Comments on: DMX Stage Lighting Systems

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:18:42 +0000

Hi!

I have been lighting for years now, both concerts and theatrical shows, and I just wanted to say what a great article. You were very clear and concise in your explanation – most people either get over-complicated or bog readers down with millions of examples. As a person that is constantly teaching others, I’m very appreciative of an article that can clearly and quickly describe the inner workings of our craft. Kudos!

By: Rob Sayer

Rob Sayer — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:18:45 +0000

Any controller that will output DMX512 will do, what you choose is down to personal preference and budget. You can daisy chain them all together (up to about 30 units in one chain) and have them controlled centrally. If you want to set the start addresses to a particular type of unit identically, they will be controlled in unison which might be easier to work with and require a controller with fewer channels of control (often the number of faders on it). However, the downside is that they will all do the same thing. If not, set all the start addresses to distinct numbers: 1, 6, 11 (for 5 channel fixtures) and control them individually. Or a combination of both approachs – whatever suits you.

By: Riche P

Riche P — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:03:59 +0000

Hi,
They say that a question isnt stupid if you dont know the answer so here goes!
I have a number of lighting units, some traditional 250w lamps some led and some lasers too. All of them are DMX 512 but with a different ammount of channels. some have 5 channels and some have 7.
Given that i would need to address them all according to their amount of channels Can i daisy chain them all together and have them working in unison? If this is the case, would i need a certain kind of lighting controller? Can you recommend one?
Thanks for that!
Regards

By: Rob Sayer

Rob Sayer — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:59:45 +0000

Hey Don

That kind of fault is usually a dimmer/triac type issue, rather than a control one, but the polarity thing is odd. Unusual to have it suddenly happen on all 3 racks at the same time too.

By: Don MacLachlan

Don MacLachlan — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:43:14 +0000

Hi,
I have a strange situation on a small rig, lights only, for a theatre. I’m a new user with the ENTTEC ODE and Luminair system. We have 3 dimmer boxes (Using BUNKER DM4 dimmer boxes 4 channel boxes, 200 W per channel, 2 power-in cables per box connected to two different mains circuits. DIP switch addressing.) Problem: Loss of dimming function on 3 separate boxes at the same time. Channels 3 & 4 of each box failed at the same time. We have 3 boxes in our daisy chain giving 12 controllable channels. Thus Addresses 3&4 of box #1, Addresses 7&8 of Box #2 and Addresses 11&12 of Box #3 all became dysfunctional simultaneously. They would function only a ‘relay’ boxes – the appropriate channels could be controlled in an ON or OFF state but no dimming function. The other half of each of the boxes worked normally.
So… I connected up the old manual board – same problem – Then I flipped the ‘polarity’ switch found on the back of the Lexsen Scene Setter 1224 unit we have and suddenly control was regained on all channels. (This switch flips leads 2&3 of the three conductor XLR cable).
Having done that I reconnected to the ENTTEC/Luminair system and everything works just fine once again… control achieved… with the original polarity restored!!?
Turns out ‘just fine’ isn’t exactly… I am unable to dim in low range – there is a ‘start’ threshold i.e. it jumps in at about 30% now but some dimming control from there on up… very puzzling all-in-all.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:32:51 +0000

Hey, at my school we’re trying to set up the Elation Vision Scan 250(intelligent lights) but I’m confused about the whole address and channel thing. Do the intelligent light channels have to start at channel one? Or can I start them after all the conviniently numbered dimmers at number 85 and continue from there? If I set channel 85 to be a vision scan, do I then make it address one, or 85? For the next channel(86) will the channel become 86? The total number of channels in our board in 100, and we have the manual, it’s just kinda confusing.

By: V

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:59:51 +0000

1.Not sure why, might be best to find someone familiar with that controller and check with them.
2.Chases can be as simple as going through the units and flashing in order, reversing, etc OR can be going through specific scenes programed in. Once again depending on controller.
3.Depends on controller, again. I would suggest posting the controller your using and hope someone is familiar with it. Locally reach out to the last person to run it, the person that installed it, and call djs and sound rental companies (usually do weddings and events) and see if one of those people will give you a hand. That’s what I did, along with spending several hours with trial and error. Good luck!

By: Samantha

Samantha — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:09:40 +0000

HI,

I know nothing about lighting but have been put in a position where I need to find out, and quickly. I need some help.

1. There is a lag when we turn the dimmers up. The lights do not respond for about 2-3 seconds. What should I do?

2. What are the chase buttons for/what do they do?

3. Can someone walk me through programming a few scenes?

Thanks

By: Robbie

Robbie — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:51:39 +0000

Hi.
I just purchased 4 ADJ comscans for my school. We have a zero 88 jester driving 4 zero 88 beta dimmers. I have little idea of how to connect these new fixtures correctly to get full dmx control. Can anyone help?

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By: Shaun

Shaun — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:03:17 +0000

Hello,
just wondering if anyone can help, working on a production using Chilli Zero 88 dimmers, when the power is @ 0% the lanterns still appear to be on very dimly – but still enough to see in a black out, its not the pre – heat as thats turned off and its quite a new system, any help anyone can give i would be very greatful