the MagJack. No link lights on the router.

[MSL]

Is there something different I need to do to flash the ETD? It takes about 90 seconds to flash. It says it verified the firmware and is "done".

[caretaker]

Ok, couple of quick things:
1. Make sure your voltage regulators are in there correct places.
2. If you have a meter available get readings on the output of both regulators
3. Double check the solder joints for the MAGjack.

The green light on the EtD inicates the PIC is programmed (often mistaken for power indicator.)

[MSL]

It looks like (if I am reading it correctly) there is 4.94v on the 7895 and 2.70v on the 1117v33. I get these readings by putting the leads on the outside leg of each voltage regulator.

[MSL]

The MagJack looks like it is soldered OK (see photos above).

The regulators are in there correct place on the board.

[caretaker]

OK will the less complicated things are out of the way (have you checked/changed the cat5 cable?) Looks like some of the others who have more in depth talents than I will have to help from here on.

[tbone321]

I would take a close look at the smaller PIC behind the MAGjack.  There were some issues with some of the pins not being properly soldered on some of the initial boards.  With light pressure and under magnification, drag a pin across the pins of the PIC.  If any of them move, then they are not soldered properly which could cause this issue.  It is also possible that the MAGjack itself is defective.