Re: DIY Lighting DMX Option

["Bob Calvert" <bob@xxxxxxx>]

Most of the PC based controllers are now resonably cheap, and there
are a few out there, as they now use a fairly standard USB dongle for
DMX ouptting.
The problem you will find is that the software is normally written
for theatre/nightclub/disco uses, so programming for HA, which is
more like a architectual install may not be as simple, and there is
then the question of how to trigger it.
Most of the software is designed for moving lights, the waggle things
on top of the pops etc.
Most of the PC controllers can be triggered via midi, 232, contact
closures, and often have real time scripting features aswell.

programming these things is my job so
heres a few pc desk manufacturers if your interested

http://www.showcad.com
http://www.nicolaudie.com/
http://www.dmx512.ch/



--- In ukha_d@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Gale" <groups@s...>
wrote:
> Mark,
>
> Did you look at that link I posted - cheap DMX controller - dunno
if it does what you wanted though?
>
> Paul.
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Mark Harrison (Yahoo!) [mailto:mph@xxxxxxx...]
> > Sent: 18 January 2004 18:10
> > To: ukha_d@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [ukha_d] Re: DIY Lighting DMX Option
> >
> > > Midi enabled dimmer packs from NJD / Gameport on PC
> >
> > That was me... back in 1998, so actually 6 years ago...
> >
> > The software control was primitive - a web server that CGId out
to a very
> > lightweight media player to play the MIDI files out natively.
> >
> > Was for a friend - the system is in use to this day... However,
as far as
> > I
> > can tell the NJD midi-controlled packs are no longer available.
They
> > disappeared off the NJD site about 2 years ago (though I should
check, in
> > case they've come back.)
> >
> > On the DMX front, another friend of mine runs a theatre lighting
> > consultancy
> > as a result of which he's ended up with a lot of lighting kit off
the back
> > of various projects.
> >
> > We've looked at DMX for domestic use several times over the past
6 years,
> > but the stumbling block has always been the price of the PC DMX
> > controllers.
> > (OK - technically it's in use at his house, but we never really
looked
> > further.)
> >
> > As you say, it's a simply protocol, optimised for lighting only,
and 512
> > channels should be enough for most homes :-)
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Mark
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Keith Doxey" <ukha@d...>
> > To: <ukha_d@yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2004 12:07 PM
> > Subject: RE: [ukha_d] Re: DIY Lighting DMX Option
> >
> >
> > > Quoting Ian Lowe <ian@w...>:
> > >
> > > > You know, I was hoping discussion would come to DMX512
for
the home...
> > >
> > > It has been mentioned before several times. Someone was also
using Midi
> > for
> > > lighting control using the Midi enabled dimmer packs from
NJD
hooked up
> > to
> > the
> > > GamePort on a soundcard. ( that was about 4 or 5 years ago I
think!)
> >
> >
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