Trying to find a new DMX controller

[nwkeene]

the pictures seem to show a DMX output on each bar, which is quite sensible as then its easier to put 'intelligent' lanterns on the bars as well as a mains supply via the 16A connectors (blue).

The lighting bars are called 'pre-wired' bars, in that the lighting circuits are run 'inside' the tubes to the sockets mounted on them. 

The thick cable running from the metal box on each bar are the circuits from the bar going off to the dimmers. If you can follow where the big cables go... its most likely they'll go to where the dimmers are. If they go up into the ceiling above the tiles, you're a bit stuffed...! Especially if you can't lift a tile to have a look, and they look 4-5m above the floor.

Beyond that, its going to be asking caretakers, previous AV Techs, Drama teachers etc where the dimmers are.

 

good luck...

Edited April 29, 2025 by nwkeene

[Andrew_C]

Once you find your dimmers, you could ask for advice over here in the Blue Room.  Lots of knowledgeable folk all over the country; maybe even Canvey...

[Midotuji]

7 minutes ago, SamanthaD said:

For Chamsys you need the Chamsys dongle. For £15 you're getting the same functionality of a console costing thousands, albeit a single universe and limited to 4 hours. Plenty for testing though!

 

Also - where are you? Someone here might be local to you and be able to pop over and help?

Just double checking. Is this what I'm ordering? https://secure.chamsys.co.uk/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=50

[SamanthaD]

1 minute ago, Midotuji said:

Just double checking. Is this what I'm ordering? https://secure.chamsys.co.uk/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=50

 

That's the one. Remember you'll also need a 3 pin to 5 pin DMX adapter as well.

[Midotuji]

1 minute ago, SamanthaD said:

 

That's the one. Remember you'll also need a 3 pin to 5 pin DMX adapter as well.

Amazing thank you!

[Andrew_C]

16 minutes ago, SamanthaD said:

5 pin DMX should be 5 core. Pins 2 and 3 carry data for Universe 1, pins 4 and 5 carry data for Universe 2.

 

Just for completeness, and outside the scope of the OP's enquiry.

 

Pins 4&5 were "not defined" in the USITT standard.  Sure, they are used for a second universe, but if you are doing that make sure all splitters/patches/etc are carefully considered.

[Chris_Cook]

IIRC there should be a technicians mode on the chamsys software that should be similar to what you are using.

 

I would guess the dimmers would be either at the back of stage, or somewhere behind the wall opposite the windows. Is there anything upstairs perhaps? The dimmers might look a bit like a fuse or distribution board, and may or may not have round pin 15 amp sockets, or lots of other unusual looking sockets if there is a patch bay. Its probably not going to be more than 1 or 2 rooms away from the hall, unless you have another venue in this building and it shares it. There will also be lots of thick black cables going to it like you have going into the bars.

 

The dimmers will need to be on, but also should be turned off when not in use, as they will possibly have a pre-heat mode using 5-10% all the time. You should also check the DMX address the dimmers are set to. The dimmers should also have a test mode on them.

 

There will likely also be a DMX splitter with the dimmers as there is no loop-through on the bars and 4 outputs. The splitter is another point of failure, but could be bypassed for testing. This will be a smallish box with lots of those 5-pin dmx sockets on it.

 

On your current desk, can I just get you to check that you are getting something on the screen, then that faders 1-48 are all up, crossfader A down, Crossfader B up, Grandmaster Up, and Blackout button not lit/flashing? You will also want to press button 1-48 or 48-96 next to faders 24/48 to make sure you are changing the dimmer channels. Once you've done all that, then bring some of the faders on the left all the way down and back up again.

 

If you can still access the menus, then there should be a dmx patch option, and under that there should be a 1 to 1 option that should work if the dimmers have been setup sensibly. But it looks like the knob for the menu is missing, so I don't know how far you will be able to go with that.

 

It would be interesting to find out why your site team say its the desk. Are they just saying they can't pass it on a PA test because of missing parts, or have they checked the rest of it is on/working?

[Midotuji]

Just thought I should give an update. I ordered the Chamsys connector and it wasn't detecting any signal.

 

After some investigating I managed to find the dimmers in a random cupboard and trace it back. Turns out the power was off.....

 

I'm guessing the electrician didn't do "All his checks" 

 

Thank you guys for all the help

[robk]

Sounds like you now have an upgraded lighting controller at least! MagicQ is really powerful once you get into it.

[Midotuji]

2 minutes ago, robk said:

Sounds like you now have an upgraded lighting controller at least! MagicQ is really powerful once you get into it.

Yeah I've had a little play around and it's amazing!

[PotNoodleTech]

I am jealous my lighting controller only has up and down