Heads freeze for 10 seconds

[RingK]

Hi guys, I have a strange problem:

I'm using freestyler with a no brand 30€ usb dmx interface and BCF2000 as midi control, in a gig with 4 led pars, 1 fog machine, 3 phantom led 25 and a quad phase.

From time to time, while freestyler being still responsive, the heads freeze (all of them) in the position/colours/strobe they are at the moment the freeze happens, after more or less 10 seconds, everything start working again.

Could it be the usb dmx interface? The BCF2000? The pc? Any idea to solve this?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[spud1511]

If as you say freestyler is still responsive, that means it's almost definitely the interface. There are some very good ones out there that don't cost too much more. But it might be worth trying to beg/steal/rent/borrow a very basic hardware controller to verify your fixtures and cabling are not an issue (common problems include not having terminator at end, microphone cable used in place of dmx cable, cable too near sources of interference - like coiled mains cable, etc).
If you don't have that option then put 1 single light direct on interface and try it.

[RingK]

With a single light, the problem doesn't occur, not even with two of them, the cables are new dmx ones (just bought them at a trusted seller). Maybe, as I'm using a cheap interface, it doesn't process correctly big amounts of DMX data, and that could be why the problem occur with many lights but not with 1 or 2... is this possible?
What you suggest as a good but economic interface?
Also, on a small setup like mine (11 heads total) is a terminator really required?

Thanks spud!

[Partyman]

I have several of these and I know they work perfect with Freestyler
http://dmxking.com/usbdmx/ultradmxmicro

[RingK]

I have several of these and I know they work perfect with Freestyler
http://dmxking.com/usbdmx/ultradmxmicro

Thanks, looking for a retailer that ships to italy now

[spud1511]

Technically a terminator is best for any and all dmx runs. Just with only 5 or 6 fixtures sometimes you may get away without it, but it's always best practice to have regardless... and it's so cheap why wouldn't you just for a little extra peace of mind.

I would also recommend the dmxking ultra dmx micro interface. It's been my first choice for a long time now.

[spud1511]

Also, since you said it worked fine with one or two lights - and freestyler does not know that the rest are not there (it still sends all the channels, just the device isn't attached to 'listen') I would suggest that means you need to check your cables and fixtures by doing a test routine that should take about 30 minutes or less, but will very comprehensively test your rig so far.

Run a simple sequence, such as circle movement with open white shape.
With your rig setup, divide in half, and test first half and second half separately.
If both halves work separately that suggests an impedance or shielding problem with cables - the terminator will really help here, but also could imply you have analogue microphone cable in the digital dmx chain.

If only one half works, split the one that didn't in half again and repeat.
Eventually you will narrow it down to either one cable (proof is it will work if you switch it out for another cable), or a fixture (proof is the rest works if you remove the fixture and join the in/out cables together without it).

If neither halves of the original test work then, same like if they both work, inspect cable carefully for markings or indicators it is suitable for digital data transmission (and not analogue audio or microphone), and add a terminator.

If your cable is definitely 100% correct, you have done these tests, and added proper terminator, then the interface mentioned above -dmxking ultradmx micro- is next step I would recommend, followed by a dmx splitter to divide the lights into a couple of smaller runs (usually not needed for 11 lights, but can make setup easier if they are not all in a straight line).

[RingK]

Also, since you said it worked fine with one or two lights - and freestyler does not know that the rest are not there (it still sends all the channels, just the device isn't attached to 'listen') I would suggest that means you need to check your cables and fixtures by doing a test routine that should take about 30 minutes or less, but will very comprehensively test your rig so far.

Run a simple sequence, such as circle movement with open white shape.
With your rig setup, divide in half, and test first half and second half separately.
If both halves work separately that suggests an impedance or shielding problem with cables - the terminator will really help here, but also could imply you have analogue microphone cable in the digital dmx chain.

If only one half works, split the one that didn't in half again and repeat.
Eventually you will narrow it down to either one cable (proof is it will work if you switch it out for another cable), or a fixture (proof is the rest works if you remove the fixture and join the in/out cables together without it).

If neither halves of the original test work then, same like if they both work, inspect cable carefully for markings or indicators it is suitable for digital data transmission (and not analogue audio or microphone), and add a terminator.

If your cable is definitely 100% correct, you have done these tests, and added proper terminator, then the interface mentioned above -dmxking ultradmx micro- is next step I would recommend, followed by a dmx splitter to divide the lights into a couple of smaller runs (usually not needed for 11 lights, but can make setup easier if they are not all in a straight line).

Thanks Spud, yesterday I had a gig in this location (Soom T by the way, if you like reggae check her, she has an unbelievable flow), I already checked the cables "visually" and they're all for digital data transmission, as soon as i can, (the location is 80km from my house), I will do the tests you suggest, and give some feedback!

Also, do you think it's possible the problem could be the bcf2000? Like, too many MIDI instructions given at once? Or bad programming? Like conflicts between instructions sent to fixtures (I'm asking this because i'm not a Freestyler pro and just use it since a month or so)?