I assembled my EtherDongle, programmed the PIC, and powered it up and there was no smoke - always a good sign. The +3.3 and +5 supply voltages were good.
I added the EtherDongle output plug-in to the appropriate folder in Vixen and modified a sequence to use the EtherDongle. The EtherDongle is connected to a port on a switch on my home network. I connected the Pixelnet/DMX port to my TX/RX. With fingers crossed, I clicked on play, and looked out the window to see blinky flashy!!! Woo hoo.
Then I wanted to try the EtherDongle with xLights which is on my show computer located downstairs. So.... I configured xLights for E.1.31 operation. I fired up my playlist and it worked!!! The neat thing about this is the EtherDongle and TX/RX were still in my office upstairs and the show computer is downstairs!! And... to top it off, the show computer is connected to my network using a set of those adapters that send ethernet over the ac wiring in the house!!! I am amazed it is all working!! There could be some problems but it is hard to tell in the daylight.
I do not have smartstrings this year so the EtherDongle is programmed with the DMX firmware. I have found a DLA member here in Denver to check out the EtherDongle using Pixelnet firmware.
I will run my show with the EtherDongle tonight and see how it goes.
Does anyone know if the EtherDongle with DMX firmware supports more than 1 DMX universe?
RJ - Thank you for sharing your design of this impressive hardware. Assembly was a breeze!!