Lighting
High End Systems SolaPix 19 troubleshooting
The High End Systems SolaPix 19 problems live-event techs bring to Ask Roadie most (also called Sola Pix 19, SolaPix). Pick your symptom, or describe your own in plain words, and get the likeliest fix first, with the manual page when there is one.
Common SolaPix 19 errors & problems
What techs run into most, and what's usually behind it. The step-by-step fix for your exact unit is in Ask Roadie.
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After a firmware update the show/console library no longer matches the fixture (parameters shifted, channels off)
Likely cause: The channel count/footprint is tied to the firmware version; a mismatched library maps encoders to the wrong channels.
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Considering downgrading the fixture software
Likely cause: Thermal, power, and channel-count parameters are baked into each firmware; rolling back can leave the fixture cooling or addressing itself incorrectly.
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Display shows a Pan, Tilt, or Zoom error after power-up
Likely cause: Homing errors are usually transient (something blocked the move or a missed home); a clean power-cycle lets the fixture re-index.
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Fixture running hot, thermal-limiting output, or fans loud/underperforming
Likely cause: LED output and longevity depend on airflow; blocked/dirty fans raise head temperature and trigger thermal protection.
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Fixture will not respond correctly to an original Hog 4 profile
Likely cause: Early profiles were built for a smaller/older channel map; HES reworked the footprint, so legacy profiles misalign.
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How to update SolaPix 19 firmware
Likely cause: HES distributes both an uploader (.HYD) and USB (.NCW) package per version; matching versions across the rig keeps channel maps aligned.
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LED calibration values reset to defaults after every power cycle
Likely cause: Known firmware bug fixed in v1.4.8; the stored calibration was not persisting across reboots until then.
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Only some modules respond / expected pixel or macro control is missing
Likely cause: FleX and Pixel are optional modules; if left Disabled in the Address menu they consume no DMX and appear unresponsive.
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Pixel/cell colors override the background color or FleX macro so animations do not show
Likely cause: The SolaPix priority model gives pixels control as long as their level is >0%; zeroing them or reordering priority hands the face back to Base/FleX.
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Setting up network (Art-Net/sACN) control instead of 5-pin DMX
Likely cause: The fixture speaks Art-Net/sACN natively over its dual Ethernet ports; the through-port lets you chain data without a separate node.
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v3.0.0 firmware will not load onto a fixture
Likely cause: v3.0.0 targets a different CPU; the bootloader/hardware on original-CPU fixtures will not accept it.
Not on the list? Describe it your way, or paste the error code off the display. Ask Roadie works the problem with you until it's fixed or you have a clear next move.
How Ask Roadie helps with the SolaPix 19
- 1. Pick the High End Systems SolaPix 19. It's already in the list.
- 2. Describe what you're seeing. In your own words, or the error code off the screen.
- 3. Get the likeliest fix first. Steps in order, the manual page when there is one, and a note when other techs have confirmed it.
- 4. Still broken? Tap 👎 and it keeps going from where you left off.