Input Header Questions

[dkoehler42]

I have three showtime pro boxs, each with 16 channels.  One is an older gen 1 or 2 with an input header.  The others have digital displays so I believe both are gen 3, and one is a 1602wg3.  Do I need an input header on the unit with the SD card?  What if I run off a computer?  I'm contemplating getting a gen 3 header and a button to connect, but I don't remember the voltage requirements.

[TheDucks]

7 minutes ago, dkoehler42 said:

I have three showtime pro boxs, each with 16 channels.  One is an older gen 1 or 2 with an input header.  The others have digital displays so I believe both are gen 3, and one is a 1602wg3.  Do I need an input header on the unit with the SD card?  What if I run off a computer?  I'm contemplating getting a gen 3 header and a button to connect, but I don't remember the voltage requirements.

If I  understand: Input put header is only used for triggers (button or PIR) from that controller.   it is all low voltage (applies a ground to the trigger channel), so the contacts must be intended for low voltage-low current use.  A non-lighted doorbell button would work.   A PIR with CONTACTS could be used. One made to ring a bell or horn directly should never be used)

The https://store.lightorama.com/collections/input-devices/products/loinco3in makes attaching those connections easy (and less prone to error) This is only needed if you are using the trigger function (or need a tiny bit of 5 or 9V)

The jacks for LOR networking are always present. nothing else is needed at the controller

 

[dkoehler42]

11 minutes ago, TheDucks said:

If I  understand: Input put header is only used for triggers (button or PIR) from that controller.   it is all low voltage (applies a ground to the trigger channel), so the contacts must be intended for low voltage-low current use.  A non-lighted doorbell button would work.   A PIR with CONTACTS could be used. One made to ring a bell or horn directly should never be used)

The https://store.lightorama.com/collections/input-devices/products/loinco3in makes attaching those connections easy (and less prone to error) This is only needed if you are using the trigger function (or need a tiny bit of 5 or 9V)

The jacks for LOR networking are always present. nothing else is needed at the controller

 

I'm trying to make sense of your response.  Would I need an input header for each controller?  I figured I'd just need the one on the main box if using the SD card.  As far as actual input devices, would something like this work: Cylewet 12Pcs 1A 250V AC 2 Pins SPST Momentary Mini Push Button Switch Normal Open (Pack of 12) CYT1078 https://a.co/d/5bgZmfH

[k6ccc]

1 hour ago, dkoehler42 said:

'm trying to make sense of your response.  Would I need an input header for each controller?

Only if you are trying to make use of input triggers on that controller.

BTW, you can not use inputs on an Enhanced LOR network - must be non-enhanced.

 

[dkoehler42]

4 minutes ago, k6ccc said:

Only if you are trying to make use of input triggers on that controller.

BTW, you can not use inputs on an Enhanced LOR network - must be non-enhanced.

 

I don't think I have an enhanced network, thought I'm not familiar with that.  I'm debating making a button set up to start a show, whether indoor or out.  If I have it connected to a controller that is not managing others, that should be okay to set off a sequence on the rest?  For example, the new units are 1 and 2, the gen 1 is unit 3.  If I connect an input to 3, that can run something across all of them assuming ELL or cat cable connection?

[k6ccc]

The controller that has inputs can be any controller on the network - makes no difference if that controller is also controlling the show, some other controller is controlling the show, or a separate director or computer is controlling the show.