DMX master, can't get it to output (FC8)

[beneee]

Hello.

If possible could someone point in the right direction in getting this file to work, I am beginning a project in FC8 to build a DMX controller so I have quickly made this file to ensure I can get it to control a simple 3 channel light but I can't get the code to output a signal the light understands, I am sending the output of the pic into a 75176 to translate it into RS485.
Other than the code not working can anyone confirm what StartCode i should be using in the SendDataChain command and how often should I resend the command.
In the final project I will be sending about 60 channels.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Ben

[chipfryer27]

Hi

I've not really used DMX much other than a brief play years ago so I am no expert.

The WiKi does have an example that may help

https://www.flowcode.co.uk/wiki_old/wik ... s:_System)

Regards

[beneee]

Thanks for the heads up unfortunately that example will not load on my copy of FlowCode as it was created on a newer verson, has anyone got a bit of code that works and that I can shape to suit my project.

Thanks
Ben

[chipfryer27]

Hi

Have you searched the v8 / old forums yet?

https://www.flowcode.co.uk/mmforums/

Although posting there is no longer possible there is an absolute treasure trove of advice and examples contained within. I often find myself just browsing through it.

Unfortunately as I am sure you realise, v8 is no longer officially supported. Any help that is provided is usually by forum members themselves. Have you thought to upgrade to v10? It is free including many popular targets. In your v8 copy of FC you need to buy "packs" to enable certain microcontrollers and components to work? Do you have the required pack for DMX? If not, it's another good reason to upgrade to v10 as ALL components are free.

If I get a chance I will look, but as I said in a previous post it has been a while since I did do anything and that was more just a "play".

Regards

Edit....

I see in the old forum that there were indeed some issues with DMX in v8 that looked to have been resolved in later versions.

[beneee]

Thanks, I will have a rummage, I must admit I haven't been on the forum for a while as just had baby so all of my electronics time has been transferred to baby.

Probably explains why my post count has been reset to zero.

Ben

[beneee]

I have been doing a lot more experimenting with this as I have now managed to get an output but it is not reliable, if I set the output channel values initially then run the send command at 40hz I get a stable signal.
If however I change a channel value the output signal gets misread by the dmx devices or they just refuse to accept there is a signal present.
Has anyone actually used this component reliably as I am really lost and need help.

Please help me
Ben

[chipfryer27]

Hi

I have no access to any hardware at present.

Do you have a scope or Logic Analyser? If you can capture your traces you may find clues as to what is going wrong. What microcontroller are you using and at what speed is it running at?

Regards

[beneee]

File Attached

I am using a 18877 at 32mhz.

Apologies for the messy file but I have tried so many different things to get the output stable without success.

I think I have a usb scope around here somewhere, it's just a shame it doesn't just work.

Does anyone know if I would be able to install fc10 on the same pc as my licenced copy of fc8 without any conflicts and if the DMX master is included in the trial 30day version as I am curious to see if the output is stable on that version.

Thanks
Ben

[viktor_au]

Hi beneee
As I understood you have a project in FC8 to build a DMX controller.
I checked the FC8 comm components. Dmx library is for slave only(?).
Looks like you do not have a lot of time in your hands due to a family obligation.
I have no rights to suggest what do you have to do.
Personally, myself I would buy FC10 as it has the DMX Slave/Master libraries.
On other had you can create your own DMX component for FC8 (as it based on UART).
Good luck.

[chipfryer27]

Hi

FC v10 is free to use and includes all components. You do need to purchase a Pro license for commercial use, and also for certain chip packs. Other than that totally free. Your target chip (PIC16F18877) is one of the 25 "free" chips so you are good to go.

There is no problem at all having multipe versions on the same machine, I have many on mine so you really have nothing to lose by downloading.

Hope this helps.