CheakyWeeCrossFade Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 Hi, I was wonder inv if anyone new of a good program that would alow me to run shows of my laptop. I am planning on getting some movers and my current desk doesn't allow me to use movers. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shez Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 Many desk manufactures now produce software-only versions of their lighting desks - Chamsys, Avo, ETC, MA to mention a few. Some need you to buy their specific DMX interface; others will work with generic interfaces. There are plenty of other software-only products too. The question really is what facilities do you need? What hardware desks are you already familiar with? Most software has quite a steep learning curve so staying within a family you already know will help you hit the ground running. Be aware that controlling movers without a good hardware surface can be a little more difficult though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheakyWeeCrossFade Posted February 5, 2016 Author Share Posted February 5, 2016 Many desk manufactures now produce software-only versions of their lighting desks - Chamsys, Avo, ETC, MA to mention a few. Some need you to buy their specific DMX interface; others will work with generic interfaces. There are plenty of other software-only products too. The question really is what facilities do you need? What hardware desks are you already familiar with? Most software has quite a steep learning curve so staying within a family you already know will help you hit the ground running. Be aware that controlling movers without a good hardware surface can be a little more difficult though.Yeah I had tough that. I've mainly used jesters in the past Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaareolai Posted February 6, 2016 Share Posted February 6, 2016 ...a good program that would alow me to run shows of my laptop. I am planning on getting some movers... http://www.blue-room.org.uk/wiki/Lighting_FAQ "I'd like to be able to work on the programming for my show before I go to the venue. How can I do this?"and"What software can I run a show from and what about USB-DMX Dongles?" Not all of these handles moving light, but most of them do.But even in this wiki it is like tracking a fast moving target. QLC+ are not there, neither ADB Hathor (Pre-Go), and some desks are 1-2-3 generations/levels newer ;-). Regards Kåre Olai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barreller Posted February 6, 2016 Share Posted February 6, 2016 I started with a Chamsys £10 dongle and Magicq. The learning curve is steep but Chamsys are extremely helpful and the manual is good. For a tenner you really can't go very far wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheakyWeeCrossFade Posted February 6, 2016 Author Share Posted February 6, 2016 I started with a Chamsys £10 dongle and Magicq. The learning curve is steep but Chamsys are extremely helpful and the manual is good. For a tenner you really can't go very far wrong.I'll have a look into It. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DNT Posted February 6, 2016 Share Posted February 6, 2016 Hi, I was wonder inv if anyone new of a good program that would alow me to run shows of my laptop. I am planning on getting some movers and my current desk doesn't allow me to use movers. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks I have just put a system together using ETCNomad, but it is much more expensive than the Chamsys solution. The core of it is a dongle and "gadget" (USB to DMX convertor), which cost me about €700 for half a universe. All the rest is optional, but each bit makes it more user friendly. Touch screen, fader wing, LxKey keyboard all help but not essential. Even with all of those added, you will end up with a full Eos system for a fraction of the cost of the real console. So far, I have the LxKey keyboard and hope to get the fader wing soon. Once assembled, the main pieces that are missing in comparison with the real thing are the wheel and the encoders, but the touch screen and the new nomad software which is free goes a long way on those as you can have the moving light controls, virtual faders and magic sheets to help with input. As I said, more expensive than the other suggestion, but very good in operation. Other options I looked at were M-PC from Martin and another solution from Jands, but as I am familiar with the Ion console, I decided to invest in the Nomad solution, and so far, so good! Good luck with your search. DNT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyro_gearloose Posted February 7, 2016 Share Posted February 7, 2016 If you want a simple, portable fader wing to go with your laptop, take a look at a MIDI control surface. Behringers BCF2000 is a popular choice as it offers motorised faders, so you can control many submasters from a small wing. If you want a really small wing Korg make the nano range of controllers. The nanoKontrol has 8 or 9 faders and rotary controls, depending on the version you get. Do be aware though that not all software lighting controllers allow you to use MIDI wings. Freestyler does, and as the name suggests, is free. LightFactory also allows you to use MIDI wings, as does MagicQ but only if you buy their MIDI interface. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jivemaster Posted February 7, 2016 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Remember that your laptop will likely have a shorter useful life than a dedicated lighting controller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyro_gearloose Posted February 7, 2016 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Remember that your laptop will likely have a shorter useful life than a dedicated lighting controller.True, but replacements will always be cheaper than a dedicated lighting desk :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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