DMX lighting controller programming part 1

[coopaloopist]

Your videos on dmx set up really help...it is still a little confusing but i'm getting it...THANK YOU!!!

[ElementalDarkness5]

my head started to hurt .. i

[rhyskallen]

great video dude, 1 quick question do the scenes get saved for your next gig? thanks :)

[Sprenklefish]

Nice video. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around LED's and how the board controls them. I have a NSI MC1616 16-Channel Control Board. We just got a bunch of LED lights. Will this board control fade (i understand this) AND color (this escapes me)??? Would I be able to do what you do here in this video with my board? I'm dying to tie our midi audio sequences with lighting!!!

[AtlantaDT]

Thanks groovindj. I just bought this controller. Would you show us how to program the chase please? Thanks.

[groovindj]

@AtlantaDT watch the two follow up videos made by Brian S Redd.

[NaKonBon]

Awesome video man ! Helped out a lot on deciding if I wanted a DMX board.

Thanks

[miro19dj]

ok

[LightingShowroom]

Good work

[jordanconstablej]

thank you, you have taught me alot about what i know about DMX - thanks , jordan.

[DJAucklandWedding]

Also See youtuber producermat  video on dmx if you need more simplicity and diagrams

under dmx and mini controllers

[N17771]

Would this board work with moving or intelligent lighting?

[groovindj]

@N17771 yes it will work with any DMX lights.

[cttnjrry]

I got a good start with your perfect english. Good job, I appreciate it. Greetings from Finland :-)

[rikzel]

Thx for the information

[hale992]

I know this vid is gettin old now, but still gd :P, one question:

I forgot how to set channels on the lights, just got some that use switches rather than a digital readout. So to get 17 (ch2) is it 9 + 8 OR 1 and 7

thanks

[tobykuhnert1]

@hale992 you have to add the dips together so 9+8 = 17. :)

[Superdave131]

Thanks so much for the videos. I have the DMX 12 and tried to read the manual but all that is in it is one long word. Itreadslikethisbecausethepeson­typingdidn'tusethespacebarthro­ughthewholemanual.

I eventually found one that I could download but watching your video made it easier.

[MRlucamarini]

Thanks for your video!

Just one question: When you program a scene is it possible to set a fade time? I've got a Botex DC 1216 and I've a fade time slider but it seems to work just manually and not related to banks or scenes.If I have a slow song i'd like to set a light sequence with a long fade time but on a fast tempo I need a zero fade time. Same thing for scanners or moving heads. If fade time is only manual I need to adjust fade time every time I change a sequence of scenes or a chase!

[groovindj]

@MRlucamarini I think you'll find that is the case with basic DMX controllers. You may want to check out DMX software...

[djscottdog1]

were do you get the par cans in the uk please tell me

[groovindj]

@djscottdog1 type "led par cans" into Google.

[djscottdog1]

@djscottdog1 i have is £65 unreasonable or is that as cheap as it gets for good powerful ones

[groovindj]

@djscottdog1 if you want cheap, try CPC or Thomann.

[Corblex]

@groovindj thomann are good!

[Suchtla1]

how much is it ?

[groovindj]

@Suchtla1 if you're asking about the controller, Thomann sell a similar one for around 100 euros.

[Suchtla1]

@groovindj

thx = D

[kerzwhile]

I just have to say... I was planning on doing a DMX Primer video using the Chauvet Obey 40 when I Literally stumbled upon your Video! I powered Off My Gear. This is an absolutely Fabulous tutorial! Seriously! You used terminology that was very straight foreward and accurate! Excellent Job My Friend! :)

[Streetwave18]

Hi i have 2 LED Stairville Par 64 they have 12 switches on the back , not 8 or 10 would this make any difference to programming ? Would it be alright to use the Transcension operator ?

[groovindj]

@Streetwave18, the amount of DIP switches varies depending from unit to unit and from make to make. Extra switches are for additional functions, not setting channels.

Any DMX controller should work fine.

[PaulskiMusic]

Hi there,

Can you plug Laser to it as well ?

Many thanks, cool vid

[groovindj]

@PaulskiMusic, if the laser is DMX then yes.

[PaulskiMusic]

@groovindj yes it is. Many thanks again !! :)

[519mac]

kinda a novice here, but, do the lights themselves connect directly to the light board, or to a dmx switching station first?

[groovindj]

@519mac, directly.

[ReverendMav]

Very good informative video, many thanks for sharing !

[2006rulz]

hi i need some help i have some old night club dj lights that dont have dmx sockets on them ,is there a dmx device that i can connect my lights to that i can control these lights from my computer?

[groovindj]

@2006rulz, if all they have is a mains connection then you would only be able to switch them on & off - use a DMX switch pack.

[trompomix]

@2006rulz I am lights designer and yes, Yes you can control any light or robot whit a DMX control if u want mail me your light aspect or want you want to control and we take from there

[freak123698745]

@2006rulz you can do it with a dmx bar i think

[gedeo]

Thank You!!! =D

[godasmyhero]

already mastered that desk

[garrethking99]

So only one cable goes into the controller? The others are linked to the first one?

[elnfilms]

whats the name of that mixertable !

[aidendurkin]

Hi I am having a serious problem with my dmx controller. Do I need to put some sort of a resistor on the last light? Im pulling my hair out trying to get it working but my dmx controller doesn't seem to recognise my lights. I am using slightly similar lights that you have there. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[vinstinct]

@aidendurkin That could be it, especially when using a long amount of cable.

[videoboygeorge]

if you turn off the dmx, scenes will be deleted?

[vinstinct]

@videoboygeorge Nope

[CoolDJTV]

Awsome

[arandomperson240]

I did not read the manual when I was learning... but I had a mentor instead. my sugestion is to take classes and get help, it is more effective then going it by yourself using video tuts.

[adhithedj]

this clarified a LOTTA questions

[fiolinisten]

Hi! Do you know if "acme the winner" scanners can be controlled by a mixer like this? And can any dmx mixers controll scanners?

[groovindj]

Yes, ACME Winners have DMX, so you can control them from any DMX desk.

[SYNERGYdmx]

base recieve channel???

its dmx address to you and me.

[groovindj]

Chases are sequences of scenes. You use them by pressing one of the chase buttons.

[mikey9204]

does this desk have stand alone capabilities?

[Lonzmeister]

Do you have any experience with a Chauvet Obey 8 DMX controller. I'm trying to get it to work with two Chauvet 4BAR LED lighting fixtures. The individual lights do not have DIP switches so I don't know how to set them up. Any info would help.

[mikey9204]

on the back of most LED bars there will be a lcd display. Set the light to dmx control, and then you can change the number on the lcd display. This number corrosponds to a channel on the desk. I.e. on the desk, set the lcd display to 001, and then turn on the the first button under 'scanners' on the left hand side and the first fadar will then turn that light on. depending on how many channels your led bar takes up, depends on how many fadars will control it. hope this helps. If not, pm me

[Lonzmeister]

I got it working finally.

Thanks for your response.

[brosseadent]

@Lonzmeister they dont have dip switch but they are dmx ?? if you have a digital little screen i suggest you to write on google (ex) chauvet intimidator . pdf - just look for the pdf (witch are often the manuel use) and you will see how to assign the addres you want ! now the obey 8 tm has fixture so you need to asign the address the fixture 1start , addres 2 start , etc you have 8 chanel par fixture so fixture 1 start at 1 , fixture two at 9 , 3 at 17 etc

[doctordeejay]

Takes SO LONG to get to the point.

Thanks but shorten your vids man.

[metalforlife95]

there are only 2 in/out puts how can you use that many lights ??

[groovindj]

Because they link to each other in series. out to in, out to in...

[ajgio]

@groovindj  in seires

[metalforlife95]

Do i need a dmx controller for sound to light ??

[groovindj]

Depends on the light. Most DJ lighting has built in programs.

[Herbythegerman]

if your lights have a build in microfon you don´t need a controller,

if you want a dmx controlled sound to light function, you need a controller with audio input

[RBDJ818]

I just want my lights to continue to operate in Auto Sound mode. But I want to be able to control the speed. Can I do only that on this controller?

Would I leave all the lights on one channel and simply control the speed?

Will a more simple unit do the job?

Secondly I wouldnt mind being able to make all the lights one color on the fly, (without pre-programming.)

Thanks!

[groovindj]

Yes this controller has a built in mic and will switch scenes to the beat. The speed is down to the speed of the music.

If YOU were controlling the speed then it wouldn't be in auto sound mode!

Other units may have similar or better options for sound.

[RBDJ818]

Thanks.

The Sound Activated lights do okay with fast music. But they dont slow down enough with slower music. Thats why I was asking.

Does this unit do a better job of slowing things down in the Auto Mode?

[groovindj]

A better job than what? I don't know what controller you've got, and I have only ever used this one, so have no comparison.

[RBDJ818]

A better job than the lights themselves, with their onboard Sound Sensors. I dont use a controller now.

[Ramin586]

Nice video, how can i use 6 LED PARs how many channel for next 2 PARs ?

[groovindj]

Hi Ramin

The number of channels depends on which PARs you buy. Read the manual, find out how many channels yours have, then set them apart, so each light has enough channels - unless you want them all to do the same.

[Doomfraser]

Good Video

[djseanfigredo]

hie, with this dmx controller ., is it possible to sync the lights with the beat

? where that can happen for all the songs ?

cheers

sean

[groovindj]

Yes, it has a built in microphone.

[karentallis]

if i did a program for a scanner if i wanted it to go fast for 1 bit and slow for the next how would i do it?

[groovindj]

You would need at least two scenes. One with the DMX channel that controls scan speed set to 'high' and one with it set 'low'.

The more scenes you create in between, with gradual changes, the smoother the change will be.

[and1mastah]

If a light is not dmx capable, could you still connect it to the DMX controller so you can turn the light on and off (enev though you can't program it)?

[groovindj]

Not directly but there are devices like the Showtec MultiDim which has DMX in and IEC out, allowing you to switch or dim the lights connected to the IEC from a DMX signal.

[jwsnell001]

This is a great video if you watch and pay attention. The complicated assignment of lights is covered quite well here. If you don't get it the first time then watch it until you do. These are the critical things you need to know. Thanks to groovindj - we are a bunch of Dads running sound and lights for a young teen band and this is my manual.

[Drusius1]

Sorry for all the questions below, just trying to do some homework before making the investment.

Thanks again.

[Drusius1]

Thanks, that was a great intro to LED/DMX. I've worked with standard analog stage fixtures for years but now need to move into this realm as I have a show preparing to travel.

My question is can you crossfade manually between two different scenes, or would that be dependent on the controller used?

Also what is a good rule of thumb for practical throw distance?

How do LED's stack up against quartz lamps and are there any guidelines for creating/mixing colors to approximate standard gels?

[groovindj]

Manual scene crossfades would be controller dependent. LED PARs typically do not have the brightness of a standard PAR unless you pay a small fortune. They offset this with low power, low heat and RGB capabilities.

[jumpinator10]

ok, I have to keep it short because I've only got 500 signs!

I'm 12 years old and I really like lightning and all those stuff, but I'm a newbie. I also want to buy a DMX controller. but I have 1 question:

the description of the dmx controller said: good for 6 dmx lights. but there's only 1 input for light! please help me!!!

[groovindj]

Hi

DMX lights link together in a chain, so the controller connects to the first light, then the first light connects to the second, and so on.

[jumpinator10]

oo like that. thnx :D

[groovindj]

This is part one of two. The lights are used in part two.

Reading the manual is essential.

[nawasharjattuk]

Nice video mate helped me allot on how to use my ACME Programmer

[kikilolo310]

i have the d2 director also (:

[IeuanJ95]

Hiya, I`ve got a Behringer Eurolight LC2412 and I am completly lost. I don`t know how to start can u start me off please. Thanks WB

[groovindj]

Hi

First, I do not have a Behringer LC2412 so cannot teach you how to use it. Second, I suggest that you read the manual very carefully and make sure that you understand each page before moving to the next.

[DJlipper]

gr8 job this video has helped me a gr8 deal

thankyou!!

[Anos182]

GREAT JOB your metaphor with connecting a scene with a photograph helped alot i just got one of these for my lights its pretty confusing thanks great job!

[rosen888]

Swedish is not hard! :D just kidding, good vid! :)

[MetelProductions]

Hi, I have 4 dmx scanners each take up 4 channels and I have a small 6 channel controller if I set all the dip switches on the scanner all the same would it only take up 4 channels on the controller.

[groovindj]

Yes!

[analher]

How do you make the lights sync with the beat???? aka Blaze

[groovindj]

Some controllers have a mic built in, and some have a line input.

[analher]

And if I play a house beat, the lights would blink with the sound?? and which DMX has a line input??? aka Blaze

[groovindj]

If you want a sound-to-light option, look at the Behringer LC2412. Most DMX controllers chase on the beat.

[drumshith]

Thanks!

[drumshith]

Witch DMX mixer are you using?

[groovindj]

Watch the video! The name of the controller (not mixer) can be seen on the manual at around 1:22

[tobykuhnert1]

i am looking to get the acme JC1 DMX baby and kam led par can 56. this is really helpful, thanks!

[likker5tuFF]

Great vid thankyou.

[groovindj]

You assemble the scenes into a sequence and run the sequence. It's a bit like using a series of still photos to make a moving picture.

[yo3xf]

How can you buy something like this?

Where can you buy it?

How much does it cost.

Please reply. Thank You:D

[groovindj]

Hi yo3xf - as you're in the US I suggest that you contact briansredd and he will advise you.

[nehpetsorlando]

How about a video on setting up for-with a dimmer pack. That's what I am trying to do as my first venture using a dmx controller clone or the one in your video. I have tryed every thing and just have had NO luck at all. When I move the sliders the lights flicker while moving them but light will not stay on. What the heck am I doing wrong or not doing???

[groovindj]

You need to study the manuals for your lights and for your controller, and make sure you fully understand they way they work individually and as a system. My videos are just general guides but there are many variations on DMX lights and controllers, so it's impossible to cover all the possible combos.

[torieboan]

how about doing a Chauvet showxpress video on how to program thanks man

Torie

[littlelegolarry]

how much does the desk cost? and also, how much do cables and lights cost? and who do you buy them from? I look throo CPC but think there is a better place. can u enlighten me?

[groovindj]

The cost varies depending on retailer but around £120. Cables and lights cost different amounts depending on which ones you buy. I buy from various places, shopping around to find the best price.

[bot51993]

you don't need collage if you know how to use DMX controllers amd DMx axddresses its pretty fun

[djmattere]

hello

can you please tell me what controller i need for a smart ssc-2 150 ?

thank you

matt

[groovindj]

If that light has DMX, then any DMX controller will work.

[LordBaffort]

That unit is a DMX Scanner from Maplin. Its ok but its not high quality.  It will work with any DMX controller.

[groovindj]

No, the memory is built in.

[245thegreat]

you are excellent, its people like you who im grateful for, thanks for spending your time doing this.

[groovindj]

What are the problems that you're having? You shouldn't need to change any settings to get a scanner working. Please bear in mind that the Junior may work differently to the DMX/Y that I have.

[watcherfromtheskies]

How about hooking up those LED pars? They're supposed to be lighted up or what? It would be a much better lesson if we could see how the lights and mixer ACTUALLY work together, wouldn't it?

[groovindj]

I guess you haven't watched part two?

[bbmargalit]

i've seen them already but nothing there is realated to intelligent light with moving head's/ any other advice?

[groovindj]

The programming methods are the same for any DMX light. Once you've mastered how to enter the information then you can program any DMX light.

[bbmargalit]

how do I program intelligent lights like scanners? I mean make a program or a chasee

cheers!

Barak

[groovindj]

Please watch the follow-up videos by briansredd (you can see them in the Related Videos area on the right hand side).

[Spikester26]

that thing is so small but nice video i am a grand ma lighting system operator and that console is HUGE

[groovindj]

Probably not all, but most are very similar in the way they work.

[ComradeLynx]

Very good video, now im from mic controlled to DMX ;)

[sallad741]

in setting it up - does it just go from the plug??? So basically what I'm asking is do you have to get special cables for it ior is it like an extension cord of somesort....

[groovindj]

The DMX cables are 3 pin (or sometimes 5 pin) XLR cables, similar to microphone cable. This is what send the data from the controller to the lights. The mains cables are separate.

[MelodicRadiation21]

you can actually use microphone cables (but no more than about 100 ft.) It can save u a load of money.

[mayhem001boats]

Good info but what a lot of waffle!

Does the word VERBOSE mean anything to you!?!?!?

[groovindj]

Verbose is better than terse when you're explaining things to people who want to learn.

[calidublife]

thanx man i have allways being scared at mesing up dmx but with this tut it will be much easier

[djfreebey]

what light you say u got

[cozmoz]

thanks that was very helpful ive been searching the internet for ages and i cant find anything and i couldnt even find anything on youtube then i found this video and it was very hepful. :)

[KruddyFilmCO]

Very informative, thanks alot!

[Monstoday]

I have used the Behringer LC2412. As I'm not familiar with this controller, but with your explanation, I am understanding it already. Many thanks!!

[jamez123123]

thanks :)

[groovindj]

I already recommended it! Stairville DMX Master 1. Type that name into Google and follow the link(s) to buy one. Only one place sells it.

[groovindj]

Just type it into Google and follow a link!

[groovindj]

That's a very small (and very limited) controller. You'd be better off with the Stairville DMX Master 1 which is around £75.

[Zman87gt]

Thatnks for posting this video. I look forward to the other installments!

[briansredd]

Wow! You are the PERFECT DJ to do this tute for us! Beautiful video that I know many people will appreciate! I know you will cover this eventualy, but could you give us a cheat list of dip switch assignments say.. 1-10 or so? Looking forward to the next vid!

[groovindj]

DMX DIP switch settings are covered in part two!