So, the Enttec USB to DMX dongle has been out for over a year now, and still, I haven't found a decent program that takes advantage of it.
Unless anyone has any suggestions of an ongoing project I can help with, I will write my own. There are many features I find lacking with almost every board, and especially with those that are free.
With a free, open-source console that runs on windows or linux, any school or NPO could be up and running for under $100 bucks if they could get their hands on a computer.
What I am looking for from this community is a list of features that you would like to see. My intention is to make it modular, so that you can run it in various modes depending on your needs. Please list both features that you have seen other places, and those you haven't.
Features that I want:
Runs on Windows and Linux.
Compatible with the Enttec USB-DMX dongle
Unlimited channels
Unlimited dimmers (limited by the number of USB-DMX converters)
Simple mode and expert mode (Simple mode being several buttons that have preset scenes that would be used for band concerts, simple presentations, etc.)
Module for 2-scene preset
Module for recorded cues
Module for submaster pages
Listening from DMX devices for feedback.
Audio triggering of cues/chase
Tap rate for cues/chase
A better macro language (variables, for/next and do/while loops)
Show/scene timer (for comparison of what was shorter/longer between runs)
Record lockout
Ability to record show separate from settings, on multiple removable media options (Floppy, Hard drive, usb key)
undo function
Moving lights capability (similar to Hog, but there are some issues I have with that as well)
Tracking or non-tracking
USB output to control other devices/computer(for instance, to trigger a powerpoint slide in a cue)
Control via keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball.
Ability to add new DMX controlled items via downloadable libraries
Intelligent control for odd DMX items like fog, hoists, etc.(Hoists would show speed, feet decended/remaining. Fog could show volume, chiller fan speed, etc.)
I'm not sure what kind of data is reported back from dimmer racks, but it would be handy to be able to parse that data as well. I believe sensor+ connect allows you to retrieve data through a cat-5 cable...
It seems that the true power of a program comes many times from plugins that are written by the community. I would like this to be included as a feature as well.
Extra goodies
-------------
Video Input
Metering of audio mix
Timecode smpte
Remote control via ethernet
Expandability to remote stations including video output, go/keypad, Remote lockout from master.
It would be interesting to experiment with an algorithm that based on where lights are, and how they have to be oriented to hit the same spot on stage, the computer could determine what the other lights have to do to hit the same spot. This would eliminate the need to record positions, merely tell the instruments where on stage you need light.
Unless anyone has any suggestions of an ongoing project I can help with, I will write my own. There are many features I find lacking with almost every board, and especially with those that are free.
With a free, open-source console that runs on windows or linux, any school or NPO could be up and running for under $100 bucks if they could get their hands on a computer.
What I am looking for from this community is a list of features that you would like to see. My intention is to make it modular, so that you can run it in various modes depending on your needs. Please list both features that you have seen other places, and those you haven't.
Features that I want:
Runs on Windows and Linux.
Compatible with the Enttec USB-DMX dongle
Unlimited channels
Unlimited dimmers (limited by the number of USB-DMX converters)
Simple mode and expert mode (Simple mode being several buttons that have preset scenes that would be used for band concerts, simple presentations, etc.)
Module for 2-scene preset
Module for recorded cues
Module for submaster pages
Listening from DMX devices for feedback.
Audio triggering of cues/chase
Tap rate for cues/chase
A better macro language (variables, for/next and do/while loops)
Show/scene timer (for comparison of what was shorter/longer between runs)
Record lockout
Ability to record show separate from settings, on multiple removable media options (Floppy, Hard drive, usb key)
undo function
Moving lights capability (similar to Hog, but there are some issues I have with that as well)
Tracking or non-tracking
USB output to control other devices/computer(for instance, to trigger a powerpoint slide in a cue)
Control via keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball.
Ability to add new DMX controlled items via downloadable libraries
Intelligent control for odd DMX items like fog, hoists, etc.(Hoists would show speed, feet decended/remaining. Fog could show volume, chiller fan speed, etc.)
I'm not sure what kind of data is reported back from dimmer racks, but it would be handy to be able to parse that data as well. I believe sensor+ connect allows you to retrieve data through a cat-5 cable...
It seems that the true power of a program comes many times from plugins that are written by the community. I would like this to be included as a feature as well.
Extra goodies
-------------
Video Input
Metering of audio mix
Timecode smpte
Remote control via ethernet
Expandability to remote stations including video output, go/keypad, Remote lockout from master.
It would be interesting to experiment with an algorithm that based on where lights are, and how they have to be oriented to hit the same spot on stage, the computer could determine what the other lights have to do to hit the same spot. This would eliminate the need to record positions, merely tell the instruments where on stage you need light.