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Author Topic: Newbie needing guidance  (Read 10298 times)

Voicesinthevalley

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Newbie needing guidance
« on: March 21, 2007, 08:42:15 PM »

Okay so in my need to expand my concert I wanted to adventure into the lighting realm.  I have some very minor experience with low budget robos and lights in the past.  I thought I could jump on the band wagon with no problem ;D.

So the first problem is this.  When I am looking for the right equipment  online (to far from any store) I am not getting enough specs so that I am compatible with other gear I purchase :'(.  So I purchased 2 smoke machines and their is no DMX connection for it  :o.  Okay I guess I will get to kids to volunteer to push some buttons.

Second is I purchased the Eliminator DMX DJ and 2 American DJ DJSpot 250s.  I have not received the Spots yet but I did get the DMX controller and I thought the user manual would give me a clear understanding on how to use it and maybe even give me definitions.  Nothing was explained and I can't find and sites that can give me a basic rundown of operating ???.  If someone is willing to answer my many and exhaustive questions please reply.
 :-[
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Voicesinthevalley

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Re: Newbie needing guidance
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2007, 09:48:59 PM »

Okay I promise not to have too many and exhaustive questions ;D
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DMX512

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Re: Newbie needing guidance
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2007, 03:40:57 AM »

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. 

Theres two elements you need to get your head round.

The first is configuring a working system.  You need to understand how to connect all the stuff up, and most importantly, assign channels so that the controller and the fixtures can work together.  Many desks that operate intelligent lights can be configured to know exactly what sort of fixtures you have on what channels, with features like a "fixture library" which stores "personalities".  Once you've got all this together you should be able to make the fixture actually give off light, and then using controls manually change the colour, or where the beam is pointing.  Note you'll need to read the manuals for the fixtures so you understand what the colour and gobo options etc actually are.  You may also have to jump through some hoops to make the bulb come on on many fixtures.

I say it again; you need to read the fixture manuals to understand what your fixtures can do.

Then you have to get all arty, and define a series of "looks", and then using the desk facilities, string the individual looks together to make a show. 

What you really need is someone who has done this before to show you, as it's hard to describe....
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Voicesinthevalley

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Re: Newbie needing guidance
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2007, 06:57:12 PM »

Well looks like I am going the right direction.  I have appropriate cables and even purchased an eliminator.
So far I have read the manuals and I have been able to assign channels and did several experimental combos to get an idea what some of my options are. 

I noticed that if I assign separate channels they can overlap each other.  An example is I have 2 of the same spots and I assign one to Channel 1 and the other to Channel 2 one spot will Pan and the other will rotate from the same fader. 

The DMX manual sucks for explaining more indebt on programming scenes.  Do I position the spot with the Gobo and color then save it or do I make it do a pattern while trying to save it?  Very troubling!

I agree finding someone that has run a system would be easier but I haven't found anyone that has run one before.  I am kind of an anomally in my County and that makes me special  ;D

Maybe some of the lingo definitions would help me understand more. 

Here is one that I am not understanding: Chase

I think for now I will assign the channels and program them all to Music mode and turn on/off each scanner during the songs so that it gives it some kind of life/distinction to it.  If you know what I mean.
Thank you for your input.

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Pickleworth_pie123

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Re: Newbie needing guidance
« Reply #4 on: July 10, 2009, 11:23:30 AM »

Hi,
I'm also a bit of a newbie to the world of dmx but i found this video on youtube very helpful to get started  ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svs--6XgRIY&feature=related
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