Wireless DMX for permanent install?

Alfonso

Member
Hello, I am the tech at my local theater, we are currently in the process of getting quotes for a new lighting system. One company wants to do a complete wireless system using Elation E-fly transceivers. I haven't had very good luck with wireless and I'm not sure that it's a great idea for a permanent install. Does anyone have any opinions on this?
 
I don’t think you will find anyone on this board that would say yes to wireless for a permanent install.

A one off yes. A 3 or 4 day circus tour yes. A few uplights in a waterfall for a month while you wait for Electrican’s to pull your wires for hard line yes.

Forever no!

Whatever company is quoting you that is trying to upsell you. I would look at the rest of the quote with a fine tool comb cause of that.
 
I have two new build projects that are all wireless. No reports of problems and no regrets. They do use the ColorSource Relay, so it cost less than wired. Not requiring other relays. YMMV. You are probably safer with wired data.
 
If I were doing a new install - decent 24-48 port PoE switch, an enttec Storm 24's and cat5e cable to XLR(5)/F on the bars, with additional (3-4) shielded cat6a's run between rack and the same locations as well as all possible control positions (wings, booth, mid-auditorium) and call it a day. That way you have cabling if you need to do video - either using a video over IP solution or HD-baseT. Depending on access in the venue it is a relatively cost effective solution.
 
The local public television studio just did a revamp to all led. They used an ETC wireless configuration. Although, I must admit, my tummy feels better with a copper connection.
 
I had an interesting experience with wireless DMX last week. I was working a corporate event and the DJ (insert eye roll) provided the uplights and connected them via Wireless DMX. Every time the photographer took a picture the lights would change color. Something in her wireless flash remote was interfering with the DMX! I had a good laugh watching them all change to different colors during the show.

I personally would not use wireless for an entire system. It might be nice to have a few transmitters and receivers to use when you need to put a light somewhere unusual but just don't see the benefit in a normal install. To me it's like running wireless audio to a powered speaker. You have to power it anyway why not run an audio cable to it?

Just my .02.
K
 
I agree with your observations -- and the eyeroll :)

But please understand, you're NOT outlining a fault that dooms all wireless DMX -- you've noted a problem with one particular system, one that sounds like possibly the worst embodiment of wireless DMX ever made. It's horrible!

Just as a bad experience driving a 1977 LADA doesn't mean all cars are disasters waiting to happen, you can't say that all wireless DMX is a mess of interference and failure after this particular event. :)

**

Just because wireless is part of a rig doesn't automatically mean wireless has screwed everything up...

The most common problem with wired DMX is channel jump. This occurs when the fixtures receiving the data misinterpret noise or dropouts on the data line as the start of a new DMX packet, then count frames from the wrong starting point. What if the camera flash caused noise in the DMX signal before it ever got to a wireless transmitter at all?

What if the DJ (insert eyeroll) was using mic cable for DMX, or made his own DMX cables out of unshielded power cords, or something else that's kinda dumb? What if the DJ was using 1000 feet of cable with no terminator at the end? We would probably see channel jump, and it really sounds like that might be what you were seeing.

Jim
RC4
 
I agree with your observations -- and the eyeroll :)

But please understand, you're NOT outlining a fault that dooms all wireless DMX -- you've noted a problem with one particular system, one that sounds like possibly the worst embodiment of wireless DMX ever made. It's horrible!

Just as a bad experience driving a 1977 LADA doesn't mean all cars are disasters waiting to happen, you can't say that all wireless DMX is a mess of interference and failure after this particular event. :)

**

Just because wireless is part of a rig doesn't automatically mean wireless has screwed everything up...

The most common problem with wired DMX is channel jump. This occurs when the fixtures receiving the data misinterpret noise or dropouts on the data line as the start of a new DMX packet, then count frames from the wrong starting point. What if the camera flash caused noise in the DMX signal before it ever got to a wireless transmitter at all?

What if the DJ (insert eyeroll) was using mic cable for DMX, or made his own DMX cables out of unshielded power cords, or something else that's kinda dumb? What if the DJ was using 1000 feet of cable with no terminator at the end? We would probably see channel jump, and it really sounds like that might be what you were seeing.

Jim
RC4

Jim, You are absolutely correct. I did not intend for my anecdote to encompass all wireless. Simply outlining that it does not work correctly all of the time. The same is true with any wireless technology. I simply feel that using wireless in a permanent install is not the best course of action. I believe that it has its uses but given the choice I would hardwire where I had a choice.
 

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