Random failure

[kwelch007]

Hi all!

I just spent an 8 hour day teching my lights to resolve problems, and then did a show. No issues all day.

I'm using FS 3.5.5 with an Enntec DMX Pro. Used this system for a couple years (although only updated to 3.5.5 from 3.5.4 a few weeks ago.) Now, in fairness, I've also been trying to use FS DMX Remote from my tablet for control for a few weeks, so it's gotten more complex. But, I don't think either is my problem.

Recently, I've been having "random outages" (dark stages that I can't instantly recover from...and I've tested my FS extensively) and I can't recover without restarting both FS on my laptop (which I have a default scene for) and then FS Remote on my tablet, which takes time. The interesting thing I noticed tonight was, during a "crash" (which happened twice tonight,) was that my tablet still had control of FS Desktop, and the FS Desktop appeared to be working normally.

This leads me to believe (as a software developer) that the problem has something to do with the Enntec driver. But, I don't know what version of the driver is recommended for FS. For that matter, I wonder if there is a way to quickly recover from this sort of failure without completely restarting FS desktop. I'll help fix it if I can, but my band is starting to get pissed.

I generally love FS, and it's my first choice, but I can't have this stuff going on. Like I said, however, I suspect it's more a problem with Enntec. Just not sure how to approach fixing it.

Thanks for any input!
Kendell

[kwelch007]

But, here's the other weird thing. If I just go and unplug the Enntec while I'm using it, sure the sequences stop, but the lights don't go out. They just stay in the last "static" state. Something is turning them off. I don't know if it's FS, or the hardware driver that's causing these outages.

[Kings]

I had an Enttec pro that worked really well for a year and then wouldn't connect every now and then until it eventually failed altogether. Don't rule out equipment failure. Have you tried another interface like the Enttec open?

[kwelch007]

I have not. However, I have access to another Enntec DMX Pro and a completely different set of cables that I could borrow for testing purposes, assuming it's not being used (technically I own it, but I gave it back to the band I left to go to a bigger band, so you know how that goes.)

Good call on troubleshooting tho!

[Nathanrs93]

I had a problem with my cable to the enttec pro, so I swapped it for a good belkin cable and it solved the problem. I've also had a few issues with the software, but that was my fault for not updating FS or the enttec pro drivers for ages. So make sure your updated with all the drivers and make sure you have good connecting cables between pc and interface, also same with DMX cables. This is one of the reasons we make our own cables, so we know they are done correctly to good quality.

[kwelch007]

Thx! I thought I'd updated all of the drivers, but, when I did, NOTHING worked until I did a system restore. Could you please guide me to where you get drivers for it from?

Yeah, it could easily be a cabling issue with my 5-pin to 3-pin cable, but I did have that cable made by my mentor. I'm actually guessing the more likely culprit is the USB cable. which I have spares of. I've arranged to "borrow" my other unit for this weekend, which has its own set of cables. Yet, I'm not so sure (although they could contribute.) The thing is, if I restart FS without fiddling with cables, it all comes back. However, when it crashes, everything goes dark. However, if I just unplug the adapter while running a cue, yes, everything stops, but it doesn't go dark. It's weird.

[Nathanrs93]

Yeah the USB cable was the issue for us and the 5 pin to 3 pin when the ground came away from the contact. It happened on different jobs but now is all sorted and working

I get my updates for drivers from ENTTEC website: https://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_m ... =dmxusbpro

I NEVER UPDATE VIA WINDOWS UPDATE! IT TENDS TO MESS THINGS UP

[Uriahdemon]

Hi Kwelch, I also seem to have this problem. Although intermittent it is a bit of a pain. I updated FS and the Enttec driver but still happening. I was wondering if after your troubleshooting (another dongle and cables) if that got over the problem at all pse....??

On the same note, using the Enttec utility when I look for the dongle and FS is not running it finds it all the time...??

[spud1511]

Just to chime in on a slightly old thread, I also found using a longer USB cable caused problems, and runs absolutely perfectly on a 1 foot cable. But the 2 brand new 5ft belkin USB cables I tried experienced glitches such as PC recognising device, but not reliably able to read parameters or set settings.
Just thought I would throw that in there in case someone like I was for ages looks through forum for help.

[kwelch007]

Sorry for not replying sooner...it's festival season, and I've been super busy. My problem is still elusive. I'll start FS, and the Enntec Pro blinks like it should, but random DMX channels go weird. If I restart Windows (using Vista) and restart FS, the problem usually goes away. Very strange. I am by no means ruling out hardware/cabling failure (although I've tried both.) Rather, I think I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Windows Driver issue on Vista 32. In any case, I know what to do when it happens (make sure I have the Enntec plugged in to USB PRIOR to booting,) and it seems to be fine.

[buttza]

I had a similar issue. I found that the dry-joints on the board where the USB connects inside the USB-DMX Interface had cracked. If they have bad contact they play up. Works sometimes but bump it and it fails. If you find the driver reinstalls don't help, you might need to check that too.

I changed to the DMX King eDMX models and use Art-Net. I love art-Net and think why are we wasting time with USB. lol IMHO.

[spud1511]

@kwelch, do you have a non vista computer you can test it on?
Xp & vista are not so well equipped for the fast response stuff people in sound/midi/lighting etc use.
Have you ever optimised you pc, I mean not to the level of Dj use or gaming or anything but clearing out the bloat ware, junk, and old no longer used demo's some manufacturers bundle with laptops and disable energy saving options that throttles speed and suspends USB ports can help.

@buttza
Art net can be great, but when are they gunna make a USB wireless dongle for dmx? Or some clever driver to use 2.4ghz wifi transmitter that laptops already have built in? There's so many devices with receivers built in these days it would make life easier...
...if only

[Spirit]

you can allready get usb wireless dongles. and DMX to wireless.
and funny enough it usses 2.4 ghz and cant use to for long distinces.

thats also the reason to NOT use it because 2.4ghz is allready a realy bussy network..
i would not like to have 100 mobilephone messing up my signal.

artnet would be allot nicer to have..