Thread: Help needed!!!!!! Please

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I wanted to start using DMX but I don't know where to get it.
I know how to use it from i think Terra's DMX viedo.
Can someone direct me to a website that has cheap DMX things.
I would like a price range to please. And also does it come with
the lights, speakers, and software or do I have to buy that extra.
Thank you anyone that helps!

It pretty much a crap shoot but you might check your local Goodwill for used equipment. I've heard about some stuff showing up from time to time. Ebay would be my second guess with all the normal precautions. Many people are selling older equipment with the shift from incandecant to LED lights. Make friends with a DJ and maybe you can inherit some of his older equipment.

I'd probably start off buying the software of choice and a simple switch/dimmer. Play with that for a while until feel comfortable with the software. After that you can add more complicated devices such as foggers, muti-colored spots, and directable lighting devices.

As far as software is concerned, Brookshire's VSA and Venue Magic are the first ones that come to mind. I'm sure there are many others. Many offer time limited free downloads. Make sure you have the necessary equipment BEFORE you download otherwise it will expire before you had a chance to check it out.

BTW,.... Goodwill will is a great source for cheap electrical items like amps, speakers, subwoofers and the like.

Good luck

definatly start with an interface, the enttec open usb to dmx is only 60 $ and works pretty good, and if you search around ebay you can pick up a 4 channel dimmer box for 50. good starting point, and the software. once your comfortable with the small setup its easy to expand in to light controllers, and diy circuits. im working on putting together a 21 channel dmx light box and writing up the how to at the same time. ill be sure to post its when its done.

Definatly start small and build from there.

If you also wanted a cheap DMX servo controller check out the DMX512 servo controller by Northlight systems. It has 8 channels and onboard dmx address selector. They go for $50.00. I think it is a great deal. Another DMX servo controller is BOC and it is not cheap. I am working on a Mad Scientist and it should be completed by July/August so I'll post a video when it's done.

Thank you everybody. it helped a lot

I would use VSA as your software, medusa as your board with entec to interface your computer to board. I used VSA last year to control a 3 axis skeleton, pneumatic coffin with another skeleton, audio, fans, fogger and lighting all triggered by a PIR. It worked flawlessly for three days staight.

Originally Posted by chuckb0004

I would use VSA as your software, medusa as your board with entec to interface your computer to board. I used VSA last year to control a 3 axis skeleton, pneumatic coffin with another skeleton, audio, fans, fogger and lighting all triggered by a PIR. It worked flawlessly for three days staight.

So where do i get that

Just checking but you are aware of the cost of going DMX? Just as a sanity check here's what you are looking for to be able to control 8 props simultaneously with a remote or other triggers:

VSA: $60 http://www.brookshiresoftware.com/vs...3st4s0lf0c0ro6

DMXorcist: $500 http://www.skulltronix.com/exorcist.html

Enttec Open DMX USB interface: $60 http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main...ow=description

At least one DMX-4 Dimmer/Relay: $120 http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ack?sku=803168

At least one DMX light $80: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ght?sku=485503

5 pin to 3 pin adapter: http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ble?sku=331770 (haven't ordered from this store)

DMX terminator $9: http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...tor?sku=330257

Cables and cables: around $50 http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ble?sku=331770

DMX dimmer- http://cgi.ebay.com/4-CH-Digital-DMX...item1e5c883081

led par
http://cgi.ebay.com/Irradiant-SRL-60...item439ef8c35f

cheap and dmx should not be in the same sentence. Its like tools the more you spend the better the product and the better quality and it will last longer.