Open DMX software vs closed

[SeanR]

Hey guys, I got my hands on an adapter for a closed dmx to usb adapter. How is this going to effect what software I can run the show with?

Ok let me edit this. First as is probably already apparent, I don't have a ton of knowledge about DMX. Someone is loaning me their dongle but says that it can only be used on a closed dmx. The one he currently uses is open and for his open dmx.

Can someone explain why the dmx being closed or open effect what software I use?

[derekleffew]

We're going to need more info, Sean. To my knowledge, there's no such thing as "closed DMX" or "open DMX." Perhaps the name of this product, ENTTEC - DMX USB ASSEMBLED AND TESTED IN METAL HOUSING , is causing confusion. But that's just a product name. Is this the USB-DMX dongle you have? If not, tell us what you do have, or post a picture.

[Tex]

Hey guys, I got my hands on an adapter for a closed dmx to usb adapter. How is this going to effect what software I can run the show with?

Ok let me edit this. First as is probably already apparent, I don't have a ton of knowledge about DMX. Someone is loaning me their dongle but says that it can only be used on a closed dmx. The one he currently uses is open and for his open dmx.

Can someone explain why the dmx being closed or open effect what software I use?

Are you talking about an open source DMX dongle? If that's the case, there are a number of software choices. The Enttec Open USB dongle is an example of an open source dongle. The Enttec USB DMX Pro is an example of a dongle that is not open source, but can be used with many different software packages. Other DMX dongles are proprietary, meaning that they can only be used with a certain software package.
The DMX protocol remains the same on all types of USB/DMX systems and all will communicate with your dimmers or other DMX toys. The difference is that a proprietary dongle will only communicate with one specific control program.

[SeanR]

Thanks to both of you. Derek, it just occurred to me that by editing my original post you might not have noticed. I apologize for the hectic and vague original post. It was four hours before show time. Generally I wouldn't even think about making a change at that point but the board we have doesn't always respond to button pushes, and tends to loose power when bumped.

It also leaves ALOT to be desired.