Light O Rama Pixie2D Manuel utilisateur
Pixie2D Pixie4D Pixie4DMX
Pixie8D Pixie16D
Cosmic Color Pixie
User Manual
August 17, 2019
V1.05
Copyright © Light O Rama, Inc. 2016-2019
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................. 5
Hardware Utility Version .......................................... 6
Firmware Version .................................................... 6
Pixel Type (RGB IC) ................................................ 6
Pixel Strings ............................................................. 6
Important Considerations ........................................ 7
First vs. Second Generation Boards .................... 7
Network Protocols and Speeds ............................ 8
Pixie4DMX (iDMX1000 replacement) ...................... 9
Pixie4DMX Comparison to iDMX1000 ............... 10
Pixie4DMX Configuration ................................... 10
Pixie4DMX High Speed USB adapter ................ 11
Pixie4DMX on Regular LOR Networks .............. 11
Hardware Configuration ......................................... 12
Assigning a Unit ID ............................................ 12
Setting the Configuration ................................... 14
Pixel Type (RGB Integrated Circuit) ............... 17
RGB (Color) Order ......................................... 18
Pixels per Port ................................................ 18
Logical Resolution .......................................... 18
Reverse Strings .............................................. 19
First Pixel is Status Indicator .......................... 19
Stand Alone Speed ........................................ 19
DMX Mode (Pixie2D & Pixie4D only) ............. 19
Triplet Order ................................................... 20
Props .............................................................. 20
Software Control .................................................... 21
Old CCR/CCB/CCP Compatibility .......................... 22
Resolution, Macro & Color Channels ................. 22
Logical Resolution .............................................. 22
Color Effects ...................................................... 24
Macros ............................................................... 24
Hardware Description ............................................ 25
Pixie2D (White plastic box, 12 VDC) .................. 26
Pixie4D (first generation) ................................... 27
Pixie4D (second generation) .............................. 28
Pixie4DMX Isolated with XLR3 Jacks ................ 29
Pixie8D (first generation) ................................... 30
Pixie8D (second generation) .............................. 31
Pixie16D (first generation).................................. 32
Pixie16D (second generation) ............................ 33
Status LED ......................................................... 34
Input Header (JP2 or JP3) ................................. 34
Fuses ................................................................. 35
Jumpers (JP5) .................................................... 35
Power Input(s) .................................................... 35
Reset/Test Button .............................................. 35
String Connectors .............................................. 36
Network Jacks .................................................... 37
Connecting the Controller to a PC ......................... 37
Connecting to a Show Director .............................. 38
Connecting to another Controller ........................... 39
Updating the Pixie Firmware.................................. 39
DIP Switch Address Settings ................................. 41
LOR intensities to DMX Intensities ........................ 45
Specifications ........................................................ 46
This manual reflects features available in Pixies with
firmware version 1.05 or greater.
Pixie
5
Introduction
The Light-O-Rama (LOR) Cosmic Color Pixies are
low cost, high density RGB pixel controllers. They
are available in 2, 4, 8 and 16 string versions. The
maximum number of pixels on a string is 200. They
support a variety of RGB pixel controller ICs.
Unlike most multi-string pixel controllers, the Pixies
do not require Ethernet. The Pixies run on a LOR
network in either normal or enhanced mode at
speeds up to and including 1Mbit/sec. An enhanced
network is pretty much required to properly utilize
these controllers. Enhanced mode allows for a much
higher pixel change rate than a normal network.
Pixies may also be used with Ethernet E1.31 or Art-
Net by connecting them to a PixieLink Adapter,
providing an upgrade path as your show grows.
When used with 50 pixel strings, the Pixies can
emulate the older Cosmic Color Ribbon (CCR) or
Cosmic Color Bulb/Pixel (CCB/CCP) controllers.
This means, for example, that a Pixie16D can look
like 16 CCRs or 16 50-pixel CCB/CCP strings. The
Pixie controllers support LOR effects as well as the
macro and color effects extensions provided by the
first generation CCR/CCB/CCP controllers.
The Windows 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.
Pixie
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Hardware Utility Version
The version of the Hardware Utility appears in the
title bar to the right of “Light-O-Rama Hardware.” If
the version number is less than 4.4.0, you will not be
able to configure the Pixie controller. The latest
version of the Showtime software from this location:
www.lightorama.com ► Support ►Download
Software. This is a full ShowTime Software
download that includes the latest Hardware Utility.
Firmware Version
The initial firmware version was 1.01, unfortunately,
controllers with this version have a bad bootloader.
This means firmware upgrades are not possible.
These boards must be returned to the factory to
upgrade the bootloader. Version 1.02 is exactly the
same as version 1.01, but has a working bootloader.
This document reflects Pixie firmware version 1.05.
The firmware version is determined by using the
Refresh button in the Hardware Utility.
Pixel Type (RGB IC)
Each pixel on a ribbon or string has a digital RGB
driver. Sometimes these are separate ICs, other
times they are integrated with the RGB LEDs. These
are called RGB ICs. See the Pixel Type section for a
list of supported RGB ICs.
Pixel Strings
Pixel strings/ribbons compatible with these
controllers are available from Light-O-Rama and
other vendors. Strings can be 5vdc or 12vdc. All
Pixie
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strings on the controller must use the same RGB IC.
Generally, 5vdc strings are usually limited to 50
pixels because of voltage drop due to the current
draw. 12vdc pixel strings are good for 100 pixels.
Low power 12v pixels are good to 150 per string.
Important Considerations
When powered by 5vdc, the Pixie controllers cannot
supply the voltage (9vdc) required by most LOR
accessories.
LOR effects (fading, twinkling, shimmer) done by the
controller require a lot of memory. The Pixie16D can
perform these effects on the first 50 pixels of each
string, the Pixie8D on 100, and the Pixie2D and
Pixie4D on 200. If you are running the network in
Enhanced mode, these effects will be done by the
Show Director or PC, so the memory limitation does
not apply and LOR effects are available on 200 pixel
strings for all controllers.
We recommend leaving the top-most jumper off
when configuring the RJ45 network jack wiring for
LOR network mode. This disables accessory power
to the network jacks. There have been problems
with incorrectly user-made cables which swap wires
and short out the accessory power supplies. This
becomes a problem with multiple controllers as
significant current may be available.
First vs. Second Generation Boards
First generation Pixies do not have Unit ID DIP
switches and do not have reverse power protection
circuitry. Reverse power protection only protects the
controller; it does not protect the pixel strings.
Pixie
8
For WS2811 (800KHz) and WS2801 pixels, the
output networks on the pixel ports of first generation
boards allow up to 40’ between the controller and
the first pixel. This is increased to 80’ for second
generation boards. You may need to run heavier
wire (18 gauge) to prevent voltage drop on the
power leads to the first pixel, especially for 5v pixels.
Voltage drop usually manifests itself as pixels
appearing pink when white at full power is chosen.
Network Protocols and Speeds
There are three network protocols currently in use:
LOR Normal, LOR Enhanced, & PixieLink.
LOR normal is the protocol that has been used by
LOR controllers from year 0. It is the only way to
access the CCR/CCB/CCP compatibility mode
resolution, color effects and macros channels.
LOR Enhanced protocol is a newer compressed
data protocol designed specifically for high density
pixel displays. It pretty much is required for even a
moderately active display.
PixieLink protocol is used between a PixieLink
E1/31/Art-Net Adapter and Pixies. The PixieLink
Adapter allows Pixies and other LOR G3 controllers
to be used over Ethernet.
The Pixie controllers understand all protocols and
automatically detect network speeds from 19.2Kbits
per second up to 8.5Mbit per second(Mbps). All
delivered Pixies have at least 5Mbps comm chips,
and will always work with PixieLink at 4.25Mbps.
They will usually work with PixieLink at 8.5Mbps.
The 8-pin socketed chip near the RJ45 jack may
Pixie
9
need to be upgraded to a 10Mbps chip to use the
8.5Mbps PixieLink speed.
In general, users don’t have to concern themselves
with the network protocol unless they are running
old devices. Some older devices will not understand
Enhanced Protocol. Users will have to concern
themselves with network speeds. At this time, only
the PixCon and the Pixie controllers can handle
1Mbps Enhanced LOR, and only Pixies understand
PixieLink protocol (4 & 8 Mbps).
The type of network (normal/enhanced) is selected
in the Sequence Editor by clicking Edit ►
Preferences ► Network Preferences.
Using the PixieLink Adapter requires configuration of
each pixel string as a DMX universe. When the pixel
strings are defined in the Sequence Editor, each one
will have to be assigned a DMX universe number.
Then, these DMX universes will be assigned to
Ethernet addresses in Network Preferences under
the DMX tab.
Pixie4DMX (iDMX1000 replacement)
The Pixie4DMX is a version of the Pixie4D which
understands LOR network commands and converts
those commands into four DMX universes instead of
driving four pixel strings. It can be used to drive DMX
pixel strings or as a replacement for the iDMX1000.
For a general discussion of DMX and experimenting
with devices on DMX networks, see the iDMX1000
manual available at www.lightorama.com ► Support
► Documentation.
Pixie
10
Pixie4DMX Comparison to iDMX1000
Advantages over the iDMX1000:
Works with LOR enhanced networks in
addition to regular LOR networks
Can run on 500K, 1M, & PixieLink networks
Allows all channels to perform LOR lighting
effects simultaneously
Supports all Pixie configuration options
Disadvantages relative to iDMX1000
DMX universes support 510 channels instead
of 512
Does not support the multiple unit ID mode of
the iDMX1000 (legacy mode)
Does not have pass-through XLR3
connections, so it must be at the end of the
DMX network
Does not have a polarity reversal switch
Pixie4DMX Configuration
The out-of-the box configuration of the Pixie4DMX
allows you to simply set the unit ID and use it as a
replacement for the iDMX1000. Actually, it can
replace 4 iDMX1000s because the Pixie4DMX will
take 4 consecutive unit IDs starting at the assigned
unit ID. Each of these unit IDs is equivalent to an
iDMX1000.
The Hardware Utility can be used to configure it like
any other Pixie controller. To operate as a
replacement iDMX1000s, the number of pixels/string
should be set to 170, the “Color order” should be set
to RGB, the Resolution should be set to 50, and the
RGB IC to “DMX”.
Pixie
11
The number of pixels/string sets the number of
dimmers (channels) on the DMX networks. Each
pixel is three dimmers. You should not set the
number of pixels to less than 40 (120 channels or
dimmers) because some older DMX fixtures may
have problems with the short DMX messages. The
maximum number of pixels is 170 (510 dimmers).
In the Sequence Editor, you can use the “Insert
device” feature to insert an iDMX1000 for one or
more of the 4 DMX universes created by a
Pixie4DMX. This will create a iDMX1000 with the
number of channels (dimmers) you specify. You can
combine some of these channels into RGB pixels if
that is appropriate for the DMX fixtures on your
network(s). When you manipulate a pixel or channel
with Sequence Editor, SuperStar or Pixel Editor
commands, these commands will be converted to
intensities and output on the DMX universes.
Pixie4DMX High Speed USB adapter
The Pixie4DMX includes a USB interface so that it
can be directly connected to a PC. The USB
interface is exactly the same as a LOR USB adapter.
It runs up to 1Mbps and you can daisy chain other
LOR controllers on this network by using the
Pixie4DMX’s RJ45 LOR network connectors.
Pixie4DMX on Regular LOR Networks
Some DMX fixtures require that you send certain
intensity values to dimmers to control operation of
the fixture. See the LOR intensities to DMX
Intensities table for the mapping of LOR 0-100%
intensities to DMX 0-255 intensities.
Pixie
12
Hardware Configuration
Assigning a Unit ID
Second generation Pixies have a DIP switch with 8
positions. This is used to set the unit ID. If all DIP
switches are set to ‘off’, then the unit ID as set by
the Hardware Utility will be used (see below). Refer
to the DIP Switch Address section for the mapping
of your desired LOR address to DIP switch settings.
First generation Pixies do not have unit ID switches,
so the Unit ID must be assigned with the Hardware
Utility as follows:
If you have not installed the Light O Rama Windows
Showtime Software, do it now. The controller must
be powered by a 5-12vdc power supply (Pixie4DMX
requires 12vdc). You can use one of LOR’s USB
RS485 adapters or you can plug a Pixie4DMX
directly into a USB port. See the Connecting the
Pixie to a PC section for more information.
Power up the controller. The Status LED will blink
about twice/second. This means that the controller
has booted and is waiting for the PC to talk to it.
Start the Hardware Utility – click start ►Light-O-
Rama ►Light-O-Rama Control Panel. There will
be a light bulb with a red halo on the right side of the
task bar at the bottom of the screen. Right-click the
light bulb and select Hardware Utility from the menu.
Make sure the LOR Control tab is selected. You will
this window:
Pixie
13
Click the Auto Configure button in the Setup Comm
Port section. The Hardware Utility will search for the
COM port that your USB RS485 adapter (or
Pixie4DMX) is plugged into and select it.
When assigning a unit ID, only one controller should
be plugged into the USB RS485 adapter on the PC.
If you have a second generation Pixie, the DIP
switches must be set to 0 for the Unit ID to be set.
Steps to set/change unit ID:
1. In the Change Existing ID section, use the Old
Unit ID drop-down menu to select Any Unit, then
click OK in the warning box for changing all unit
IDs, there should only be one unit attached.
2. Use the New Unit ID drop down menu to select
the Unit ID you want.
3. Click the Change Unit ID button to set your Pixie
controller’s base unit ID. You will see a Unit ID
Changed box – click OK.
Pixie
14
Setting the Configuration
Your Pixie controller may have come with jumper(s)
installed on JP5. These jumpers force a
configuration that supports the type, color order and
number of pixels you purchased with the Pixie
controller. These jumpers will supersede those
parameters settable by the Hardware Utility. Jumper
1 is nearest the JP5 labelled end.
Jumper What it does
J1 WS28118, BRG, 50 pixels
J2 WS2801, RGB, 50 pixels
J3 WS28118, RGB, 100 pixels
The Hardware Utility is used to set the power-up
configuration of the controller. Of the parameters
configured below, only the Logical Resolution/Flip-
status can be changed on-the-fly in sequences, and
only in CCR compatibility mode. All other
parameters are set by and can only be changed by
the Hardware Utility.
Click the Refresh button to find your controller. The
controller must appear in the drop-down menu to the
right of the Refresh button in order to continue.
The Cosmic Color Pixie controllers are configured
via a pop-up window reachable from the LOR
Control tab. First, click the LOR Control tab, then
click the Config button at the bottom of the window
you will see the following window:
Pixie
15
1
2
3
Click the Cosmic Color/Pixie Config button and the
following window will appear. Use this simplified
setup window to select the startup configuration.
Remember to click the OK button to update the
controller.
If you need to set advanced parameters, click the
Advanced button to extend the setup window:
Pixie
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Pixie
17
Pixel Type (RGB Integrated Circuit)
This field selects the type of pixel control integrated
circuit. The currently supported pixel drivers are:
1. WS2811 400KHz (UCS1903)
2. WS2811 800KHz (UCS1903)
3. WS2801
4. SM16716
5. LDP6803
6. TMI1803
7. TMI1804
8. TMI1809
9. DMX (Used by Pixie4DMX)*
10. 943
11. 943-2**
There are also some “(Reserved IC x), …” slots.
These are so additional RGB ICs can be added
without requiring a software release.
* This type outputs intensity data in DMX format.
Only the Pixie4DMX has RS485 outputs which will
create DMX universes that can be connected to
DMX fixtures. Other Pixies will accept this output
type, but will still output 5v logic levels, not RS485.
** If an RGB IC type is followed by “-n” it means that
‘n’ adjacent pixels will be combined by the controller.
E.g. if the ribbons have 100 pixels, the controller is
configured for 50 pixels and the RGB IC is 943-2,
then 2 adjacent pixels on the ribbon will react for
each of the 50 configured pixels. It reduces the
number of pixels the ribbons appear to be by a
factor of 2.
Pixie
18
RGB (Color) Order
Selects the order in which the red, green and blue
intensities are sent to the RGB ICs. If you don’t
know the color order of your pixels, choose RGB.
Then press the test button. The test pattern always
starts with red, then green and finally blue. The
actual order of colors you see is what you need to
set the color order to.
Pixels per Port
This sets the number of physical pixels on a port.
Range is 1 to 200.
Logical Resolution
If the number of Pixels Per Port is not 50, then the
only resolutions possible are 1 (pixel strings react as
one big pixel), and full resolution – the pixels per
port (logical resolution should be set to 50).
Otherwise, old CCR compatibility mode is possible
and the following applies:
Logical resolution is the number of pixels that a bulb
string appears as in the Sequence Editor. This must
be set to 50 if you intend to use the Resolution,
Macro & Color Effect channels (old CCR/CCB/CCP
compatibility). You can always change the logical
resolution on the fly using the Resolution channel.
A bulb string has 50 physical pixels (bulbs,) but to
make programming less tedious, it can be set to a
lower logical resolution. This means that adjacent
physical pixels (bulbs) will be merged. E.g. If the
string is set to a logical resolution of 5 pixels, then
10 adjacent bulbs will respond as one – the string
will appear to be 5 segments.
Pixie
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Note: The resolution, color effect and macro
channels are only active for strings with 50 pixels in
LOR network mode.
Reverse Strings
Normally, the first pixel is the one nearest the
controller. Checking the “Reverse” box reverses this
making the pixel furthest from the controller the first
pixel.
First Pixel is Status Indicator
If this box is checked, the status LED will be
mirrored in white on string one’s pixel nearest the
controller. This occurs for 60 seconds after power
up. This checkbox exists to save the effort of having
to open up the controller box up; you can just unplug
and plug in the controller to check its status.
Stand Alone Speed
This selects the speed at which an internal stand-
alone sequence is run. 8 runs the sequence with 1
second of sequence commands equaling one actual
second. Use this option to fine tune the speed of the
stand-alone sequence.
DMX Mode (Pixie2D & Pixie4D only)
This refers to DMX input into the Pixie. There is only
one DMX mode:
DMX addresses Pixie2 Pixie4
1-150 1st string 50 pixels 50 pixels
151-300 2nd string 50 pixels
151-450 2nd string 100 pixels
301-450 3rd string 50 pixels
Pixie
20
The RJ45 jacks on the Pixie2D have jumpers to
allow for LOR or DMX (E1.27-2) network wiring. If
the DMX device driving the controller has an XLR 3-
pin connector, you will need the LOR RJ-45 to XLR
3-pin Male connector. It is available from the Web
Store on the accessories page:
www.lightorama.com/ ► LOR Store ► Accessories
► RJ-45 to XLR 3-pin Male (this adapter converts to
LOR network wiring, not DMX E1.27-2 wiring.
Triplet Order
This is the order in which the pixel channels appear
in the Sequence Editor. The number of channels
depends upon the configured pixels per port when
not in CCR compatibility mode, and the resolution
when in compatibility mode.
Triples means the channels will appear as R
(channel 1) G (channel 2), B (channel 3) for the first
pixel (the pixel nearest the controller,) then R (4), G
(5), B (6) for the next pixel, etc.
Sequential means that all the Rs (channel 1, 2, 3,
…) will come first, then all the Gs and finally all the
Bs. Sequential channel mode is only available on
normal LOR networks, it does not work with
Enhanced or PixieLink networks.
Props
These drop-downs are used to select one of the
LOR props (singing trees). A prop is two adjacent
100 pixel strings. The controller understands the
arrangement of the pixels so that the user does not
have to individually program the pixels to manipulate
the prop. This allows for sequences to be written
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