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clarification on hardware, Lightshow, verses DIY


bwaldrep

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Hey guys, I have spent tons of time reading this forum, and other sites.

I'm new to LOR (I have been doing static displays for 15-20 years now.), and ordered the starter software and a 16 channel Lightshow hardware during the sale last month, and I'm just waiting to get the hardware.

One thing I'm confused about, and I'm finding conflicting info.

What is the difference in PC-CTB16PC-COMPLETE, and the LOR1602W other then cost.

Some people state the showtime device does 40amps, but it appears both only do 30 amps. I have also read some threads talking about the showtime device allows shows to be run without a computer, but it looks to me that for stand alone shows you need the mp3 director. So am I to assume the CTB device doesn't allow the mp3 director to be plug in?

I'm just trying to get a good understanding of the difference for when I buy additional controllers.

Thanks for all your help, and for being so helpful, and informative for us new guys.

Brent

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bwaldrep wrote:

Hey guys, I have spent tons of time reading this forum, and other sites.

I'm new to LOR (I have been doing static displays for 15-20 years now.), and ordered the starter software and a 16 channel Lightshow hardware during the sale last month, and I'm just waiting to get the hardware.

One thing I'm confused about, and I'm finding conflicting info.

What is the difference in PC-CTB16PC-COMPLETE, and the LOR1602W other then cost.

Some people state the showtime device does 40amps, but it appears both only do 30 amps. I have also read some threads talking about the showtime device allows shows to be run without a computer, but it looks to me that for stand alone shows you need the mp3 director. So am I to assume the CTB device doesn't allow the mp3 director to be plug in?

I'm just trying to get a good understanding of the difference for when I buy additional controllers.

Thanks for all your help, and for being so helpful, and informative for us new guys.

Brent



The LOR1062W is based on the CTB-16D controller, while the PC-CTB16-COMPLETE is based on the PC-CTB16 controller.

The CTB-16D controller, by default, is 30amps. However, it can be modified to handle 40 amps, 20 on each side of the controller. The "Stand-Alone" functionality refers to the fact that it can store an animation sequence in it's memory, and direct other controllers on the network. It does not have the ability to run musical sequences with the assistance of a computer or a variant of the MP3 Director. (And yes, the CTB-16D controllers allow a MP3 director to plug in. The computer, or the MP3 Director would connect to the controller via a CAT5/phone cable.)


The PC-CTB16, however, does not have the ability to direct other units, and can not store sequences in memory. You will always need a computer, MP3 director or a CTB-16D for this controller to work.
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Thanks for the info. What type of things need to be modified for it to run 20 amps per side, verses the 15?

I'm going to be installing 2 new dedicated circuits for this controller, so I'm trying to figure out if I should make them 20 amp circuits, or the more common 15 amp circuits.

Although I'm not sure I need the extra 5 amps per side right now, it would be nice to have them just in case. And since I already ordered the LOR1602W unit, I might as well use it to the fullest, assuming the modification isn't to in-depth.

Brent

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To run the 1602 in 40 amp mode you will need to change the input cables to 12 guage to support the 20 amps per side. This also requires the plug to be a 20 amp plug. A 20 amp plug has one blade turned sideways. Then the fused on the control board would need to be replaced with 20 fused of the same type.

Chuck

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This company has 20amp cords in different configurations

http://www.stayonline.com/125v-straight-blade-cords.aspx

Just a question though, does LOR sell 20amp fuses for the controllers, I haven't been able to find them on the website. I would like to purchase them for my controllers, but I don't want to get the wrong thing. I've searched for 20A fast acting ceramic fuses and every one I've seen has stated it's for a microwave oven. Radio Shack doesn't even offer them. So any help....

Thanks, Bill

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Thanks Chuck,

Just didn't want to fry any controllers by using the wrong stuff, even though I'm not near the max amps yet.

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  • 3 months later...

Found some fuses at Radio Shack today, Ceramic Fast-Acting 15amp #270-1040 pkg of 4 for $2.99, and 20 amp #270-1041 pkg of 4 for $2.99

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