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Is it Possible for A PC to run Multiple LOR Controllers at the same time


jimswinder

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I know almost nothing about Computer Hardware, so I gotta ask...

Scenario:

I have 4 Controllers for Show "A", and 2 controllers for Show "B"...is there a way that a PC can run show "A" on Comm Port 1 and show "B" run on Comm Port 2 at the same time?

Or is it even possible to have more than one COMM Port working at the same time?

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You can have multiple networks running in the same show using more than 1 COMM port, but I don't think you can run different shows from the same machine even with different networks.

Can I ask why you want to use two networks?

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jem5136 wrote:

You can have multiple networks running in the same show using more than 1 COMM port, but I don't think you can run different shows from the same machine even with different networks.

Can I ask why you want to use two networks?

I have interactive buttons right now that are active only for five minutes between my shows (that run every 25 minutes). Even then, when a button is pushed, it stops the animation that is running so it can do it's sequence.

I would like the buttons to be active ALL the time because people are constantly pushing them during a show, even though they are not lit up ( they are lit up only when the are active).

Next year I want to add even more interactive elements...elements that are not incorporated into any of my shows but can be played at ANY time..so I figure that would require, at the least, two different setups (2 pc's - two sets of controllers)...UNLESS one PC could operate two ports at once.
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jimswinder wrote:

jem5136 wrote:
You can have multiple networks running in the same show using more than 1 COMM port, but I don't think you can run different shows from the same machine even with different networks.

Can I ask why you want to use two networks?

I have interactive buttons right now that are active only for five minutes between my shows (that run every 25 minutes). Even then, when a button is pushed, it stops the animation that is running so it can do it's sequence.

I would like the buttons to be active ALL the time because people are constantly pushing them during a show, even though they are not lit up ( they are lit up only when the are active).

Next year I want to add even more interactive elements...elements that are not incorporated into any of my shows but can be played at ANY time..so I figure that would require, at the least, two different setups (2 pc's - two sets of controllers)...UNLESS one PC could operate two ports at once.



There may be a software upgrade between now and next year that will let you do something like this, but as far as I know, there is no say to run two shows at once from one machine. I have not messed with any of the interactive stuff with LOR, but I think you might be able to change the settings in the software so it does not stop the current show to play the triggered sequence, but instead plays it once the current sequence is finished playing.
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jem5136 wrote:

but I think you might be able to change the settings in the software so it does not stop the current show to play the triggered sequence, but instead plays it once the current sequence is finished playing.

Yeah...that is not an option for me...when someone pushes a button, they expect something to happen right away (as would I)...or else they will stand there and start POUNDING on the button trying to make it work....
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jimswinder wrote:

jem5136 wrote: 
but I think you might be able to change the settings in the software so it does not stop the current show to play the triggered sequence, but instead plays it once the current sequence is finished playing.

Yeah...that is not an option for me...when someone pushes a button, they expect something to happen right away (as would I)...or else they will stand there and start POUNDING on the button trying to make it work....


I can see how that is a problem.
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rstately wrote:

If I understand what you want to do, You could use a mini director for each element you want on a trigger?

sounds expensive
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Guest Don Gillespie

jimswinder wrote:

jem5136 wrote:
but I think you might be able to change the settings in the software so it does not stop the current show to play the triggered sequence, but instead plays it once the current sequence is finished playing.

Yeah...that is not an option for me...when someone pushes a button, they expect something to happen right away (as would I)...or else they will stand there and start POUNDING on the button trying to make it work....

Jim what about a laptop that could run your interactive displays wouldn't bother your main show and you would easily have a comport to work with (this is only my 2 cents worth as I am not a computer guy at all)
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I got 3 at that 90second febuary sale for something like 80.00 each!

Thats a drop in the bucket to a man in your position...

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rstately wrote:

I got 3 at that 90second febuary sale for something like 80.00 each!

I will keep that in mind...

how many triggers can you have on each director?
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jimswinder wrote:

I know almost nothing about Computer Hardware, so I gotta ask...

Scenario:

I have 4 Controllers for Show "A", and 2 controllers for Show "B"...is there a way that a PC can run show "A" on Comm Port 1 and show "B" run on Comm Port 2 at the same time?

Or is it even possible to have more than one COMM Port working at the same time?

You could also run virutal machins .. check out VMWare and Microsoft Virtual PC/Server products. Both have free copies that would run what you need in a virtualized environment.
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I know that this is not what your looking for. But ever thought of putting a light above or so that it lights up the buttons when they are active and is dark when the buttons are not active. Might even get buttons that are lit from within. And a little sign that reads something to the effect "push a button when lit". That would make things a little more intuitive to the viewers / users.

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He has the lit buttons,

Maybe you could wire it so if you press a button when it's not lit, you get an electric shock? That will teach those little bastards!

I may have lost track of what you're goal is?:)

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jimswinder wrote:

Even then, when a button is pushed, it stops the animation that is running so it can do it's sequence.

If the trigger is a Magic Toy, it can be active all the time and run even if there is another sequence running.

If your triggers are Soundboards, then your best option is to make two versions: One as a Soundboard, and another as a Magic Toy. Put the Soundboard into the show that runs between shows, like you probably have it now, and put the Magic Toy version into your main show. Then, the button can still work when the regular show is playing, but it will just flash lights and not make sound.

If you really need two audio sources to play at the same time, it has been discussed here before, and involves spawning an audio player from a Windows command, and the timing cannot be exact.
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