has anyone tryed laptop computer controlled DMX on a mobile disco ?
just seen this little gadget http://www.enttec.com/dmxusb.php
would love to see how good it is!
Full Version: USB > DMX
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Marky
I'm interested, but having read the site (not in too great a detail) can you explain
I'm interested, but having read the site (not in too great a detail) can you explain
Yeh we use them up until we got upgraded to another dmx controller that had it built in. Its not really how well the piece of kit opperates though it depends on what software you are runnning as well as you can get software where you can put in the room size where everything is and where the lights are and build up an entire 3d picture on your pc and it shows you the light show there. Very useful if you want to take any work home you dont need to be connected to any of the lights just take home a cd with it on and away you go.
Matt
Matt
The idea is you run a USB to DMX light controler from your laptop/pc that has some software to design and control light shows ! In the USA it seems to be a cheep option, but here in the uk I keep getting quoted silly money for this kind of setup, out there it seems to be cheeper than a rack mount DMX controllers we get here.
But before I order such a thing I would like to see it working so there is my first problem !
maybe a group buy and test option could be a solution?
But before I order such a thing I would like to see it working so there is my first problem !
maybe a group buy and test option could be a solution?
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| maybe a group buy and test option could be a solution |
It's possible yes, providing it got enough interest
Of course somebody needs to make the first committment to buy and test the unit properly. Are you volunteering?
$45USD is around £24.50 so seems like it may be a nice little business opportunity for you.
However, the price of such existing systems represents the Software development, and not the Electronics. Even the Software on this site seems to cost $89 - $499!
Interesting... the hardware looks good.
DMX control shouldnt require anything other than a really old, cheap, lo-spec laptop to work. So, some old £100 2nd hand laptop should do the trick.
But alas, the software seems to be pricey, and presumably is licenced or copyrighted against sharing.
DMX control shouldnt require anything other than a really old, cheap, lo-spec laptop to work. So, some old £100 2nd hand laptop should do the trick.
But alas, the software seems to be pricey, and presumably is licenced or copyrighted against sharing.
Yeah chauvet do quite a good free bit of software which is what i use regulary and its free which makes it even better.
Matt
Matt
www.freesylerdmx.be
would this software work with that usb/dmx interface?
Someone was asking about the site and there it is
would this software work with that usb/dmx interface?
Someone was asking about the site and there it is
Could such a device be used with a palm to run DMX.
I would love a controller that is smaller than 19" rack mount. All I would want to do would be run preprogramed light shows, but with the ablity to manually override colours, stop or slow movement, and strobe.
I would love a controller that is smaller than 19" rack mount. All I would want to do would be run preprogramed light shows, but with the ablity to manually override colours, stop or slow movement, and strobe.
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| Could such a device be used with a palm to run DMX. |
If it matched the minimum spec of the software, had a USB port, and ran the software okay then I don't see why not. Although don't they run a special version of Windows?.
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| would this software work with that usb/dmx interface? |
On the surface yes, it looks like it should do. But the only way would be for somebody to make the committment, spend some money and try it
. As in most communities these sort of idea's are great, provided somebody else is willing to pay for it and take the risk. I think the actual dedication of those doing the suggesting can be a little doubtful when they don't seem to want to take part in the difference between talking about an idea and putting it into practice . Would be nice to see somebody else suggest an idea and then follow it through with a purchase, test and review!. Of course the easiest way would be for several members to paypal £10 into a "Pot" and then buy a unit and some Software to try it. However, Gary has already pointed out that it may infringe copyright by sharing one copy of the software between several members.
Again a little effort, but you could contact the Author requesting that he / she allows a one copy to be purchased and then shared between some members in order to "trial" and review their software and the subsequent publicity gained from advertising the product on the forum. If several people were interested and five people were granted permission to buy the one copy between them, if it did work it would result in the remaining and future members perhaps buying their own copy and hence more revenue for the Author.
I have noticed that it's Software which is under development as part of an ongoing trial so it may actually do the Author a favour and help in his / her research.
But you won't ever know unless you ask.
and I feel that somebody should prove their interest by making the first move!.
If you guys can wait a week or so I am about to launch my PC DMX controller, The software is very good and easy to use.
I would happily send an evaluation unit to Chris or someone else to try, they could then post a review for the rest of you.
The complete system of interface box and software will launch at a special price of £199.99 before going up to the full price of £249.99
I would also consider discount for a forum "bulk Purchase" if enough people are interested.
Watch this space as I will give a much fuller discription soon
Dicky
I would happily send an evaluation unit to Chris or someone else to try, they could then post a review for the rest of you.
The complete system of interface box and software will launch at a special price of £199.99 before going up to the full price of £249.99
I would also consider discount for a forum "bulk Purchase" if enough people are interested.
Watch this space as I will give a much fuller discription soon
Dicky
Yes, should be interesting 
Due to electricity differences within the UK, I feel I must put myself forward to help test this unit too, then you could 
have an evaluation from both ends of the UK
have an evaluation from both ends of the UK
Our bbig rig is run off pc... using martin software... Its great to be able to pre programme your lightshows.. but could I simply transfer this to a laptop?
You should be able to run your Martin Software off a laptop, providing it meets the minimum spec. Del should be able to back up and transfer his lighting programs over as well.
I would like to nominate either Karens Hubby - Del, or Andy to trial the Hardware / Software for you and review it for us.
I would like to nominate either Karens Hubby - Del, or Andy to trial the Hardware / Software for you and review it for us.
Only after/if CP has a unit.
Stop being so polite, its not 'you' and it gives me the creeps 
Uni starts back with freshers week in october.... so Del will have the full rig up.... and he does love to play around......... shall I ask him?
I don't mind lending out a couple of evaluation units provided they will get a serious review.
If you wish to agree between yourselves who will test the units and then PM met I will send the paperwork out.
Thanks
Richard
Next Generation Technologies
If you wish to agree between yourselves who will test the units and then PM met I will send the paperwork out.
Thanks
Richard
Next Generation Technologies
In the absence of anybody else offering, then I put forward Karen and Andy.
I think that the Amount of lighting which Del uses will be a good evaluation of the unti running a large, mainly Martin lighting rig, which may be useful feedback to you if you intend to sell to the install market.
Andy will also be able to test a unit in a Mobile Disco set up using Constella Effects.
I'm also happy for you to use this forum for the marketing and eventually the sales of this product provided you continue to offer a DJU Members discount as you have indicated.
I think that the Amount of lighting which Del uses will be a good evaluation of the unti running a large, mainly Martin lighting rig, which may be useful feedback to you if you intend to sell to the install market.
Andy will also be able to test a unit in a Mobile Disco set up using Constella Effects.
I'm also happy for you to use this forum for the marketing and eventually the sales of this product provided you continue to offer a DJU Members discount as you have indicated.
I have a spare laptop it could go on for testing, one for sound, one for lights.
Hey All
First off DON'T USE SUNLITE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The audio trig is a rip off!! and its not user friendly for mobile or club work!!!!
Martin Light Jocky is very good for audio triggers, but its not easy to program and once it is programed, it is very hard to change.
ShowCad Artist ..... The original ShowCad is great peice of software (old but very powerful), but I carn't say the same for there new version called artist.
FreeStyler is ok, works alot like Light Jocky, but you can only have 1 cue running at a time (newest take prefrence). But the audio trig is great and it has a audio ramdom funtion that moves the lights and changes the colours/gobos without having to do any programing!!!!
ShowXpress is an unknow thing to me.... so i carn't say anything about it.
But with Mobile Djing DMX lighting shows are not suitable, you will (most of the time) get more out of the lights on audio trig, master/slave modes.
If you hav any questions, or if anyone knows of an old Showcad Card they want to give away give me an email.... adrian.barrett@ron.tas.edu.au
Ajay
First off DON'T USE SUNLITE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The audio trig is a rip off!! and its not user friendly for mobile or club work!!!!
Martin Light Jocky is very good for audio triggers, but its not easy to program and once it is programed, it is very hard to change.
ShowCad Artist ..... The original ShowCad is great peice of software (old but very powerful), but I carn't say the same for there new version called artist.
FreeStyler is ok, works alot like Light Jocky, but you can only have 1 cue running at a time (newest take prefrence). But the audio trig is great and it has a audio ramdom funtion that moves the lights and changes the colours/gobos without having to do any programing!!!!
ShowXpress is an unknow thing to me.... so i carn't say anything about it.
But with Mobile Djing DMX lighting shows are not suitable, you will (most of the time) get more out of the lights on audio trig, master/slave modes.
If you hav any questions, or if anyone knows of an old Showcad Card they want to give away give me an email.... adrian.barrett@ron.tas.edu.au
Ajay
Sorry to disagree, but the martin light jockey is probably the best pc based light controller out there..... It may take a while to do the initial programming, but it is a piece of cake to use and change... it is a dream!... Having said that though, Del has used lightjockey since it came out.. 6/7 years and the 30/32 for 10 years and is fully "up to speed" with experience on how to use the thing properly.
Del is happy to test out the unit on the big rig..... as I said, freshers start in october so he can do a five night trial.... pm me to get organised.
Del is happy to test out the unit on the big rig..... as I said, freshers start in october so he can do a five night trial.... pm me to get organised.
I agree that Lightjocky is about the best, but we are not that far behind and a lot lower cost.
Lightjocky is probably too expensive for most normal mobile disco's.
One of the areas that I feel we are better than lightjocky is the audio beat trigger, running our software and the audio analyser in the latest version of lightjocky together we pick and predict the beat much better.
The other feature that may interest some of you is the ability to embed a show or set of scenes into an MP3 track, Play the track in the audio player and the show will run.
The manual is nearly ready for proof reading, I will post a link to it soon and you can have a look at what the system can do.
Kazz you should get a pm in a couple of days.
The one area that still needs some time spent is the device definition files, so if you can give me a list of the lights you wish to control I will make sure all the definition files are done for those before hand.
Dicky
Lightjocky is probably too expensive for most normal mobile disco's.
One of the areas that I feel we are better than lightjocky is the audio beat trigger, running our software and the audio analyser in the latest version of lightjocky together we pick and predict the beat much better.
The other feature that may interest some of you is the ability to embed a show or set of scenes into an MP3 track, Play the track in the audio player and the show will run.
The manual is nearly ready for proof reading, I will post a link to it soon and you can have a look at what the system can do.
Kazz you should get a pm in a couple of days.
The one area that still needs some time spent is the device definition files, so if you can give me a list of the lights you wish to control I will make sure all the definition files are done for those before hand.
Dicky
I agree with you totally, we dont use lightjockey for the run of the mill disco, but when it comes to running 16 martin scans plus various other effect off one rig, it is great. Personally, for my bread and butter work, I tend to take out 2-4 twister 4s and leave them on stand alone... works great at you normal gig.
Look forward to you pm! xxxx
Look forward to you pm! xxxx
Anybody 'in the know' want to pass comment on the features of the two units below?. It appears that both will run on the most minimum of Laptop Spec, even on one with no USB, and the 60 channel version costs under £100.
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| 60 and 120 channel DMX converters supplied with software for use in conjunction with a PC or laptop. This easily programable unit simply plugs into the parallel port of an IBM compatible PC to provide full control over DMX lighting systems. Ideally suited to theatres, discos and night time venues 60 DMX control channels Easy to operate graphic display 5 operating levels with 12 channel faders for each DMX parameter Flash Function for each channel 1 master fader 60 programable scenes can be stored per block Deactivation of all DMX OUTPUTS (blackout function) Channel invert function English software supplied Min. Sys. Req.: IBM PC - 486 CPU, 8MB RAM, 4MB HDD free space, CD-ROM, parallel printer port, mouse, Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP |
And the 120 Channel Version:-
| QUOTE |
| 120 DMX control channels 10 operating levels with 12 channel faders for each DMX parameter 1 flash switch per fader 500 programmable scenes can be stored per block Automatic run of 4 parallel sequences with up to 500 scenes each 10 groups can be stored with up to 20 channels each Min. Sys. Req.: IBM PC Pentium 90MHz, 16MB RAM, 10MB HDD free space, CD-ROM., parallel printer port, mouse, Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP |
Bit short on info there unfortunatly Chris, It is impossible to pass a fair comment without knowing what you will be able to do with the software and how easy it is to use.
There is plenty of hardware available on the market, it is the software that makes all the difference. Do you have a link or more information?
I found a company selling a PC DMX controller on the internet the other day, downloaded the software demo. All it was was 12 sliders on the screen that allowed you real time control of 12 channels at a time. No save scenes or chases or any other features.
That system cost over £300.
Dicky
There is plenty of hardware available on the market, it is the software that makes all the difference. Do you have a link or more information?
I found a company selling a PC DMX controller on the internet the other day, downloaded the software demo. All it was was 12 sliders on the screen that allowed you real time control of 12 channels at a time. No save scenes or chases or any other features.
That system cost over £300.
Dicky
I have a parallel port DMX interface (512ch), they are good for a small number of fixtures, but they can lag... USB is better.
But like DJ Dicky said, its not the dongle as much, but the software! I hav also fond high priced dongles with very very bad software. If your after a cheep way, USB or Parallel Port Dongle that works with Freestyler....
Ajay
Has anyone else on this forum used Showcad DOS????
But like DJ Dicky said, its not the dongle as much, but the software! I hav also fond high priced dongles with very very bad software. If your after a cheep way, USB or Parallel Port Dongle that works with Freestyler....
Ajay
Has anyone else on this forum used Showcad DOS????
Del has!
The First eval unit is about to go out to Karen
Andy are you still interested in testing it after Karen?
The manual should be up for download in the download area of my web site soon, I will post a link if Chris says it is ok.
Richard
Andy are you still interested in testing it after Karen?
The manual should be up for download in the download area of my web site soon, I will post a link if Chris says it is ok.
Richard
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