Random Glitches in DMX Output

[BrianSimons]

Using both the most recent Official Release of Suite 2, and the September Beta release I get random glitches in the DMX Output. I have a few Elation Event Bar's connected. The Event Bars have four pin spot moving heads. Every 5-10 seconds or so they rapidly move from their set position, and then move right back again. The movement lasts less than a second or so.

I don't believe it's a drop of the DMX signal, because I have the units set to remain in their last known state in the event of a signal loss. So for them to move randomly, the controller must be sending information to do so.

I'm using a laptop with Windows 8 on it. I noticed this at my first event using Suite 2, where the laptop was connected to DJ hardware too. So I brought it in and connected a single Event Bar, with no other USB devices hooked up, no other software running, etc. The glitch still happens. I guess the good news is that it rules out lots of cables and other possible issues, and means the problem is repeatable.

Bad news is, I have no clue how to fix it. Does anyone know if this is a known bug that's being addressed. Or could I have a defective hardware unit?

I'm going to try a few more tests, like using another computer, different OS, etc. But if you see this and know more I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks.

[simonB]

Open tools.exe and move the faders on the test tab. Do you still have the same problem? This will help us find out if it's a hardware or software related problem.

[BrianSimons]

Hi, I just tried out the Test controls in Tools, and it has the glitch there as well. When I use these lights for events the DMX channel starts at 400. I don't know if this is helpful or not, but when I changed the unit to DMX address 1 and ran the test - it would have the glitch, but much less frequently, and the lights don't stray as far. I then put it back to 400, and used the Test again - and it seemed to have more frequent sporadic behavior, and the random movements were more pronounced.

The details on my Hardware:
Product Code: 40081
Firmware: 1.20
SIUDI-7A (1024)

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

[hsteppke]

That sounds more like a DMX signal timming issue, i had similar for some cheap LED Bars.
If i remember correctly (it was using on an E:Cue Interface) i lowered the refresh rate of the Signal and increased the gap between each cycle.
Together with terminating the DMX line correctly it solved the issue.


Holger

[BrianSimons]

Thanks Holger, that corrected the problem. I changed the timing settings to the Preset for the slowest/most compatible, and glitches are gone. Sweet.

Thanks,
Brian