BenEdwards Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Hi. We have a basic 12 channel non programmable desk. Works fine for a lot of things (see photos of last show ). I have been looking into various ways of connecting the DMX lighting from a computer or tablet as this seems a logical way of cheaply having a programmable set-up. I gather the wifi/DMX bridges are far from ideal due to the latency of wifi but a DMX<->PCP/IP wired solution seems good. I gather there are some DIY protect but was wondering if there were any relatively inexpensive bridges or has wifi moved on so it works well. Also is there any open source/not to inexpensive software. All advise gratefully revived. Also would a computer based and traditional controller based system both work in the same venue (either with one being primary/taking over or only have one turned on). Ben
alistermorton Posted October 20, 2014 Posted October 20, 2014 What are you trying to achieve? Do you want to completely replace your existing desk, or do you want to retain it and supplant it with a programmable solution too? Do you want to simply be able to pre-program some looks for a show (sort of like classic theatre usage) or do you want to be able to busk the lights live during a performance? or both? The answers to these questions will influence any suggestions. There are lots of PC based lighting control programsthat can output DMX whether down a 5 pin cable or over an ip network (which could be wireless of course) but they may not be a good fit for what you are trying to achieve.
BenEdwards Posted October 20, 2014 Author Posted October 20, 2014 What are you trying to achieve? Do you want to completely replace your existing desk, or do you want to retain it and supplant it with a programmable solution too? Do you want to simply be able to pre-program some looks for a show (sort of like classic theatre usage) or do you want to be able to busk the lights live during a performance? or both? The answers to these questions will influence any suggestions. There are lots of PC based lighting control programsthat can output DMX whether down a 5 pin cable or over an ip network (which could be wireless of course) but they may not be a good fit for what you are trying to achieve. Thanks for replying. we want to keep the existing desk as it is easy to use for casual users (we are a volunteer run venue so for bands the sound tech sometimes just sets uo one lighting look for whole show). The software is for me (and possibly others) to use for more complex set-ups. We will probably unplug the desk and use a USB DMX 'dongle' connected to a laptop. What I envision is seting a few presets and busking fading between them. Also sometimes we will want to raise lower individual light levels (for example we may want to light a performer only when they are playing, busking this irrespective of the set-up). What would be ideal would be to use software that allowed us to connect a simple fader control surface, that maybe had 6 channels mapped to first 6 virtual channels on desk. Not sure if such a thing exists. Was thinking of giving http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DMX512-USB-To-DMX-Adapter-Win7-XP-Computer-Software-Satge-Lighting-Controller-UK-/171492706956 a go. In terms of software listing says: NOTE: It is not compatible with the all DMX Software.Until now, we know that it can be compatible with the software FreeStyler DMXControl PC-Dimmer, Q Light Controller Vixen Abuelites, MagicQ. If you use other software, please consult us before purchase. Just seing what budget options there are to dip our toes into the water. As we are a volunteer run venue spending lots of money on hardware/software with steep learning curves is difficult, I am probably the only person who will be using it, at least initially. Regards,Ben
alistermorton Posted October 20, 2014 Posted October 20, 2014 If you want to try magicQ then the ten quid dongle is probably the cheapest way in. Then if you don't like magicQ you've only spent a tenner. If you like it you can upgrade to a proper dongle that won't time out (although they are quite generous with the length of show you can evaluate). Edit : SP
BenEdwards Posted October 20, 2014 Author Posted October 20, 2014 If you want to try magicQ then the ten quid dongle is probably the cheapest way in. Then if you don't like magicQ you've only spent a tenner. If you like it you can upgrade to a proper dongle that won't time out (although they are quite generous with the length of show you can evaluate). Did not realise it was a 'evaluation' version. Does not mention this on there site. Which 'proper' dongles can I get and where can I find out about how long it times out in (cant find any of this on there website). We have 2 Strand Act 6+ dimmer packs, are these likely to work with Magic? Thanks for your help.Ben
timsabre Posted October 20, 2014 Posted October 20, 2014 Alister is referring to the Chamsys MagicDMX dongle which you can find out about here, not the one you linked to. https://secure.chamsys.co.uk/magicdmx It runs for 5 hours then you have to unplug it and plug it in again. Your Act6+ dimmers may or may not work with it ... what's your existing desk?
BenEdwards Posted October 20, 2014 Author Posted October 20, 2014 Your Act6+ dimmers may or may not work with it ... what's your existing desk? Guess it makes seance to get the manufacturers dongle. We generaly open the doors at 8 and shows finish my midnight so 5 hours is more than enough. Can restart between set-up and show. On the other hand the ebay one may not have the time-out and is suposed to work with MagicQ and a lot of other SW, the MagicQ one may only work with MagicQ. I guess they are so cheap we could get both;). Desk is Alcora Zero 88
timsabre Posted October 20, 2014 Posted October 20, 2014 Desk is Alcora Zero 88 If your Act6+ racks have the 5-pin DMX connectors then you can use MagicQ with them.
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