Computer operated control?

[Mark M]

I had planned on buying a very basic desk to control cans and LEDs but I was trying to think ahead that some events we have will possibly require some movers so was wondering if a software solution would be better? Its nothing fancy, basic setups will be 8 LED cans with the addition of some hired moving heads.

 

Ive searched on BR and I keep seeing the Enttec DMX dongles but when Ive looked closer there are two types, the pro and the open source. Can anyone explain a little about these?

 

What software would be suitable to do the job or would a standard desk be the better option?

[gareth]

The open-source version is very basic, and relies on the computer to do all the processing work to make it spit out DMX. The pro version does some of the number-crunching on-board, theoretically making for a more reliable, less glitchy mux stream - but to be honest, on the few occasions I've used my cheap Enttec dongle I've not had any problems with it.

 

As far as software goes, if you're going down the Enttec route you'll not find better than MagicQ PC from Chamsys. The software is free to download, has all the functionality you'll ever need, works just fine with Enttec dongles of all types, and they have some groovy hardware that you can add on to the system as your needs grow. I have a MagicQ PC Wing that I use with a 17" touchscreen PC, and it's a great control system for those wanting maximum bang-for-your-buck on a tight budget.

[Mark M]

Thanks Gareth. Just downloaded the Chamsys software and wow it looks complicated!! I can what Im going to be doing for the rest of January haha

[smalljoshua]

I'll agree with Gareth's suggestion of MagicQ, it is complex but very good and very powerful. Have a look http://www.onstagelighting.co.uk/training-...agicq-pc-intro/ for some beginners guides to using it.

 

Josh

[Modge]

We exist

Currently we're still beta testing but get in touch to ether a)discuss the possibility of beta testing or b)buy it when it becomes available.

 

As to ease of use a lot of it is about what you expect: different software works in very different ways, hopefully one package will be capable of working the way you do. There's actually really quite a wide choice of different lighting software out there, not all of it aimed at the same market, so it's always recommended that you pick software then buy the dongle it works with, rather than the other way round. Ours works only with it's own dongle (2 universes,opto isolated and in a decent metal box) with Artnet to be available in the near future.

 

As with virtually all the software out there ours may be downloaded for free, in our case from:Here. The Registration is free and we really won't spam you.

[Gerry]

We exist

from:Here. The Registration is free and we really won't spam you.

Tried to download your software.

First link gave a mysql error when I tried to log on for a download.Second link gave a 404.

Hope the software works better than your web site. :** laughs out loud **: <_<

Cheers

Gerry

[Modge]

Just got an email to the same extent, it appears the database server (not ours, hosted by some one reputable) is down. Must have gone down not long after I made the post.

Edit: and the second link works now - stray space had crept on the end.

 

Edit2: Database server is back online

[rossmck]

I don't work for Trace Lighting (Modge's company) but I have had the privilege of using their product on a number of occasions - it really is a great computer-based controller.

 

It's very unlike using MagicQ (which is much more like using a traditional lighting desk) and more like traditional windows based "point and click" software. This takes quite a bit of getting used to, but it's very powerful when you do and the team at TraceLighting are great if you have any queries and are fast to fix the inevitable bugs in any beta product..

 

However, in my own opinion, it's not quite ready for critical use I've managed to get it to freeze on a couple of occasions when doing something relatively routine like saving a state - however, credit where it's due - it did seem to keep spitting out DMX, I just couldn't change the output :** laughs out loud **:

[csg]

my vote has to go to chamsys - a great piece of software, backed up by superb service

 

I run a maxi-wing, a programming wing and also have an enttec pro usb box for when I need a 3rd control somewere. I did use a enttec open usb for a while, but the output tended to be a little glitchy, particularly with movers with the output dropping out momentarily on a regular basis. The pro does not have this issue and works faultlessly

[mrjammy83]

for quick easy stuff I used freestyler its FREE and vert stable.

 

was very impressed considering no monies are need

 

http://users.telenet.be/freestylerdmx/

[gareth]

Thanks Gareth. Just downloaded the Chamsys software and wow it looks complicated!! I can what Im going to be doing for the rest of January haha

Download the manual and the 'quick-start guide' too - it doesn't have to be as complicated as you perhaps think it is at first glance! At its simplest, patching a couple of fixtures on the desk, making them do stuff and recording that stuff into cues is extremely simple. But you can also delve deeper and make it as complicated as you like once you get the hang of the software. But you need to learn to walk before you try running :** laughs out loud **:.

[Mark M]

Thanks Gareth. Just downloaded the Chamsys software and wow it looks complicated!! I can what Im going to be doing for the rest of January haha

Download the manual and the 'quick-start guide' too - it doesn't have to be as complicated as you perhaps think it is at first glance! At its simplest, patching a couple of fixtures on the desk, making them do stuff and recording that stuff into cues is extremely simple. But you can also delve deeper and make it as complicated as you like once you get the hang of the software. But you need to learn to walk before you try running :P .

 

 

I have to say after a few hours playing with the software it does seem a lot easier than at first glance.

 

One thing I havent been able to work out is how to patch in a LED par can? Do you need to patch the number of channels in as dimmers? If thats correct how do you group them into one fixture and then how do you group multiple "grouped channels" so you can set up cues etc? That doesnt make much sense but Im sure someone will know what I mean :** laughs out loud **:

 

Mark

[themadhippy]

hit the patch button,then the chose head (top center),pick the manufacturer of your light,then the type of fixture,hit the patch it button and a keypad should appear,enter the number of fixtures and the start address( say 21 @99 will add 21 fixtures starting at address 99) you can also set an offset heres so instead of going 99 103 107 ect it can go 99 109 119,thats done by entering 21@99/10. once everything s patched hit ctr and click pallets (top left corner) and you should see your groups and pallets.

Sounds complicated but is really a piece of p155, biggest hassle is if your leds aren't in the database,but theres often an other manufacturers file that works,or just write your own.

[Mark M]

Im sure I tried that you know :P Clearly I wasnt doing something correctly!

 

Thanks

[sessiondrummer]

Got to say I would choose the Chamsys software.

It has great features and is really powerful (as mentioned above)

 

Got a great auto-patch Feature for use in WYG aswell

 

What more could you ask for!

 

I find free styler a bit tedius at the best of times. Better used by disco dans.