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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: Merritt Reid on July 07, 2022, 07:19:33 PM
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Hi, im new to this. I need software that can control video and dmx at the same time. I am trying to set up projection mapping with lights and flame machines for a Halloween show. I am using a pc not a mac. I am trying to sync the lights video and flames together. any help would be nice.
thankyou
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Hi, im new to this. I need software that can control video and dmx at the same time. I am trying to set up projection mapping with lights and flame machines for a Halloween show. I am using a pc not a mac. I am trying to sync the lights video and flames together. any help would be nice.
DMX should never be the sole protocol controlling anything pyrotechnic or flame related. This is one of those things that if you have to ask you shouldn't be doing it. Sorry.
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Concur 100% Having had the hairs on my arm singed by an audio guy who's timecode triggered lights that triggered flames, the consequences of playing a sound cue can be dire. I was lucky! The LX board op wasn't there but everything was live, so playing one cue set everything in motion, including the flames I stood next to!
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DMX should never be the sole protocol controlling anything pyrotechnic or flame related. This is one of those things that if you have to ask you shouldn't be doing it. Sorry.
So what do you recommend? The flame machines are dmx that how they are designed. I would like a solution to the problem not an answer that is ignorant. how is a person supposed to learn if people don't help. How about you point me in the right direction.
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Concur 100% Having had the hairs on my arm singed by an audio guy who's timecode triggered lights that triggered flames, the consequences of playing a sound cue can be dire. I was lucky! The LX board op wasn't there but everything was live, so playing one cue set everything in motion, including the flames I stood next to!
Sounds like operator error if all safety protocols and people were in place this would not of happened. With all that said i will not be implementing this in close prox to anyone or anything close enough to be harmed. I am sorry you had a bad experience but i fail to see how you can blame this on a protocol when it was human error. I know im not going to change your mind and im not trying to but i would i accomplish this safely.
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So what do you recommend? The flame machines are dmx that how they are designed. I would like a solution to the problem not an answer that is ignorant. how is a person supposed to learn if people don't help. How about you point me in the right direction.
Attempting to learn about pyrotechnics in an Internet forum demonstrates you are not qualified. The fact the thread started with low cost or zero cost software further shows that the folks putting on the show are not qualified. This mixture of low budget and low skill is how people are killed with pyrotechnics. Do it right or don't do it at all.
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Attempting to learn about pyrotechnics in an Internet forum demonstrates you are not qualified. The fact the thread started with low cost or zero cost software further shows that the folks putting on the show are not qualified. This mixture of low budget and low skill is how people are killed with pyrotechnics. Do it right or don't do it at all.
Yet again no solution to the problem. I asked about software. I did not ask about pyro. You have made some assumptions but we all know how that turns out. You have no clue what I do and don't know. So tell me how are you supposed to run flame machines that are operated by DMX any other way than DMX?
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Yet again no solution to the problem. I asked about software. I did not ask about pyro. You have made some assumptions but we all know how that turns out. You have no clue what I do and don't know. So tell me how are you supposed to run flame machines that are operated by DMX any other way than DMX?
You brought the pyro in when you brought up the accident. I do know most are controlled by DMX, I am sure there are proper safety protocols to use that interface.
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So what do you recommend?
I recommend that you drop the idea all together or hire a professional pyrotechnician who’s licensed or certified in your state to use this equipment and carries the insurance legally required to do so.
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Since there are very experienced professionals with pyro responding to your inquiry, and you are unwilling to listen to their safety concerns, I don't think you are going to get an answer here. When it blows up in your face, no one wants to be a contributing factor.
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Since there are very experienced professionals with pyro responding to your inquiry, and you are unwilling to listen to their safety concerns, I don't think you are going to get an answer here. When it blows up in your face, no one wants to be a contributing factor.
What am i supposed to listen to all i hear is assumptions. Nobody has given me an answer other than they don't believe that DMX should be used. Nobody has offered a solution to my problem. Nobody has offered to help but all have jumped on a bandwagon of not answering any questions i have or explaining the "Right way to do it" you all act like I'm some kid. Just like in the pyro clubs that I am in there is a group of them that are afraid to teach someone out of fear of competition. No I am not certified in close prox but am certified to do 1.3 and 1.4 pro. I guess it makes me less of a pyro because im not close prox or do stage shows, but i guess nobody would know that because everyone makes assumptions. I guess not one of you can understand exactly what i asked for, or even think for yourself. Simple question "What software can sync DMX and video together" that is free or open sourced.
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You brought the pyro in when you brought up the accident. I do know most are controlled by DMX, I am sure there are proper safety protocols to use that interface.
No i didnt say anything about an accident. please re-read who said what.
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Merritt, get a grip - you asked a bunch of strangers what they would recommend for video, lighting AND you said flame machines.
The only responsible answer is that for you, the correct answer is we cannot recommend software. Because you scare us. You scare us even more by not understanding. I have the responsibility in one current role for stopping people doing dangerous things. usually new folk, who are starting out and are scary and dangerous simply because as yet, they have not had or caused an accident, but everything they do screams run!
Frankly, for most people doing this we have very specific and tested systems. Qlab, the commonest trigger software is out because you need PC, and while there are a few windows products similar to qlab, they're not as good. Probably qlab would be triggering a hardware lighting desk - with real buttons, so you can set up failsafes for the flames - maybe a cue stack that requires the op to push a button and without it, the flame universe is safe. DMX is usually considered unsafe for pyro and flame control unless specific protocols are in place to make it safe. It really is one of those things where your weird attitude makes the safe people decide to do their best to not promote you to a position where you would be dangerous. I'm sorry, but this has been the case for at least 20 years now. Entertainment people promoting safe working - the same both sides of the water.
The secondary concern is that you are not in a position to be able to even produce a risk assessment - is it safe? Your only response is "I don't know". I do know that in theatre, where most of my work is, you would scare me - and I would expect at least three or four responsible crew members to come to me quietly and let me know a guy with limited safety skills is planning to trigger dangerous effects with a bodged up system with no experience. I know we've said it before - but we have to repeat it. Pyro, flames, even CO2 is dangerous when uncontrolled.
Cheap and safe in the same sentence? Rarely a possibility.
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Merritt, get a grip - you asked a bunch of strangers what they would recommend for video, lighting AND you said flame machines.
The only responsible answer is that for you, the correct answer is we cannot recommend software. Because you scare us. You scare us even more by not understanding. I have the responsibility in one current role for stopping people doing dangerous things. usually new folk, who are starting out and are scary and dangerous simply because as yet, they have not had or caused an accident, but everything they do screams run!
Frankly, for most people doing this we have very specific and tested systems. Qlab, the commonest trigger software is out because you need PC, and while there are a few windows products similar to qlab, they're not as good. Probably qlab would be triggering a hardware lighting desk - with real buttons, so you can set up failsafes for the flames - maybe a cue stack that requires the op to push a button and without it, the flame universe is safe. DMX is usually considered unsafe for pyro and flame control unless specific protocols are in place to make it safe. It really is one of those things where your weird attitude makes the safe people decide to do their best to not promote you to a position where you would be dangerous. I'm sorry, but this has been the case for at least 20 years now. Entertainment people promoting safe working - the same both sides of the water.
The secondary concern is that you are not in a position to be able to even produce a risk assessment - is it safe? Your only response is "I don't know". I do know that in theatre, where most of my work is, you would scare me - and I would expect at least three or four responsible crew members to come to me quietly and let me know a guy with limited safety skills is planning to trigger dangerous effects with a bodged up system with no experience. I know we've said it before - but we have to repeat it. Pyro, flames, even CO2 is dangerous when uncontrolled.
Cheap and safe in the same sentence? Rarely a possibility.
Ok thankyou for a answer to my question. I am not sure what, how, why or where I said anything to make you scared of me. Nobody asked me what my qualifications are, other than the fact that I said Im new to syncing video with dmx. I do understand the concern for safety. Everyone on the first answer just started being rude. I put on fireworks shows, my club puts on the biggest fireworks competition in the USA. Yes we have a AHJ we pull all the proper permits and have inspections done several times before the shoots. Maybe you all can see my point now. Why don't you start by welcoming members and find out who they are, and what they know before jumping the gun and saying you don't know anything we are not going to help you. What happened to decency and respect. In regards to my set up the flame machines have a manual shutoff valve besides the ones on the tank. We will follow all NFPA standards. This is not indoors or near any person or building.Yes we will be implementing some sort of deadman switch.
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Ok thankyou for a answer to my question. I am not sure what, how, why or where I said anything to make you scared of me. Nobody asked me what my qualifications are, other than the fact that I said Im new to syncing video with dmx. I do understand the concern for safety. Everyone on the first answer just started being rude. I put on fireworks shows, my club puts on the biggest fireworks competition in the USA. Yes we have a AHJ we pull all the proper permits and have inspections done several times before the shoots. Maybe you all can see my point now. Why don't you start by welcoming members and find out who they are, and what they know before jumping the gun and saying you don't know anything we are not going to help you. What happened to decency and respect. In regards to my set up the flame machines have a manual shutoff valve besides the ones on the tank. We will follow all NFPA standards. This is not indoors or near any person or building.Yes we will be implementing some sort of deadman switch.
Ok, Let's just say your first post did not communicate that experience and move on? I think Showxpress is about the least expensive option for you. The software is free from Chauvet but you have to use their dongles which come in difference sizes.
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Out of curiosity, are these real flames or those silk flames with an updraft fan and colored lights?
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What am i supposed to listen to all i hear is assumptions. Nobody has given me an answer other than they don't believe that DMX should be used. Nobody has offered a solution to my problem. Nobody has offered to help but all have jumped on a bandwagon of not answering any questions i have or explaining the "Right way to do it" you all act like I'm some kid. Just like in the pyro clubs that I am in there is a group of them that are afraid to teach someone out of fear of competition. No I am not certified in close prox but am certified to do 1.3 and 1.4 pro. I guess it makes me less of a pyro because im not close prox or do stage shows, but i guess nobody would know that because everyone makes assumptions. I guess not one of you can understand exactly what i asked for, or even think for yourself. Simple question "What software can sync DMX and video together" that is free or open sourced.
For indoor pyro training, check out https://pyrosolutions.net/pyro-training
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Ok, Let's just say your first post did not communicate that experience and move on? I think Showxpress is about the least expensive option for you. The software is free from Chauvet but you have to use their dongles which come in difference sizes.
I was working with Showexpress last night it does video but i am looking for projection mapping. I also was looking at HeavyM and VPT. but i think im going to go with Showexpress for this part and use other software for the video mapping the rest of the projectors. Or as a last resort go buy a mac and try qlab.
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So what do you recommend? The flame machines are dmx that how they are designed. I would like a solution to the problem not an answer that is ignorant. how is a person supposed to learn if people don't help. How about you point me in the right direction.
Simply because you do not like an answer, does not make the answer wrong or incomplete.
I suggest you look into Dunning-Kruger. You don't know what you don't know and people here are trying to prevent an "incident" in which bad things can happen. You don't know what you don't know, and that's why operation of things that produce concussion, flame, or explosions are usually taught *in person* and require licensing to perform.
Sorry if this does not comport with your world view. ::)
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Simply because you do not like an answer, does not make the answer wrong or incomplete.
I suggest you look into Dunning-Kruger. You don't know what you don't know and people here are trying to prevent an "incident" in which bad things can happen. You don't know what you don't know, and that's why operation of things that produce concussion, flame, or explosions are usually taught *in person* and require licensing to perform.
Sorry if this does not comport with your world view. ::)
I’ll piggyback onto Tim’s reply:
You came here looking for free software, with free advice offered by people who know what they’re talking about. You’re about one more smart ass reply from me showing you the door, permanently. That will also be free.
Or you can GTFO on your own, whatever floats your boat.
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I’ll piggyback onto Tim’s reply:
You came here looking for free software, with free advice offered by people who know what they’re talking about. You’re about one more smart ass reply from me showing you the door, permanently. That will also be free.
Or you can GTFO on your own, whatever floats your boat.
Sent PM
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Simply because you do not like an answer, does not make the answer wrong or incomplete.
I suggest you look into Dunning-Kruger. You don't know what you don't know and people here are trying to prevent an "incident" in which bad things can happen. You don't know what you don't know, and that's why operation of things that produce concussion, flame, or explosions are usually taught *in person* and require licensing to perform.
Sorry if this does not comport with your world view. ::)
I got an answer thanks to Scott
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I got an answer thanks to Scott
I just gave you a software package that does DMX and MIDI after you revealed credentials. I still think for safety you need fixtures with out of band management.
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I just gave you a software package that does DMX and MIDI after you revealed credentials. I still think for safety you need fixtures with out of band management.
Thanks Scott,
Thats all I was asking for in the original post was software.
There should be some way to like a comment instead of replying.
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Sent PM
I don’t want your PM. Sorry.
Get with the program or don’t participate.
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Thanks Scott,
Thats all I was asking for in the original post was software.
There should be some way to like a comment instead of replying.
Put what you wrote to Doug in public, it may get more traction.
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Put what you wrote to Doug in public, it may get more traction.
Sure i can't remember exactly word for word what i wrote but if he looks at the PM he can confirm what i'm writing now...
Hi Doug,
I see you live in St.Louis I do also, you can remove me if you want to but before you do can I ask that you go back an read all the post in the thread and ask yourself, How would you respond. I asked "I need software that can control video and dmx at the same time" First response I got was a Ignorant "This is one of those things that if you have to ask you shouldn't be doing it. Sorry." I got a little upset how would you feel if you received an answer like this. I then responded with "So what do you recommend? The flame machines are dmx that how they are designed. I would like a solution to the problem not an answer that is ignorant. how is a person supposed to learn if people don't help. How about you point me in the right direction. "
Then I receive this "Attempting to learn about pyrotechnics in an Internet forum demonstrates you are not qualified" that made me even more upset because i am qualified and am certified shooter for 1.3 and 1.4 pro. How would you feel if someone told you you were not qualified to do sound? I am not here to be a smart ass but i will not back down from one either. I treat people with the same respect they show me. This whole problem could of been eliminated if the first response was something along the lines of....Hi welcome to the forum what are your qualifications and we would be glad to help if we can, or even say i cant help you because....and not be a dick about it. I also offered for him to come out to our clubs main event in September since he lives in the area.
Im sorry if I was a smart-ass but I think we all can agree that this whole thing could of been handled better and it would of not got this far.
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Sure i can't remember exactly word for word what i wrote but if he looks at the PM he can confirm what i'm writing now...
Hi Doug,
I see you live in St.Louis I do also, you can remove me if you want to but before you do can I ask that you go back an read all the post in the thread and ask yourself, How would you respond. I asked "I need software that can control video and dmx at the same time" First response I got was a Ignorant "This is one of those things that if you have to ask you shouldn't be doing it. Sorry." I got a little upset how would you feel if you received an answer like this. I then responded with "So what do you recommend? The flame machines are dmx that how they are designed. I would like a solution to the problem not an answer that is ignorant. how is a person supposed to learn if people don't help. How about you point me in the right direction. "
Then I receive this "Attempting to learn about pyrotechnics in an Internet forum demonstrates you are not qualified" that made me even more upset because i am qualified and am certified shooter for 1.3 and 1.4 pro. How would you feel if someone told you you were not qualified to do sound? I am not here to be a smart ass but i will not back down from one either. I treat people with the same respect they show me. This whole problem could of been eliminated if the first response was something along the lines of....Hi welcome to the forum what are your qualifications and we would be glad to help if we can, or even say i cant help you because....and not be a dick about it. I also offered for him to come out to our clubs main event in September since he lives in the area.
Im sorry if I was a smart-ass but I think we all can agree that this whole thing could of been handled better and it would of not got this far.
Merritt -
It’s all good. Always better to air grievances and work things out in the open than with PMs and such. I hope you stick around, there’s plenty to learnvv bc and plenty to share. Yes it could have been handled better both by you and some responders but everyone’s heart is in the right place - safety. You might have gotten similar responses if it appeared you were attempting an unsafe rigging move.
Let’s just reset and move on.
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What am i supposed to listen to all i hear is assumptions. Nobody has given me an answer other than they don't believe that DMX should be used. Nobody has offered a solution to my problem. Nobody has offered to help but all have jumped on a bandwagon of not answering any questions i have or explaining the "Right way to do it" you all act like I'm some kid. Just like in the pyro clubs that I am in there is a group of them that are afraid to teach someone out of fear of competition. No I am not certified in close prox but am certified to do 1.3 and 1.4 pro. I guess it makes me less of a pyro because im not close prox or do stage shows, but i guess nobody would know that because everyone makes assumptions. I guess not one of you can understand exactly what i asked for, or even think for yourself. Simple question "What software can sync DMX and video together" that is free or open sourced.
It's important that you realize you redacted "and flame" when quoting yourself. That set everyone on edge. This isn't a help forum either per se. We end up proving a lot of help but you get a more bees with honey than you do with vinegar. This is a community, originally for touring audio professionals then at some point the LAB and other subtopics get added. It existed before forums and basically the Internet. It still attracts the best in the business some 30+ years later so must be doing something right. So when you come in you get the welcome wagon, with as contentious a request as you made that includes a bit of hazing.
I too think you can consider it over said with and done at this point and let's move on.
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It's important that you realize you redacted "and flame" when quoting yourself. That set everyone on edge. This isn't a help forum either per se. We end up proving a lot of help but you get a more bees with honey than you do with vinegar. This is a community, originally for touring audio professionals then at some point the LAB and other subtopics get added. It existed before forums and basically the Internet. It still attracts the best in the business some 30+ years later so must be doing something right. So when you come in you get the welcome wagon, with as contentious a request as you made that includes a bit of hazing.
I too think you can consider it over said with and done at this point and let's move on.
The apology went a long way toward fixing things.
Matter closed.
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The apology went a long way toward fixing things.
Matter closed.
Agreed