DMX Dimmable LED Downlighters

[Sparkybob1980]

I'm out of my depth on this one and need help!

I have been asked by a customer to source and install some LED downlights (50W equivalent) that he wants to dim in increments of 0.5%. He's talking about somethin called DMX that he's seen at a home building show. A trip to my wholesalers was useless - they just shook their heads.

Does anyone know if such a thing exists, and where I can get them? And what dimmer do I need to control them?

All the best, Bob.

 

[Marvo]

Stage lighting suppliers would be able to assist you with DMX systems.

Please reply to the message I just sent you, thanks.

 

[SJD]

DMX is commonly used to control stage lights, our local theatre uses them, suggest you try looking at stage lighting.

 

[Sparkybob1980]

OK thanks, I think I'm going to be learning lots about this stuff very quickly!

Stage lighting suppliers would be able to assist you with DMX systems.

Please reply to the message I just sent you, thanks.

 

[Rockingit]

Send me a PM..... you could say I've rather got the T-Shirt on this one! However, your client has been sold a turkey if he thinks he'll be about to spot .5% incremements on LED (or even tungsten!). 5% after the first 30%, maybe.

DMX is a digital control system that sends a stream of values between 0 - 256 (0% - 100%), in up to 512 channels at a time (put incredibly simply). So, one digital controller can operate up to 512 channels of lighting (going even more simple!).

 

[mayfair]

lots of info on DMX Blue Room technical forum but listen to Rockingit on this one.

 

[Rockingit]

Blue room will just confuse a standard sparks, as all the discussion tends to be about what it's controlling or the desk that's driving it. Plus, they're all a bunch of anoraks (or they were the last time I looked!)

 

[mayfair]

As I said you know best I learned a lot on Blueroom maybe im not average lol

 

[Rockingit]

DMX controller

DMX controller

DMX dimmer (72 x 20A channels)

Pretty

 

[mayfair]

Or one of these

 

[Rockingit]

indeed.

 

[mayfair]

I like the way you did it so the stage lights were Blue and the exit sign is green !

 

[Ed Bevan]

Hi SparkyBob,

Could you supply more information?

Does your customer already have the DMX controller? Is it a home automation system like Mode or Control 4?

Does he want to control each downlight individually, or as a bank?

This is becoming more and more common, and it's not scary! Regards Ed.

 

[Sparkybob1980]

Ed it's me Rob! I'm talking about the Gloucester house where we can't find the actual downlights...

 

[Sparkybob1980]

Hi Mayfair,

It's the actual downlights themselves I'm struggling to find. I've tried the theatricals but they don't know of anything that will look OK in a domestic setting...

 

[Sparkybob1980]

My customer has found this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mhE8OylBdAI

After a bit of digging I've found this kit online but it would be about £885 for eight downlights. Is this reasonable?
Is anyone aware of anything like this but at sensible money?

Cheers, Bob.

Send me a PM..... you could say I've rather got the T-Shirt on this one! However, your client has been sold a turkey if he thinks he'll be about to spot .5% incremements on LED (or even tungsten!). 5% after the first 30%, maybe.

DMX is a digital control system that sends a stream of values between 0 - 256 (0% - 100%), in up to 512 channels at a time (put incredibly simply). So, one digital controller can operate up to 512 channels of lighting (going even more simple!).

 

[Rockingit]

Right!

If your client wants to replicate that video, then they will need to have deep pockets. Because - you've got n number of fixtures (you say 8, fair enough). I'm going to guess that each individual fixture needs at least 4 channels of DMX (and probably more like 5 or 6) so you then need a way of outputting 32 ch's or more of DMX (not hard) but in a programmable way, which means that you need a) a clever controller and b) experience in programming. Or of course it might be that the manufacturer sells a custom controller anyway.

There's a company in Cambridge called Pulsar ( PULSAR - DMX LED Lighting and Lighting Control System for Entertainment and Architecture ) who make a range of LED products which might suit you instead, but don't expect any change from a grand at least.

Guys, I'm more than happy to help on this one (and that's NOT a sales pitch!) and give you a hand, Gloucester is well within my reach (I used to live south of Cirencester and work in Cheltenham) - you just need to ask.

 

[Dcf]

Try collingwood.
i seem to think they do 2 different controllers on one of their mobile van days

 

[Rockingit]

Just had a REALLY quick look, and yes, Collingwood do enough product to be able to put something together, but it's not individually addressable lights, it's every light the same.

 

[Sparkybob1980]

Thanks guys, I'll phone Pulsar. I'm new to this game and £850 - £1000 for eight downlighters seems just incredible! I'd normally be quoting a tenth of that!