Massey28694
Active Member
What does the 880 in your screenshot represent?
Hey all! Couple questions from a relative newbie. ETC Express Board. I can only add channels up to 125, so guess that means I have the Express 125(?). Does that mean I am limited to 125 dmx addresses, less my 48 dimmers? If that’s the case, does that also mean I do not have access to the second universe port? (Getting a new Element 2 soon, so not a big deal, just like to know).
Related, I have some Diversitronic dk2000 dmx strobes with 3 channels. Can I just assign say channel 80, patch it to 80, add or build a profile, and be able to run it? Once connected to the channel, what keys on the board would control intensity and speed?
As always, really appreciate the help!
I'd even take this one step further. I learned a very long time ago, it's best to unpatch all dimmers to start with a clean slate. Therefore, DIM 1 thru 1024 ENTER 0 ENTER. This prevents holdover from default patch unused dimmers left in same channel number.1) Anything you are not using DMX-wise, UNPATCH. So, if you only have 48 dimmers, go to PATCH and press DIM 49 thru 1024 ENTER 0 ENTER. This unpatches EVERYTHING above 48.
@Massey28694 My turn to ask a question: How are you powering your three strobes?@SteveB Thanks Steve, I figured as much, but didn’t want to take a chance that this would trip me up. I’m determined to get these things operational and it’ll probably end up being some simple step that I’m missing.
@Massey28694 I've been thinking about your strobe's five minute delay: Just a thought; what if you have them plugged in & powered up, leave the intensity channel at 0% and preset your rate and duration channels in a much earlier cue then snap your intensity channel to your desired level in a zero count in the cue where you want your strobes to fire?@Jekyll Jekyll, thanks so much for the great info. As soon as I get a chance, I'm going to run by and set these up and try again! I'm slowly learning and just last night read that these strobes have a 5 minute startup delay, so that in itself could be why I can't get them to work. In any case, quick question on the cleanup. Our channels are spread out with maybe a half dozen above 48 (the number of dimmers we have) probably just for convenience remembering which fixture numbers are on which circuit. But my question, I do NOT have to use all dmx addresses in order, correct?? If I want to assign say channel 150 to a dimmer for whatever reason, it would make no difference that my dmx addresses are not all used in order, correct?
Again, appreciate everyone's help!
Yes, that's how I'd do it. Mark the NIPs (Non-Intensity Parameters) just like one would with a moving light. But I quibble with "in a much earlier cue." Needn't/shouldn't be much earlier. I like MIB cues executed just before their values are needed, usually as an auto-follow to the previous cue. The only time this become a problem is when it takes a long time to complete the movement (scroller going from frame 1 to frame 24 for example) before the next cue.
@derekleffew @Massey28694 and @Jekyll My thinking was: If the strobes have a five minute delay; preset the rate and duration channels either in your initial preset at the top of each performance or in a cue approximately 5 minutes prior to the cue in which you want them to fire. Presetting the strobes a few seconds prior would not give them the 5 minutes they're apparently requiring.Yes, that's how I'd do it. Mark the NIPs (Non-Intensity Parameters) just like one would with a moving light. But I quibble with "in a much earlier cue." Needn't/shouldn't be much earlier. I like MIB cues executed just before their values are needed, usually as an auto-follow to the previous cue. The only time this become a problem is when it takes a long time to complete the movement (scroller going from frame 1 to frame 24 for example) before the next cue.
I've never used this particular fixture, but would think the "five minute delay" is from the time the unit receives power (perhaps to initially charge its capacitors?), not from the time any parameter values are changed. It appears the Diversitronic dk2000 is a copy of the beloved High End Systems AF1000 Dataflash. The manual is a bit vague in many places.My thinking was: If the strobes have a five minute delay;
@derekleffew In one of my previous posts in this thread I queried @Massey28694 as to how he was powering his strobes. From his reply I gather he already has his strobes powered and ready to rock, yet he's still facing his five minute delay.I've never used this particular fixture, but would think the "five minute delay" is from the time the unit receives power (perhaps to initially charge its capacitors?), not from the time any parameter values are changed. It appears the Diversitronic dk2000 is a copy of the beloved High End Systems AF1000 Dataflash. The manual is a bit vague in many places.
@derekleffew In one of my previous posts in this thread I queried @Massey28694 as to how he was powering his strobes. From his reply I gather he already has his strobes powered and ready to rock, yet he's still facing his five minute delay.
@Massey28694 @Jekyll @derekleffew Care to keep playing along?
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard
Not sure if this is a special mode or standard operating procedure.Extended duty (5 minutes start-up), 25% no trip At maximum speed and intensity
@Massey28694 We progress and learn by remembering both our successes and our failures. If you've truly learned your lesson well, I suspect you won't make that error / assumption again. Congratulations on your progress; in the future I suspect you'll recall "Your knowledge of strobes came to you in a FLASH!! "Gentlemen, I am happy to report success! My strobes are strobing and look even better than anticipated! Though I was about to question my sanity, I stuck with it and finally found that stupid rookie mistake.
I have this simple little app on my iPad to quickly calculate dmx addresses. It renders the position of the dipswiches, with a little drawing showing dip switch 1 is 1, 2 is 2, 3 is 4, 4 is 8, etc. Well, if you tell me turn on dip 3 and 5, I’m gonna turn on 3 and 5! Keep in mind these are used strobes and the dip values were not very legible on the back of the instruments. Turns out my dips are valued backwards to what I assumed was standard (I know, never assume anything!). 1 is 256, 2 is 128, etc. So all the time I was asking the board to hit U2 Chan 1, I actually had my strobe dip with #1 on, thus addressed to 256! No wonder the dang thing wouldn’t fire!! I had finally hooked up a second unit to be sure it wasn’t a bad lamp or something and noticed the numbering. Set the instrument with the correct dmx and she works like a charm! Even daisy-chained a few and no problems!
You guys have been absolutely priceless to a newbie like me. Thank you ever so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. You’ve hooked me and I’ll be back with more puzzles for you, I’m sure (though I hope I don’t look quite as bad next time!). If you’re ever in my little corner of the world, please do give a shout out, love to show you around our little venue. Again, thank you all!
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