Dimmerpack 4 channel showtec disables JMS USB [SOLVED]

[abbraiane]

Hello Freestyler Community
I have a strange issue: as soon as I include a showtec 4ch dimmerpack into the dmx chain, after a few switches the Usb Jms becomes unresponsive. Only replugging the jms, removal of the Switchpack and restarting freestyler remedies this behaviour. Any ideas why this would happen? It's consistent: no Switchpack = running fine, with Switchpack =usb gets disabled.
Have tried: Terminating resistor , change order of fixtures, running only the Switchpack, exchange for a different Switchpack. Everytime after max 2x switching, if at all, the usb connection is disrupted.
Would be very happy to hear your recommendations.
Thanks
Abbraiane

[Partyman]

I would make sure that in your computer device manager you select each USB hub and make sure that the check box for saving power is unchecked.

Rusty

[abbraiane]

Thanks Rusty
Already unchecked the power saving option, it's one of the first things I do, when setting up a new computer. I use a lot of music related equipment, tweaking is mandatory
Freestyler and 20+ fixtures are running just fine (last week 5 days in a row, for 6 hours at a time), until i include this particular Switchpack. Temporary solution was a light commander. Now i've got time to look for the proper solution
Thanks again
Abbraiane

[DJDaveSA]

Are you using any dmx splitters? If not try putting an opto splitter as it could be a slight power surge down the dmx line that may make your dongle unresponsive. I have that problem with my entec pro when I have smoke machines connected without a splitter.

[abbraiane]

Dear all

and dear DJDaveSA

problem solved! DJDave, you were almost right: I use surge protected powerboards. Even though I tried the RP403 on its own, I left some wallwarts plugged into the powerboard. Turns out that one of these 9V power supplies is dodgy. It triggered the surge protection, threw out my behringer BCF USB and also the JMS. The surge triggered the powerboard for only a fraction of a second, I only saw it by chance. New power supply for the LED Strip controller and voilá, everything working fine.
DJDave, I will also look into opto splitters, that's something I will need anyway when the rig gets even bigger... Right now I'm daisychaining 20+ fixtures... ugh...

Thanks again for your thoughts

cheers

Abbraiane