We proudly present: The Update for the Nodle U1

When we released the Nodle interface a few years ago, one of the reasons for this decision was that this is the only way we have access to the interface's source code and can thus also adapt or add new functions. With some interfaces from other manufacturers, we have only limited or no access. About four years ago we had already released an update for the Nodle interface, at that time with the repeater function (here again for reading: Vereinsnews - 18_KW09 - Pimp-my-Nodle / Nodle-Firmware 1.04). Now another update for the Nodle U1 follows. We are now upgrading a third standalone function: The "Static Scene Function". In addition, the interface now has a so-called Heartbeat function and you can provide your Nodle U1 with a digital label. To match this, we have now also updated the Nodle Config Tool.

The new firmware features in detail

Standalone function

There are now three standalone functions that the interface can perform when connected to a USB power supply. In the following the individual standalone functions and their effects are listed:

1. Nothing: The interface starts into standby and does nothing.
2. Repater: The interface will output all channel values it receives at the DMX-In. The DMX signal will be refreshed. The timings set in the interface are considered.
3. Static from EEPROM: The interface will read a static setting / scene from the internal memory and output these channel values continuously.

Which of the three standalone functions will be executed is now set in the updated config tool. To do this, connect the interface with the current firmware to the PC, select it in the Config Tool and click on [Connect]. Now simply select the desired behavior in the Standalone dropdown and click on [Store]. If you select the option "Static from EEPROM", you can additionally select the corresponding channel values of the static scene. For this you simply select a mode with DMX-Out. Then you set the desired channel values with the sliders. Afterwards click on [Store]. The now appearing query is confirmed with "Yes". Afterwards the current DMX-Out values are stored in the internal memory of the interface. If you click on "No" instead, the DMX value transfer is skipped and only the timing parameters, the standalone mode and the device label are stored. If you leave the DeviceLabel field empty, this will not be overwritten/updated.

Heartbeat function

The Nodle interface now has a so called Heartbeat function. The interface sends now in regular intervals a short sign of life signal to DMXControl 3. Thus DMXControl 3 recognizes now whether the interface is still active or not and can warn you in the case of a loss of communication. Thus the use of the interface becomes now safer, because you can react faster, when problems occure.

Label

Finally the firmware offers, together with the help of the Nodle Config Tool, to store an individual short description on your Nodle U1. This label makes it easier to identify your Nodle U1, especially if you have several ones in use. You can use 32 characters for the label.

News about the Nodle Config Tool

To flash the new firmware with the functions described above to the Nodle interface, you no longer need an external tool. The completely renewed Nodle-Config-Tool has received a corresponding function to update the firmware according to the Plug&Play principle. It also provides the current firmware directly, so you don't have to download another file. The same applies to interfaces that are not yet equipped with a Nodle firmware. In addition to the overhauled UI of the new Nodle Config Tool, there are serveral other new features. You can now for example execute a so-called loop-back test directly from the Nodle Config Tool - not only with your Nodle U1. You can also test your Nodle R4S with the loop-back test as shown in the screenshot.

We hope you like the new features of the interface and hope you have fun using it. All needed data you can find and download from the project site about the Nodle U1. But an important note at the end: The new firmware currently only works with the Nodle U1, i.e. the DIY version. For the Nodle R4S there will be an update for the firmware at a later date.

Your DMXControl Team