[ENTTEC Support Center] Recently Changed Articles

DMXIS causes clicks in iTunes audio

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:03:45 GMT

## Problem When iTunes is playing, clicks are heard in the audio when I load a new DMXIs preset. ## Solution Open the DMXIS preferences window (DMXIS>Preferences menu) and choose a different output soundcard e.g. [CoreAudio] HDMI.

How can I backup my banks & presets?

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:49:40 GMT

## Problem: I want to make a backup copy of my show (the banks & presets) for safety. How do I do this? ## Solution: Making a backup of your banks & presets is a VERY sensible idea, and we recommend you do this regularly! All DMXIS show, bank & preset files are stored here: - Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\ENTTEC\DMXIS - Vista & Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\ENTTEC\DMXIS - OS X: \Library\Application Support\ENTTEC\DMXIS (From there, the "Default" subfolder is the default show, and the "Shows" subfolder contains any custom shows you have created) Simply copy the entire "DMXIS" folder using the backup tool of your choice. To restore a lost or damaged show, simply copy the appropriate files back to their original location and restart DMXIS. Note: you can use the "Duplicate..." button in the "Manage Shows" window to create quick backup copies of your shows as you work. However, we highly recommend that you also follow the above procedure to store a separate backup copy of your show data in a safe place.

Trouble shooting the OPEN DMX USB

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:09 GMT

Please note with the recent FTDI 2 in 1 drivers, the open will now appear as a single USB to serial device. Even though you can access it using D2XX it is not displayed this way any more

Problem:

I'm having problems with my Open DMX USB

Solution:

This guide will help you troubleshoot any problems with the OPEN DMX USB

Disconnect the OPEN DMX USB and reboot your computer.
Do not start any programs, and go to step 1

1-Plug in theOpen DMX USB.

2- Please open the windows device manager and check that you have item 1 as shown in the image below

3-If items 1 is not identical on your system please install the D2XX driver
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/CDM/CDM20600.exe

4-If item 1 has a yellow exclamation mark after installing the driver, you will need to force a driver install.
Left click item 1 and select "Update Driver" and follow the screen shots below, the important settings have been highlighted in RED

5-If your device manager now looks like the one above for section 1, the OPEN DMX USB is now connected and configured correctly.If you still have problems, please check the software you are using.

6-If you still have the yellow exclamation marks or the item 1 do not appear in your device manager,
please change/swap the USB cable, USB Port. You can also try on another computer

7-After trying item 6 if the device still does not appear, please open a support ticket

Keywords: Trouble shooting the OPEN DMX USB

Cannot route MIDI data to DMXIS plug-in in SONAR

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:44:08 GMT

Problem:

I can open DMXIS as a VST plug-in within a SONAR audio track, but I cannot send MIDI data to DMXIS.

Solution:

In SONAR, if you want to send MIDI to an audio plug-in, you need to configure it as a synth. (You do this by selecting "configure as synth" in the properties window of the SONAR plug-in manager).

DMXIS will then appear in the synth section of the plug-in menu, and once opened, you will be able to select it as the destination in the output menu of any MIDI track.

See this video for more help

Keywords: SONAR MIDI DMXIS

How do I route MIDI notes into DMXIS within SONAR?

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:42:16 GMT

In SONAR, if you want to send MIDI to an audio plug-in, you need to configure it as a synth. You do this by selecting "configure as synth" in the properties window of the SONAR plug-in manager. DMXIS will then appear in the synth section of the plug-in menu, and once opened, you will be able to select it as the destination in the output menu of any MIDI track. See this video for more help: http://screencast.com/t/53TmzpjDyVh

DMXIS keeps asking for unlock code (OS X)

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:34:05 GMT

## Symptoms (you may see one or more of these) - The unlock code has been correctly entered into the DMXIS application. However, every time the application is restarted, it requests the unlock code to be entered again. - When the DMXIS application is closed, the errors "Could not write registry values" and "Problem writing preferences!" are displayed. - The DMXIS Audio Unit and VST plugin report the error "This copy of DMXIS is locked!" on startup and no DMX data is transmitted. ## Solution This may be due to a permissions issue with the OS X installation. Try repairing the permissions as follows: - Open Disk Utility (located under Applications/Utilities) - Select your Mac OS X startup volume in the column on the left of the Disk Utility window. - Click the First Aid tab. - Click the Repair Disk Permissions button.

My lighting fixture is not supported by DMXIS. How do I add it?

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:29:40 GMT

Problem:

My lighting fixture does not appear in the DMXIS fixture library. How do I add it?

Solution 1 - use the online fixture editor

The DMXIS fixture editor at http://fixtures.dmxis.com is an easy way to create your own fixture definition from the information available in your fixture manual. Once you have created and downloaded your new fixture file, follow this procedure to add it to your DMXIS installation.

Solution 2 - write a new fixture file manually

Note: fixture files are UNIX format text files! Some Windows editors (such as Notepad) are not suitable for fixture editing, as thay always save in DOS format. We use the excellent Crimson Editor for creating our fixture files on Windows)

To add a new fixture to DMXIS, you simply need to create a new file in the appropriate folder...

Windows: C:/Program Files/ENTTEC/DMXIS/DmxLibrary/
OSX : /Library/Application Support/ENTTEC/DMXIS/DmxLibrary/

The DmxLibrary folder contains a number of subfolders, one for each manufacturer. When you right-click on a channel slider, these subfolders appear as submenus. You can create your new fixture files in an existing manufacturer subfolder or create your own. The file contains a list of channels, and each channel has one or more ranges covering the full range 0-255. A range line consists of Type/Min/Max/Label fields. For example, here is a really simple 3 channel fixture file for a device with Pan, Tilt and Speed:

Pan
V,0,255,
Tilt
V,0,255,
Speed
V,0,255,

Each Channel (Pan/Tilt/Speed) contains a single range covering the full slider range 0-255. The V at the start of the range line means Variable. Variable ranges are displayed as a percentage under the DMXIS slider.

The Label field in these channels is left blank, so we only see the percentage value under the fader.

A range can also be Static. Here is a Shutter channel with simple ON/OFF states:

Shutter
S,0,127,OFF
S,128,255,ON

Note that it NEVER makes sense for a channel to contain a single static range. If you're using static, you need at least two ranges, as above. Static ranges ALWAYS need a Label too.

Many manufacturers like to cram loads of features into one channel. DMXIS can handle this by mixing Variable & Static ranges. For example, here is a simple Gobo channel with static Closed,Circle,Tunnel,Open states in the lower range, and a variable Spin feature in the upper range:

Gobo
S,0,30,Closed
S,31,60,Circle
S,61,90,Tunnel,
S,91,120,Open,
V,121,255,Spin

There are two special cases to consider. The first is the Dimmer D range type:

Dimmer
D,0,255,

Only channels of type "dimmer" will react to the Master Level control on the DMXIS main screen.

The final special case is the Blackout B range type:

Shutter
B,0,127,OFF
S,128,255,ON

What's this for? Well, some fixtures (including most cheap scanners) do not have variable dimming. But they do usually have a "closed" gobo or an on/off shutter. If this closed/off state is marked in the fixture file with the B state, then that state will be activated when the Master Level control reaches zero.

If you have any questions about writing fixture files, just submit a support ticket and we'll do our best to help. Please attach a copy of the fixture file you are having problems with.

Keywords: fixture

I have created a new fixture file - how do I install it into DMXIS?

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:22:50 GMT

Once you have created your new fixture file (manually with a text editor, or online at fixtures.dmxis.com) you need to copy the new fixture file manually into the DMXIS fixtures folder: - OS X : /Library/Application Support/ENTTEC/DMXIS/DmxLibrary/ - Windows: C:/Program Files/ENTTEC/DMXIS/DmxLibrary/ For Windows 64 bit systems, look instead under "Program Files (x86)" For OS X systems, note that you should look in the global "Library" folder under "Macintosh HD" - NOT the local "Library" folder under your user's home location.

Lights not fading smoothly when using DMXIS host

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:47:22 GMT

The DMXIS plugin synchronises to the audio fed to it by the host program. If the host uses large audio buffers (i.e. if the audio latency is more than 40ms) this will slow down the DMX refresh rate, which in turn can cause flickering lights. It can also cause your audio to run out of sync with the lighting. If your lights are flickering or not responding smoothly when using the plugin, then first check the soundcard settings in your host. Ideally, you should aim for an audio latency of less than 30ms.

DMXIS says "The FTDI Serial driver is installed on your Mac"...

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:09:57 GMT

Problem:

When starting DMXIS on OS X, the following error is displayed: "The FTDI Serial driver is installed on your Mac. This Driver prevents DMXIS from communicating with its hardware."

Solution:

On OS X, the DMXIS software communicates directly with the hardware interface via USB. If the FTDI serial driver is installed on the computer, this will block all DMXIS communications. The solution is to delete the FTDI serial driver as follows: 1) Log into OS X using the Administrator account 2) Start Terminal (located in Application > Utilities) 3) Type these commands into the Terminal (entering your admin password when prompted): - sudo rm -r /System/Library/Extensions/FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext - sudo rm -r /Library/Receipts/FTDIUSBSerialDriver.pkg 3) Restart your computer and run DMXIS - it should now connect to the hardware successfully.

OSX Pro utility detects the Pro but can't connect to it

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 02:08:10 GMT

If the Mac version of Pro utility can find the interface can't connect to it you most likely have a driver issue. You need to remove the VCP drivers installed on your MAC as they will override the D2XX drivers pro utility requires To do this please follow these instructions (from the FTDI document : http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/InstallGuides/Mac_OS_X_Installation_Guide.pdf) To remove the drivers from Mac OS X, the user must be logged on as root. Root is a reserved username that has the privileges required to access all files. Start a Terminal session (Go > Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and enter the following commands at the command prompt: cd /System/Library/Extensions rm -r FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext cd /Library/Receipts rm -r FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext The driver will then be removed from the system

How to sync a fixture's strobe speed to a host tempo?

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:32:07 GMT

### Question I'm using the DMXIS plug-in in a host application. My lighting fixture has a "Strobe Speed" feature - how do I sync the strobing speed with my host tempo? ### Answer You cannot sync a fixture's on-board strobe to the host tempo, because DMXIS cannot calculate the actual strobe speed from the fader position. For perfectly synchronised strobing, use the DMXIS oscillators instead: - Select the Dimmer fader (or RGB faders) on your fixture - Set Oscillator Type = Square - Set Oscillator Amount = 100% - Set Oscillator Speed = 1/8 bar (or whatever you need) - Set Oscillator Shape to change the strobing ratio Save this as a DMXIS preset. Whenever you recall that preset, the strobe effect will run perfectly synced to the host's current song position & tempo. This technique works well for slow stobe effects, up to 1/16 bar speeds. For really fast strobing (where sync to the host doesn't matter anyway) just revert to using the fixture's on-board strobe.

Tips to setup Luminiar App with ODE

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 03:34:35 GMT

Tips for using ODE with Luminar iOS App

Useful Tips:

1. Make sure you are using the latest version of Luminair App
http://synthe-fx.com/products/luminair

2. Both your iDevice and ODE must be on the same network (preferably using same router).

3. If you still seem to have problems, use static I.P address on your ODE, which is in close range to the iDevice I.P address
For example, the first 2 octets matching on both devices (ex. 10.7.X.X)
Here's an example of how it might look like, under Status Menu of Luminair:

4. If broadcast/multicast does not seem to work with Luminair, use Unicast:
Select Artnet under Status Menu, and turn on unicast for the selected Node:

My Mac software does not detect the DMX USB Pro

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 01:57:36 GMT

OSX 10.5 or greater does not require any drivers to be installed.
You need to plug in your DMX USB pro and that should be enough. If the software you are using does not detect it, you will need to open up System Profiler (search for it using Spotlight)
Under USB you should see the DMXUSBPro , if it is present it means the device is working properly. If your software still does not find it you will need to contact the author for help.

I've lost my registration code

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:55:23 GMT

Problem:

I have lost my registration code and the show is about to start

Solution:

A newly installed Lighfactory will run for 12 hours without a registration code, this means that if your computer dies at the worst moment you will not be stuck.

You can also reset your registration (2 times in the life of the product) using the LF Emergency Re registration

Keywords: ligthfactory registration code lost

Please explain the DMXIS licensing & unlock procedure.

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:45:20 GMT

Problem:

The DMXIS unlock process seems like challenge/response, which I've heard bad things about. For example, what if I need to unlock DMXIS quickly on a new computer, and your website is unreachable? Please explain exactly how it works.

Solution:

The DMXIS unlock scheme is less restrictive than challenge/response schemes for certain other software packages. DMXIS is NOT locked to a particular computer, but only to the DMXIS hardware box. When you purchase DMXIS, you have the right to install and use the software on as many Mac and Windows computers as you wish, and you do not need to repeatedly request new unlock codes from us. When you first run DMXIS on a new computer, with your DMXIS interface box attached, you are asked for an "unlock code" which you get from our website. This code will unlock the DMXIS software on ANY computer to which you connect your interface box. Write your unlock code down, or stick it onto your DMXIS box, and you then know you can reinstall in a live situation without needing Internet access. One thing to note - the unlock codes for Mac & PC are slightly different. So, for full peace of mind, install and unlock DMXIS on one Mac and one PC, and then keep those two unlock codes safe.

How can I create multiple shows for different lighting rigs?

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:28:16 GMT

## Problem: I want to use DMXIS with several lighting rigs, and each one needs its own banks & presets. How do I do this? ## Preferred solution: Upgrade to the latest version of DMXIS (1.1.0 or later, available for download from www.enttec.com/dmxis). The new "Show" menu allows you to manage multiple shows. ## Solution for DMXIS 1.0.4 or older: Your DMXIS banks, presets and fixture configuration are stored in the Presets folder, located here: Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\ENTTEC\DMXIS\Presets Vista: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\ENTTEC\DMXIS\Presets OS X: \Library\Application Support\ENTTEC\DMXIS\Presets In the 1.0.2 release, there is only one Preset folder. But you can easily create multiple "shows" (each with its own fixture setup, banks & presets) by creating multiple folders and renaming them when you want to switch shows. For example, say you are a mobile DJ offering your customers two different lighting options (Rig A and Rig B) for small and large gigs. - Start DMXIS and load the fixtures for Rig A. Then create some banks & presets for that rig. - Now copy & paste the ENTTEC\DMXIS\Presets folder, and rename it "ENTTEC\DMXIS\Presets-RigA" - Start DMXIS again, and modify the fixtures and banks/presets to work for Rig B. - Copy & paste the ENTTEC\DMXIS\Presets folder again, and name it "ENTTEC\DMXIS\Presets-RigB" Now, you have two "shows" saved in the two new folders. For a gig using Rig A, copy/paste the "Preset-RigA" contents into "Presets". Similarly, for Rig B, copy/paste the "Preset-RigB" contents into "Presets". In a future release, we plan to add a Load/Save mechanism to DMXIS which will do this automatically for you.

Do I Need to install drivers for on Mac OSX

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:03:47 GMT

Do I need to install drivers for DMX USB PRO on Mac OSX ?

Solution: (Mac OSX only)

OSX 10.5 or above :
Drivers are already included in OSX , you will just need to plug in the interface.
The next step will relate directly to the lighting/control software your are trying to use.
You may need to contact the support department of that product for more instructions.

OSX 10.4 and below :
Please get the drivers from here:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP/MacOSX/FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_2_14.dmg

Advanced Troubleshooting:
After looking at this Mac OSX Guide at FTDI a friendly user wrote in to us saying
-- "I note some small misprints in the Mac OS X installation Guide that might cause some people issues. On page 8, cd /System/Library/Extensions rm -r FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext cd /Library/Receipts rm -r FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext The rm's don't work they should be: sudo rm -r FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext [...] sudo rm -r FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext On page 16, cd /system/library/extensions should be cd /System/Library/Extensions Also on page 16: chgrp -R wheel FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext sudo chgrp -R wheel FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext "

Update DMX USB PRO Firmware on Mac OSX

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:53:02 GMT

I'm running under OSX and I'd like to know how to update the firmware of my widget.

Solution: (Mac OSX only)

Firmware upgrade : To upgrade you will need to get the Python script from our website and run that.
http://www.enttec.com/download/osx_dmx_usb_pro_update.zip
- If you double click on the script OSX will automatically create a APP for you, you can then run that app to upgrade the firmware.
- You will also need to put the firmware file "main.bin" in the same folder as the script or APP
- Please note that the script runs in a console so you will need to open the console Applications->Utilities->Console to view the output.
- You can also run the PY file directly without creating an app by opening a terminal
-- Applications->Utilities->Terminal and typing "python osx_dmx_usb_pro_update.py"

DMX USB Pro has stopped responding

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:38:52 GMT

My DMX USB pro has stopped responding, windows detects it but no programs can find it and the green light is hard on

Solution: (Windows only)

1. This could either be a driver issue, or your USB PRO needs to be flashed with it's firmware.
- Please try unplugging and plugging back into the computer
- If that fails you will need to re flash the firmware.

2. Download & install latest drivers for DMX USB PRO on your computer
http://www.enttec.com/dmx_usb/CDM20802.exe

3. Follow this trouble-shooting guide if you still can't get USB PRO to work
DMX USB PRO Trouble-shooting guide

The DMX USB Pro keep loosing it's firmware

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:35:40 GMT

The DMX USB Pro keeps loosing it's firmware and the LED is hard on.

Solution: (Windows only)

1. You may need to update the firmware on your USB PRO

2. Follow this guide on how to update the firmware on your USB PRO
DMX USB PRO firmware update guide

How do I update/reprogram the firmware in the DMX USB Pro ?

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:27:53 GMT

How do I update/reprogram the firmware in the DMX USB Pro ?

Solution: (Windows only)

1. Download & install "USB Pro Utility" on your computer
http://www.enttec.com/download/pro_utility_setup.exe

2. If possible, unplug any other USB hardware that is similar to USB PRO from your computer.

3. Plug the USB PRO to your computer, and open the "USB Pro Utility".
Click on "Find PRO & Connect" button and wait while the program searches for USB PRO on your computer.

4. Pro succesfully found :
- Click "Update Firmware", browse to where you installed Pro Utility

- firmware files are usually under /Program Files/ENTTEC/DMX USB PRO/
- Select the appropriate firmware file, most common is dmx_144.bin , unless you are using ENTTEC RDM Apps.
- Select the firmware file, click OK and wait for Firmware to be updated on the PRO.

- If firmware update failed , please try udpating again.
- On firmware success, you should see the PRO connected with it's serial No., and update firmware information.

Please Note: Do not use rdm_303 firmware on DMX USB PRO, it's only meant for RDM USB PRO

5. Follow this trouble-shooting guide if you encounter any problems
DMX USB PRO Trouble-shooting guide

Cannot open COM port

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:19:13 GMT

Windows detects my DMX USB Pro as a COM port but the application can't open the port ?

Solution: (Windows only)

1. This appears to be a problem with the FTDI driver or Windows.
To resovle this keep the device plugged into the computer, select the COM port in the windows device manager (labelled as 2 in the screenshot below), right click and select "Uninstall"
At this satge windows will remove the driver and rediscover the interface.
Please make sure you "UNINSTALL" and not disable

2. Download & install latest drivers for DMX USB PRO on your computer
http://www.enttec.com/dmx_usb/CDM20802.exe

3. Follow this trouble-shooting guide if you still can't get USB PRO to work
DMX USB PRO Trouble-shooting guide

Trouble Shooting DMX USB PRO: Windows

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 03:53:56 GMT

DMX USB PRO Not found, Can't Connect or Driver problems ?

Solution: (Windows only)

1. Download & install "USB Pro Utility" on your computer
http://www.enttec.com/download/pro_utility_setup.exe

2. If possible, unplug any other USB hardware that is similar to USB PRO from your computer.

3. Download & install latest drivers for DMX USB PRO on your computer
http://www.enttec.com/dmx_usb/CDM20802.exe

4. Plug the USB PRO to your computer, and open the "USB Pro Utility".
Click on "Find PRO & Connect" button and wait while the program searches for USB PRO on your computer.

You should now encounter one of the following scenarios:

5. USB PRO found , but with a message saying that you need to update firmware.
- Click OK on the message, Click "Update Firmware", browse to where you installed Pro Utility
- firmware is usually under /Program Files/ENTTEC/DMX USB PRO/
- Select the appropriate firmware file, most common is dmx_144.bin , unless you are using ENTTEC RDM Apps.
- Select the firmware file, click OK and wait for Firmware to be updated on the PRO.
- If firmware update failed , please try udpating again. If it fails the second time, go to Step 7.
- On firmware success, you should see the PRO connected with it's serial No., go to Step 8 .
Please Note: Do not use rdm_303 firmware on DMX USB PRO, it's only meant for RDM USB PRO

6. USB PRO NOT found :
Please make sure USB PRO is connected to computer & drivers have been installed,
- if possible change to another USB port, and try step 4 again
- if the Pro Utility still says not found, go to step 7 .

7. We have exhausted most of the common trouble-shooting issues,
and it seems your USB PRO could have a problem, that needs to have a deatiled look at
- Please Click "Copy Log to Clipboard" in the Utility screen.
- Go to ENTTEC Support , and paste the information in the message field
- Also add your USB PRO Serial No., so we can get back to you as quickly as possible.

8. Pro succesfully found : There seems to be no problems with your USB PRO.
- You can use "DMX Send Test", and "DMX Receive Test" to troubleshoot if DMX is being sent & received.
- If the software you are using, cannot find the USB PRO, contact the support of the relevant software.

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How do I install an older version of DMXIS on OS X?

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:46:46 GMT

If you have installed say DMXIS 1.0.4, OS X will not let you install an older version such as 1.0.3. First, you need to do the following: If you have OS X 10.4/10.5: - Open a Finder window - Navigate to /Library/Receipts - Delete "install.pkg" OR if you have OS X 10.6: - Open Terminal (under Applications/Utilities) - type "sudo pkgutil --forget com.enttec.dmxis" - Enter your admin password when prompted You should now be able to run the older DMXIS 1.0.3 installer successfully.