Whats peoples thoughts on using a chaser to control my effects. I thought if I turn the speed down to 1 each effect would come on every 10mins or so. I know you've got to be aware of the wattage rating per channel, it's just annoying having to switch each light on and off when I can remember.

are they dmx lighting effects or not????

Just buy a switch pack off Chris !

I've got a 2x datamoons, 2xgenie spinmaster mojos, 2 patriot scanners and one genie xtc at the moment. The datamoons and mojos are dmx.

Doesn't matter, a switch pack is a simple on/off module

Using a chaser isn't recommended since the actual short delay between cycles won't do the motors in your effects any good.

Also bear in mind that many DMX Effects - certainly the datamoon have a period of "self test" where they test the program and stepper motors before the bulb comes on and they become operational. For this reason, unless its just simple on/off control during buffet breaks etc then standard mains switchers aren't really going to be of any use.

Better to go DMX and invest in a small desk type controller, such as the Behinger and gen up on programming etc. You can enable the shutter at DMX level to take care of any short periods of black out from the effect, making it appear off, whilst the lamp and control circuitry still reman powered and ready for virtually instant use .

I use a basic switchpack for my sound-to-light effects ( about £25 ish )
Then I recommend as Chris has above getting a dmx controller for you dmx effects to give you full control.


Hayd

Just to slide in on this post, I have all my lighting linked to a Prolight 8 way switcher unit, the trouble I am having is that when I am turning each lap on or off, I get a loud pop through the speakers.
I am running both sound on one extention and lighting on another, I have been told that the Chauvet Switch Pack and Timer is supposed to stop this.
Any Idea if it does, or is it just Advertising Hype ...lol

I use an 8 way switching pack at the moment, which is okay other than remembering to change them every now and then. I did buy two chauvet timers off e-bay but they both blew up so I'm a bit dubious about their products. I did'nt really want to get involved too much with the DMX thing as I don't understand all the address values and that. All I wanted was something which you could plug my lights into and they would come and off at intervals throughout the night. I saw a while ago somebody had posted a thread explaining in simple terms about DMX lighting but I still did'nt understand it. Do you just plug a three pin DMX cable into a controller and away you go??

lol ........you sound like me !!!!!
far too complicated to get involved this early in my DJ career, I have just had a reply back that tells me that the Cauvet using a switchpack to control the light is ok as it switches via low voltage instead of the mains supply so this could be my answer

Which means you won't get the 'pop' each time you turn them on and off