Having trouble connecting USB485HS to Pixcon 16

[Wilsanco]

I have bought a 16 ribbon package with a pixcon16 board from light o rama.

I have tried to hook into the controller to see the board but am unable to.

I have the USB 485 HS into one of my USB ports and the ethernet cable going from the end of the 485 HS to the J3 jack on the board.

I have also set the speed to 500K and enhanced mode.

I have checked the board to make sure I am set up for an LOR Device. The board was preset by Light O Rama.

I am thinking I need to set up as an E1.31 Device and then change to LOR RS 485 Network.

I am not able to see the Pixcon 16 Configuration ??

This is my first time trying to use RGB:(

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank-You!

Wilsanco

 

[Mr. P]

First off you need to have an Advanced license to run the Pixcon on a E1.31 network or a Pro license to run on a LOR network. If running on a LOR network you will have to run the Pixcon on a Enhanced network (ELOR).

Second, you have to set up the card first by connecting to your ethernet port on your computer then enter the Pixcon configuration box, this is why you need at least an Advanced license.

Once you have all that done 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.

[Wilsanco]

Thanks Mr P. for responding:

I have a Pro License and the unit has been set up by Light O Rama to run on an LOR Network.

My main concern is to get it into the Pixcon 16 Configuration Tab so I can reset the Controller number and confirm LOR is set as the network?

When I connect via LAN it sees the board but when I try to go into the board an error message comes up: The device configuration could not be loaded, this could be due to a hardware problem, a network problem or a configuration issue. Would you like to run the troubleshooter?

I tried the troubleshooter on my first controller, with no result although it did change some config. at one point.to use the troubleshooter

I am now trying my second controller but am reluctant to use the troubleshooter as these controllers were with a 16 ribbon package plug and play from LOR.

Any thoughts,.....

Regards

Wilsanco

 

[Mr. P]

The IP address for the Pixcon is 192.168.0.50 by default, make sure your LAN is in the same octet range 192.169.0.?

You will have to actually go in to the Local Area Connection settings properties to take a look at it as it is set to DHCP by default.

If you look at the Pixcon LED lights the power light is probably steady and the status light is probably flashing. This tells you the card is powered and working properly but not receiving data.

Edited August 27, 2017 by Mr. P