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Can all versions of ld2K run DMX lighting? I am thiking of picking up a couple of intelligent lights and using my QM to run them for Halloween this year since I don't use lasers around the trick-or-treaters. I was wondering if LD2K Intro can run DMX lighting or if I would need a higher version of my LD software. If I need a higher version, I think I will just get an Enttec or something. The Pangolin website has always been slightly difficult to navigate and it doesn't provide much information.
Spaghetti will control of DMX devices. You just add them to the timeline like anything else. I can add support for the Entec and any DMX devices you have if you can provide the channel assignments. Spaghetti is on sale for $19.99 so might be something to consider.
Yes all versions of the LD2k can run dmx lighting.Quote:
Originally Posted by absolom7691
look in the Showtime effects :)
also you did get the DMX cable with the QM right? :)
Thanks for the advice, Gary. I currently only own a QM and FB3, last I understood, you didn't support Pango hardware. Although, if I do end up getting a usb DMX controller, I will certainly consider your software. Because a laptop might be a little more ideal.Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnYayas
Yes, sir. I have it. Thanks for the advice. I don't want to fry my QM!Quote:
Originally Posted by masterpj
Dude, that's a pretty big claim of a serious safety hazard!!Quote:
Originally Posted by masterpj
Was your source able to provide specific details?
I think if that was a known / recurring issue it would have been addressed by Pangolin quite openly!!
You might want to be able to back up the claim with some details before posting something like that here... :rolleyes:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuka
I heard this from bob, bob works very close with pangolin so a very reliable source indeed.
it's not an issue though I think it's required.
I'll ask bob some more details about this tomorrow.
Don't forget that the FB3 / QuickShow 2 combination also supports DMX output, using an Enttec DMX USB Pro interface.Quote:
Originally Posted by absolom7691
And for the record, never heard of one of them catching fire, either!!
It might be false or rare, but since i heard about it from bob i rather stay carefull.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuka
I will ask bill in the morning since it sounds serious, it might have been faulty dmx hardware that caused it for bob.
If I have proper verification that this should not happen then I will remove the post above.
in the meantime I'll edit it to a more soft warning
Since the stement was made in such bold letters, posting some follow-up details would be a VERY good idea!Quote:
Originally Posted by masterpj
I imagine whatever occured was a freaky "one of" event, that probably should NOT be applied as a general statement towards the QM2K!
I never experienced any such issues using DMX fixtures connected directly to my QM2K, and I never heard of any similar issues from any of the other SELEM attendees that used DMX with their QM2K, either...
That would be good....:)Quote:
Originally Posted by masterpj
I will look into it, since I would rather use a laptop than my Pango box. I was just trying to avoid buy any additional hardware. But I do like the cue controls in QS so... I might just end up doing that, considering it will pretty much be "live". Thanks for the advice!Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuka
just emailed him I will post or update information.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuka
Since your mentioning it has never happened for you and any others
i myself didn't ever hear from it either it sounds like a freak accident.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnYayas
Awesome price on Spaghetti, BTW!! :cool:
I have a QM2k intro system and I use it with DMX all the time straight from the QM... yet to have anything catch fire...
theres an app called QMX or something like that in the C:\Pangolin folder that will give you a simple "virtual" dmx board if you just want to play around... you can also make DMX frames that you can drop in a showtime timeline... thats how I add my Mobolazers into pangolin shows
That is awesome... For halloween, that might be just what I am looking for. Something to move the lights around when the kids walk up. I really need to learn more about my QM! there is so much that damn thing can do!Quote:
Originally Posted by flecom
Yes, I know we are just breaking into summer, but I take halloween very seriously! Gotta plan ahead!
I believe Gary is working to get Spaghetti to support the QM2000... *vigilQuote:
Originally Posted by absolom7691
That would be great. I love my Pangolin, but Showtime.... I have spent a lot of time mucking about in there. I like it, but it could be simpler. From what I have seen of Spaghetti, it looks great, but to buy another DAC.... :confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by allthatwhichis
I'm curious, what are some examples of how it could be simpler? I am up to my 9th show since I started making shows 2 years ago and it jsut seems like any other timeline based "assembly program"; like Acid, or Vegas. Only issue I have heard of is the lack of a moving timeline, but I am not sure I even need that; it was mentioned by someone else just getting into the software. I am almost afraid to try Beyond when it comes out as I am comfortable with Showtime. :oQuote:
Originally Posted by absolom7691
Editing the effects is still difficult for me. Granted, I am new to it, but having used other assembly software, it seems that adding the effects to the timeline is a little more complicated than it needs to be. Separate windows to edit the effects....stuff like that. I am still new so, it is daunting. Perhaps when I use it more, I will become more familiar and thus, more comfortable.
well rumor has it QS is going to get a QM2k port... that might suit your needs better... but in that case you might be better off selling your QM and getting a FB3
100% confirmed, the QM2k does not burn out when hooking up DMX directly. :)
"Also the chip might have "burned out" for some other reason -- hopefully
other than some inherent design problem. So many people use QM2000 and
generally we've not heard of or seen problems with DMX."
The QM's parts are in fact FIREPROOF COOL
Yaj this means I don't need to get an analog dmx splitter after all :)
Quote from bob:
"I just saw the message... And i think something is getting lost intranslation :)..
The thing i said is that a chip on my qm had burned out.
What means that 1 of the chips on the qm was damaged. NOT that it caught fire.. Hehehe :)"
"The chip "burned out" cause of an faulty cable.
If people use an official pangolin dmx cable, there should be no problem."
Did you get that email package from me last night? Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by allthatwhichis
Showtime is very powerful, but you definitely need to spend some time working with it.Quote:
Originally Posted by absolom7691
I learned the hard way that learning to use Showtime while building your first show can bit a bit agonizing! Recommendation:
Play and tinker around with Showtime using very SIMPLE projects before taking on your first show using it!! (AND review the training files!!)
IMO, the DMX support in Showtime is very powerful, and good for including DMX within a show.
Creating & editing Showtime DMX frames, however, can be a bit tedious because there are so many paramaters that Showtime supports.
For what you're planning on doing, adding the Enttec DMX USB Pro alongside your FB3 will probably give you a much easier solution, with a much more intuitive interface (QuickSHOW 2) - especially if you want to pre-build cues that you can access on-the-fly as if you were using a hardware DMX controller. The Enttec interface is less than $200, which isn't bad for a one-time investment in our $$$$$$ hobby!!! :D
Plus, this way you would still have Showtime DMX support for your pre-choregraphed mega shows!!
Editting the effects eventually get's easier.
I think it's a lot easier to do now and i got the hang of it quite quick.
you should load in shows and skip through a few interesting effects and learn how they actually work.
Same was at first with the sine wave line until i found out it was a coil 3D effect :)
The sine wave I use is actually an abstract, although I am familiar with the 3d coil frame type you refer to.Quote:
Originally Posted by masterpj
Well true it's possible, thing is that with the abstract is that even when you pause the frame, the abstract will still move.Quote:
Originally Posted by allthatwhichis
I prefer the 3D coil frame because it allows me to stop the frame when i stop the frame, difference is little though :)
I think that is my first mistake. I am trying to take on a whole show right now. I should probably just stick to the basic... maybe a 30 second bit and play with it a little. I have two things working against me.... 1. QM noob. 2. I just haven't had the time. Working 60 hours a week is killing me right now! Once my co worker gets back from leave, I will have much more time to pour into this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuka
I think I might go that route. Enttec with FB3 and then after halloween, I will definitely play with the DMX in Showtime. I typically don't like "club" lights in a beam show, but I do like a single flood of color, sans gobos, with a contrasting color laser amidst it. That looks pretty good. I may give that a try.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuka
Thanks!
No problem -Quote:
Originally Posted by absolom7691
It will be cool to read how you wind up using your gear! :)
And for further down the road, you might want to keep this idea in your arsenal of possibilities -
QuickShow/FB3 is MIDI enabled - every cue plus most of the image controls can be selected / manipulated via MIDI.
ShowTime/QM2000 can generate MIDI events.
MIDI messages can be transmitted between software - or even other computers - without requiring any additional hardware interfaces.
Could open up some interesting possibilities... *retardo
When I got my QM, my initial thought was to off my FB3. I think I will keep it now. This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. I have enough parts for a second, lower power RGB. That would be perfect for showing abstracts. I have always wanted to do graphics and abstracts side by side. This might be very do-able with this set up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuka
Thanks, you have given me very much to think about.
A bit late to this thread but just to give some context to the 'burning up in flames!!!' thing.
It is NOT unusual for power to find its way onto DMX lines from faults, phantom power on mic lines (a reason for sticking to the 5 pin DMX standard), etc
It is simply good practise to use a splitter of some sort that has opto-isolated outputs to ensure any voltage doesn't go direct to your DMX device. An even more expensive error if its also your ILDA device.
I didn't went into flames though :) just 1 chip burned I heard eventually.
so it was not that much of an hassle.
Also it's nice to know that I don't need to waste money on a analog dmx splitter :)
Its not a waste, if you start using a reasonable number of fixtures, its advisable to use one anyway as it makes fault finding much quicker/easier.Quote:
Also it's nice to know that I don't need to waste money on a analog dmx splitte
One output to rear bar, one to front bar, one to the house bar, if you get a problem with the house lights, you only have to troubleshoot 1/3rd of your cable/fixtures.
The 4 way Stairville unit is very affordable and also actually considered very good in the industry
Good points - thanks!!Quote:
Originally Posted by norty303
Close, close? I know Bill, But who does not? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by masterpj
*retardoermmmmmmQuote:
Originally Posted by cyberb0b