Data Communications

Once music is set, the patterns chosen, the lights rigged up, then its time for the computer to give commands to the system. Vixen sends signals out through the printer port on the computer into a special made cable that converts D25 pin layout to RJ45 pin layout. The RJ45 uses CAT5 cable similar to Ethernet/DSL/Internet connection cabling. This cable connects the computer to the sub processor boards (Grinchs) working in tandem. Having the signals sorted and divided into 32 groups of 4, each of the quad signals leave the Grinchs on a CAT5 heading toward the SSRs. Terminating at the SSR, the signal is broken down and sent to it own channel. For our system, we needed 33 custom made cables to reach outside to the various SSRs on the house and in the yard. Buying ready-made cables is too cost prohibitive so we made our own. A box of CAT5 cable can be bought at home supply centers for about 70 dollars per 1000 ft of cable. Buy a few more RJ45 cable ends than necessary in case of bad connections. Be sure to leave a bit of slack in the cable to prevent stretching it and in case you want to move your connection location as your display evolves.