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.