Control/Dimming - DMX to CD-80 control?

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by shiben

...raceways from the closet to the electrics would probably 3 or 4 inch EMT ...

You shouldn't need conduit as large as 3-4" for 12 Circuits from the dimmer rack to each of three lighting positions, and that size pipe gets expensive quick, both in labor and materials. You might need Borderlight cable for the two over-stage Electrics if they are movable, and this entails some sort of cable management system. By raceways, Footer meant Connector Strips. Plug Boxes may be less expensive, although not as convenient. You might consider putting some constant power 120V and/or 208V outlets, as well as DMX/Ethernet outlets, at your lighting locations as well.

Does the "closet" contain appropriate HVAC and fire suppression to support a dimmer rack? What else would need to be done to classify it from a closet to an electrical room?

Originally Posted by shiben

...We have an AMX to DMX converter, so would that be the best option to use? ...

Protocol converters are always spec'd as <what the console outputs> to <what the dimmers want>, so do you really have an AMX to DMX converter?

Originally Posted by rschwimmer

...We have a retro-fit kit that would be perfect for your case. ...

How does this compare, in price and features, to the Johnson Systems CD2000?

[rschwimmer]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

How does this compare, in price and features, to the Johnson Systems CD2000?

This is a close to comparable item. I have been told (I have not actually seen a rack upgraded with this) that the Johnson Systems conversion works as an upgrade. The upgrade to C21 and the CD2000 are very comparable. There are going to be a few different advantages with the C21 upgrade. One big advantage will be the configuration of the ports. With Johnson you are limited with DMX controls.

I don't know the price difference because I am not in that area to know what our Retro-fit goes for. I also don't know how much the CD2000 kit runs for either.

It really is going to come down to what they want to accomplish with moving of the rack. If they want the rack to stay all Strand, then our kit will be best. But if not, then I would assume the Johnson's kit would work OK.

[shiben]

derekleffew, thanks for pointing that out, never knew thats how it was labeled. We would probably put in some form of outlet strips, especially if Physical Plant has some that are rated high enough on hand. The electrics wont be moving, so thats not a problem. The closet already has the proper gear in it, as it has the main breaker panel for half the building, some pumps and HVAC equipment in it already. We will check out and price out both possible upgrades.

[Darthrob13]

Originally Posted by rschwimmer

CD-80 can range from about 20 years +++.

First install was around 1977...so adjusting for pi, the CD-80 has been around for over 30 years.

Sick.

[DimmerDotCom]

Originally Posted by rschwimmer

This is a close to comparable item. I have been told (I have not actually seen a rack upgraded with this) that the Johnson Systems conversion works as an upgrade. The upgrade to C21 and the CD2000 are very comparable. There are going to be a few different advantages with the C21 upgrade. One big advantage will be the configuration of the ports. With Johnson you are limited with DMX controls.

CD2000 - two dedicated DMX's, CS-2800 ports (these are system mangement stations that can snapshot DMX like SWC on the Strand SV side), 16 analogs in, 128 channels of generated DMX out (this is diferent than thru as these are addressable). Johnson Systems Inc.

You also will not compromise the coolling of the dimmer rack (multi-rack installs or racks with disconnects to the side of them) with CD-2000 or have issues with hitting buss bars. In fact you will get a massive dust cloud when the CD-2000 first powers on as more air is moved through the dimmer stack. The buss bar clearance can be a real issue and is a big reason why NBC Burbank studios chose the CD-2000 to upgrade over 50 CD-80's and their CD-90's.

[rschwimmer]

Originally Posted by Darthrob13

First install was around 1977...so adjusting for pi, the CD-80 has been around for over 30 years.

Sick.

I have to agree. I was discussing with Patrick yesterday, and he was thinking the first one was in the mid 80's, so that is some pretty cool stuff that we were rocking it during the seventies!

Dimmer.com:

I would have to say that both upgrades will have their advantages. Its all a matter of opinion, and what range of money the client wants to spend. When all is said and done, whether he gets the Johnson System's, or the C21 upgrade, it is, and always will be a Strand Dimmer Rack! And that is all that matters!!!

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by rschwimmer

... it is, and always will be a Strand Dimmer Rack! And that is all that matters!!!

Actually, it's more likely that the OP's rack is branded Strand-CENTURY. In what year was the Century name dropped? 1986? The same year as the purchase of Electro Controls?

[shiben]

Yes, it is branded Strand Century. I have notified the appropriate bean counters of the options and the slow gears of spending money have been put in motion, I will let everyone know if this goes anywhere, it might be rather fast due to future use of the facility.

[rschwimmer]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Actually, it's more likely that the OP's rack is branded Strand-CENTURY. In what year was the Century name dropped? 1986? The same year as the purchase of Electro Controls?

Still a Strand Dimmer rack. Even your quote says it Strand-Century. I'm just sayin.

[Footer]

I have used both the CD2000 upgrade and the C21 upgrade for CD-80's. The CD2000 upgrade does what it needs to do. It does have a few frills such as wall station support. The C21 upgrade does have some nice features as well. Shownet support is great (Is it ACN Yet?). Also, you get a login to the actual rack to detect errors, etc. All in all, both do the same thing, it just depends on what you need.

I would like to add though, if you have an issue with the Johnson Systems stuff, its a call and shipping to Canada to get it fixed. I had a part out for over a month and a half without a spare a few months ago.