DMX Preset controller

[localzuk]

We are looking for a simple DMX controller which we can set a bunch of presets - so people can just press a single button and our lighting system will load that up.

 

It can't be a mixer.

 

Anyone know of such a thing?

[localzuk]

We have a desk already, which we use for shows. We want a device which only has preset buttons for use during non-show occasions, like assemblies.

[mikeatactive]

Aha... In that case a couple of options come to mind:

 

1) Some desks allow a separate control panel to be plugged in, eg a foot pedal control, where each control can be programmed to kick off a specific sequence.

2) You could invest in a PC based controller, and then use serial or USB to control the PC sequences.

 

Mike

[localzuk]

Neither are suitable - we want some form of rackmount device. We've found one which CPC sell - DMX DUO - ELATION - DMX LIGHTING CONTROLLER | CPC

 

However, I fear it has a few too many buttons.

 

An American company make a device which you stick to your wall like a cable loom breakout box, with 10 buttons on it, but they're about £300 each plus getting it here.

 

A USB device sounds fine, but it will lead to pupils being able to fiddle, which we specifically don't want.

[mikeatactive]

Mmmm... Looks like you've done your research! I'm not aware of any other method. Have you looked at CPC's kits and modules pages - they do few DMX boards that maybe you could adapt to your app?

[jallsop]

For this, i would still go with a PC solution. Maybe mount it in your rack, and use a bluetooth mouse and keyboard. If you start having fixed DMX outputs being sent via one controller, and then want to use another controller, you can end in a right mess. We used to have an analogue mixing desk, and Martin Lightjockey on the same DMX bus, but it just caused chaos. We now just use Lightjocky, with a basic sequence written for assemblies, which you just select from the sequence list. You password the PC, and it connects to the DMX via USB. Hide wires away, and bobs you're aunty.

[localzuk]

Lol, sorry but that is more complicated than just having a desk, not to mention more expensive. LightJockey appears to be £1000. Add in the computer and keyboard etc... and that solution is £1500+!

 

Compared to the device I linked which has a bunch of preset buttons and costs £90.

 

I'm not looking for a software solution. I'm looking for something similar to the item I listed, but with less buttons.

[Domino]

Doug Fleenor Design - Preset 10 Architectural 2

 

any good?

 

elation also do this: Elation Professional - Professional Lighting Products but it's pricey

 

scene stations are cool too: SS-305

[plexer]

Simple Portable Hand-held DMX Lighting Controller

 

http://www.greenwichinst.com/products/GWDMX-WM

 

Ben

[plexer]

Anyscene 1 & 2 mood lighting| 7 & 23 scene programmable DMX scene recall unit

 

Ben

[plexer]

Martin 2308 Programmable DMX Lighting Controller buy sale dj club stage used new mac

 

Ben

[mjs_mjs]

If you up for an Arduino based solution have a look at something I created/hacked a while back. A simple Arduino DMX controller - you could easily adapt that to suit your needs, what dimmers do you have as some have controllers that would suit your needs also. (eg zero 88 chilli net)

[Chris_]

I've done a similar thing using a DMX recorder hidden in a rack, the users don't need to touch this, then a simple little controller that a 2 year old could operate.

 

Worked quite well, used a decent lighting desk to program the lights how then record the lighting state on the DMX recorder. Once done remove the decent lighting desk and connect the basic one for playback purposes. With 1 fader the user could set the moving lights doing their things, LEDs changing colour etc, on another fader could have something totally different.

 

I used an Elation DR512 DMX recorder and one of these little controllers: Stairville DDC-6 DMX Controller - Thomann UK

[localzuk]

Thanks for the suggestions. Plenty to look at.

 

Two interesting companies I've found - "Interactive Technologies" - they have a series of control servers and then loads of different ways to remote control them, including an iPad app. The other is a UK company, "Pulsar". They make a cool little architectural dimmer (the UniPak).

 

Makes me wonder about a larger project that was planned - to get our house lighting in the hall updated. If we did, I could go down this route.

 

However, the mini version of the server for Interactive Technologies is £488, so currently out of my price range.

[Chris_]

Take a look at the Zero 88 Chilli dimmers (install dimmers) along with the Chilli panel if you're looking to replace your dimmers and want a simple way for anybody to turn the lights on to one of a few presets you can program.

[Avonics]

We have used a unit from a company called the ISplay from Innovation Solutions. We put it in a visitor attraction and the user has 3 buttons, off, preset one & preset two. each preset recalls scenes for over 100 RGB LED fittings through a cave system.DMX Replay, Recall and Backup Unit Smugglers Adventure - LED lighting Case Study | Avonics

If your looking for something industrial and expandable Pharos do some fantastic usits. Pharos Controls | Products | LPC they can be interfaced with prety much anything.

The work LM5 can be setup to work from an iPad running an app called touchOSC LM 2 - WORK

Edited May 31, 2013 by plexer
Thanks for the info but no advertising please