Channels will come on for no reason

[brownjm74]

I have read different solutions that were given for similar problems but none of them have helped.

Problem: While sequences are running, I will have channels come on for no reason and then will shut off when that channel is turned on then off for the sequence or when the song/sequence is done.

Background: I have 7 CTB16PC Controllers

Solutions Tried:

1. Resetting each Controller Id #

2. Unplug all controllers, then USB connector, restart computer, then plug in USB connector, then power controllers

3. Updated the Firmware to all controllers.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jeremy B

[dstevens]

Have you tried resetting each controller - power off, remove jumper, power on for 10 seconds, power off, replace jumper, and power on?

Aside from that, check your channel config in your sequences to see if you have mis-labeled channels.

[rwertz]

Have you checked your show with the Verifier tool in LOR?

[JBullard]

This sounds like a comminications problem.

Two possiblites come to mind.

1. Cat5 cables to close to power cables, picking up interference. Try to keep as much distance as possible between the data and power cables.

2. A "flakey" Cat5 cable resulting in irregular communications to or between the controllers.

[ainsworth]

I think John is on the right track. I had the same thing happening yesterday, and after doing all the resets etc. I found that I had a CAT that had a broken lock clip and had come partially loose. Replaced the Cat and all is right with the world again.

[brownjm74]

Thanks for the tips and I will try them tonight to see if this works. I will let you know what I find.

Jeremy B.

[brownjm74]

I have tried all of the tips and still no success and have no idea what to do. I was going to video the show this year but I probably won't due to these problems. In addition to the tips I have upgraded all controllers to 4.32 and the LOR software to 2.9.4 I guess its back to the drawing board.

Jeremy B

[Max-Paul]

This is almost certain comm noise problem. If you have all of your comm cables at least 1 foot away from all wires carrying AC power. Then a few guys have found that putting a 120 ohm resistor in the last controller on the daisy chain in the open RJ-45 socket. This is a requirement of RS-485. But most times a person can get away from installing one of these termination resistors. You my friend might not be one of the lucky ones and might need to install this termination resistor. I do not remember at this time the correct pins of the connector to use. But there is a thread with pictures how one of the members here made one. Search for termination resistor and you should find something.

[cmoore60]

What LOR adapter are you using between the computer and the LOR netowrk?

IF using one of the USB adpaters. Are you using the filtered USB cable?

There are several threads relating to issues that have been solved by using the filtered USB cable. There are obtainable from LOR.

Chuck

[Max-Paul]

Thanks Chuck,

I keep forgetting that is also one of the possible fixes.

[brownjm74]

UPDATE:

YES I have fixed it!!!! The wining prize (extreme thanks) goes to Max-Paul. The 120 ohm resister did the job. BTW Chuck, I am using the USB cable from LOR.

nks to all of you for helping me out with this. It was an itch I couldn't scratch!

Thanks again and Happy Holidays to all of you!
Jeremy B.

P.S. I will let you know when I get my videos online

[brownjm74]

As promised, here is the link to a couple of videos of the 2010 show. Sorry about the poor quality of video, I need to get a good video camera.

Enjoy,

Jeremy B.

Wizards in Winter: http://vimeo.com/17635759

Boogie Woogie Choo Choo: http://vimeo.com/17636037