Jump to content
Light-O-Rama Forums

Difference in controllers


MikeA

Recommended Posts

With the CTB16PC it says you get less bells and whistles than the showtime products. I am wondering what is missing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The PC cannot be upgraded to 40 amps

it can't run as a standalone. It must be connected to a computer or director.

Plastic case instead of metal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I guess i should have asked but I got caught up in the sale. I bought the software and a CTB16PC. I will be using a laptop to run it. Will this not work? I plan on buying 3 more controllers befor x-mas but just can't swing it all at once.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

I guess i should have asked but I got caught up in the sale. I bought the software and a CTB16PC. I will be using a laptop to run it. Will this not work? I plan on buying 3 more controllers befor x-mas but just can't swing it all at once.

Your fine. The laptop will connect to your first controller, which will then connect to the rest of your controllers.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks guys. Great forum. Is everyone as fast at answering newby questions?

Next question....who wants to come over and give me a software lesson.....any takers. I can cook some bood BBQ for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

I can cook some bood BBQ for you.

mmmMMmmmm...never had bood BBQ from KC!!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

Thanks guys. Great forum. Is everyone as fast at answering newby questions?

Next question....who wants to come over and give me a software lesson.....any takers. I can cook some bood BBQ for you.



Hey Mike,

There are several of us in Kansas that are planning to get together on August 7, 2010. There is a website set up for information about this HAM-PLUS 2010 event. Here it is.

http://hamplus.webs.com/

There is also a thread or two at Planet Christmas where a few have exchanged information about last years event and this years upcoming event. There should be links within to get more information.

http://forums.planetchristmas.com/showthread.php?t=39220

I would be happy to take you up on the software lessons, but I live about 200 miles from you. There are several cool guys in the Kansas City area that may also be willing to help you out for some of that BBQ. There are also some good tutorials at the LightORama Home page.

http://www.lightorama.com/w_support.htm

Hope to see you at HAM-PLUS 2010.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

I can cook some bood BBQ for you.

Okay - I'll bite... what's "bood" BBQ?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can't type and I don't ever read before I hit send.

I make Good BBQ....some will say

I am working on the software now. I have about 10 seconds of 16 channels programmed using the software animation. This could get addicting. Can't wait for my controller to show up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

This could get addicting. Can't wait for my controller to show up.


And another one joins the ranks...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

This could get addicting.

Thanks for the BBQ clarification. For a minute there I thought there was some new kind of BBQ that I didn't know about.

Keep working on your sequences and report back to us when you're ready to remove the word "could"... :)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

not to ask a dumb question I just want to make sure it will work for you

did you order a computer hook up either the serial or usb adapters

also

Welcome to the addiction:D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

This could get addicting...

And yet again the LOR accountants "crack" a smile...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

yes, I ordered the starter kit with software. I hope it will be here today. That will sure take care of the weekend.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

yes, I ordered the starter kit with software.  I hope it will be here today.  That will sure take care of the weekend.


And the rest of your life.....
Link to comment
Share on other sites

basis21b wrote:

Mike Arnott wrote:
This could get addicting. Can't wait for my controller to show up.


And another one joins the ranks...
Ya he doesn't know it yet hehehe
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mike Arnott wrote:

With the CTB16PC it says you get less bells and whistles than the showtime products. I am wondering what is missing.


Though this has be answered to some extent already, this is a longer post of mine from January that discussed this further. (see follow up discussion here)

If you are planning to run an animated show to music, not much difference between the PC controllers and the showtime contollers. First, both are made by LOR, and a majority here use the PC versions. The Showtime ones are mostly intended for commercial use--they come in a metal enslosure (rather than plastic) and therefore can be given UL rating--probably a requirement for most business's liability insurance. The PC versions come in very nice, sturdy, weather-tight plastic enclosures, like the phone companies use. The showtime controllers can have animation sequences loaded into them and run "independently" (without being connected to a computer or director). However, if planning to use music, then this doesn't really apply, since they in and of themselves can't play music. You need a computer, MP3 Director, or MP3 mini-director to play the music. My understanding is that the only other main difference is that the showtime controllers have a dial switch inside that allow you to set the Unit ID # (assign a name to the controller). On the PC version this is fairly simple too though, since you just connect it to your computer and set the ID number to the controller, and it retains it (took me a couple minutes). Either way, once you set this, you probably won't need to change it anyways.

Both types can do all the same cool animation effects--fades, shimmer, twinkle, etc. You can't tell any difference watching a Showtime controlled show running next to a PC controlled show--both do the same thing. Both have potential for same power too--just need heavier cords and fuses. Either start at 30A potential. I have never had the need to upgrade to the 40A though, so haven't done it myself.

The Show Time controller does have a 2 year warranty, while the CTB16PC has a 1 year warranty. However, make sure to check out the Unconditional Lifetime Replacement Policy for any of the LOR products: http://www.lightorama.com/Warranty.html (bottom of page)

There are some Canadian users that have stated they use the PC controllers in the extreme cold (-49F), and the CTB16PC controller and enclosure have proven to hold up just fine, even when buried in snow.

As somebody on another thread has pointed out before. One thing that is the same for both types is the addiction. You WILL want more channels no matter what. The big difference--the PC controller is a lot cheaper! Allows you to buy more controllers, and lights, and extension cords, etc!

Below is a good chart:
4262622834_dc04de43d4_o.jpg
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Don Gillespie

Addicting let my wife tell you about addicting we are vacationing in Mexico and I know you will all be proud of me as she lays by the pool reading her book I sit by the table and program more sequences every once in a while I grunt to acknowledge that I am paying attention to her. only 18 more sequences to go

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
×
×
  • Create New...