Rgb Modules

[Ron Boyd]

Think of me as a complete novice when I ask these questions.

I am wanting to try some RGB Modules strings in my display. During the LOR Forum break, I gleaned some great info on what to buy from other forums and the creator (FastEddy) of the candy canes (http://auschristmasl...5.html#msg13975) I want to create, , so that part is taken care of.

If you care to look at the elements I will possibly be buying, here are the links:

http://www.aliexpres..._378111925.html , http://www.aliexpres..._291745854.html, http://www.aliexpres..._289599701.html

These are the Dumb RGB Modules which is what I’m looking to use. I have some CCPixels and they were exactly what I needed for that element. It would cost a fortune to do the canes with those or even a CCR.

What I can’t seem to grasp, is what equipment I need to get this into my LOR network. Do I need to go DMX? Do I need a DC controller? Can I daisy chain the above controller in with a Cat 5E cable?

Like I said, these folks gave me some great info, but I can’t seem to grasp the other stuff. I’ve seen some of the videos on Holidaycoro.com and read through a wealth of info on several forums. One gentleman lives about an hour away and has offered to help, but we haven’t had a chance to get together and discuss some of this stuff and I thought I’d try here since the forums are open again.

If anybody can give me some info, in newbie terms, I would appreciate it

Thanks,

Ron

[Daryl Hurd]

Currently one good option is an ELOR made by SanDevices. His device plugs into LOR and then gives you E1.31 and DMX output.

This allows you to plan out your wiring for LOR and then add the ELOR anywhere along the point without having to string another network cable destined for the Candy Canes.

[MtDew4me]

Hey Ron: I use the 27 channel Easy DMX and connect them to my network through an LOR iDMX.

Daryl is also correct that you can use the ELOR by Sandevices which, as I understand it, gives you 3 E1.31 outputs and 1 DMX. The DMX output, I believe essentially functions like the iDMX. I haven't personally played around with the ELOR and would guarentee Daryl knows a lot more about this unit than I do.

Another possibly simplier set up would be to buy LOR's CMB16D DC Controllers which would eliminate the need for DMX. You connect the CMD controller to your network the same as any other LOR controller (ie: via Ethernet cable). There are 16 channels (5 RGB + 1 extra) per controller.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Brandon

[WilliamS]

If they are dumb nodes why not just use the DC16 Boards from LOR?

[SoCalJimH]

Ron,

It pays to read up on this subject. Suggest you read FastEddy's "AusChristmas Lighting Manuel 101" --http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/topic,1889.0.html It's a good read and will answer most of your questions. Holiday Coro also has a series of DMX turorial videos that will help out--> http://www.holidaycoro.com/kb_results.asp?cat=23

In regards to "do I need a DMX controller", the unit from Ray Wu (http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/topic,1889.0.html) is a DMX controller. You can contol it via a seperate (LOR)USB485.

The LED moduls you referenced are called "dumb" pixels and they will work well for the candy canes you have in mind.

[MtDew4me]

I should have made it clear that using LOR's CMB16D DC Controller also eliminates the need for the 27-channel Easy DMX controller.

[WilliamS]

I should have made it clear that using LOR's CMB16D DC Controller also eliminates the need for the 27-channel Easy DMX controller.

As well it has perfect intregation, uses Cat5 from your LOR controllers in the chain. no adapters that you dont already have, no extra setting for software, no need for an Advanced License.

[Ron Boyd]

Thanks folks. I have been through AusChristmas Lighting Manual 101, and part but not all of the Holiday Coro DMX turorial videos

Another possibly simplier set up would be to buy LOR's CMB16D DC Controllers which would eliminate the need for DMX. You connect the CMD controller to your network the same as any other LOR controller (ie: via Ethernet cable). There are 16 channels (5 RGB + 1 extra) per controller.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Brandon

If I were to use this, I could only control 5 modules, theoretically, correct? At a $100 apiece for the DC controllers, that would be a big investment to run 4-8 canes and 6-8 modules per cane. Surely I'm still missing something here.

I've heard of the ELOR, but have not researched it yet. I suppose I'll look into that too.

Thanks again guys. I guess I need to do a little more research.

Happy Lighting,

Ron

[WilliamS]

^{no you can control hundreds of them with it. What I think your missing is how do you want to control them. Do you want each module to be individually controlled or each candy cane? Big difference in how you do it. If you want each candy cane to change colors then This will control each candy cane. if you want each module controlled then you need to back up a few steps and ramp up your budget. You will need more equipment, better license (unless you already have advanced) and reading. Ask anyone who has been here a while, which is not me. RGB is a work in process and theres many ways to do it, but doing it as a start is a bit of a jump. Get the basics first then work forward.}

[edvas69]

The candy canes were originally used in a DIY setup and the cost reflects that. It was also cheaper for me to use intelligent pixel modules instead of dumb pixel modules. But there are many ways of doing this, be it with intelligent or dumb modules, so in the end you have to weigh up what is important to you, cost, types of effects, time to setup, learning curve, ect. From that you will then be able to hone in closer to a solution that would best suit you.

[spomalley]

You can use lots of modules with the CMD16-QC depending on your power supply. However you will have only 5 RGB channels.

[Ron Boyd]

Looks like I need to try to do all of this next year. With what I have left to do on the 2012 show, I'm just not sure I'll have the time to work this out. My budget for 2012 is about gone anyway. Maybe I'll just add it next year with the new budget. Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it.

Ron

[Ron Boyd]

One more question on this, and I promise I'm done. I found this kit on Aliexpress and was wondering if it will work.

PixelKit

Thanks again for all of the help. I think I have the DMX programmed into my thick skull for LOR, but I still want to do these Canes. I've decided I want to make them with Smart pixels.