Is there a step by step guide?

[chandalen]

Is there a step by step guide to getting a PixCon16 to actually talk to the LOR software?

It may be me, but the directions I have found are vague at best.  I understand that ethernet connection is needed to configure the Pix16, and i THINK that i have to move the ethernet connection to a LOR connection on the Pix16.  I have configured the board, however LOR Hardware can not find the board. 

What type of adapter is it?  A LOR, or a I/O  or a BSOFT etc?

No matter what I have done the Hardware can not, or will not, find the Pix16.

So, if there is a step by step guide could someone point me there?  I have tried searching, but I keep chasing my tail.

 

Thanks!

[k6ccc]

I don't have a Pixcon either, but I seem to recall that you have to communicate via Ethernet to configure it.  If you are going to use the Pixcon in E1.31 mode, then it never needs a LOR network.  If you are going to use it via a LOR network, you ocnfigure it via Ethernet, then connect to a LOR network port to a LOR network that is running either 500K or 1000K speed and enhanced mode.  Make very certain that you are connecting to the correct ports at all time.  Bad things can happen by plugging an Ethernet device to a LOR network device.  I also recall someone saying that one of the two is the case (and I don't remember which):

If you are communicating via Ethernet, then the LOR network MUST be disconnected.  - or -

If you are communicating via a LOR network, then the Ethernet MUST be disconnected.

 

[chandalen]

Clarify:

Other LOR controllers are detected and work.

I can configure the PixCon16 via ethernet, with no problem. I can test the lights etc.

The problem is that the no other LOR software can detect the PixCon16 at all.

I have tried plugging into every RJ45 connector on the board (to the 485 connector) nothing makes a difference.

What am I missing?

 

[Mr. P]

Here is the Pixcon checklist:

• 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.

[chandalen]

Mr P:

Thank you so much for the step by step!

I seem to be stuck at #17   (I want to use as ELOR)

Listener says : 2017-11-13 10:10:06 507:DMX1       [ERROR] E1.31u1: E1.31 send has failed
2017-11-13 10:10:06 506:DMX12      [ERROR] E1.31u12: E1.31 send failed
2017-11-13 10:10:06 506:DMX8       [ERROR] E1.31u8: E1.31 send failed
2017-11-13 10:10:06 506:DMX1       [ERROR] E1.31u1: E1.31 send failed

When plugged into J4, status light flashes.   (have tried other ports, and wireless is OFF)

 

[chandalen]

EDIT...

 

not sure exactly what vodoo magic happened, but..  I turned wireless back on so I could post the above reply, and had the cat5 still plugged into J1.  Light went SOLID, and controlling the lights properly.

next step...  multiple LOR controllers....  /holds breath