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6 replies

Please help me make the right purchase. Im HIGHLY confused...

FM Former Member
First, thank you for reading and hello. Im the new guy on the block.
I own the ADJ D-Light Sync pak, and just bought the ADJ Revo 4, ADJ Mini Fog Machine and ADJ M-502L 12 Inch Mirror Ball Kit. (Anyone say 'stock in the company'?!)

So heres where I am VERY confused. I bought the D-light Pak being VERY ignorant. I didn't know anything about a sony dongle, DMX or anything lighting related. And in truth, I am STILL quite green.

The D-light manual says it can be used via a DMX controller(DMX-512 protocol). The Revo 4 ALSO states it can be used via DMX controller.
So... im wondering.. can i use ANY DMX controler that supports the DMX-512 protocol to control both of these lights?

Im asking, because I sent an email to ADJ last week and got a reply from a 'Jeffrey Hamer' stating the following: "Hello. There was a controller that was offered at one time for this unit to make it work without the other components. The part was the D-Light Sync- -Controller. I will double check here but cant promise that they exist anywhere in stock. Possibly as well do a search for this controller. I will check to see if anything is here.

Jeffrey Hamer
American DJ Sales Representative
Arriba Sales Manager

And thats the last I heard from him.
Now, the manual doesnt state anything about anything more needed to make it work on a DMX controller.
I already own a Chauvet Obey 8 Controller. Granted. its not an awesome one, nor is it ADJ, but.. would it work? or must I buy something additional? A differant DMX controller? Something specifically ADJ? for Both sets of lights?

heres specs on the Obey 8 to save anyone trying to help, from having to look it up:

Chauvet Obey 8 Controller
The Obey 8 is a compact 32-channel DMX controller that is ideal for LED fixtures. It can control up to four, eight-channel fixtures and store eight sets of chases containing up to 99 steps each. Additional features include the ability to stack/layer scenes, a speed/fade slider that allows fading between scenes at user discretion and adjustable blackout. The Obey 8 also features flash buttons that provide 100 percent output when buttons are held.

Features:

* Universal DMX-512 compact controller ideal for LED fixtures
* Controls up to 4 intelligent lights of up to 8 channels each
* 32 DMX channels of control
* 8 sets of chases containing up to 99 steps each
* Playback options include automatic, sound-activated or manual
* 4 fader flash buttons for momentary on
* Adjustable blackout allows fixtures to fade out
* Adjustable audio sensitivity
* Includes 2 extension plates for rack mounting
* Sequential linking of chases
* Grab any fixture on the fly
* DMX polarity selecto

Please help. Im circling in confusion and spending a lot more money than I wanted to from the onset.

Cheers.

Mac
Original Post

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P prolightdesignerMember
Hi Mac,

To begin with I know (basically) nothing about the ADJ D-Light Sync pak, so I can't offer you too much help there. From reading the manual it seems that they will behave much like any other DMX effect. The manual does not specify anything about setting a base address so I'm not sure what to tell you there. I'd guess the unit would default to address 1 once in DMX mode, but I really don't know. Like I said, I've never used this product. If there are dip switches or a digital display on the unit then you'd set an address using those.

In regards to your Revo 4, yes, your Obey 8 controller should be able to work with the Revo, assuming you leave the Revo in its 4 channel mode. You don't have enough channels on your Obey 8 to run the Revo in 256 channel mode. I can't give you much advice on how to program the Obey 8 as I've never used a Chauvet controller before, but manuals for both the light and the controller should be readily available from the manufacturer's respective websites.

The only advice I can give you in addition to all that is to use dedicated DMX cables instead of regular mic (XLR) cables and to use a terminator in your last fixture. Other than that, just sort of learn by doing. There's really not too much that you can mess up with a DMX system that can't be undone.

Hope that helps!
J JinglesForum Admin
Hey Mac. I can answer your question.
The revo 4 channels go like this.
Channel one let's you decide the function of the light. Your choices are either pattern or chase mode. There is also a sound active function.
Channel 2 is your channel to select your patterns/chases. This channel will depend on the value of channel one being in either pattern or chase mode.
Channel 3 allows you to select the speed of the chase or the color of the pattern.
Channel 4 is for the strobe function.
I suggest you take a look at the DMX traits for the revo 4.
Here is a link: http://www.americandj.com/pdffiles/revo_4.pdf
For 256 channel mode it basically gives you a channel fader for EACH Individual LED diode inside the unit. You can make your own patterns or chases this way however you will need a controller at can handle more than 256 channels of dmx which I'm sorry to day the Chaucer obey cannot. You would need a controller such as my dmx or elations compu live.
Let me know if this helps you at all.
Sincerely,
FM Former Member
James, that was an AWESOME explanation! i feel empowered. Smiler Thanks a ton for taking the time!
so essentially, if i have no need to create my own individual patterns, then 4 channel should be plenty!


SOOOO based on what I have learned here today... my Chauvet Obey 8 Controller SHOULD be enough to run the the D-light Sync Pak and one Revo 4. So all I need to do is buy 2 more 'dedicated' DMX cables and a terminator.

Guys, I cant thank you enough!

Mac

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