Chauvet Colorstrip Flickers no matter what DMX Speed is used - happened after 2.0 upgrade

Hi Rob,

We are investigating - we believe some timings may have changed in the DMX output code in the software, and are running some tests here with a Chauvet fixture. I'll let you know when I have more information. In the mean time it is worth trying connecting a fixture directly to the console (without the DMX splitter and cabling) just to prove this is due to the console and not anything to do with the cable or splitter.

Tom

The units are installed, and would take some time to remove and then replace.  I'd rather not take on this if I don't have to.  Since it worked before, I would think that it has to be do to the upgrade, that's the only thing that changed.

Rob

Fair enough. We seem to have reproduced this problem with a Chauvet unit in the office, so it does look like the timing change may be the issue, although it should be stressed that the timings are still perfectly legitimate within the DMX standard. Once we've narrowed it down a bit more I will send you a PM with details. If you need a fix more urgently let me know, we might have to look at some kind of DMX regeneration solution like a DMXter or Microscope.

Tom

I guess I'll wait then.  Are you talking days, weeks, months or years?  Days or weeks shouldn't make any difference to us.  Months or years, well, that's another story.

Thanks

Hmm - was about to send you a PM but it seems I can't with the new forums. Would you be able to send me an e-mail at tom (dot) steer at etcconnect dot com so we can discuss offline?

Thanks

Tom

Has this issue been resolved in the latest SmartFade software release? I am in the exact same situation, except we are still running version 1.7.1. I would like to upgrade, but wanted to make sure that it would work properly with our colorstrips, since they are a key part of our lighting setup.

Hello,

yes, this has been solved in the current version 2.1.1  We adjusted some of the slower DMX settings to be more suitable to the Chavet products which are unable to receive DMX at full speed.

Please update your console and SmartSoft to the latest version.  SmartSoft 2.0.1 (which includes SmartFadeML 2.1.1 inside) is available here:  http://www.etcconnect.com/downloads.aspx  Enter SmartSoft as the keyword and Software as the download type.

If you do not use SmartSoft you can download the console software independently.  Enter SmartFade as the keyword and Software as the download type.  You need version SmartFadeML 2.1.1

Looks like the 2.1.1 version is not included in the standard "SmartSoft 2.0.1" download file (without the ML).  I tried upgrading to this version, but my board is now quite funky.  The lights come on at startup, and the Chauvet's still flicker.  The release notes do not mention the issue either.  Will the "SmartFadeML 2.1.1"  file work on the non-ML board?

Thanks,

Rob

Do not try to load SmartFade ML firmware into a standard SmartFade, as it will not work!

The latest SmartFade 12/48, 12/96 and 24/96 firmware is 2.0.1, so you'll need this version for your console. It is included in the SmartSoft 2.0.1 download.

Should it include the fix for this issue (dmx speed is too fast for chauvet colorstrip)?

We worked with a local staging company to completely solve the Chauvet flickering problem, albeit by adding a bit of external hardware:

See here:

http://response-box.com/gear/decabox-dmx-slowdowner/

Best,

John

Engineering Solutions Inc

Chauvet has a fix for its fixtures.  See the ControlBooth thread http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/lighting-electrics/14661-check-me-here-guys-jands-vista-chauvet-colorstrip.html.