Ok, maybe I'm not getting into this DMX lark. But I have 4 colorscans all set to channel one so I can control them on my controller. great for gobo/color projections

BUT

in some cases, I would like to move move the left 2 to a central area on the dancefloor and then the right 2 to the center as well but in order to do that I have to lower the scanners and set 1 pair of scanners to switch to apposit pan/tilt? using the dip switches - surely there must be a better way? However as they are on channel 1 they all do the same thing.

So what is the best way to hook these up. I don't think I'm using them to their full potential and I'd really like to hear how you folks have yours setup and how you use them

I take it your using a standard dmx controller?


Well you want to set each to an individual base address if you want to control each on individually. Probably 1 to each page of your controller to make it simple.

So say

1 scan goes to base address 1

and 2 goes to say address 9 (as you desk will probably have 8 faders or whatever, so 9 will be on the second page if you get me).

You have to use binary to set the base address.

i use mine in pairs

first pair dips 1 to 3 are on, second pair dips 1 to 4 are on... works for me

I'm using the standard controller but I'm more and more looking into the Joystick type controllers but cannot seem to find something that is not 19".

I will try the dips, i notice on the controller that is has an "A" which I think allows all scanners to work together, no matter what dips that are in.

if anyone knows of a reasonably priced small controller with a joystick then please do let me know

I normally find the best "setting" for Soundlab gear is on fire....

If it's sound equipment Steve, I would probably agree. But the lighting from Sounlab is apparently good value.

IN MY OPINION
E&OE
etc...

I quite like the Gyroscans with the Rotating Gobos. But apprently there isnt that many different gobos on them compared to the colorscans

A 19" controller would be too wide for my desk so around 12" or less?

Oh it sounds like you have the 4-channel controller that Soundlab bundle with the scanners....black box and light grey sliders, the display says 'projectors' and you can select 1 to 9 and 'A' (ALL)

You need to edit the programs to adjust your mirror positions. Its easy, set one pair of scanners to Address 1 and the next pair to Address 5. This is because your controller is 4-channel (36 possible outputs, it will say on the panel).

You then need to edit each program to introduce the new scanner positions into each 'scene' (step).

Consult the programming manual and it will tell you how.

If you get stuck I can mail you a copy or ring Soundlab in Liverpool and they'll fax you a programming booklet.

Not sure if the Colourscans are the same as the Gyroscans i bought off of you but they had 4 extra dip switches (11,12,13,14) which control the pan/tilt etc. By choosing the Pan only switch the 2 should reverse motion from the other 2 but you're then stuck with them like this. You won't be able to make them all move the same way unless you set the switches back.

By setting up 2 scans on 2 separate head buttons you can programme them independantly. If you want to have them all doing the same thing then it's easy to copy settings from 1 head set to another. You then only have to reprogramme the pan settings on the programmes where you want the other pair to go the other way.

What are the Gyroscans like ?
I have seen them in use in a Nightclub but would say that they could do so much more.

I think these are the barrel types, which I did not like at all, very poor brightness.

No the Gyroscans are the ones with rotating gobos