I have been using MyDMX for about a year now, and everything runs just fine most of the time, but then when I go to re-open a file...sometimes the software basically shows me the info that is in the file, but I have no control over any of it. What I mean is, I can move the faders, but nothing happens at the fixtures. When I go into the USER tab, the red "Auto" button at the bottom of each fader is on, and. I can change the setting, but I still have absolutely no control over anything. Is this a known problem?
I have run this on 3 separate computers running XP and Vista, and the same thing keeps happening. It recognizes the USB dongle and runs fine, somwtimes for days. Then one day, it will simply stop working, and I have to uninstall the software and reinstall it again to make it work again. There is the same thing on all 3 systems, so I was wondering what might be causing this to happen. I am using a terminator at the end of my approx 150' run. Thanks.

Ok, Are you using the latest software version from our website? Also can you try another USB cable to confirm its not the cable crapping out on you. This has been a issue with some people. Let me know.
Sincerely,

And are you using actual DMX cable?
Sincerely,

We are using custom made Canare StarQuad Cabling, which I was told was good for DMX applications. The only thing I would question is running through a snake (100') but each pair is foil shielded, and worked just fine many times.

Actually, I just realized it does the same thing when the dongle is unplugged. That would rule out the USB cable. I can't find the version number anywhere, so I don't know what it is. I do know the last time we installed the software was before Christmas, and it was tha latest from the ADJ website. Thanks

click on the "?" and then hit about. your software version will be displayed aswell as the serial number of the dongle I believe if it is connected.
Sincerely,

The version of the software we are using is VER:2.00 and the serial number is S/N:61875397 Thanks!

um no i meant the software date? like our latest is jun 5th 2008. Let me know. Thanks
Sincerely,

I have the June 5th 2008 version.

Thats Our latest version. Still seems like a DMX issue. Are these actual DMX cables? like our accu cable? i know you were told they were "Good" for DMX but Are they built in the DMX specs.? Let me know. Or try using a short cable and go into just one fixture and see how it acts.
Sincerely,

I have tried using a single DMX cable with one fixture, and the same thing happens. It also happens when the dongle is not even plugged in. There doesn't even need to anything plugged into the computer, and the same thing still happens. That would rule out cabling and the dongle wouldn't it? We reinstalled the software 2 weeks ago and have done 2 shows with no problem, but it always seems to work for a while and then the software crashes again. We have not changed the setup, as this is a fixed installation in a theater right now. It has been the same configuration and location since the beginning of december.

Ok give me the computer specs on the machine currently running the software. Also explain to me that the software responds fine but nothing happens on the lights but you say if you are not using the USB the same thing happens? WHat happeneds when the USB is not connected?
Sincerely,

I'd also like to know what other applications are installed on the computer, as well as any other active services.

For example, just in case you weren't aware of it: Wireless is a total party pooper when it comes to performance. Case and point: I can get smoother performance out of any computer by disabling the wireless networking(assuming there is wireless networking hardware installed) and can cause problems in many applications. In my case, yes, MIDI and audio performance(ProTools, Sonar Home 6, Sony Vegas 8.0c) suffers. If I disable the wireless adaptor, well, what do you know, it's behaving just fine now.

But there may also be tons of other things you don't need that are running without your knowledge or permissio. Invoke the task manager. Apple seems to feel that with Quicktime, we all have iPods and we all download music. Well, I got an iPhone, and I'll put my own damn music on there, thankyou very much. But that's not my point. You may have, via the latest updates of Apple's Quicktime, installed Bonjour as well as a small set of services involving ipods and iTunes. If you're not using these or not actively using them, disbale or uninstall them depending on what is best for your circumstances.

What about other factors? Let's drop wireless and just focus on networking. Why? well, are you one of those on a "connected right up to the broadband"? Well, then you've been attacked, so that might explain a lot as you've been bot'ed. Or are you wireless and running your RF with no security? Them chances are you've been attacked while someone else is enjoying your free network. Are your AV scans up to date? Current definitions? Spybot S&D 1.62 installed and current and recently run?

Oh, Canare StarQuad is audio cable. You should have used the AES/EBU cabling. It's rated properly. But if you're experiencing problems without the dongle plugged in, we gotta fix that first. I think some installer had Canare QuarStar laying around and instead of buying the right stuff, went ahead and used that stuff instead. Canare QuadStar is great stuff, but it's the wrong stuff for your application. That would be the cause of other problems.

Jingles...I appreciate your replies. I think ADJ support has been the best support I have had to use so far. As far as other programs on the computers...the laptops have many other programs as well as wireless networking, but the current computer we are using is the desktop with windows XP. There is no networking on this pc...Wired or wireless. We gave this one over to use for the lighting only, as this is a fixed install. Anything I could try? Everything worked just fine in 3 services yesterday for a total of about 10 hours of continuous operation. Who knows when it will crash again though?

my last try would be for you to use a DMX opto Branch 4. Chris knows about these dont you chris? If that doesnt help then i am out of ideas and will be taking this matter to our developers.
http://www.elationlighting.com...gory=DMX%20Solutions
These types of splitters are ALWAYS recommended for our my dmx and compu live instals, the USB cable simply doesnt put out the same power as a DMX console would so it needs a boost and thats what the opto branch 4 does. it boost the signal and electronically & optically isolates it.
Sincerely,

Also Please Try a different USB cable. And let me know.
Sincerely,

Well, I can't concurr completely with Jingles about the OptoBranch4. I will say I own one and am thoroughly pleased with it and have ZERO complaints about this unit. I think that's a bit much for the moment, but I think it's a wise future purchase for nearly any lighting rig, fixed or mobile. For reasons of safeguarding your controller(say, the MyDMX dongle), right there is reason enough to own one.

I do agree with trying another USB cable, but you're complaining of issues that don't involve the USB dongle even being attached. Still, trying another KNOWN GOOD cable is a good idea.

I think we need to know computer specs. You're also not sharing requested information.

If you have the time, this is what I recommend. Well, I recommend this anyways. I'm into "purpose built" machines: The system is optimized around the MAIN applications intended to run on it. Perhaps, it's time to wipe that desktop and go back to "Factory fresh" or at least a fresh clean load of XP. Build the system back up one step at a time(Step 1: all the updates, yes ALL of them..... Step 2: main apps, set restore points before and after each install)

It could very well be something you didn't expect.

Another issue: WHen you boot, do you have the dongle plugged in? I get better reliability results when I don't have the dongle plugged un during boot and load after login. I plug in the dongle, let it be recognized, then run MyDMX and works every time. but, when I do the Sac Horror Film Fest shows, with everything already in place, I just simply power up FOH(which includes the laptop with dongle already plugged in) and within 5 minutes, I'm up and rolling agian.

The lack of consistency is what bothers me.

I'll have to check the exact computer specs when I get back to the computer system we are currently using. It is at another location than where I am. I just didn't want you to think I am ignoring your post. A appreciate your help. Thanks again!