Im using the entec dmx usb pro and matt olafs external for it, though because I think there are way more efficient ways of shovelling lots of dmx data around and dealing with address etc - am consideing writing my own fixture orientated rather than universe orientated windows externals in c++ for it.

Some of the devices I am doing with DMX can be seen here: http://forums.dv247.com/ableton-live/5539-bit-playing-around-m4l-wide-image.html

Hi Khazul,

Thx for your reply_ That's awesome what you're doing man_

Khazul, i would really appreciate your advice on a few things;

Context: art installation

Light types: array of leds, vintage light bulb, neon light in the gallery space

Control: *Bright white light leds in a square shape (40cmx40cm) - need to dim & strobo effect (ideally i can control every led separately - 20 to 40 leds needed. *15 watt vintage light bulb - need to dim *4 Neon lights in the gallery space - need to dim

Sound: 3 tracks

All aforementioned elements need to be cued to my needs, which is basically a cycle of max.15min where variations of patterns occur.

I would like your advice on: * software * hardware

Software: should i go for a DIY Max approach or would you suggest something like Qlab? It's also a matter of time and i don't have a lot to get things finished and working properly.

Hardware: What kind of setup would you recommend for each element and the overall setup? Do you recommend Enttec hardware? How's your experience? Something else?

ALL FEEDBACK is APPRECIATED_!!!

Cheers,

F

Additional info: i am a mac person

Check this out, some tutorials I wrote on using Jitter for storing/transmitting DMX data. Also has examples of four different externals you can use to send out DMX data.

As well as that, if you're using M4L, take a look at my DMaX project for lighting control (which I believe Khazul based his patches on as they performed badly on his system).

As for your specific situation. Dimming is easy, just get yourself a small portable DMX dimming unit, a cheap DJ type one would probably do.

For the LEDs, if you want individual control of every LED in the system you may have to build something custom. Look into the arduino potentially, as they are easy to interface with Max, and then you can control it directly from there rather than going through DMX.

You could use QLab (you'd have to program it to send MIDI messages to control lighting using Max or some other method) but if it's only three cues I don't think this would be too time-consuming to construct in Max and M4L alone.

David_

Thank you so much_ much appreciated_!!!

Yeah, arduino looks like a potential candidate + M4L. I'll watch out for your DMaX project, it seems to develop in really cool and unpredictable ways ;-)))

Cheers mate,

f