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

[mschell]

I've already sent David some email.

I tried this with my LOR USB485 dongle, which I bought, along with 2 LOR DC controllers last year during the summer sale.  I don't use LOR software to drive my display, so this sat in the box till now.

After working out the connections, I was able to successfully program one of the 5 DMX controllers that I bought from HolidayCoro.  However, the program gives an "unhandled exception" when it tries to read the address, either after writing a new address or when pressing the "Read" button on the app.

I plan to work this out with David, and don't want to make this the support forum for this app, but did want to let folks know of the initial experience.

[dmoore]

After working out the connections, I was able to successfully program one of the 5 DMX controllers that I bought from HolidayCoro.  However, the program gives an "unhandled exception" when it tries to read the address, either after writing a new address or when pressing the "Read" button on the app.

It would appear what is occuring with these, as was the case with the USB "programmer" I sell, is that the read function wasn't working but the write works fine.  As Mark indicated, the LOR adapter can write the address, it would appear when the write is complete and the follow up operation of the read to confirm the correct address was written to the controller, is where it's failing.  So, worst case, Josh can remove the read and the application just performs the write alone which was the orginal purpose.  Not that the read isn't useful also.

I just feel bad that I've asked Josh to add more features to this application than orginally planned. 

[mschell]

And for an additional update - I also tried an HP High-speed Serial Adapter (RS232) that I had lying around with a RS232->RS485 adapter.  It is also FTDI chip based, and it behaved in a similar fashion as the LOR adapter.

It can write a new address, but chokes when it tries to read it back.

Both the HP and LOR also work with Vixen to control via DMX.

All this on WinXP.

The key function of writing works, which is the most important thing.

Josh and I will be working offline to see if we can do anything to make the read function happen, or at least not choke so much...

[dmoore]

And for an additional update - I also tried an HP High-speed Serial Adapter (RS232) that I had lying around with a RS232->RS485 adapter.  It is also FTDI chip based, and it behaved in a similar fashion as the LOR adapter.

It can write a new address, but chokes when it tries to read it back.

Can you provide a model/web link to this programmer?

[David_AVD]

I think these little $6 modules are great DM.  Having the programming possible via software is a leap forward.  Thanks again for providing the incentive to get that done.   

For a low cost CV (constant voltage) unit with good output capability I don't think it can be beat.  The MY9942 chip on the other board looks neat, but won't (IMO) suit a lot of applications.

[Brownie]

I tried this with my LOR USB485 dongle, which I bought, along with 2 LOR DC controllers last year during the summer sale.  I don't use LOR software to drive my display, so this sat in the box till now.

After working out the connections, I was able to successfully program one of the 5 DMX controllers that I bought from HolidayCoro.

mschell,

I would like to know more about what you needed to do with the connections to make this work as I am looking at doing the same thing?

Regards,
Brownie

[dmoore]

I tried this with my LOR USB485 dongle, which I bought, along with 2 LOR DC controllers last year during the summer sale.  I don't use LOR software to drive my display, so this sat in the box till now.

After working out the connections, I was able to successfully program one of the 5 DMX controllers that I bought from HolidayCoro.

mschell,

I would like to know more about what you needed to do with the connections to make this work as I am looking at doing the same thing?

Regards,
Brownie

Brownie -

The application (Windows and Mac), along with documentation have been released here:

http://www.holidaycoro.com/Hardware.asp

Thank you,
David

[mschell]

I tried this with my LOR USB485 dongle, which I bought, along with 2 LOR DC controllers last year during the summer sale.  I don't use LOR software to drive my display, so this sat in the box till now.

After working out the connections, I was able to successfully program one of the 5 DMX controllers that I bought from HolidayCoro.

mschell,

I would like to know more about what you needed to do with the connections to make this work as I am looking at doing the same thing?

Regards,
Brownie

I'm not at home right now to list the details.   The important thing is that the LOR dongle puts out signal on pins 4/5, which needs to be connected with the right polarity to the DMX input leads.  Once that is done, the app that Dmoore has had written will write (but not read) the DMX address on these controllers.   The app will error out if it tries to read or verify the address.

[Brownie]

I tried this with my LOR USB485 dongle, which I bought, along with 2 LOR DC controllers last year during the summer sale.  I don't use LOR software to drive my display, so this sat in the box till now.

After working out the connections, I was able to successfully program one of the 5 DMX controllers that I bought from HolidayCoro.

mschell,

I would like to know more about what you needed to do with the connections to make this work as I am looking at doing the same thing?

Regards,
Brownie

Brownie -

The application (Windows and Mac), along with documentation have been released here:

http://www.holidaycoro.com/Hardware.asp

Thank you,
David

Following the links I see this now takes you to an updated webpage where you can purchase the software and cable as one item. As already have and using the LOR USB485B dongle, do you know if I can download and Purchase the software only?
Brownie

[bdeditch]

I've already sent David some email.

I tried this with my LOR USB485 dongle, which I bought, along with 2 LOR DC controllers last year during the summer sale.  I don't use LOR software to drive my display, so this sat in the box till now.

After working out the connections, I was able to successfully program one of the 5 DMX controllers that I bought from HolidayCoro.  However, the program gives an "unhandled exception" when it tries to read the address, either after writing a new address or when pressing the "Read" button on the app.

I plan to work this out with David, and don't want to make this the support forum for this app, but did want to let folks know of the initial experience.

I am having the same problem, but I was having a bigger problem with it not working because I have the LOR USB485 hooked up. It wouldn't do anything on the computer that I control my show with, but it worked on 2 other ones I tryed. I did notice it did show the DMX Module number in the Network Perferences

[ɟɐsʇǝppʎ]

I would send ChillOutDocDoc a PM asking him if he has the software available as he was the program developer. It appears that DM is now more focussed on his commercial interests now days and has changed the link to his online shop