Zero 88 Betapack upgrade

[WhiskyFudge]

I've been offered a pair of betapack's (v2 we think) for next to nothing. I'm told their both in working order (not yet had chance to have a look at them). I would want to do some modifications to them to make them suitable for us and wondered if someone could advise if what I want to do is possible and where I could find the bits to do it with.

• Add DMX control
  
• Change the IEC connectors for 15A sockets
  

[WhiskyFudge]

Ok to make my self more clear, the dimmer currently has 10v analogue control only - no DMX. It is my understanding that Zero88 do/did a demultiplexer specifically for the betapacks.

 

Betapack's may have 15A sockets on as standard - this one how ever apparently does not (however I'm yet to see it, but the guy selling it has some idea as to the differences between an IEC and a 15A socket)

[JMC]

IIRC Betapack 2's don't necessarily have DMX cards, although I believe they can be upgraded... There are a couple of Z88 guys on the forum who will no doubt float along and advise shortly...

[boatman]

There's a couple of options to add DMX. Either buy one of these, or contact Zero88 who used to sell a DMX conversion kit for the Betapack 1. Unfortunately it's not on their current price list so may no longer be available.

 

There's no simple solution for converting from CEE22 connectors to UK 15A. The best way is to buy a bunch of these, a bunch of 15A free sockets and some cable to make your own.

[WhiskyFudge]

Thanks for your comments so far.

 

In terms of converting them from IEC to 15A socket I was hoping for something along the lines of get a suitable facial off zero88 and 12 15 sockets. Or maybe being able to simply change the IEC sockets for a 15A socket of a certain mounting type. Was I dreaming too much?

[tokm]

Doubt you'll get a front plate out of Z88, I tried before and they didn't seem to want to.. Though that was a few years ago so maybe things have changed.

 

If they're still un-willing, there is one option... Drill/cut out the face plate to allow for the fitting of 15a sockets. The sockets themselves can be purchased from a variety of places. CPC, VDC Trading, Terralec (do them IIRC) and possibly lighting partners.

 

HTH,

 

Tom

[Andrew C]

Alternatively, mount metal clad 15As to the front panel. I've done it in the past to repair old MiniIIs. The downside is that you will have to replace much of the output wiring. Zero have used threadlock on the Beta packs that I've delved into.

 

ISTR that someone from Zero confirmed recently that the DMX kits were no longer available; possibly due to a ROHS issue?

[bruce]

Moderation: Original post deleted, so reply unnecessary.

In terms of converting them from IEC to 15A socket I was hoping for something along the lines of get a suitable facial off zero88 and 12 15 sockets.

Remember that the Beta-2 is not a current product. I'd guess that sourcing complete replacement faceplates for current products would be a challenge, never mind products that have been out of production for some time.

 

Note that one of the original betapack options was a "hard-wired" one - no sockets at all.

If you were electrically competent, then one option would be to get one of THESE - a 2U panel with 6x15A sockets - and hardwire to that, or maybe even bodge it into the front panel.

 

But personally, I'd take the units, stick them on Ebay, and use the resulting funds to buy the units that I really wanted....

[WhiskyFudge]

But personally, I'd take the units, stick them on Ebay, and use the resulting funds to buy the units that I really wanted....

Interesting idea but the guy who's offering them would be very offended if he found out I'd made money off them! Politics! Out of interest any idea what the pair of them might be worth?

[boatman]

Now here's something that might be of interest.

 

Paulears spotted some old Strand lanterns on ebay, but the same seller has two of these. They look like Mk II ACT6 packs and may not work, so will probably go for a song. However, the front panels are just asking to be cannibalised for your Betapacks aren't they.

[sparkyweb]

Betapack 2s in their early form did come with or without DMX, a while into production DMX was fitted as standard. You may find the odd DMX kit around although ebay is by far your best bet.

 

You may be able to fabricate a new front panel from some metal and 15A sockets etc.

 

And yes many dimmer racks (including Z88) a few years ago did come supplied with IEC sockets, many school drama studios had this as a standard dimmer / patch set up. (Pulsar used IEC lots too)