2.1 Tentative [Archive] - Do It Yourself Christmas Forums

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01-11-2009, 06:19 AM

Hi all,

I wanted to wait until after the 2008 season ended to do any more updates as some installations were precariously perched and I didn't want to screw up anyone's shows. More.

There was something done to 2.0 for the release version that really screwed up some specific pieces for a lot of people. I'm sorry about that, I don't know what else to say. This is supposed to be a fun and light hobby, so I'm sorry if this has caused people some heartache.

2.1...I've been collecting fixes over time, added a couple of minor things, and even removed something. Here is the tentative list so far. I've included Bugzilla-submitted items that I could reproduce as well as items sent to me over the past several months.

Before I get to the list, let me say that this update will not be forced on anyone. The update itself will be separate from the 2.0 migration path so that you won't even be prompted. Completely voluntary.

I need to point out #1, the removed item, with extreme emphasis:

* Channel groups have been removed. This functionality has been a pain in my side and the side of a number of users. Any channel groups referenced by profiles have been pulled into the profiles as separate channels.
* If the data for multiple plugins is removed from a sequence due to the plugins not existing, the export files created no longer overwrite each other.
* Trigger response editor no longer confines you to just standard sequences.
* Fixed errors with saving an image from the preview.
* Trigger response editor will not store the incorrect trigger name if the trigger plugin does not override ToString().
* Trigger response editor will correctly show the trigger line again when editing an existing response.
* Script editor will save the source file path as a relative path to make it easier to transport between machines.
* The music player no longer cuts off random songs.
* Support for 64-bit platforms, due solely to work by Jared King.
* Fixed error caused by removing channels from a profile that were being referenced as outputs by other channels.
* Changing the casing of a file extension no longer prevents it from being loaded.
* Added user agent string to update program's web requests.
* Optional files, such as plugins and add-ins, will not be updated if the user doesn't already have them. Unused files such as these can now be deleted without having them be replaced later.
* Start channel and band in the Spectrum add-in are retained when changed by the user.
* Standard script module will no longer clear affected channels between commands by default. New ClearAfterCommand property (bool) added, defaulting to false.
* Doing a find-and-replace operation against percentage values is more accurate now.
* The wizard correctly reflects the default event period as specified in the application preferences.
* Added copy functionality to the LedTriks editor. Select frames in the organization dialog and press Ctrl-C. The selected frames will be copied to an open clipboard.
* New CurrentExecution plugin (LedTriks) and changes to the LedTriks environment to better prepare for Triks-C and LedTriks integration for plugins.

I don't trust my own testing. Anyone want to give any of these items a whirl before the rest of the world is subjected to them to make sure they're up to snuff?

K.C.

// Add Link to first post

The zip file (http://www.vixenlights.com/files/Vixen%202.1.zip) has been put together. It's late, so please let me know if I've forgotten anything. I figured it would be easier to post the link here than trying to email everyone individually since I got about a 500% bigger response than I could have hoped for (thanks!).

//

phenagan

01-11-2009, 11:26 AM

KC - a very big THANK YOU for everything you do for us. WIthout you, this hobby would be much, much harder for all of us.

Virtus

01-11-2009, 12:13 PM

I still have hardware up and can test using Renard and standard parallel plugins. I would be happy to test.

jmccoh

01-11-2009, 12:25 PM

Too much snow on top of my stuff to take down. I can play with if you are looking for volunteers.
Jim

01-11-2009, 12:31 PM

Great Job K.C.
RJ

WWNF911

01-11-2009, 01:01 PM

Thanks KC for all the hard work!

Leon

kmc123

01-11-2009, 04:06 PM

Thanks KC!!!

Wayne J

01-11-2009, 04:10 PM

I knew you was hard at work on it!
Thanks buddy!

zaker

01-11-2009, 04:29 PM

I'm still hooked up and can test. Renard on two serial ports.

I had NO problems with 2.09, set my schedule and let it fly. Worked every time, I can verify operation, but don't have any issues that needed to be fixed.

Keep up the great work KC!

tom

01-11-2009, 09:47 PM

Whoa! Much bigger response I expected for the middle of January! I'll get a build script put together and post a zip file. Thanks, guys!

scorpia

01-12-2009, 12:01 AM

KC,

atm im doing some testing for phil so i still have some lights up and going.

now is probably a good time to test a new version of vixen. find out of its my pc or vixen crashing. (i expect its my pc)

Peter

kostyun

01-12-2009, 01:30 AM

Can't wait to try it myself! Don't have (many) lights still up - but - have a setup plugged in inside for testing throughout the year.

scorpia

01-12-2009, 02:46 AM

* Optional files, such as plugins and add-ins, will not be updated if the user doesn't already have them. Unused files such as these can now be deleted without having them be replaced later.

Im assuming there will still be a way to install all addins and plugins etc.

01-16-2009, 06:02 PM

Yes. The idea is that the zip file will contain only the necessary files and the most-popular plugins and add-ins. If you need something beyond that, they will be available on the web site. Except for this test build, it will have everything to save some hassle.

daviddth

01-16-2009, 09:13 PM

excellent - I am definately up for a test as I still have the gear in the shed yet to be packed away :)

Edit: and while I was one that had issues, your test version fixed them for me. Besides one crash during a show, a daily reboot USUALLY fixed the problem before the update, and after the update I never had a problem at all.

Aurbo99

01-17-2009, 12:20 AM

Thanks KC.

My display is still up, buried under a foot or two of snow, but still ready to do some tests with.

01-17-2009, 04:39 AM

Alrighty then. Now that the work week has passed...

The zip file (http://www.vixenlights.com/files/Vixen%202.1.zip) has been put together. It's late, so please let me know if I've forgotten anything. I figured it would be easier to post the link here than trying to email everyone individually since I got about a 500% bigger response than I could have hoped for (thanks!).

Before I forget...there is a data conversion in this to remove the use of channel groups in the profiles. So either copy over any profiles you want to try with 2.1 before running it for the first time or copy the prepare.exe file elsewhere and copy it back in anytime you want to convert some profiles. Or if you're not going to use profiles, act as if I said nothing.

I think that covers it. I hope that covers it. Files are in the zip, the zip is posted, everything should be rebuilt. File conversion, dire warnings, CYA...I think it's all there. Anyone still here in January seems to be the hard-core folks, so I trust all of your collective judgments and opinions.

Thanks, again! Any errors or omissions will be corrected tomorrow (or later today, as it is).

Aurbo99

01-17-2009, 01:06 PM

KC,

Copied all my files on the 2.1 new directory,

Fired up Vixen 2.1

Prepare.exe did its thing,

Loaded up a sequence and let it run. No issues.

Stoped the sequence, went into Profile Manager and added a channel to the attached profile, again no problem playing the sequence. <-- this was my area of problems

Detached and re-attached the profile, played again, no issue.

The added channel appears in all, no issues with AP or anything I can find.

Its looking good from my end KC, The neighbors enjoyed the encore of the lights this morning.. LOL

Some of them actually want to to run again tonight for them to record!

Virtus

01-17-2009, 01:50 PM

I am testing the issue I had this year...running the background music whenever a program isn't running. I am adding a lot of audio files (same as I always do) and setting it to shuffle them. I'll have a short program run every quarter hour to see if the music stops in time for the program's music to not overlap.

Another problem I had with 2.0 was the default timing preference for new sequences. I had set it to 50 but it always behaved as 100. This, too, appears to not occur with 2.1.

Aurbo99

01-17-2009, 04:10 PM

jmccoh

01-17-2009, 08:11 PM

Much like Steve's experience, I copied sequences, profiles, and programs and everything fired right up. From the scheduler I'm running a program using a profile, than repeating a sequence with a profile and then one without each for 90 minutes and I'll repeat that daily until I break it or the snow melts and I can take down my display - whichever happens first.

MR16s look good under the snow.

Thanks KC

01-17-2009, 08:46 PM

Only thing I can note is a request to disable the Programs >Manage button while "Executing Timer Control" routine is running.

Nothing can be done with Vixen until the current Executing Timer Control runs its course, or you crash Vixen from the Control Panel.

That's fair and reasonable. What else have you done that crashes the app while a scheduled execution is running?

zaker

01-17-2009, 08:46 PM

Downloaded 2.1, copied audio/sequences/profiles, made a new program, set a timer.

It started on time, and is still running.

I had no problems with timers, background music, or any issues with anything this season. I can't confirm any fixes, but I can say it still works!!

tom

scharbon

01-18-2009, 12:27 AM

I am confused. I downloaded 2.1, extracted the zip file, went to the folder where everything was extracted, opened it up, and cannot find a setup.exe, install.exe or vixen.exe in the directory. All I can find is Prepare.exe and update.exe. I think prepare converts old files and update is just the script that runs when you start vixen.

Which am I supposed to click on or what did I forget to do? Thanks in advance for any help.

Steve

01-18-2009, 01:24 AM

No vixen.exe? Try downloading it again, it should be in there.

Virtus

01-18-2009, 10:11 AM

IdunBenhad

01-18-2009, 11:34 AM

Hi KC

I'm a "new one", so I may have the problems. I'm still learning.

This error occurs on sequence startup (F5):

Plugins:
Adjustable Preview
Renard Dimmer (modified)
32 channels (1-32)
Serial Port==Com 2
8 data bits
No Parity
1 Stop Bit

Following dialog box opens:
================================================== ====================================
Vixen Error:

Renard Dimmer (modified)

(Router-Startup)
Insufficient system resources exist to complete the requested service

================================================== ====================================

Sequence continues normally after pressing OK in dialog box.

I do not have the Renards connected (they are not constructed yet).

This dialog did not appear until using Tentative 2.1.

The sequence (unfinished) ran OK on 2.09. However, going back to 2.09 after the error with 2.1 results in the same error without a restart of the computer.

Also, the computer restarts itself from a shutdown command, but only after using Tentative 2.1.

Further testing will be done to see if it's my problem.

Computer:
AMD Athlon 64--2.0 Ghz.
2.0 GB memory
2 monitors
Windows XP Home Edition

Thanks for your work. Would like to see recognition of USB ports in Parallel plugins.

Again, THANKS
Idunbenhad

Aurbo99

01-18-2009, 12:40 PM

That's fair and reasonable. What else have you done that crashes the app while a scheduled execution is running?

So far this is the only area I've encountered this problem KC

scharbon

01-18-2009, 01:38 PM

Thanks all,
I got the files finally. After KC told me to download it again, I checked the Zip files and they were in there - they just never extracted (about 4 files failed to extract). Extracted again and got it to work.

KC, thanks for the change to the script sequences that allow lights to stay on between commands. Makes it very useful for how I intend to use the scripts.

Steve

01-22-2009, 03:58 PM

Things have been quiet. Is it really going that well or is everyone as busy as everyone seems to be these days?

Aurbo99

01-22-2009, 04:21 PM

KC.

I've played my entire sequence two nights in the past week.

I've also played it for several hours without the controller attached.

Nothing bad to report :)

Penfold

01-22-2009, 04:28 PM

Sorry to be a burden on you KC, but I have the Beta 2.05 running on my computer currently. To get the latest and greatest I should download the Version 2 Vixen and then the patches that were posted earilier in this thread. Correct?

zaker

01-22-2009, 04:44 PM

I ran 3 nights KC, no problems to report here.

phenagan

01-22-2009, 05:01 PM

IdunBenhad

01-22-2009, 07:25 PM

Hi KC:
I think I should clarify my request about USB/parallel.

First, 2.1 is still giving me the error reported earlier. I still don't know why, but I am working on it.

My request was for the parallel plug-ins to recognize USB to parallel converters.

I have lots of USB ports, but only 1 parallel, and I have two 8 channel parallel boards. Sighhhhhhhhh.

I also do not know if you have been programming the plug-ins, or if that is another party.

Anyway, thanks again for your work. It is highly appreciated

Idun

phenagan

01-22-2009, 07:54 PM

Based on discussions I've had elsewhere, the problem isn't with Vixen in regard to the USB-Parallel converters, but rather with the converters themselves not being truly compatible with a "real" parallel port. The implementation of the hardware and drivers from the manufacturers just doesn't allow the low level signal control we've enjoyed with the old ports. I have heard mention that there are a few homebrew converters that were designed to give this functionality, but nothing commmercially available.

IdunBenhad

01-23-2009, 10:40 AM

HI:
Thanks, KC, for the reply on the parallel ports. Will buy an additional card.

Now, in reference to post #27 and the error i receive: I have done further testing and always get the same error dialog box with 2.1. If I run 2.09 I NEVER get this message:

Test Sequence: (This morning)

Start computer:
Start Vixen 2.09:
Load sequence:
Run sequence--Everything OK
Change sequence--Everything OK
Shut down Vixen:
Shut down computer.

Start computer:
Start Vixen 2.1
Load sequence (same sequence as above)
Run sequence--Everything OK
Change sequence--Receive Error as reported in Post #27
Shut down Vixen.
Computer response has become very sluggish

If I stop 2.1 and go back to 2.09, same problem occurs. It is carried from one version to the other, perhaps indicating something is happening in one of the plugins or accessing of the ports.

Shut down computer (normal shutdown, but response is slow)
Restart--Everything OK.

Same conditions and plugins as in Post #27.

I have not been using 2.1 because of this problem.

Thanks again.

Idun

51fordf2

01-23-2009, 01:24 PM

phenagan

01-23-2009, 04:32 PM

Idun,

I may be wrong, but I don't believe you can just swap sequences back and forth between the 2.0x and 2.1 versions since there have been some changes related to channels. If I'm is corrrect, you'll need to make sure that you re-unzip the sequence update program (it deletes after it runs) before you start up 2.1 and that the sequences that you are intending to use are in the 2.1 versions sequence folder before you start up Vixen.

It might also help if you post the sequence and the profile so that others can check it out and see if it's particular to your system or to 2.1.

Pat

IdunBenhad

01-23-2009, 11:34 PM

Phenagan:
It appears you are right. I followed your instructions and 2.1 now seems to be running OK.

Being a newbee, my sequence so far is very simple. I have worked a long time on it and have less than a minute programmed.

I experiment a lot, and that's probably the reason I am so slow at this. Also, I am not using a profile at this time, and as stated in post #27, my controllers are not even constructed yet, so am just using "Adjustable Preview".

Hopefully, I'll get all this done by next Christmas!!

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it very much.

Idun

phenagan

01-24-2009, 12:14 AM

Glad it worked - I was @ work and couldn't give it a try, so it was a bit of an educated SWAG :rolleyes:...

I don't know if you've done so yet, but if you haven't watched the tutorial videos for Vixen on YouTube, they're well worth is to help shorten the learning curve. Don't be discouraged about how long it takes to do your sequencing - depending on how many channels you have, it can take 5 to 10 hours or more per minute of sequence. The smart thing to do is to work on locking in your display plan as soon as you can and start sequencing now!

01-25-2009, 05:12 PM

Didn't see it here - has anyone tried this on a 64 platform, yet? I just bought a new high-faluting Vista64 laptop, and I would like to try it on there, just wondering if anyone has already? I won't be running a show off this computer, but I like to play around with sequencing when I'm supposed to be working... http://www.crbest.com/lmao.gif so basically, I only need the Preview to work.

Thanks,

Roger

It should work on a 64-bit platform. I don't have a system to test on, but Jared King put a lot of time into getting it to work. If it doesn't work, let me know because this is the release that needs to. Especially the Spectrum and Waveform add-ins. Those are the ones that gave us the most trouble.

01-25-2009, 05:15 PM

intwoit2002

01-26-2009, 01:30 PM

This is really a silly question, but one that has become very frustrating for me.

I cant find where to download Vixen 2.x anywhere. I have gone to the normal places I know of, do a download. When I try to install all I get are error messages.

Is there an install file that I am missing or ????

Thanks for all your support and help.

Sincerely,
Al

51fordf2

01-26-2009, 01:48 PM

Al - check post 17 in this thread. It has a link.

KC - I just downloaded, will try it on my Vista64 tonight. Will let you know...

Thanks!!

Roger

51fordf2

01-26-2009, 07:38 PM

It's loaded, and running perfectly! I haven't tried the waveform and spectrum yet, as I have never looked at them before, but I will. But so far, so good!

Thanks!!!

Roger

http://www.crbest.com/christmas/vixenlogo.gif

Penfold

02-06-2009, 10:08 AM

Start Vixen 2.1
Load sequence (same sequence as above)
Run sequence--Everything OK
Change sequence--Receive Error as reported in Post #27
Shut down Vixen.
Computer response has become very sluggish

If I stop 2.1 and go back to 2.09, same problem occurs. It is carried from one version to the other, perhaps indicating something is happening in one of the plugins or accessing of the ports.

Shut down computer (normal shutdown, but response is slow)
Restart--Everything OK.

Same conditions and plugins as in Post #27.

Idun

I am getting similar results with the sluggish responses. My only guess is because I am running XP professional (32bit) and not the (64bit) Vista. Also, I am noticing that when boot up Vixen 2.1 I can hear my CPU fan kick off into overdrive. Everything becomes very, very choppy. I guess I am going to try Vixen 2.0 and see it that works ok. (Right now I have been using 2.05 beta with no problem.)

SonOfSparks

02-06-2009, 12:31 PM

hello all!!! i am very new to vixen 2.1 tentative but my dad JMKSPARKS has challenged me to see who can create the best sequence i am running vista(64bit)system on my HP laptop and have found no problams as of just yet. so if anyone has any tip or tricks on sequencing for the fullest most dramatic effect please let me know. i plan on spending all my spare time this season to create my sequence

Thanks SonOfSparks

dkuntz

02-06-2009, 09:55 PM

Wow, wish I had seen this thread a long time ago! I was monitoring bugzilla and the bugs thread I had posted to! Sigh. Anyway, I downloaded 2.1 tonight. It will take me some considerable time to test everything I had posted about, but I have quickly determined however that I still cannot add a script to a program. It will not run from the ">" play button in the program setup screen or if the program is scheduled. Actually I guess it does run sort of. It shows up as 0.00 seconds and seems to run like that. The play button flashes the preview window briefly but does not run any commands in the script. Scheduling seems to behave about the same.

aussiephil

03-01-2009, 08:04 AM

KC

Nice job, this is a quick post to let you know that i could successfully start vixen and create a sequence under Windows 7 64bit beta.
Haven't tested that i was getting output from the DMX Dongle yet but Vixen gave no errors when playing the test sequence.
Performance seemed fine on my dual core with a lot of stuff running including Vmware and a virtual workstation.

Cheers
Phil

Aurbo99

03-01-2009, 12:22 PM

AussiePhil,

Nice to see your still lurking about... any news on the 512 channel?

Brad H

05-30-2009, 12:28 AM

Hi K.C.

Well I finally got around to testing this for a few days. After all the trouble that I had last year I decided to just replace the hardware so I got a new (used) computer, wiped the HD and did a clean install of XP Pro SP3. There is nothing else on this sytem now but the new Win install and Vixen 2.1. I imported my old sequences and made one change - I added a profile which included the Renard 16 config and the Preview config (with a picture and 'lights') I set up a Program that "Use each sequence plug-in setup". It is configured to run a BG music list when the display is not running.

First run it started at the correct time and ran about 3:45 of the set 4:00 before it froze with only the "Executing Timer Control" dialog on screen. I was able to click the Stop and Reset buttons and recover (the show was over so it just returned to playing BG music). I decided to set the timer diagnostic for future runs. From that point it ran two or three shows a day for 3 days without a problem. Tonight on the third show within minutes of the end it threw a dialog "Collection was modified enumeration may not execute" and then another on top of that one.. "The given key was not in the dictionary". When I clicked OK on the top dialog show execution continued. It finished the last song and then resumed the BG music leaving the other dialog and the Preview windown on the screen. I did have the diagnostic running (attached) so I hope it will show you something useful.

Brad H

Brad H

06-03-2009, 04:35 PM

It Failed twice yesterday (6-2) ran ok once today.

The first failure it froze at some point during the 4 hr play with just the timer dialog on the screen. I checked it at 3 hrs and it was frozen. I waited for the full 4 hrs before doing anything and it did not change. I clicked the Stop button and exposed another dialog .. Port Close: Safe Handle has been closed. I clicked OK and set another run. This time it ran to the end and froze at the end of the show (frequent failure mode)

Timer trace files attached.

Brad H

06-20-2009, 01:03 PM

Well my 4 hour program has run now for 4 days and then it crashed. I thought I had found the solution when I chose "Use a profile" instead of "Use sequence's .. setup" (though I could not see why it would make a difference since the sequences all use the same profile as I used from the Program Manager.

The crash was the same as two posts back.. on screen:

Virtual Memory Too Low (new symptom)
Executing Timer Control
Adjustable Preview .. Router Startup: The given key was not present in the dictionary
Adjustable Preview .. Router Startup: Collection was modified enumeration operation may not execute
Sequence Preview

Clicked on #3 ... operation continued at begining of next sequence opened new Sequence Preview window (old window was orphaned)

Waited 30 seconds the clicked #4 ... restarted current sequence

Show ended after last sequence in program (did not run until end of timer setting)

Orphaned Sequence Preview still on screen - unable to close (can minimize but close button is disabled).

Closed Vixen.

Tonight I will run for a week with a single plug-in active. If I can get some mock hardware built I will run it with the Renard 16 otherwise I will run it with only the Adjustable Preview.

jrock64

07-08-2009, 12:40 AM

I ran 2.1.1.0 for the last week of my July4 show without incident.
I am going to say the freeze up issue is resolved in that version.

Of course now that 2.5 is released, I get to start all over.

JOel

azcap21

10-14-2009, 07:30 PM

I installed Vixen 2.1 on an older DELL laptop and it crashes after I run a sequence and stop it. I suspect the Pentium and limited RAM might be the culprit.

I am unable to understand hardware requirements for Vixen 2.1. Can someone provide direction in where to find this information?

Thanks

JEEPGUY

10-28-2009, 11:59 PM

I set up 2.1.1 on my laptop (dell latitude e4300) and am getting a plugin error upon stopping a sequence - "OBJECT REFERENCE NOT SET TO AN INSTANCE OF AN OBJECT. EXECUTION HAS BEEN STOPPED.
Anyone have any ideas on the error?

edit: I loaded MS.net 2.0 before I loaded Vixen 2.1.1. Vixen then upgraded to 2.1.3.

agbrint

10-29-2009, 10:35 PM

I get the same error on my "show computer" and occasionally on my sequencing computer...
Any help greatly appreciated!!

Brad H

10-30-2009, 11:23 AM

I hope you have success getting an answer on this! I have reported this error on several threads most notably Bug Reports and have gotten no replies. I have changed hardware several times and even replaced the computer this year (which seems to have finally solved the problem - or at least minimized it as it will usually run for several days before crashing).

My systems tend to be minimal configurations - old slow processors and only 256 to 512 memory. My newest system is only 800MHz and 256 ram with XP Pro and it seems to run better that the rest that were faster and with more memory but XP Home.

I started with an old box running 98SE. That was pretty much a disaster (though I know some folks have run it successfully on 98SE).

One more thing - 2.1 Tentative seems more stable than 2.09. I have not tried the latest releases yet as I am still testing 2.1. My show has run now for 1.5 weeks and finally crashed yesterday but I suspect it has to do with running the Preview at the same time as the Renard.

tlorek

10-30-2009, 12:40 PM

I got this occasionally in 2.1. I moved up to 2.5 several months ago, and on my sequencing machine (laptop), I never get this error. On my show computer (P3 1 ghz, Moxa 8 port serial) I get this *very* frequently, particularly when trying to run a program.

Macrosill

11-02-2009, 08:45 AM

rice66

11-02-2009, 09:23 AM

Thank you for your tireless efforts, towards this hobby. Without your dedication, we would be wandering in a sea of different pieces of software, and in my case one that wouldnt perform properly or not at all,. I would be forced back to static displays, never to feel like something again , My only hope would be to stand there flipping a switch on and off to the beat of music.
Come to think about it, There would be the biggest case of withdrawal symptoms in history.
nothing would be the same again. My displays are small compared to say Frank in Arizona, I just cant imagine a 35-50 ft mega tree that is a static display no fade no whirl
ahh the humanity of it
Again thanks many thanks
Rice66

agbrint

11-02-2009, 04:42 PM

What plugin are you using?

I know this wasnt asked of me, but as im getting the same error, i'll post too ;)

My profile contains the Adjustable Preview (1-140), Simple 595 (1-128) and 12 Channel Parallel (129-140).
I've experienced the "OBJECT REFERENCE NOT SET TO AN INSTANCE OF AN OBJECT. EXECUTION HAS BEEN STOPPED." with all 3 disabled, and combinations of them enabled too... I'm stumped...

Thanks in advance if anyone can help... I'm still not 100% if i want to upgrade to 2.5 yet for this year.

JEEPGUY

11-03-2009, 07:34 PM

What plugin are you using?
I am using renard plugin, launcher and preview, however I turned all of them off to see if the error would discontinue but it still popped up.

Macrosill

11-04-2009, 10:25 AM

hmm, that is odd. I would either try a fresh install of 2.1 or upgrade to 2.5

tlorek

11-04-2009, 11:17 AM

I am using renard plugin, launcher and preview, however I turned all of them off to see if the error would discontinue but it still popped up.

Have you tried a reboot? I got this same message in 2.5.0.5 and 2.5.0.6, but just when starting a program. After removing and re-creating my three renard dimmer plugins (for three com ports), I then got the dreaded "access to com port denied" message. I remembered that a reboot was usually needed in this case. Rebooted and everything has been running smoothly and continuously for the last 12 hours.

Ahem...you know there's something wrong with you when your clock radio is tuned to your own frequency and you wake up to your own music in the morning! :)

JEEPGUY

11-04-2009, 07:51 PM

hmm, that is odd. I would either try a fresh install of 2.1 or upgrade to 2.5
Been there done that. Deleted every reference to Vixen and and even deleted every MS.net 2.0 and any update to MS.net and started from scratch.

At this point I've finished up most of my sequencing and if need to tweak it I'll just put up with the error generation on my laptop or just do it on my show PC.

dirknerkle

11-04-2009, 08:07 PM

Have you tried using the restore point feature to put the pc back to a time when everything was working??? Not sure how well that will work now that you've deleted all the stuff you say you have...

JEEPGUY

11-09-2009, 01:48 AM

I had the problem from the start on the laptop. It's no big deal. I've got Vixen working on two other PC's anyway.

kwajtony

11-09-2009, 03:15 AM

I had a similar problem I think, I started with 2.1 and then upgraded. There was a utility I had to run against my sequence (the only one I had/have) to make it compatible with 2.5. I found it on the Vixen site. Perhaps this will help.

dnesci

11-09-2009, 09:30 AM

Your not alone. I'm also getting this error with 2.1. Last year I ran 2.0.9 and it was solid except that I would get an occasional port exception, about once every 10 days. I may down grade for the show this year unless, there are positive comments about on 2.1. Up grading to 2.5 may be an options if most people find it to be solid.

That's the beauty of Vixen, there are so many versions that we can pick the one that works for us.

Keep us posted on a resolution to this error.

Brad H

01-01-2010, 08:19 PM

Well I guess it's time for an update! After all of the problems I had last year (see previous posts in this thread) I decided that I would give Vixen one more shot before I abandoned it for LightShow Pro.

I bought two used OLD computers with scrubbed HD's and new installs of XP Pro SP2 and a third with SP3. All had just 256M memory and slow 600MHz P3 processors. This is far less horsepower and memory than I used last year! Next I copied the Vixen 2.1 directory as is from my 2008 machine onto the new machines.

I had tried various combinations of settings last year with some more stable than others but none perfect. This year I set up two profiles (two different houses with similar light displays). Each profile had two enabled plugins - Renard and Preview. I set up a program that ran BG 24/7 and ran the show with profile plugins for 6 hours nightly on all three machines (this was in October).

The systems ran for two weeks before there was a failure (port open). Next I changed to "use program plugins" and enabled only the Renard. The show ran for a month on three machines with NO failures! We set up the shows on Thanksgiving day and ran them through New Years without a single glitch!

Conclusion? The problem was neither memory nor processor speed / power. Last year all the PC's that failed were running XP Home SP3. This year the two show computers ran XP Pro SP2. That combined with disabling the Preview during the show seemed to do the trick!

Thanks to all who have offered advice and consolation. It was kind of a steep learning curve but I made it. And yes, it WAS worth it!