Which dongle do people use the most

[holland lights]

 Just wondering which dongle people use the most.

[trekster]

And the little Lynxes are off and running.......

[holland lights]

yea looks that way. Looks like its the cheaper solution also. Just wish i had caught the coop in time to get one.

[mokeefe]

I wouldn't give up yet.  Considering how cheap the Dongle PC boards were in the coop, I suspect many people ordered extras (heck, 3 people ordered 10 or more). When people have them in their hands in a few weeks, I suspect you will be able to find someone who has an extra they could part with.

-Mike

[taybrynn]

Some members will order more than they need.  They might sell to you after they get the boards they ordered.

[chrisatpsu]

i dont have a dongle yet (ordered 6 in coop) so i cant vote yet.

hey,  i dont see a parallel 12 in the list, thats what i currently have.

[holland lights]

And whats a parallel 12

[chrisatpsu]

parallel port 12 channel controller. It's what i built for this past year. probably one of the simplist controller to build besides the parallel 8 controller.

parts used...

4 pin molex hard drive power cable connector,
db25 parallel printer cable,
12 transistors 2n2222a (i think) transistors
12 5v 1A@120v mechanical relays

connecting wire (22awg)
heat shrink tubing
solder
13 walmart extension cords (97cent kind)
1 electronic project box

tools needed
drill
soldering iron
wire strippers
utility knife


hehe, i feel like i'm making a how to   lol

[holland lights]

maybe you should . hehe

[memphislights]

RJ, usually orders a few extra PCBs with the CO-OPs.

Wait until the RJ gives the "everyone should have gotten their PCBs by now, so I am moving this to the Finished CO-OP thread" post and then check the DLA Store to see if any are available.

Just saw Rick post this... for those looking for PCBs.  You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[OkieJay]

I have been using a Velleman dongle.  I purchased it a few years back when I bought my commercial DMX gear. 

I built a Lynx dongle when I got my first Expresses, but my show computer (old HP laptop) did not always see it on the USB port.  It would work fine one day and the next day I would have to reboot the PC a couple of times before it would see it.  On occasion, it would drop off the USB mid-show. 

So I made a XLR 3 pin to Lynx adapter and went back to using the Velleman.  It is better for me anyway, because I can still use my commercial gear in my show.   

Since I am going to add a few Smart Strings next year, I will have to iron out my Lynx / USB issues.  I was planning on replacing the laptop with a desktop and that may fix the issue.  Some laptops tend to under power the USB ports and that very well may have been a part of the problem.   

[holland lights]

Cant really tell you what to do Jay. Im not a computer nerd, im a electronics nerd. hehe. Yea im gonna try and bring some of my equipment to the mini that im building that is dmx controlled.

[OkieJay]

Not to worry, I have made my living in the computer industry since 1980.  I started out as a mainframe operator, purchased my first computer in 1982 (a nearly new Osborne 1) and by 1984 I had a very busy computer consulting business.  I have no idea how many computers I have handled over the years, but not a single one has ever beaten me.  A few have had me on the ropes, but I am still undefeated. 

[holland lights]

i mean it could be the usb board itself messing up.

[csf]

I have the Enttec dmx pro usb pro and its worked good with all my LOR stuff.

I have 4 Lynx dongles and a bunch of smart string stuff on order though.