DMX and laser lighting + tips for large venue!

[Pazz]

Evening members

I have been scratching my head this evening as I have bought my first laser light which is a K500+ SEVEN STARS DUAL GREEN from djtraximus.com

I have only had basic lasers before which were only sound activated. I have used the laser in a couple of venues now and its very powerful and I'm very impressed - the only thing is it doesn't seem to do any of the 56 different patterns it said it would. It seems to do the same whatever type of music I play and the only thing on the back of the laser is dmx connections. Can anyone suggest how I can get more from this light via sound activation and then any suggestions about a dmx controller and cable that I could use (bearing in mind I have never used dmx lights as yet and am a novice in this area!!)

Also I have a disco in a local club tomorrow evening for a 40th birthday and apparently it has the world's longest stage!!! I am extending my goalpost rig to full size for the first time in ages. So I will be spreading out my lights but I am worried that I will not look as good as I want to even though I have got a good few lights. I have more than enough lights when the rig is 1/2 its full size but I'm nervous I may not have enough variety of lights on offer. Can anyone suggest anything to ease my nerves which doesn't mean last minute purchases!?

Hope you can help

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What's the size of the goalpost and what effects are you planning to use?

[Pazz]

The size of the rig is 3M (http://www.terralec.co.uk/prod.asp?i=17568&1=GOALPOST_STAND_WITH_T-BARS)

I have master slave smart moon light effects, penguin barrel, mushroom beam, patriot lighting effect and multi function gobo. I have a bubble machine and 2 lighting screens. I got a message display screen and the laser light to finish off.

I been concentrating a lot more on the music side of things and just kept this set up for over the holiday period. It works excellent for smaller venues.

It sounds a fair amount but I'm still a bit worried in particular I dont have much to show on the stage eg backdrop or spot lighting.

[Ricesnaps]

I know I have said this many times before, but it's really about how well you entertain the crowd. If you're a top knotch DJ and can keep the floor happy and full, nobody will notice your light show - save your money!

[Corabar Steve]

But a tiny rig on a huge stage will still look a little lost.

I would say you have enough for 3 metres though.

Don't panic.

[iainmc]

I have the same laser - do you have all the dip switches set to off? If so the laser is sound controlled, if you put dip 10 on the laser will auto play slow patterns. I believe there are only 36 patterns it will go through. There should also be a sensitivity control on the back if so put it in the middle for a change every so often or turn it right up for quick changes.

If you go to our website you can see pics of the laser on the second page of the gallery. If you do want to dmx it then you will need a controller that can handle at least 4 channels (go bigger so you are ok as your lights expand) something like a stairville dmx master should be ok

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'd agree with Steve, you have more than enought there for a 3m truss, and as Rice said people probably will be much more intersted in the music.

[Pazz]

I thinks I should be ok I usually get the danceflor going most of the evening by reading the croud and getting the right songs on - probably just getting cold feet! Thanks for helping boost my confidence.

Iainmc - I had all the switches set to on so I have just tried it and set them all off. I then just tried it with switch 10 just on. I'm still not seeing much difference and even by turning the nozzle 1/2 way its not going very slow - just the same speed. I checked your website and the laser on there looks good and seems to be doing random movements. Do you have any suggestions - if not no worries as I think I will experiment tomorrow evening?
:cool:
Thanks

[Pazz]

Ian has assisted me with my laser light has far as I can see and asked me to check his same light on his website as far as I can see. I dont think we are going off the beaten road to be honest because its assistance I wanted and

i have been a little hasty beacuase my laser light has just started showing different patterns with a little patience!! Thanks Ian your advice has helped big time - there is now a good array of patterns. should look good tomorrow in a big hall

cheers:) :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I dont think we are going off the beaten road to be honest because its assistance I wanted and



Yeah, it got a bit confusing 'cos 2 posts were deleted about something else!

[Pazz]

No probs - thanks for ALL your help. Once again the forum shows how excellent it is for us dj's to share info and opinions - brilliant!

I will let you know how it goes over the weekend with the goalpost rig, laser and the audience participation! Maybe I can get a couple of photos to show you -I will need them to go on my website as soon as it is up and running.


Cheers :beer1:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Good Luck.... I'm sure you will be fine :)

[iainmc]

Pazz

I am glad I could help, have a good one tonight!