jer75 Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 Hi all , I'm in the process of purchasing my first Light -o-Rama setup , I'm looking at the 32 channel Basic set up that comes with 2 Assembled 16 Output Light-O-Rama CTB16PC Controllers with High Power Heatsink and all the necassary cables,software etc . What I was wondering was ....... Is there a major difference between these controllers and the LOR1602W apart from the casing ? I dont want to spend a lot of money only to find its not what I need . Many thanks Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 These are some of the differences between controllers, as described by Dan Baldwin, the founder of Light-O-Rama.----------------------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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfing4Dough Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 If you are planning to run an animated show to music, not much. First, both are made by LOR, and most here use the PC versions. The Showtime ones are mostly intended for commercial use--they come in a metal enclosure (rather than plastic) and therefore can be given UL rating--probably a requirement for most business's liability insurance. The PC versions come in very nice, sturdy, weather-tight plastic enclosures, like the phone companies use. The showtime controllers can have animation sequences loaded into them and run "independently" (without being connected to a computer or director). However, if planning to use music, then this doesn't really apply, since they in and of themselves can't play music. You need a computer, MP3 Director, or MP3 mini-director to play the music. The only other main difference is that the showtime controllers have a dial switch inside that allow you to set the Unit ID # (assign a name to the controller). On the PC version this is fairly simple too though, since you just connect it to your computer and set the ID number to the controller, and it retains it (took me a couple minutes). Either way, once you set this, you probably won't need to change it anyways. I believe the next generation of controllers is doing away with these dials anyway since they were troublesome for some individuals.Both types can do all the same cool animation effects--fades, shimmer, twinkle, etc. You can't tell any difference watching a Showtime controlled show running next to a PC controlled show--both do the same thing. Both have potential for same power too--just need heavier cords and fuses. Either start at 30A potential. I have never had the need to upgrade to the 40A though, so haven't done it myself.The big difference--the PC controller is a lot cheaper! Allows you to buy more controllers, and lights, and extension cords, etc! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jer75 Posted October 9, 2011 Author Share Posted October 9, 2011 Thanks for the quick replys guys, I'll stick with my original order then. I've been told they should have stock on the 17th October and it will take 6 days to get to me which still gives me plenty of time to get set up. I've used the demo software to sequence 2 songs so far and have my boys working on another 2 so we've got something to get going with. Just cant wait now to start lighting up . Once I'm ready to set the controller IDs do I plug the first one in and set that to 01 and then plug the 2nd in and set that to 02 ? Cheers Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBullard Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 Correct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jer75 Posted October 9, 2011 Author Share Posted October 9, 2011 Many thanks for the help Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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