Windows 7 & Vixen 2.1

[IdunBenhad]

Hi:
I've been working with Windows 7 RC1 Ultimate and Vixen 2.1.1 to test the compatibility.

Note that this is just with the computer and I have not tested with the hardware yet. Conditions are shown below.

Vixen Version 2.1.1
Windows 7 RC1--32 bit version (64 bit version to be tested later).
Computer: AMD 64-2 GHZ (home built)
Memory: 2 GHZ.
Monitors: 2 monitors=19" flat panel LCD.
1 serial port (2 ports to be added later)
1 parallel port (1 port to be added later)

Loaded Vixen 2.1.1 with no problems.

First run--Partial sequence of "Wizards in Winter" which had been programmed for 4 Renard 16 boards and 2 parallel 8 relay boards.

Sequence ran fine, but no audio. Went back and found the updated Realtek 97 drivers for Windows 7 and installed.

Audio ran jerky and slightly distorted.

Was using visual display of my light setup at home. (For Christmas 2009). This consisted of 8 bells, 4 bows on the bells, 8 clappers for the bells. 2 icicle strings on two buildings, 6 minitrees, 2 window frames, 1 megatree-32 channels-4 colors. Parallel relays will control lighted fence, gate, etc.

Fumbled around a little in Windows 7 and found the "compatiblity modes". Tried Windows XP-SP2 mode and and ran with it. Audio was much better and video ran smoother.

Tried Windows XP-SP3 mode and this seemed to cure the problems.

As I am traveling in a motorhome, I do not have the hardware with me, so cannot test how Vixen/W7 drives the boards.

I am in the process of further sequencing and testing.

Anyone having any experience with Vixen 2.1/W7, please let everyone know your experiences, as Windows 7 appears to be much better than Vista and will be the "OS of the future". (Microsoft prays).

Idun

[lites4joy]

How do I load vixen with Windows 7 -64 bitOS. I tried to load the MS dot net software but got an error message stating that it wasn't 64 bit compatible. :confused:

Thanks,
Pat

[slyfox04]

Hey pat,

try
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=B44A0000-ACF8-4FA1-AFFB-40E78D788B00&displaylang=en

direct download
http://download.microsoft.com/download/a/3/f/a3f1bf98-18f3-4036-9b68-8e6de530ce0a/NetFx64.exe


.Net framework 2.0 for x64.

I've running Windows 7 x64 and Vixen "runs" ok. I'm a newcomer to the Computer controlled xmas scene and still getting gear together, but it shouldn't be a issue getting sequences to run :). But my computer guruness should get me by haha. Will post up a update once I get my gear built and some sequences made.

[IdunBenhad]

Hi:

WHOOPS I misread your message. I don't know why Framework won't load. I didn't have any problems with it when running W7-RC1. You might check out the latest release of Framework (3.5 I think) and see if it's 64 bit compatible.

By the way, when I was running the W7-RC1, I was using a dual boot system and later on I ran into problems I couldn't solve. It was not with Vixen or Framework, however, apparently it was my computer. W7-RC1 just would no longer boot!

Below is my reply before I reread your message.


Pat, you need to make sure your machine will handle 64 bit operating systems (OP). There are tests you can run to do that. See Microsofts' website for those tests, but from the error message you get, I think it will not.

My AMD (original post) is no longer used: I have a Pentium 4 dedicated computer that I put together just for lights control and it uses Windows XP-32 bit. It will not handle 64 bit systems.

If you're just wanting to run Vixen "faster", 32 bit OP is OK, as Vixen will not know the difference and will not run any faster on 64 bit.

One of the other reasons I went back to XP was because I have a legal copy of it. The Windows 7 RC1 expires next year.

Good Luck and Merry Lighted Christmas

Idun

[lites4joy]

Slyfox4,
Hey Thanks! all is well again. Right now I am just writing/editing sequences with the Win7 x64 machine. So I may not know if it 'runs" them well.

Thanks,
Pat

[kmc123]

My display is running on Win 7 this year an no issues at all so far (Knock on wood!)

[ErnieHorning]

If you're using the release version of 7 64-bit, you don't need to add anything. All version run, just install Vixen.

[tallan]

No problems here either with Vixen 2.1 and Windows 7.

The hardware is on a XP system but all the sequencing is done on the windows 7 system just fine.

Ted