[Solved] F16V3 with two 4-port Smart Receivers

[unkool]

So I was just able to replace that cat5 cable from the main board to the first smart receiver and I now have a fully functional setup with 3 extra smart receivers.  Apparently there was just enough working with my original cable that I could limp along with 3 channels.  Plus I learned about the A/B/C setting so I don't have to immediately buy more equipment.

A HUGE thank you to everyone in this thread for their input and advice!  I don't have a massive setup, but my kids enjoy it so that's enough for me!

I'll probably post my final setup soon in case someone goes looking through this thread in the future. (and so I can remember if I screw it up)

[JonD]

I had wondered if the v3 could support smart chains after firmware version 2.5 which was released at least 3-4 years ago, but the current manual said it would not support it.  Please do post all the settings.  Glad you got it working!!!

[K-State Fan]

Glad you got it working.

With you settings post what firmware your F16V3 is running

[k6ccc]

I had wondered if the v3 could support smart chains after firmware version 2.5 which was released at least 3-4 years ago, but the current manual said it would not support it.  Please do post all the settings.  Glad you got it working!!!

That's interesting.  I had not seen that the latest manual does not mention Smart Receivers.  The version I have saved on my PC talks about it extensively.  However I did a little test.  As I type this (26 miles from home), there are three v3 Falcon controllers that I can get to - all with different firmware versions.  I told the controller to create up to three smart receivers on all three of them and the software at least allowed me to save the change.  Obviously since I'm remote, I could not hook up smart receivers and test actual lights.  The three controllers are:
F16v3 with 2.56b
F16v3 with 2.59
F4v3 with 2.55

[JonD]

Really...  The manual on-line is 1.02 and talks about firmware version 2.0.  Do you have a newer version?

[k6ccc]

Really...  The manual on-line is 1.02 and talks about firmware version 2.0.  Do you have a newer version?

I suspect that what is saved on my PC is an older version.

[JonD]

The version I have saved on my PC talks about it extensively.

The on-line F16v3 manual mentions normal receivers and 2.0 firmware, but does not mention the A/B/C/D smart mode.  I was thinking you had to be at firmware 2.5 or higher to use smart receivers.  There is a white SR manual that covers most things, and maybe that is what you were thinking about.  I did not see this feature covered in that manual either, but did kind of skim over it quickly.  I assumed the manual had not been updated, but if you have something newer I would be interested in seeing it. 

[k6ccc]

Sorry, my memory sucked.  The F16v3 manual is version 1.02 and it does not talk about smart diff. receivers.  What I was remembering was the Smart Receiver manual v1.00 which does obviously talk about smart receivers, and it specifically states on page 15 that the driving controller must be firmware version 2.50 or later.

I had been looking through both manuals in the past couple days and the brain mixed them up a bit...

[jnealand]

Just for info.  The reason you must specify that you have a phantom pysical connection is so that the software will allocate the memory table to support the additional channels.  Dave Pitts told me that years ago.  When I am short ports I always add another controller if I have one or have the time to order one.  I keep a a couple of dumb receivers around just in case I need an additional port or two as I complete my setup.  Have also replaced a failing 4 port controller using a receiver one time several years ago.  I like having no data cables in my yard.  Been there done that back in my LOR days and still have a large tub full of cat5 cables to prove it.  All FPP master remote now.

[k6ccc]

The reason you must specify that you have a phantom pysical connection is so that the software will allocate the memory table to support the additional channels.

That of course makes total sense.

I like having no data cables in my yard.  Been there done that back in my LOR days and still have a large tub full of cat5 cables to prove it.

Neither do I.  I have exactly one cat'5 cable and one power zip cord that crosses about 3 feet of lawn to my arches.  Pretty much everything else is in conduit under the yard or in the case of the pixel tree overhead from the roof eves to near the top of the tree (less than 10 foot span).  Everything is wired - either E1.31 or LOR network.

All FPP master remote now.

I gather that it's all WiFi between the Master and the remotes?

[jnealand]

@k6ccc All wifi.  I have a dedicated show wifi with the router inside my house in a closet that is along the outside wall of the front of the house.  Also the FM transmitter and the Pi master.  I get good signal and control inside my house, across the street, on my back deck, and side yard.  Been doing it that way for years.  Over a dozen remotes using Pi 3, 3B, 4, ZeroW, BBB, and BBG.  All my desktops and laptops have dual network connections with one to the home network and one to the show network.

[K-State Fan]

It has been a few years since I added a differential board to my F16V3 and I get confused with them anyway to many different types (dumb, smart, super smart)

This is how I remember setting it up,

Select "Main Board w/ One Expansion"  then go to the serial data setting and set the to "pixel data" the select the port. 1 - port 17,  2 - port 18, 3- port 19, 4 - port 20.

This might not be correct I do not do this enough and it takes me awhile to remember what I did in the past.

edited to add

Go to section 4.2.5 on page 85 of the manual linked above.

Got my display set up yesterday and powered up controllers and this is how I had it set up.

SW  v2.59 on the F16V3 and using two of the white smart receivers