We just got an Express and am very excited about it. We have a full Colortran/Levion installation with a i96 rack and all conventional lighting. I am wondering if there is anything I can use the ETCnet outputs/inputs on the Express for anything, a remote etc.
No, not unless you buy an original ETCNet1 or ETCNet2 node, which are almost impossible to find as they are not made anymore. ETCNet1 is strictly just a Video Feed/DMX over Ethernetprotocol, unfortunately ETCNet1 did not have any ability for feedback or anything of that nature like ETCNet2 or ETCNet3 does. Honestly it is pretty useless, if you want a remote it would be best for you to find an ETCExpressRFU.
You can get more information on ETCNet 1 at ETC's wiki. There are a few options for Net1, but finding them will be an issue as ETC doesn't make them anymore. I agree with the above comment about finding an RFU, it would be your least expensive route.
You can sort of do what you are thinking about, if you get a ETC remote video system for ETCnet1, and an RFU, you can, in effect, control all of the boards functions from anywhere in the same network. For example, you can have an etc remote link backstage, and an RFU, and run teh board from there, there's even a "GO" button on the RFU. It's really really useful for runthroughs when you need to be able to walk around and see a show, but also cue it at the same time.
I picked up an RFU and ETCnet vidoe box for $200, you just gotta look
What isn't well known is that Net2 1-port and 2-port DMX nodes (made for ETC by Pathway, but branded ETC) support DMX output from Net1. While the 2-port versions aren't sold by ETC anymore, there's a huge number of them in use out there. The 1-ports are currently being sold however, and they support all four possible Net1 DMX universes, user selectable via a hardware jumperblock on the rear of the unit.
I have a bunch of etcnet nodes sitting In a room that have never been used since the theatre was built 10 years ago. How much are they worth? Email me if you are interested at [email protected]