Ren48 LSD troubleshooting with Holidaycoro floods

[CaptKirk]

You can manually trigger the PIC itself to trigger the outputs on the 48lsd?!?? That would be really cool. If not, the value of the diag would be to be sure the PIC is working (programatically) so you know you ARE programming the PIC properly, that the clock is right, and the PIC control of the outputs at least do partially work (the ones exercized at least). Sort of like making sure the brain is working first.

Pulling out a PIC and jumpering across the PIC socket is good for seeing if all the outputs work but not the PIC functionality itself, right?

I've always thought the diag code should blink all the outputs (simulating a data stream to any other PICs on the board if that is possible) or at least all 8 of the ones it is in control of itself like some other DMX based controllers do themselves in test mode.

[budude]

You can manually trigger the PIC itself to trigger the outputs on the 48lsd?!?? That would be really cool. If not, the value of the diag would be to be sure the PIC is working (programatically) so you know you ARE programming the PIC properly, that the clock is right, and the PIC control of the outputs at least do partially work (the ones exercized at least). Sort of like making sure the brain is working first.

Pulling out a PIC and jumpering across the PIC socket is good for seeing if all the outputs work but not the PIC functionality itself, right?

I've always thought the diag code should blink all the outputs (simulating a data stream to any other PICs on the board if that is possible) or at least all 8 of the ones it is in control of itself like some other DMX based controllers do themselves in test mode.

Meh - I can test that with something plugged in as well... and no - you can't do it manually - I'm talking about jumpering the outputs. Anyway - as I mentioned - go through the steps in the Wiki for the v3c - it should get you through the obvious stuff...

[CaptKirk]

Meh - I can test that with something plugged in as well... and no - you can't do it manually - I'm talking about jumpering the outputs. Anyway - as I mentioned - go through the steps in the Wiki for the v3c - it should get you through the obvious stuff...

LOL, TRUE, but when it does not work- is it a "dead" PIC, or a comms issue?? Inquiring minds want to know... And I will hit you if you say just hook up a scope or logic analyzer...

[budude]

If it's a dead PIC then diag code won't run either... com is a little tougher but - again - follow the wiki instructions it gets you pretty close...

[CaptKirk]

Brian, I'm not going to win this am I?? LOL!!

With the diag firmware, if the PIC is dead the diag lights will not flash you know it is the PIC. However if the lights flash but comms don't work, then you know the comms are bad.

Alternatively, if you hook up to the board with normal code and a sequence running, and the lights don't flash you know either the pic is dead, *or* comms are dead but not WHICH.

In my book, you get the power right first, then you test the light control (manually), then the PIC functionality with diag firmware, THEN you test comms (either diag OR normal) and the diag firmware is what lets you know, better, what is working or not.

Now if the cat won't eat the mouse, which ate the fly, me oh my, oh why oh why did I swallow the fly??!?! Clear??

[budude]

Nope - I'll say it again - follow the wiki instructions - I even go through possible com issues as well. Run a slow on/off sequence and watch the com input at the PIC - not there - com chip stuff - there - probably PIC - try another. Also you can check the Oscillator input as well.

Frankly - 33% of the time - PIC not programmed, 33% of the time com cable issue, 33% of the time soldering issue and 1% of the time - a bad part...

[CaptKirk]

OK- you win. I can't find fault in your logic...

But you did forget 33% of the time "error is between board and chair"...

[acreiss]

I give up ! I have power to the board but nothing to the flood.... re-flashed the pics to..Seems as if my connections to the RGB's should work..
I just dont get it.. oh well...To much overtime to spend all my free time on one thing.

[budude]

I'd be happy to look at it if you want to pay for to/from postage...

[angus40]

I doubt your getting data to the board .

Code for pic here >>>>>http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...p?e=97&catid=6

If you follow this how to and flash your pics with non dmx code for the 48lsd this may solve your frustration.

http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...a-computer-usb

hope this helps.