Non-DMX
- Thread starteradude23
- Start date
There is a few things you can do. First, don't put them on a dimmer. You need to either get relay packs for your dimmers, or get a shoebox relay pack, or one of these...
http://www.meteor-global.com/technical/UsersGuide-Meteor DMX Relay.pdf
Now, the fog machine is another thing all together, you can't simply put it on a relay. It depends on how complicated the control is. I have ripped apart controls before just to wire a relay into the "go" switch on a fogger. It works. Its dirty, but it does work.
Now the real answer is... buy stuff that takes DMX. I know it costs a bit more, but it really is worth it in the end.
http://www.meteor-global.com/technical/UsersGuide-Meteor DMX Relay.pdf
Now, the fog machine is another thing all together, you can't simply put it on a relay. It depends on how complicated the control is. I have ripped apart controls before just to wire a relay into the "go" switch on a fogger. It works. Its dirty, but it does work.
Now the real answer is... buy stuff that takes DMX. I know it costs a bit more, but it really is worth it in the end.
It really depends on what it is specifically.
Safest way would be to get some Relay modules for your dimmers(don't remember the exact name) but those act as ON(Dmx 1+%) or OFF(DMX 0%) and they don't have the frequency or whatnot modifying circutry because they don't dim at all.
For something like a simple strobe light, I might use a dimmer and just be careful to always set it to either 100% or 0%, it may blow the strobe circuit, but I don't think it's THAT likely(High schoolers opinion)
For a fogger, I'd have to ask what kind of situation you're in where you have a fogger without DMX capabilities. I'd get the Stage Manager or someone backstage on headset to push the button.
Safest way would be to get some Relay modules for your dimmers(don't remember the exact name) but those act as ON(Dmx 1+%) or OFF(DMX 0%) and they don't have the frequency or whatnot modifying circutry because they don't dim at all.
For something like a simple strobe light, I might use a dimmer and just be careful to always set it to either 100% or 0%, it may blow the strobe circuit, but I don't think it's THAT likely(High schoolers opinion)
For a fogger, I'd have to ask what kind of situation you're in where you have a fogger without DMX capabilities. I'd get the Stage Manager or someone backstage on headset to push the button.
In all seriousness, I have very little right to give any advice in this thread, being in highschool, I don't have too many toys to play with, and already, I've managed to add a Chauvet Mushroom, Bubble machine and Mirror ball to dimmers. I was semi-careful to keep them on either 100% or 0%, but still.
They're all still alive though
They're all still alive though
Also in all seriousness, just because you're relatively new to the business doesn't mean you're wrong when you make a suggestion. Just as the fact that I've been in the business close to twenty years doesn't mean I'm always right. All of us, even the old pros (sometimes especially the old pros) still have quite a bit to learn.
Not how I meant it >.<
I meant it in the way that since I go to a public school, I don't have access to very many "toys", and that the stuff I did have, I managed to abuse by putting on a dimmer, with full knowledge of the possible consequences.
AlsoAlso in all seriousness, I have a pretty extreme arrogance and King of the Booth complex which gets encouraged by the fact that I'm probably the most theater tech-knowledged person in the school* and the seemingly constant compliments from student council leaders and other teachers don't help me overcome it
*I'm really not sure about the actual teachers, they showed us how to use the 2-scene mode, and for the rest I hunted down the manuals.
From http://www.dfd.com/1r20data.html: "Ideal applications include fog machines, power to moving light fixtures, motorized disco effects, strobe lights, fans, etc."
We use these with DF-50 hazers all the time. DIY options are available, see DMX-CONTROLLED RELAY SWITCH KIT, model #K8072 - All Spectrum Electronics, and others from http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/...71-diy-dmx-demux-protocol-converters-etc.html.
We use these with DF-50 hazers all the time. DIY options are available, see DMX-CONTROLLED RELAY SWITCH KIT, model #K8072 - All Spectrum Electronics, and others from http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/...71-diy-dmx-demux-protocol-converters-etc.html.
Most strobes do not play well with dimmers. As many strobes get their pulse timing based on the AC power cycle (60Hz in the US) the switching action of an SCR/SSR dimmer even at full can foul the timing circuits. Actually, the switching of and SCR/SSR dimmer can damage electronics, which is why you should never use devices that are not designed to be run on dimmers on dimmers.
AlsoAlso in all seriousness, I have a pretty extreme arrogance and King of the Booth complex which gets encouraged by the fact that I'm probably the most theater tech-knowledged person in the school* and the seemingly constant compliments from student council leaders and other teachers don't help me overcome it
In that case, I'll be sure to throw in the occassional insult or snide comment when I respond to your posts.
I'm sure other CB members will also be happy to help cure your King of the Booth complex.
See http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/education/9503-king-queen-booth-complex.html....I'm sure other CB members will also be happy to help cure your King of the Booth complex.
Seems about right.
Although, I don't "try" to show off keys or think I'm better than anyone else, it just happens >.<
The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that it's there
Although I mist say that in a way I think that I actually AM the most tech knowledged person at the school, from others that I've watched run the boards.I seem to be the only one that actually read the manuals for EVERYTHING(From mics to lighting boards to clear-coms) I actually printed out the "Programming" part of our Strand MX manual and slipped it under the board for others, all that it got me was 6 ripped up, scribbled on sheets of paper laying around the booth
So yeah, on one side, I believe I'm king of tech in our school. On the other side, I'm pretty sure I actually do know more than anyone, but compensate by answering questions and spreading the knowledge.
P.S. Enough threadjacking, if we must discuss my King complex, we need a new thread >.<
Last edited:
Sayen
Active Member
This is part of the fun of educational theater. At a recent conference I overheard a conversation where a sales rep for a certain national company told a teacher he could plug whatever he wanted into a dimmer, no problem! It was followed with a pitch to sell low end LED junk to the same person. I had to grab the teacher and point him towards CB to double check what the vendor was saying. People see "school" and equate it with easy prey.
First of all Donkey you are incompetent and have no idea what you are talking about... Does that help?
While I agree that "King of the Booth Syndrome" is a problem for you to deal with that doesn't mean it should keep you from posting here. Back to you original post, as long as you are giving good advice there's no reason you shouldn't post just because you are a high school student. Charc's been around here a long time. He started out not having a clue. While he personally may still be clueless, he has learned a few tech things over the last couple of years and now [-]sometimes gets lucky and[/-] gives good tech advice. If your advice is a poor idea someone else will point it out.
To help with your "KBS" try to get yourself a backstage tour at a big facility, sit near the booth at a BIG concert, or even better yet to a trade show. You'll find there's a lot out there you don't know about.
While I agree that "King of the Booth Syndrome" is a problem for you to deal with that doesn't mean it should keep you from posting here. Back to you original post, as long as you are giving good advice there's no reason you shouldn't post just because you are a high school student. Charc's been around here a long time. He started out not having a clue. While he personally may still be clueless, he has learned a few tech things over the last couple of years and now [-]sometimes gets lucky and[/-] gives good tech advice. If your advice is a poor idea someone else will point it out.
To help with your "KBS" try to get yourself a backstage tour at a big facility, sit near the booth at a BIG concert, or even better yet to a trade show. You'll find there's a lot out there you don't know about.
