We're using 12 smoke machines (Martin Magnum 800 : 

http://www.martin.fr/specification/specification.asp?product

We wish to change the cable to a DMX one, then plug all the machines in 

DMX hub, in order to control the smoke flow.

Is it possible ? Do we have to buy the special DMX addon they sell (187 

Euros each !!!!!) or could we do the cables ourselves (removing the 

remote control), then buy something from LANBOX ?

How Landbox works, by the way ? what about the maxMsp integration ?

Sorry to say we're short on time (like usual)...

f.e chanfrault | aka | personal computer music

> >>>>>> |sublime music for a desperate people|

We're using 12 smoke machines (Martin Magnum 800 : 
 http://www.martin.fr/specification/specification.asp?product =technofog&subgroup=Fog 
), 
equiped with a simple remote controler.

We wish to change the cable to a DMX one, then plug all the machines in 
DMX hub, in order to control the smoke flow.

Is it possible ? Do we have to buy the special DMX addon they sell (187 
Euros each !!!!!) or could we do the cables ourselves (removing the 
remote control), then buy something from LANBOX ?

-- 
f.e chanfrault | aka | personal computer music
> >>>>>> http://www.personal-computer-music.com
> >>>>>> |sublime music for a desperate people|


smoke-machines-dmx-hub-max

> Is it possible ? Do we have to buy the special DMX addon they sell 

> (187 Euros each !!!!!) or could we do the cables ourselves (removing 

> the remote control), then buy something from LANBOX ?

> How Landbox works, by the way ? what about the maxMsp integration ?

I have used lanbox on many occasions to drive various DMX stuff - very 

easy to use and reliable. But your machines will need DMX input - not 

sure if the "special DMX addon" for these is necessary - do they not 

take DMX as they come? If not, then you will need the addons as well!

Lawrence Casserley - lawrence@lcasserley.co.uk

Lawrence Electronic Operations - www.lcasserley.co.uk

Colourscape Music Festivals - www.colourscape.org.uk

> Is it possible ? Do we have to buy the special DMX addon they sell 
> (187 Euros each !!!!!) or could we do the cables ourselves (removing 
> the remote control), then buy something from LANBOX ?
>
> How Landbox works, by the way ? what about the maxMsp integration ?
>
I have used lanbox on many occasions to drive various DMX stuff - very 
easy to use and reliable. But your machines will need DMX input - not 
sure if the "special DMX addon" for these is necessary - do they not 
take DMX as they come? If not, then you will need the addons as well!

Lawrence Casserley - lawrence@lcasserley.co.uk
Lawrence Electronic Operations - www.lcasserley.co.uk
Colourscape Music Festivals - www.colourscape.org.uk


For sure you can not wire it directly. The unit doesn't have DMX 

built in. You can either buy their controller, or try to build your own.

If you try to build your own this info might be interesting.

Use remote Din socket Pin 2 GND and Pin 5, 0-10v input. This pin 

needs 1.5v to heat the machine and 2-10v to run the pump when up to 

This needs to be checked - try to measure the output from the remote 

using multi-meter. It seems that if you connect voltage between 2-10V 

between pins 2 and 5 you can control the amount of smoke (level knob 

on a remote unit). My guess is that some of the pins is 10V power 

coming from the unit, supplying power for the remote circuits.

You could use some of the cheap MIDI to analog interfaces, like 

Miditron or the french one (nice little company in Paris, Z - 

I would use 3 digital outs per each smoke machine, connect some 

relays, small variable resistors and 10V power supply (one of the 

remote pins probably already sends power, so you might end up using 

this instead of external power supply) . This way you could trigger 

each fog machine as long as you choose, using one of the three preset 

The other possible problem is the length of control wires..... This 

should be discussed with the manufacturer of the MIDI to analog 

If you want DMX, not MIDI, you should search for DMX to digital 

output interfaces, or DMX to relay interfaces. The one i used is

http://www.cinetix.de/interface/english/midgenio.htm

I can not help you much more, because i don't know the specifics of 

the interface, but if you choose DIY approach, I might help you a 

little bit more using some of the previous designs i used.

people from this group might help you some more

For sure you can not wire it directly. The unit doesn't have DMX  
built in. You can either buy their controller, or try to build your own.

" 0-10v input
Use remote Din socket Pin 2 GND and Pin 5, 0-10v input. This pin  
needs 1.5v to heat the machine and 2-10v to run the pump when up to  
working temperature. "

This needs to be checked - try to measure the output from the remote  
using multi-meter. It seems that if you connect voltage between 2-10V  
between pins 2 and 5 you can control the amount of smoke (level knob  
on a remote unit). My guess is that some of the pins is 10V power  
coming from the unit, supplying power for the remote circuits.

You could use some of the cheap MIDI to analog interfaces, like  
Miditron or the french one (nice little company in Paris, Z -  
something???).
I would use 3 digital outs per each smoke machine, connect some  
relays, small variable resistors and 10V power supply (one of the  
remote pins probably already sends power, so you might end up using  
this instead of external power supply) . This way you could trigger  
each fog machine as long as you choose, using one of the three preset  
smoke levels.

The other possible problem is the length of control wires..... This  
should be discussed with the manufacturer of the MIDI to analog  
interface.

If you want DMX, not MIDI, you should search for DMX to digital  
output interfaces, or DMX to relay interfaces. The one i used is
http://www.cinetix.de/interface/english/midgenio.htm although it  
might be overkill for what you need.

I can not help you much more, because i don't know the specifics of  
the interface, but if you choose DIY approach, I might help you a  
little bit more using some of the previous designs i used.

p.s.
people from this group might help you some more
Show-Control@yahoogroups.com

Smoke machines->DMX hub->Max