Looking to buy (1) lor1602w controller if anyone has one please let me know.

[christmasfrenzy]

need it for my christmas light show, going to 32 channels this year so if anyone is looking to get rid of one let me know.

[Guest guest]

not sure how this compares price-wise, as I go with the kits, but one on ebay right now..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Light-O-Rama-16-Channel-30-Amp-Controller-/120626975097?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c15ed9179

Looks like he has several available..maybe be ripe for a deal..

[Surfing4Dough]

I would personally consider going with the PC line of controllers. Will make your expansion much more affordable.

http://store.lightorama.com/ctb16pcpage.html

You can get a card assembled version (no soldering needed) where you basically just have to attach the cords (quick-connects), for $206.

[TJ Hvasta]

Frenzy, for what you'll probably have to pay for another Showtime controller, you could buy 2-3 CTB16-PC kits and be adding 32-48 more channels.

If you already have one 1602w, you should be able to piggy-back any -16PC kit controller on it for the other 16ch, starting under $100. 'just what I'd do...

If you wanted to do nothing, buy http://store.lightorama.com/ctretogonoas.html

If you wanted to do nothing but plug in the dongles,
http://store.lightorama.com/ctascpa.html push in the wires then plug an' play..

or get the one you solder, http://store.lightorama.com/ctkitcpa.html if it's worth $30 doing' it yourself..

[PaulXmas]

DonFL wrote:

not sure how this compares price-wise, as I go with the kits, but one on ebay right now..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Light-O-Rama-16-Channel-30-Amp-Controller-/120626975097?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c15ed9179

Looks like he has several available..maybe be ripe for a deal..

The sell has a zero rating.
For $39 more I would buy a new one with a 1 year warranty (I think these have 2 years)

[christmasfrenzy]

thanx everyone probably just ognna do the plug and play 16 kit. thanx for all ur input like i said im new to this got a box last year but want to build on it.

[Guest guest]

PaulXmas wrote:

DonFL wrote:

not sure how this compares price-wise, as I go with the kits, but one on ebay right now..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Light-O-Rama-16-Channel-30-Amp-Controller-/120626975097?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c15ed9179

Looks like he has several available..maybe be ripe for a deal..

The sell has a zero rating.
For $39 more I would buy a new one with a 1 year warranty (I think these have 2 years)

No disagreement...the "brand new seller" lights were flashing big time.

He does sound like he is just trying to unload..

I'm probably (last minute, unexpected..) ordering a 3rd kit this weekend...thats my preference.

[Surfing4Dough]

christmasfrenzy wrote:

thanx everyone probably just ognna do the plug and play 16 kit. thanx for all ur input like i said im new to this got a box last year but want to build on it.

Either way is fine, but just want to make sure you understand that really both types of controllers are about equal when it comes to "plug and play." Most newbies (including myself) don't understand this at first. You can buy either controller already completely assembled, and they connect to each other via cat5 cable (just like two showtime controllers would). This was by far the most useful information that somebody taught me when I started this last year. Both function the same way with regards to controlling lights (all the same bells and whistles. If you ran a show from a computer last year on your Showtime controller, you won't see any difference with these whatsoever (just as easy to set up). You might be surprised if really compare the lack of differences and the amount of money you can save (for more channels, extension cords, etc). Here are a few links discussing this issue.

http://lightorama.mywowbb.com/forum80/22003-1.html
(most useful discussion on page 2)

http://lightorama.mywowbb.com/forum80/21842-1.html
(multiple good pages)

http://lightorama.mywowbb.com/view_topic.php?id=22472

The completely assembled PC controller: http://store.lightorama.com/ctretogonoas.html


Either way have fun as your display expands.

[jjdurrant]

So why does the 1602w page say it has more bells and whistles than the PC? As far as I can tell the only difference is the case and the ability to easily add on the mp3 director. I went with the starter package since I needed the software anyway. However, it seems the assembled PC controller makes more since for adding channels.

[Don]

jjdurrant wrote:

So why does the 1602w page say it has more bells and whistles than the PC? As far as I can tell the only difference is the case and the ability to easily add on the mp3 director. I went with the starter package since I needed the software anyway. However, it seems the assembled PC controller makes more since for adding channels.

[Disclaimer: Dan has posted this text before. I saved it for future use.]

The LOR1602W (LOR) is a commercial grade controller with a UL508 (industrial) rating. It is the only controller in the Animated Christmas Market Place with safety certification. The CTB16PC-ReadyToGO (PC) is not safety certified (but is designed with safety in mind!).

The LOR is in a heavy duty steel case, the PC is in a plastic case.

The LOR is has a 2 year warranty, the PC has a 1 year warranty.

The LOR has (non-musical) standalone mode and can as director to control other controllers, the PC cannot.

The electronics in the LOR are designed for 40amps and down rated to 30 amps; the PC is designed for 30amps.

The LOR has unit ID switches for easy setup; the PC requires that you use a program on your computer to set the Unit ID.

The LOR has safety plate to protect the electronics and reduce shock hazard, the PC does not.

The LOR has an on/off switch with easy access fuses, the PC does not.

The LOR and the PC do have the same lighting effects and are rated at the same current. They can be used interchangeably in a LOR network.

[Surfing4Dough]

Don wrote:

jjdurrant wrote:

So why does the 1602w page say it has more bells and whistles than the PC? As far as I can tell the only difference is the case and the ability to easily add on the mp3 director. I went with the starter package since I needed the software anyway. However, it seems the assembled PC controller makes more since for adding channels.

[Disclaimer: Dan has posted this text before. I saved it for future use.]

The LOR1602W (LOR) is a commercial grade controller with a UL508 (industrial) rating. It is the only controller in the Animated Christmas Market Place with safety certification. The CTB16PC-ReadyToGO (PC) is not safety certified (but is designed with safety in mind!). And the plastic case is designed to be weather-resistant too. UL rating important for a business due to insurance reasons.

The LOR is in a heavy duty steel case, the PC is in a plastic case. Same type of plastic case your utility/cable/phone company uses for their equipment on the outside of your house.

The LOR is has a 2 year warranty, the PC has a 1 year warranty. See lifetime replacement policy too: http://www.lightorama.com/w_warranty.htm

The LOR has (non-musical) standalone mode and can as director to control other controllers, the PC cannot. Most run musical shows.

The electronics in the LOR are designed for 40amps and down rated to 30 amps; the PC is designed for 30amps. Some have modified their PC controllers for 40amps, if needed.

The LOR has unit ID switches for easy setup; the PC requires that you use a program on your computer to set the Unit ID. Usually once the ID is set, you never change it anyways. Took about 10 seconds to set it on the computer.

The LOR has safety plate to protect the electronics and reduce shock hazard, the PC does not.

The LOR has an on/off switch with easy access fuses, the PC does not.

The LOR and the PC do have the same lighting effects and are rated at the same current. They can be used interchangeably in a LOR network.

I agree, and to me "bells and whistles" would have to do with the lighting effects, which are identical. Most agree these differences aren't significant for the average residential user (my comments in red above). If showing off the metal enclosure (rather then the plastic one) is the highlight of your show (AKA "the bells and whistles"), then I guess your display has a long way to go still.

Don't get me wrong, both are excellent, high quality products that will get the job done the same, and love both products. The PC line just allows more bang for the buck. I spend the same in the end but have more channels to show for it.