NSI console and Leviton Dimmer Packs

Esoteric

Well-Known Member
So I have a client who is running some Leviton dimmer packs (DMX). He was running them on a NSI 7016 and they run okay, but he does not have the functionality that he needs. So he got a Strand 300 for free and hooked it up, and the dimmer packs flash intermittently. He tried another console and they flash. The only one they do not flash with is the NSI (which has a DMX conversion on it). This has me thinking that it is not each piece of hardware, but rather the interactions. I am going out to test it for them, but does anyone have any heads ups on NSI consoles or Leviton dimmer packs that I should know about?

Mike
 
I might guess the data rate's not within what the dimmers will handle .. though I could be wrong; I've been wrong plenty before.
 
That is very odd. But it shouldn't be hard to diagnose, I have an old Dove pack that should let me know if the data signal is off.

Mike
 
The dimmer packs are Leviton native DMX (D4DMX packs). The NSI board has the DMX converter on it, in fact it is the only console of the three that the packs work with.

Mike
 
Either three pin or 5 pin and a converter, I am not sure what the NSI 7165 outputs.

Mike
 
Either three pin or 5 pin and a converter, I am not sure what the NSI 7165 outputs.

Mike


I'll assume that's a typo and you meant to type 7516. When the DMX option is installed into the 7500 series controller it uses the 5 pin XLR output only. The three pin XLR is Microplex. This might be your problem.
 
I'll assume that's a typo and you meant to type 7516. When the DMX option is installed into the 7500 series controller it uses the 5 pin XLR output only. The three pin XLR is Microplex. This might be your problem.

Except that the Leviton DMX dimmers work with the NSI and not with the Strand.

Mike
 
Give me a call tomorrow and we'll figure it out.

I don't have access right now, I am doing preliminary research for a client that I am going out to see next week. I like to get all the info I can before I go and I do not work a lot with NSI or Leviton dimmers very often, and I always like ot go in with a possible solution in mind. This one seemed very strange to me because the problem roams through packs and channels and the fact that the dimmers only work with the NSI (through the converter).

Mike
 
That must be for Kevin.

You might also check termination; that might mess with things, either too much or too little termination.

A known-good generator and test device (a board and a Track or something like that) might be handy if you've got that on hand.
 
That must be for Kevin.

You might also check termination; that might mess with things, either too much or too little termination.

A known-good generator and test device (a board and a Track or something like that) might be handy if you've got that on hand.

Yup, I am heading out there Tuesday so I figured I would do a little research before hand. I am calling Leviton and NSI tomorrow. I like to be prepared, especially on equipment I don't deal with on a daily basis.

Most of those packs don't require termination, but I will ask Leviton about it tomorrow.

Yeah, I am taking my Dove dimmer pack and my Enttec USB pro and MagicQ (if it gets here) or my OLD OLD OLD scene setter 24 (if it doesn't).

I like to be prepared (as you can tell by my posts on the lighting design tool thread), and do as much as I can ahead of time (saves me headaches and my clients money).

Mike
 
Did you get that Obsession yet Wayne? On the bad side I am not convinced that the board was the problem so you might not pick up a cheap Strand. ;-)

Mike
 
Did you get that Obsession yet Wayne? On the bad side I am not convinced that the board was the problem so you might not pick up a cheap Strand. ;-)

Mike

Yep, the O/600 came in today. Pretty board, case and all. Tested it out this evening, seems to work fine. Now for the hard part, switching my brain from Expression syntax to LP syntax. :)
 
Hahahaha. Let me know how it works.

Mike
 
When you've got a actual layout of the plug configuration, give me a call. I'm sure we'll be able to figure out the problem.

Hey Bill I got you in my phone if I need any help I will give you a ring.

Mike
 
Hey Bill you and Wayne were right, among other problems was a DMX timing issue. You can not change the DMX timing on the Strand 300. Strand recommended putting a DMX Opto-Splitter in line with the dimmers/console. Do you guys think an Elation Opto-Splitter would do the trick? Seems like it would, but I thought I would ask. What was odd, was that when we turned all 16 channels up, no problem. But one at a time or in pairs, and we have an issue.

Mike
 
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Well the Splitter idea didn't work. Now it is off to DFD to see if they have something or time for a new console.

Mike
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