Re: PC control of DMX512

["David Buckley" <db@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "James Mitchelmore" <james@m...>
wrote:
> Have acquired some Mode install dimmers that I am intending
> to use in the house.  Does anyone know of the simplest
> (read cheapest!) way to interface DMX with a PC?

Simplest and cheapest in one sentence.  You are a Bad Man.

Simplest is one of these:
http://www.artisticlicence.com/item51.htm

DIY cheaper version:
http://www.lighting-solutions.de/products/LPR2DMX/

I've used the former (actually, the earlier version), and its rock
solid.  The latter I found with a google search.

Its really easy to do DMX512 with a PIC.  The timing is mostly
fairly relaxed.  As the entire frame is 44us, you can just bit-bang
it out and then service serial ports etc, no interrupts needed, and
it doesnt need a UART.  So a single UART PIC will do the RS232
interaction with the PC and DMX512 no problems.

Of course, if your PC dies or crashes.....

Thats when you wish you had CBus :-)





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