Struggling with falcon smart receiver

[Srmorgan]

I am using a falcon f16v3 with 2 smart receivers. I am testing one at a time, and cant get them to light the correct way. Well actually I've only tested the First one because the other is on the roof. I am using 5v psu running at 5.3v, I have the f16 Running version 2.56 hooked into the router and the smart receiver hooked into the first dmx port. The receiver is set as receiver A and set up that way in the f16. The terminator switch's are in the on position. I have 50 ws2811 lights hooked to Port 1 and 2 on the smart receiver. The test button functions fine. But I cannot get a test to run from the f16 and when I try to run a sequence from xlights it doesn't work. Now when I say doesn't work I should clarify. Usually when I start a test from the f16 or run a sequence the lights all turn on full bright. Or at least most of them do. Usually there is a light or two that is a random color. Some times when I start a sequence or test from f16 the lights will start to flash/blink but stays white. When I stop the test, the flashing stops as well. I will try to get a picture of the f16s setup and add it to the post later. I'm not sure what to do next and I'm not old enough to loose all my hair yet. Has anyone dealt with this?

 

[BAZMick]

Did you send the string configuration from xLights or did you map it manually? I haven't used the Universe/Start Channel mode before so I can't tell you for sure that it looks like you've got overlapping channel numbers.
Have you also tried an different network cable between the F16 and smart receiver?

 

[Dreamin]

Channels look good. I found with my receivers sometimes the LAN cable moves slights and it creates a lot of crazy lights/colours. Try pushing it back in and see if that helps. I looped mine so it had a bit of slack in the box. A bit of tape over the end might work too if that's your problem. Also as BAZMick said test with another cable if that doesn't solve it.

 

[lithgowlights]

Did you have the ports 1-4 set up as pixel data in the serial output page on the F16. Also did you plug the Smart receiver in to the top most black RJ45 port on the F16

 

[Srmorgan]

I believe the Cables are good. I made new ones just in case. It is plugged in to the top dmx port. I am just testing them out inside my house so my enclosure is open and there is plenty of slack. I didn’t change anything on the serial output page. I didn’t know what that page was for. I will give it a try and report back. As far as I know my channels are good. Those are uploaded from xlights.

 

[Srmorgan]

Brother lithogow, you are a beautiful man. Thank you so much. The serial output fixed it. Is there any chance you wanna explain what that is for me. Is that referring to output one through four on the F 16 or what is that I don’t I don’t understand.

 

[TerryK]

If you haven't yet, I suggest downloading Falcon's manual for their Smart Receiver. Here is a link to it.

Falcon Smart Receiver Manual v1.00

Differential Smart Receiver v1.00 to v1.02 Pixelcontroller.com Written and Edited by: Jonathan DePlanche Daryl Collins David Pitts TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 - OVERVIEW SECTION 2 - BOARD LAYOUT AND FEATURES SECTION 3 - SETTINGS/CONFIGURATIONS SECTION 4 - FIRMWARE UPGRADE SECTIO...

docs.google.com

 

[Srmorgan]

I read it at midnight last night trying to figure it out. Is the part about the serial port in there? I must have missed it.

 

[TerryK]

Bits and pieces are in there but information in the Smart Receiver Manual pertains to the Smart Receiver configuration/useage itself mostly. You mentioned an F16 so that manual should indicate what can be used and/or needs configured on the Host end to properly communicate. For a video approach, Canispater Christmas (Jeff on Youtube) had a set of 2 or 3 videos on using Falcon's Smart Receivers.

 

[Srmorgan]

yeah, I love his videos. I just never saw him change the setup for the serial port configuration. That was the part that stumped me. I kind of found where it talks about It in the f16 manual but I wouldn’t have figured it out from that.

 

[TerryK]

OK. I thought Jeff's videos had included a setup beginning to end. Has me wondering now what controller he used. When I get a bit of spare time I'll re-watch them.