Updating Strand system to ETC console.

[gafftaper]

My theater is an all Strand setup. I want to add an ETC console at the head. I've got everything figured out except how to best connect the C21 Dimmer Racks. I will already be buying a Pathway Octo Gateway which will solve most of my DMX conversion and distribution issues.

So I see two good options for the C21's

1) Run DMX out from the Pathway Octo to the Dimmers.

2) Buy a Fleenor E2E which gives me direct translation from sACN to Shownet.

Both of these options are expensive but very solid reliable gear that offer a lot of flexibility. Anyone see a reason to go with one option over another?

 

[danTt]

You're already buying the opto, right? I'd stick with that. One less magic box to worry about.

 

[SteveB]

Do the racks take DMX ?, if so run DMX from the console ?. Save the Pathway for something else.

 

[gafftaper]

Do the racks take DMX ?, if so run DMX from the console ?. Save the Pathway for something else.

Hmmm... It's a long run but there is a spare cat5 line from the booth to the dimmer room... Hadn't thought about that.

 

[BillConnerFASTC]

I agree with Steve - one DMX line from where ever - console or another node - to racks. If you have the switch ports, I might ship DMX via ETC NET to a node (gateway) at dimmer rack. Real easy if console has two ACN ports. The ACN just seems like it adds addressing flexibility.

 

[gafftaper]

I sent Bobby Harrell a message asking for his thoughts and he suggested upgrading to the new C21 processor as they speak sACN. Probably the most expensive solution, but maybe the best move as my racks are 8+ years old and an upgrade in the next couple of years is a good idea.

 

[BillConnerFASTC]

That is a good plan.

 

[danTt]

Do the racks take DMX ?, if so run DMX from the console ?. Save the Pathway for something else.

I wouldn't come right out of the console. The less connections you have at the console the easier it is to move around, and the simpler it is to add redundancy in the future, and troubleshoot now.