Light O Rama Pixcon16 User Manual

Pixcon16

E1.31 16/32 Universe Pixel controller with

4 E1.31 to DMX bridge ports

User Manual – Light O Rama Showtime Software

August 20, 2015

V1.4

Copyright © Light O Rama, Inc. 2015

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................. 4

What’s in the Box ........................................................................................ 5

Applications: ............................................................................................... 5

Hardware Fundamentals ............................................................................. 6

Factory IP / Bootloader switches .............................................................. 6

Power Connectors ................................................................................... 8

Aux Out/Fan Connector ........................................................................... 9

Pixel Ports .............................................................................................. 10

Ethernet Connector ................................................................................ 12

LOR in/out and DMX Outputs (E1.31 mode only) ................................... 12

LOR/ESTA Jumpers............................................................................... 13

Terminator jumper .................................................................................. 14

Hardware Configuration ............................................................................ 15

Using DHCP (Normal Operation) ........................................................... 15

Forcing the Pixcon16 IP Address ........................................................... 16

Pixcon16 List.......................................................................................... 17

Network Configuration ......................................................................... 18

Pixel Port Setup .................................................................................. 19

Advanced Port Configuration ............................................................... 21

Misc..................................................................................................... 24

Operation .................................................................................................. 26

Startup ................................................................................................... 26

Sending Data ......................................................................................... 26

Hardware Test Pattern ........................................................................... 27

Firmware Upgrades .................................................................................. 28

Physical Setup ....................................................................................... 28

Obtaining New Firmware ........................................................................ 28

Performing a firmware Update ............................................................... 29

Operating Specifications ........................................................................... 30

Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 31

Status LEDs ........................................................................................... 32

Common problems and solutions .............................................................. 34

No Status or Power LEDs is On ............................................................. 34

Controller does not appear in Find Pixcon16 list .................................... 34

Light Outputs Not As Expected .............................................................. 35

Introduction

The LOR Pixcon16 is a member of the pixel controller line of Light-O-Rama
products. The Pixcon16 can drive up to 32 separate 170 count strings of
smart pixels in DMX mode or 16 170 count strings in Enhanced LOR Mode.
The board can also act as an E1.31 to DMX bridge for an additional 4
universes. The 16 pixel ports on the device can be used to drive many of
the most popular smart pixel strings on the market today, including
WS2801 and WS2811.

Command data to the controller can be supplied in two different formats:
Via DMX over Ethernet (E1.31), or Via LOR protocol. Using E1.31 allows
for very complex shows to be created, while using the LOR protocol allows
for easy integration into a network of existing LOR controllers. When used
in LOR mode, the Pixcon16 can also drive a modest pixel show from an
LOR Generation 3 Show Director like the g3MP3 Director.

The Light-O-Rama Showtime software is used to design and build
Sequences (controller commands that may be choreographed to
audio/music.) These user created sequences and/or pre-programmed
musical sequences available from LOR and other companies are then
arranged into Shows. These shows are played by your PC or one of the
LOR Show Directors.

Caution: Although most applications for this product use low voltages, this
product may be used with dangerous DC voltages. Some connections may
be at line voltage and potentially lethal. It is important that you have an
understanding of electrical wiring and usage.

Page 4

What’s in the Box

The Pixcon16 comes with this user manual. The latest version of this
manual is also available at www.lightorama.com ► Support ► User
Manuals ► Pixcon16 manual – Light O Rama Showtime Software

The Pixcon16 can be used in multiple configurations. Additionally, the
Pixcon16 can be purchased as a separate device, or be included with an
LOR Ready to Go prop.

Applications:

The Pixcon16 can be controlled by an LOR G3 Show Director in ELOR
mode, or a Windows PC using ELOR mode or E1.31. While being an
advanced controller, the Pixcon16 cannot be run in ‘standalone’ mode, and
cannot be controlled by another LOR Controller in standalone mode.

The Picon16 board itself is not weather resistant and needs to be mounted
in a suitable weather resistant / weather tight enclosure. The enclosure to
be used must have adequate ventilation. Connections are provided to
power a fan, and overheating of the board will cause damage to the
components.

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Hardware Fundamentals

Factory IP / Bootloader switches

A factory reset should only be performed when absolutely necessary. The
reset will erase all configuration and networking information which may be
time-consuming to restore.

To reset the device back to factory defaults, first remove power to the
board. Then press and hold BOTH buttons while re-applying power. Wait
a few seconds, then release the buttons. The board has now been reset
back to factory defaults.

Since this is an E1.31 (Ethernet) device, you may need to re-set the IP
address of the board to a known one. Remove power to the board, press
and hold the Factory IP button, and then re-apply power. This will reset the
board to the default IP address of 192.168.0.50. Release the button.

If the firmware on the device becomes corrupted, you can recover the
board by placing it in ‘bootloader’ mode. The bootloader mode allows the
board to accept a new firmware which should fix the issue. Remove power
to the board, press and hold the Bootloader button, and re-apply power.

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The Power and Status lights will alternate showing that the board is now in
bootloader mode. Release the switch and use the Showtime Software to
load the latest firmware.

Should you need to reconfigure the board, or reload the firmware in
emergency mode, the easiest way may be to connect the board directly to
a computer’s network card via a CAT-5 cable.

1. Ensure no wireless network is active on the computer.

2. Shut down the computer and disconnect any existing network cable.

3. Power off the Pixcon16.

4. Plug a CAT-5 cable directly from the adapter to the computer’s
network card. A crossover cable is not required, any standard CAT-5
cable will work

5. Power up the board. Ensure the board is running correctly, or has
been placed in the bootloader mode.

6. Turn on the computer and wait for it to fully boot.

7. Now start the LOR Network Configuration program and press the
Pixcon16 button. You should be able to find the board now to
configure it, or to re-install the firmware.

Page 7

Status LEDs

Power Light Status Light Status
Off Off Board is not powered, or the logic fuse

has blown

On Flashing Board is powered on and running

properly. No data signal has been
detected

On On Board is powered on, running correctly

and is receiving data

Alternating Flash Alternating Flash Board is in bootloader mode, and

needs to have firmware uploaded

Synchronized Flash Synchronized Flash Board is powered and waiting for an IP

address from the DHCP server

On Off Board is powered, however it is not

running correctly

Power Connectors

Power to the board and the 16 pixel ports is supplied by the two sets of
large screw terminals on the left side of the board. Each terminal supplies
power for 8 of the pixel ports, Bank 1: 1-8 or Bank 2:9-16. Power for the
board itself is taken from Bank 1 and is protected by a .5A (dark blue) blade
type fast-blow fuse.

Page 8

The board can run on any voltage between 5VDC – 30VDC. The voltage
you use will be dependent on the type of pixel in use. Power must be
supplied from a stable DC source/power supply. The maximum rating of
the board is 64A, 32A per bank, 4A per pixel port. Each port is protected
by a 4A (pink) blade type fast-blow fuse.

Unless supplied with an LOR Ready to Go Prop, it is the user’s
responsibility to ensure that the power supply used matches the voltage of
the pixels they are using and that it can supply the correct amount of
current.

NOTE! The board provides NO protection if you accidentally reverse the
polarity of the input power. Reversing the polarity WILL damage the board.
Be sure you have properly connected the power supply BEFORE powering
on for the first time.

Aux Out/Fan Connector

The Aux Out connector supplies power for an optional case fan. The fan’s
speed can be varied by temperature and is set by the Configuration
program. Please note that the power for the fan is taken from Bank 1. You
should select a fan that has the same voltage as Bank 1.

Page 9

Pixel Ports

Connect up to 340 pixels to each port in E1.31/DMX mode, and up to 170
pixels to each port in Enhanced LOR Mode. The board can support
several different pixel types, but all ports MUST have use same pixel
driver/type. For example, you cannot mix WS2801 and WS2811 pixels on
the same Pixcon16.

Each port can supply a maximum of 4A and is protected by a 4A pink blade
type fuse.

Page 10

Each port has a removable connector with 4 screw terminals. With the
screws facing towards you and the wire connector points at the top (as if
the connector is seated in the board, and you are looking at the connectors
from the outside of the board), the pins are (left to right)

1 - + Power

2 - Clock

3 - Data

4 - Ground

You should consult the manufacturer of the pixels you intend to use for
correct wiring. For example not all pixel types use the CLOCK source.

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