DMX dongles

[DynamoBen]

Currently Vixen only supports one DMX converter. I choose it because it was inexpensive to make. Would it be worth while to add other converters? If so post some options.

Also if there is a type of converter you would like to see like Ethernet to DMX post that here to. No promises but someone out there might either know of something or be willing to create one.

I don't expect Vixen to support dozens of converters but there are some that are "stand outs" that might be worth adding.

Example:
http://www.usbdmx.com/usb_dmx_interface.html

[john]

I'd like to see the manolator supported cos it's easy to make and runs from the printer port......
http://freedmx.com/

[DynamoBen]

I've seen that one before. My concern is the quickly disappearing parallel port on PCs...

[Greg in Canby]

Does Vixen support the USB -> DMX hardware in the link or that ENTTEK open DMX dongle?

Going to purchase one of those soon and don't want to get the wrong one.

Thanks, Greg in Oregon

[DynamoBen]

The only support DMX dongle at this time is the Enttec:

http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=Products&prod=70303&show=description&name=opendmxusb

[Greg in Canby]

That's the one I was planning on!
Thanks,
Greg

[tfmacz]

Currently Vixen only supports one DMX converter. I choose it because it was inexpensive to make.

Is there DIY type info on making this "inexpensive to make" DMX Converter????

[DynamoBen]

Further down the wiki is the following:


For the do it yourselfer you can purchase just a bare PCB from Enttec for the Open, order the parts from an electronics reseller, and assemble the device yourself. Or you can obtain the parts, create the PCB, and assemble it yourself based with the schematic provided by Enttec on their website in downloads. While buying the PCB from Enttec may be convenient you need to be sure that, you are capable of soldering fine-pitch surface mount chips.


If you are not comfortable with that level of soldering then your final option is to create one yourself from Enttec’s schematic. To make this process easier I suggest you purchase DLP-USB232M USB Adapter from DLP Design. This eliminates all the fine pitch soldering; all that needs to be added at that point is the 75176 transceiver, some resistors, and a LED. (basically all the DMX specific circuitry) NOTE: The author of this article chose this method and it works well.

Does this help at all?

[kostyun]

folks: I have a pretty good low-cost solution!!!!

I ended up purchasing two DMX capable snow machines, and after learing that the "intensity level" set the snow level, I determined that "I need to have that"

Being short on funds, and time, I found the following schematic:

http://www.arduino.cc/playground/DMX/Opendmx

I noticed that it used the FTDI 232 chipset - and I happened to have a 232 USB devolopment module that I'd bought for another project. 626-DLP-MM232R ($18 ) and a 75176 chip I had on hand (.80) from making the renard boards.

Connected it all up on some really crummy breadboard, loaded the entech drivers, hooked on an XLR connecter - and voila I have DMX control!!

I thought people might be interested in seeing this - as it ended up being a low cost solution for me.

[corkymork]

I built a Manolator interface to use for theater lights. It was cheap and easy to build, and it works. There is a lot of theater lighting console software that supports it; it'd be nice to see a Vixen plugin too. I know that the parallel port is going the way of the dinosaur, but old computers that you can dedicate to a Christmas display are plentiful and cheap (free? :D ).

[DynamoBen]

Stop by the Vixen plugins section of the forum. There are several people that are writing plugins now and one of them but be willing to whip something up.

[Matt_Edwards]

I have a
http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main...ame=opendmxusb
however I I found the Driver chip blew up one day. it is a SMD that is hard to find from most local "comic" electronic stores.
I would suggest building a through board version.
Enttec publish the CCT.
Matt

[Henne]

Here is a quite a complete list of DMX dongles:
DMXControl - supported DMX transmitters (http://www.dmxcontrol.de/joomla/en/Main/Supported_DMX_Transmitter.html)

best regards,
hendrik

[wvengineer]

I just bought the boards to build one from USBDMX.com

ben's design I like because the dmx protocol framing is done from a pic rather that a stream from the pc. and working with some theatrical dmx lights they are sometimes not very forgiving....

The new firmware also keeps the last known values if there is a
disconnect from the software.



I have not yet purchased all the parts to build it and test....
but it will also do double duty for me... i plan to use it with freestyle
to control my chauvet scanners... instead of using my chauvet
obey 40.

[robzilla69]

ok forgive my ignorance im new. i read on a thread that a usb to rs485 converter will work for open dmx as long ad it does 250k baud rate. i wont be able to get back ordered parts for my lynx dongle till after Halloween. now not withstanding the open dmx timing issues would this get me through till i can finish my dongle? http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-to-RS485-FTDI-interface-Board-75176-tranceiver_W0QQitemZ120461925539QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0c171ca3&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
thanks

[DynamoBen]

ok forgive my ignorance im new. i read on a thread that a usb to rs485 converter will work for open dmx as long ad it does 250k baud rate. i wont be able to get back ordered parts for my lynx dongle till after Halloween. now not withstanding the open dmx timing issues would this get me through till i can finish my dongle? http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-to-RS485-FTDI-interface-Board-75176-tranceiver_W0QQitemZ120461925539QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0c171ca3&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
thanks

I can't see which FTDI chip they are using. On the surface it seems like it would work, it might be worth ordering to find out.

[RPM]

I can't see which FTDI chip they are using. On the surface it seems like it would work, it might be worth ordering to find out.

I bought one of these from this same seller and I can say that yes, it does work with Vixen as an Enttec DMX Open would.

The problem I had with that seller is it took about 7 weeks to receive the adapter, but as always your mileage may vary.

Robert

[DynamoBen]

Old thread has been closed.

Please post about dongle projects in their own thread. For Vixen support please post in the Vixen plug-in forum.