DMX is almost here!

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   Using DMX with Aurora will require the purchase of an Aurora DMX adapter package.  This package will include everything you need to start using DMX with Aurora:
6' USB cable
USB-to-"DMX over Cat5" adapter
6' Cat5 cable (you can inexpensively substitute with a custom length)
"DMX-over-Cat5"-to-DMX adapter.
Aurora DMX Universe Plugin License

We've begun accepting pre-orders for the DMX adapter package on our web site for $54.99.  These orders will not ship until we are done with the software, but there is a price discount to offset the wait time.  http://www.aurorashow.com/order.asp

Note: To ensure a quality DMX experience, complete support of all effects on all 512 DMX channels, and continued hassle-free compatibility, we decided to support DMX with an Aurora-specific adapter package.  This conclusion was reached after much research into the options which are currently available.  We do not plan to support third party DMX adapters for 2009. 

Also, included with the upcoming DMX release, we've redone the playback engine in such a way that it will be possible for any computer on the LAN running Aurora to control the lights attached to any other PC as though the USB adapters are attached to the local PC.  For example, it will be possible to edit sequences on the sequencing computer and test them by sending the data out the "live" PC without moving the USB-485 adapters around.  You can even play multiple sequences simultaneously (although that could look rather strange).  Running multiple copies of Aurora no longer results in only one copy being able to access the COM at a time.  Linking across a Wi-Fi network should even be possible as long as your Wi-Fi router doesn't introduce latency.  Since Aurora is licensed for multiple copies allowed in a show, there are probably more possibilities than even we though up.

While Aurora doesn't directly support it in an elegant way in the upcoming release, this change to the COM system also means that it will be possible to (with a little effort) hack together one-shot sequences that respond to yard triggers even while the main sequence is already running (after it is out I'll have to write a howto on this).  We have plans to exploit this possibility in a more convenient way in the future.

Edited by LightsOnLogan - 19 Aug 2009 at 11:17am

Poll Question: Are you planning to use DMX with Aurora this year?
Poll Choice	Votes	Poll Statistics
Yes	22	[44.90%]
No	27	[55.10%]
You can not vote in this poll

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LightsOnLogan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3187	Quote Reply Posted: 19 Aug 2009 at 11:04am
	Using DMX with Aurora will require the purchase of an Aurora DMX adapter package. This package will include everything you need to start using DMX with Aurora: 6' USB cable USB-to-"DMX over Cat5" adapter 6' Cat5 cable (you can inexpensively substitute with a custom length) "DMX-over-Cat5"-to-DMX adapter. Aurora DMX Universe Plugin License We've begun accepting pre-orders for the DMX adapter package on our web site for $54.99. These orders will not ship until we are done with the software, but there is a price discount to offset the wait time. http://www.aurorashow.com/order.asp Note: To ensure a quality DMX experience, complete support of all effects on all 512 DMX channels, and continued hassle-free compatibility, we decided to support DMX with an Aurora-specific adapter package. This conclusion was reached after much research into the options which are currently available. We do not plan to support third party DMX adapters for 2009. Also, included with the upcoming DMX release, we've redone the playback engine in such a way that it will be possible for any computer on the LAN running Aurora to control the lights attached to any other PC as though the USB adapters are attached to the local PC. For example, it will be possible to edit sequences on the sequencing computer and test them by sending the data out the "live" PC without moving the USB-485 adapters around. You can even play multiple sequences simultaneously (although that could look rather strange). Running multiple copies of Aurora no longer results in only one copy being able to access the COM at a time. Linking across a Wi-Fi network should even be possible as long as your Wi-Fi router doesn't introduce latency. Since Aurora is licensed for multiple copies allowed in a show, there are probably more possibilities than even we though up. While Aurora doesn't directly support it in an elegant way in the upcoming release, this change to the COM system also means that it will be possible to (with a little effort) hack together one-shot sequences that respond to yard triggers even while the main sequence is already running (after it is out I'll have to write a howto on this). We have plans to exploit this possibility in a more convenient way in the future. Edited by LightsOnLogan - 19 Aug 2009 at 11:17am


Tassleholf Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Sep 2008 Location: Cleveland, Mississippi. Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Quote Reply Posted: 15 Aug 2009 at 9:38am
	i voted yes . i have lasers and fog machines in my halloween display and do not like leaving my lasers on all the time and am too lazy to switch on and off with a foot switch

solidmodeler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Quote Reply Posted: 13 Aug 2009 at 9:39pm
	I voted yes because I bought some DMX light devices from a couple failed nightclub auctions. Most controllers coming out now have DMX capablity. Also found some Automation servo devices that can be controlled with DMX
	Jack of all trades, master of none.

jberner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Location: Ruther Glen, VA Online Status: Offline Posts: 85	Quote Reply Posted: 11 Aug 2009 at 7:09pm
	I have DMX foggers that I use at Halloween. I am looking forward to having a way to tie them in to the light show rather than having to manually trigger them. BRING IT ON!!!!

bdkeen Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Beta Testers Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Location: Easton,PA Online Status: Offline Posts: 380	Quote Reply Posted: 10 Aug 2009 at 1:44pm
	I too voted no only because I haven't decided if I want to jump into the DMX money pit yet. I'd sure like to play with it and having the capability will be nice if and when I start taking the leap. I'll just echo the notes about the great job that's being done with Aurora and that I'll be anxiously awaiting any enhancements and improvements in any upcoming releases. Always looking for ways to push the envolope just a little more with the current hardware


JohnnyL Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Pre-Order User Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Location: Merced Ca Online Status: Offline Posts: 67	Quote Reply Posted: 10 Aug 2009 at 12:14am
	we wont be using any DMX toys this season but we certainly will in 10. looking forward to the new goodies though, keep up the good work, John
	"In God We Trust" all others pay cash

everett Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 03 Jun 2008 Location: NH Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Quote Reply Posted: 09 Aug 2009 at 9:13am
	I hope to put 2 Renard 24's very soon. They can use DMX. I will probably rely on my dlight boxes for now, but hope to try out Aurora's DMX cababilities when I get the new boxes built. I am hoping to just add a output port to Auora and mix both the dlight boxes and Renard boxes. I hope Aurora will be capable of sorting out the channels and sending the outputs to each port, DMX or Dlight, as needed.

HarleyHaynes Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 21 Dec 2008 Location: Kingwood, Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Quote Reply Posted: 09 Aug 2009 at 7:38am
	I was hoping for a little earlier release date to try and put some lasers in my show but if I have learned anything is not to underestimate the amount of time it takes to get some of these things going. I want to be running Dec 1st so hopefully this will be a smooth release. I think you guys are doing a great job and look forward to the challenge.

breakbenj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Pre-Order User Joined: 21 Dec 2007 Location: Georgia Online Status: Offline Posts: 102	Quote Reply Posted: 07 Aug 2009 at 12:16pm
	I agree with BigDPS in that I don't have any DMX and have no clue as to what Aurora can do with it so I voted No also. I would like to also echo what he said as far as the job everone has done with respect to Aurora and D-light. I am anxiously waiting for the release of the full version like a child waits for Christmas morning.
	Jeff

BigDPS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Beta Testers Joined: 13 Dec 2007 Online Status: Offline Posts: 471	Quote Reply Posted: 06 Aug 2009 at 7:02pm
	I voted no for the simple reason I have no DMX items in my home. Should I know what Aurora would bring me using DMX items, I would've voted differently. With that in mind, I want to thank LOL (not laughing out loud but lightonlogan) and the beta testers for bringing us a very good product. Aurora as well as D-Light boxes, a light show it creates.