Thread: Light controller question???

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I have been searching around and scratching my brain trying to find the one thing to add next year to make a big impression. As always we are starting from scratch with a new design and an entirely new theme, so the build starts soon.
I have came to the conclusion that next year is the year to step into a few new things. One of the things I am interested in getting into is a light sequencer or some kind of controller. I want to set different lights to sound, some spot lights on certain props and some colored lights for atmosphere lighting so to speak. Regular holiday strand lights. I want to set these to sound, to flash in alternating or some other interesting patterns to music.
My questions, what is the easiest way to do this?
I have looked into the light o rama sequencer, and love the idea.
Is there a cheaper alternative than the light o rama to do this?

I am only looking to control 6 or 8 different lights, so it does not have to be too large. The videos I have found on the light o rama controller make it look fairly easy to learn, so something similar would be good. Something like that so I can sit down all winter and learn.
Thanks.

If your looking for "budget" friendly, then go with the infamous K74/Kit 74 relay board. Priced around 50 bucks. Controls 8 channels, runs on a parallel port. As for software, you can use "Vixen Lights" which is free or "VSA" which is not free. Either will do the job. The K74 is very much of a DIY project, but for the price, its hard to beat.

As FarmerChad stated, LOR is probably overkill for 6-8 channels of lights. I have LOR, and it's more ideally suited for full control over dozens of channels with each channel holding as few as one light or as many as several thousand. The other issue, especially for halloween control, is that it doesn't really interface well with dedicated prop controllers. If your future is a full halloween spectacular with lots of synchronized props and lighting, you'd be better off looking at VSA and some of the numerous supported boards like kit-74 to get a start on your lighting. It would probably be cheaper to go that route now, as well, even with only 6-8 channels of lights.

OK, this looks exactly like what I am looking for. I found a tutorial on this that farmerchad posted on here, looks perfect!
Does this have the capability for future expansion? I mean if I want to add more than 8, can I connect a second kit 74 to the first one and make 16? I am not sure if this makes sense, but in case I (which I am sure I will) want to make it bigger in another year?
Also, I found some good videos on the LOR on youtube. One showed how to sequence light to music using the software. Are the programs that can run this similar in ease of use?
Thanks so much, looks like I will be able to buy new toys after all this year!

OK, so I already have a question!
Everything I have searched so far tonight says the K74 runs off DOS or windows 3.1. Will this work with windows XP?
From what I see you install some software that comes with the board, then connect it using the printer cable. You then use the vixon or similar software and make your sequence. Looks very time consuming but pretty easy to do, right?
Just curious on the windows. I also saw one website that says the "new" version of the k74 and "old" version?

Originally Posted by Deputydog

OK, so I already have a question!
Everything I have searched so far tonight says the K74 runs off DOS or windows 3.1. Will this work with windows XP?
From what I see you install some software that comes with the board, then connect it using the printer cable. You then use the vixon or similar software and make your sequence. Looks very time consuming but pretty easy to do, right?
Just curious on the windows. I also saw one website that says the "new" version of the k74 and "old" version?

The software that comes with the board is worthless. You don't need to install. You only need 2 things to make the board work. A parallel port and either vixen or vsa. Thats it. As far as cables go, not a printer cable. Ideally a parallel extension cable. The board should work regardless of the OS. The issue you will run into is whether or not vixen or vsa will work. The simplest test would be to download vixen or the free trial of vsa and see if they run. You "should" be able to do a test without the hardware. You could do a basic sequence, just to be sure XP doesn't have issues. As far as XP goes.. I have zero knowledge.

I presume that you do have a physical parallel port?

The board is a good start. 8 channels of off and on. And there all independent of each other. Lots of flexibility there. As far as linking goes.. no go. Mainly because of the mapping on the parallel port. I believe it only has 8 pins that can be controlled in that manner, therefore only 8 relays can be switched. But, you can always add more parallel ports!

New vs. old? No idea. I can't imagine what would be different.

I forgot to add that as far as "ease" of use, there is a difference. Vixen will get you going pretty darn quick. VSA has a huge learning curve. Both work, but its like comparing a caddy to a scooter. They both get you where your going. Know what I mean? VSA simply has more expansion possibilities. More in depth features. Better control over hardware. All though for just relays, vixen does a great job. But if you ever want to get into more, say using servos, etc. then VSA IS where its at. I like both. You could always download vixen and give it a whirl. It is free and has a large user base.

Thanks again for so much helpful information!
I just downloaded vixen 2.1. I also found a video series on YouTube that explains in decent looking detail how to work with it. In the video he is using Renard which I am assuming is a different type of controller. I am going to start there playing with that. I am sure more questions will come up as I go along.
Thanks again for the help!

Originally Posted by Deputydog

Thanks again for so much helpful information!
I just downloaded vixen 2.1. I also found a video series on YouTube that explains in decent looking detail how to work with it. In the video he is using Renard which I am assuming is a different type of controller. I am going to start there playing with that. I am sure more questions will come up as I go along.
Thanks again for the help!

No problem. I think the "renard" does up to 512 channels? Something crazy like that. Anyways, feel free to ask away. Im no expert by any means but am quite familiar with the items in question from my previous Christmas Display days.

Something that I forgot, Vixen has built in "triggers". VSA has to use a separate piece of software. Triggers can be set up with a usb keyboard hack. I previously used a motion detector, connected to the USB keyboard to trigger a sequence. Pretty fun stuff.

The more I hear the more I like!
By the way, where is your, or anyone else reading's preferred place to purchase things like this? The k74? I have found many different vendors online that carry it all about the same price. I am still a month away from purchasing the control board but want to be ready as soon as the day comes around.
Thanks again.