Control/Dimming Older Computer Based DMX Control

[Rose03]

I was wondering if there was any dmx control software for older computers, I was hoping to get something working on an iMac G4, but the older the computer the better.

 

[microstar]

Not for a Mac, but how about this for an early one that outputs DMX? Just don't ask if you should get it or an ETC Nomad!

 

[FMEng]

The computer and its operating system, the DMX adapter and its drivers, and the lighting software all have to be compatible. That's easy to do with current products, but fairly difficult to achieve by piecing older stuff together.

Consider whether you want to risk shows on elderly computers. The iMac G4 is at least 14 years old. Even if you find one that runs, every boot up could be its last. Hard drives more than five years old are extremely unreliable.

Look for a computer that is just a couple of years old, running Windows 7 or 10. Current software and DMX adapters should work well with it, and you'll have something you can trust a show to.

 

[RonHebbard]

Not for a Mac, but how about this for an early one that outputs DMX? Just don't ask if you should get it or an ETC Nomad!
View attachment 17104

@microstar Have you a 5 pin XLR dongle for my abacus?? Possibly @TimMc 's still got one in working order??
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard

 

[Rose03]

Not for a Mac, but how about this for an early one that outputs DMX? Just don't ask if you should get it or an ETC Nomad!
View attachment 17104

oh how tempting

 

[Amy Worrall]

http://www.theatrecrafts.com/archive/documents/lsi_1985nov_closeup_pulsar.pdf

 

[Van]

http://www.tetinc.net/microstar.htm

 

[Jay Ashworth]

Whole lotta "not going back to first principles" across the Intarwebs today.

Stand back! I'm a systems analyst!

"Why would you want to/have to do that?"

 

[macsound]

Its definitely possible to find something that works on an old PC, like Hog 2 PC, but thats not for Mac.
Difficulty with using old Macs is that they are PowerPC, not Intel, so drivers had to be written more specifically for that processor.
As a Mac person, I have 2 PowerMac G4s and an iMac G4 lampshade. Beautiful industrial design.

 

[jtweigandt]

https://www.qlcplus.org/features.html
might work.. they even have a version for my favorite 35 buck computer.. And that would be brand new

disclaimer.. I have not played with QLC at all.

 

[microstar]

@microstar Have you a 5 pin XLR dongle for my abacus?? Possibly @TimMc 's still got one in working order??
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard

Ron, unfortunately I sold it a couple of years ago!

 

[RickR]

1987, an old console with memory dies. West Systems? to the rescuce with an output card for an IBM XT. They run just a few wires to the dinners to replace the 96 pairs of 0-10v control. I learned what "multiplex" means!