JoshFlack Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 Hi all, I'v seen posts and topics about this subject but I'm a bit new to this particular area of lighting control. Iv just bought a new Mac Book Pro, and now I'v decided I want to try and start using it for lighting control, however I'v tried bootcamp to put windows on, but it isn't being helpful at all (which is a different subject). I'm starting to get a bit confused between what I need, and what is compatible with each other. I need any sort of USB to DMX cable or box, but I need the correct drive to go with it, and then any type of software that will run on my Mac? If this is correct, can anyone suggest any good but relatively cheap hardware, drivers, and software, or preferably open source/free. I'd appreciate anyones advice to please set me straight.Cheers guys. Josh.
merlin24 Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 Have a look at Jands VistaThe download is free and it is designed for Native MAC or Windows. Comes in variable channel counts depending on how much you need, and has a variety of USB wings or a USB - DMX output cable. RegardsAndy.
niclights Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 Standard windows drivers should work ok under Bootcamp.
metheone Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 what lights are you wanting the hardware/software to controll???
smalljoshua Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 MagicQ PC with Enttec USBDMX Pro and X11 on the Mac. Josh
metheone Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 if small scale/ or possibly bigger? then try myDMX, free to experiment with of the internet and if you like it, then purchase the usb to DMX box. You could also try daslight, but I am not so sure weather that works on mac, look into that one! J:)
berry120 Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 I can't recommend anything in particular, but one thing I think is worth saying is choose your software and THEN the actual DMX interface to go with it - they're not all compatible with each other and there's no point grabbing an interface that looks like a bargain and then finding it doesn't actually work with any software that you'd need!
gyro_gearloose Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 I'd expand berry120s comments further and say that it is worth identifying which piece software best fits your needs regardless of what platform it runs on, and then buying a laptop to run it. I know I'm risking the wrath of the Macophiles but if your hardware/software needs a Windows PC then you'd be better off using a Windows PC rather than attempting some form of Mac/Bootcamp voodoo.
niclights Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 Macbooks run on Intel processors. Bootcamp is just a HDD partition where you install Windows and then boot from. There is no difference between this and a 'native' Windows laptop other than the lack of a right mouse button. An external mouse would solve this.
JoshFlack Posted April 1, 2009 Author Posted April 1, 2009 Have a look at Jands VistaThe download is free and it is designed for Native MAC or Windows. Comes in variable channel counts depending on how much you need, and has a variety of USB wings or a USB - DMX output cable. RegardsAndy. Hi Andy, I'v tried downloading the DMG file, however when I try to open it, it doesn't recognise the file, even when I tell them what application to use. Is there a better version to download at all? I would still need to buy the correct lead/box, and the appropriate driver for it as well wouldn't I? Or could I buy a cheaper cable from else where, and try and find the right drivers for it, in relation to the Jandvista software?Cheers.
michael Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 I tried using MagicQ on my mac book and it was terrible it kept crashing and freezing so MagicQ is not the one to use.
smalljoshua Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 MagicQ needs X11 to be installed on the Mac. This can be found on the OSX CD if it isn't already installed. MagicQ is a very powerful piece of software which works very well for me. Josh* *In no way associated with Chamsys apart from being a satisfied customer.
adamh Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 I second the Magic Q with Enttec DMX option. Make sure X11 is installed and your away. As gyro_gearloose explained try and get hold of a Windows machine for the production? You don't need a top spec machine to run the software unless your using a visualizer alongside. All you Mac users ey, always running back to Windows O/S's! :unsure: Probably going get a bit of stick for that comment but its true!
Modge Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 One question no one's asked yet is what's the desk to be used for? Different software has different strengths
smalljoshua Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 This is very true, most of the softwares recommended here are good all rounders though. Josh
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