Lightbulb dimmer show installation  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: bob808
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2017, 05:56:48 pm
content: Hello all, A friend needs to set up a light show for his club, and I am trying to find out what kind of gear is needed. As far as I've seen, I think something with DMX512 protocol. The light bulbs are 40W/230V. Needs to be able to dim the bulbs, or create sequences. I presume something with SSRs? There's a total of 120 bulbs or so. Not a lot of money for pro setup, but I've seen some 16/32 channel dimmers on ebay. Any recommendations are welcomed.

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 20, 2017, 06:50:22 pm
content: Just rent what you need for cheap. No headaches, inventions, fires, or weird hookup problems. Example:https://www.long-mcquade.com/rentals/pa/0/21/37/#top-pagination-count

author: bob808
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2017, 11:43:47 pm
content: My friend wants a permanent installation for his club. The system will be installed by a proffesional, but we want to do some research before. I'm trying to get a feel for the equipment and cost.Lights will be light bulbs, no LEDs. Just need to find the type of equipment that controls these light bulbs.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2017, 12:34:49 am
content: http://www.stagelightingstore.com/Stage-Lighting-Store/DimmersEnjoy...

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2017, 04:00:37 am
content: If you want a DIY solution, I designed an all in one board for this several years agohttp://www.hoelscher-hi.de/hendrik/english/dimmer.htmusing mostly SMD parts. 8 independent channels on a ~100mm square PCB. I can post the PCB files if you want, I built a batch of them I've been using for my Halloween display for years.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2017, 04:15:17 am
content: Quote from: bob808 on May 20, 2017, 05:56:48 pmJust a friendly note. If there ever is a fire at your friend's club, and he was using home made un-approved electronics plugged into the mains, even if they were not at fault for the fire, his insurance company if they ever discover this during investigation will use it as a reason to deny coverage.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2017, 04:30:13 am
content: Hence my attitude that insurance companies are slime.

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2017, 06:26:08 am
content: The NJD DPX12/4 is/was the cheapest 12 channel dimmer you can get off the shelf. In saying that they changed the design and almost tripled the price of them about 3 years ago.I have 3 of the older ones and have had no problems with them, with 575W and 640W fixtures. One has been powered up 24*7 for over 5 years now...http://www.electrovision.co.uk/homepage.aspx?prod=NJ942&idcode=003300100035#prodtabs-4

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2017, 08:37:09 am
content: Quote from: bob808 on May 20, 2017, 11:43:47 pmOh, by a "proFFesional"... why didn't you say so in the first place...LOL

author: bob808
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2017, 01:44:12 pm
content: professional, changed browser and no auto-correctWe're going to hire a company, just wanted to know some reference prices, as people around here like to pump the prices big time, using crap products. I want to learn a few things before we speak to someone just to know what it's all about. I wouldn't take any chances for a commercial venue.Thanks for the info all!