Help for newbie
- Thread starterDoowop63
- Start date
cmckeeman
Active Member
Just to expand on the knowledge base of this post, DMX only has 512 adresses of controll, but inside the computer in the console you can have adresses higher, adresses 513 through 1024 in the board are sent out throguh the second universe, 513=1, 514=2, ect... so when the time comes and you want to use universe two don't try to address your moving lights to 513.
Les
Well-Known Member
That is true. I should update my graphic.
coldnorth57
Active Member
lightman02
Active Member
cmckeeman
Active Member
To use universe two, you would patch an address (in the board) as 513. This would correspond to DMX address 1 for any fixtures connected to universe two. to differentiate between the universes in the board you need to look at the patch, any address (called dimmer in the patch menu) 513 through 1024 is sent to the universe two outlet. but when it is sent out of the board it is sent as standard DMX so the address (Board) 513 corresponds to address (DMX) 1. so you would address your fixtures to whatever starting address you patched just offset by 513.
lightman02
Active Member
You can use a gender changer to tap off that connection if you wanted to, those pins become live with DMX when DMX is fed into the system from the board. The reason for the connector is so that two DMX feeds can’t be applied at the same time. The DMX signal runs on the same internal buss that the input runs off of. Basically all the DMX chip does is take a signal sample off the line. I think the funny part is so many people talk about terminating DMX properly but no one puts terminators in their unused stage ports not realizing that they are running an unterminated system. Unless their dimmers have the termination function built in.
cmckeeman
Active Member
Just because one CAN, doesn't mean on SHOULD.
If scenario#2 above (the most likely), once one changes the input into an output, one has created a Y-cable split. From Doug Fleenor Design - DMX Primer :
Always better to run a long cable from output#2 on the console, to the DMX devices.
lightman02
Active Member
It sounds like you have two types of ellipsoidal reflector spotlights.
The older "incandescent" Altman 360, whose lamp cap uses a medium prefocus socket that uses a 500W EGE lamp (can also use 750W EGG lamp). Above, you described these radial ERS units as "45degree lamp housing."
The other ia an Altman 360Q axial ERS Leko, which has a medium bipin socket and uses either a 500W EHD or 750W EHG lamp. I would suggest you start using a newer lamp, the 575W GLC, which has an improved, more compact, filament geometry.
Both the 360 and 360Q use a cap gasket, piece of stamped metal that fits between the lamp cap and the fixture. --I can't remember right off but I believe these are interchangeable between the two.
Often lost/unused, but important to control unwanted light spill out of the back of the luminaire and retail for about $3-5 each.
The older "incandescent" Altman 360, whose lamp cap uses a medium prefocus socket that uses a 500W EGE lamp (can also use 750W EGG lamp). Above, you described these radial ERS units as "45degree lamp housing."
The other ia an Altman 360Q axial ERS Leko, which has a medium bipin socket and uses either a 500W EHD or 750W EHG lamp. I would suggest you start using a newer lamp, the 575W GLC, which has an improved, more compact, filament geometry.
Both the 360 and 360Q use a cap gasket, piece of stamped metal that fits between the lamp cap and the fixture. --I can't remember right off but I believe these are interchangeable between the two.
Often lost/unused, but important to control unwanted light spill out of the back of the luminaire and retail for about $3-5 each.
Doowop63
Active Member
The 360 is what I am looking at right now. The lamp caps are removed from some and in a drawer. Would like to be safe and replace the wiring, as I am unsure of the condition of the lamp caps in the drawer. Thanks for the lamp number. We are a struggling Community theatre and need to repair as many thing as possible for the least amount of cost. But I guess that's everybody's issue.
RE: 360 lamp caps,
Does the wiring really need to be replaced? Is it asbestos? Is the insulation missing / cracking / deteriorated? I believe Production Advantage and others have "wiring kits" available, which may or may not include a new socket. (In the case of 360Q, the wires are permanently attached to the socket.)
As for checking condition of MPF sockets, the center contact button is spring-mounted and should move freely and spring back with moderate amount of force. Any signs of blackening of the contact is a sign of arcing and the socket should probably be replaced.
There are lots of threads discussing the medium prefocus socket used in both radial ERS and smaller fresnels. Here's one: Conventional Fixtures - Century-Strand socket for 2331 | ControlBooth . Lots of other threads about replacing asbestos instrument leads. Just start typing stuff into the search box.
State where you are in New York, and perhaps a nearby CB member would be willing to drop by and give you an assessment to help you develop a plan of attack. Failing that, is there a college or university nearby? Don't be afraid to reach out to either the Technical Director or one of his/her students.
Does the wiring really need to be replaced? Is it asbestos? Is the insulation missing / cracking / deteriorated? I believe Production Advantage and others have "wiring kits" available, which may or may not include a new socket. (In the case of 360Q, the wires are permanently attached to the socket.)
As for checking condition of MPF sockets, the center contact button is spring-mounted and should move freely and spring back with moderate amount of force. Any signs of blackening of the contact is a sign of arcing and the socket should probably be replaced.
There are lots of threads discussing the medium prefocus socket used in both radial ERS and smaller fresnels. Here's one: Conventional Fixtures - Century-Strand socket for 2331 | ControlBooth . Lots of other threads about replacing asbestos instrument leads. Just start typing stuff into the search box.
State where you are in New York, and perhaps a nearby CB member would be willing to drop by and give you an assessment to help you develop a plan of attack. Failing that, is there a college or university nearby? Don't be afraid to reach out to either the Technical Director or one of his/her students.
