Question for Tyrone

I've been reading your DMX book.... and have purchased said controller....

How do you configure a fixture with more than 16 channels? for example the Color Palette.

I use my palettes in 6 channel mode, which is plenty. If I want the 8 sections to do cool things I adjust channel one (as I recall, it's above 80), and save the scene. Then, set channel one back at 65 for six channel mode.

Technically, you can run them in 27 channel mode, but it requires activating scanner button two and that's real messed up... If you insist in running them in full channel mode, you might want to look at a "Show Designer", which will handle up to a 32 channel fixture.

I use my palettes in 6 channel mode, which is plenty. If I want the 8 sections to do cool things I adjust channel one (as I recall, it's above 80), and save the scene. Then, set channel one back at 65 for six channel mode.

Technically, you can run them in 27 channel mode, but it requires activating scanner button two and that's real messed up... If you insist in running them in full channel mode, you might want to look at a "Show Designer", which will handle up to a 32 channel fixture.

If I understand what you said about activating scanner button two.... to mean that I could have CP1 on Scanner buttons 1&2 then that would mean that CP2 could then go on scanner buttons 3&4.... did I understand that correctly?

If so how would I address each CP on their respective dip switches?

I probably will take your advice and just run in 6 channel mode until such time as I upgrade to a PC controller, but just wanted to know if I understood you correctly and could run a more complicated light show without a PC, but with a lot of patients and programing.

Rob
Im confused and perhaps you have a reason otherwise but being totally PC operated why did you go for a manual Controller versus software? Just curious.

Rob
Im confused and perhaps you have a reason otherwise but being totally PC operated why did you go for a manual Controller versus software? Just curious.

Cost.... need I say more?

I will go software later but for $ reasons and quick need I went o-manu-el.:spgrin:

I just got my second color palette and the controller today...

At first I thought I was doing something wrong I was getting nothing but erratic behavior from the lights.... in fact the problem was bad enough that I sent Tyrone a PM then I read and read and read the manual for the Color Palette and realized that Channel 1 on the controller is what controlled the mode of the Color Palette from the number of channels to Auto Modes.... and I discovered how to put it in 27, 15, 9 and 6 channel modes....

I like 15 channels cause it gives me more control over the color and splits each Color Palette into 4 sections allowing for a lot more color possibilities....

Thoughts?

As I mentioned in my PM to you, you must look at the parameters of the fixture and what trait each channel has from zero to 255. As you noticed, anything above "80" on channel one is pre-defined in the fixture to activate all 8 segments of the fixture (pretty cool displays... huh?).

I'm glad you figured it out.

NOTE to new DMX users: You HAVE to check you owners manual and look at the specs for each channel, so you know where to set your sliders for the look you are after.

For example: Exactly what you need to know is on this list for the Palette for channel one and what you need for 6, 9, 15, or 27 channel operation. Glad to hear you got it worked out!

NOTE: You will notice that 6 channel mode has values from 60 to 79. When I set my sliders, I try go go right in the middle of the variables for that trait, so I set my slider for "6 channel mode" about "68".

Another NOTE: You can get all of those patterns without having to use 15 channels. I did this by saving several of those music modes on bank one using up all 8 scenes. Remember, all you have to do is put the fixture in whatever configuration you like and save the scene... then go back to 6 channel mode for the rest of your settings. And, if you want, use one or more banks in 15 channel mode, then go back to 6 channel mode for other banks... it's up to you and the controller will do whatever you programmed it to do.

NOTE: You will notice that 6 channel mode has values from 60 to 79. When I set my sliders, I try go go right in the middle of the variables for that trait, so I set my slider for "6 channel mode" about "68".

That's exactly what I figured once I figured it out....

Another NOTE: You can get all of those patterns without having to use 15 channels. I did this by saving several of those music modes on bank one using up all 8 scenes. Remember, all you have to do is put the fixture in whatever configuration you like and save the scene... then go back to 6 channel mode for the rest of your settings. And, if you want, use one or more banks in 15 channel mode, then go back to 6 channel mode for other banks... it's up to you and the controller will do whatever you programmed it to do.

So, what you basically did was set all the auto programs 1-x and put them in sequence Scene 1-8 on banks 1-X... that sounds like a great idea....

LOL.... I was going to program solid color's first but what you say here makes more sense if I'm understanding you correctly.

Then, I run them in "static" mode (no triggers selected) and move from scene to scene manually as I want to change the look. I do this anywhere during a song, then switch to "auto" mode on another bank...

You can get so many different looks this way! Good luck. Don't you just LOVE running your fixtures in REAL DMX mode?

Then, I run them in "static" mode (no triggers selected) and move from scene to scene manually as I want to change the look. I do this anywhere during a song, then switch to "auto" mode on another bank...

You can get so many different looks this way! Good luck. Don't you just LOVE running your fixtures in REAL DMX mode?

Yes and it seems to be real easy too...

My next challange will be my Vue III....

Speaking of challenges.. I see that the controler has the same 3 prong plug that my fogger has is there a cable I can get to connect the controller to my fogger instead of the wired remote it came with?

I think I found what I need on Northern Light FX's site.... this http://www.northernlightfx.com/cart/product.php?productid=791&cat=1023&page=1

Soooooooo cool and soooo easy..... I can't imagine why anyone would not go DMX....

I have all of the Auto modes programed into banks 1 and 2 now I'm working on programing colors and static color strobes to use in chases....

Thanks Tyrone, Ben and Kat

... all of the sudden, this little light bulb goes on and life is good!

I agree... once you go DMX, you'll never go back (I wanted a rhyme, but couldn't think of one).

... all of the sudden, this little light bulb goes on and life is good!

I agree... once you go DMX, you'll never go back (I wanted a rhyme, but couldn't get one).

Yeah a real bright L.E.D. bulb.... lol