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[Andy Van Meter]

I've recently made the move to a digital audio console controlled via wireless tablet for the sound system and am looking to do the same with my lighting control.  I'm interested in controlling up to 32 or 40 conventional fixtures on 8 to 16 channels and maybe adding two to six trackspots in the near future.  My dimmers are all currently MPX and realize I'd either have to switch to DMX or get a converter.  Any suggestions on some basic control software?  Ease of use is a priority.  I'm not in the market where I have to meet any riders and have very few guest LDs.  I'm contemplating the use of a Palm for the lighting control as well.  Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

[len woelfel]

There's a lot of them on the market, from as much as $2K for software and hardware (not including pc) to as little as $100.  The thing is that you need a wired dongle component no matter which one you choose which converts the pc info over to dmx.  The dmx cannot be transmitted over a digital snake, but I've done it over an analog snake without issues.  It is possible to use stuff over a palm with some products.  However, it's kind of hard to get that info from some vendors, since that requires 3rd party support and they don't want to get involved with all that.  

[Jordan P.C. O'Neil]

LJ manager for Martin Lightjockey allows you to crate a custom-made button-panel as an html page. You would still need a dedicated PC (minimum P3 600mhz) to run the hardware, but it would be controlled remotely (wi-fi etc) by your tablet, and you would be able to contol any function that you had decided earlier that you wanted to control.
If you are working out of one venue, LJ manager is also great for automating the staring, testing, and warming up of your fixtures.
Not a sales pitch, just a very satisfied customer...

[David Buckley]

Once again, I'd suggest PCStage, this time because it can be controlled via a variety of external mechanisms, including from a web browser.  You would have a "base" PC, running PCStage, with the DMX512 interface, either stage-side or at FOH.  Then LAN (wireles and/or wired) for remote control.

I'm occasioanlly working on a tablet based remote control for it, which when it's finished will be really cool.

No connection with PCStage other than as a very happy customer.

[Kit Hannah]

David Buckley wrote on Fri, 13 October 2006 15:09

Once again, I'd suggest PCStage, this time because it can be controlled via a variety of external mechanisms, including from a web browser.  You would have a "base" PC, running PCStage, with the DMX512 interface, either stage-side or at FOH.  Then LAN (wireles and/or wired) for remote control. I'm occasioanlly working on a tablet based remote control for it, which when it's finished will be really cool. No connection with PCStage other than as a very happy customer.

Cool...from a web browser? I would just sit at home in my underwear and conrol the show that way.  

[Rob Smith]

Not sure its a best solution for you, but I use the usbdmx.com device.  It works with a variety of open source software, including my own program (http://sourceforge.net/projects/auroracontrol/) which allows control from a Windows Mobile 5.0 SmartPhone.  It will also support Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC devices in the very near future (I just wrote the mobile interface this week).

[Kit Hannah]

Rob Smith wrote on Fri, 13 October 2006 19:57

Not sure its a best solution for you, but I use the usbdmx.com device.  It works with a variety of open source software, including my own program (http://sourceforge.net/projects/auroracontrol/) which allows control from a Windows Mobile 5.0 SmartPhone.  It will also support Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC devices in the very near future (I just wrote the mobile interface this week).

even better - control lights at a show sitting in front of a vegas slot machine

[Rob Smith]

Well, if anyone is interested, I have posted the new version of my program with the SmartPhone interface.  If you don't have the USBDMX.com device, my program can output to ArtNet, which some other controllers support.  Or, if you are using another type of USB to DMX converter, I can try to write a driver for it (this will only be possible with the less commercial ones that release their api).

http://sourceforge.net/projects/auroracontrol



Rob

[Jordan P.C. O'Neil]

niiiiiiiicccccceeeee

[James Garrard]

Here's my list of the DMX programs out there !!

PC DMX Programs :
Martin Show Designer - http://www.martin.com/pro....asp?product=showdesigner
Sunlite - http://www.nicolaudie.com...n&site=nicolaudie.com
DasLite - http://www.daslight.com/
Free ! Winlite - http://www.pulsarlight.com/Winlite.htm
Free ! Freestyler - http://www.freestylerdmx.be/
DMX Creator - http://www.lightfactor.co...uk/vxcopages/software.htm
Free ! Visual DMX - http://www.visualdmx.com
Axis DMX - http://www.axisdmx.com
Free ! MultiMusic DMX Light - http://wwwwin.wplus.net/p...multimusic/ContainerE.htm
ShowCAD Artist - http://www.showcad.com
Chamsys' MagicQ PC - http://www.chamsys.co.uk
LightConverse - http://www.lightconverse.de
Free ! Full Boar - http://members.optusnet.c...mac/opendmx.html#FullBoar

Mac DMX Programs :
Free ! LanBox - http://www.lanbox.com/products/LCplusSoftware.html

Linux DMX Programs :
Free ! Q Light Controller - http://qlc.sourceforge.net/

From http://www.ukslc.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0