DMX control using Pangolin LD2000 Showtime and Enttec DMXIS
The Pangolin QM2000 system offers very precise control of DMX parameters using DMX frames.
However, when it comes to simultaneously controlling multiple DMX fixtures across several channels, the use of DMX frames can quickly get a bit tedious.
I've started working with a solution that I believe many hobbiests, and some pros, might find helpful.
This allows complete independent control of multiple DMX fixtures, along with synchronized automation via Pangolin Showtime.
The package I'm using is the Enttec DMXIS, which is a software console that connects to the computer via a dedicated USB-powered interface. It can control up to 512 DMX channels, with a virtually unlimited number of custom presets and banks. All screen controls can be activated directly with a mouse, or automated via a footswitch or MIDI. The complete package, with the interface, costs about the same as a decent MIDI controller, but the DEMO version (fully functional software interface, just no DMX output), can be tried for free!
Here are the details, along with a console screen shot:
http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main...ion&name=dmxis
To use the this with Showtime, I'm taking advantage of a "less-documented" feature of the LD2000 suite - while many realize the suite can be controlled from MIDI, the QM2000 can actually function as a very effective MIDI controller - and no additional hardware is needed!
First, in addition to the DMXIS software, you'll need to use a piece of software like MIDI YOKE:
(free; I'm using MIDI YOKE NT 1.75 on my XP laptop - available from http://www.midiox.com/index.htm?http....com/myoke.htm).
MIDI YOKE installs as a Control Panel application, and runs automatically in the background to act as a software MIDI interface between software applications running on the same computer. If you need to run MIDI between computers across a network, there are various (not free, however) "MIDI over LAN" clients that will serve the same purpose.
Either way, you do NOT need additional MIDI hardware to make this work!
Making it work:
Once all the software is installed, setup DMXIS to use MIDI YOKE as the MIDI interface (it should automatically show up as an available interface). Then, setup your DMX fixtures (real or virtual), along with any DMXIS presets, effects, etc. that you might want to use. Note that you'll be using the DMXIS screen controls the very same way you would if you were using a hardware DMX lighting console. Keep in mind that virtually EVERY control on the DMXIS screen can be controlled via MIDI controller messages (using a VERY easy to use MIDI "Learn" function). Also, every bank and preset can be selected using MIDI program change messages. (So, if you happen to have an external MIDI controller for LivePRO, you might just have an additional use for it....)
Using it with Pangolin Showtime:
First, setup your Playback Settings, MIDI Output Device to use MIDI YOKE (it supports multiple MIDI ports - be sure to specify the same one you used in DMXIS). Now, to control DMXIS, instead of frames, we're going to use MIDI effects, which are created in the Effects Editor just like any other Showtime effect:
When specifying the MIDI control parameters, use "Control Change" to directly control individual - or groups of - DMXIS screen controls; use "Program Change" to select DMXIS banks and presets:
After the effects are created, just drop them on the Showtime timeline wherever you need to control DMXIS, just like you would any other frame or effect! One caveat here - it is definitely possible to have multiple MIDI (DMXIS) effects going at once. However, I have found that when doing this, is seems to work smoother if the MIDI effects are dropped into different tracks, rather than stacked in a single track. Also, keep in mind that MIDI only supports 127 control steps, while DMX controls 255; so, if you need VERY precise, fine-step DMX control, you may still need to use a DMX frame.
Overall, I'm finding this is VERY easy to use - creating the MIDI effects is quick, and anyone with any experience using a DMX console (even an "el cheapo" like I have!) will quickly feel right at home using the DMXIS software console. If you decide to try this out, you'll definitely want to spend a bit of time with the DMXIS users manual, and also check the tutorial videos and support forum tips on the Enttec web site. Also, if you have access to a 2nd monitor, it definitely helps to run Showtime on one screen, and the DMXIS console on the other!!
Holler' (PM or e-mail) if you have any questions!!
Randy
Last edited by Stuka; 05-30-2010 at 08:26.
RR
Metrologic HeNe 3.3mw Modulated laser, 2 Radio Shack motors, and a broken mirror.
1979.
Sweet.....