MADRIX Forum

Hi
We are making 16 custom led bars with 100 rgb pixels each.
http://vimeo.com/16297109
We have a DMX decoder for each one of the lights so we can move them around for different shows.
What's the best and most cost effective way to talk to all these DMX boxes (one per light) from one computer?

Thank you!

100 rgb pixel are 300 dmx channel, this means you can get only one fixture to one universe no more, therefor 16 dmx universes are necessary to control your 16 led fixture.
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In this case the MADRIX KEY basic makes most sense.
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I recommend to use a network based connection like ArtNet.
So you have just one ethernet cable out of your pc and your are able to use standard network devices and cables (please at least cat5e).
But please spend a little bit more money as like as the cheapest for the network components to make sure it works
The most issues about ArtNet are mostly because of to cheap network switches.

We have bought the key already, the question was more about hardware.
Could we use one of these?
http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_me ... odewithpoe
But then we have one DMX out from that box to connect to the first string, what about after that? how many universes can Artnet handle? can all 16 strings be connected consecutively?
Sorry about my little knowledge of DMX and ArtNet.

You can use artnet x-node 8. for 16 universes you need 3 of this. Artnet will work with 256 unverses in broadcast mode per line. So you need networkswitches there support Broadcast. Artnet II support Unicast. There transmit only data there you need.

Greets Jörn

@alexbeim
the model from your link is just about 1 universe.
So in case of ENTTEC it makes more sense to use the datagate which provide 8 universes means you have to use 2x datagate connected by a managed switch to your computer.
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@completeLighting
2x X-Net-8 would be enough to have 16 universes.
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Both models the ENTTEC datagate and the X-Net-8 are able to use with ArtNet II, so the direct IP mode (Unicast) is highly recommended.

If you're looking for DIY solutions check out http://opendmx.net/index.php/OLAGuruPlug

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