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So I'm more green at DMX lighting then a new born but I figure there has to be some pros here.

Basically I need lights for a small stage right now I use four Par cans for a stage it does a decent job but my dimmer board just ate it and I figure I might as well upgrade.

Here's the questions for the pros.
I'm on a budget so the cheaper the better

Do i need to by a new DMX board so it can hook up into a PC or can I go straight from the lights to a PC and use Freestyler?

For DMX to PC do I need a special hook up for it such as midi or USB?

Since I just need basic stage colors that I want to included with my old cans what is your opionions about these lights
American DJ DJ SPOT 250?
Chauvet The MiN Spot LED?

That's all I have for right now but I am sure I will have more questions?

alphaae wrote: Do i need to by a new DMX board so it can hook up into a PC or can I go straight from the lights to a PC and use Freestyler?

Its the other way around, you go from the PC to the lights.
But you don't need an external DMX board, FreeStyler can be used good without it.

For DMX to PC do I need a special hook up for it such as midi or USB?

Again, the other way around. You need an USB to DMX interface, which outputs a DMX signal for your lights.

So in really short terms you need this:
Computer->FreeStyler->USB to DMX interface->DMX cabling->Your lights->DMX terminator

Additional you can use an external controller with faders and stuff to control FreeStyler, but you don't have to.

There are several different USB to DMX interfaces available.
You might google or shop around to find them all.
Keep in mind that not all cheap interfaces (<€100,-) are good. They will work, but running into problems happens all the time. Many posts on this forum exists over cheap interfaces and problems, including some of mine.

So I have a suggestion of one interface I know that works good:
The Enttec USB DMX Pro (NOT the Open DMX!), costs about €160,-.

Hey guys thanks for the help you guys have been most helpful.

Maybe you guys can help me again.

Since I already have two 4-channel chase dimmer control pack for my parcans can I use those with the freestyler and some intel lights?

I would just daisy chain them correct to control with freestyler or do I need two different USB to DMX one for intel lights and one for the par cans?
Here's a picture below of what I was thinking.




As to Onge questions here what I found out about the minspots
Light Source: 1 (14 watt RGB) LED 50,000hrs
Current draw: (peak 68W @ 120V) (inrush 84W @ 120V)

you have 512 DMX channels, so you only need one daisy chain to connect the lights you want, and one USB to DMX interface.
remember to plug a terminator in your last light on the chain.