Question about Lights

[JakeWilliams]

I just picked up some DJ Lighting, and it all works - but mostly just shines different colored lights out. Some of the items have motion, but It seems to require some kind of "controller" to actually allow the motion to be in sync with the beat of the music.

Does anyone know what I mean? And more importantly, what I need to buy to make it work right?

And if it's just a "light controller", where can I get a used/cheap one?

- Thanks!

[KyleMayket]

that depends on if they're DMX-512 controlled or they could be the manufacturer's own proprietary control interface. If it's DMX, then they can be found anywhere, and for a little one, relatively cheap. Try Guitar Center or even EBay. Also, they might have an "auto" function with a sensitivity knob on the back so you can control it, that's usually done thru DIP-switches on the back of the unit. It should tell you all about it in the manual. As for linking them, buying DMX cables is dumb, cuz they're just microphone XLR 3 pin cables.

On the other hand, if they're some goofy proprietary controller, then you'll have to deal with the manufacturer, and all bets are off. But they should still have that "auto" function. Hope that helps.

[lonewolf]

1st, look at the back of each light and see how they are controlled and make a list of what you have. You need to download the manual for the moving lights and any DMX lights you have, if possible to find out how many channels you need to control.

Some moving lights use up 16 channels of DMX, so you need to be careful about what controller you get. Its not easy programming a 16 channel light with 6 sliders. If you have a mix of regular lights & DMX, you can probably use a DMX relay pack to turn the regular lights on and off. Unfortunately, some FX lights take several seconds to boot up, so they don't turn on immediately.

[JakeWilliams]

Thanks for the information guys.

I haven't had a change to look at them again since I put up the post! I'll see what I can find out about the specific light components I have and take it from there...

Thanks again!

[JakeWilliams]

Ok, I feel like a dumbass. Wanna laugh? I didn't know you needed music to actually make the lights move! lol. I played some stuff and the lights started going crazy!

But, the strobe light does need some kind of controller, because all it has in an off/on switch and a "remote" interface that looks to use a 1/4" cable.

So, how do you control the strobe light to automatically turn on and off periodically? is that what I need the light controller for?

Lemme know!

[BloodyFingers]

Rick at Ace Music is the local light guru. He knows all there is to know about them lights. He has the biggest light show around.

[KyleMayket]

Ok, I feel like a dumbass. Wanna laugh? I didn't know you needed music to actually make the lights move! lol. I played some stuff and the lights started going crazy!

But, the strobe light does need some kind of controller, because all it has in an off/on switch and a "remote" interface that looks to use a 1/4" cable.

So, how do you control the strobe light to automatically turn on and off periodically? is that what I need the light controller for?

Lemme know!

yes, you'll set the timing of the sequence, set the tempo and the strobe will turn on when it's supposed to.