Pixcon16

[jeff sleek]

LOR users for years.  trying to add 1 pixcon16 unit to our display.  anyone in south florida area that can help us get it set up.  Using high speed USB485 adapter and HP Envy laptop with Windows 10.  Can not get laptop to recognize pixcon16 box on network configuration.

[Mr. P]

28 minutes ago, jeff sleek said:

LOR users for years.  trying to add 1 pixcon16 unit to our display.  anyone in south florida area that can help us get it set up.  Using high speed USB485 adapter and HP Envy laptop with Windows 10.  Can not get laptop to recognize pixcon16 box on network configuration.

What license level do you have? To run a Pixcon on an LOR network you must have a Pro license.

[jeff sleek]

We have pro license.  I am checking to make sure it is downloaded onto new HP Envy laptop.

[Mr. P]

Just to clarify, the Pixcon has to be connected and configured through your ethernet port before it can be placed on an LOR network.

Then you need to follow the Pixcon checklist step by step:

• 1.  Some pixels have a front and a back. Ensure you know which side data goes IN to.  Pixels from LOR can accept data from either end, are plainly marked, or are pre-wired.
• 2.  Pixels have a voltage. Ensure you have the proper power supply.  LOR Pixels are 5v.  If your pixel package from LOR included a power supply, you do not need to worry about this step.
• 3.  Pixels have current draw (amperage). Ensure you are not exceeding the amps per channel/power supply/etc.  Pixels from LOR will draw 3A per 50 pixels at 5V (15 Watts).  If your pixel package from LOR included a power supply, you do not need to worry about this step.
• 4.  Wire power supply to PixCon16, if not already wired.
• 5.  Remember – never connect or disconnect anything from PixCon16 with power applied.
• 6.  Power up board. Follow instructions in DMX and E1.31 for pixel control document if needed.  Open Network Preferences/Find Configure PixCon16/Click on PixCon16 in list, and open the PixCon16 configuration window.  
  Only work with a SINGLE Pixcon16 connected to your network at one time until properly configured -- IP address conflicts can occur if you attempt to configure 2 or more.  
  Do not continue until you are able to reliably talk to the board and configure it.
• 7.  Ensure board firmware is AT LEAST 1.4.8. Do NOT downgrade if higher. Do not continue until firmware is updated to at least 1.4.8. Instructions are found in the manual.  If you have the LOR Control Panel loaded, UNLOAD IT before attempting to update firmware.  Updating the firmware while the Control Panel/Comm listener are running can cause the board to FAIL.
• 8.  Properly set up Pixel Type and Pixel Speed in configuration. Ignore all other parameters.
• 9.  Properly wire 1 pixel string to 4 wire connector. Follow pin-outs in the manual.   Note -- Some pixels do not have/require the clock signal.
• 10.  Connect pixels to a single port, power up. Pixels may briefly flash. Pixels that stay ON indicate incorrect pixel type or speed selected on #8
• 11.  Run hardware test from manual using buttons on the PixCon16. If pixels do not work, problem is most likely #8. Go back there. 
  Do not continue until the Hardware Test works properly.
• 12.  Wire the rest of your pixels to the 4 wire connectors. Connect them to the PixCon16. Run the hardware test again. Ensure all pixels are working correctly. Pixels that are not working indicate a problem with the pixel itself, or an under-rated power supply.
  Do not continue until the Hardware Test works properly for ALL pixels.
• 13.  On the first tab of PixCon16 configuration, ensure you have the correct option specified for J3/J4. If you will use the board in ELOR mode, turn this option ON. For E1.31 ensure this option is OFF.
• 14.  On the Second tab set up each port of the PixCon16 properly. You can use simple mode or advanced mode. All options are documented in the help file for the software or in the manual for the PixCon16. Remember, for E1.31 universes must also be set up in Net Prefs (the software will also offer to do it for you), for ELOR, 500K speed and Enhanced Light-O-Rama network (done in step 16). It is best to write down the settings.
• 15.  Ensure you have the LOR Control Panel loaded (which will load the LOR COMM Listener).  The COMM Listener is ALWAYS required to control pixels.
• 16.  Properly configure your network preferences.
  • E1.31: Ensure Universe matches universe on the board & Set IP address correctly (multi or unicast- specify).  It is easiest to use multicast.
  • ELOR: Ensure the COM port is set to at least 500K and ELOR mode is turned ON.
• 17.  E1.31: Do not disconnect anything. 
  • Both LEDs should be SOLID ON. 
    Do not continue until they are.
  • ELOR: Disconnect Network cable, ensure jumpers on PixCon16 for J3/J4 are set to LOR. Connect HS USB adapter to computer, CAT5 from USB adapter to J4 of Pixcon16. 
    Both LEDs should be SOLID ON. 
    Do not continue until they are.
• 18.  Start Hardware Utility. If asked if the HWU should take control of a port say NO. Open the pixel console. Set Pixel Console params correctly and test pixels with sliders.  
  Do not continue until you can successfully control pixels.
• 19.  Your board is now ready to use.

Edited August 20, 2017 by Mr. P

[BluMan]

Also understand that the Pixcon16 has an IP address by default that might not match your IP scheme in your house.  If you're using lets say, Comcast, then the IP's start with a 10.x.x.x  Pixcon's IP start with a 192.x.x.x  These two networks can't talk to one another.  How do you fix that?  You manually add a 192.x.x.x address to your network card on your computer.  By doing that, you'll be able to talk to the card (IMPORTANT: THROUGH THE ETHERNET PORT!  NOT THROUGH THE USB485 ADAPTER) and configure it.

I have a laptop that I simply use an Ethernet cable and go from it's Ethernet port directly to the Pixcon16 and configure it.  When you run it in the show, that's when you'll use the USB485 adapter.

Welcome to networking my friend.  We are here to help!