64B LED PRO/ Operator Pro

don't assign them on the par can side. address them on the intelligent side. cause that is what they are. intelligent fixtures. if you want to control them individually then u will have tp put them on a seperate fixture button each or maybe 2 to a fixture button.

This is as I thoght, this is an addressing issue, as Jingles is eluding to. Also, think differently, again, as Jingles has pointed out.

The Par 64 LED's are "intelligent" fixtures. By Intelligent, I don't mean they are going to organize and stage a revolt against you. Intelligent is a fairly typical term used for any light that has DMX built into it.

When thinking TRUE ParCan, think "a single fixture that can be dimmed infintately between 0(full off) to 255(full on). OK, my infinately is an overkill term. But you would have to put them on a dimmer pack to control them. That's your biggest hint right there. Also, NEVER connect power for a DMX fixture to a dimmer/power/relay/switcher pack. NEVER. Just don't do it.

Your Par64 Pros have 7DMX channels.

Step 1:
You've addressed your Par64 Pros outside the range of the controller. The controller only goes to 128 channels for intelligent control. You've started at 129. Oops. Try starting at 1. The rest(129-136) are for Par Cans: true ParCan's, the type you'd put on a dimmer pack.

Step 2: It's OK if you choose to assign all your lights to the same channels. They'll just too all the same thing at the same time, which ideally is what you want. Jingles suggestion of assigning 2 to the same addresses is also valid. Or you could do all 8 to all their own addresses. It really depends on what works right for you. You can "double up" if you wanted to assign 2 fixtures per "moving head" fixture. Just increment your lights' addressing by 8. The first would start at 1, the next at 9. Then the next starts at 16 and then 25 but would be on the second fixture button. Good way to save on addressing.

Here's my hint, since I am going to assign my 8 Par 64 LED Pro's like the above example.
Since The odd lights will start at 1, 17, 33 and 49, the evens will start at 9, 25, 40 and 57
I can hit on my DMX Operator 1,2,3,4 and with the shift off, control the odds which will be my front bank. Hit shift, now I'm on the evens and now the faders will control those.

Just throwing out advanced ideas.

Change your addressing and you'll be having fun again.



Not bad. I read the manual and within 2 minutes had basiscally all the information I needed to answer this question. It's clear that you simply confused you new Par 64 Pros for traditional PAR CAN fixtures.

ok...but why does the Operator pro have a par side that starts at 129 to 136? Since my lights are (8) 64 LED pros, does that mean I cannot use that side of the board? Also, I have 2 Elation design spot 250's and 2 accuscan 250's that i assigned on the intelligent side. I understand that I will have to put everything on that side?

Thanks,
Ric

Did I get the wrong board for my setup? If so what would you guys recommend? An Op 192?

Because the Par side is to handle 8 cans using simple fading(normal), so it is reserving positions 129-136 for traditional Par Cans.

I mean, you could just go ahead and use those channels for your Par 64 LED Pros, but they are better off being elsewhere.

I see where you're going with this though.

I'd suggest going into 7-channel DMX mode on them. And then fader 7/channel 7 is your master brightness. Just for the heck of it, slide your par can 1,2,3 to top as well as 7, you should get white light. Address them all the same and then you should have total control.

It's not a matter of "those faders are just for traditional Par Cans", but that is their intended function, so you can have a bank of traditional cans at the ready.
Those faders trigger an instruction of 0-255 regardless, it's up to the fixture to respond based on the value assigned to that DMX channel that it receives.

I think you may have the wrong DMX mode going for those fixtures. My opinion is go for 7-channel mode and you're on your way. Personally, I only need a 4-channel mode, which would be 7-channel mode without channels 4,5 and 6 being used. But, it's easy to ignore those settings.

If you can get a dimmer pack to respond to those channels, then you can get the Par 64 LED Pros to respond as well. It's just data.

Chris,

I tried them on the right side in the 7 channel mode and could not get anything to work. This is frustrating and I wish both companies would be more clear on what works with what! Especially their own products!!! This is the second time I have had company mis-info that led me down the wrong path. But I guess it is just my inexperience. OK...done with my venting. Know anybody that wants a very slightly used OP PRO?

Ric

Chris,

Also, the 64B PRO manual states to never under any circumstance use dimmer packs with them. So I dare not do that.

Ric

When you moved your LED Par Pro's to different channel assignments, did they then work?

Maybe that bank needed to be activated? I'm not sure, I am a real hands on kind of guy who will sit there with the manual, console and some test fixtures. It sounds like you're the same way. I spent days sitting on the floor of my garage on front of my DMX Operator tweaking my lights(only to toss that all, but that's another issue. Let it be said that tossing the work was MY decision alone).

I was mainly mentioning to the less informed people for not using DMX-fixtures on dimmer packs.

Also, I don't need a DMX Operator Pro. I just bought MyDMX!

I tried a couple different addresses in that range and could not make them work at all. I then just took them off and worked them master / slave via sound active and used the op pro to handle the 4 moving lights. I'll play with it some more to see if I can figure it out. I have read thru both the op pro manual and the 64 pro and came up with nothing.

My suggestions, for what they are worth:

Ensure that the Par 64 LED Pro is in 7-channel mode.

Assign your DMX channels to start at 1 for your LED Pro's

On your DMX Operator Pro:
Hit the "fixture 1" button.

Bring faders 1,2,3 to full up, and then in 7 channel mode, bring up fader 7 anywhere. Should be fine. ENsure your SHIFT/Channel bank button is not selected or is NOT lit.

Also, see if the LED Pro has a DMX signal indicator is lit. I always like t rule out those pesky Layer 1 issues. It should blink/flicker if DMX is being received, since DMX does send constant stream of nulls when not sending valid data).

You're using your movers, so that tells me the controller is working and you have some layer 1 connectivity(DMX cable to fixtures). I'm thinking that it's an addresssing and configuration issue on the LED Par can.

Also, just a thought, and excuse me for not reading the manual thoroughly, but I'm thinking the master fader(hehe) to the right of the Par can faders should also probably be FULL up as well. Peg that to the top and then move fixture faders 1,2,3 and 7 all the way up. Start with 7 full up, then add 1(red), then 2(green) then 3(blue) if you really want to use the Par Can fader controllers.

You sound like you have some experience and exposure, so I'm not going to assume you're some sort of dummy.

So, set the LED 64 Pros to 7-channel mode, assign them to starting address 1, then engage fixture 1 on the DMX Operator Pro. Bring up fader 7 to full, then 1,2 and 3 respectively. Bet you see something IF you see that DMX signal indicator blinking.

Let's see if we get that DMX indicator. Then try the rest one at a time. I have nearly no life at the moment and will check in often.

I don't have the DMX Operator Pro, and I won't have my LED 64 Pro's for a little bit. But, I am thinking we need to start really basic and work through it. If you lived near me, I'd send you my address and tell you to swing by and let's figure it out. So, if you're in the Sacramento area, the invite is out.

Chris,

My friend, assume nothing, I am a dummy when it comes to this! I am really new to this (Started Nov 07)and consider myself to have just enogh knowledge to really screw things up! I really do appreciate the invite. I am from Arizona and do not make it to Sacremento very often but do have cousins that live there. So next time I am there I will take you up on the offer. It would be great to learn from somebody with experience!

After reading the Op Pro manual again and watching the tutorial DVD I am convinced I have the wrong board for my application. The right side of the OP Pro is for "Traditional" PAR cans only. You and Jingles are correct, the 64B LED are intelligent lights and will not work on that side. I will have to move them to the left side. My band has a gig tomorrow night, so I will set up early and try these fixes then. I'll let ya know how it goes.

Thanks again!
Ric

good luck rick. you can return it for the DMX operator 192 OR MY DMX perhaps if you want. when did you get the DVD? sincerely,

Jingles,

I got the DVD about 3-4 weeks ago. It took me a while to watch it though (I am active duty Army) so not much time of my own. It sounds like the Operator 192 would be the controller I need, but I went thru it's tutorial and did not see a "Group Fixtures" button. It really comes in handy when controlling my 2 Design spot 250's and 2 Accu Scan 250's. I cannot tell if I can do that with the 192. So I am still researching.

I think I might just jump to my DMX and give it a whirl. I have been toying with the free demo and have had moderate success with it. One thing I can't figure out about it. Is the group fixtures on it. I have to control each fixture to include 8 64 PRO's and 2 Punchs individually. What am I missing?

Once I figure out which controller suits all the equipment I need then I will go for it. This trial and error way has been a big pain!

I'll let ya know how tomorrow night goes!

Ric

Well, if you can swing by, give me some notice. I'd like to check out that DMX Operator pro and see if I could make those work on the right hand side just out of curiosity.

Hit my web site and give me a ring if you want to. My phone number is splattered all over it. Also, my Yahoo Messenger is on that page too, so you can hit me up that way. I'm going out for a few hours, but Friday I have loads of time.

I just finished making some profiles and am going to send them to Jingles tonight. I might have to do a minor revision, but I'll deal with that after I get my very open copy of MyDMX. It's ordered, and probably will be here next week. I bet my Par 64 Pro LED's will be here then too!

Just keep in mind, I'm a sound guy!

ok for grouping fixtures you can just select the fixtures you want to control. just press the fixture buttons make sure they are all on and the ones you want. move the faders and they wil all respond. for my dmx grouping. simply click on a fader you want to change across all fixtures and then hold the "shift" key. you will notice all the same channels on the same type of fixtures move together. i believe this is what you meant by fixture grouping. correct?

Jingles,

Yes that is correct. For example; if I want to control all 8 64B PRO LED's at the same time I would "Group" the fixtures together, so that I only have to move 1 fader and control all 8 lights at the same time.

Your last post covers both the 192 and my dmx? I understand you can "Group" fixtures together on the 192 as well as the software?

Well, there are easier ways to group lights. One way is to put them onto a gang of figure buttons, when using a DMX controller. If you have the channels, it's a good way to go. If you're short on channels or fixture buttons, you can duplicate addresses, nothing wrong with that either.

If you're using software controller and that 3D Visualizer is really critical to your lighting design, then yeah, do that other grouping method in the software, which is really the best way to go in a software package.

I'm in the proces of designing my addressing scheme to work with both my DMX Operator and MyDMX. Thanks to MyDMX, it's going well. If you properly plan your addressing, you can get a lot done without having to redo your addressing when you go back and forth.

I would guess you've got enough channels and fixture buttons left over on your DMX Operator Pro to get the job done. Just concede a litle bit and assign all your 64B LED Pros to the same address and then they'll all be on one fixture button. Simple and easy control. I think once you get into programming your controller, you'll see what you can really do.

Chris,

I did address them all the same and it worked well. I just want to make sure the 192 has that feature because I can see a need for it in the future when I get better at this.

Thanks for the advice it really does help me gain a better understanding how this all works.
Ric

I don't know what was changed between the DMX Operator and the DMX Operator 192. I have the DMX Operator, which is the older version of the 192.

The DMX Operator has 8 faders for controlling lights, with a shift/flip button to set the 8 faders to now control the 9-16 channels. It has 12 fixture control buttons(or in other words: 1-16/button, you know what I mean). I know for a fact you can gang up fixtures by using any combination of fixture buttons, including all 12 if you want to go bonkers!

The DMX Operator can store 240 scenes(8 scenes in a bank and 30 banks) and 8 chases with 240-steps each.

The controller is compact, and a wonderful intro board with room to grow. I can't expect the DMX Operator 192 being any different in those manners.

I'm by no means an expert on my DMX Operator, and I just recently got into programming it. But I do feel comfortable fielding questions about it.

Seems to me you really need hands on time with gear. In general I feel this is always a best way to learn and determine what might be a best fit anyways.

For me, for simple shows, I want to have color changes and a need to gain access to my "special" while letting the color changes take place. I don't need super complicated or syncronized shows. For that the DMX Operator is perfect. I bought MyDMX so I can do more complicated events and shows. I have a lot to learn about MyDMX. The big difference between the DMX Operator and MyDMX is that the DMX Operator didn't need much learning time to get up and going. MyDMX has a learning curve, but that's OK.

you guys think the op or my dmx is difficult?? i will soon be learning the SD3 console! lol. wish me luck!

Good luck with that Jingles...just the OP Pro is kicking my butt. Chris is right, the more I play with them, I learn even more. I also get alot more out of that than reading the manuals alone. It will just take time and experience using them.

Ric

I'm not much of a manual reader, but I do check spec sheets and investigate when I need to know how somehting works. Other than that, manuals are sort of decoration for a shelf I have. I download the PDF's, print out the pages I need and throw it into my "show" binder. That's my collection of cheat sheets.

If you're in the Sacramento area, the invite is still open. Need to goof around with my DMX Operator? Have at it. I'll pull out the rack and set up lights. Hey, I have the resources, why not take advantage of it?

The only thing I really needed my DMX Operator manual for is programming. To enter and exit programming modes, as well as saving, it's not intuitive looking at the unit. Do I think this is a bad idea? No way! The last thing I want is some idiot wandering around at my FOH position and start dinking with stuff. Not to be crude, but that's a good way to end your day on a very bad note requiring 911 assistance and some reconstructive surgery, and that's if you're lucky and I'm in a good mood about it! Seriously, I wouldn't want someone getting into my console and tweaking random programming.

Using MyDMX, I can always store my stage, show and universe on a USB thumb drive and take it with me. They can do what they want to trash my show, but if I have it backed up, it doesn't matter.

The reason there are consoles and software is because some people work differently. Software will always have more options than they can cram onto a console, but a console always has that work surface. There's no right and wrong answers that are definitive. I've seen shows done with large but simplistic DMX consoles, even though the show was very complex. The only right answer is "what works best for you to realize what you're trying to accomplish with the tools you have on hand to work with".

For me, the DMX Operator will be my main workhorse for a while. I just need simple stuff for the most part, with fast access to specials. Later on, I want to get more complicated sequences, and MyDMX will let me do that. At the rate I am going, I may outgrow MyDMX and have to upgrade to CompuWare. But, I'm hoping that upgrade will involve a full time lighting operator dealing with that stuff.

My idea FOH crew is a me at mains, a guy running lights and another running video switching. I want another guy at monitor mix and 4 camera operators and 2 follow-spot guys. Is that too much to ask? I could lose a couple of camera operators for still positions, but always nice to have that option open. Man, now I'm designing a new video wiring schematic using baluns and Cat5E. Does this ever end? No, it doesn't.