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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382220 is a reply to message #382217 ] |
Sun, 30 November 2008 06:14   |
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with pretty much any pc based lighting control you're likely to experience a little lag occasionally, especially if you've changed nothing in a while
even some standalone consoles have the same problem (i've noticed it on a pearl expert for one)
typically the issues are with moving lights though, i wouldn't be too concerned about conventionals
BE: "Why don't your subs do 200hz?"
Me (LD) + Systems Tech: "Cause they're subs?"
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382297 is a reply to message #382220 ] |
Sun, 30 November 2008 15:02 |
 Ned Neiderlander
Messages: 7
Registered: October 2004
Location: NYC |
Newbie |
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ok, that's a start.
I'm stuck with PC based stuff because it is a solo act and I'm gonna be setting up my own gear and the only reason I can even do lights is because I can drive it from the computer that is playing my accompaniment tracks. I guess I just want to minimize performance issues while staying on a reasonable budget (both in money and clutter).
I hear the enttec pro is a notch better than the open dmx type things, but--and I know this is gonna sound lame to a lot of you pros--I just get too burned out having to set up a lot of gear and just even having that one extra box is annoying compared to a single cable like the JMS usb2dmx. So is the extra clunkiness worth it if I'm just driving a dimmer pack and a wash light? (probably gonna be cheaper ADJ type stuff, maybe I'll get a scanner as I grow into it) What cheap/free software can take advantage of the fastest frame rates of the DMX spec?
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John Moore
Minds Dozer, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382358 is a reply to message #382297 ] |
Sun, 30 November 2008 19:34 |
Tim Cahall
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2008 |
Newbie |
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John,
Go to chamsys.co.uk and download the latest version of MagicQ. It is a full blown, professional console that is free. It runs best with the Enttec Pro dongle, but I believe it will work with the cheaper version. However, if you don't like jitter, spend the money for the pro dongle.
Tim.
Timothy K. Cahall
The Main Event, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382366 is a reply to message #382358 ] |
Sun, 30 November 2008 19:59 |
Ned Neiderlander
Messages: 7
Registered: October 2004
Location: NYC |
Newbie |
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cool. what sort of time resolution does this software support? Can I do faster than 44hz frame rate if I use fewer channels?
Does anyone know if there is something similar to the enttec pro in a single cable?
__________________________________________
John Moore
Minds Dozer, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382371 is a reply to message #382366 ] |
Sun, 30 November 2008 20:20 |
Tim Cahall
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2008 |
Newbie |
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A quick open of the software and it supports short frames (120). With Artnet or the Enttec dongle, it should yield a faster refresh rate, but I haven't dug into the Enttec specs to confirm.
What do you mean "in a single cable".
Tim.
Timothy K. Cahall
The Main Event, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382407 is a reply to message #382371 ] |
Sun, 30 November 2008 23:05 |
Ned Neiderlander
Messages: 7
Registered: October 2004
Location: NYC |
Newbie |
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I'm still waiting for the website to send me the download link.
By 120, do you mean 120Hz, 120 channels per frame, or some other unit of measurement?
enttec claims 850 frames/sec. I haven't heard of any software that can exploit it. I know most cheap lights need a bit more time than that between frames. I'd really love to get 120 Hz frame rates though, because that seems to be just enough acuity to create simultaneity and rhythms that don't appear to jitter.
by "a single cable" i mean condensing the electronics and packaging them so they are not much different than using a cable from the usb port to the 1st light. the JMS usb2dmx is, from what i understand, just an open dmx device jammed into the Neutrik end of a patch cable:
http://cgi.ebay.com/USB2DMX-JMS-USB-Interface-for-PC-Laptop- 512-DMX-Channel_W0QQitemZ160300460439QQcmdZViewItem
__________________________________________
John Moore
Minds Dozer, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382439 is a reply to message #382407 ] |
Mon, 01 December 2008 05:54 |
Tim Cahall
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2008 |
Newbie |
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I believe the website auto generates the e-mail. You may want to check your spam catcher.
The 120 is labeled "short packet". To increase the refresh rate, shortening the packet (rather than sending the entire 512 bytes), should give a substantial increase.
Tim.
Timothy K. Cahall
The Main Event, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382615 is a reply to message #382439 ] |
Mon, 01 December 2008 19:56 |
Ned Neiderlander
Messages: 7
Registered: October 2004
Location: NYC |
Newbie |
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ok, so if 512 channels can go 44 hz, then 120 channels should go in the 160-170hz range eh? Is this realistic with the lights, interfaces and software that are available in the low end?
Does anyone know if the open dmx driver architecture is kernel level? I imagine a software frame clock would be about as good as a software audio word clock.
__________________________________________
John Moore
Minds Dozer, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382667 is a reply to message #382615 ] |
Mon, 01 December 2008 23:29 |
Ned Neiderlander
Messages: 7
Registered: October 2004
Location: NYC |
Newbie |
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argh. v 1.4 downloads as a broken archive.
any other fast software out there can exploit the enttec pro?
__________________________________________
John Moore
Minds Dozer, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #382712 is a reply to message #382667 ] |
Tue, 02 December 2008 07:51 |
Tim Cahall
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2008 |
Newbie |
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I downloaded and installed this on another PC on Saturday. No idea why it would not load for you. Any chance its on your side (xmission, disk, etc?)
Tim.
Timothy K. Cahall
The Main Event, Inc.
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| Re: cheapest full speed DMX software [message #383370 is a reply to message #382667 ] |
Thu, 04 December 2008 05:38 |
Dan Glass
Messages: 113
Registered: May 2004
Location: West Chester, PA |
Has No Life |
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I had to resend my request to Chamsys a couple of times before I received an email with a link that worked. I currently use The MagicQ software with an Artnet box and it has been running perfect. I chose to go with the Artnet box because I could easily add other boxes and use a simple network hub to spread the signal around the stage or event space. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.
Dan Glass
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FAQ
cheapest full speed DMX software
what cheap/free software will allow me the must accute timing control and fastest refresh rates? 
