Wireless Lighting Control with the Arduino and Vixen - Part 1

[@thepenguinexhibit9070]

The state setup in your code helped me get past the 64 byte issues I was having with arduino and vixen. Thank you for this example!!

[@duncanyoung8688]

Hi what version of vixen was used in vid? cheers

[@jaykotak4874]

Hey akiba...How can I contact you ???

[@voltlog]

A very good tutorial but I would suggest uploading in at least 720p because in 480p the code is not very readable.

[@akibafreaks]

+VoltLog Actually, I need to upload the code. Even at 720p, it would be hard to read the code so it's best to follow along with the video and having the code on your own PC. I should be uploading and finishing part2 this week :)

[@voltlog]

+akibafreaks I agree, the code is needed as is, separately, but you still need to see it in the video just to follow along nicely. I am waiting for part2, thank you!

[@unclemoki6502]

I'm trying to figure out how to "sniff" the sequencer data sent by Vixen but I can't figure out which Freaklabs boards you are using or how you wired/set them up. Can you provide any details about how you did that, something I could use to try to mimic that "sniffing" step using my Arduino Uno R3 (sequencer) and maybe one of the dev boards I already have handy (Pi Zero, Adafruit Feather Huzzah and Adafruit Circuit Playground)?

[@akiba6915]

Hi Uncle Moki. The sniffer I'm using is the one I designed for 802.15.4. There's more info in this tutorial: archive.freaklabs.org/index.php/tutorials/software/sniffing-the-internet-of-things-with-wireshark-sensniff-and-freaklabs.html For the Huzzah, you can try to use a wifi sniffer as well. It really depends on which protocol you use.

[@mikebaria7428]

Thanks Chris - I'm actually not doing any wireless stuff right now, just trying to learn Vixen and see what kind of DIY setup I can create with some of the boards I've picked-up (wireless is a future phase). At the 5:12 mark in the video you had Vixen talking to the fist board over USB. Then you used a 2nd board to echo the data back out to Tera Term. I'm trying to do the same thing with Vixen and my Uno. It was suggested that what I'm looking for is something (a board or cable) to serve as a TTL to USB converter. Is that essentially what you did in the video using a FreakUSB?

[@mikebaria7428]

Got it worked out ... basically used a SoftwareSerial TX pin on the Uno and connected it to the RX pin of the Feather Huzzah. That allowed me to see the VixenLight data going into the Uno and out to a terminal emulator connected to the Feather. I think that's basically what you were doing with the Freakduino boards, I just didn't know it when I was watching. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@eduards9868]

Hello, Does PC Should be always plugged in? Even when sequence is played? If yes, then is theres any way to save it to Arduino memory?

[@jerrygeorge1620]

Is arduino mega can run pixel led and relay in one board using vixen software? for my christmas light show....

[@kingdavid4463]

Can someone give me link to the arduino code please?? Btw great explanation of Vixen.

[@kotexico]

hello!!! I got problem with the COM. Firstly, I'm using El Sequencer instead of using others boards. I set Vixen and my board is connected to PC. When I try to run TeraTerm, he says me "COM denied". Don't understand how akiba run his TeraTerm and his board an his Vixen at the same time =S

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

Hi. Is it necessary. To keep the arduino attached. To the comp while setting up the. vixen sequences. Or just keep it aside .

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

Hi where r u. I. M having a problem. It s. Showing. error parsing time Format';, millisecond> ater putting the full songs joy to the world. For the parameter. Like listen to the song and. Then. Stop when i stop. I hv to press ok. Nothing is coming but shows error pls help. Thanks

[@dahrchan]

Great tutorial, I think I will definitely try this out with a neopixel led strip. Btw, what was the song you used?

[@akibafreaks]

The song was Chungas Revenge by the Gotan Project. Good luck with your lighting project !

[@pepisbekonx]

Hello, I am asking for the 16 channel coding code?

[@fjarcella1283]

Anyone have the scetch of this for the lights

[@ikontact]

Which COM Ports do you use on the Arduino and Vixen? I tried using the same COM Ports for both (which is the COM Port which my Arduino is connected to) and it when I try and play the song through Vixen, nothing happens.

[@michaelscott3880]

Do I need to use one of your boards or can I use an UNO? Do I have to hack the hardware if I use an uno?

[@akibafreaks]

An Uno is possible to control the lights but you would need a separate radio for the wireless. The freakduino has on board wireless radio to communicate and remotely control the lights.

[@kg7yts187]

So this coding is just to allow Vixen to communicate with the arduino?

[@akibafreaks]

KG7YTS Yes, its to allow vixen to talk to Arduino and then send data out wirelessly to trigger lights

[@Richyboy64]

hey man! Can i use Vixen to put continous music & sequences like in a Party? or hoy recommend another software THANK YOU TO REPLY

[@akiba6915]

I don't think you can do a playlist right now. That would be interesting to test out.

[@김병훈-i6b]

skech Do not show

[@akibafreaks]

The sketch is on the website in the link.