Multiverse transmitter issues

[Rainmaker]

Hi all

Last season, I bought a shiny new multiverse transmitter and 5 receivers. I have the transmitter connected directly to my Ion Xe running current firmware. The transmitter is on the catwalk and each of my 4 electrics has a receiver. Pipes 1 and 2 are set to universe 2 and 3 and 4 are set to universe 3.

My problem is that I seemingly "lose connection" between the transmitter and pipes 3/4. It usually happens after the system has been idle for a bit but this last week it happened in the middle of a tech rehearsal. When this happens, I have to power cycle my system (non dim relays (my entire rig is LED and/or multi parameters) all patched to channel 999) and sometimes the transmitter itself. The system power cycle reboots the receivers which 9/10 times works and everything begins to respond again and the 1/10 time, I have to power cycle the transmitter.

Has anyone had similar issues or any fixes? I have moved the receivers more in line with the transmitter, the max distance between the transmitter and the receiver on 4E is ~35' and there's only the proscenium (wood and Sheetrock) between the transmitter and the receivers.

 

[Harrison Hohnholt]

I am not 100% sure, without knowing the firmware you are on, but you probably need a firmware update on the transmitter. This was a known issue a couple releases ago.

If you need additional direct support you can email [email protected] or call 201.549.1160 and either Janelle or myself can help.

 

[Rainmaker]

I am not 100% sure, without knowing the firmware you are on, but you probably need a firmware update on the transmitter. This was a known issue a couple releases ago.

If you need additional direct support you can email [email protected] or call 201.549.1160 and either Janelle or myself can help.

Thanks. Looking at the instructions PDF, it seems relatively straightforward. What is the chance of completely bricking it if I do it wrong?

 

[Harrison Hohnholt]

As long as you do not lose the connection when you are transferring the firmware you should be good.

 

[almorton]

As long as you do not lose the connection when you are transferring the firmware you should be good.

Isn't that a bit chicken and egg - in order to apply the firmware update that stops the unit losing the connection it's necessary that the unit doesn't lose the connection?

 

[Harrison Hohnholt]

Over the air updates are only for the DMXcat portion of the Multiverse Transmitter.

The firmware you need to update is done through a local network. So the connection I was referencing was the physical connection. When updating I have had the best luck connecting directly to the computer I was using to update the device.

If you are alright with clicking download links you can get the update instructions here: https://www.citytheatrical.com/docs...re-update-instructions.pdf?sfvrsn=9574f016_11.

Otherwise you can find it in the downloads section of the Multiverse transmitter page: https://www.citytheatrical.com/prod...verse-wireless-dmx-rdm/multiverse-transmitter

 

[almorton]

Ah, right, that make sense.

 

[Rainmaker]

Over the air updates are only for the DMXcat portion of the Multiverse Transmitter.

The firmware you need to update is done through a local network. So the connection I was referencing was the physical connection. When updating I have had the best luck connecting directly to the computer I was using to update the device.

If you are alright with clicking download links you can get the update instructions here: https://www.citytheatrical.com/docs...re-update-instructions.pdf?sfvrsn=9574f016_11.

Otherwise you can find it in the downloads section of the Multiverse transmitter page: https://www.citytheatrical.com/prod...verse-wireless-dmx-rdm/multiverse-transmitter

I've read those instructions but to be clear, I need to connect the transmitter directly to my laptop via Ethernet cable and do the firmware update that way?

 

[Jay Ashworth]

Isn't that a bit chicken and egg - in order to apply the firmware update that stops the unit losing the connection it's necessary that the unit doesn't lose the connection?

Yup. You should never do a firmware update over a wireless connection, unless you're sure the device is smart enough to put the file in a temp and CRC it before switching over to it.

 

[TimMc]

I've read those instructions but to be clear, I need to connect the transmitter directly to my laptop via Ethernet cable and do the firmware update that way?

Yes.

 

[Rainmaker]

Thanks for all the help. Will be trying tomorrow morning, will report back if it works or if i made a really expensive paperweight

 

[TimMc]

Thanks for all the help. Will be trying tomorrow morning, will report back if it works or if i made a really expensive paperweight

Don't disconnect or power-down any part of the device chain while the update is taking place and it should be trouble free.

 

[Rainmaker]

Well, good news is that I do not have a paperweight.

I know most of us are computer savvy but I think it would be helpful to have some reference images because I tried following the instructions and had to try a couple of different IP address/Ethernet port configurations before it finally sent the new firmware.

 

[Harrison Hohnholt]

I am glad the update went well!

I will see if engineering can update the instructions with some images.