Author Topic: DSC works with test firmware, but not with regular  (Read 1379 times)

Offline masterelectrician2112

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Hey all,

Weird problem here.  I am setting start addresses for my DSCs.  I did 12 with no problem at all, so the problem is in the controller itself.  The weird thing is, it wasn't working so I flashed the test firmware on it and it did just fine.  When I put the regular firmware back on it, it would not accept a start address or light up when I tested all of the channels in Xlights.  So essentially, it is working in test mode, but not in operating mode.  I tried the usual stuff like reflowing solder joints.  I also tested continuity through the cat5 pigtail and the pinout is correct.  Any other ideas?

Offline masterelectrician2112

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Re: DSC works with test firmware, but not with regular
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2014, »
Update:

I completely resoldered the cat5 cable verifying continuity and pinout.  No luck

I also swapped out the 485 chip thinking that could be the trouble.  Nothing

I also checked continuity on the resistor

The DSC still only works when I flash it with the test firmware. 

I metered it and I am getting 12V on the power side and 2.1V on the data side while transmitting a start address from the Smart String Utility

I programmed 12 other controllers without fail, so I know that the problem is concentrated to this controller.  I would love any suggestions y'all have.

Thank you so much in advance.

Offline tbone321

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Re: DSC works with test firmware, but not with regular
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2014, »
What are the starting addresses that you are using on the non-functional units?
If at first you don't succeed,
your not cut out for sky diving

Offline masterelectrician2112

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Re: DSC works with test firmware, but not with regular
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2014, »
I am using 3901-3936 for the first 12 controllers.

Offline TexasStingray

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Re: DSC works with test firmware, but not with regular
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2014, »
Put the chip in another DSC and see if you can program it over there and see it it works. Then move it back if it does and see if it works. It not must be the chip.
Scott Wanner
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Offline tbone321

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Re: DSC works with test firmware, but not with regular
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2014, »
What exactly do you mean by "not accepting the start address"?  Did it not flash the lights or does it just not work in X-Lights?  If they are not flashing the lights at all, then I would confirm that you are using the correct firmware.  If so or if they are simply not responding to X-Lights, try setting the start address to one that works on one of the other controllers and see of it accepts that.
If at first you don't succeed,
your not cut out for sky diving

Offline rrowan

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Re: DSC works with test firmware, but not with regular
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2014, »
Question how many channels did you setup in xLights?
your range is near the end of the first universe.

Rick R.
Light Animation Hobby - Having fun and Learning at the same time. (21st member of DLA)
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Warning SOME assembly required

Offline deplanche

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Re: DSC works with test firmware, but not with regular
« Reply #7 on: November 24, 2014, »
Did you switch the jumper after you programmed it?  That is usually my problem with those is leaving it in the wrong position.