DMX cable-path issue

[sly512]

At our school we need to be able to get DMX to under our stage but there is no where to run cables apart from over the stage, which we can't really do.

Any ways to solve this problem would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Si

[icewolf08]

One word: Drill.

I assume that if you need data under the stage that you have a trap room or orchestra pit that you are going into. Or, in any event, not a concrete floor under the stage surface, so can you just drill a hole somewhere and pass the cable through?

[venuetech]

it would be helpful if you could give us a few more details. is this a temporary need or a permante one? what is under the stage that you will be controling? just outline the application.

[TheDonkey]

Use a router with a 3/8th inch blade set to 1/4" depth, route out your path on stage and there you go, wire channel


But yeah, we need more details.




P.S. Don't attempt that, I doubt the result would be too pretty.

[len]

Wireless?

Route it around the wings?

Up and over?

In any case, you probably want to incorporate a splitter (I suggest a fleenor in this instance) to clean up and amplify the signal.

[sly512]

It would be a temperary that we would only do when we put stuff down there. The thing we would use the most down there would be DMX smoke machines. We cannot drill as all of the problems we would encounter. There is no possibility of running cables over the top of the stage. There is no other way to get cable to it as we have no orchestra pit near by. There are four trap doors and they are all in there own individual 1 metre by 1 meter box under stage.

Hope this is enough info, if not tell me what else you need!!!

[waynehoskins]

If you have a way to get there on foot, there's a good chance you can get cable there the same way...

[theatretechguy]

If you can afford it, wireless DMX is really the thing you want to look into it. It's RF so you won't want to worry about line of sight, etc. I got a pretty good set set from Lighttronics and the range is listed as 1400 feet indoors and I've never had an issue with it (It's running my Seachangers in a isolated spot). They get powered up and down daily with no issues linking up. A good set of transmitter/rec will cost you about 500 bucks, though.

-Chris

[icewolf08]

If you have the money i would also suggest looking into wireless DMX. Check out RC4-Magic Wireless DMX & Wireless Dimming, RC4 Wireless Dimming & Wireless Motion, RC5 High Security Wireless DMX I use their RC4 Wireless gear all the time since we purchased it about a year ago. It has worked without any hassles from day one. It is a little bit of a pricy investment, but as the system is scaleable it is worth it. They do offer an education discount, so don't forget to ask about that if you decide to buy from them.

[derekleffew]

I tried to rename this thread from "DMX Problem" to make it more descriptive, but am not quite satisfied and certainly open to suggestions.

To those suggesting wireless DMX, remember the quote (and originator, please identify yourself):

"A $5,000 wireless system is ALMOST as good as a $20 cable."

Going wireless should be a last resort, only deployed when all other options have been exhausted.