Running multiple instances of FS on the same PC

[BjornK]

I want to control "intelligent" RGB LED strips but since each LED needs 3 DMX channels and there is up to 60 LEDs/meter I need multiple universes. If I connect multiple USB DMX controllers to the PC is it possible to run multiple instances of FS using XP boxes in Windows 7 or other type of virtualization ?

[Jan_K]

Hej BjornK

You can only run one instance of FreeStyler in each PC.

Think the limitation are in the USB - DMX dll but I am not sure.


Do you have a link to RGB Led strip you want to control.
Think there is something you have bee reading wrong or I have been reading you post wrong.

You will need a DMX interface for each 2.5m and that don't sound right.

/Jan

[BjornK]

Hi Jan
I use this DMX to 1903 LED strip converter: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320956379523?ss ... 1497.l2649
with this LED strip: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid= ... &_from=R40 These are 30 LEDs/meter. Each 1903 IC control 3 LEDS and needs 3 DMX channels so that makes a total of 30 DMX channels/meter

I also have some WS2811 based LED strips which are 60 LEDs/meter and they also work with the converter above with a modified power connection since they are 5V. The LEDs have integrated WS2811 ICs and need 3 DMX channels each so that makes a total of 180 DMX channels/meter
I found them here: http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?Sea ... 0&manual=y

Bjorn

[Jan_K]

It is a high resolution control you are creating.

Do you need to control each diode.
That has to be something really special.
To me it looks like you are doing something that are quit expensive with a DMX to RGB controller and a USB – DMX dongle for each 2,5m

Also the building of sequences to control single diodes looks like something that will take time.

/Jan

[BjornK]

I found a way to do it, here is how:
1. Installed Oracle Virtualbox https://www.virtualbox.org/ on my laptop running Windows 7
2. Installed XP in Virtualbox
3. Installed FreeStyler in the XP-box
4. I'm using Enttec Open DMX compatible boards so I installed the FTDI-driver from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm in the XP-box (Windows 7 installed the driver automatically).
5. Cloned the virtual XP machine with the Virtualbox manager and started the two XP-boxes
6. Connected two Enttec Open DMX compatible boards to USB ports
7. Assigned each of the DMX boards to separate XP-boxes and started FreeStyler on both
8. Ready to run

[Jan_K]

This looks interesting.

What is it actually you are creating.


/Jan

[BjornK]

Currently I'm planning for Christmas decorations with intelligent LED strips so the colors can move around and not only change color. I'm also doing party lighing and the intelligent LED strips can do so much more than the analog RGB strips but requires multiple universes for adressing.

Bjorn

[Jan_K]

If you get the time then please upload a a video of it .