I need help with Scanners and DMX controller...

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-- I need help with Scanners and DMX controller...

Posted by KristineClub on Jun-22-2006 02:56:

I need help with Scanners and DMX controller...

I got a great deal on three American DJ scanners (2x Mighty Scan and one DJ Scan 250), a fog machine and a light stand. Altogether, it costed me $300. So I bought a Chauvet DMX controller on Ebay (DMX 50A) to controll the lights. I didn't think it would be too hard to learn how to operate it but I was very wrong. The manual seems like it was written for people who already have a knowlege of dj lighting systems.

Anyway, if someone can help me with setting this stuff up so that I can operate the lights manually and utilize my controller, it would be much appreciated! You can answer here, pm me or email me.

Thanks.

-Greg

EDIT: I know I should be more specific with my questions so if someone knows how to operate a lighting system, just respond and I'll come up with some questions.

Posted by BOOsTER on Jun-22-2006 07:33:

don't know if this is any use for you, but after minutes of googling the only thing i found is: http://www.dovesystems.com/index.ph...d=30&Itemid=132

there's a few things to not do and some to do etc...you know...some basics I guess...

sorry can't help

Posted by Tony Morello on Jun-22-2006 09:00:

i have a limited knowledge of dmx systems

all the rigs i've used were already pre-programmed and numbered to prevent confusion

it was just a matter of setting them up and calibrating them to the size of the room

but basically, you need to assign numbers or a master/slave type thing using the dmx switches located somewhere on the unit itself (refer to manuals)

once the units have been assigned dmx addresses you can then program them using the controller, once again refer to manuals on how to select units and modify their programs and the scenes in the controller itself if it's capable

sorry this isn't more useful, i'm only running off of what i know, but this should get you pointed in the right direction

dmx addresses is the key word you want to be looking for

Posted by WeasiL on Jun-23-2006 16:01:

check out www.djforums.com

they have a lighting section with some pretty knowledgeable people.

Posted by KristineClub on Jun-23-2006 23:02:

Ok, thanks! I'll check out djforums and DMX for dummies. I understand how the lights are supposed to work, it's just that the manuals aren't very clear to someone who has never worked lights before. Sometimes it even seems like the two manuals (controller manual and light fixture manual) are contradictive. I think once I figure out how to program everything it'll just be a matter of getting a feel for the controller but right now, I can't even get the lights to light up or move correctly while hooked up to the controller.

I really appreciate your help. Thanks again.

-Greg