Can't change the starting address on 16-CH DC Controller

[cpnbnanamn]

Just finished building my controller, and everything appears to be working perfectly, with the exception of changing the starting address of the device.  I've tried both of the methods listed in the manual...  No go.  Anyone have any other tricks?

-Roger

[smartcontrols]

This is not intended to be rude in any way.
But I have found that for me the trick is to take my time doing it.
It does not care how slow you go, but it will not work if you go too fast.
And be sure to do each step exactly how it is written.

What I do is
I do step 1, give it a few seconds to do its thing.
While it is doing what ever, even if that is sitting with the power off.
(delay)

I read step 2.
Then I re read step 2
Then I do step 2. Give it a few seconds.
(delay)

Then I read step 3
I reread step 3
Then I do step 3. I give it a few seconds.
(delay)

And so on

Sorry if that came across to bad in a typed message.
But I have found that if I really take my time and go slow, it usually works.

-Jeff

[cpnbnanamn]

Thanks, Jeff.  No luck.  Tried the two processes twice. 

-Roger

[rrowan]

I would reflash the pic  and make sure you are just taking the power (negative) lead on and off and not turning the power supply on and off

Just asking the basics, You have the dongle connected to the computer and the controller connected to the dongle. Also the dongle has DMX on the pic and not pixelnet

Rick R.

[cpnbnanamn]

Ok  well that's one thing I wasn't doing..  I was just killing the PS.  Let me try that first.  Thanks!

-Roger

[cpnbnanamn]

And that was a no go, too.  Looks like I need a pic flash. 

-Roger

[RJ]

What are you powering it with?

What voltage and how much current can it supply?
Normally when they will not program and the person is doing everything correct is is do to low voltage or a bad pic.
RJ

[cpnbnanamn]

What are you powering it with?

What voltage and how much current can it supply?
Normally when they will not program and the person is doing everything correct is is do to low voltage or a bad pic.
RJ

I'm using a 24VDC 6.4A power supply.  I've followed your instructions to the letter regarding addressing.  It just won't change.

-Roger

[JonB256]

I thought I was "following the directions to the letter" but I really wasn't.

To program the Lynx Controller/Dimmer.
Step 1 - Turn off power to controller and move jumper to program mode
Step 2 - Run RJ's Lynx Address Program and select address you need. Click on Program button Click here to download if needed, Lynx Address Utility
Step 3 - Turn on controller and count to 5
Step 4 - Turn off controller and move jumper back to operation mode
Step 5 - Click Stop on the Lynx Address Program
Step 6 - Turn on controller and use your selected program to see if controller is now on the correct start address.

What I was doing (because I didn't think it would matter) was:

I turned off the power. Moved the jumper to Program. Turned on the power.
Then, I clicked Program on the address program, counted to 5, then went to step 4.

I'm guessing (and RJ could confirm) that the Programming Data String must already be present on the CAT5 when the MR16 controller powers up so it can catch the information during bootup. Otherwise, it either ignores the programming information or just can't do anything with it.

It was more convenient my way, but it didn't work.

So, a more fool proof set of instructions should include LEAVE THE POWER OFF at the end of Step 1.

[cpnbnanamn]

Tried that, and variations on that..  still a no go.  Need to see about getting the PIC flashed.

-Roger

[RJ]

Yes I would try a reflash as something is not right. The MR16 normally is easy to program the address into.

RJ

[JonB256]

RJ, other than putting a "sticky label" on the MR-16, is there any way to know what address you assigned to it?

I'm going to be adding several more and the prospect of losing my label is distinct possibility.

Could it possibly flash/count out the start address on power up? (Firmware change, I know )

[rrowan]

I just write the start address with permanent marker on the case where it won't be seen. Like the back on the inside

Rick R.

[cpnbnanamn]

Yes I would try a reflash as something is not right. The MR16 normally is easy to program the address into.

RJ

Ok..  I know I've been procrastinating, but because I'm out of town A LOT, I haven't had the time to address this..  much less buy a Pickit and do the programming myself..  So I find myself on need of a little help.  Does ANYONE have a PIC for the MR16 they can shoot to me?  I will return mine to you.  I just need a known working PIC for my MR16 so that I can ATTEMPT to get my display up and running for this year.

-Roger

[RJ]

Is it just running on channel #1 or is it not working?


RJ