DLPLIGHTCRAFTER: Does the current version LightCrafter boot when light engine is removed?

Karl Basker

Part Number: DLPLIGHTCRAFTER

Dear support,

this is my first topic on this great e2e platform, so it's possible that I posted not exactly where I should.

I am refering to this thread:

https://e2e.ti.com/support/dlp__mems_micro-electro-mechanical_systems/advanced_light_control/f/850/t/269160#pi239031350=1

where for making Lightcrafter to work after the light engine has been removed, the solution was to to downgrade MSP430 v2.5 firmware.

I'f I'm not mistaken the current version is v3.0, so I'd like you to help me understand if that issue has since been resolved in this version or not?

In our lab we want to add structured illumination system to our existing microscope and I would like to make sure we choose the right DLP module for that.

Thanks!

Karl

over 7 years ago

0 Paul Goedeke over 7 years ago

TI__Mastermind 30600 points

Hi Karl,

Thanks for posting your question and welcome to the DLP Forums!

In v3.0 this issue was not addressed unfortunately, so you'll still have choose a workaround to get this to work. You could follow the advice given in the thread you linked of removing R60 or downgrading the MSP430 software. The link for the deprecated version is here: www.ti.com/lightcrafter_msp430_code

Otherwise, if you're proficient in MSP430 coding, you could go into the code of the latest version and comment out the sensing for the thermistor and the LED voltages.

Let me know if that answers your question,
Paul

0 Karl Basker over 7 years ago in reply to Paul Goedeke

Intellectual 385 points

Thanks for quick reply, Paul!

Unfortunately I am not good enough with MSP430 programming to code it out.

Apparently, Keynote photonics makes a LC3000 without light engine, so I am checking with them if that will work for me.

Otherwise I will go with downgrading the firmware to 2.5, I am only afraid it could have "side effects".

By the way, both LCr and DLP3000 seem to be active produtcs at TI, but there seem to be no updates since 2013. Do you know if these products are planned to be in production for next 2 years at least?

Thanks!

Karl

0 Paul Goedeke over 7 years ago in reply to Karl Basker

TI__Mastermind 30600 points

Hi Karl,

The Keynote product is a good answer for your use case. If you end up going with a regular Lightcrafter, let me know if you have any issues downgrading.

As far as production timelines, I am unaware of what the production plans are for the Lightcrafter. The DLP3000 will likely be in production for another two years at least. If these production plans are of concern to you, please send me a friend request and we discuss offline.

Thanks,
Paul

0 Mark Wallace over 7 years ago in reply to Paul Goedeke

Prodigy 20 points

I would also like to downgrade my firmware to remove the LED. The link you provided is to the .msi installer. Is there a link to the actual firmware that doesn't require a windows install? Thanks!

0 Paul Goedeke over 7 years ago in reply to Mark Wallace

TI__Mastermind 30600 points

Hi Mark,

Unfortunately there is no other option - we wrap our firmware in an installer, it really just creates a file folder and copies the firmware file. The reason for this is to make sure that users accept our license agreement. Is your issue that you're using a non-windows machine?

-Paul

0 Mark Wallace over 7 years ago in reply to Paul Goedeke

Prodigy 20 points

Thanks for the response. Yes, I'm on a mac - was hoping for alternative versions.

0 Karl Basker over 7 years ago in reply to Mark Wallace

Intellectual 385 points

If I'm not mistaken, there is mac version too:
www.ti.com/.../dlplightcrafter

0 Paul Goedeke over 7 years ago in reply to Karl Basker

TI__Mastermind 30600 points

For the oldest version, we did not release at Mac version. We've been better lately about including Mac support in the newer releases, but the legacy versions are just windows.

0 Karl Basker over 7 years ago in reply to Paul Goedeke

Intellectual 385 points

Sorry, I sent a wrong link. This one seems to be the Mac version 2.0: www.ti.com/.../swlicexportcontrol.tsp

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DLPLIGHTCRAFTER: Does the current version LightCrafter boot when light engine is removed?