DoctorStar Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Evening all, Can I control some (4) moving lights using our Zero88 Level-24 desk. i.e. give all the lamps the same DMX address and then use the faders to control some basic attributes (colour/gobo/tilt). I would like to be able to program but time isn't on my side so I'm looking for something straight forward. In my head this should work but I would like an experienced opinion. BW and thank you in advance, DocStar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBoomal Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Yes you can. It is far from Ideal but if that is all you have it can be done. One of the major problems is that you will have to shoot the faders up to the level you want as quick as you can. Otherwise you will end up scrolling through every position, colour, gobo etc. I'm sure you know what you are doing, but for others, please remember never plug your moving lights into dimmers. Hard power only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LXbydesign Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Yup. Easy - although u wont have seperate control over them. In terms of pan and tilt, you could invert 2 of them , to give you mirrored movement which might look a bit better. The only time I have used a Sirius24 for moving light control was for 4 minimacs, but at least I could have independant control of each one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoctorStar Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 Thanks for the speedy replies.....I am looking forward to my first foray into moving lights Night Night, Doc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caldair Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 One of the major problems is that you will have to shoot the faders up to the level you want as quick as you can. Otherwise you will end up scrolling through every position, colour, gobo etc. Dim the movers down before changing colours and gobos...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ynot Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 As has been said, the simple answer is yes, because all you're doing is controlling the DMX values manually fader by fader. However, bear in mind that you'll struggle to run any sort of viable show with this method, setting up any sort of cue stack will alter all the attributes at the same time, and thus look VERY messy when bringing them into play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unfathomable Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 As has been said, the simple answer is yes, because all you're doing is controlling the DMX values manually fader by fader. However, bear in mind that you'll struggle to run any sort of viable show with this method, setting up any sort of cue stack will alter all the attributes at the same time, and thus look VERY messy when bringing them into play. It is possible to program a cue before to bring colours, positions etc, then just put the dimmer level in on the run cue. Not sure for this desk as I have no experience, but that is what I improvised on a bullfrog before I actually knew how to do it properly. The bullfrog does have separate fixture controls which makes life easier. Reason for edit, afterthought... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ynot Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 It is possible to program a cue before to bring colours, positions etc, then just put the dimmer level in on the run cue. Not sure for this desk as I have no experience, but that is what I improvised on a bullfrog before I actually knew how to do it properly. The bullfrog does have separate fixture controls which makes life easier. Reason for edit, afterthought...The OP has a Zero 88 Level 24 - as far as I recall, this is a basic desk with ONLY manual controls - there is no cue stack capability, or any memory at all, unless I'm mistaken. But whilst using a semi-memory desk the way you suggest is possible, it is - as I said - messy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unfathomable Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 The OP has a Zero 88 Level 24 - as far as I recall, this is a basic desk with ONLY manual controls - there is no cue stack capability, or any memory at all, unless I'm mistaken. But whilst using a semi-memory desk the way you suggest is possible, it is - as I said - messy. I agree, not neat, although provided movement can be left still it will operate. I must point out that this was BEFORE I knew the proper methods (still learning, but) I would not recommend it as a method. After a quick google I can confirm it has no cue stack etc, just an analogue desk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pritch Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 After a quick google I can confirm it has no cue stack etc, just an analogue desk. Oooh, now there's a point... Wasn't the Original Level 24 an analogue desk? I presume from the OP's original question, where they specifically mention DMX, that they're using one of the later DMX variants, but if they're not, then they'll really struggle to get movers working! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collism Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Laptop with DMX dongle and free software would be a million times easier! If it could be sorted in time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoctorStar Posted November 13, 2009 Author Share Posted November 13, 2009 Thank you all for your replies. The desk is (just) modern enough to run DMX but as stated, no memory or cue stack. However, what I have in mind I shouldn't need it. I have PC Stage and their dongle so I will also explore that avenue. BW and enjoy your Friday.....nearly the w/e :) DocStar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard CSL Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 I looked at PC stage and realise it is only for dimmer packs and not moving heads. I would strongly recomend a look at this software. but you would need to buy the USB box at 215 pounds. www.daslight.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbuckley Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 I looked at PC stage and realise it is only for dimmer packs and not moving heads.PCStage can happily drive moving lights, having specific (but annoyingly limited) support for them (check out the robotic desk) it at least has a fixture library and support for attributes, but its not the best tool for the job by some margin. I wouldn't buy it for a movers job, but if it were to hand, well, I'd certainly choose it over a desk that has no idea of what a fixture is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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