Can you help reverse-engineer the $6 DMX controller programmer?

[dmoore]

I did email them once for the "programming" specs and to see if there were other features that could be turned on or off (such as the built-in test sequence) but the email I got back indicated they were not that interested...wonder why. 

[David_AVD]

There was talk of this last year I think, not not sure who it was that said they might look into it?

I love a challenge and would have a go if someone gave me a programmer and a few controllers. 

There's no guarantee that I'd suceed, but there's a good chance we'd learn more about them  either way.

[Tabor]

Yep, I wasl going to have a look at it.

I have got a programmer and some controllers.

I am home for a day on Monday before away again for two weeks.
I will whack it on the logic analyzer then.
I prob wont have time to write the app, but if you willing DA I can send you the details.

[David_AVD]

Would be better to develop with the hardware at hand, but see what the logic analyser shows and we'll go from there.

[dmoore]

You aussies rock!!

Thanks!

[ѕυρєямαη]

DAVID:  I HAVE A PROGRAMMER AND CONTROLLERS COMING SOON FROM RAY HOPEFULLY

[David_AVD]

More toys! 

[smartalec]

since i got the DR4 i have a spare usb-485 converter, at least now i'll have a use for it again.

[ɟɐsʇǝppʎ]

If an app was made to program these then this would be a great cost effective way to add control. The channel programming is the only reason i have kept away from these. Good luck with it guys.

[tpboyce]

One issue you may find is that the standard USB DMX dongle is not bidirectional.  This may or may not matter.  The programmer I have must discover the device first and then sends the signal to it. Now, it would not be that expensive to whip up a bidirectional dongle, and you could have a universal programmer.

[dmoore]

One issue you may find is that the standard USB DMX dongle is not bidirectional.  This may or may not matter.  The programmer I have must discover the device first and then sends the signal to it. Now, it would not be that expensive to whip up a bidirectional dongle, and you could have a universal programmer.

That is a good point about the regular DMX dongle not being bi-directional.  Is it possible to do this with a standard, off the shelf USB to 485 adapter since these don't usually go up to 250k?

[David_AVD]

Does the programming procedure rely on only one DMX module being connected at a time?  If so, the return traffic may not be required.  It may only be for getting the current address.

If all you want to do is set the address (not read it) and the process does not require a two way transaction, a standard dongle may work.

[dmoore]

Does the programming procedure rely on only one DMX module being connected at a time?  If so, the return traffic may not be required.  It may only be for getting the current address.

If all you want to do is set the address (not read it) and the process does not require a two way transaction, a standard dongle may work.

It was back last summer when the guy reviewed it for me but what I recall is that first the programmer would send out a packet that would set the address then it would turn around and read it back (even on a write).  But, even if it didn't perform a read, it would still be useful and work arounds could be made such as using a standard DMX stream of test data to the module after it was programmed to roll through the different channels that were just programmed, thus confirming the programmed address.

[dmoore]

To maybe speed up the effort, I'll pay the following:

* $100 USD for a program that programs the controller via a standard, off-the-shelf USB-to-RS485 adapter
and/or
* $100 USD for a program that programs the controller via a Lynx Express/Enttec Pro dongle

I only ask that there be a link in the main application page that refers back to HolidayCoro.com...so I can write this off as a business expense.

[tpboyce]

I have been trying to crack it with the DMX Pro.  It is proving to be a bit of a challenge.  I do not know if the Pro is masking data.  Gonna play more with it.  Started even before the bounty.