Inexpensive light controller/dimmer?

[James-WBF]

Hey folks,

I have a small stage set up for the K-5th graders room. It has a bunch of equipment set up that was donated in the past, and we've tried to put to good use.

There are two light bars with four par can lights on it each. This is not the high intensity stuff, the bulbs are of the home depot garden variety spot lights. The cans look something like this:
http://www.lightinguniverse.com/par-...oductItemsName

So, there are 8 total. They are connected to a powe strip, which gives an all on or all off (obviously).

How would I take this to the next level without spending a ton of money? A basic light board & controllers to be able to dim each light is what I am looking for.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

James

[Mustangnaz]

Cheap DMX controller: http://www.allprosound.com/catalog/p...an-DJ-SDC6.htm

Cheap dimmer pack: http://www.allprosound.com/catalog/p...ion-DP-415.htm

Dimmer pack has 8 outputs but only 4 channels so you would have a pair on every channel.

[RickR]

Haunt the used lighting sites; usedlighting.com gearsource.com and a dozen others.

There you can find the best bargain on a variety of equipment. If you watch them for a while you'll see which goes for big bucks all the time (preferred brand), which there is a lot of (popular and well priced) and probably skip the real junk that isn't resold because it fails fast.

I've seen handy electricians build a row of residential dimmers into a box with outlets. VERY cheap and no sophistication at all, but easy to use and repair. You'll wind up with maybe $200 invested in the whole system.

[James-WBF]

Thanks Mustangnaz, RickR,

That's some good pricing on that Equipment. If I wanted to go ahead and support all 8 channels, what would you recommend?

Also, how do we feel about hte American DJ quality? It seem to hold up well?

[Esoteric]

That American DJ gear is fine. It will work. When you go to upgrade you will have to throw it all away. There are other options that might be better.