Arteom Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 So after some research I understand the hardware, how to sequence, install, etc that goes into the "dumb" RGB strips. However I'm really interested in the dancing (I'm assuming that's what their called) "smart" strips, Can't really understand how they work/ how you sequence them. Im not talking about the LOR CCR's, I'm talking about those strips you order separate from the controller? I'm sure this has been explained a many times, anyone have a link to the best forum/ webpage? Many thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arteom Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share Posted January 8, 2014 Just wanted to ask another question, so I'm sort of understanding E1.31, the converters, and such. However do I need a superstar software to control smart pixels, do I need a particular level of the software? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Benedict Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Come to the next Sacramento meeting and talk to the people who have been there and done that. There's also tons of Youtube videos to watch in the meantime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Boyd Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Just wanted to ask another question, so I'm sort of understanding E1.31, the converters, and such. However do I need a superstar software to control smart pixels, do I need a particular level of the software? Thanks. Superstar is not needed, but if you have a bunch, it's a real timesaver and an awesome program. Some effects created in SS in a few seconds would take hours in S3. If you run E1.31, you will need the advanced license. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zman Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 If you are interested in RGB, there is another forum you should get familiar with, as it has a wealth of info including an Intro to RGB & Lighing 101 docs that should be read. This LOR Forum has a wealth of info, I am just pointing out other options for information that will help you ask better questions. AusChristmasLighting - http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php Intro to RGB - http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/topic,1141.0.html AusChristmasLighting 101 - http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/topic,1889.msg17038.html#msg17038 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCas4380 Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 If you are interested in RGB, there is another forum you should get familiar with, as it has a wealth of info including an Intro to RGB & Lighing 101 docs that should be read. This LOR Forum has a wealth of info, I am just pointing out other options for information that will help you ask better questions.AusChristmasLighting - http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.phpIntro to RGB - http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/topic,1141.0.htmlAusChristmasLighting 101 - http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/topic,1889.msg17038.html#msg170381+ great info on these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arteom Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share Posted January 8, 2014 Thanks for the info zman! I've been reading around and so far I think using dumb pixels would be a simpler, easier option for me & is surprisingly affordable for a simple setup. However a-lot of people seem to be using their own cheap RGB controllers and DMX converters from Aliexpress to connect to the standard LOR software. It seems intriguing. I know LOR has a controller for such applications and it looks very simple, however its not necessary cheap. Anyone have any links to products you use/ know of that I can use with the LOR software to control dumb RGB pixels? Many thanks! Still Reading & Discovering... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zman Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Using the KISS method to control dumb pixels, all you need is a DC controller and a power supply rated for your pixels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arteom Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share Posted January 8, 2014 Will this controller work with Light O Rama? http://www.holidaycoro.com/27-Channel-DMX-Controller-for-RGB-Lights-12v-DC-p/24.htm Does it need a converter or does this tie in directly to LOR S3? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arteom Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share Posted January 8, 2014 I'm assuming I need this "converter" http://www.holidaycoro.com/Enttec-Pro-Compatible-DMX-Dongle-p/53.htm However How does it connect to the Light O Rama system? I'm running from an MP3 Controller? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arteom Posted January 9, 2014 Author Share Posted January 9, 2014 So I have been doing more reading and from my current understanding I can use a ActiDongle to connect to a basic 27 Channel DMX Controller?From my understanding, I will need Is an Advanced S3 Software Suite to run these DMX protocols. At this point I have basic understanding of how to setup the DMX Channels in S3, I know that the Dongle can control 512 Channels, which in turn can run multiple 27 Channel DMX Controllers, which is great. However...I'm still lost as to if its possible to run this system on the MP3 Player from LOR? How do I go about doing so if the dongle inputs USB, Do I use the RJ45 output from the Show Director and run it in reverse through the RJ to USB converter? Going back to zmans suggestion of using the KISS method, would it just be simpler buying a CMB24D? Are they more of a Plug and Play system, where I just use the standard RJ45 In/out like on the LOR controllers? Do I need the advanced software to run them? Thanks for all your help guys, and sorry for bombarding you with these kinds of questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Benedict Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 The Actidongle will not work off the MP3 Player from LOR, but the LOR CMB24-D will. Or you can buy it as an assembled unit here: http://store.creativelightingdisplays.com/CMB24D-RGB-DC-Controller-ReadyToGO-No-Assembly-CMB24D-RGB-RTG.htm Just add your LED strips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arteom Posted January 9, 2014 Author Share Posted January 9, 2014 The Actidongle will not work off the MP3 Player from LOR, but the LOR CMB24-D will. Or you can buy it as an assembled unit here: http://store.creativelightingdisplays.com/CMB24D-RGB-DC-Controller-ReadyToGO-No-Assembly-CMB24D-RGB-RTG.htm Just add your LED strips. Thanks so much for the info! Is there anyway to add RGB Devices that will run on LOR's MP3 Show Director without having all LOR Based components (CMB24-D, CCR, etc)? Trying to save some money, not completely sure if RGB is right for me so I don't wanna take a complete nose dive into it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gc75067 Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Thanks so much for the info! Is there anyway to add RGB Devices that will run on LOR's MP3 Show Director without having all LOR Based components (CMB24-D, CCR, etc)? Trying to save some money, not completely sure if RGB is right for me so I don't wanna take a complete nose dive into it i believe there are several people that use LOR software to run their RGB shows but im not one to ask how to do it..not at this point yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k6ccc Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Except for LOR hardware, if you are running RGB, you are pretty much locked into using a computer to drive it. The exception is if you are using an iDMX1000 to convert LOR data to DMX data. Then you can use any DMX based devices or pixels.Currently my year round landscaping is using 17 RGB pixels (OK, each "pixel" is really about 27 inches of WS2811 smart strip) using E1.31 and that forces me to use the computer. One of these days I will upgrade the OS on my server to something new enough that I can run the LOR software on it and then at least for the non-show season, I can control it from the server which stays on 24x7 anyway. My electric bill will appreciate not having to leave the LOR show computer on all the time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlowe Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 When it comes to running massive amounts of pixels and syncing to audio with LOR hardware and other devices, you are going to be hard-pressed to find enough flexibility with the mp3 director. It sounds like you are wanting to incorporate some DMX control from S3. You do need the advanced license. In addition, the idmx. If you think you will eventually explore even more pixels, I suggest looking at running an e1.31 device, which can output to the LOR controllers and to multiple DMX devices and many DMX universes. One example would be the e1.31 bridge from diyledexpress.com, which is available in their presale right now. But it does require soldering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Benedict Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Thanks so much for the info! Is there anyway to add RGB Devices that will run on LOR's MP3 Show Director without having all LOR Based components (CMB24-D, CCR, etc)? Trying to save some money, not completely sure if RGB is right for me so I don't wanna take a complete nose dive into it You can do Cheap or Simple; choose one. The Simple is to use the LOR hardware; a little pricier but they stand behind it. The Cheap is DIY and figure out your own problems and have spares in stock. And lots of advice on another forum: http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/ If you want to see some of the non-LOR solutions; http://forums.lightorama.com/index.php?/topic/28339-meeting-in-sacramento/?p=282760 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Benedict Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Looking for cheap? See: http://forums.lightorama.com/index.php?/topic/30717-extending-lor-channels-with-dmx-dimmer/?p=282757 $45 plus power supply. Doesn't get much cheaper than that. If you want to see it in Sacramento, let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arteom Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share Posted January 10, 2014 Looking for cheap? See: http://forums.lightorama.com/index.php?/topic/30717-extending-lor-channels-with-dmx-dimmer/?p=282757 $45 plus power supply. Doesn't get much cheaper than that. If you want to see it in Sacramento, let me know. Just might go, not sure yet! I think this year ill get my feet wet with the LOR CMB24D I don't have any plans for smart pixels as of now, just dumb strips. I'm still not quite sure how the CMB ties into the entire system, is it just like the standard LOR controllers, Ethernet in Ethernet out? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arteom Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share Posted January 10, 2014 Now I'm reading more about the CMB and it says as follows... "It has two 30 Amp DC inputs and can handle voltages up to 30VDC. Each channel is rated at 4 Amps." So I don't get exactly what the board is capable of, with two 30 amp inputs, it can handle a total of 60 amps, 7.5 amps on each of the 4 rgb devices... That sounds about right for one 300 LED 5050 Strip... However it says each channel is rated at 4 amps? Does this mean that each individual (24) channel have a max output of 4 amps, with the total not exceeding 30, or does this mean each 4 Channel RGB unit ( +,R,G, have a max of 4 amps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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