Does this DMX device exist?

[norty303]

I would echo the recommendation to get a proper DMX switch pack. Some of the cheaper ones like the rebranded Botex/Showtec/Stairville units are dimmer packs with software to force the dimmer curve to a square wave (so only 0 or 100%) and I've heard some stories that hard powered units are still not always happy running off the essentially dimmer circuit. They do a dedicated switch pack, and I'd be tempted to go for one of these over a cheap dimmer that can be in a 'switch mode' (by software).

So the one FourDee linked (405) rather than the other one (415)

[Bradfo69]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not dissatisfied with the way I do it now but, I started thinking that as I begin to utilize DMX more, adding the DF-50's to the loop could be a good idea and was debating about the best way to accomplish that. I have two dimmer packs as I mentioned so, I'll have to drag them out and investigate their specs.

[drm916]

Brad,

I use a DMX relay pack. It can turn things on and off.. or can linearly fade the power. I use it for a few different things. Works great.

http://www.amazon.com/American-Dp-41...mx+dimmer+pack

[buffo]

Northlight systems sells all sorts of DMX gadgets for the hobbyist.

Here's their list of DMX relays: http://northlightdmx.com/DMXtoRelay.htm You just need the single relay board. You could install it right on the DF50.

That being said, the e-bay listing that Absolom linked to is cheaper, and does the same thing.

Adam

[LaserCo]

this thread got me looking at dmx stuff on ebay.
one of the links provided here went to a single board dmx that supplied one channel.
here is a similar bareboard that will do six channels for $17usd
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DMX-512-6CH-...s/181526494328
4 channels for $15USD

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DMX512-Decod...t/171445263573

And then I seen this wireless unit here.. many sellers have it for around $15:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1PC-Wireless...w/221643379657
^^^What I'm not understanding is this says it is a transmitter and receiver but yet as far as I can tell it is one of either and not both or there would be two boards and two antenna's.
Can anyone help clear up my understanding on these?

[hitekvoop]

I have a DP-415 that I used for this very purpose. It was marginal at best. Issues with ground loops and noise elsewhere in our production. Eventually I quit using it and resorted to a hazer with built-in DMX. The DF-50 is dead. LONG LIVE THE DF-50! (actually it's my office hazer now )

[WookieBoy]

Brad...

Just keep an eye on eBay for Pulsar or Anytronics switch packs.
Actually, for that matter, just buy one new! They're much cheaper than most of 'mt. Lazormore' and are pretty bomb proof bits of kit...

4,6 or 8 channel 5 or 10 Amp per channel (at 240v so double that for your US 'lectrikery') and "proper" industry standard .DMX bits of kit.

Or you could see if someone like PRG or Bandit are selling off any old Avolites FD modules. They'd be a bit more expensive but OMG they're pretty indestructible

[Bradfo69]

The drawback to the various relay boards is it requires a certain level of knowing a little something about cracking open a case, wiring something correctly, drilling holes and things that are probably all very easy for those that dabble in this stuff regularly but, for those of us that don't, the very real possibility of f&#king something up is a bit intimidating. The more idiot proof method of a switch pack/dimmer pack has a bit more appeal. 'Specially since I have couple. I suppose the issues hitekvoop mentioned could rear their ugly head but, by the same token, drm916 has had success so.... may go that route first. But I appreciate all the answers and research!

[Stuka]

FWIW -

I used two DP-415 packs in my Christmas show -
One in switch mode to control some Blisslights, and the other in dimmer mode to control some floods and rope lights.
(I have "dummy load" to use for fixed LED lights, but didn't need it for any of the lights I was using)

No issues with either DP-415

I'm always careful to use only DMX-rated cable, and install a terminator at the end of each DMX chain
(I occasionally run a DMX splitter to help manage the cable routing,and use a terminator at the end of each chain.)
Everything is computer-controlled via an Enttec DMX USB Pro and/or DMXIS interface, and haven't had any problems.

For DIY, I second Buffo's recommmendation for Northlight Systems DMX boards!
I've been using one of their DMX-to-servo controllers as the controller for my servo-mounted Poly-20 wheel.
A bit "ghetto", but a workable solution until something better comes along...

[luxilid]

A word of advice, do not use dimmers to control motors, especially the DF50! The dimmers alter the AC waveform and this WILL cause your DF50 pump to prematurely burn out. It is generally a bad idea to use any kind of dimmer to power anything except incandescent lamps. I've seen people do this and you can get away with it in a pinch, but to switch anything on/off via DMX you should really just use a relay.
Doug Fleenor makes rock solid DMX relays: http://www.dfd.com/1r20.html