Noob question - DMX control via PC?

[jfloots]

Ok, so I bought myself this one and it is quite stunning when used with a smoke machine: http://www.imixsound.co.za/productsinfo.asp?id=22

It has DMX in/outputs at the back, so I was wondering. Is it possible to somehow use a converter to convert that to USB or something and be able to control the laser from the PC? Eg. program it to draw images etc.

Surely it must be possible since the unit already has the XY scanners built-in?

Is there a cheap way to do this?

Here is the manual I got with the laser:
http://www.speedyshare.com/831674879.html

[mihai1880]

The first link you posted doesn't work. are you talking about a laser with dmx input?
In the user manual it says it is only sound controlled,maybe the dmx functions are not implemented in your unit.

If it can really be controlled by DMX, you cand do that with a PC but you will need a software that will probably be more expensive than your laser

[colouredmirrorball]

If it can really be controlled by DMX, you cand do that with a PC but you will need a software that will probably be more expensive than your laser

Not quite.
www.freestylerdmx.be
You still need an USB to DMX interface but if you're lucky, you can find them for cheap, or build one yourself.

[jfloots]

Thanks for the info.

It does have DMX inputs yes and you can put it in DMX mode, there are many mistakes in the manual.

Thanks for the links will check that out, one last question?

If it has DMX control, does it mean that I can move the laser beams to wherever I want? Or can it only be used to switch between pre-programmed patterns?

[colouredmirrorball]

I don't know. I skimmed through the manual and it doesn't have a DMX channel configuration.
Mine could do that anyway but however do this NEVER when you are audience scanning.

[cyberb0b]

btw .. how much dmx channels does the device uses?
I cant find any info in the manual about that.. Or just 1 channel to activate audio controll?

[colouredmirrorball]

If it is a good laser and if you're happy with the power/scanners etc., you could throw out the guts and replace it by better boards. I was very lucky to find a better second-hand DMX-board for a good price. If you can get it working (IF ) it is well worth the effort.

[cyberb0b]

ps.. you can also control dmx true midi. But i dont know which is cheaper.. a usb dmx or a midi converter..

As i understood you can get an USB opendmx controller for less than 60€.

That works with freestyler and all other open dmx supported programs

[colouredmirrorball]

You can of course connect your MIDI device to Freestyler.

[Things]

http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main...name=dmxusbpro

Best thing I have spent money on in a long time! Almost everybody I have met doing shows have one of these if they are using a PC for control. I have one myself and don't regret buying it one bit

Works with Freestyler, MagiQ, Lightfactory (not free) JS DMX and a few more.