Lightpack software now works with Adalight

[pburgess]

(Thanks to user 'smajor' for spotting this. I was supposed to be watching for the impending update, but got distracted!)

The software portion of Lightpack, another ambient monitor lighting kit, is now (as of v5.8) compatible with the Adalight hardware. This is a native Windows application with a nice GUI that sits discreetly in the taskbar until needed. This may perform better than the Processing-based Adalight software on some systems, and (in DirectX mode) should also be compatible with more games.

A pre-compiled version for Windows is available here:
http://code.google.com/p/lightpack/downloads/list

(Only the file 'Software_5.8.zip' is needed -- don't use the firmware there; instead, the regular LEDstream Arduino sketch included with Adalight will work.)

As it's not our software and I don't know my way around the source code, afraid we can't provide tech support for this. The project wiki might be your best bet for answers. I can offer a few observations, and would encourage others to share their insights here.

- The software runs in both Windows XP and Windows 7. In both cases though, it didn't work on the first try...I had to launch the software, set it to 'Adalight' mode and set up the COM port, then exit and re-start. After that, everything was good. You can find the COM port name from Devices & Printers or the System control panel. You'll also have to shuffle around all the sampling rectangles to match your Adalight LED layout, and then you're set.

- There's a download link for a Linux version, but I've not been able to get this to work. Very nice Debian package installer, takes care of all the prerequisite libraries, but no love for the lights.

- They also say the source can compile on Mac, but I've not tried this yet. Since all the DirectX performance stuff is going to be Windows-specific anyway, there's not likely to be much difference vs. the standard Adalight code...so Mac & Linux users may just want to stay with that for the time being, less headache.

[garrettwp]

I'll have to give this software a try. Installed it and like the fact that you can position the blocks to where you want, which is a great option for movies that contain black bars. You can also have multiple profiles and create new ones based on content. The only draw back is that it only supports up to 50 leds!

- Garrett

[Simtechray]

Anyone get this up and running yet?
I have it installed and working but I'm getting a random flash happening on all leds, full brightness, random interval.
Anyone see anything similar or have suggestion to fix?

[pburgess]

I'm getting a random flash happening on all leds, full brightness, random interval.

Interesting, it runs buttery smooth here, so I can't say for certain, but any flickering would most likely occur if the software can't issue a steady stream of data to the USB port. Do you have something (like maybe an external hard drive) sharing the bus? Is the CPU swamped with other tasks? (e.g. older system decoding video and running Lightpack at the same time). Does the regular Adalight software run OK, or does it exhibit the same symptom?

[ajstrande]

I second the random flashes. You can see it clearly when credits are running after the movie. When running Adalight it's ok.

[Taifuuni]

I've used this for a month now compiling my own builds and I haven't seen any flickering what so ever.

[narfel]

Will it be possible in the futere to create application profiles with Lightpack? So the software will only start processing the screen information if you, for example run your media player?

Will it someday be possible to support games right away (i know there is a workaround but thats not really comfortable)?

I second the random flashes. You can see it clearly when credits are running after the movie. When running Adalight it's ok.

So far that sounds normal, as soon as a text from the credits crosses on of the monitored light-zones it has to flash? Or is it something else?

[swissarmy]

Lightpack software is created by inventive guys from another project called.... LIGHTPACK .

If you want to make a request for additional features you have to go here:

http://code.google.com/p/lightpack/issues/list

and press the "NEW ISSUE" button.


Don't worry, they speak English, I've already made some suggestions about software and they even approved it.

BTW, as far as I know they've already been working about a fix for DX 9/10/11 games.