network dimmers

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I am looking for info on dimmer cabinets that are IP networkable for remote access. and monitoring . We are doing quite a bit of networking sound and projection but have not really started with the lighting but want it... thanks
 
ETC Sensor+ with CEM+ are fully networkable via TCP/IP. You can log in and manage/monitor with a computer, and if you enable EDMX on the CEMs then you don't need to run a DMX cable from console to racks (provided your console speaks ETCNet3). It is actually very cool because it virtually eliminates the concept of universes within your Sensor+ dimming system.
 
I am looking for info on dimmer cabinets that are IP networkable for remote access. and monitoring . We are doing quite a bit of networking sound and projection but have not really started with the lighting but want it... thanks

How do you define "remote access" ?.

Alex describes a Sensor CEM+ which indeed allows a user to access and configure the rack electronic modules via a separate computer logged into the Net2/3 network, usually via a Cat5 tap point to the switcher for the Net2/3 system.

In general though, it is considered a bad idea to allow access to this network via an internet/external access point. Best to keep the lighting system closed.

Check with ETC about this though as I'm aware that they have a complicated Net2 system in the CNN NYC building that allows access to the assorted studio lighting systems from other points in the building.

Steve B.
 
We have Entertainment Technology Capio raceways and dimerracks in our venue. They have served us well for the past four years. They come with a free program called PathPort Manager to monitor / create differents shows. These are used in conjunction with PathPort Control Nodes that actually turn the computer signal (via CAT5 cable) into DMX512 (2 connectors per node). Although I am not recommending it, you can even go wireless with it.

~Dave
 
say if the user wants to control the lighting from the stage using ethernet or even wifi, which is what i am implying from the original post, is this possible?

I plan on doing this, if it is possible using wi-fi and a laptop. would be really handy as a RRFU.
 
I'm gonna have to agree with what others are saying about wifi control. It's just not a great idea unless you have a hard lined backup. First of all theres the possibility of someone that's not supposed to have control over the lights taking control because guess what if you get wi fi so can they. Then there's the VERY likely possibility of interference. We found out that our wireless dimmers and wifi connections don't like to play nice all the time. Then there's all kinds of situations where you could lost connectivity. Yah don't like it at all.

Now if you just want to connect to dimmers over an network that is do able, you can get computer technology that will allow you to control lights (I'm pretty sure). One Ethernet cable can carry A TON more information that one DMX run, it makes future expansion easier. It makes remote control locations a much easier reality and Like Icewolf mentioned all of this can be done to the ETC Sensor+ with CEM+. If you want a WOW story ask Ice about the biggest ETC install he's ever seen, actual quote from one of the lighting higher ups, "Universes what are those."
 
say if the user wants to control the lighting from the stage using ethernet or even wifi, which is what i am implying from the original post, is this possible?
I plan on doing this, if it is possible using wi-fi and a laptop. would be really handy as a RRFU.
Most of the new generation of consoles (EOS, ION, LightPalette, etc.) and even some of the older consoles (Strand 300/500) allow for remote users to log in with a laptop. This usually requires the remote software for that console and a hardware dongle. With the new generation consoles you get a dongle with the console, if you happen to have a Strand 300/500 you can buy the USB designer's remote or if you have a Mac they have posted instructions on their website that detail how to log in via network without a dongle. This can all be done via WiFi or hard line connections.
 
say if the user wants to control the lighting from the stage using ethernet or even wifi, which is what i am implying from the original post, is this possible?
I plan on doing this, if it is possible using wi-fi and a laptop. would be really handy as a RRFU.

Ann Valentino from ETC had some good comments about WiFi and lighting networks - http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7418&page=4

Essentially, WiFi is functional as a focusing/on-stage tool for diagnostics etc..., as well as cuing from a design table, but not ideal for actual performance operation.

SB
 
Before this thread gets derailed and hijacked. the reason the info for the networkable dimming was only for monitoring purposes and diagnostics
We are doing this with all our sound and projection installs. We want to be able to log in to their network and find out how the systems are running. we have programs written that send us emails with errors or problems..... works good when they call us and say something isn't working can tell them to turn the phantom power back on the channel so a condenser mic will work etc.....
 
Before this thread gets derailed and hijacked. the reason the info for the networkable dimming was only for monitoring purposes and diagnostics
We are doing this with all our sound and projection installs. We want to be able to log in to their network and find out how the systems are running. we have programs written that send us emails with errors or problems..... works good when they call us and say something isn't working can tell them to turn the phantom power back on the channel so a condenser mic will work etc.....
I would check with ETC, but that sounds like something Sensor+ with CEM Plus could do. While I know you can log in to monitor it, I would imagine it could be set up to send out warning emails.
 

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