Thread: DMX Fog Controller Hack

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I'm guessing that someone on the forums has done this but I was unable to find any posts that describe what I want to do. I'm just in the beginning of learning about controlling props with DMX so, please forgive my ignorance of proper terminology.

We have a couple of foggers with wired remote controls. The remotes have a button for dispensing fog when pressed. I'm thinking about opening the remote box and wiring each side of that manual button switch to a relay. The relay would be wired to a dmx dimmer and controlled by VSA.

I'll open it up now to the experts.....

Sure that would work just fine...you could unplug the wired remote and using a continuity tester verify which contacts at the plug end are used when the switch is pressed.

Now if your foggers are using the typical 3 contact AC (computer) type plug you can either cut off the plug end leaving enough stripped wire to connect to your relay or pickup another computer plug and use that. (save the remote switch they are great for triggering pnuematics)

ok now back to your setup...Are you using VSA --->ENNTEC --->DMX Dimmer setup? If so do you need VSA examples on how to control your dmx dimmer? It also helps to know which DMX dimmer model you plan to use so we can look at the product mannual.

I'll be using VSA and I haven't bought the enntec box or a dimmer box yet. I plan to get the ennetec pro. There are a lot of dimmer boxes out there and I was hoping to get a recommendation on one here in the forums so if you know of a good cheap one, that'd be great.

I've used VSA a lot for servos in animations and Terra's demo that she did of her Mr. Boogedey showed how VSA handled her setup. So I think I understand the VSA interface but I'm sure you could save me lots of headaches with the little intricacies of using VSA with a dimmer. We are also using some dmx lights this year so any tips you have with that would be appreciated as well.

DMX-CONTROLLED RELAY SWITCH

Here are a couple resources that may help.

Modifying the fog controller:
It Came From the GARAGE OF EVIL!! :: Tech :: PROP-1 101 :: Using a relay to control a fog machine

Controller-Driven Fogger

A controller to trigger the relays:
New DMX-controlled prop interface

Here are a couple of older threads that may help with your needs. The VSA settings for the Dimmer/ Relay Pack change depending if you are using it it dimming or switching mode!!

DMX/ VSA programing problems

DMX Dimmer Pack with Relay (Help Needed) !

I ordered the enttec pro and I ordered a dimmer pack from cheaplights.com I don't see a brand name on it, just their description: 36-DMXDP4-08
$88.00
4 channel DMX dimmer pack for use with 3 pin DMX controllers or as a stand alone controller with 16 built in chase patterns, programmable speed and dimming. 10 amps per channel. Pack has a max of 20 amps on at one time unless you remove the power cord and hard wire the unit. 2 sockets per channel. 2.75x7.5x10.25. 8 lbs. Fuses (4) ea. 156-F10-S

Originally Posted by buckaneerdude

I ordered the enttec pro and I ordered a dimmer pack from cheaplights.com I don't see a brand name on it, just their description: 36-DMXDP4-08
$88.00
4 channel DMX dimmer pack for use with 3 pin DMX controllers or as a stand alone controller with 16 built in chase patterns, programmable speed and dimming. 10 amps per channel. Pack has a max of 20 amps on at one time unless you remove the power cord and hard wire the unit. 2 sockets per channel. 2.75x7.5x10.25. 8 lbs. Fuses (4) ea. 156-F10-S

I've got that same relay pack. Works great! If you want to see how I programmed Boogedy or any of my other DMX props I could send you the VSA routine.

Originally Posted by buckaneerdude

I ordered the enttec pro and I ordered a dimmer pack from cheaplights.com I don't see a brand name on it, just their description: 36-DMXDP4-08
$88.00
4 channel DMX dimmer pack for use with 3 pin DMX controllers or as a stand alone controller with 16 built in chase patterns, programmable speed and dimming. 10 amps per channel. Pack has a max of 20 amps on at one time unless you remove the power cord and hard wire the unit. 2 sockets per channel. 2.75x7.5x10.25. 8 lbs. Fuses (4) ea. 156-F10-S

Something doesn't look right here... This dmx pack only does dimming not switching?

Maybe you need the $74 unit instead.
136: DMX Dimmer & Relay Packs

It still works as a relay if you program the VSA command to be a pulse bar for that event.