DMX Duo

Well, my suggestions are as follows:

If you're doing all the same color on the Par 64 LED's, map them all to the same channels.

If you're using the Accuspots in pairs, why not map those to an identical set of channels.

Hey, if you're doing the same thing with the Fusion Scan 250's, why not match all those channels up?

It really depends on what you need or want to do with your lighting shows.

For example, I do have enough channels to run mine without having to double up on fixtures eating channels. But should I get "cramped" or need to free up channels:

I can set my movers to the same channel and then invert X on one. Not perfect, but for me, would get the job done. 9 channels per fixture, so I could use 9 channels instead of 18. While I lose a little functionality, for me, it's not that critical.
My Color Fusions: I only use them to do the same color, so I could make those match. 14 channels mashed down to 7(7 channels per fixture)
I have 4 color changers. Those use 4 channels each, so that's 16 channels total, but I can map those to a single set of 4 channels.

I just ordered 8 Per64 LED Pros, which in 7 channel mode eat up 56 channels, but since they are all basically going to do the same thing, I could compact those into 7 channels instead.

It just depends on how you need to get things done. I can certainly understand wanting control over your gear. Just take this under consideration.

I envision your shows with a pair of the Accuspot 300s and a pair of your Fusion Scan 250 EX's on one side of yout truss, and mirrored on the other side. You have a fixture on one side complimented by a fixture on the other side, so you're essentially using your lights as coordinated pairs on opposite sides of your truss.

Does that make sense?

Think like this:

ABCD-----------DCBA
Where A and C are Accuspots 300's, and B and D are Fusion Scan 250's(just throwing things out there).

No right answers, just varying degrees of options that suit your requirements.

Other ideas:
Go to a DMX Operator 192 or MyDMX. DMX Operator 192 takes up 3 rack spaces, while MyDMX is computer software. The DMX operator 192 handles 192 DMX channels, while the MyDMX software can handle the full 512 available channels.

So many options to choose from.

I have the myDMX software. The DMX Duo is basically a dummy controller for push button operation of scenes, and chases w/o the hassle of dragging out my laptop all the time. Plus I may not alway have the highest of intelligent people running the lights, so the more idiot proof the better.

I do like your idea of doubling up some of the pars. I will try that to see if that does what I wanted.

Thank You

OK this may be a dumb question but is there any way in myDMX to map 2 fixtures to the same channel, or do I just need to assign them the same address on the actual device?

I'm not sure about assigning 2 devices to the same set of fixtures in MyDMX. I have the same "need", but with newer lights coming in, that "need" is going away mostly. (such as 2 Par 38's on a single dimmer channel).

Just set your physical addresses on the actual devices.

I certainly understand the need to "idiot proof" stuff. I spent a lot of time, effort and energy to simplify my growing complicated rig. Since I don't rent out and I'm always at and running events I'm hired for, I always have full control. Wife butchers lights, brother in law hacks video, other 2 brothers in law neglect the stage. It's fun on shows! I end up having to do both FOH and monitor mix on my console(my job anyways), then take over lights and video too. Training is in the schedule for this year!

My concept is 1 addressing scheme that works with both MyDMX and my DMX Operator. This doesn't sound like it's going to work out for you, so you should come up with your DMX Duo assigning and your MyDMX assignments.

As Jingles pointed out, I'm lazy. Of course, I admit it. I do what I can whenever I can to simpligy things. Being lazy is a lot of work. Sounds like you're on that path as well. Good concept. Don't change!

Another dumb question. the Duo has an RS232 in, can I digitally upload the programs into the Duo or do I have to run it through the DMX out on the myDMX to do all the recording?

Just thought of another question for the Duo. The FOG output is a 5pin. I have a Martin JEM Fog Machine I inherited, is there any way to get that to work with the Duo?

I'm not familiar enough with the DMX Duo, but a quick view of the DMX Duo shows me there is a software pacakge for it you can download.

As far as the 5-pin connector, it says you can use a standard MIDI cable, but you are limited to the fog machine models. The manual states:

quote:

Compatible foggers include
ADJ MB-1000, Stallion, Vapor-Flow, Fog Storm-1200 and Fog Storm-1700

So, your GEM won't work via that control, but you can still program it via a scene or whatever the DMX Duo works off of. If your fog machine is DMX capable, you should be fine as long as you have channels.

In my case, I hae a Fog Storm 700 with a wireless controller for it. I push the button on the car alarm-inspired remote control when I need some fog. I rarely need fog, so I rarely set it up.

Any other questions about the GEM should be directed to the maker of it just to ensure a proper answer. I bet though that it's not compatible via that special port on the DMX Duo