2- DP DMX4B Dimmer Packs and.......

1: Cabling:
Yes, you can use standard XLR cables with no problems. I have done so with no problems. I do have a set of various short cables(7 foot is the longest) that I use on the DMX dimmer packs on my truss(1 Aviavator-SP8, 3 DP-DMX20L's) and I use a foil shielded cable because it is stiffer and stays put better, but any XLR cables will work just fine.

2: Connections:
Yes. The dimmer packs of a daisy-chain function. It's clearly marked, you won't have any problem figuring it out. Don't split the signal.

3: DMX Termination
Depends on your cable length. I am running a 110 foot run from my main mix position to all my dimmer packs with no problem and no terminator, but I have chosen to build a terminator and use it anyways. Manual states on runs over 90 feet to use a terminator. The way I see it, it can't hurt. The DMX Terminator would plug into the DMX Out on the last dimmer in your chain, or the last DMX device in your chain.

Hey Chris,

Thanks for taking the time to answer my " Newbie" questions.

Chris - You Da Man

You're welcome. Just relaying my minimal knowledge on the topic. I'm rather interested in the data protocol for DMX-512, but I don't have the time to learn it.

Today, I'm out to by a couple of crank stands for my lighting rig since I can no longer lift it anymore. That and one last Par38 for my rig. Then I have to go to my rehearsal space and tear it all down and move it to another place within the same building so the carpets in the rehearsal spot can get cleaned.

After I re-set everything up, my band and I are going to develop a show incorporating the lights sync'ed to music. It's gonna take at least 2 full months to hammer out the bugs, but it sure is gonna be cool.

Hey Chris,

Good Luck To Ya And Your Band!

Yea the ole tear down and move sounds like a pain.
Yea once you get all of the kinks out of your light show Im sure it will be sweet.

Do you have a website for your band?

My focus now is to get our lights integrated with our show. It is time consuming but the end result will be well worth it.

Any ideas on an economical light or 2 I can add to my NEW rig that will pull off the following effect:

1- Lead guitarist goes into a solo, Intell shines on him. .Bascally a spot for whoever I need it to shine on.Then during show, light can create a great visual for the crowd.

Thanks again Chris

Late response. I've had computer issues for the last 3 weeks. Back-up domain controller has been down, bringing that back up incurred outages on 2 other machines(musical video cards...) New G3 Mac went in place. Loads of other stuff to do. Got a pair of crank stands(sorry, not ADJ brand, but will do quite nicely at a great price).

OK, the details:
My band is Casualty Park. We have two web sites, but they are identical, in fact hosted on the same server. Ah, the symbolic link!

My personal stuff is under my wife's name, over at Giang Tien Audio. Loads of pictures at that location of past gigs. Have a gig this weekend, in fact I'll be out purchasing my 10th Par38 tomorrow. I won't be bringing full lights, too much hassle for this type of event. I figure my Barrel Flex, Reflex, 6-8 ParCans, Mirror ball and 2 Par36's, Mystic and Sunray III should be sufficient for this one. 2 DP-DMX20L's and my Aviator 8 for dimmer packs to go with my DMX Operator. Should work nicely.

With my light truss fully loaded, I add 2 more Par38s, a Trilogy, a Double Twist, a fog machine and a strobe, plus an Electra and a Rover II.

No clues as to light recommendations. I'm done spending for now. My band will just use what I have and anything they want to augment they can research on their own and get it. I'm tapped out! I'll make sure we stick with ADJ, as I've been pleased.