Dongle Problems

[Walter]

So I have installed the drivers from the website and i programed the PIC but still not working. am I missing something??


Walter

[mschell]

Walter,
   What do you mean by "not working"?

In Device Manager, do you see a serial port assigned when you plug in the dongle?

If so, does Vixen or LSP or whatever program you are using connect OK to that port?

What controller are you using to take the DMX and make blinky?

[Walter]

I'm using the LE board and  LSP connets to com port 5 but the dmx light on the LE is not on after running test mode.  also I have been looking at the device manager and windowes installed its driver over the other drivers and will not let me use the drivers that came with the dongle.

[mschell]

Since you're using LSP, make sure you are clicking on the "output" icon (the light bulb) near the top of the window.  That needs to be highlighted or "lit" for output to go to the dongle and therefore to the LE.

[Walter]

Yea i have that lit but still nothing.

[memphislights]

have you tried using Vixen first to verify the hardware?

[Walter]

not yet i should try that

[mschell]

A suggestion for the next redesign of the dongle is an indicator light that it's getting a signal from the PC, or at least an LED that indicates that DMX is being sent...Something for feedback.

[rrowan]

A suggestion for the next redesign of the dongle is an indicator light that it's getting a signal from the PC, or at least an LED that indicates that DMX is being sent...Something for feedback.

A little while back we had a couple of ideas floating around to "improve" the dongle. Like you said adding some leds to it, using a slightly different FTDI board to cut cost, adding a ICSP.

But I think the wireless took all of RJ's spare (LOL) time. Next year the wireless might get an update and I hope we see the conductor. My guess is the dongle will stay as is for now.

Cheers

Rick R.

[tbone321]

I would think that the dongle mods that you mentioned should take a priority since it really is the heart of the system.  Regardless of what other equipment is used, the dongle has to be there and having indicators that it is receiving and sending data will do much to help debugging newely built as well as seemingly non-responsive equipment. 

[rrowan]

I would think that the dongle mods that you mentioned should take a priority since it really is the heart of the system.  Regardless of what other equipment is used, the dongle has to be there and having indicators that it is receiving and sending data will do much to help debugging newely built as well as seemingly non-responsive equipment. 

Its all up to RJ.

My guess is the Conductor will be the new heart of the system and that could be designed with all of the info you need in it.

but thats just me

Rick R.