Hey guys. I have a question for you guys that I need to figure out. I've been going through the process of building an open-source lighting application in MaxMSP that (for now) is being output through an Arduino USB to DMX512 converter. Images and details here: http://iad.projects.zhdk.ch/physicalcomputing/hardware/arduino/dmx-shield-fur-arduino/
I finally got a code that worked perfectly with several Chauvet min Spot Fixtures that I was testing with. I could use my software to control those particular fixtures sending straight DMX512 protocol, I.E. Channel, Value (0-255)
When I went to go test on my rack though it didn't work. I'm using an older Sensor 48+ Installation Rack from about 6 years ago with the necessary analog converter with 5 Pin wall jacks. To get an idea of it's age, rather than the newer CEM+ Control Module I have a module with the blue button keypads (0-9, Dimmer, Thru, etc.). I didn't get an error message when I pressed reset, rather it just said the same thing "Port A1 Ready." I had all my virtual faders up so that I could verify if it was doing anything at all. I verified with my Leprecon LP-X console that the rack was working and that was able to dim fixtures just like i normally would from the same wall jack and that was fine.
Thus the question is: 1. Is there any additional data byte that I need to know about when trying to communicate with these racks, as in setting a com port or sending a binary 1 to tell the rack that a console is plugged into it? It seems that what data was working on my Chauvet fixtures should also work on the rack.
2. Is there a potential problem since I'm using a converter cable to go from 3-Pin DMX to 5-Pin for my wall jack? I made sure they were all connected, but it certainly does add a variable I didn't have to worry about with my Chauvet fixtures.
Thanks in advance for any help that you can give me.
-Aaron C.
MCDELTAT Productions
P.S. It was recommended that I purchase the PDF or hardcopy of the ANSI DMX512-A Protocol Specifications. Are there any developers that have found this handy? I didn't want to purchase it just yet because I don't believe it would address the issue that I'm having above.
