DMX dimmer question

[jimmol]

Being new to use of dimmers with DMX-

Is it possible to have two dimmer boxes set to the same channel so you can control more lights per channel?

Thanks

[cprted]

Yes. What console are you using?

[Corbettlight]

Yes. If you address two dimmers to the same address (or set of addresses, if you have shoebox dimmers), they will be controlled by the same control channel.

Alternatively, depending on the console you have, you could soft patch multiple DMX addresses to one channel on the board.

[JD]

As we always get a lot of DMX questions, it might be fun to assemble an extensive DMX FAQ one of these days. Until then, you can find a lot of information on this site about DMX in the Wiki section http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/g.../5495-dmx.html

[jimmol]

Originally Posted by cprted

Yes. What console are you using?

Elation Stage Setter 24

I am using it in the 2x12 mode which allows the scenes to be controlled by sliders 13-24. I have a one dimmer box too many to use in this configuration but wondered if I could add additional lights for some parts of the stage using the spare box assigned to the same 4 channels as one of the other boxes. Looks like I can.

[Corbettlight]

Yep, you can. Judging by your board, I think that would be the easiest and most effective solution.

[David Ashton]

Bear in mind that you can record 24 channels down to your scenes, record in wide mode then playback in scene/channel mode.

[jimmol]

Originally Posted by David Ashton

Bear in mind that you can record 24 channels down to your scenes, record in wide mode then playback in scene/channel mode.

Hmm, Maybe I am not using the right terminology. I am trying to record "Scene Masters" I thought I read that you can only record in the 12x12 mode. But the instructions are unclear as to what I can really do in 1/24 mode: it says it can record "Bump Scenes" and then it talks about recording "Scenes" so I will have to get it out and give it a try.

Thanks for the tip.

[church]

Bear in mind that a key difference between the Scene Setter and the Stage Setter is that the Scene Setter allows soft patching with gives far more flexibility and the Scene Setter also comes in a 2*24 version. If you are ever considering buying one of these boards it is worth remembering the differences. The Stage Setter is more useful for small band work because it has 5 pre-recorded effects chases and allows you to program 10 of your own and run them from effects buttons. On the scene Setter you have to program the effects onto the Scene mater faders although you can have four pages of them.

You can have multiple dimmer packs set to the same address with either console.

Both boards can operate in three modes: 2*12; 1*24; and 12*12. You can only program scenes in the 12*12 mode. Note effects can be programmed in all three modes.

However on the Stage Setter if you have it in the 2*12 mode you are limited to using only 12 channels i.e. you can only use DMX addresses 1 through 12.
If you are using the 1*24 then you can use DMX addresses 1 through 24.

If you are using it in 12*12 mode then you can use preset A to act as slider control of dimmer packs set to DMX address 1 through 12. The Preset B sliders are also tied to the Bump buttons. In this mode you can program sliders 13 through 24 as scene faders when you bring up the slider the scene will run at whatever intensity you select with the fader. If you press the bump button the Scene will run at full intensity. These are called the Scene Playback faders i the manual, I never remember the programming steps for this board but it is relatively straightforward and should be printed on the underside of the console it is also found on Page 16 of the manual under the heading of "Scene Bump Masters".

Can you post more details of what you are trying to do.

[jimmol]

I am trying to use lighting to illuminate and bring the audiences attention to what is happening on different parts of the stage on a shoe string budget.

That's the short answer. I wanted it to be easy to use, just having to press a button or move on slider to bring up the lights for a scene. We really haven't the need for the chase scenes. The Stage Pak 2 was the price we could afford for what we needed to do. I like the idea of an extra dimmer box over Stage Pack 1.

I have been able to program scenes easily and in the test phase it has worked well, though one time the whole thing stopped transmitting light levels to the dimmer boxes, the console was showing the right thing, indicator lights coming up when sliders went up, the dimmer boxes were showing they were receiving a signal, but the indicator lights were not going up. We were using both DMX out from the console and were well under loads, 3 different breakers...but I did not have the terminators in yet. Also since we are not quit sure where the lights will end up, we are extension cording everything (5 amps max per chord) until we can hard wire everything. One electrician thought the extra length of the cords could have added amps and overloaded a box. Live and learn.

Thanks for the information. History and more info below

Jim

History: We have started a worship service in the gym and are finally to the point of adding more lights. Started off with 4 par 64s (500s) lighting the entire 36 x 10 stage area. They were wired to two light switches. Then the school offered to pay part for a board and dimmer box system. I was able to pick up an Elation Stage Pak 2 for $420. Now we could vary the 4 PARs. A member donated $240 for some more lights. I found Chauvet Par 56 (300w) Twin packs for $60 a piece on Amazon. So I divided the stage into 5 areas, 4 for the band (two on each side of center), one for the guy who talks each service.
At current I am using 2 Par 64s fanned, for the instruments and two par 56 for each side where singers stand. I use two Par 56 with beams turned vertical for the speaker and altar. I have two Par 56 coming off the wall as backlights (the stage starts at the wall), but at a 30 degrees angle, so they actually cover both singers and band.