I need a Usb to dmx Interface or controller?

Post by **Trisant** » 11 Jul 2010, 05:00

Real simple questions I hope, I am new to this usb to dmx, I am starting from scratch.. first thing is first? I am curious as to what usb dmx controller I should buy for use with the Free Styler Software, Since being a new project for me, I am at the experimental stage so I'm trying to keep expenses down to a minimum while I evaluate this software and check out the learning curve..

So ultimately I need a USB to DMX controller.. A cheap one that will get the job done..

Then finally, are there any other interfaces needed between my USB to DMX controller to my lights..? Do I plug my lights directly into the controller then chain them together?

I am trying to get an idea of what I will invest into this befor having a functional basic 4 LED par can light show.. then build from there ya know?

Thanks.. Jim

Post by **Mavi** » 11 Jul 2010, 10:21

Your second question first: no there is no other controller then USB to DMX used. You plug the USB to DMX controller into an USB port. On the other side of the controller there is normaly a DMX out. There you plug your first fixtrue - or an other DMX cable wich leads to your first fixture (deepending on manufacture and lenght of your interface).

You can use any of the controllers listed in the FS setup. Take a look at that list and then try to find a cheap one

Most people in this forum use the Entecc controllers (open or pro). I use a JMS USB2DMX interface. Everything works fine with them for me. I chosed that one, becuse I got it as a gift

Post by **Mattotone** » 11 Jul 2010, 12:41

heres what i use

laptop -> usbCable -> Enttec Open DMX -> 5pin to 3pin adapter -> XLR Cable -> Parcan1 -> XLR Cable -> Parcan2 -> Parcan3 -> XLR Cable -> Parcan4 -> Terminator

Terminator not required but is recomended as good practice.

Post by **dmxlighting** » 11 Jul 2010, 21:55

Mattotone wrote:
Terminator not required but is recomended as good practice.

Never used one in my life. Number of problems encountered - Zero!

Post by **Mattotone** » 11 Jul 2010, 22:39

same here. But its good practice.
If we were to run larger rigs with long lengths of cable you would see the effects of not using one.
But you may run into a problem which could of been cured using a terminator, and youl be glad you had it.
I=

Post by **dmxlighting** » 12 Jul 2010, 22:00

Mattotone wrote:same here. But its good practice.
If we were to run larger rigs with long lengths of cable you would see the effects of not using one.
But you may run into a problem which could of been cured using a terminator, and youl be glad you had it.
I=

Yeah seriously if you have a cable run of over 50 meters then you should use a terminator.
If Im running big distances I woould be using my big desk which pushes a really clean transmittion so still never use one but should.
DMX512 is not called 'Dirty 485' for nothing! (for the uninitiated DMX uses an old American protocal called RS485, which is know for being slow and noisy!)

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