DanielArkley Posted September 7, 2003 Share Posted September 7, 2003 Greetings all for my 58th time. Yeh. Anyway - you may have noticed my request for details on the PMX specification. I have since found a copy of it on the web, and what a simple protocol it is! In fact, it's so simple I've already figured out how I can control lights using it. What I'm after now are some of the most simple commands you can use on a Command Line. Currently, I'm looking for how to put individual channels on and off, set a value for them (what units do you use on the command line?), how to control groups of channels, how to control mulitple groups of channels and stuff like that. Nothing involving memory, or submasters! If you could post some sample command lines you might use, I would be greatful - I am currently writing my own PMX control software in Visual Basic, and am considering realising it into the public domain if it becomes good enough. Thanks!Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gareth Posted September 8, 2003 Share Posted September 8, 2003 What I'm after now are some of the most simple commands you can use on a Command Line. Currently, I'm looking for how to put individual channels on and off, set a value for them (what units do you use on the command line?), how to control groups of channels, how to control mulitple groups of channels and stuff like that. Nothing involving memory, or submasters! If you could post some sample command lines you might use, I would be greatful - I am currently writing my own PMX control software in Visual Basic, and am considering realising it into the public domain if it becomes good enough. Thanks!DanielIf I understand your request corectly, you're after examples of typical lighting console channel control syntax with which to implement your software ... ? If so, then why re-invent the wheel? The whole <channel(s)>@<level> type of syntax has done us proud for years, and will no doibt do so for many years to come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 8, 2003 Share Posted September 8, 2003 agreed with you there gareth, why re-invent the wheel. dan does have a lot of knowledge in this sector, I have worked with my colleague at his school, although he wasn't there to help, when he was there he did know what he was on about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielArkley Posted September 8, 2003 Author Share Posted September 8, 2003 I'm not planning on re-inventing the command-line. What I am trying to do is create my own application to control lights using the PMX protocol from a PC, something I have noticed there is a gap for in the market. The purpose of asking for sample command lines is to ensure that my application uses the same syntax, and works in the same way as existing ones, so that people such as yourselfs with knowledge of the command line can jump right in at the deep end and use commands you are familiar with. Hope this is clear :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gareth Posted September 8, 2003 Share Posted September 8, 2003 In that case it's easy, seeing as you just want level control syntax and nothing to do with recording memories, groups, subs, etc. The usual syntax is as follows : <channel> (<+><channel>, etc.) <@> <level%> <enter> It really is as simple as that. I'm not convinced of the wisdom of your observation of there being a gap in the market for simple PMX control (well, not in the world of production lighting, anyway - I can't speak for the disco/club market) - I've been working in the entertainment lighting business for 10 years, with several years of extensive amateur experience before that, and I've never once come across a piece of equipment that runs PMX protocol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu Posted September 8, 2003 Share Posted September 8, 2003 and I've never once come across a piece of equipment that runs PMX protocol.Having never used PMX, I presume that the only thing you'll find it on are Pulsar desks and dimmers? Stu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielArkley Posted September 8, 2003 Author Share Posted September 8, 2003 Perhaps "gap in the market" is the wrong phrase :o We have a Pulsar Universal Interface at school, which can accept a PMX connection. Searching for a program that could output PMX from your PC yielded no results for me (other than a company which sold a DMX-->PMX converter, and even that was an unncessary piece of equipment for me). I have set about making this software mainly to experiment with PMX, learn how it works, and maybe even use it on a production environment at school - I started Year 11 today and have 2 terms left of lighting club before I go on study leave. I am not sure what local 6th forms are like for running such a club, so I really want to get this done and dusted as quickly, but as well as possible. I hope to release the software, for free, in the hope that one day, it may benefit some people like it will benefit me - a quick and dirty, but resouceful taster into PMX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielArkley Posted September 8, 2003 Author Share Posted September 8, 2003 and I've never once come across a piece of equipment that runs PMX protocol.Having never used PMX, I presume that the only thing you'll find it on are Pulsar desks and dimmers? Stu Clay Paky scanners also use PMX (some do anyway). It could also be used, as mentioned in my previous post, to be converted into DMX. With the appropriate equipment, it would make a very easy way for a lighting beginner like myself to produce their own control for DMX or PMX enabled lighting devices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 8, 2003 Share Posted September 8, 2003 I not dissin you dan, your a knowledgeable chap for your age, indeed!, but I dont really think you should be considering persuing the pmx line of things, I know its relatively cheap, and your doing it just coz you can, just get a DMX interface, I know you use the DMX port on that alcora desk, maily coz I waz the one who told rich about it, (he is blind!), what I think you should concentrate on is getting a grant from the school for updating the interface, eg get rid of that crappy desk, we have 2 and they are the worst things made, even that fat frog we had kept crashing. I have some knowledge of the club scene and the only place which I have seen a pmx interface as you like to call it, if I remember correctly, on your pulsar box thing it is described as "RS-232" which is just the port, I'd concentrate in getting money from the school to geting a a better DMX desk, just my opinion. agreeing with gareth, sounds like has knows his stuff, which no dount he does, I wouldnt bother with pmx. put ur interest into something more up to date... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielArkley Posted September 8, 2003 Author Share Posted September 8, 2003 The cheapest of DMX cards I have seen is around £400, something we can not justify at our school simply because we are applying for Tech Status, not Performing Arts. We only had the Alcora and the rest of the current kit installed two years ago, and we can't afford to be chucking it out already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinw Posted September 8, 2003 Share Posted September 8, 2003 Dan If you want to write some lighting control software, I'd recommend using Artistic Licence's DMX Dongle. This comes with a development kit/drivers and is really easy to use, and PMX is only used by Pulsar and Clay paky fixtures. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gareth Posted September 9, 2003 Share Posted September 9, 2003 Moderation, 9/9/03 23:30 - whole bunch of off-topic posts removed as discussed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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