Jump to content
Light-O-Rama Forums

Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

Hi

I started with LOR last year with a show time box along with 3 110v boxes and 2 rgb boxes.

This spring I bought a pixcon16 to do my roof outline in pixels.

I can't get the showtime to communicate with the board.

How do I assign it in the sequence editor?

I was able to rename it in the network using the network configuration tool.

Any help would be great!

Thanks

Steve

Edited by idahocampers
Posted

Pixcon16 requires a Pro license as it has to be run on an enhanced network which is only available with a pro license.

Posted

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.
Posted

Thanks I will work on that

Posted

Got all that working and the lights respond to the test.

I can't get it to communicate with the showtime central it won't power up.

I changed all the jumpers.

Any other ideas?

Posted
24 minutes ago, idahocampers said:

Got all that working and the lights respond to the test.

I can't get it to communicate with the showtime central it won't power up.

I changed all the jumpers.

Any other ideas?

Channel config issues?

Do you have a sequence and vis file?

JR

Posted

I have a test sequence that I am using

It doesn't power the showtime central like the other boxes

No light no play

 

Posted

If you don't have a sequence I can send you one.

MR. P and K6CCC are top notch and extremely reliable, over and above all the time.

JR

  • Thanks 1
Posted
2 minutes ago, idahocampers said:

I have a test sequence that I am using

It doesn't power the showtime central like the other boxes

No light no play

 

Whats that mean? Just that when you play sequence you got nothing? It sounds like your channel config is not correct.

JR

Posted

Is "comm listener" running? Should be at your bottom tray,

Posted

I'm not running this through my computer

I got the showtime player with the fm transmitter

When I would runot it last year the showtime would get its power from one of the boxes through a cat 5 cables

If I try and run the showtime and the pixcon 16 it doesn't power up the player and fm transmitter.

Thanks for your help

Steve

Posted (edited)
5 minutes ago, dibblejr said:

Is "comm listener" running? Should be at your bottom tray,

Doesn't need comm listener as it is a showtime central (SD card).  Does this have the uMP3G3 mini director in it or the mDMMP3?

Edited by Mr. P
Posted

Mini director

Posted

Card mfg. some are not like by showtime central. I use only pny. If sandisk could cause potential probs.

Posted

Are you using HU to create the sequence? That's the easiest way, at least for me. While I used minidirector

 

JR

Posted
Just now, idahocampers said:

Mini director

Which one? Look at the front where the cat5 connector is, to the left of the connector does it say "Gen 3 mini director uMP3G3"?

Posted
3 minutes ago, Mr. P said:

Doesn't need comm listener as it is a showtime central (SD card).  Does this have the uMP3G3 mini director in it or the mDMMP3?

Got it now.

Thanks

JR

Posted

Ump3g3

Posted

Are you using an Enhanced network, ELOR?

Posted

When I ordered it LOR said it would work I just couldn't control as many pixels with it on the LOR network

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...