Lighting Software

[lighttechie5948]

Okay... What would be a good software if let's say...

I had to do really cool moving light effects, but had an Express 250 as a console. What software, if it such exists, could DMX (through USB) or MIDI (through USB), and control the moving light channels, while the express controls the conventional channels.

or

computer control moving lights and express control conventionals seperatly and MIDI the them together where you would just need to press GO on the express to activate the Express cues and the computer cues.


I think this might help program moving lights in the future, so what softwares are out there?

~Joe

[waynehoskins]

I've heard good things said about the Chamsys software and a USB dongle, but I have yet to actually try it out .. which is just as well, since I don't have any movers to control anyhow.

[thommyboy]

I really like the MagicQ software along with the Enntec. But it can be a little daunting if you have not used a Hog board.

[zac850]

Hog PC and have it control your entire rig.

[lighttechie5948]

Originally Posted by zac850

Hog PC and have it control your entire rig.

That Sounds Expensive. How much would that cost?

[Jeroen]

- Chamsys MagicQ with enntec
- E-Cue with e-node
- GrandMA on PC with MA node on PC

with the GrandMA node on pc pro dmx in/out you can use your express as an input board for the pc software, this gives you real fader control in conjunction with the powerfull GrandMA software. I know several theatre shows in Belgium using a small dmx desk like a Smartfade as a simple dmx input board for a MA node to a pc running GrandMA, outputing dmx over ethernet to the node, finaly converting it to dmx out.

[lighttechie5948]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

- Chamsys MagicQ with enntec
- E-Cue with e-node
- GrandMA on PC with MA node on PC

with the GrandMA node on pc pro dmx in/out you can use your express as an input board for the pc software, this gives you real fader control in conjunction with the powerfull GrandMA software. I know several theatre shows in Belgium using a small dmx desk like a Smartfade as a simple dmx input board for a MA node to a pc running GrandMA, outputing dmx over ethernet to the node, finaly converting it to dmx out.

I just looked into GrandMA on PC. I like that idea. I know the software is free (downloading it now), how much would the node be?

[nmccoart5]

If your going to use moving lights, I would say get your hands on a GrandMA console. You can control your conventional lights from there too. By downloading the free software, you can play with the software and get a feel for it even before you get the console. They have some great online tutoirals about their boards too. I like the MA Ultra-Light, thats what I use at my High School anytime I use movers and wouldn't choose anything else. I have used the Hog consoles also, but I personally prefer the MA consoles.

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by lighttechie5948

...how much would the node be?

MSRP $1900 US, a/o 10/08. A.C.T Lighting, Inc. would be happy to assist you.

[TechiGoz]

If you dont want the node Pro, just look at the standard 2 port node, grab your PC, another PC/laptop and a network switch. You can control your conventionals and your movers off the MA onPC software, and at the same time have a full tracking backup. Thats the wonder of the MA.

As a MA user myself, this is a great option. You have 2 universes of DMX controlled through ethernet. Less worry about USB, and you have a back up as if one computer fails, the other will take over as the master.

If you wanted too, you could throw on a third PC into the network, and use MA 3D as a visualiser. You could program offline, and then use the visualiser at Ops for some extra ''oo.. what does that do'' moments by passing audience!

Nodes are available exclusively through A.C.T Lighting in the US, and there are a number of distributors in Australia and SE Asia that I know of and work with