Help With Falcon Controller Software For F16v1 Using FPD

[tcom_jim]

I bought a FPD and two F16v1s back in 2014.

I found out last year that the main RJ-45 port on my FPD wasn't working.  I was able to use it the past two seasons since I was able to remap the channels on the FPP to the third RJ-45.

I want to start working on the additions to the display for 2020, so I need the port and I want the ability to reconfigure my F16v1s with the Falcon Controller Software v1.2.3.

I want to see if I remember how to program the F16v1 correctly.

1. Set the jumpers to Universe 1 & 2 even if I plan on setting the F16v1 to Universe 3, 4, or 3&4.
2. Set the F16v1 DIP switches to match the display in the Falcon Controller Software.
3. Connect only the the primary RJ-45 port on the FPD.
4. Put the FPP into bridge mode.
5. Point the Falcon Controller software to the FPP and use the FPD method.

Does all of this sound correct?  I've searched the archives and the Wiki appears to go to dead links because I was sure I remembered reading somewhere that the primary RJ-45 on the FPD had to be used.

In case I can't get the primary port to work, I did buy a FTDI USB to RS-485 dongle.  I see that Falcon controller software allows the selection of a COM port, but I'm not sure how that works.  I haven't been able to find anything about how to use the USB to RS-485 dongle with the Falcon Controller Software and the F16v1.  It does appear to be detected by the FPP and the blue status light flashes when the FPP is in Bridge mode.

As a quick aside, I believe I found the problem with the main port.  The 5V to 5V isolated supply is dead when there are any of the devices that use power supply are inserted.  I've ordered some replacement supplies (as a note, the CUI supply was MD'ed, but I was able to find a Murata pin compatible replacement at DigiKey).  I'll probably have it repaired soon, so I can use that port.

I need to come up with some method of configuring the F-16v1s. I don't have an EtherDongle. I only have the FPP/FPD and the USB to RS-485 dongle.

Thanks,

Jim

[CaptainMurdoch]

You can use the USB RS485 dongle with FPP to configure the F16v1 if you can't get it to work through the FPD.  I still have two F16v1's, but sold my FPD and EtherDongle years ago.

You don't need to put FPP into bridge mode, the controller software should be able to program via FPP in any mode.  When I first setup my F16v1's, I fixed several setup issues while playing a sequence in master/remote mode.  The lights on the house would flash briefly when the controller received the config packet and then would resume playing.

[tcom_jim]

Thanks for the help.

I'll try the USB to RS-485 tomorrow.

[tcom_jim]

I wanted to do a quick followup to my FPD repair.  I didn't look at the Murata data sheet closely enough.  It is not a compatible package or pinout.

I ended up having to dead bug the Murata supply to the PCB via some stranded wire.  It works now, but if anyone finds this via a search, I couldn't find a pin compatible supply for the 5V to 5V isolated supply.

Jim

As a quick aside, I believe I found the problem with the main port.  The 5V to 5V isolated supply is dead when there are any of the devices that use power supply are inserted.  I've ordered some replacement supplies (as a note, the CUI supply was MD'ed, but I was able to find a Murata pin compatible replacement at DigiKey).  I'll probably have it repaired soon, so I can use that port.