Equipment

Diy Light Animation Equipment This page contains links and info about the DLA equipment with all current hardware is based off of the Pixelnet and DMX standard.

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Smart String / Pixelnet Section

Smart String Info

Nodes(Lights) Info & Order Chart

SS Lights Info Chart and Ordering Links

Light type	Input Side	Max # per SSC based on current draw	Approx Amps per Max Nodes	Links to purchase online Approx. Length (It can be shorter or longer)
Smart String Nodes Red +, Green - , Blue Data	Big Chip Side of Node	128	3.7975 29ma each	25ct String 5-7 ft	50ct String 12-14 ft	75ct String 19-21 ft	100ct String 26-28 ft	128ct String 33-35 ft
(Metal Backed) 3 50/50 Nodes Red +, Blue - , Green Data	DI	120	3.96 33ma each	Square
(Plastic rectangle) 50/50 Nodes Red +, Blue - , Green Data	DI	80	4.16 52ma each	Rectangle (Center Spacing 4.7", Wire between each 3.9", Total 7.8')
Rigid strips 30 50/50 Nodes Red +, Blue - , Green Data	Male 3 pin connector	4	Not Known Yet	Rigid
Flexible strips 13ft 50/50 nodes Red +, Green - , Blue Data	Arrows this way ---> Not this <---	1 (120 nodes each)	approx 3.96 33ma each	Flexible
Accessories →				3 Conductor Cable	3 Conductor Connectors Chart Wire Color Changes
				Cat5e Cable
Compatible Node Chipset: SSC was designed for the TM1804 & TM1809 chipset. The SSC output speed is 800Khz and 12volts. The WS2811 might be compatible if the speed is correct. If the chipset has two speeds than normally its called "High Speed"

DSC Light Order Chart

Make sure whatever lights you buy for DSC it says Common Anode + and its 12 volts and 4 wires

IP Waterproof rating system

Light type	Max # per DSC based on current draw	WaterProof Rating	Links to purchase online
Dumb String Nodes Red -, Green -, Blue - , Common + (yellow or white wire)	100	waterproof IP68	String from Ray Wu
Dumb Flexible Strips 5M (~16ft) Red -, Green -, Blue - , Common + (yellow or white wire)	150	not waterproof IP65	Flexible Strip from ebay store

SSC/DSC Pipe Size Chart

Device	Pipe	Cap	Purchase Info
Pixelnet Smart String Controller (SSC)	1 inch 200 PSI PVC / Sch 20 or 1 1/4 inch Sch 40 PVC	Also, 1inch PVC Sch 40 CAP or 1 1/4 caps for 1 1/4 PVC pipe Hole sizes 15/64 for 3 wire connectors & 7/32 for the pigtails	Lowes - Pipe 1" PVC Pipe 10ft or 1 1/4" PVC Pipe 10ft Lowes - CAP (2 per controller) 1" PVC Cap or 1 1/4" PVC Cap
Pixelnet Dumb String Controller (DSC)	200 PSI PVC / Sch 20 1 1/4 pipe works

Library

Documents PixelNet Specification(draft) Smart String Power Requirements Smart String Node Documentation Smart String LSP 2.0 Setup Guide	PixelNet Hub DMX channel chart Online Chart PixelNet Channel Example E1.31 Draft Standard	Conductor Trigger User Manual Conductor SEQ file layout
Videos Smart String Demo 1 Smart String Demo 2(Program SSC with SS Utility) SS Lights Options Node Lineup Cutting Flexible Strip & Test Firmware	EtherDongle and Passive Hub Demo EtherDongle Demo Part 2 EtherDongle w/ Toys EtherDongle w/ Conductor Demo EtherDongle output DMX	Conductor Tutorial
Software SS Utility Setup 7-10-2011 Null Nodes SS Utility Setup 9-30-2012 for SSC firmware ver 3+	Vixen ver 2.1 Pixelnet output plugin (Put this file in the /plugin/output folder) Updated 7-10-2011
Academy info - pdfs, links and more 2012 Show Presentations

Diagrams

Pixelnet Hardware (RGB)

EtherDongle and Add on boards

Pixelnet EtherDongle Function & Use Assembly Manual v1 Mouser Direct magjack Case w/o cutouts update case number 2/25/13 PIC32MX795F512L Device Firmware Checksum EtherDongle Pixelnet ver2 Pickit3 = 0000 EtherDongle Pixelnet universes 33-96 posted here EtherDongle DMX Pickit3 = 0000 Conductor - Revised Pixelnet v69 Pickit3 = 0000 Conductor Pixelnet Pickit3 = 0000 Conductor [ DMX] Pickit3 = XXXX Slave [ Pixelnet] Pickit3 = XXXX Slave [ DMX] Pickit3 = XXXX Vixen v2.1 Plugin for Pixelnet firmware Vixen v2.1 Plugin for DMX firmware NOTE: Conductor Revised Firmware requires at least Control Panel V3 and Read over Lynx Conductor Operations Manual for setup of CF and all files needed NOTE2: Only use the Pickit 3 utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware NOTE: DON'T USE THE 49.9K RESISTORS FROM THE FIRST COOP, RJ IS GETTING REPLACEMENTS. THEY SHOULD BE 49.9 OHM	Lynx Conductor EtherDongle Daughter Board Function & Use Conductor Operations Manual PDF Version Assembly Manual Mouser Direct You also need one each of the following: MP3 RTC Battery Header CF ETD Case cut out info: Case Cut Out Drawings PolyCase Drawing #1 PolyCase Drawing #2 Only Need the CF Socket if replacing a broken one. CF Socket Control Panel ver 3 Needed for Conductor-Revised firmware v69 and up Control Panel ver 1.5 Compact Flash card reader for your computer - to add files and format CF Android App for Conductor You must download it with your phone to have it install.	Lynx Trigger Conductor Input Board Function & Use Assembly Manual [ Mouser Direct]	Lynx Slave EtherDongle Daughter Board Function & Use Assembly Manual [ Mouser Direct] CF Socket
Wireless option Asus-330N info Buy from Amazon The Asus units are connected to the EtherDongle, just as if they were hard wired ethernet connections. One per each, if you have multiple EtherDongles including slave units working together. Its for timing marks only from EtherDongle with Conductor to other EtherDongles with Slave boards. The show data (sequence) is on the slave units and the timing from the wireless keeps each one in sync. The EtherDongle with Conductor has the whole show on it (sequence and audio, etc)

USB Dongle and Combiner and Splitter

Pixelnet USB Dongle Function & Use Assembly Manual v2 Mouser Direct PIC18F2450 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Pixelnet 613B 613B NOTE: Not for use with DMX, See below for DMX firmware NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware Put one of the files below in the Vixen /plugin/output folder Vixen ver 2.1 Pixelnet output plugin Vixen ver 2.5 Pixelnet output plugin

Lynx Combiner can be use with Ether or USB Dongles Function & Use Assembly Manual v1 Mouser Direct

Pixelnet Splitter Function & Use Assembly Manual v1 Schematic Mouser Direct|

Zeus & Pixelnet Hubs

See SSC Comparison Table for details on SSC/Zeus cable lengths and version differences.

PixelNet Zeus 16 String (SSCs & Hub) Function & Use Assembly Manual v2 Assembly Manual v1 Mouser Direct Ver1 Mouser Direct Ver2 PIC24F04KA200 Refer to the J1Sys Board Jumper Chart for programming options. Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 0020 0020 Zeus Version of Smart String Utility NOTE: Do not use this version of the SSU with the Smart String Controllers (SSC) until their firmware has been updated. It will lock up the SSC and make them appear to be dead, due to the new color patterns	PixelNet Zeus 8 String (SSCs & Hub) Function & Use Assembly Manual v1 Mouser Direct PIC24F04KA200 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 0020 0020
PixelNet 16 Port Active Hub Function & Use Assembly Manual v1 Mouser Direct PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 811E 8196 12v Option Kit NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware NOTE: POWER CONNECTORS: ALWAYS use the (3) 4 pin power connectors with the 24 pin connector Failure to add the extra power connectors can/will damaged the PS 24 pin Connector and Hub from excess current	Pixelnet 16 Port Passive Hub Function & Use Assembly Manual v1 Mouser Direct NOTE: POWER CONNECTORS: ALWAYS use the (3) 4 pin power connectors with the 24 pin connector Failure to add the extra power connectors can/will damaged the PS 24 pin Connector and Hub from excess current	Pixelnet 4 Port Passive Hub Function & Use Assembly Manual v1 Mouser Direct	Note: For all items in this section (Zeus, Hubs, Power Supplies): They typically get installed into a group24/Marine battery box from walmart. Place PS in the bottom and then mount the board across the top usually mounted using the DIY method of your choice. Seal up any vent holes on the top of the box. Example but be free to adapt to your needs.

Features	16-Port Active	16-Port Passive	4-Port Passive	Pixelnet Splitter
Choose Pixelnet Universe	Yes	Yes	No	No
Uses PC Power Supply	Yes	Yes	No	No
Regenerates Pixelnet Data	Yes	No	No	Yes
DMX Out	Yes	No	No	No

Pixelnet Controllers Smart and Dumb

See SSC Comparison Table for details on SSC/Zeus cable lengths and version differences.

Smart String Controller Function & Use Assembly Manual v1 Mouser Direct Max 4 amps PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 7-10-2011 E2EB E363 Test 2EF2 2F6A Test Firmware User Guide NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware To configure SSC SS Utility	Smart String Controller V2 Function & Use Assembly Manual v2 Mouser Direct Max 4 amps PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 19F3 1A6B NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware To configure SSC SS Utility NOTE 2: Do not use version 1 firmware on version 2 hardware. Doing so may damage the PIC.	Smart String Controller V3 PCB never released to the members. (skipped over to SSC V4) Only the firmware released for mods on the SSCv1 & SSCv2 PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard ECE8 ED60 Test 2180 21F8 NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware To configure SSC SS Utility The updated EXE file for the utility. Just find your folder that your SSC utility is in and replace the old one with this new file. When you run it then you should see the additional choice for grouping on the utility.	Smart String Controller V4 Function & Use Assembly Manual v4 Mouser Direct Max 4 amps PIC24F04KA200 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard D8D3 D8D3 [ Test] XXXX XXXX NOTE: Different PIC, Firmware is NOT COMPATIBLE with pervious versions of the SSC. NOTE 2: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware To configure SSC SS Utility The updated EXE file for the utility. Just find your folder that your SSC utility is in and replace the old one with this new file. When you run it then you should see the additional choice for grouping on the utility.
SSC v1 & v2 Mod On the following image you will see two colored in lines I painted on to an image of the top of a SSC. This mod was designed to be totally on the top of the PCB to allow those with their SSC’s already enclosed in the PVC to do this easily. Just slide the PCB up out of the PVC as if you were going to update the firmware which you are going to do also. It does not matter if it is a V1 or V2 PCB this mod is exactly the same. The red mark is where you need to use a razor blade and cut the trace where it is. This is on the TOP of the PCB where the parts are. You will find the heavier trace located between the pins of the two resistors. Make sure you cut it well enough that it does not make connection any longer. Then on the back of the PCB place a jumper wire where the Yellow line is drawn. Connect these points with a small light wire making sure it does not short anything else. Remember to take into account that when you flip the PCB over to do this that everything is mirror imaged on you. Once this is complete you may want to change the top resistor (V1 pcb is marked as 330, V2 is marked as 47) to in the range of 220 - 330 ohms. It will work with others that we have used but you will find this to be the best area to use. 330ohm is the one to use if you are building new. Flash your SSC with the new firmware. The same firmware now works on both controller versions. Make sure you use the new utility program that is provided to program your modified SSC's. You only have to replace the exe file with one provided no new installed needed. RJ		Dumb String Controller Function & Use Assembly Manual Mouser Direct Max 4 amps PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 8DA7 8E1F Test 8A47 8ABF

DMX Section

DMX Info

Hooking up a DMX Universe

• Hookup Diagrams showing DMX devices connected to a computer.

Equipment Errata

• This page is for mods needed on released production boards from DLA.

Controller (Dimmers) Comparison Table

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Controller	DMX	# Channels	On Board SSR	Wireless Pkg	LNT	Dimming	On Board Splitter	12v DC	120v AC	240 AC
Lynx Express	Yes	16	Yes	EX/RX or RX	Yes	Yes	Yes (1)**	No	Yes	Yes
Lynx Freestyle	Yes	128	No/SSR4	EX/RX wMod or RX	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
Lynx SSR4-DMX	Yes	4	Yes	EX/RX wMod or RX	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Lynx MR-16	Yes	16	LED/MR16	EX/RX wMod or RX	No	Yes	No	Yes ***	No	No

Legend

• LNT = Light Normalizing Technology. With the proper curves all lights turn on and dim at the same rate.
• Need to know if Lynx hardware works in your region? Lynx Voltage Info

Asterisk Notes

** Two DMX outputs using wired input (Cat5) with ver 3 pcb and higher or

One DMX output (DMX Out2) if using the mounted EX/RX wireless module on ver 3 pcb and higher

*** MR16 is capable of handling up to 24 volt DC source power. Please place a heat sink on the 5 volt regulator.

Cases Chart

Lynx Device	Case Part#	Info	Purchase Info
Express Freestyle	CG-1500	Coax Demarcation Enclosure 12.25 X 12 X 5.25 Note: As of 8/2011, the manufacturer has changed the locations of the mounting bosses in the case. You may need to make an adapter plate or use alternate means of attaching your board to the case.	Cable Amplifiers CG-1500 DF Countryman Call 612-724-4400 to Order Sales Manager Duke McNaughton DIYLEDEXPRESS CG-1500 Excess Supply CG-1500 Radiant Holidays New Style CG-1500
MR-16 16 Channel DC Controller	CG-500	Coax Demarcation Enclosure 6.3 X 7.8 X 2	DIYLEDEXPRESS CG-500 Radiant Holidays CG-500
SSR4 Splitter PixelNet 4 Port Passive Hub	TA-200	Coax Demarcation Enclosure 3.75 x 3 x 1.5	DF Countryman Call 612-724-4400 to Order Sales Manager Duke McNaughton DIYLEDEXPRESS TA-200 Excess Supply TA-200 Radiant Holidays TA-200
USB Dongle V1 USB Dongle V2 Wireless TX V1 Wireless TX/RX V2	LP-35P	Choose Gray and put in the comments of the order "Make Sure it has the PCB bosses" No Studs	Polycase LP-35 If you call they will ship USPS at a much cheaper rate than UPS
Wireless RX V1	LP-51P	Choose Gray and put in the comments of the order "Make Sure it has the PCB bosses" No Studs	Polycase LP-51 If you call they will ship USPS at a much cheaper rate than UPS

DMX Hardware

Flood Light - Aether

DMX LED RGBW Flood/Spot Light

Pronunciation on Aether:

Ether \E"ther\ ([=e]"th[~e]r), n. [L. aether, Gr. a'iqh`r, fr. a'i`qein to light up, kindle, burn, blaze; akin to Skr. idh,

indh, and prob. to E. idle: cf. F. ['e]ther.] [Written also [ae]ther.]

Lynx Aether 4 Channel Light Function & Use Manual PIC24FJ32GA002 Video Manual Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 - Case Troubleshoot Videos Red LED on part 1 Red LED on part 2 Mouser Direct Solder Paste Part # SPE-0012 Lens Part Numbers Graphics Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard A6F9 A771 Test 767D 76F5 Manual set channel = 2800 Must use Hexadecimal numbers Example Start Channel 350 set Memory Location 2800 = 015E NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware Parts Legend Program Start Address with Lynx Express Configuration Utility

Lynx Aether II 4 Channel Light Function & Use Assembly Manual PIC24FJ32GA002 Aether II Template (PDF) Mouser Direct Lens 15 deg 22 deg 32 deg Graphics Aether II Prototype Demo Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 84D5 854D Test 78DD 7955 Manual set channel = 2800 Must use Hexadecimal numbers Example Start Channel 125 set Memory Location 2800 = 007D NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware Program Start Address with Lynx Address Utility Power - 12 AC Outdoor Accent Light Transformer - Estimate 35 watts per Aether 2 Example Homedepot Transformer

Dimmers

Dimmer Info - Manual, Mouser Direct BOM (Bill Of Materials), Firmware and Checksum

Lynx Express 16 Channel Function & Use Assembly Manual v5 Previous Assembly Manuals Assembly Videos Part 1 Part 2 NOTE: SAA1064 on BOM is no longer available; it must be sourced from eBay or the secondary market Mouser Direct Graphics PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 64C0 6538 NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware Config Utility List of Light Curves Troubleshoot

Lynx Freestyle 128 Channel Controller only Function & Use Assembly Manual Mouser Direct Graphics PIC18F2455 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 9AAF 9AAF Manual set channel = EEPROM Data Area = Memory Location 02 & 04 Must use Hexadecimal numbers Example 100 = 0X64 set Memory 02 = 64 and Memory 04 = 00 Numbers over 255 must be split Example 410 = 0X19A set Memory 02 = FF and Memory 04 = 9B NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware

16 CH DC Controller (MR16) 16 Channel LED Function & Use Assembly Manual v2 Previous Manual Mouser Direct Graphics PIC18F1220 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 90D4 90D4 Low Power A07D A07D Manual set channel = A00 Must use Hexadecimal numbers Example Start Channel 312 set Memory Location A00 = 0138 Size = 4.25" x 4.75" x 1.25" NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware

SSR4 4 Channel SSR plus DMX option Function & Use Assembly Manual Previous Assembly Manual Mouser Direct Base SSR4 DMX Option SSR4 with DMX Graphics PIC18F1220 (SSR4 with DMX version) Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 9408 9408 Manual set channel = A00 Must use Hexadecimal numbers Example Start Channel 32 set Memory Location A00 = 0020 NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware

DMX Wireless Devices

Wireless(TX/RX)Ver 2 Function & Use Assembly Manual Mouser Direct PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 1AED 1B65 NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware NOTE 2: Its recommended to use 50ms for Wireless. YMMV

Express Receiver (EX/RX)Ver 2 Function & Use Assembly Manual Mouser Direct PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 1AED 1B65 NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware Mod for other Controllers

DMX Devices

DMX Lynx USB Dongle Function & Use Assembly Manual v2 Previous Manuals Mouser Direct Graphics PIC18F2450 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 0A6F 0A6F NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware FTDI USB Driver NOTE: Pixelnet firmware, See above for Lynx USB Dongle / Pixelnet|USB Dongle Pixelnet firmware	Splitter Function & Use Assembly Manual v3 Previous Manual Mouser Direct Graphics 240v Transformer Digikey's p/n 567-1019-ND	Bobcat DMX Tester Manual Build Video Mouser Direct (Tester) Mouser Direct (Wireless Tx) PIC18F24J10-I/SP (Tester) PIC24FJ32GA002 (Wireless) Tester Firmware - starting channel is 256 Tester Firmware - starting channel is 1 Wireless Tx Firmware Schematic Enclosure Cutting Template	Bobcat DMX Servo Controller Manual Mouser Direct Firmware Schematic Configuration Tool PIC18F23K20-I/SP
Panther DMX Player Assembly Manual Mouser Direct eBay SD Card Module Enclosure Cutting Template Firmware V2 NOTE: Only use V2 firmware on V2 boards. NOTE: To download firmware right click on it and choose save as.

Aeon Clock

Aeon Clock Assembly Manual Parts Ordering: Mouser Direct Order (1) of this part PCB from RJ PIC24FJ32GA002 Firmware Checksum Pickit2 Pickit3 Standard 24EE 23C1 NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware Video

Discontinued Hardware

Lynx 16 Channel Assembly Manual Firmware 9E83 Manual set channel = A00 Must use Hexadecimal numbers Example Start Channel 61 set Memory Location A00 = 003D NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware

Transmitter (TX) Ver 1 Assembly Manual Mouser Direct Graphics Video RF Module Firmware compat w/v2 Checksums Pickit2 - 46E6 Pickit3 - 475E NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware

Express Receiver (EX/RX)Ver 1 Assembly Manual Mouser Direct Graphics Video RF Module Firmware compat w/v2 Checksums Pickit2 - 5E72 Pickit3 - 5EEA NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware Mod for other Controllers

Standalone Receiver (RX)Ver 1 Assembly Manual Mouser Direct Graphics Video RF Module Firmware compat w/v2 Checksums Pickit2 - 5E72 Pickit3 - 5EEA NOTE: Only use the Pickit (2 or 3) utility and not MPLAB to program the firmware