Syncing 2 CTB16 controllers

[Bull Valley]

I have 2 CTB16 controllers that I need to sync the lighting sequences. I need to ensure they start and run in sync.  Does connecting them by the CAT5 cable make sure they run in sync or is the CAT5 cable only for programming the controller? Or is there some other process to keep the 2 lighting controllers in perfect sync?

[Orville]

On 11/24/2024 at 1:04 AM, Bull Valley said:

I have 2 CTB16 controllers that I need to sync the lighting sequences. I need to ensure they start and run in sync.  Does connecting them by the CAT5 cable make sure they run in sync or is the CAT5 cable only for programming the controller? Or is there some other process to keep the 2 lighting controllers in perfect sync?

That is what the sequencer is for.  You have to have lighting sequences to operate the controllers.  The cat5 is the data link for the rs485 lighting commands to go to/from your controllers.   The software sequencer is the lighting commands you must set up to keep your lights operating in how you want them used in your show.

[dgrant]

Please do some reading or watching the LOR Tutorial Videos. You need a clear understanding on how LOR works in relation to the communications. As Orville very politely told you, the CAT5/6 cables are for sending the commands to the controllers. Yes, they do other things to and different things depending on the type of controller being used. First serious note you need to understand, for a standard AC controller, those CAT5/6 cables are NOT for running via the computer's ethernet port or internet port. The path is: you must have an LOR USB to Serial RS485 adapter which plugs into any USB port on the computer. The Cat5/6 cable plugs into the adapter only. It then runs to an AC controller, in your case, then daisy-chained out from it to your second controller.

Most of us suggest that you then set the controller ID #'s via the hardware utility in LOR. We normally suggest that you have individual ID's for each controller which gives you more command capability for your sequences. Yes, it is possible to make both of your controller ID #'s the same therefore whatever you sequenced in the sequence editor, would apply to both controllers at the same time. But it basically takes two controllers and makes them work as one controller but instead of 32 channels, you only have 16 total. Basically, you're wasting a controller.

Again, view the tutorials and DO NOT connect those cables to the wrong port as you will fry something. There are other controllers that will allow the use of the ethernet ports but do not confuse them.

[k6ccc]

At the top of this forum page is a big blue bar.  Look for "FAQs - **LOOK HERE**".  Click that and that will bring up a menu.  Fourth item is Video Tutorials.  Spend a while watching and learning.

 

[Steven]

Some versions of the CTB16 can be loaded with a "standalone sequence", which will run as soon as the power is applied. When the controller is running the sequence, it not only controls its own ports, but also sends events for other controllers on the network port. In this way, the controller acts as its own mini-director.

Standalone sequences are loaded to the controller using the hardware utility.

[k6ccc]

Also note that standalone sequences need to be animation only - no music.

 

[dgrant]

See, I forgot to mention that! Thank You Jim.

[Don]

16 hours ago, Steven said:

Some versions of the CTB16 can be loaded with a "standalone sequence"

As far as I know, the only AC controllers that can do Stand Alone were the ones inside of the 1600x's. The CTB16 was a lower cost model, and did/does not have standalone ability.

[Don]

48 minutes ago, Don said:

As far as I know, the only AC controllers that can do Stand Alone were the ones inside of the 1600x's. The CTB16 was a lower cost model, and did/does not have standalone ability.

I've just learned I'm wrong. The CTB16PCg3's can do Stand Alone.