Sending Raw Frames (custom Start Code) Over OLA? (Enttec)

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Introduction

OLA (Open Lighting Architecture) is a popular open-source lighting control system that allows users to control and monitor lighting systems using a variety of protocols, including DMX and RDM. In this article, we will explore the possibility of sending raw frames with custom start codes over OLA using an Enttec DMX USB PRO device.

Background

The Enttec DMX USB PRO is a popular USB-to-DMX converter that allows users to control DMX lighting systems using a computer. The device has a built-in API that allows users to send DMX packets directly to the device. However, when using OLA to control the device, the API is not directly accessible, and the device is managed by OLA.

The Problem

The problem is that OLA does not provide a direct API for sending raw frames with custom start codes. The OLA API is designed to work with the DMX and RDM protocols, but it does not allow users to specify the start code of the frame. This means that users are limited to using the default start codes provided by OLA, which are 0x00 for DMX and 0xCC for RDM.

Analysis of the OLA API

To understand why OLA does not provide a direct API for sending raw frames with custom start codes, we need to analyze the OLA API. The OLA API is designed to work with the DMX and RDM protocols, and it uses a variety of classes and functions to manage the protocols. The main classes used in the OLA API are:

  • ola::client::OlaClient: This class represents the client-side of the OLA API. It provides functions for sending DMX and RDM packets to the server.
  • ola::client::StreamingClient: This class represents a streaming client that can send DMX and RDM packets to the server.
  • ola::DmxBuffer: This class represents a buffer of DMX data. It provides functions for setting and getting DMX data.

Analysis of the Enttec API

The Enttec API is designed to work with the DMX and RDM protocols, and it provides functions for sending DMX and RDM packets to the device. The main functions used in the Enttec API are:

  • Output Only Send DMX Packet Request: This function sends a DMX packet to the device. It takes a buffer of DMX data as input, and it returns the number of bytes sent.
  • Send RDM Packet Request: This function sends an RDM packet to the device. It takes a buffer of RDM data as input, and it returns the number of bytes sent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the OLA API does not provide a direct API for sending raw frames with custom start codes. The API is designed to work with the DMX and RDM protocols, and it does not allow users to specify the start code of the frame. However, the Enttec API provides functions for sending DMX and RDM packets to the device, and it allows users to specify the start code of the frame.

Solution

To send raw frames with custom start codes over OLA using an Enttec DMX USB PRO device, we need to use the Enttec API directly. We can use the Output Only Send DMX Packet Request or Send RDM Packet Request functions to send a DMX or RDM packet to the device, respectively. We can specify the start code of the frame by setting the first byte of the buffer to the desired start code.

Example Code

Here is an example of how to use the Enttec API to send a DMX packet with a custom start code:

#include <enttec_api.h>

int main() {
  // Create a buffer of DMX data
  uint8_t buffer[512];
  buffer[0] = 0x12; // Custom start code
  // ... set the rest of the buffer to the desired DMX data ...

  // Send the DMX packet to the device
  int bytes_sent = OutputOnlySendDmxPacketRequest(buffer, 512);
  if (bytes_sent < 0) {
    // Error handling ...
  }

  return 0;
}

And here is an example of how to use the Enttec API to send an RDM packet with a custom start code:

#include <enttec_api.h>

int main() {
  // Create a buffer of RDM data
  uint8_t buffer[512];
  buffer[0] = 0x12; // Custom start code
  // ... set the rest of the buffer to the desired RDM data ...

  // Send the RDM packet to the device
  int bytes_sent = SendRdmPacketRequest(buffer, 512);
  if (bytes_sent < 0) {
    // Error handling ...
  }

  return 0;
}

Note that these examples assume that the Enttec API is installed and configured correctly on the system. Additionally, the examples assume that the buffer is large enough to hold the desired DMX or RDM data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the OLA API does not provide a direct API for sending raw frames with custom start codes. However, the Enttec API provides functions for sending DMX and RDM packets to the device, and it allows users to specify the start code of the frame. By using the Enttec API directly, users can send raw frames with custom start codes over OLA using an Enttec DMX USB PRO device.

Future Work

Future work could include:

  • Developing a wrapper library for the Enttec API that provides a more convenient and user-friendly interface for sending DMX and RDM packets.
  • Adding support for other protocols, such as Art-Net and sACN.
  • Improving the performance and reliability of the Enttec API.

References

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the possibility of sending raw frames with custom start codes over OLA using an Enttec DMX USB PRO device. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about sending raw frames with custom start codes over OLA.

Q: What is the Enttec DMX USB PRO device?

A: The Enttec DMX USB PRO is a popular USB-to-DMX converter that allows users to control DMX lighting systems using a computer. It has a built-in API that allows users to send DMX packets directly to the device.

Q: Why can't I use the OLA API to send raw frames with custom start codes?

A: The OLA API is designed to work with the DMX and RDM protocols, but it does not allow users to specify the start code of the frame. This means that users are limited to using the default start codes provided by OLA, which are 0x00 for DMX and 0xCC for RDM.

Q: Can I use the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes?

A: Yes, you can use the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes. The Enttec API provides functions for sending DMX and RDM packets to the device, and it allows users to specify the start code of the frame.

Q: How do I use the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes?

A: To use the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes, you need to create a buffer of DMX or RDM data and set the first byte of the buffer to the desired start code. Then, you can use the OutputOnlySendDmxPacketRequest or SendRdmPacketRequest functions to send the packet to the device.

Q: What are the benefits of using the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes?

A: The benefits of using the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes include:

  • Flexibility: You can specify the start code of the frame, which allows you to use custom protocols or protocols that are not supported by OLA.
  • Performance: The Enttec API provides direct access to the device, which can improve performance compared to using OLA.
  • Reliability: The Enttec API provides a more reliable way to send packets to the device, as it avoids the potential issues with OLA's packet handling.

Q: What are the limitations of using the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes?

A: The limitations of using the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes include:

  • Complexity: The Enttec API requires more complex code to use, as you need to manage the buffer and packet handling yourself.
  • Error handling: You need to handle errors and exceptions yourself, which can be more complex than using OLA.
  • Compatibility: The Enttec API may not be compatible with all devices or protocols, so you need to check the compatibility before using it.

Q: Can I use the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes in a production environment?

A: Yes, you can use the Enttec API to send raw frames with custom start codes in a production environment. However, you need to ensure that the code is reliable, efficient, and well-tested before deploying it in a production environment.

Q: What are the future plans for the Enttec API?

A: The future plans for the Enttec API include:

  • Improving the API documentation and examples to make it easier for users to use the API.
  • Adding support for other protocols, such as Art-Net and sACN.
  • Improving the performance and reliability of the API.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Enttec API provides a way to send raw frames with custom start codes over OLA using an Enttec DMX USB PRO device. While it requires more complex code and error handling, it provides flexibility, performance, and reliability. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with a better understanding of the Enttec API and its benefits and limitations.

References