Control/Dimming Dimmer Packs

[yanksrule0422]

So I currently have 6 NSI DDS 9800 dimmer packs.

I've had them for quite a while and I have a couple questions:
- When is a good time to look for replacements?
- What would be a good replacement? (I'm looking for similar wattage and 8+ outlets)

I did some research and came across:
-ETC SmartPack
-NSI DS Rack

 

[JD]

Are you having any problems with them? I have some dimmers that are over 40 years in age. Lifespan is really determined by how hard a pack is used and how it gets treated. (or if it's control system becomes obsolete )
If they are in road cases and are in good shape and have not been vibrated to bits, then why replace them? The 9800 is a native microplex dimmer with optional DMX. If these are already DMX, work, and are meeting your needs, then I can't see any logic to changing them. If they are old and beat, that's a different story. That said, it's always good to have some spare capacity and an extra pack as dimmers do fail and can get damaged.

 

[yanksrule0422]

There are no issues with them as of right now and they are permanently mounted, but I actually need to expand. I'm renting lights for a show and I'll definitely need more packs.

Over the next few months/year I'll be permanently expanding my fixture inventory. When this happen's, I'll need more. If there's no reason to replace my current ones, then I won't.

But as a separate topic, what would be a good pack with equal or greater quality than the 9800?

 

[garyvp]

Are you having any problems with them? I have some dimmers that are over 40 years in age. Lifespan is really determined by how hard a pack is used and how it gets treated. (or if it's control system becomes obsolete )
If they are in road cases and are in good shape and have not been vibrated to bits, then why replace them? The 9800 is a native microplex dimmer with optional DMX. If these are already DMX, work, and are meeting your needs, then I can't see any logic to changing them. If they are old and beat, that's a different story. That said, it's always good to have some spare capacity and an extra pack as dimmers do fail and can get damaged.

We have 3 9800s and one 9600 (for our strip lights.) They are 20 year old and work as new, but I service them when they blow an SCR. I keep an inventory of spare parts bought on EBAY. I had explored replacing them at one time, but will wait 5 years. Their controllers are still being sold (we have 7524s). Agree with Yanks. I last researched ETC but was over $10,000 and the controller could only handle 99 cues (the one we could afford) vs the 300+ for nsi. Can't afford the better LEDs sow we wait. Also, you can get used 9800 on ebay for a few 100$ if you need to expand.

 

[len]

So I currently have 6 NSI DDS 9800 dimmer packs.

I've had them for quite a while and I have a couple questions:
- When is a good time to look for replacements?
- What would be a good replacement? (I'm looking for similar wattage and 8+ outlets)

I did some research and came across:
-ETC SmartPack
-NSI DS Rack

I'm always looking around for a replacement for everything. I have a bunch of Leviton D4dmx. They don't take a lot of abuse, but they're easily replaceable (inexpensive), although only 4 channels. A lot of users here don't like them, but I've never had an issue with Leprecon LD-360. They have 6 channels and can be purchased with edison, stagepin, and probably powercon, but require 2, 15amp circuits. But as long as the ones you have work ...

However, I now see the stuff you have is installed, not mobile. Given that, definitely a permanent dimmer rack? I would bet the overall cost would be less if you were to consider that direction.