Thread: Synchronizing Light O Rama with VSA

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So last year I did a 32 channel light show using LOR controllers. This year I want to up the ante and add a couple of 3 axis skulls. My plan is for the skulls to sing while the light show is played. Although LOR has servo control capability, I've heard its a complete pain. Is there a way to synch LOR with VSA controlled talking skulls? LOR's forum isn't much help as its definitely more geared to the christmas crowd.

Thanks a bunch

I would think you could it. I personally don't use LOR but you might look into some software called "Helmsman" it's made by MonkeyBasic who is a member on here. Here is the link http://www.monkeybasic.com Hope this helps.

Looking over the vsa info I see absolutely nothing about being able to ustablish triggers to run a track or show.
With the RAPU there should have to be a way but nothing is noted.

I sent brookshire an email asking how triggering a show would be possible from an external source (ie a relay)

I do see that using helmsman and a DLP-IO8-G (USB) device you can trigger a show/scene.

This makes me think that once you start your lor show, you could hit the DLP device (probably need a relay to go from the standard 110v out to a contact closure or use a dc board output) to activate helmsman/vas/skulls orchestrated and synched together.

There are some great suggestions here. If you are looking for something custom, we could figure something out. Haven't dealt much with LOR but anything is possible.

I am also looking at using my LOR with 3 axis skulls, I currently have a servo dog that I didn't use last year and just placed an order for all the Hitech servos to build a 3 axis skull, once I have them I will attempt to get the system to work, I will post my progress, but I have to go out of town so it could be a month before I am able to input anything.

On a sidenote the LOR minidirector has the ability to start the LOR show utilizing a switch so I would imagine that if you had another program or system that closed a switch you could wire that output to the minidirector to start the LOR show.

Regards,
Mike

I spoke with VSA, they do not quite get it when it comes to the concept of playing nice with others.

Basically they say, you are on your own: "VSA Console is a program interface that allows your custom code to start and stop the playback of VSA. By writing your own code, you can trigger VSA routines from switches, etc."

Nelsons app sounds like the bridge between the vsa software and the S3 (or S2 if you choose not to upgrade) when used with the input dongle mentioned earlier.
Without having tried it personally I presume there will be some coding/setting of parameters required to make it interface effectively.
I am sure Nelson can elaborate more.

I do not know if you know this, I am one of the dozen LightOrama partners.
We serve as your first tier of sales and support of the LOR products.
If You need assistance or to order LOR products, please feel free to contact me or one of my helpers at Minions Web.

Another option to using the LOR director or mini director modules to detect trigger, running a sequence with a single audio file driven out of the LOR, is to have a sequence designed to detect trigger from the CTB16 input header connected to the controller board, which can run independent audio player(s).
This method would be less expensive and more flexible, connecting the trigger inputs to the LOR is the CTB16 Input header.
It works with the CTB16D, CTB16K, CTB16KD, CTB16PC, LOR1600W, LOR1602W and LOR1602MP3 models.
This set up would allow for multiple audio tracks to be run concurrently this way, as could multiple scenes.

This arrangement would permit many many inexpensive audio players associated with sequences, as opposed to one couple hundred buck director unit.
That would work with the servodog controller nicely.
However, my lack of experience with the 3 axis skull and servodog together makes me no help on ease or difficulty programming the motions. My servodog use is limited to controlling simple action props.

Director use advantage is that if you have one of the residential controllers you can disconnect it from the computer for standalone operation. You can also cascade controllers within a network to run multiple scenes or elements incorporating DMX and X10 components. This permits legacy and expanded control of devices.

Great info, I haven't used the input headers, but will read up and try them this year.

Thanks,
Mike