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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => Lighting Forum => Topic started by: Steve Garris on May 10, 2017, 02:34:27 PM

Title: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Steve Garris on May 10, 2017, 02:34:27 PM
I've given up on my idea of dmx on the same iPad that I mix with. So now I'm looking at a small, android tablet with lighting software. I've done a little searching, but haven't found much yet. The goal is a simple lighting program with scenes and fade rate, to be run by the android tablet only - no pc. Anyone know of a program?
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on May 10, 2017, 03:27:34 PM
I've given up on my idea of dmx on the same iPad that I mix with. So now I'm looking at a small, android tablet with lighting software. I've done a little searching, but haven't found much yet. The goal is a simple lighting program with scenes and fade rate, to be run by the android tablet only - no pc. Anyone know of a program?

Sorry Steve... iPad user here with Luminair. The system has been fantastic. I always use separate iPads - one for sound and one for lights. Unless you are against using an ipad, you can pick up a refurbished one pretty cheap through Apple with good long warranty.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Steve Garris on May 11, 2017, 01:19:52 PM
Sorry Steve... iPad user here with Luminair. The system has been fantastic. I always use separate iPads - one for sound and one for lights. Unless you are against using an ipad, you can pick up a refurbished one pretty cheap through Apple with good long warranty.

Perhaps I can find a mini. I need to strap it to my arm. The android's are so cheap! I did just purchase a new iPad, but haven't put it to use yet for mixing.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on May 11, 2017, 02:24:18 PM
Perhaps I can find a mini. I need to strap it to my arm. The android's are so cheap! I did just purchase a new iPad, but haven't put it to use yet for mixing.

The androids are cheap I agree BUT I can honestly say that my iPads for sound and lights have been 100% reliable for years. My Samsung tablet still loses connection once in a while if I choose to use it instead of my iPad (for sound).
I also use a mini for lights and the cases I have both my iPad mini and iPad standard in have straps that I can put my hand through for ease of use whilst walking around.
I use my little home made stand for both at shows....
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Jeff Lelko on May 11, 2017, 07:52:51 PM
The androids are cheap I agree BUT I can honestly say that my iPads for sound and lights have been 100% reliable for years.

I second this.  I was forced to bite the bullet and buy an iPad for my A&H Qu-Pac.  While I didn't care for the high price of the 12.9" iPad Pro that I eventually settled on, I haven't regretted the purchase for one second.  It's rock solid and gets the job done.  I've had no trouble driving the rig via wifi from over 200ft away outdoors.  Not to derail your request any further, but have you also considered a small "puck" computer with a tablet for remote control?  Can a Windows 10 tablet fit the bill for both?  I know - more questions that answers, but hope some of this helps drive your decision making process!
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Steve Garris on May 12, 2017, 03:29:37 PM
I second this.  I was forced to bite the bullet and buy an iPad for my A&H Qu-Pac.  While I didn't care for the high price of the 12.9" iPad Pro that I eventually settled on, I haven't regretted the purchase for one second.  It's rock solid and gets the job done.  I've had no trouble driving the rig via wifi from over 200ft away outdoors.  Not to derail your request any further, but have you also considered a small "puck" computer with a tablet for remote control?  Can a Windows 10 tablet fit the bill for both?  I know - more questions that answers, but hope some of this helps drive your decision making process!

I'm trying to keep it super simple, so I don't want to be bringing a PC. The Windows tablets are nice, but if I'm going to spend on that, then I might as well get another iPad. And I agree with both of you on the iPad's stability. I was introduced to Apple when I purchased my Mackie DL 5 years ago, and I love their tablets.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Dave Garoutte on January 23, 2024, 10:58:15 AM
I'm trying to keep it super simple, so I don't want to be bringing a PC. The Windows tablets are nice, but if I'm going to spend on that, then I might as well get another iPad. And I agree with both of you on the iPad's stability. I was introduced to Apple when I purchased my Mackie DL 5 years ago, and I love their tablets.

I'm definitely not an Apple fanboy, but I do have a few Ipads.
I buy them new, but a couple of versions old on ebay.  Way cheaper than current hardware.  Work perfectly.

The other advantage of having a second Ipad, is it can be a spare for mixing if #1 fails, runs out of battery or walks away.
You can duplicate all your apps over both.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Dave Garoutte on January 23, 2024, 10:59:57 AM
Hey Debbie, are you on Luminair 3 or 4? 
I'm trying to decide if subscribing has any advantages.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 23, 2024, 11:08:27 AM
Hey Debbie, are you on Luminair 3 or 4? 
I'm trying to decide if subscribing has any advantages.
Hey Dave..... I have continued to use V3 this whole time and the way I have things set up, I see no benefit (for myself) to paying $10 month for basically the same service - the extras that come with V4 do not interest me although I would understand others feeling differently. I do have to make sure I keep 'auto update' turned off on my iPads (got caught once before and had to restore an earlier saved iPad memory from Time Machine).
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Gordon Brinton on April 19, 2024, 07:43:47 AM
Hey Dave..... I have continued to use V3 this whole time and the way I have things set up, I see no benefit (for myself) to paying $10 month for basically the same service - the extras that come with V4 do not interest me although I would understand others feeling differently. I do have to make sure I keep 'auto update' turned off on my iPads (got caught once before and had to restore an earlier saved iPad memory from Time Machine).

Yeah, I got screwed with that. I (unknowingly) updated to Version 4 and now I am locked out unless I subscribe...(those rat bastards). I only used Ver. 3  for a handful of simple lighting scenes, so it's not worth it to me to subscribe. Now I am looking for an alternative app that's free.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Scott Holtzman on April 19, 2024, 07:58:10 PM
Hey Dave..... I have continued to use V3 this whole time and the way I have things set up, I see no benefit (for myself) to paying $10 month for basically the same service - the extras that come with V4 do not interest me although I would understand others feeling differently. I do have to make sure I keep 'auto update' turned off on my iPads (got caught once before and had to restore an earlier saved iPad memory from Time Machine).


Curiosity Debbie what controller do you use with Luminair?  The docs are confusing.  Some say you have to use an Ethernet Dongle.  I have several Chavet USB to DMX interfaces I use with Showexpres.  I wonder if one of those will work.


So question is can you connect a USB interface direct to iPad?  If Yes which one do you recommend if no what Ethernet hardware and DMX interface do you recommend.


If it has to be Ethernet can you use the wireless to a wireless bridge then connect the interface so you are not constrained by the wiring?


Thanks, sorry for the multipart questions.



Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Brian Jojade on April 19, 2024, 08:37:27 PM

Curiosity Debbie what controller do you use with Luminair?  The docs are confusing.  Some say you have to use an Ethernet Dongle.  I have several Chavet USB to DMX interfaces I use with Showexpres.  I wonder if one of those will work.


So question is can you connect a USB interface direct to iPad?  If Yes which one do you recommend if no what Ethernet hardware and DMX interface do you recommend.


If it has to be Ethernet can you use the wireless to a wireless bridge then connect the interface so you are not constrained by the wiring?


Thanks, sorry for the multipart questions.

On the iPad, USB to DMX interfaces are NOT supported.  On the Mac version, they support the Enttec and DMXking interfaces. If the Chauvet can emulate that, it MIGHT work.

You do NOT need hard wired ethernet for Luminair to work. It works fine over WIFI.  It works with any Art-Net or sACN network interfaces.

I've used both The ENttec device and the Chauvet device. The Chauvet device is significantly cheaper, but be aware that you have to configure the network for it on a Mac or a PC. Can't get the stupid thing set up if you ONLY have the ipad along.  This is only for initial configuration.  Keep that in mind!

I hard wire my interface with POE power so it's pretty simple to set up. Just run Ethernet and DMX pops out the other end.  iPad can connect via WiFI, but remember that a dropped connection means loss of lighting control.  An ethernet cable to the iPad helps with reliability.

Now that they offer the Mac app, I'm definitely considering using that instead, then using the iPad to remotely control the mac.  That way if WIFI gets wonky, the connection still functions.

For MIDI controllers, you can use whatever you want, then program buttons on the controller to do what you need them to do.  It's pretty sweet.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Scott Holtzman on April 20, 2024, 12:02:18 AM
On the iPad, USB to DMX interfaces are NOT supported.  On the Mac version, they support the Enttec and DMXking interfaces. If the Chauvet can emulate that, it MIGHT work.

You do NOT need hard wired ethernet for Luminair to work. It works fine over WIFI.  It works with any Art-Net or sACN network interfaces.

I've used both The ENttec device and the Chauvet device. The Chauvet device is significantly cheaper, but be aware that you have to configure the network for it on a Mac or a PC. Can't get the stupid thing set up if you ONLY have the ipad along.  This is only for initial configuration.  Keep that in mind!

I hard wire my interface with POE power so it's pretty simple to set up. Just run Ethernet and DMX pops out the other end.  iPad can connect via WiFI, but remember that a dropped connection means loss of lighting control.  An ethernet cable to the iPad helps with reliability.

Now that they offer the Mac app, I'm definitely considering using that instead, then using the iPad to remotely control the mac.  That way if WIFI gets wonky, the connection still functions.

For MIDI controllers, you can use whatever you want, then program buttons on the controller to do what you need them to do.  It's pretty sweet.


I don't have Artnet or sACN fixtures I need regular DMX 3 or 5 pin.  Can you walk me through the signal chain using the wifi on the ipad, ipad only .



Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Dave Garoutte on April 20, 2024, 01:18:24 AM
I use: 
Luminair on Ipad over wifi to a router. 
Router via ethernet cable to the DMXking.  (correction Enttec ODE mk2).
DK to Donner DMX Tx. 
Wirelessly (around 50') to Donner Rx to DMX cables and all my fixtures.
Has worked flawlessly for 5 years.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Scott Holtzman on April 20, 2024, 03:13:54 AM
I use: 
Luminair on Ipad over wifi to a router. 
Router via ethernet cable to the DMXking. 
DK to Donner DMX Tx. 
Wirelessly (around 50') to Donner Rx to DMX cables and all my fixtures.
Has worked flawlessly for 5 years.


Are you using the eDMX1 Max interface?


Thanks for the simple explanation.



Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Dave Garoutte on April 20, 2024, 01:29:11 PM
Oops, the DMXKing is in an install.  Im usinf the Enttec ODEmk2.
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Brian Jojade on April 20, 2024, 05:21:47 PM

I don't have Artnet or sACN fixtures I need regular DMX 3 or 5 pin.  Can you walk me through the signal chain using the wifi on the ipad, ipad only .

The app runs on the ipad.  It speaks  Art-Net or sACN, which gets sent over WIFI to your access point which connects to your ethernet network. You plug in your ethernet to DMX adaptor which reads that signal and converts it to standard DMX.  It's relatively simple.

 
Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Scott Holtzman on April 20, 2024, 07:44:00 PM
The app runs on the ipad.  It speaks  Art-Net or sACN, which gets sent over WIFI to your access point which connects to your ethernet network. You plug in your ethernet to DMX adaptor which reads that signal and converts it to standard DMX.  It's relatively simple.


I get it.  Dave's PIC helped too.   I was overcomplicating it.


Do the Enttec controllers have to be the ODE series or will this work?  https://www.ebay.com/itm/276418826396



Title: Re: Android Only dmx Controller
Post by: Brian Jojade on April 20, 2024, 09:19:04 PM

I get it.  Dave's PIC helped too.   I was overcomplicating it.


Do the Enttec controllers have to be the ODE series or will this work?  https://www.ebay.com/itm/276418826396

Yes, that unit will work.  Be aware of the 7v input voltage.  9 volt supplies will blow it up. Ask me how I know. lol.