Another Newb

[robdville]

Hello all,

Please forgive; I'm sure this has been asked many, many times. However, in my search, I can't find clear answers. -I'm under the gun as only yesterday the office decided to decorate and I've been given the task of pulling our lights together.

I have http://www.electronickits.com/kit/complete/elec/ck1601.htm on the way and plan to use this tut: http://www.ksochristmaslights.com/how_to/index.html#article4

I have installed Vixen and attempted to play w/custom music, but I'm obviously missing a step w/the channel mapping. Is anyone aware of a tut or manual for vixen explaining use of the waveform addin?

Additionally, it seems all have voted on Carol the Bells - TSO.....If I grasp the concept of custom sequences, I fear this is way over my head; especially in a week's time. -Should someone have a completed sequence, the could share, I'd be eternally grateful; perhaps donate to your lighting fund :-)

Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays,


R Davis

[robdville]

**edit**

I've successfully inserted the song, however I can't get a grip on the preview; how to create......ignorance is bliss my a- :-)

[charmz]

when on vixen
open your new seq then go to pluggins and add Adjustable Preview to the list that will then allow u to map out channels

[robdville]

Man, I was still struggling; who new it was simple as drawing pixels :-). -very cool.

I have put something together; very humble, but I know how to do it now. Thanks for your reply and to the devs for a great tool!


Happy Holidays,

R Davis

[Wombat]

Welcome Rob, Dont forget to post a link to your pics / Videos once you have finished. Have lots of fun

[robdville]

Will do....if I ever complete :-)

I have all the hardware, have assembled according to: http://www.ksochristmaslights.com/how_to/index.html#article4

However, when testing w/Vixen I'm getting no output. -the lights on my controller don't even light. -I'm at work and don't have my multimeter, so I can't test power at the moment :-(.

Is there anything I can do to test connectivity to my controller? Has anyone else experienced similar?

BTW, this is for our office this year; home next year as I'm keeping the controller. -I guess I'm sayng don't expect too much :-) -I hope next year is better.


Happy Holidays,

R Davis

[Ronp]

Recheck the power suply.

Make shure the plugin is enabled in vixen .on the sequence plugin setup

[robdville]

Is it the "basic parallel" plugin? -is there a particular mode Lpt1 needs to be in? -for example, ecp, etc.

[Ronp]

yes the basic parelel.
male sure it has 1-8 in the boxes

Make sure there is a check mark in the box.

port shoulnt mater bet try them all

[robdville]

Okay, I've added the basic parallel plugin, without a multmeter I was able to test power to the board by holding a DC light bulb (from flashlight) over the contacts where the adapter was connected. -power to the light. However, still no power to the board.

Any ideas, anyone?


*edit*

Okay, I'm embarassed to say, but grateful there were no consequences. I had the hard wiring for the DC adapter backwards. -I transposed; -ALWAYS CHECK YOUR CABLES - :?

In reveiwing the datasheet, the dealer specs a 12v DC @ 10a, my supply is 12v DC @ 1000ma, is there an issue w/having too little power?

-forgive me, data is my deal.....this is my first experience w/relays; should they "click" when firing?

-Thanks to all for the patience and information,

R Davis

[Ronp]

you may need a load on them to have them fire

[robdville]

I'm sorry, maybe I wasn't clear....they fire, and lights pulse, but the relays make a "clicking' sound. I feel confident it's normal, but want to be sure.

Thanks,


R Davis

[P. Short]

Yes, mechanical relays usually make a clicking sound when they are activated or deactivated.

--

Phil

[robdville]

Thank you! -well, I'm ready to start the layout. I have a tentative sequence and song picked out; we'll see how this weekend goes.

Thanks so much to the dev team for a great tool and to all else for your input!

I'll post again once complete.


Thanks,

R Davis