This decoder was supplied to me by Banggood.com DMX512 decoder bit.ly/2e5ariC EU warehouse discount bit.ly/2exeeqY music in this video was made by markusfuller
Hi Michael. I know theres a rapper who is known as DMX but I know nothing about him. yes great little controller, I'm already thinking what I can do further.
Great video and a fun low-budget project for those who's interested in stage lighting. Just got to add: What you did was to solder a 3-pin to a 75Ohm cable (Made for audio.) but you should use 110Ohm DMX which is made to send digital data on. At the length you're using it wont be a problem. But the longer the cable the larger the difference and then it becomes a problem where you loose control over the light and random flicker/actions. Best Regards.
You are entirely correct, just for the video though and as it was only a short run I got away with audio cable. but on a long run yes I would use my proper DMX cables.
Most people who use this will most likely don't have a long DMX cable connected to it but instead long power cables from the box to the lights. When I see this thing, I think about lighting ceilings and walls.
If you are using audio cables you will have problems and/or fry the lights or controller because it doesn’t have the right resistance as data cables. Cat5 can be used for dmx and is cheaper than dmx cable for running greater lengths.
Do more led videos! You are very informative in your explanations, It would be great to see a video about the types of Leds with a microchip on each led that can be set individually via a micro controller like an arduino or raspberry pi
Mirrors on the ceiling. Pink champagne on ice. If you have DMX, you can control some lights ( or so I recall that Eagles song's lyrics) So this is differential signalling like USB and HDMI use I believe?
Thanks Markus - that was fascinating for someone who knows NOTHING about this stuff! You have piqued my interest!!! Im wondering if one could cut-up led strips and cheaply make square panels to act as displays for a stage show... cool stuff!
Ohhh man, I wish there was a part on the power supply. I have this unit (close to it) and I can figure out the power situation. Anything you can share?
...actually the 5-pin XLR is the *real* DMX, but almost all lighting uses the (cheaper) 3-pin version which conveniently can be extended using standard microphone cable. So, one always needs to carry a few 5-to-3-adapters to whever you need to interface with DMX lamps or desks.
The DMX standard specifies 5-pin XLR and says that the use of a 3-pin XLR connector is specifically prohibited. But some manufacturers (of cheaper equipment) completely ignored that and used the more common (and therefore cheaper) 3-pin XLR connectors. So cheaper (especially chinese) equipment will use 3-pin while more high end stuff is more likely to follow the actual standard (but not always).
Fun fact here. 5-pin DMX only actually uses the first 3 pins, which is why XLR will work in a pinch. The extra two pins were kept in for 'future expansion,' which obviously hasn't happened.
Very useful video If the last 3 channel of 24 channels are free nothing connected and it is the last device how can I put the address to close the circuit? Thank you
I'm thinking that maybe (for music control) an Arduino could be used to create a PWM signal that could be used to trigger switching of the DMX device for variety with relation to music. Does that idea make sense from your perspective, Markus? Something to try, I think. I have several different Micro-controllers that I might attempt to use in that fashion. One of the most interesting (if it works) would be the Parallax product known as the propeller chip (8x32 bit processors that are even capable of processing video independently). I'll share what I come up with! You have inspired me, Markus! Thanks!
First, great video + introduction and explanation! One question: Is there a limit for the distance between the stripe and the ws24 or the interface? I am planning a bigger installation and the stripes will be further away from each other
very good demo of DMX 512,I have 8 led strips of 5 meter each length.& I want to connect it on after the other i,e in series and want to create different color patterns is it possible ???
yes it is possible but it also depends on how much power the LEDs will draw at 5 metre lengths as in you may find when more that 1 or 2 strips are lit up they may dim if the current draw is too much.
Hey, I've used your video as reference for building my LED light strips with control from the DMX. But I've got an electrical problem and wondered if you knew what was wrong.. So I'm building a lighting rig in my drums using led strips. I've got 6 strips and have attached them to a DMX break out box to control them individually from my laptop. Because of the amount of strips I have bought 2 PSUs (each 360w) which connect directly to the DMX box and this then sends the power out to each strip. So: 2x PSUs plugged into the wall > DMX box > led light strips I tested the PSUs with nothing plugged in and they gave the light to show they were receiving power and everything was fine. My issue is when I wired one of the PSUs to the DMX box to test it works it blew the fuse in the PSU, the fuse in the wall socket and flipped the switch in the flat! (Made a massive bang, was pretty scary!) Do you have any idea what has happened? The DMX box is DC input and obviously the wall is AC. But I thought the PSU would convert this? My friend thinks this might be what caused it. Also the wall socket now doesn't work (is there an individual fuse in the actual socket?) If you, or anyone, has any idea what is going on I would really appreciate some advice. Many Thanks! And great vid!!
Yes you can but you need USB to DMX cable and there will be some circuitry within that to to turn the signal into DMX. velleman sells a box that converts but they are also made by other companies.
Firstly thank you for shared this video. I have to ask, I'm trying to do a LED panel using led strips. Using a computer, USB to DMX converter and I'm thinking use this led controller that you were using, do you think it's gonna work? And how can address the led using data?. Thanks again!!
I’d like to use this for my 12v garden lighting but is there a way I can swap the controller for a WiFi reciever and use an app instead? Preferably with a timer so I can set the lights to come on at certain times and save the light configuration? Thanks
Is it possible to use 12v MR16LED 'track light' bulbs instead of strips....I'm trying to build a Mini Lighting Rig for a small live music stage using modified PAR36 fixtures...(I have 50+)... I removed the 110vac/6vdc transformer and old bulb, fit new 12v LED into 'can'(easy MOD), add color lens or gel... done... Great light, cheap DIY...$8 a piece. All I'm trying to get is 8 Dimmable channels(3 colors, 5 spots), real simple WASH scenes..... Trying to Recycle/Upcycle....is this what the item I think I need?
I have been thinking about buying led strip lights instead of the uplights. How did your lumens on the strip lights compare to that of the uplights? We're they as bright?
Thanks for the vid Markus. I have been looking at these for a while. Would you mind popping it open and see how well it's isolated as far as power and DMX goes? I'd like to hear there's a fair bit of opto-isolation for example. Thanks again.
Great video! So im a little confused about the power. does the little box have to be plugged into something else so it can turn on? or does the dmx cable work as the power? and what are the V+ and V- mean on the right side of the box? Thank you!
How did you program channel them to be one color since the different channels start from Red Blue Green and then starts over again Red Blue Green? How were you able to change them all to one color?
Fantastic video thanks so much, I'm thinking about fitting up my puppet theatre with DMX controlled fairy lights. Have you any advice about a good but small and inexpensive control DMX unit I could get and advice about cool lights and effects I could control with it?
James Sykes Hi James, there are several cheaper styles of dmx controllersyou could choose from, I have a starville dmxmaster which cost just under £50 (though i did get it off ebay ) it has 8 sliders for instant control memory buttons for jumping to your own lighting setups etc and a joystick if you use any motorised effects. this same unit comes under different names and you can find them on amazon and ebay. its not super clever but its instant hands on control for dmx. I believe it will control about 256 channels so plenty of control available.
Hi Markus - thanks for the informative video. 2 questions: what UK power supply do you use for this? And how can the DMX channels be used to create the sort of flowing chase from one end of the strips to the other as per the demo on the box? Ie can each RGB 'segment' be individually dimmed and set as a scene? Cheers
How can you use and external input to control the controller. I own car washes and i want to use the car wash functions, which are controlled by its plc and it triggers different relays to turn on different functions. I would like to use these existing control voltages to trigger the controller to set off different scenes. Basically i want to use various inputs to trigger the controller. So when the Soap relay fires, I want to jumper off of my existing relay and feed that signal into the controller to make it cause the lights to act a certain way, and then when the Rinse relay is triggered, I want to jumper of that and use it as an input to the controller to trigger the next action and so on. How do I use inputs to control the controller?
Bonjour, je viens de faire l'achat d'un décodeur DMX à SPI pour contrôler une chaine de 50 modules pixels WS2811, avez vous déjà utilser ce type de leds? Auriez-vous un conseil pour sélectionner les Switch Dip? Merci d'avance et aussi pour les vidéos que vous faites.
Great job sir, my name is Adoh Paul from the western part of Africa precisely Cameroon, sir I really wish to learn more this. I'm into nightclub /snac designing as an electrician but find a little difficult when it come programming DMX controller etc. I really need your help sir
Hello Paul. sadly I made that video a very long time ago when i was working in electronics and no longer have any dmx devices. all my electronics workroom has gone now and i am working in a different job. so I do not know how i will be able to help you out without having any dmx lighting here. my sincere apologies.
Hello, I enjoyed your tutorial but I was wondering if you could comment on my understanding of this technology. A "channel" is the same as "color." You have LED controllers where LED strips light up in many types of patterns and allows the user to change them. Those patterns are "software" built into the controller. A DMX controller creates those patterns. Some LED controllers allow you to download different patterns. Am I close?
All DMX lights have channels as this is the way that a DMX controller can control them. You are both right and wrong in your understanding of a channel. In many simple lights a channel is what allows power to be supplied. You can control a floodlight off of 1 channel. If the channel is at max, then the light is at max. That panel that mark uses in the video is a VERY simple DMX controller. DMX controllers allow you to control what is coming through each channel. The patterns that mark has created are "scenes." He has pretty much programmed what he would like on each scene by moving the faders up and down then recording it. He has not downloaded the patterns but made them himself.
I want to know if it has a full 256 steps per dimmer or if it subdivides it to fewer like 32 steps like other cheap controllers, I'd also like to know if it has smoothing curves between the steps that you send it. I'm looking for one that does since I've been told all the nicer pars have it and am looking for a controller to replace the controllers in a set of cheap par lights.
Hello you wont be able to move stepper motors from this unit. steppers need a chip to control motor and a number sending through the DMX to tell the processor what position to move and at what speed etc. this unit in this video will only turn on or off a channel of leds with the extra addition of brightness. I have the airstream dmx controller and that will send position data to moving heads.
I have the same set up, but I can not get the LEDs to move like that, how did you do that? mine just fade in and out to solid colours and do no get the movement.
Hi Panther you have to sent it dimming data from a dmx controller. I came out of the lighting mixer dmx controller into the dmx-to-led controller to make them fade and make different patterrns.
Not at all. It's just a dumb box that turns dmx signals into power for the LEDs. You would do the music part in the controller or the computer (if using an USB->DMX interface)
Often dmx controllers have a microphone built in so it can follow the beat. Thats in the dmx thing with the sliders, not the thing directly connected to the leds though.
Heh, i making something similar - LED strip controlled by MIDI. Advantages? I don't need lighting guy, i have just to add in DAW track for lighting control
Krzysztof Witkowski . Hi yes I use to have a midi to DMX unit, i think it was made by DJI . it was very useful as you could just use midi channel 16 and write in a midi sequence that would convert to dmx lighting. it was a bit awkward but i figured it out and it worked great. I lent it to someone years ago and never got it back. you just reminded me of this so now I think I will try and get it back again.
markusfuller Somebody on the other end of world will have problem thanks to me, haha :D The power of Internet :) But returning to main topic - I made circuit, where midi signal is used directly to set LED color and brightness. To make colour programming easier I decided to cut down palette and use only preprogrammed 30 colours, assigned to different keys, one key for turning off light, two keys to turning off and off White channel, and Mod wheel as brightness control. Thanks to this I can program two, three, or a little bit more patterns in FL Studio, and then I can very fast build show for whole musical piece
Oh boy, most of what you said and overlaid on the intro is wrong. DMX 512 stands for Digital MultipleX with 512 *channels* - which is called a universe. You can add multiples of these to get well over 9000 channels for huge installations or theme parks and such. There's actually 512 * 8 bits of information per 'frame' per universe. Each channel can be represented as 0-255 and there can be 0.8 to 830 updates per second. Those little green block connectors are called either Phoenix connectors or Euroblock connectors, and the plug you're attaching to it is an XLR3 connector, probably manufactured by Neutrik.
Do you know of a dimmer pack that is compatible for LED strip lights but has DMX input and output? instead of the RGB or CAT ins and out? or do you need to make an adapter for it?
Hi the DMX controller with sliders on it is a Stairville DMX master . the very same unit is made under several different names. the USB to DMX silver box is a Stageline DMX-510 USB.
Markusfuller, okay? I loved your video, congratulations. Please, I want to clarify doubt with you, I have couple of LED RGB DMX and would like to install in the garden of the House with colors, blend and intensity varied with hours pre-programmed times also to turn on and off all day the scheduled time Please, do you know of any DMX device with timer, to do what I'm trying to pair it with LED RGB
Just the video i was lookin for! Whats the name of the multicolor cable you used to solder the led cut outs? Btw, this thing is not found in EU warehouse anymore.
Does anyone have any idea how to create fixtures for that box for FREESTYLER? Or how to control this box from a computer in any other way? I have it connected to my PC via USB converter
Hi Thomas. i would not use it with 2812s as this controller just outputs 12 volts to each colour then uses on/off pulse width to control the brightness. that would continually reset the 2812s i think.
Hello the dmx controller has 512 channels so i was using 16 on one scanner channel and 8 from the next scanner channel. they can be configured in many different ways to send data out to many different dmx devices but the maximum is 512 on my unit.
Do you still need to hook up the single LED Strips to a power supply or are they all powered by the device you hooked them up to? Because there are tons of cheap LED-Strips on Amazon, but almost all of them have a two or three star rating because of their power supplies *literally* blowing up. Also I wonder about the quality of the Strips. Some of the ratings say that the LEDs itself would die quickly. Is this right? So, should I just get the cheapest one or pay a little more? (But I do believe they are all produced in the same location so I guess it would not help anything to pay more) Thanks :)
The power is sent to each box, then it's distributed to each strip - after being told what to do by the controller. Each box requires its own power supply. I would suggest you would want to get a 'proper' power supply for each box with a greater rating than the total you are expecting to draw. The current draw is up to how many LEDs you are expecting to light. The max output for this box is 3 Amp per channel. There's 24 channels so that's a max current draw of 72 Amps (!) - 864 Watts @ 12 Volts. It's for this reason I would invest in a GOOD PSU that is designed to provide enough (and a bit more) power for YOUR application. There's a lot of variables Do your research and never cheap out on a power supply no matter how tempting it may be.
You're welcome. Any other questions, ask. No such thing as a stupid question when it comes to safety. Some people are ignorant to such things. I'd sooner answer a simple question than have someone injured due to lack of knowledge ;)
They already have separate adresses, the dip switch sets the address for the first channel of the first led strip. the other channels get assigned the next adresses. So if you hook up another unit you should set the dipswitch to 25 (first unit 8 led strips with 3 colors each is 24, next channel address would be 25)
you need a dmx controller (the device that looks like a mixer in the video) some dmx controllers have a microphone inside and you can make it send lighting commands to any lights that use dmx.
Nice video! One question: it is possible to control some addressable led strips through DMX to make better scenes? Or is 512 the limit of addresses for DMX?
512 channels is the limit to one DMX universe. However you can have multiple universes if you use a program that can handle them. Many of the big lighting rigs use numerous universes. To control all the lights at concert excetera.
kevin safack the decoder doesn't have a preset strobe effect. Any light controller software package as sfx where you can apply the effects you want, pulses, strobes etc. The decoder accepts dmx and then sends appropriate voltage to each channel on the led strip. It's not a smart device.
WHERE is the power source? Is it DMX powered? Your movers and toys should have their own constant power but where is the power coming from for the LEDs strips???????????
Not a problem though really, is it? I've been looking at these for a while now, but unsure of how well they work, and if they are isolated properly. Markus isn't exactly making millions from his vids (which is a shame) and stuff like this is a win win, he gets to play and have fun and document his findings. We get an interesting vid :)
Yes they gave me the box but I had to buy the leds stc. and no I do not get any physical payment from them at all, my reward is the free controller box only. :ps I have marked the relevant box in upload "This video contains paid promotion such as paid product placement, sponsorships or endorsement"
TheSlowGrowth look in the description on the top line as I have stated that the dmx controller was supplied to me by banggood. i have also declared it in the youtube upload section as is expected by youtube. I'm not sure what are you asking me to do to try and make it more clearer ?.
Sorry markus, I guess my comment sounds a little too harsh. Actually, I just didn't think it was very clear from the video, hence my original comment (to which I should have added a wink simley...). My second comment was a response to Neffers.
I have the stageline DMX-510 USB but could not get it to talk as it seems they have not updated them to work on win-10 or any 64bit operating system. pity as it was such a good little device in its day.
I like that you didn't make a joke about DMX the rapper. Also, that controller is pretty nice.
Hi Michael. I know theres a rapper who is known as DMX but I know nothing about him. yes great little controller, I'm already thinking what I can do further.
Great video and a fun low-budget project for those who's interested in stage lighting.
Just got to add: What you did was to solder a 3-pin to a 75Ohm cable (Made for audio.) but you should use 110Ohm DMX which is made to send digital data on.
At the length you're using it wont be a problem. But the longer the cable the larger the difference and then it becomes a problem where you loose control over the light and random flicker/actions.
Best Regards.
You are entirely correct, just for the video though and as it was only a short run I got away with audio cable. but on a long run yes I would use my proper DMX cables.
Most people who use this will most likely don't have a long DMX cable connected to it but instead long power cables from the box to the lights.
When I see this thing, I think about lighting ceilings and walls.
Oh, thought I was on Bigclive's channel for a moment :-) Nice to see you've got the Xmas lights taken care of early.
Ah Yes big Clive. Im seriously addicted to watching his videos.
9:33 Always good to have a DVM to check for solder bridges.
Great video really helped explain things in an easy to understand way. Thanks so much.
looks good with the seperate r/g/b leds - gives it a chase effect where RGB leds would look static
Yes I noticed that. it looks ok really as a chase.
If you are using audio cables you will have problems and/or fry the lights or controller because it doesn’t have the right resistance as data cables. Cat5 can be used for dmx and is cheaper than dmx cable for running greater lengths.
Do more led videos! You are very informative in your explanations, It would be great to see a video about the types of Leds with a microchip on each led that can be set individually via a micro controller like an arduino or raspberry pi
Hello I have made a previous video on 144 WS2812B programable leds.
Beautiful! Just what I needed.
Mirrors on the ceiling. Pink champagne on ice. If you have DMX, you can control some lights ( or so I recall that Eagles song's lyrics) So this is differential signalling like USB and HDMI use I believe?
Really enjoyed this DMX video. Spot on! Thanks. :)
Thank You Thomas. I think I will make something up for Jason (organaut) to fit on his keyboards when he does the gigs.
Great walk through.Thanks for the video
Thanks Markus - that was fascinating for someone who knows NOTHING about this stuff! You have piqued my interest!!! Im wondering if one could cut-up led strips and cheaply make square panels to act as displays for a stage show... cool stuff!
Ohhh man, I wish there was a part on the power supply. I have this unit (close to it) and I can figure out the power situation. Anything you can share?
i know i has been 3 years, but can you still remember how that was, which power supply did you use?
...actually the 5-pin XLR is the *real* DMX, but almost all lighting uses the (cheaper) 3-pin version which conveniently can be extended using standard microphone cable. So, one always needs to carry a few 5-to-3-adapters to whever you need to interface with DMX lamps or desks.
The DMX standard specifies 5-pin XLR and says that the use of a 3-pin XLR connector is specifically prohibited. But some manufacturers (of cheaper equipment) completely ignored that and used the more common (and therefore cheaper) 3-pin XLR connectors. So cheaper (especially chinese) equipment will use 3-pin while more high end stuff is more likely to follow the actual standard (but not always).
Hi I have only one light with the 5 pin connector so there is a convertor (somewhere) all my other lights have the 3 pin XLR.
Fun fact here. 5-pin DMX only actually uses the first 3 pins, which is why XLR will work in a pinch. The extra two pins were kept in for 'future expansion,' which obviously hasn't happened.
Yo Hideki, have you visited any fair like Prolight&Sound recently? I guess not, because pretty much everyone uses 3-pin XLR for DMX nowadays.
What wire stripper are you using that can strip all four wires at once?
Hi Mark, can you please suggest a wifi dmx controller. Great vid. Rgds
Very useful video
If the last 3 channel of 24 channels are free nothing connected and it is the last device how can I put the address to close the circuit?
Thank you
I'm thinking that maybe (for music control) an Arduino could be used to create a PWM signal that could be used to trigger switching of the DMX device for variety with relation to music. Does that idea make sense from your perspective, Markus? Something to try, I think. I have several different Micro-controllers that I might attempt to use in that fashion. One of the most interesting (if it works) would be the Parallax product known as the propeller chip (8x32 bit processors that are even capable of processing video independently). I'll share what I come up with! You have inspired me, Markus! Thanks!
I like the effects that you have produced. What are the specs on the LED Strip lights you used? (Brand, Model, Type)
well done! love the colors
First, great video + introduction and explanation! One question: Is there a limit for the distance between the stripe and the ws24 or the interface? I am planning a bigger installation and the stripes will be further away from each other
Great tutorial! Thank you.
Another Excellent Video .
Hello, do you think is possible to use this device with LED dimmable bulbs? I just need to control 5 light bulbs separatly with a DMX console
very good demo of DMX 512,I have 8 led strips of 5 meter each length.& I want to connect it on after the other i,e in series and want to create different color patterns is it possible ???
yes it is possible but it also depends on how much power the LEDs will draw at 5 metre lengths as in you may find when more that 1 or 2 strips are lit up they may dim if the current draw is too much.
Hey, I've used your video as reference for building my LED light strips with control from the DMX. But I've got an electrical problem and wondered if you knew what was wrong..
So I'm building a lighting rig in my drums using led strips. I've got 6 strips and have attached them to a DMX break out box to control them individually from my laptop.
Because of the amount of strips I have bought 2 PSUs (each 360w) which connect directly to the DMX box and this then sends the power out to each strip.
So:
2x PSUs plugged into the wall > DMX box > led light strips
I tested the PSUs with nothing plugged in and they gave the light to show they were receiving power and everything was fine.
My issue is when I wired one of the PSUs to the DMX box to test it works it blew the fuse in the PSU, the fuse in the wall socket and flipped the switch in the flat! (Made a massive bang, was pretty scary!)
Do you have any idea what has happened? The DMX box is DC input and obviously the wall is AC. But I thought the PSU would convert this? My friend thinks this might be what caused it.
Also the wall socket now doesn't work (is there an individual fuse in the actual socket?)
If you, or anyone, has any idea what is going on I would really appreciate some advice.
Many Thanks! And great vid!!
Its been 5 years.. Do you suggest any new decoder??
Hello for the 512DMX control can I use a software on pc to control the led lights ?
Yes you can but you need USB to DMX cable and there will be some circuitry within that to to turn the signal into DMX. velleman sells a box that converts but they are also made by other companies.
Firstly thank you for shared this video. I have to ask, I'm trying to do a LED panel using led strips. Using a computer, USB to DMX converter and I'm thinking use this led controller that you were using, do you think it's gonna work? And how can address the led using data?. Thanks again!!
what did you use for power?
I’d like to use this for my 12v garden lighting but is there a way I can swap the controller for a WiFi reciever and use an app instead? Preferably with a timer so I can set the lights to come on at certain times and save the light configuration? Thanks
Thanks Markus!
thank you . much appreciated.
Is it possible to use 12v MR16LED 'track light' bulbs instead of strips....I'm trying to build a Mini Lighting Rig for a small live music stage using modified PAR36 fixtures...(I have 50+)... I removed the 110vac/6vdc transformer and old bulb, fit new 12v LED into 'can'(easy MOD), add color lens or gel... done... Great light, cheap DIY...$8 a piece. All I'm trying to get is 8 Dimmable channels(3 colors, 5 spots), real simple WASH scenes..... Trying to Recycle/Upcycle....is this what the item I think I need?
I have been thinking about buying led strip lights instead of the uplights. How did your lumens on the strip lights compare to that of the uplights? We're they as bright?
to me they look like Phoenix connectors, used a lot in installed sound equipment
Yup. Phoenix.
Thankyou for that information. I have lots of them in a drawer and could not remember what the proper name was for them.
Thanks for the vid Markus. I have been looking at these for a while. Would you mind popping it open and see how well it's isolated as far as power and DMX goes? I'd like to hear there's a fair bit of opto-isolation for example. Thanks again.
Hi Neffers. yes I have an idea to make a panel with the leds clustered together so I will get it open and see whats going on inside.
Great video! So im a little confused about the power. does the little box have to be plugged into something else so it can turn on? or does the dmx cable work as the power? and what are the V+ and V- mean on the right side of the box? Thank you!
Would you think that the LED's could be controlled by wireless with a D-FI/DMX512 DMX512 2.4GHz XLR Wireless Transmitter/Receiver?
Can it follow music level, like autonomous.?
How this works in qlc+?
How did you program channel them to be one color since the different channels start from Red Blue Green and then starts over again Red Blue Green? How were you able to change them all to one color?
Fantastic video thanks so much, I'm thinking about fitting up my puppet theatre with DMX controlled fairy lights. Have you any advice about a good but small and inexpensive control DMX unit I could get and advice about cool lights and effects I could control with it?
James Sykes Hi James, there are several cheaper styles of dmx controllersyou could choose from, I have a starville dmxmaster which cost just under £50 (though i did get it off ebay ) it has 8 sliders for instant control memory buttons for jumping to your own lighting setups etc and a joystick if you use any motorised effects. this same unit comes under different names and you can find them on amazon and ebay. its not super clever but its instant hands on control for dmx. I believe it will control about 256 channels so plenty of control available.
I always thought the "X" stood crossing. The prefix being "inter".
HELLO
IF I HAVE FIVE LED STRIPS, THE CONTOLLER MUST BE CONNECTED TO A POWER CORD 24V 300V?
Hi Markus - thanks for the informative video. 2 questions: what UK power supply do you use for this? And how can the DMX channels be used to create the sort of flowing chase from one end of the strips to the other as per the demo on the box? Ie can each RGB 'segment' be individually dimmed and set as a scene? Cheers
X gon' give it to ya.
How can you use and external input to control the controller. I own car washes and i want to use the car wash functions, which are controlled by its plc and it triggers different relays to turn on different functions. I would like to use these existing control voltages to trigger the controller to set off different scenes. Basically i want to use various inputs to trigger the controller. So when the Soap relay fires, I want to jumper off of my existing relay and feed that signal into the controller to make it cause the lights to act a certain way, and then when the Rinse relay is triggered, I want to jumper of that and use it as an input to the controller to trigger the next action and so on. How do I use inputs to control the controller?
can you help me as walkthrough with dmx and decoder with led strips
Bonjour, je viens de faire l'achat d'un décodeur DMX à SPI pour contrôler une chaine de 50 modules pixels WS2811, avez vous déjà utilser ce type de leds? Auriez-vous un conseil pour sélectionner les Switch Dip? Merci d'avance et aussi pour les vidéos que vous faites.
Great job sir, my name is Adoh Paul from the western part of Africa precisely Cameroon, sir I really wish to learn more this. I'm into nightclub /snac designing as an electrician but find a little difficult when it come programming DMX controller etc. I really need your help sir
Hello Paul. sadly I made that video a very long time ago when i was working in electronics and no longer have any dmx devices. all my electronics workroom has gone now and i am working in a different job. so I do not know how i will be able to help you out without having any dmx lighting here. my sincere apologies.
Can i use this technic to visualize music?
Hello, I enjoyed your tutorial but I was wondering if you could comment on my understanding of this technology. A "channel" is the same as "color." You have LED controllers where LED strips light up in many types of patterns and allows the user to change them. Those patterns are "software" built into the controller. A DMX controller creates those patterns. Some LED controllers allow you to download different patterns. Am I close?
All DMX lights have channels as this is the way that a DMX controller can control them. You are both right and wrong in your understanding of a channel. In many simple lights a channel is what allows power to be supplied. You can control a floodlight off of 1 channel. If the channel is at max, then the light is at max. That panel that mark uses in the video is a VERY simple DMX controller. DMX controllers allow you to control what is coming through each channel. The patterns that mark has created are "scenes." He has pretty much programmed what he would like on each scene by moving the faders up and down then recording it. He has not downloaded the patterns but made them himself.
I want to know if it has a full 256 steps per dimmer or if it subdivides it to fewer like 32 steps like other cheap controllers, I'd also like to know if it has smoothing curves between the steps that you send it. I'm looking for one that does since I've been told all the nicer pars have it and am looking for a controller to replace the controllers in a set of cheap par lights.
How to control stepper motors? In real disco moving head lights use stepper motors for positions etc. How to controll them from this box?
Hello you wont be able to move stepper motors from this unit. steppers need a chip to control motor and a number sending through the DMX to tell the processor what position to move and at what speed etc. this unit in this video will only turn on or off a channel of leds with the extra addition of brightness. I have the airstream dmx controller and that will send position data to moving heads.
I have the same set up, but I can not get the LEDs to move like that, how did you do that? mine just fade in and out to solid colours and do no get the movement.
Hi Panther you have to sent it dimming data from a dmx controller. I came out of the lighting mixer dmx controller into the dmx-to-led controller to make them fade and make different patterrns.
Are you Colin Furze's dad?
Another great video, Markus! Thank you... oh, by the way, can this DMX device be setup to follow music?
Not at all. It's just a dumb box that turns dmx signals into power for the LEDs.
You would do the music part in the controller or the computer (if using an USB->DMX interface)
Often dmx controllers have a microphone built in so it can follow the beat. Thats in the dmx thing with the sliders, not the thing directly connected to the leds though.
Heh, i making something similar - LED strip controlled by MIDI. Advantages? I don't need lighting guy, i have just to add in DAW track for lighting control
Krzysztof Witkowski . Hi yes I use to have a midi to DMX unit, i think it was made by DJI . it was very useful as you could just use midi channel 16 and write in a midi sequence that would convert to dmx lighting. it was a bit awkward but i figured it out and it worked great. I lent it to someone years ago and never got it back. you just reminded me of this so now I think I will try and get it back again.
markusfuller Somebody on the other end of world will have problem thanks to me, haha :D The power of Internet :)
But returning to main topic - I made circuit, where midi signal is used directly to set LED color and brightness. To make colour programming easier I decided to cut down palette and use only preprogrammed 30 colours, assigned to different keys, one key for turning off light, two keys to turning off and off White channel, and Mod wheel as brightness control. Thanks to this I can program two, three, or a little bit more patterns in FL Studio, and then I can very fast build show for whole musical piece
Oh boy, most of what you said and overlaid on the intro is wrong. DMX 512 stands for Digital MultipleX with 512 *channels* - which is called a universe. You can add multiples of these to get well over 9000 channels for huge installations or theme parks and such.
There's actually 512 * 8 bits of information per 'frame' per universe. Each channel can be represented as 0-255 and there can be 0.8 to 830 updates per second.
Those little green block connectors are called either Phoenix connectors or Euroblock connectors, and the plug you're attaching to it is an XLR3 connector, probably manufactured by Neutrik.
Have you always been a a...……..e
you have disco lights. Do you do disco's or are they for personal use?
Do you know of a dimmer pack that is compatible for LED strip lights but has DMX input and output? instead of the RGB or CAT ins and out? or do you need to make an adapter for it?
nice vid. I would like to flicker an LED strip on a beat drop and I would like to pre-program this. Does somebody have an affordable idea for that?
connect like he did , you can time pules / flicker on the dmx box
What is that dmx controller? I think I have seen one similar to that
Hi the DMX controller with sliders on it is a Stairville DMX master . the very same unit is made under several different names. the USB to DMX silver box is a Stageline DMX-510 USB.
Markusfuller, okay? I loved your video, congratulations. Please, I want to clarify doubt with you, I have couple of LED RGB DMX and would like to install in the garden of the House with colors, blend and intensity varied with hours pre-programmed times
also to turn on and off all day the scheduled time
Please, do you know of any DMX device with timer, to do what I'm trying to pair it with LED RGB
Just the video i was lookin for! Whats the name of the multicolor cable you used to solder the led cut outs? Btw, this thing is not found in EU warehouse anymore.
Hello I think it is just known as 4 strand ribbon cable.
Hello, the effect "strobo" it's can possible? sorry for my english
The connector is a phoenix contact connector
Exactly, we call them "Phoenix Connector"
Does anyone have any idea how to create fixtures for that box for FREESTYLER? Or how to control this box from a computer in any other way? I have it connected to my PC via USB converter
Dmx is not digital multiplex interface...its digital multiplex 512
thanks as always
thank you . much appreciated.
can you get dmx with lifx smartbulb light
With the 24ch controller you're using would I be able to drive a strip of WS2812 or WS2813 and then control it via say Jinx! to address each pixel?
Hi Thomas. i would not use it with 2812s as this controller just outputs 12 volts to each colour then uses on/off pulse width to control the brightness. that would continually reset the 2812s i think.
loved the video! What did you use for a power supply?
Skyler Krapf Hello Skyler I had a variable 1>30volt power supply set at 12 volts.
@@markusfuller i know its been a while, but which powersupply do you have to use / how do i calculate amperage and or wattage?
How are you able to control all 24 channels (8 LED strips X 3 channels [RGB] ) if your DMX controller only has 16 channels per scanner?
Hello the dmx controller has 512 channels so i was using 16 on one scanner channel and 8 from the next scanner channel. they can be configured in many different ways to send data out to many different dmx devices but the maximum is 512 on my unit.
@@markusfuller thank you for the explanation! didn't realize the 24 channels spill into the next scanner.
Hello - I have a stupide question and I guess the answer will be yes - Do I need a seperated DC supply ?
zoppo zcore Hello yes you will need a power supply for the lighting but could tap off power for the controller board from the same supply.
how many amp per led light strip ? but that kind of decoder has up to 12 amp
to be honest I really dont know. I no longer own that unit.
markusfuller ok thanks
if i had a dmx controller with only 3 channels could i use 1 blue channel for two led strips?
Anthony Puckett Yes that should be possible.
Do you still need to hook up the single LED Strips to a power supply or are they all powered by the device you hooked them up to?
Because there are tons of cheap LED-Strips on Amazon, but almost all of them have a two or three star rating because of their power supplies *literally* blowing up.
Also I wonder about the quality of the Strips. Some of the ratings say that the LEDs itself would die quickly. Is this right?
So, should I just get the cheapest one or pay a little more? (But I do believe they are all produced in the same location so I guess it would not help anything to pay more)
Thanks :)
The power is sent to each box, then it's distributed to each strip - after being told what to do by the controller. Each box requires its own power supply.
I would suggest you would want to get a 'proper' power supply for each box with a greater rating than the total you are expecting to draw. The current draw is up to how many LEDs you are expecting to light. The max output for this box is 3 Amp per channel. There's 24 channels so that's a max current draw of 72 Amps (!) - 864 Watts @ 12 Volts.
It's for this reason I would invest in a GOOD PSU that is designed to provide enough (and a bit more) power for YOUR application. There's a lot of variables Do your research and never cheap out on a power supply no matter how tempting it may be.
Thank you!
You're welcome. Any other questions, ask. No such thing as a stupid question when it comes to safety. Some people are ignorant to such things. I'd sooner answer a simple question than have someone injured due to lack of knowledge ;)
Can I ask how much input power did you use?
Hi I know it was 12volts for the unit but I did not take notice of how much current it was drawing.
markusfuller thank you so much for the information I'm going to try build my own lights using the things on your video
Would you be able to link the power supply you were using. I have been unable to find one that i would deem safe. Working with A/C and all that.
Quick question, can you assign separate addresses to each of your 8 connections?
They already have separate adresses, the dip switch sets the address for the first channel of the first led strip. the other channels get assigned the next adresses. So if you hook up another unit you should set the dipswitch to 25 (first unit 8 led strips with 3 colors each is 24, next channel address would be 25)
super
nice vid
Thank You very much
Phoenix connector
How do you control it to music??
you need a dmx controller (the device that looks like a mixer in the video) some dmx controllers have a microphone inside and you can make it send lighting commands to any lights that use dmx.
can this decoder control all 8 strips as one strip or do you have to set them all up individually?
All the strips are individually but can be controlled together.
Yeah but then you pretty much miss the point of that thing.
Nice video!
One question: it is possible to control some addressable led strips through DMX to make better scenes? Or is 512 the limit of addresses for DMX?
512 channels is the limit to one DMX universe. However you can have multiple universes if you use a program that can handle them. Many of the big lighting rigs use numerous universes. To control all the lights at concert excetera.
can we have strobe effect on this decoder ?
kevin safack the decoder doesn't have a preset strobe effect. Any light controller software package as sfx where you can apply the effects you want, pulses, strobes etc. The decoder accepts dmx and then sends appropriate voltage to each channel on the led strip. It's not a smart device.
What heat gun are you using? Thanks
That's an Atten 858D.
Cheap as chips from China, but you need to be able to check it for being incorrectly wired and poor earth scheme.
WHERE is the power source? Is it DMX powered? Your movers and toys should have their own constant power but where is the power coming from for the LEDs strips???????????
Laura Happel no its not dmx powered i have the power supply above the desk it is 12 volts.
Was expecting to hear some Dmx synced to the lights
First of all. That's a par can no one calls them disco lights any more. Secondly. DMX stands for. Digital MultipleX.. not interface.
A DIY using a Raspberry Pi -> www.raspberrypi-dmx.org/raspberry-pi-rdm-responder
Sponsored by banggood.com
Not a problem though really, is it? I've been looking at these for a while now, but unsure of how well they work, and if they are isolated properly. Markus isn't exactly making millions from his vids (which is a shame) and stuff like this is a win win, he gets to play and have fun and document his findings. We get an interesting vid :)
Yes they gave me the box but I had to buy the leds stc. and no I do not get any physical payment from them at all, my reward is the free controller box only. :ps I have marked the relevant box in upload "This video contains paid promotion such as paid product placement, sponsorships or endorsement"
No, I don't have any problem with product placement. But it should be clearly noted as such.
TheSlowGrowth look in the description on the top line as I have stated that the dmx controller was supplied to me by banggood. i have also declared it in the youtube upload section as is expected by youtube. I'm not sure what are you asking me to do to try and make it more clearer ?.
Sorry markus, I guess my comment sounds a little too harsh. Actually, I just didn't think it was very clear from the video, hence my original comment (to which I should have added a wink simley...). My second comment was a response to Neffers.
Is it an easy way to control such LED stripes from PC? USB-RGB converter with software.
I have the stageline DMX-510 USB but could not get it to talk as it seems they have not updated them to work on win-10 or any 64bit operating system. pity as it was such a good little device in its day.