Lights flicker whenever I do more than one task

[bellhadley]

If my lights are on in Freestyler, and I get on Internet explorer or do more than one thing, the lights will flicker very badly. Very annoying. I've tried multiple computers and I have plenty of RAM. Has anyone run into this problem? Thanks!

[LJ_krede.dk]

What interface are you using?

Sent from my HTC Hero using Tapatalk

[remco_k]

What CPU load are you seeing?

[bellhadley]

I am using the Velleman VM116/K8062. All I have to do is move a simple window around the screen the lights start blinking and flickering like crazy. Very annoying. I even increased the CPU priority within Freestyler with no difference. The CPU load does go up to like 88 - 99% when I move the window around. Surely my CPU isn't at full capacity just by moving the window around is it? Thanks for any advice!

[remco_k]

The CPU load does go up to like 88 - 99% when I move the window around.

There's your primary problem.

Surely my CPU isn't at full capacity just by moving the window around is it?

Well,it is. 99% is full capacity. Even when 88% is used, I'd say FreeStyler or any USB driver to control your interface can't do its job properly. Increasing priority of FreeStyler won't help. Its the K8062.exe that talks to your Velleman interface. Increase that priority and it might help a bit.

Next to that you have the "famous" VM116 / K8062. Its driver (K8062.exe) relies strongly on available system CPU and the driver and interface has its speed problems by itself also. Take a search on this forum, you'll see what I mean. Its garbage. There are many cheaper interfaces working way better, but even they rely on system CPU.

Anyway, whatever action you do is a workaround instead of a solution. A real solution is fix that high CPU load (by buying a new computer or try to find some problem) or buy an USB DMX interface that does'nt rely on system CPU, like the Enttec USB DMX Pro

[bellhadley]

Thanks for very very detailed and good advice! I really appreciate it. Do you like the Entecc USB DMX Pro? Is it what you'd recommend? Looks like about $130. If I get this one, I want to make sure its going to be a solution to my problem.

[remco_k]

The Enttec USB DMX Pro is a good interface. Many users on this forum, including me, are using it without any problems.
It should solve the flickering problem, but it does not solve your CPU problem which in turn could cause FreeStyler (for example) to behave unpredictable or slow. But as I said, flickering wil not occur anymore.
Why? Because the Enttec USB DMX Pro has its own little CPU built in, its making sure the DMX output is according to the protocol, always, no matter what happens on your computer. As long as it gets power from the USB bus (it don't even needs data) it will sent out good DMX. Even when you close FreeStyler, the Enttec USB DMX Pro will keep on sending good DMX data. Ofcourse nothing will move anymore. Under some circumstances you can even reboot without the loss of DMX signal.