OK, I'm confused. I posted about using a Big Shot and a DP-DMX-20L. Turns out that is is NOT a good thing.
So, I was advised to get a switching pack. I need to hook some stuff up anyways, so I purchased an Aviator-SP8 to accomplish the switching function for up to 8 devices. My controller is a DMX Operator, and I also have 2 DP-DMX-20L dimmer packs.
Now, I fully intend to have a strobe working, be it a Big Shot or something larger. I also need to expand my lighting system a bit more, so I'm going to have to add more dimmer and/or switching/relay packs.
So, hooking up the Big Shot strobe to the Aviator-SP8 switching pack did not get the desired results. The Aviator, even with DMX disconnected, is giving some chopped up AC to the channel. I thought since it was a switching pack, this wasn't supposed to happen? Is it because of my controller?
I need advisement. Bottom line is that money is going to be spent, and I can sell off any gear/lights that won't be used to get fixtures and lights that will be used.
I'd like to know what I need to purchase to make things happen properly. This also includes purchasing equipment I may not have thought of. Please keep all items American DJ whenever possible since I intend to stick with their products.
As far as DMX is concerned, it is a must since I am typically 100+ cable feet away from the stage, so I ran an XLR along my audio snake to accomodate DMX protocol.
Also, for further consideration(as I have to design some stuff better as well), I wish to be able to control up to 32 fixtures independently.
Short of that, I am willing to consider two banks of 16 figures each. I realize I may have to purchase additional lights to fully realize this, but that is for later on.
Currently, the DP-DMX-20L's are using DMX channels 1-4 and 5-8, both are set up as 4-channel devices.
The Aviator-SP8 is using DMX Channels 9-16, and all ports are set to be full OFF(under DMX control). I don't use any internal programs.
I don't have any scenes to consider saving in my DMX Operator. Should I need to replace my DMX Operator, I only have those 3 rack spaces to work with. I would like to continue to have MIDI control since I do carry a mobile digital recording rig and am planning some highly integrated shows involving live/recorded/sequenced tracks, which would also eventually need to sync to lights.
Also, any books that I can get might help steer me in the right direction.
Thanks in advance. I'm confused on this and definately need some help.
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