Controlling a old dimmer.

[Stoldal]

At the high school where I help out, we have 5 old dimmer packs. I cant remember off the top of my head but i think that they where made by a company called "technical theatre", I will check next time i go in. Each dimmer pack has 6 channels. It is a analog dimmer and the control cable uses Cinch Jones Connectors. So my question is where can i get a analog to DMX converter that uses cinch Jones connectors for the analog connection.

Thanks!!

[Footer]

Dove systems makes a DMX to 10v converter, as well as Doug Fleenor. I doubt you will be able to get one with the connector already on it because most installers did not follow a defacto standard when doing the pin outs, and inside that each lighting company used a different standard. You will have to hard wire it in or put your own connector on. http://www.dfd.com/24anl.html

[derekleffew]

Mstoldal, the name you're trying to recall is most likely TTI-Theatre Techniques, Inc. They made workable and useful dimmers and consoles, on par with EDI, until going under the the late '80s/early '90s. As Footer said, Fleenor makes a 24 channel version that outputs via a DB-25 connector. That means you'd have to lose 6 dimmers, which I'm sure you don't want.

If you're not opposed to used equipment, here's a link to an ETC 32 ch. Response Box, that outputs on a 36pin Centronics connector, perfect for your needs, and for $85! Since you're near me, I could help you wire it if needed.

I also suggest searching PRG, usedlighting.com, Solaris Network, and GearSource, if in the market for any used gear.

And by the way, you want a "DMX to Analog" converter, not the other way 'round.

[JD]

Maybe TTI ? (Theater Techniques Inc) Was big back in the 70's and 80's. Packs were blue in color. Most were 3.6 x 6 and had silver sand fuses in addition to breakers. They were really great packs! If they are, 0-10 is correct. Pin out should be simple, but I think there is a power pin mixed in there.

Oops! While I was off looking for a picture, Derek beat me to it! Couldn't find any... Strange, they were popular. Anyway, probably worth the converter.

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by JD

Maybe TTI ? (Theater Techniques Inc) Was big back in the 70's and 80's. Packs were blue in color. Most were 3.6 x 6 and had silver sand fuses in addition to breakers. They were really great packs! If they are, 0-10 is correct. Pin out should be simple, but I think there is a power pin mixed in there.
Oops! While I was off looking for a picture, Derek beat me to it! Couldn't find any... Strange, they were popular. Anyway, probably worth the converter.

TTI's also came as 2400 watts per dimmer, at least mine were. although I do recall some 3.6's and 7.2kw's as well .

The 10 pin Cinch-Jones connector was wired as control 1 - pin 1, control 2 on pin 2 etc... thru pin 6, then ground on pin 10.

A good source for convertors and cable adapters is Litetrol Service in Hicksville, NY - Steve Short, 516 681-5288. He'll know exactly what you got and what you need and can fix anything that's broke.

SB

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by SteveB

...
The 10 pin Cinch-Jones connector was wired as control 1 - pin 1, control 2 on pin 2 etc... thru pin 6, then ground on pin 10.

SteveB, would you remember offhand if the KliegPac 9 followed the same pin-out? I want to think not, as the console must get power from the rack somehow, IIRC. So maybe it used a 12pin CJ? Knowing Kliegl, I'm sure it was something non-standard.

Website and picture (probably) of OP's dimmer pack. Look quickly, as the picture cycles between TTI-6pack, Kliegl R73 module, some firing cards I don't recognize, and a Skirpan module.

[Stoldal]

Cool, thanks for the quick help. I think that you guys know what my dimmers are. They are TTI, blue, 2400watts x 6

Website and picture (probably) of OP's dimmer pack. Look quickly, as the picture cycles between TTI-6pack, Kliegl R73 module, some firing cards I don't recognize, and a Skirpan module.

That first picture that comes up look like the dimmer packs that we use, the only differance is mine are blue. Now that I think about it, the most i will need and can use at a time is four dimmer packs. That is due to the fact that our gym/theatre only has 400amp(120v)/200amp(240) that can be used for light. So 24 channels would work out get.

I am kinda looking for something that is good but not over costly. We are building a theatre right now, and we will not need to use these dimmer packs that much after it is built.

I think that the best thing for me to do is get the ETC 32 ch. Response Box. That should work get for what i need. And i never know one day i may need those extra channels.

My question now is, how do i get the analog output of the ETC 32 ch. Response Box to cinch jones connector. Is it just a simple wiring up some cinch jones connector up right?

Thanks for you help!!

[derekleffew]

Mstoldal, PM me privately and I'll talk you through it. I even have the Centronics connector you need, and would be glad to help, as you're local.

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

SteveB, would you remember offhand if the KliegPac 9 followed the same pin-out? .

I only used the Pac9 system on 2 occasions (it was nice, but odd) and never needed to muck with control wiring. Cannot recall where control head power came from. I did spend a lot of time making assorted connectors for stuff to either control TTI dimmers or to use a TTI controller with Strand, so remember the pin config's.

Here's what Google came up with about Kliegl:

http://www.klieglbros.com/service/kl.../kp9manual.htm

http://www.klieglbros.com/kliegl_parts__service.htm

I also recall that a former Kliegl service tech. - actually for a time, the ONLY Kliegl service tech support, was a great guy named Harry Nash. I recall that he started his own service for Kliegl after they went kaput, but cannot find him now on Google. Maybe somebody else here remembers. Would not surprise me if he gave it up and retired to Florida.

SB

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by Mstoldal

i will need and can use at a time is four dimmer packs. That is due to the fact that our gym/theatre only has 400amp(120v)/200amp(240) that can be used for light. So 24 channels would work out get.

Remember that the typical code requirement is that you do not overload with too much a load. You do not have to add up the quantity of 20 amp circuits to fit into 400 amps. You can use demand load, which is the total wattages of the fixtures times 120 volts. A typical ETC Sensor 96x2.4kw dimmer rack fits onto a 400 amp, 3 phase service. If you have 2 phases (I think that's what you were stating), you would be comfortable with 64x2.4kw dimmers, as example.

SB