Control/Dimming DMX to USB

[samlish]

Hi guys, I have an ETC Element 60 desk at college. Can i use a simple DMX to USB adaptor to control and programme from Freestyler or MagicQ?

Here is the adaptor:
USB to DMX Computer Controller Interface Converter Adapter LED DMX512 Console | eBay

Thanks

samlish

 

[techieman33]

Just unplug the element and plug in the laptop, you may need a 3 pin to 5 pin adapter though depending on how your system is wired.

 

[samlish]

Oh i see, so you don't route through the desk, you direct straight into the laptop?

Interesting.

It is worth it though, because i am only using conventional fixtures?

 

[techieman33]

Correct, the dimmers/fixtures don't care what is sending the signal as long as it's being sent. Is it worth it? That's a question that can only be answered by you and by what you prefer to use.

 

[samlish]

I bought the Chamsys MagicQ basic USB to DMX interface. Very Impressed by the power of it. Well worth a tenner!

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Tex]

It is worth it though, because i am only using conventional fixtures?

I am experienced only with the Express line of consoles, but I have an Enttec dongle and use MagicQ for movers and LED's. If I were programming conventionals only in a cue stack for a theatrical production, I would choose the Element. It's the right tool for that job and would be easier to program and run, IMO. I've run movers on MagicQ and conventionals on the Express in the same show. They each do their own thing well.

 

[cbrandt]

I wouldn't scoff at using the element for movers and leds if you're doing a basic sub and cue stack show. It has the same virtual interface for intelligent lighting as its big brothers. Now, if you're attempting more complex moving light programming, or looking for multiple cue stacks, then the element will start to fall off in usefulness.

 

[Tex]

No scoffing, just an opinion. The point I was trying to make was not that the Element won't do movers, it's that MagicQ is cumbersome for theatre style cue stacks. I stand by my statement that the Element would be a better choice for an all conventional rig in a theatre.