DMX multiple functions on one channel problem

[paul.deitch]

Anyone here a wizz at DMX? I'm a beginner.
I have a Mini Moving Head Light - 9 channel 6 LED pan/tilt and all the other gizmos that uses channel 3 for blackout, dimmer, switch and strobe.
I have played around with a couple of DMX programs but the ones that I tried don't have the capability to manage multiple functions on the same channel. Which means programming is painful.
So do you know of a DMX control program that can cope with this?

[megaphone]

Multiple functions on the same channel are usually set by a percentage on the channel, can you not set a percentage? Can you set the profile on the channel of the controller to 'Dimmer' or similar?

Which controller are you using?

Edited by megaphone on Wednesday 12th October 08:22

Edited by megaphone on Wednesday 12th October 08:22

[paul.deitch]

I'm using FreestylerX2 that came with the USB-DMX hardware.
Unfortunately that doesn't do percentages.
Can you recommend one that is free/open source?
I tested it with a fogger yesterday and managed to set off all the smoke alarms. Wife was not amused.

[megaphone]

I don't know that program, but surely the channels are percentages/values? The colour wheel for example will change colour as the value of the channel changes. Can you create a profile for your fixtures?

Edited by megaphone on Wednesday 12th October 16:34

[paul.deitch]

Yes can create a profile no problem. As I said channel 3 is used for 4 functions so for example; 0-7 Blackout, 8-134 Dimmer, 135-239 Strobe speed, 240-155 On.
Looks like the functions are set at the bit level from these numbers. A funny way to do it. Anyhow that is what it is.
Do you know of a controller that sets bits?

[megaphone]

Sorry I can't recommend anything. My days of lighting and DMX where mainly on lighting consoles in theatres and shows etc. The way your dimmer/shutter/strobe works was pretty standard on moving heads. We would set up pallets and profiles to manage them. Eg channel 3 at 90 would make it strobe, chan 3 at 100 would be full.

Can you change that channel to a 'dimmer' channel? would then give you 0-100 and make it easier that using 1- 254

[paul.deitch]

I found this "For devices that have these combined parameters, there is very little one can do to make this easier to control. "
here https://support.etcconnect.com/ETC/FAQ/Working_wit...
So I think that I will leave well alone and continue with the simple stuff. Next time I buy a light I will check the DMX settings first!
Thanks for the feedback.