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I guess the next question would be how are they patched. Sounds like a patching error if you are getting RGB but no strobe function if they are set to 6 channel mode. It might also be a wrong profile as well.

Jingles would be better to advise you on the inner workings of MyDMX. He is much more versed on it then I am. I can help with patching and what not however.
Maybe some more detail is in order.

First, which exact Par 64 LED model are you using? It may make a difference.

Second, this goes back to what Serra Ava says, but a little bit further:
Check your addressing and check your modes.

Now, some lights may have channel that serves secondary function of a speed or sensitivity. In my experience, with the 64 LED Pro, the Mega Panel and Mega Bar 50, I have a single channel that in a certain range, adjusts the strobe speed. But, if I were go to into sound active mode(as it's a range on a certain channel), I have to control sensitivity with another channel.

I used the strobe effect on Mega Bar 50's on my quick Halloween set-up. 4 were used in a macro mode to do random color changes, while 4 were set to do slow strobes. No problem. My Mega Panels can strobe, no problem. My 64 LED Pros, I use the slow strobe on a specific scene in a show I do and it works fine(provided MyDMX is working fine).

So, again, check your manual and check your addressing and check your mode. It's got to be one of those three elements.

Read your manual, provide a bit more information.
OK, now we're getting somewhere.

First, let me say I have 8 of these and love these and I do in fact use the strobe mode. But I also use them in 7 channel mode. Not to push my ways, but is there a reason for using 6 channel mode?

I also have DEFINITIVE proof that these can display strobing(not 100% accurate, but it gives sufficient for working) in the 3D Visualizer. I had to make an animatic for this one show I work on. 4 views: Film, director's comments over cast from fixed angle, then scene window and corrected 3D Visualizer capture window. Captures were done using both Snagit! and FRAPs.

So, what value are you using for channel 5 in your 6 channle mode? Also, is your brightness turned up? Also, since you can strobe in any color, you need to select a color using channels 1-3. You have to have a color set and a dimming value set in order for strobe to work, otherwise it may be strobing, but it has nothing to actual display a strobe.

I think this is where your problem is now. Just something that may not make sense on the surface, but once you dig in it makes sense.

Back to the show I work on, there is one scene where I cover the stage right in strobes in different colors to emulate a lightning/electric effect. The 4 cans aimed in that direction(they are 64 LED Pros) are all set to different colors. I think a light blue, green, yellow and a pink. They all strobe at different speeds, mostly in the slow ranges/lower strobe values. It looks fantastic on the stage.

I strongly recommend 7 channel mode. With the dedicated channel for dimming, it makes life a lot easier.
I'm guessing that his strobe issue is related to RGB and dimming settings because that was something that confused me for a moment. I was thinking the idea of "well, it's in strobe mode, it needs to strobe".

The strobe is a function dependent on RGB and dimming parameters. You have to know what color and at what total intensity/dimming before you have something to strobe.

I think regardless of which channel mode he uses, once he does the other stuff properly, he'll see the strobes in the 3D visualizer. I still agree that he should use 7 channel mode.
OK, you adjusted the light to white, but did you set your dimmer at a usable value for your yellow? Why not try adjusting your "working" show/scene and see if you can tweak that to strobe in different colors. You may have value issues on the other show file that you need to double check.

Also, still on 6 channel mode? sharing dimmer functions on a channel with other features isn't something I really feel comfortable with.
quote:
Originally posted by Chris Pickett:
OK, you adjusted the light to white, but did you set your dimmer at a usable value for your yellow? Why not try adjusting your "working" show/scene and see if you can tweak that to strobe in different colors. You may have value issues on the other show file that you need to double check.

Also, still on 6 channel mode? sharing dimmer functions on a channel with other features isn't something I really feel comfortable with.


Chris I didn't adjust the yellow to white, I started with a new light. I used a 6ch led 64 worked, I tried to replicate and now it does not.I had the light so it was showing a beam
Well, I don't know what to say. Works fine here in 7 channel mode in the 3D Visualizer here.

I am able to replicate your problem in the 3D Visualizer using the 6 channel mode profile. I think there may be an issue with the profile. When I throw the fixture into strobe mode(at least in the 3D visualizer, it's rainy and it's almost 1AM and there's no way I'm getting into my truck to reconfigure a can), all I see is the same solid beam that I started with(Red 255, Green 255,, Channel 6 dimmer at 63, strobe varies from anything above 32 to below 223).

I didn't do anything special. New show file, new universe, and used the default stage. I added the 6 channel profile first, then added on channel 7 the 7-channel profile 64 LED Pro. The 7 channel profile works great. The 6 channel, not so happy.

I think it's the profile. The profile could be fixed. You'll want to delete the fixture and then re-add it into MyDMX using the fixed profile. There have been a few other problems noted with various factory included profiles.

But you haven't answered a question. Is there a reason you're using 6 channel mode as opposed to 7 channel mode? You get overall better control over your fixtures in 7 channel mode.

Now, what may not work properly in the 3D Visualizer may work just fine in real life. Remember that the profiles just make the software friendlier to us humans as well as allowing the software to be able to help us do a few other things. We don't need the profiles in order to use MyDMX to control lights.
At least now it's confirmed. You weren't going crazy or seeing something odd, chances are anyone else would have the same problem.

But even so, was there a reason you were choosing to use 6 channel mode? It doesn't addres the reason why the profile isn't working properly. I'll probably look into that over the weekend and see if I can figure it out.
quote:
Originally posted by Chris Pickett:
At least now it's confirmed. You weren't going crazy or seeing something odd, chances are anyone else would have the same problem.

But even so, was there a reason you were choosing to use 6 channel mode? It doesn't addres the reason why the profile isn't working properly. I'll probably look into that over the weekend and see if I can figure it out.


I didn't think there would be a difference
Well, if there wasn't a difference, then why have different modes?

Here's my argument for 7 channel mode:
You always have a dedicated dimmer channel. This allows you to dimm any effect. Handy.

If I get a chance this next week(doubtful, I have to learn Compu Show and put it in action for a show in 2 weeks. Nothing major to worry about), I'll look into it. I've often had to tweak ADJ profiles for various lights. It is because of this reason that I suggest to ALL MyDMX users:

Make your own directory in the Library directory and put copies of the profiles you use into that directory. Easier to back-up and track, especially if you've made changes and have forgotten.
You ran us up and down over this strobe crap and then it turns out you didn't buy ADJ lights?

Grr!!

No, seriously though. If you could share the make and model and maybe a link to the PDF or manual, that's what would be needed to make a profile. Profiles can be tricky at first, so study the one Jingles makes for you, and don't be afraid to try and fail(so you can learn and adjust). Making profiles isn't super easy, but it's not all that difficult either.

Have fun and enjoy your new lights!
I got the strobe working per your instructions, I assumed the lights I got were 6ch. But there we are again I assumed, I wanted ADJ lights but the price I got 12 for would only allow me to buy 2 or 3 ADJ. I also am a soundguy, Is there a way to upload a picture. I have a printed controlling chart
I'm also a sound guy. Or rather a sound production company. I've gone through tons of trash gear over the years. I'd rather spend MORE to get fewer of a light that will last a lot longer. Not having to replace geear means I get to spend more on more critical items.

One of my reasons for staying with ADJ is the better product, after-sales support and fewer phone calls to make when I have issues.

But, regardless of what fixture you have, MyDMX can have a profile for just about anything, so you should be fine no matter what. I also suggest that regardless of the brand, if you can fire up your lights and play with them a bit at home before a gig, it's beneficial to get that sanity check that what you see in the 3D visualizer is what you're getting.

Have fun with your new toys. One last tip: USE DMX cable. Just because you CAN use XLR doesn't mean you should. And make yourself some DMX terminators.
quote:
Originally posted by Chris Pickett:
Yup. That's sufficient. I do worry that functions derived from channels 6-10 won't display properly in the 3D Visualizer. Other than that, I really can't see a problem wiht a usable profile being created from what you just provided.


Is there a chance you could make one up, I tried but got lost at channel 5

Thanks,
Jim
Sure, I could make one up, but I'm currently slammed with other projects. If I were to break away for sufficient time, I'd have to bill you at least $300 for my time.

Yes, AT LEAST($150/hr, 2 hour minimum).

I just hit the web forum once in a while right now on break between video editing marathons. I have 20 shows I need to edit and render out, and I've got 4 computers I'm rotating through to get this done. 3 more machines have been brought online just for lower-end renders and to move data to the media player drive. Another computer is chewing on "short form" video files, while yet another is working on a picture file analysis routine. And while I'm working on that, I have to research promotional items and supplies and dealing with other vendors.

I'm taking more "preparation time" than usual right now for my upcoming event as I'm bringing out merch items, as well as taking a more active role in promoting my company and what I do in order to try to recover from the drought that was 2010(that pretty much killed me).

Channel 5 for you would be a hard one. Just be patient and logical. There's really not that much to it. I think in the 0 position, it does effectively nothing. 1-254 are your strobe speeds, most likely from slowest to fastest, so you have to add a new function on that channel and specify value range. The value 255 is sound active, so again, add a new function and your choices get limited fast.

Here's what I suggest: open a 64 LED PRo 7-channel and check out the macro channel. It isn't perfect, but it shows a decent example.

Break time over, back to the grind. I'll check back in when my eyes cross again and I need a break from the video editing. Right now I have to line up to the sample level the audio from the video and from an external source. Due to drift caused by different clock rates/sample rates, thank goodness this is done on a per song basis!
quote:
Originally posted by Jingles:
JamesS I can make this profile for you but it may take me a bit. You could have it no later than Tuesday. It's really that I myself have received over 15 profile request this weekend. (damn you Santa) haha.
Sincerely,


I thank you Jingles, I just tried again myself with a dismal failure.
That would be great

Thank You,
Jim
quote:
Originally posted by Jingles:
JamesS I can make this profile for you but it may take me a bit. You could have it no later than Tuesday. It's really that I myself have received over 15 profile request this weekend. (damn you Santa) haha.
Sincerely,


Hey Jingles,wanted to let you know I am waiting for the software to arrive also ordered the Korg Nano
I have my Korg nano set to work as a JLCooper CS102. If you need the profile, give me a few days so I can find the profile for that. I use my nano a lot with ProTools, and ProTools uses the JLCooper CS102.

A couple of notes:
The Korg driver is a bit wonky, so make sure you plug the nano into every port you have so it will work. You may have to "reinstall" it. This is expected. It's a KORG issue, not OS issue.

Second: more obvious, make sure it's plugged in BEFORE you run MyDMX. MyDMX is funky when it comes to MIDI stuff, so just be forewarned.
Oh, there's no reason why the NanoKontrol won't work in default mode. It's just for me, as per typical, I've got to have my assortment of gear do just about anything, and with ProTools being a rather priority application, I have to orient quite a few things around that. Since the nanoKONTROL can fit in my laptop bag and my JLCooper CS102 can't(it's too big), that's why I'm doing it that way.

Depending on how your program your lights in MyDMX, the usage of the nanoKONTROL might not be super important. For me, I only really do 2 things with it now: control foggers(hazer, ground fogger and a real cheap DMX fogger that isn't mine) and have a spotlight over-ride function which I rarely use.

Other options include, but certainly aren't limited to gang-control over various other fixtures. By this, I can show by example:
NanoKontrol Bank 1, Fader 1: Controls red for all 8 individually addressed 64 LED Pros. Fader 2 is green, Fader 3 is Blue, and Fader 4 is Dimmer.

I used to try to use it to help program my movers, but I found the small faders didn't work well for me, but hey, to each their own.

Great unit and I enjoy using it with MyDMX.

I would say do your show programming first and assign lots of trigger keys, you'll be fine.

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