Hardware > Lynx Express

What is the Lynx Express?

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RJ:
OK, I have decided to call the new dimmer the Lynx Express. So I am posting a little about what I am creating.

The Lynx Express is a 16 channel all in one controller like the Lynx but using the standard phase angle dimming with some advancements built in. The dimmer will be based loosely on the Freestyle and will fit in the same case.  While based off the Freestyle the device will use much a more powerful controller to allow me to make the dimming absolutely smooth. From level 1 to level 256 you will have the exact same output change like the Lynx could do.

It will have the SSR's on board. It will have the wireless connector to plug the wireless board into so it will be wireless ready.

The difference is it will be programmable from your computer for not only start channel, using the configuration software I will provide there will be no jumper for programming you just use the software to do it. It will also have the ability to do something I call light normalization.

As we all know LED's and incandescent lights do not dim on the same curve. They come on at different points and their brightness curves do not match very well. But even inside of these different types each brand sometimes dim different also. I have a number of different Led's and they all have differences although slight.

My new setup allows you select the type of lights you have on each controller when you program it and then have it use this custom curve to make every light in your show come on the same amount at level 1 and max out at level 256. And be at 50% output at level 127, etc.  It will do this not on a few points in the curve but on each of the 256 levels to make them match exactly.  

This is what I call light normalizing. Like audio normalizing when you make all your MP3's play at the same loudness so one is not blowing your ears off and the next can hardly be heard.

The benefit to you will be you can just program your show with out regards for what is on what channel and the results should look much closer to what it looks like on the adjustable preview in vixen.  

The first question everyone will have is "Will I have to sit down and make the curve data for my lights" and the answer is no. I have created a device to create these curves for us that will make them all match. The Configuration Software will have a drop down menu to choose the correct lights. If none matches your lights well, you can mail me one of your sets and I will run them on the device to create a curve and post the updated curve definition file to DLA. Then you update your configuration software by downloading this file and it will include it for you to use.

I then mail your lights back and you have what you need. In a short time span we can most likely have ever type of light in there you could commonly see.

You also can manually modify one for something special in the ini file.

The Second question will be “When will they be ready?” I am just know laying out the board for the prototypes and there is still some work left on the firmware tweaking at it. So I do not know if we will squeeze a coop in before Christmas or not, but we will be beta testing this year for sure.  

My intention once the express is out and any bugs get worked out is to change the Freestyle to use the new chip and firmware so the newer ones of them have the same abilities.

Then I believe this will be the last dimmer in the Lynx line. I have lots of new things to do, but not more dimmers. The Freestyle, Express, and SSR4 will give me the line up I feel I need for dimmers. The rest is all add on items like wireless, Ledtriks II, Robolight, ETC.

The cost of the Express is projected without case at $50 on a qty 50 coop and about $60 on single one time order.

I believe this will take the light DIY’ers to the next level. Or then again maybe I am off my rocker as normal and this is a terrible idea!

RJ

dmaccole:
You are not allowed to view links. Register or LoginI believe this will take the light DIY’ers to the next level. Or then again maybe I am off my rocker as normal and this is a terrible idea!

RJ


--- End quote ---
Uh, no. You're right on the money. As always.

Thanks RJ.

\dmc

Ron:
This sounds great RJ.  A couple of questions.  Will the main board have the RJ45 plug for DMX and some type of header to add the wireless later?  How's the wireless coming?  Will the older Freestyles be upgradeable to this new chip and control?

You are doing us a great service and we very much appreciate all your hard work (fun)!

Ron

kylec:
WOW RJ!   How do you come up with this stuff?   

Sounds really cool and I cant wait to have one of my own! :D


Kyle ;D ;D

DonRoss:
AMAZING !!!

It is unbelievable the things you come up with.

Plz, sign me up as a beta tester...

 Thanks for all that you do.

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