Recommendations for Light Controller Setup

[juricta]

Does anyone have a good way to setup my system?  

I want to create a light set that is similar to LOR standard light (see attached) with the same equipment. I would like to have all of the controllers and computer in one location. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to do this and where to locate the equipment?

1. Mount the controllers on a board in a "footlocker" type box

2. Where to locate the box or whatever final equipment set up is

[Mr. P]

Controllers should be placed as close to the props as possible. It is much easier and cost effective to run one cat5 from controller to controller then 10 miles of wire because all the controllers are centrally located.

[juricta]

Thank you Mr P and thanks for your service.  I'll do this

[TheDucks]

The reason for close to prop is 2 fold:

1 Voltage drop (low voltage types)

2 Signal degrades over distance (smart nodes) to first node. Each later nod regenerates the data stream (it might no be 100%, but good enough)

[Vince4xmas]

Agree with mount controller as close to prop as possible

[Steven]

Another reason is security. A thief will be more attracted to large runs of copper cords that can be sold for scrap than specialized equipment that looks like sprinkler controls and would be difficult to sell.