A good RGB LED Control solution for Control4 is there

[cybuch]

PM sent

[cybuch]

On 10/23/2016 at 9:58 AM, jackstone said:

This mean an hardware error with the DMX Engine. I saw some rare boxes that does not handle heavy traffic from the Control4 driver, this should be resolved with the new driver that will operate a higher baud rate, else if you can reproduce the issue steadily, you can get a DMX Engine replacement either from Houselogix or Engineering Solutions.

It locked up again last night.  Says deca box off line.  Here is the LUA output when I try to turn all channels off, but nothing changes:  Its strange that it only started happening when I pulled it off of wireless and updated to 2.9.  Do you think I should try it on the EA5 instead?

Function:    ExecuteCommand(LUA_ACTION):

ACTION

Function:    ExecuteCommand(Blackout):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, STOP_ALL_FADE):

Function:    SendToSerial(1, F000@000:000):

Handle Command: Done

Function:    SendToProxy (2, BLACKOUT):

 

Here is a scene that doesn't work while locked up:

 

 

Received from Proxy: SEND_TO_DMX on binding 2; Call Function SEND_TO_DMX()

Function SEND_TO_DMX

Function:    SendToSerial(1, Z052@255,056@255,060@255,064@255,068@255,072@255,076@255,080@255,084@255,088@255,092@255,096@255:000):

Received from Proxy: SET_PROXY_LEVEL on binding 2; Call Function SET_PROXY_LEVEL()

Function:    SET_PROXY_LEVEL:

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: SET_PROXY_LEVEL on binding 2; Call Function SET_PROXY_LEVEL()

Function:    SET_PROXY_LEVEL:

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: SEND_TO_DMX on binding 2; Call Function SEND_TO_DMX()

Function SEND_TO_DMX

Function:    SendToSerial(1, Z004@255,008@255,012@255,016@255,020@255,024@255,028@255,032@255,048@255:000):

Received from Proxy: SET_PROXY_LEVEL on binding 2; Call Function SET_PROXY_LEVEL()

Function:    SET_PROXY_LEVEL:

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: SET_PROXY_LEVEL on binding 2; Call Function SET_PROXY_LEVEL()

Function:    SET_PROXY_LEVEL:

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: SEND_TO_DMX on binding 2; Call Function SEND_TO_DMX()

Function SEND_TO_DMX

Function:    SendToSerial(1, Z036@255,040@255,044@255:000):

Received from Proxy: SET_PROXY_LEVEL on binding 2; Call Function SET_PROXY_LEVEL()

Function:    SET_PROXY_LEVEL:

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: SET_PROXY_LEVEL on binding 2; Call Function SET_PROXY_LEVEL()

Function:    SET_PROXY_LEVEL:

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: ACTIVATE_SCENE on binding 2; Call Function ACTIVATE_SCENE()

Function:    SendToSerial(1, Z103@255,100@255,104@255,097@255,101@255,105@255,098@255,102@255,099@255:000):

Received from Proxy: SEND_TO_DMX on binding 2; Call Function SEND_TO_DMX()

Function SEND_TO_DMX

Function:    SendToProxy (2, STOP_EFFECT):

Function:    SendToSerial(1, Z001@255,005@255,009@255,013@255,017@255,021@255,025@255,029@255,033@255,037@255,041@255,045@255,049@255,053@255,057@255,061@255,065@255,069@255,073@255,077@255,081@255,085@255,089@255,093@255,002@255,006@255,010@255,014@255,018@255,022@255,026@255,030@255,034@255,038@255,042@255,046@255,050@255,054@255,058@255,062@255,066@255,070@255,074@255,078@255,082@255,086@255,090@255,094@255,003@255,007@255,011@255,015@255,019@255,023@255,027@255,031@255,035@255,039@255,043@255,047@255,051@255,055@255,059@255,063@255,067@255,071@255,075@255,079@255,083@255,087@255,091@255,095@255:000):

Command queued Z001@255,005@255,009@255,013@255,017@255,021@255,025@255,029@255,033@255,037@255,041@255,045@255,049@255,053@255,057@255,061@255,065@255,069@255,073@255,077@255,081@255,085@255,089@255,093@255,002@255,006@255,010@255,014@255,018@255,022@255,026@255,030@255,034@255,038@255,042@255,046@255,050@255,054@255,058@255,062@255,066@255,070@255,074@255,078@255,082@255,086@255,090@255,094@255,003@255,007@255,011@255,015@255,019@255,023@255,027@255,031@255,035@255,039@255,043@255,047@255,051@255,055@255,059@255:000

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: SEND_TO_DMX on binding 2; Call Function SEND_TO_DMX()

Function SEND_TO_DMX

Function:    SendToProxy (2, STOP_EFFECT):

Function:    SendToSerial(1, Z001@255,005@255,009@255,013@255,017@255,021@255,025@255,029@255,033@255,037@255,041@255,045@255,049@255,053@255,057@255,061@255,065@255,069@255,073@255,077@255,081@255,085@255,089@255,093@255:000):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: SEND_TO_DMX on binding 2; Call Function SEND_TO_DMX()

Function SEND_TO_DMX

Function:    SendToProxy (2, STOP_EFFECT):

Function:    SendToSerial(1, Z002@255,006@255,010@255,014@255,018@255,022@255,026@255,030@255,034@255,038@255,042@255,046@255,050@255,054@255,058@255,062@255,066@255,070@255,074@255,078@255,082@255,086@255,090@255,094@255:000):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Received from Proxy: SEND_TO_DMX on binding 2; Call Function SEND_TO_DMX()

Function SEND_TO_DMX

Function:    SendToProxy (2, STOP_EFFECT):

Function:    SendToSerial(1, Z003@255,007@255,011@255,015@255,019@255,023@255,027@255,031@255,035@255,039@255,043@255,047@255,051@255,055@255,059@255,063@255,067@255,071@255,075@255,079@255,083@255,087@255,091@255,095@255:000):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

Function:    SendToProxy (2, LIGHT_LEVEL):

 

This is what I get after a reboot of the engine, but still won't work until I change the RS232 binding and then manually get the firmware version.

 

Received from Proxy: UPDATE_DMX_BUFFER on binding 2; Call Function UPDATE_DMX_BUFFER()

Received from Proxy: UPDATE_DMX_BUFFER on binding 2; Call Function UPDATE_DMX_BUFFER()

Received from Proxy: UPDATE_DMX_BUFFER on binding 2; Call Function UPDATE_DMX_BUFFER()

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = Done

Done

Handle Command: Done

Last command done

Function:    SendToProxy (2, ENGINE_READY):

Handle Command: Done

Last command done

Function:    SendToProxy (2, ENGINE_READY):

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =       * *  RS-232 Double DMX Engine  * *

        www.response-box.com/gear

Handle Command:       * *  RS-232 Double DMX Engine  * *

Handle Command:         www.response-box.com/gear

 

Once I rebind and then reboot engine, I can click get firmware and this is the LUA output and all is right again.

 

Function:    ExecuteCommand(LUA_ACTION):

ACTION

Function:    GetFirmware():

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = Done

Handle Command:       Done

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =       * *

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =   RS-232

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = Double DM

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = X Engine

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =  * *

Handle Command:       * *  RS-232 Double DMX Engine  * *

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =     www.r

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = esponse-b

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = ox.com/ge

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = ar

Handle Command:         www.response-box.com/gear

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =   Firmwar

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = e v5.02

Handle Command:         Firmware v5.02

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =    System

Handle Command:

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =  Is Activ

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = e & Feeli

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData = n' Groovy

ReceivedFromSerial(), idBinding = 1, strData =

Handle Command:    System Is Active & Feelin' Groovy

 

[malelan]

Some effects shown in this video could be done on a Control4 system controlling a DMX pixel LED strip, but not all. Pixel LED need heavy computing power to be driven and Control4 is meant to be a home automation system and can't replace a lighting console or a real computer.

that being said, there is still a lot of effect that can be done with Control4, DMX and some LED, and new effect requests are always welcome. We are currently working of a new version of the DMX driver that will bring mainly enhancement of what is already done but we will be happy to add new feature, request of function on request.

So is the proper way to manage DMX through a seperate lighting controller(computer). Is there any plans for a driver in the future that would pass information to a lighting controller as a middleman instead of going directly to DMX? Does that already exist? If you wanted to have a stand alone machine. What is recommended? Both spec wise and software wise.

[SMHarman]

So is the proper way to manage DMX through a seperate lighting controller(computer). Is there any plans for a driver in the future that would pass information to a lighting controller as a middleman instead of going directly to DMX? Does that already exist? If you wanted to have a stand alone machine. What is recommended? Both spec wise and software wise.

The red engineering solutions box is effectively a separate SOC computer.

In this set up control4 sends a command on what the scene should be and the engineering solutions box turns that into dmx commands and fires them off smoothly and rapidly.

The formerly EV now control4 solution that uses the entech opendmx ode uses a different approach. The HC800 sends the dmx messages to the ip address of the ode and that translates the message onto the dmx bus. It just translates, not creates. All the creation is in the controller.

It's this latter solution that is more processor intensive in control4. Want a chase or fade then you are creating a macro that cycles through lighting scenarios and the controller then generates the code. In engineering solutions / domaudéo you send a string defining the scene to the dmx box and it the executes that, waits, fades and all.

[malelan]

That helps alot. I guess my question is more along the lines of. If your setup required more horsepower than the engineering solutions box. What's the next step. A completely standalone DMX system where hopefully you can base basic instructions to via c4. And have all the processing done outside of c4. Just asking if that exists. Realize the red box is strong enough for most household needs.

[SMHarman]

That helps alot. I guess my question is more along the lines of. If your setup required more horsepower than the engineering solutions box. What's the next step. A completely standalone DMX system where hopefully you can base basic instructions to via c4. And have all the processing done outside of c4. Just asking if that exists. Realize the red box is strong enough for most household needs.

I'm not sure you can get there. Take a look at the video embedded in post 1.

ES have also built a two universe version of the box.

[jackstone]

8 hours ago, malelan said:

That helps alot. I guess my question is more along the lines of. If your setup required more horsepower than the engineering solutions box. What's the next step. A completely standalone DMX system where hopefully you can base basic instructions to via c4. And have all the processing done outside of c4. Just asking if that exists. Realize the red box is strong enough for most household needs.

The Engineering Solutions box does not lack power (it is actually more powerful than any "dummy" DMX interface out there), the problem comes from the Control4 system that is not powerful enough to compute all the data needed to be sent to drive a effect like you shown on the video. DMX is a simple serial protocol, it is really fast and can address the whole 512 channels 50 times per seconds, to benefit this speed we need a powerful computer that can compute an effect over 512 or more channels at the same time and push the DMX signal out, that need some multitask abilities that are not available in Control4.

Keep in mind the current DMX solution for Control4 is meant to control a whole house with low voltage lighting and/or to add some color changing lights in the house. It provide some nice color changing, disco and chase effects that most people will appreciate, this solution can't do light show or drive very complex non-repeating (scripted) effects.

As for driving external software to trigger a light show using Control4? That's pretty easy to do if the software support remote control through IP or using a third party software that turns IP command to keypress, but I don't think this is the best solution... It would be best to use a DMX Show Recorder like this one from Enttec: http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=Products&pn=70014

You will create your lightshow using a computer and record it into the Show Recorder. Then you only need to trigger the playback using RS-232 command, a very simple driver can be easily created using the Control4 driver wizard. This device also support DMX Pass-through so you could theoretically use the Engineering Solution Engine AND the Enttec Show Recorder on the same lights to benefit both the light show and standard light control.

[jackstone]

11 hours ago, cybuch said:

It

@cybuch : I got the same command sent to my DMX Engine and it digest it flawlessly... You "MAY" have a interface that become problematic with long commands (some rare boxes has this symptom...). I suggest trying a scene with less DMX loads and see if it work better. Also before requesting an RMA you could try to flash the new firmware in it, it will enable smoother fades (10x better than current firmware) and at the same time it could make your Engine work as a new...

[cybuch]

as always, thank you @jackstone, I will give it a shot and see how it does.  I also want to order those IP67 RGBW lights, who should I contact?

[malelan]

Had some time to get more into this,  Curious what you guys are using for power supplies?  How many devices can you hook up to a single power supply?  additionally, what is the cabling recommendation for 3-4 channel lights + power, to outdoor locations.

 

 

[jackstone]

3 hours ago, malelan said:

Had some time to get more into this,  Curious what you guys are using for power supplies?  How many devices can you hook up to a single power supply?  additionally, what is the cabling recommendation for 3-4 channel lights + power, to outdoor locations.

 

 

If you don't want to worry about the electrical code, use only Meanwell HLG Series. Those are sealed power supplies that can be mounted straight on the wall, the 120v electrical connection is done using a standard function box.

Try to avoid "open frame" power supplies, although they are usually a bit cheaper, you can't "legally" install them without using a metal enclosure that will raise the cost to something higher than the HLG.

A for the number of loads, just do the math to calculate what your LED will drain in Watts (16' RGB strip typically use 72W with all color ON), you can load your power supply up to 80% with no worry. You can use larger power supply to drive many loads even on different DMX decoders. I always suggest to use a least two power supplies and share the loads in each room between each one, just to add a redundancy if one power supply fail.

Hope that help.

[Cyknight]

56 minutes ago, jackstone said:

If you don't want to worry about the electrical code, use only Meanwell HLG Series. Those are sealed power supplies that can be mounted straight on the wall, the 120v electrical connection is done using a standard function box.

Try to avoid "open frame" power supplies, although they are usually a bit cheaper, you can't "legally" install them without using a metal enclosure that will raise the cost to something higher than the HLG.

A for the number of loads, just do the math to calculate what your LED will drain in Watts (16' RGB strip typically use 72W with all color ON), you can load your power supply up to 80% with no worry. You can use larger power supply to drive many loads even on different DMX decoders. I always suggest to use a least two power supplies and share the loads in each room between each one, just to add a redundancy if one power supply fail.

Hope that help.

Please also check your DMX decoder's rating - it's easier to overload a driver than a decoder, but decoder do have max ratings as well - both per channel and total.

 

Quote

Meanwell HLG Series

Or similar - there's numerous other manufacturers that make the same product, or alternatives that don't come with a pre-sealed powercord but proper connection terminals (that get closed off on the PSU to code standard) allowing for a custom (longer) powercord to be attached that you can either plug in, or (better) terminate into a junction box.

Though when in doubt, Meanwell is an easy go-to.

[SMHarman]

Finally check the number of amps you may be sending down a given cable. You may need to consider fuses on the output side of the cable if they are going in walls or places people may pierce them. In line auto fuses / truck fuses for 24 v work here.

[malelan]

this all makes sense, what are you guys using for wire?

[SMHarman]

this all makes sense, what are you guys using for wire?

I'm using monoprice speaker cable and cat5. Mine are not outside but outside rated for both would be great.

[malelan]

ok maybe a better question would be what ga wire is required for a longer run of this?

[cybuch]

I have two different voltages running my outdoor lights, the first is a 12volt and the 2nd is a 24volt.  They are all installed in my garage, I have a pic in this thread.  I found this wire to work really well.  I home runned every light, lots of work but worth it.  The gauge depends on your load at the end of the wire run.  

[jackstone]

You can run heavier gauge for the power run like 16 or 14 ga and daisy chain many lights. The control wiring can be very thin even for longer run.

[cybuch]

I have to say @jackstone,the sound to light driver kicksass!!! I can't wait to get the new outdoor lighting to add to it!!  By far, the best experience for lighting outdoors with music!!

[jackstone]

20 minutes ago, cybuch said:

I have to say @jackstone,the sound to light driver kicksass!!! I can't wait to get the new outdoor lighting to add to it!!  By far, the best experience for lighting outdoors with music!!

Thanks. We are currently working on a new version that will separate the Sound-to-Light feature from the effect switch, thus will enable some more complex effects to be done using sound triggering.

[cybuch]

1 hour ago, jackstone said:

Thanks. We are currently working on a new version that will separate the Sound-to-Light feature from the effect switch, thus will enable some more complex effects to be done using sound triggering.

I am more than happy to beta test!

[cybuch]

I have to say @jackstone,the sound to light driver kicksass!!! I can't wait to get the new outdoor lighting to add to it!!  By far, the best experience for lighting outdoors with music!!

[jackstone]

For those interested, we have tested some new Wireless DMX decoders and fixtures and they work flawless with our Control4 solution. This may help some of you with retrofit jobs. You only have to connect the sender to the DMX Engine XLR Output and install the wireless fixture or decoder anywhere in the house (400'). No DMX cable to daisy chain, just connect the power and LEDs to the decoder and done, it work. Perfect for kitchen, pool, patio, garage and more. It's not Wi-Fi, it will not stop working if the kids are doing Netflix on their tablets. Ask us if you want to purchase the hardware, we have it all. We may add it to Houselogix if there is interest.

 

 

[zax123]

3 hours ago, jackstone said:

For those interested, we have tested some new Wireless DMX decoders and fixtures and they work flawless with our Control4 solution. This may help some of you with retrofit jobs. You only have to connect the sender to the DMX Engine XLR Output and install the wireless fixture or decoder anywhere in the house (400'). No DMX cable to daisy chain, just connect the power and LEDs to the decoder and done, it work. Perfect for kitchen, pool, patio, garage and more. It's not Wi-Fi, it will not stop working if the kids are doing Netflix on their tablets. Ask us if you want to purchase the hardware, we have it all. We may add it to Houselogix if there is interest.

 

 

Hi @jackstone,

I do have some LED strips under my kitchen cabinets which have RGB inputs... I was thinking of chaining them on the DMX Controller I bought from you for my theater.  If the wireless adapter is cheap enough, I'd go for it, how much is it?  Does it have an XLR in and out?  Because right now, I go from DMX Controller by XLR to a star ceiling, then an XLR to RJ45 cable comes into the DMX power adapters and all are daisy chained on RJ45.

Please let me know, thanks!

[jackstone]

Wireless DMX is a bit pricier that wired solution but not that much... As a rule of thump, you can consider a Wireless Decoder will cost you the double as the wired version, but you don't necessarily need all Wireless in the kitchen... You may use only one Wireless decoder to bring the DMX signal to the Kitchen cabinet, then if you have multiple sections of LED to drive you can daisy chain wired decoders from the output of the Wireless unit, thus keeping cost low. Think wireless only to "bring" DMX in a place you can't run wire, from there you can start a new wired setup or just connect one section of LED directly to the wireless decoder, which is 4-channels btw. Also as the cheapest Wireless solution, you can use generic DMX Sender/Receiver with XLR3 connector and use your own wired decoder on the receiver side.