Newbie to the lighting thing and ...,

frankieve no offense but did you read the manual you got with the Operator Controller? The manual should explain everything you need on how to program/create scenes and chases with your DMX devices. If you don't have a manual you can download one from the AA web site.

I cannot hand it to you on a silver platter. RTFM, time and practise - this is all you will need to learn how program DMX devices. Good luck.

ROQ out.

PS. BTW RTFM means "Read The @#$&% Manual"

I should have explained a little more,

Yes I do know I need to read the manual, but the manual is a photo copy of about 6 pages of useless info.

All it does is give you an advertisement of what each button can do, like, " a dedicated fog button for your fog machine" you call that info. It doesn't tell you how to program the fog button to address the fog machine,

I'm a keyboard player so I have programmed some very difficult machines.

What I need to know is where can I get some reading info for a beginner, introduction to DMX controlls, how to program and why to program chase. scenes. and so on.

If you get the chance please look up the manual and I think you will agree with me the manual will be very vague for a pro and completely useless for a newbie like myself.

ROQ ,

Have you had any expereince with this unit? IF you have can you give me some pointers, or do you think I'm way over my head and should stick with Automatic,

I can handle the truth so tell me like it is

Thanks

Hi frankieve, I must apologise if my post came across as a little rude, that was not my intention.

Firstly, no, you are not way over your head, like anything once you learn the basic concepts the rest is easy. If you've programmed keyboards then this should be a snap. I think the biggest hurdle on setting up and running DMX devices for most of us is getting the addressing right for the devices. Once you get that part right, the rest is easy.

I don't have the American DJ DMX Operator but I do have a un-named equivalent DMX controller and after reading both manuals of each one (and others mind you) they seem to follow the same procedure in terms programming rules.

For the sake of being practical I found this site which is an excellent resource on learning everything you need to know about the DMX protocol. Its well worth a look;

http://www.dmx512-online.com/whats.html

From not knowing nothing about DMX 3 months ago, in a short time I think I've become comfortable enough to program my own scanners now. Now programming scenes and chases with a controller takes a hell of a long time and something you cannot do when at a gig. I suggest you setup your rig at home and practise programming up a decent show before you take them out on the road.

Finally I'm not sure what manual you have, obviously the wrong one for your controller. The manual should go into detail on how to program scenes and chases. You can easily download it again from the AA site if you don't have the right one.

Good luck.

ROQ out.

Thanks for the site.

I think learning the basics will be the ticket, if you get a chance take a look at the manual, you'll find at Elation site, I will look if ADJ has a better one at their site

Thanks again ROQ for all the help, I'll let you know how it turns out

Frank,
run and return that controler, quickly, I had it and I return it with the quick of a snap!
I hope you brought the american dj concept rather 1 or 2, because if you do the Show designer is just perfect for you, I say this because after owning the dmx operator, which I broke, use it as an excuse to upgrade to the dmx operator pro only to find out it don't have the saving show capability like the dmx operator you would need to purchase flash card from american dj, at ten dollars each but they come formatted, the manuel don't tell you how important the formatted for operator pro only is and it does state that only 32 mb cards will work, well guess what 32mb cards are a thing of the past, if you can find one great, only thing after you find one is to have it program. I did my research and for what I have 4 accu spots, 3 pocket scans, and no time to program shows, the Show Designer 1 turn out to be one of the smartest purchases I made this year. I was up in running within four hours once I got all the addresses correct, and the simple thing about that is it'll tell you hey let me program the addresses for you owner then all you have to do is make sure that the lights are on the address that i assign them. Had I listen to the Show Designer 1, I would have been up and running as soon as I finish reading the manual.
Bottom line here is take a look at this awesome machine let me know if this help you at all?

The ADJ operator will do just fine for color changers and a Show Designer seems a little over kill. Once you figure out how you want to use the fixtures it will be easy to address them. For instance you can address all of them on separate scanner buttons on the operator. Or you can address them in pairs on the same channel, so scanner button one could control 2 color changers at the same time doing the same thing. Or sense each scanner button has up to 16 channels you could have scanner button one control multiple fixtures but each at different channels.

I�m sorry I couldn�t really figure out a way to explain very well. The thing is to just remember each scanner button has up to 16 channels and you can utilize all 16 channels by addressing your fixtures in a sequenced order. Once you figure out the best way to address the fixtures for your use then programming becomes easy. On my operator the programming instructions are even printed on the bottom of it. It just takes some time and creativity to get a hold of it.

Kevin

Roq,
Please calm down with the RTFM posts. You are a big assett here, and I know it is a little frustrating at times to answer the same question repeatedly. But this forum is here so we can exchange ideas and advise. So please try to posts things a little more constructively.

I mean you can say. Try looking at the manual, if you still don't understand I'll be glad to help. I know it's a lot more to type, but it benefits everyone more. Remember one day the person you help today may help you in the future.

I did apologise didn't I?

It's cool. I know answering the same Q's can get annoying sometimes, just want to make sure your not gonna wig out next time someone says.....What does this button that says On/Off mean? lol

hahahahaa...

forums famous sayings:

ROQ - "RTFM"

AMP - "CALL SUPPORT"

TIGER - "redbull for everyone"

SKILZ - "practice, practice, and practice"

lol... thats all i can think of right now...lol

D*mn straight!!! :

lmfaooo