spotblaster Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 This simple 16 fader console has recently appeared. Ostensibly it is a 32 way DMX desk with channel control over 2 pages. States can be set up on the faders in channel mode and then saved to the same faders in memory mode. All very useful for £109. The interesting thing is that it has a "DMX in" connector as well as "DMX out". The socket is shown in the manual but no mention of it is made. If it would pass through a full 512 channels of DMX and allow grabbing onto faders this would be a very useful piece of equipment indeed! Had anyone got one or played with one that can answer this question? Thank you for your help. Spotblaster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biskit Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 I'm afraid I haven't, but as you say if it does do what you suggest, that would be very useful indeed. I couldn't find the manual, but from the specs on the various sites selling it, there doesn't appear to be any DMX patching available so I guess you're stuck with 1-1 patching. What you suggest can also be achieved with a basic DMX merger too. If you do decide to get one to try, let us know how you get on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart91 Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 What you suggest can also be achieved with a basic DMX merger too. Not quite. I think what the OP is looking for is the ability for the desk to read the incoming DMX signal, and store snapshots of all 512 channels into the desk submaster / memories, even though the desk itself can only control 32 channels itself. This would mean that, for example, you could set up a range of looks using a more complicated desk, but leave the Showtec unit in place for operating the show. The Zero88 Jester range offer this capability, but are much more expensive. (They are far more powerful too!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timsabre Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Not quite. I think what the OP is looking for is the ability for the desk to read the incoming DMX signal, and store snapshots of all 512 channels into the desk submaster / memories, even though the desk itself can only control 32 channels itself. This would mean that, for example, you could set up a range of looks using a more complicated desk, but leave the Showtec unit in place for operating the show. I think this is highly unlikely. At best it would store the bottom 32 channels. As it isn't mentioned in the documentation, most likely it is "for future expansion". i.e. the software engineer didn't implement it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xllx Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Look around for an Arri Reflexion, it does exactly what you are trying to do. Almost vintage piece of kit nowadays! 6 pages of 12 faders, DMX passes through unless you raise the master. Recording is as simple as press record, and press a flash button on a desk channel and that's it. it will only cope with one universe of DMX and not sure how it would handle moving lights. I haven't used mine for years now, but used to use it on exhibition stands to save leaving a large desk on site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spotblaster Posted September 10, 2017 Author Share Posted September 10, 2017 Many Thanks for reading and replying to my post. I have had an Arri Reflexion for nearly 20 years now and it has seen a lot of use. I generally set up states using a Zero 88 Linebacker and grab onto the faders. For simple shows and concerts the combination is compact and works very well. What I am looking around for now is an economical modern replacement for my Reflexion that given its age I really ought to retire. I am hoping that the Showtec Easy Fade 16 might fit the bill. My hope is that it will pass through a full field of DMX and allow grabbing on to the faders. No-one has yet admitted to owning one or having played with one so the question remains unanswered! Do they actually exist I wonder? Let's see what happens next! Thank you for your thoughts. Spotblaster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart91 Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 As Tim says, it seems unlikely that the Showtec will have this feature. Might be worth looking into the Zero88 Jester range? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham NZ Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 Hi I am afraid it is not what you are looking for. It will only allow for control of 32 channels. It is what it says on the tin a simple controller. If you want to record and playback different scenes and shows then I suggest you look at the various DMX recorder and trigger options Highlite has. CheersGraham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spotblaster Posted September 13, 2017 Author Share Posted September 13, 2017 Thank you Graham for your reply. I will look at the range you have suggested. I am guessing you have one of these units? Just out of curiosity what happens when you apply a DMX source to the "DMX in" connector? I am guessing absolutely nothing! Many Thanks for your help. Spotblaster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham NZ Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 Hi No problem. I actually do some RnD for Highlite so know the products. You are right that it does nothing. We have been considering doing a merge function on the Easy 16 but to be honest it pushes the price up. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spotblaster Posted September 15, 2017 Author Share Posted September 15, 2017 Graham, Thank you for your post. How very interesting! I recall that in the 1990's the Arri Reflexion retailed at about £1000 and the Zero 88 Linebacker about £500. Simple DMX backup boards are like rocking horse droppings in current console manufacturers ranges. I think the market would stand a £200 16 fader single DMX universe backup desk from Showtec and they would clean up! What does the community think? Spotblaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david.elsbury Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 If you think the market is there, go ahead and make one! Wouldn't be too hard with an Arduino . Make your millions. Or, perhaps it's really not profitable so that's why they haven't.... economy of scale etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham NZ Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 [Well you never know your luck, wait for Pro Light. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xllx Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 Well you never know your luck, wait for Pro Light. Meanwhile, if anyone wants to make an offer on my Reflexion, give me a shout! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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