A DMX controller for multiple RGB pixel strings

**erm213** · 08-24-2011, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by budude

I received my 1809 pixel strings today and connected them up to the E680 using 12v on the bottom DC block (j1-9) and connecting the strips to J1. I configured them as follows:

Cluster# Strings Chip Pixels Grp Str Len RGB DMX Address Range Reverse Zigs Null Pixels Refresh Gamma
1 1 1804(S) 150 001 0150 BRG s1-001 thru s1-450 NNNN 0000 0-0-0-0 0055

These show BRG on them so I configured them that way (this does not matter anyway for my issue).

When I plug the strips in, all 150 pixels (5m string) go full on white - no matter what I do or run, they stay full on. I initially started with Vixen and switched to SACNView to generate/view the data and I can see the packets received on the E680 - but nothing... I tried another string to verify - same thing. This was working with my GE lights just fine. I also loaded the new eeprom image 2.020 but that made no difference. I also tried the test patterns - nothing... I then moved it to cluster #2 putting them on plug J5 - nothing...

Any ideas here? These did not light up until I configured the pixel/string parameters and did a save 0 so it's not like a dead short or anything.

Make sure you have enough amps powering the string. I am using a computer power supply, and it is plenty. Also, make sure the leads at the end of the roll are not touching. Mine came with the ends stripped, and were touching, and caused some weirnedd unitl I clipped the stripped leads off, and taped over them.

Erik

**erm213** · 08-24-2011, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by scuba

Back from a long hiatus; Has anyone worked with the G-35's. As a start, I've got 200 pixels and a E680's. I want to control 4 strings of 50 pixels from a single E680. Has anyone used the controller that comes with the strings as power supplies for the strings? I was going to tie all the G-35 controller grd's together and separate the data lines and feed them to J1-J4. Any issues with this approach?

Do you mean you are going to plug in the 4 bricks for the 4 strings? I would use a computer power supply. The 5v rail should be able to supply the amps needed for 4 strings, and power the board as well.

Erik

**Twinkleclaus** · 08-24-2011, 10:12 AM

Regarding programming the eeprom, I have a Parallax Professional Development Board (PN 32111). It has an onboard 24LC256 eeprom and USB port. Instead of ordering a Prop Plug ($16 + $15 shipping!) can I simply pull out the 24LC256 and pop in the 24C1024 to program the eeprom with the new code? If so, would I use the Prop Tool normally to flash it?

**budude** · 08-24-2011, 11:11 AM

When the strip turns on it's pulling 5.2A which sounds pretty high - they said 7.5W but this is 60+W? The bigger question is why they all turn on and stay on...

**n8huntsman** · 08-24-2011, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by scuba

Back from a long hiatus; Has anyone worked with the G-35's. As a start, I've got 200 pixels and a E680's. I want to control 4 strings of 50 pixels from a single E680. Has anyone used the controller that comes with the strings as power supplies for the strings? I was going to tie all the G-35 controller grd's together and separate the data lines and feed them to J1-J4. Any issues with this approach?

My setup is similar. As long as they all share a common ground with the controller and the controller has adequate power, it should work fine.

**jstjohnz** · 08-24-2011, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by budude

When the strip turns on it's pulling 5.2A which sounds pretty high - they said 7.5W but this is 60+W? The bigger question is why they all turn on and stay on...

As someone else mentioned there are 2 type of 180x chips, fast and slow. The ones I have seen have all been the fast type. I set up the code for the slow version based on the data sheet but I haven't actually had any slow 180x's to test with. I would definitely try the 1804(F) type of you haven't already.

Can you post a link to the pixels you have?

**jstjohnz** · 08-24-2011, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Twinkleclaus

Regarding programming the eeprom, I have a Parallax Professional Development Board (PN 32111). It has an onboard 24LC256 eeprom and USB port. Instead of ordering a Prop Plug ($16 + $15 shipping!) can I simply pull out the 24LC256 and pop in the 24C1024 to program the eeprom with the new code? If so, would I use the Prop Tool normally to flash it?

That should work.

**budude** · 08-24-2011, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by jstjohnz

As someone else mentioned there are 2 type of 180x chips, fast and slow. The ones I have seen have all been the fast type. I set up the code for the slow version based on the data sheet but I haven't actually had any slow 180x's to test with. I would definitely try the 1804(F) type of you haven't already.

Can you post a link to the pixels you have?

What is the code to enable 1804(F) chip?

THESE are the ones I purchased - they are the same ones that erm213 are using and they are working OK for him - not sure which chip config he is using though.

**mschell** · 08-24-2011, 01:28 PM

Brian,
I would try CHip types 4, 5, or 6 setting in the E680 to enable the fast mode output to the 180x. I know somewhere in this thread, Jim posted that the 3001 chip type would be 8, but don't have my E680 hooked up at the moment to see which one.

**erm213** · 08-24-2011, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by budude

What is the code to enable 1804(F) chip?

THESE are the ones I purchased - they are the same ones that erm213 are using and they are working OK for him - not sure which chip config he is using though.

I used chip #3. That is the same page I bought my strips from too.

Erik