callycoon Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 Hi all,I am a fairly new user and was wanting to add RGB multicolor lighting to my display this halloween. I have been reading alot of posts regarding the switch and I feel that I am putting to much thought into it. I was wondering if some of the more experienced users could help me to break down exactly what products I will need and the most cost effective way to do so.The effects I am looking for can be seen from the Cracker video "Party Rock" at the 1:10 and 1:25 minute marks.I will to add my current set-up to help you guys to determine what I will need. I will be as detailed as possible to help out with responses.1 CTB16PC controller running LOR 3.4.0 Basic Software2 Holidaycoro singing pumpkin running 8 channels3 6 blow mold pumpkins running 6 channels4 Incandecant strands and rope light throughtout landscaping - 1 channel5 3 flood lights - 1 ChannelI will need the RGB to cover my roof line which will consist of 4 strips. Two strips at about 24 feet apiece, 1 about 16 feet long, and the last one being about 22 feet.Are the CCR's the only product that can recreate similar effects as mentioned above or is there other options out there?Do I need another controller since all the channels are used or are the DMX controllers what I need?Will I need to upgrade my software or will what I have be sufficient?Sorry for the wordy post, but I am tired of reading all the posts to answer one question at a time. I figured it would be easier to ask my questions in one post. I am mainly concerned with the overall price to accomplish this. Again, what is the most cost effective way to get it done?Thanks in advance for the communities helpChris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daryl Hurd Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 I have not seen your video.. When I searched I did not see any with lighting effects. But I believe that DMX/RGB can duplicate almost all effectsOne of the most basic questions you have to ask yourself is if you want individual pixel control or control of a RGB strip.There are two different types of RGB that you purchase.The smart pixels can use 1 DMX controller to control up to 160 pixels or so. You cannot exceed the number of pixels in a universe on a single strip. You would need to figure out how many RGB will be in the total length.For my RGB setup, my LEDs are about 3 inches apart. In a 10ft strip, I should use about 40 pixels. You can add additional wire to make a break between two sections but then you start running into power loss and you might have to inject power at the next group.Each controller would need is own dongle if I understand correctly to connect to your computer.Dumb RGB would be one controller per strip no matter how many LEDs are on it. Each Dumb RGB controller takes 3 channels so in your case, 4 strips would be only 12 channels leaving you quite a few free for further expansion.Dumb RGB controllers can be connected off the same dongle until you fill up an universe.For example I am doing 30 Holiday Coro RGB stars. Each one has a DMX controller connected to 3 RGB LEDs. Since each controller takes 3 channels, they only use 90 channels in total and so they can all be wired to the same DMX dongle (do not confuse a dongle with a controller, you need at least one of each in any dmx setup.)If I understand the software licensing(features,) I believe you have to upgrade to the Advanced.I forgot to mention, but I am learning all the RGB stuff too.. So hopefully people will correct what I wrote because I learning it too..The world of DMX and RGB is confusing because you have so many aspects coming together...Dongles, controllers, pixels, power, software are just the beginning. You also have to throw in phyiscal aspects of what you are doing since power and data loss can happen even in what appears to be very short runs as compared to how you can string normal christmas lights.If you are going to dive into RGBs or CCRs, I would try and find someone around you that has already taken the plunge or do what I am doing and partnering up with others to learn it all together. Or consider attending one of the many conferences that take place. A good demo of RGB really explains alot more I think. I thank ZMan for putting one together at PNW CLAP last weekend. His demo and presentation really gelled alot of the concepts together for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamS Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 Step 1 search the forums tons of infoStep 2 Follow this Link http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1889.0;attach=1907Step 3 read the PDFStep 4 buy pixels.The PDF was assebled by FastEddy, hes on both boards. There is enough info in there to make anyone broke. I know its not a link that guides you to LOR but regardless its all the info in one place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamS Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 Step 1 search the forums tons of infoStep 2 Follow this Link http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1889.0;attach=1907Step 3 read the PDFStep 4 buy pixels.The PDF was assebled by FastEddy, hes on both boards. There is enough info in there to make anyone broke. I know its not a link that guides you to LOR but regardless its all the info in one place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denny Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 GoofyGuy wrote: Step 1 search the forums tons of infoStep 2 Follow this Link http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1889.0;attach=1907Step 3 read the PDFStep 4 buy pixels.The PDF was assebled by FastEddy, hes on both boards. There is enough info in there to make anyone broke. I know its not a link that guides you to LOR but regardless its all the info in one place.I second this. FastEddy's guide should be mandatory reading for anyone getting into RGB. It answers almost all questions you might have. I also vouch for "There is enough info in there to make anyone broke." I'm almost there now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Bev Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I agree with all of the above but with my own display this year I am doing a RGB dumb strip out-line of my roof and I am going to be making sections about 10 feet long which when using the RGB fade and chase effects can give an almost CCR look.And using the dumb strips will only mean sequencing 10 RGB channels (10 sections in total around my roof top).One thing to remember if doing it my way you will need a separate 4 core cable to each separate RGB strip back to your controller.Good luck with your display for this year and your new ventures into RGB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Boyd Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 http://lor2012.com/cosmic-rgb/cosmic-color-bulbs/Take a look at these Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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