Introducing: STATUS First look prototype, bits and pieces

So some of you know I have been working on a new tester. It is not going to replace the STATE, it is quite a different beast and serves a smaller subset of people I think.  It is probably about time that I talked about it though, as I need some push to get it to a version that I can actually give to people to try out.

This prototype is currently being held up in hardware… and software…  If anyone is in a position to get on board with some software I would be interested in talking.  Maybe open source the whole project ?  I would love to be able to make the boxes for other people to develop amazing software for.

Its based on a Teensy (because I love them) and because it reduces the hassle of prototyping with a really good capable processor.

Now follows a really long list, the colours are ORANGE for nearly there, needs work or has some obvious problems, GREEN for all good, first round tests ok. RED is not even started, don’t go there, hiding in a corner from the problem.

 

STATUS – Lighting protocols tester
Specification
STATUS is a multipurpose tool aimed at the live events industry. It allows a field technician to diagnose faults, test for presence
of correct signals and wiring and control lighting equipment across a variety of different control protocols.
The unit can be used to act as a protocol bridge in some circumstances, and data can be recorded and played back from a micro SD card.
DMX, DMX RDM, ArtNET, sACN, OSC, MIDI, MTC, LTC and supported at this time.
The battery powered tester frees the technician from carrying around a easily damaged expensive laptop and multiple dongles.
The unit also provides a computer interface for the mentioned protocols, and a suit of applications using the data will be avaiable soon. One, the LTC display is already available – Allowing the display of SMPTE Timecode on a Mac or PC in a floating window, so values can be embedded with screen recordings, or used as a large clock readout.
DMX
The unit can receive and transmit DMX512, STATES can be set up by channel or individual fixtures can be tested from on board library (updated via micro SD card included)
Scope mode; 4 channels can be views level against time on an oscilloscope style display. – helpful for diagnosing transient faults.
64 channel levels viewable at once in DMX input view
Completed states can be saved to SD card for replay via DMX or any other below protocol.
RDM
Discovery, Identify, Report sensors, send lamp strike/reset/douse, readdress.
CABLE
Open and short circuits can be detected in standard wired DMX 5pin XLR cable (pins 1,2,3)
Pictorial reference for ease of diagnosis.
New board has broken this…
ArtNet
All features of DMX
Stat page showing universes on network, framerate etc
Send to any Universe, by channel or fixture.
Save a Universe to memory (SD card) or All incoming universes to a memory. (selectable)
sACN (E131)
As per ArtNet features
Send
receive
port to other protocols?
OSC
receive and display incoming strings on a fixed port.
send test string
MIDI
Input log, shows incoming data on inbult 5pin DIN connector
MSC decode, decodes MSC into human readable Cue numbers etc
Midi output to send notes on/pff, pitch and velocity changes.
Ping
Ping a device on the local network. Selectable “to” and “from” IP addresses
MTC
Display Midi timecode and frame rate
LTC
Display SMPTE Linear Timecode (LTC) and frame rate from inbuilt 3pin XLR
Display average incoming signal level in mV and on bargraph
MAC and PC App to display LTC in a floating window (for screen recordings, TC tagging, larger clock displays etc) – Done
PLAYBACK
Playback saved memories to DMX, ArtNet and sACN. Regardless of where they came from.
Memories can be edited easilyfrom the SD card in a text editor or VIA SOME SOFTWARE PRODUCT..??
Debug
The USB on the device outputs serial which can be viewed in any terminal program, providing an ALL PROTOCOLS to serial adaptor for logging projects etc.
Could be used to timestamp with LTC for example, or view incoming MSC comands over the course of a day.
HARDWEAR
Encoder for rapid level setting (clickable to jump 0,50,100%), encoder also selects universes etc.
Touchscreen
Rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery, charges via micro usb B, using supplied cable.
Robust extruded aluminium case
XLR 5 pin Male DMX
XLR 5 Pin Female DMX
XLR 3 Pin Female (LTC)
DIN 5pin (MIDI)
RJ45 Socket (ArtNet,sACN,Ping,OSC)
MicroSD – fixture library and saved states – editiable via any text editor.
Battery life is …..
Charge time is….
Battery monitor (an improvement from STATE R3!)
Future possibilities….
Node mode??

 

4 Replies to “Introducing: STATUS First look prototype, bits and pieces”

    1. Not sure at the moment – I am aiming for before Christmas, I want a few more features to be ready in software.
      Rough cost is awaiting a bit more hardware readiness.

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