Thread: Roll Your Own Enttec Open DMX USB Interface

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Hello Boils and Ghouls!

Check out my page here on how to make your own Enttec Open DMX USB Interface for less $$ or maybe even FREE like I did.

I have tested this with Vixen and the BOC Configuration Program. I would expect it to work with VSA as well. I would be interested if anyone builds their own to hear of your results.

Enjoy! Happy Haunting!

Nicely done....thanks

190 views and only 1 reply? *scratches head* Thanks Frankenfrog for your reply.

Any success? Any Comments? Any Questions?

Would like to hear if anyone has tried or is using this circuit.

dam got to try this you just saved me some money
what is vixen by the way

Originally Posted by Rulas41

dam got to try this you just saved me some money
what is vixen by the way

Vixen is Christmas Lighting controller software. Visit http://www.vixenlights.com/ to learn more.

It can be used for more than just Christmas though. You can program EFX-TEK's Prop series controllers using Vixen.

I have a question. Please bare with me as I am completely stupid to computers and am trying desperately to learn. I downloaded Vixen, and created a whole 15 min sequence. I just ordered a sixteen channel relay, and now I am curious if I can just plug in plain (non led/dmx) lights into the relay, and the usb into the computer, and have a light show. OR....am I missing crucial elements. Thanks, and sorry if this isn't the proper place to ask this question.

Originally Posted by Macabree

I have a question. Please bare with me as I am completely stupid to computers and am trying desperately to learn. I downloaded Vixen, and created a whole 15 min sequence. I just ordered a sixteen channel relay, and now I am curious if I can just plug in plain (non led/dmx) lights into the relay, and the usb into the computer, and have a light show. OR....am I missing crucial elements. Thanks, and sorry if this isn't the proper place to ask this question.

What type is 16 channel relay that you ordered?

I got it off of Amazon and it's an Elation I believe. I figured I would go ahead and order and see if I could figure it out, but since it's not here yet I still have time to learn and see if I made a poor choice, and even return it if needed. It has 8 dimmer and 8 steady, I think that's what it would say. I was reading a little about Vixen and was understanding that you can dim them even if they are steady. Am I understanding this correctly?

Originally Posted by Macabree

I got it off of Amazon and it's an Elation I believe. I figured I would go ahead and order and see if I could figure it out, but since it's not here yet I still have time to learn and see if I made a poor choice, and even return it if needed. It has 8 dimmer and 8 steady, I think that's what it would say. I was reading a little about Vixen and was understanding that you can dim them even if they are steady. Am I understanding this correctly?

Can you tell me the specific model of the relay? There are so many on Amazon.

Relays are different than dimmers. Relays are on/off exclusively but dimmers will fade the lights up or down.

Here is the basic setup:

You have Vixen with your sequence. You'll need to specify the Enttec output in Vixen so the software knows what interface it should be using.

You will need to use either an Enttec Open DMX or my circuit above (they plug into computers USB) to provide the DMX signal to the 16 relays/dimmers. You will need DMX cables to get the signal from the Enttec to the relays. The type (3 pin or 5 pin) will depend on your DMX relays/dimmers. You may need adapters.

Your lights (non DMX, they can be LED) will plug into the relays/dimmers. Only plug dumb light strings (just lights and a plug, no controllers) into relay/dimmer channels.

Amazon.com: Elation Professional DMX16SW System 16 Channel On/Off Light Control System: Musical Instruments. This is the one. I read the reviews and that might have made me think that it can be dimmed. I really appreciate your help with this. I was starting to feel pretty helpless. lol. I just chose the dmx option when I created the sequence, I am not even sure that was correct. Nothing like jumping in head first when I have trouble turning on the computer. lol. Would there be a good place to learn all this without having to take over your time and thread? I found the Vixen program easy to learn, it's just the hardware for dummies that I seem to need. Thanks again!