FreeStyler

[Zach]

Is it possible to use the diy dmx shield to buffer the usb output of a
program like FreeStyler incase of a computer failure? My goal is to
have a simple open dmx converter but have the arduino keep the last
known values incase of a usb failure.

[Peter Knight]

The SerialToDmx example sketch with DmxSimple does most of that.
http://code.google.com/p/tinkerit/wiki/SerialToDmx

You'll need to tweak that and/or freestyler to get them talking the
same protocol.

One thing to be aware of: when USB reinitialises after a
disconnection, it resets the Arduino - resetting the light show. If
that is a problem, cut the RESET-EN link on the Arduino board. (You
will need to reconnect it to reprogram the Arduino.)