differences in controllers

[avman]

what is the difference in the controllers? i am looking at doing 128 channels this year, so 8 controllers. not sure if i should go with the ctb16pc or the 1602w. most of my lights are led so power consumption shouldn't be a huge deal. also plan on using a dedicated pc to run the show, so the showtime piece won't be needed

[-klb-]

Do you want metal cases? Do you want UL listing? Do you want an off switch? (that you can only get to by removing two screws and a cover) Do you want to be able to have an animation sequence without music that can be installed in the controller, and run without any other hardware?

If any of those appeal to you, and are worth the price difference, go for the 1602.. Otherwise stick with the PC series. All of mine at home are PC series, and the ones we use in the park and firehouse are all PC series aside from two that we got locally last minute one year.

You can actually buy the show time MP3 director separately, put it in a case, and use it with PC series controllers, so that should not be taken as a major consideration.

[Surfing4Dough]

avman wrote:

what is the difference in the controllers? i am looking at doing 128 channels this year, so 8 controllers. not sure if i should go with the ctb16pc or the 1602w. most of my lights are led so power consumption shouldn't be a huge deal. also plan on using a dedicated pc to run the show, so the showtime piece won't be needed

I too use just PC controllers. I would check out this recent thread on this topic (it changed to this topic about half way down the page):
http://lightorama.mywowbb.com/forum25/23291.html

Welcome to the LOR BTW. Everybody here is very helpful, so ask lots of questions, post comments on areas that your experience may shed light on the subject, and buy lots of extension cords! You also might want to update your profile to include your location so people near your location (climate) may be able to add insight specific to your geographic location.

[avman]

thx guys, didn't think there was a huger difference, and will go with the pc ones

[Surfing4Dough]

avman wrote:

thx guys, didn't think there was a huger difference, and will go with the pc ones

Unless you consider the $500-$550 you will save on 8 PC controllers huge (ready-to-go version). Or about $900 if you attach your own cords (card assembled version). That seems pretty huge to me! (BTW, I accept paypal if you are wanting to share some of your savings! )

[lightzilla]

Just to be a bit more open. The Show Time controllers can do 40amps and they come with a 2 year warranty.

The PC can do 30 amps and have a 1 year warranty...........there now we can have peace of mind.

So go with the PC controllers and since you are using LEDs those 30 amps will go a long way.

[wglyons]

lightzilla wrote:

Just to be a bit more open. The Show Time controllers can do 40amps and they come with a 2 year warranty.

The PC can do 30 amps and have a 1 year warranty...........there now we can have peace of mind.

So go with the PC controllers and since you are using LEDs those 30 amps will go a long way.

So, with that being said, is the max per channel on the Show Time still 8 watts, or can I have more?

[LightORamaDan]

wglyons wrote:

lightzilla wrote:

Just to be a bit more open. The Show Time controllers can do 40amps and they come with a 2 year warranty.

The PC can do 30 amps and have a 1 year warranty...........there now we can have peace of mind.

So go with the PC controllers and since you are using LEDs those 30 amps will go a long way.

So, with that being said, is the max per channel on the Show Time still 8 watts, or can I have more?

The max is 8 amps per channel on the LOR160xxxx

Dan

[wglyons]

LightORamaDan wrote:

wglyons wrote:

lightzilla wrote:

Just to be a bit more open. The Show Time controllers can do 40amps and they come with a 2 year warranty.

The PC can do 30 amps and have a 1 year warranty...........there now we can have peace of mind.

So go with the PC controllers and since you are using LEDs those 30 amps will go a long way.

So, with that being said, is the max per channel on the Show Time still 8 watts, or can I have more?

The max is 8 amps per channel on the LOR160xxxx

Dan

Right - I meant Amps...OK, so 8 amps max per channel, but 20 amps per 8 channels since the Show Time is rated for 40 amps total?