single DMX dimmer

[theatre4jc]

Hey guys I'm in need of a single channel dmx dimmer to work my hazer. Found this by Elation. It has the ability to be a simple switch which is what I'm looking for so I have the non-dim capability. My question is has anyone used this dimmer before. I've never used Elation dimmers and am curious as to the quality and reliability. Any advice on if I should spend the money?

[John at SBC]

Elation generally has cheaper products, but I've yet to have one of them fail on me. I'll keep checking around for other products that might fit your needs as well.

[Josh Scott]

I have used elation dimmers before. The work well no problems. I have only been using it for a year. This is a dimmer pack not just a single channel. What do you use for dimming now?

[theatre4jc]

Right now I am sporting some very old school lightronics dimmers. They are LMX and I am converting from DMX. But I don't have any available circuits for making a non-dim circuit to be controlled from my board. My remote control for my hazer died and right now I am simply using a 100ft cable and a surge protector till I get something proper and safe.

[Gracetech]

You need to figure out if solid state relays will work with your usage. I have to use contact relays for most of the stuff i do because solid state relays leak voltage. I've use solid state relays for stuff but you have to be careful what you use it with.

crt

[theatre4jc]

I've seen other hazers ran in a similar manner. Figured I would try this out. If it didn't work could it fry my unit? I'm using a LeMartrix Neautron Pro and I love the thing, but it is old and has been giving me a lot of trouble as of late so if it did fry I wouldn't be too sad having to purchase a new replacement. But like every ministry money is tight. How could I find out if solid state would work?

[John at SBC]

You may want to attempt contacting Lemaitre and seeing if they can possibly retrofit your hazer with DMX control for a small fee.

[jongriffin]

If you're hazer is a simple on/off with power, look at a DMX controlled relay.

As to your question as to whether or not it could fry your hazer, absolutely.

This is a response to a similar question on the Lightnetwork regarding powering moving lights via dimmers set to non-dim.

Originally Posted by lightnetwork

The SCR's and the chokes in the dimmers alter the sine wave on the output side of the dimmer, even with the dimmer set at full or in Non-dim mode.

The typical moving light electronics doesn't like having the sine wave of it's power input altered. The moving light wants to see a pure sine wave.

I know of people who have burnt up moving light power supplies and control cards or have had problems getting the fixtures to strike when powered by dimmers. All issues went away when moved to non-dims.

You can see the trail here.... http://lightnetwork.com//?msg=24845.9

I would look into DMX relays from Fleenor or several other people. I always use Fleenor DMX relays as I know who makes them, how they are made and that they are supported. http://www.dfd.com/1r20.html

Hope that helps...

[theatre4jc]

Thanks guys for the advice. I think I'll just put a new hazer on the would like to buy soon list and keep doing what I've been doing. Cause I know it works.

[Steve Vanciel]

Originally Posted by theatre4jc

I've seen other hazers ran in a similar manner. Figured I would try this out. If it didn't work could it fry my unit? I'm using a LeMartrix Neautron Pro...

It is important to note that not all products are designed in the same way even though they deliver the same effect. So, it is necessary to examine the particular design of the machine in question. You have mentioned LeMaitre Neutron Pro, but which model is it? Pro, Pro X or Pro XS? All three are legacy products but LeMaitre still supports them. You can find parts lists and, for the Pro XS, a copy of the manual at http://www.lemaitrefx.com. You can replace your broken remote control and/or there is a DMX interface available that would cost much less that a new hazer. If you do not have the XS model, there is an upgrade kit available.

and I love the thing, but it is old and has been giving me a lot of trouble as of late so if it did fry I wouldn't be too sad having to purchase a new replacement.

The Neutron is a very nice product and can be serviced to keep it going.
As far as "frying" it goes, keep in mind that you do not want to switch the power on and off, rather just control the fluid feed. The unit needs to remain powered in order to keep the heater and electronics active. The remote control is essentially a contact closure for the +12V on pin 3.

SteveV
Orlando, FL

[D.R.HADDOCK]

I have a cheap smoke machine with a remote control, but the remote cable is only 5 metres long, so I put a small relay in the box and a small socket on the side. so now i just feed 12v into the small socket and hey presto remote control from back of room. I feed the 12v down the audio snake with no problems,remember its only on for short bursts, but if your not happy to use the snake or its full, just use some light gauge twin core cable, and the smoke machine is just plugged into a stage power outlet.
not all remote systems have to be high tech!