Lighti box controllers

[PB Entertainments]

Hello - now before you go shouting at me :D I STILL use lightboxes.

Usually for 'retro' nights and for parties for our older clients (who still expect that kinda thing.) I know they're not everybody's cup of tea but they are mine. Plus, we're in the Scottish Borders here, I'm sure CB will agree that a lot of things around here are still in the dark ages, and I know a local disco that still uses vinyl AND twin Citronic decks to play the *content removed things on :eek: , so........

I want to control up to three lightboxes (the showtec kind, I know, cheap but as I said, they're for selective gigs!) I also prefer sound to light (flash to the beat, not varying the speed to match the beat) rather than chase.

Can this controller run them, bearing in mind the sockets on the lightboxes are Bulgin and the controller is 7 pin IEC

http://www.njd.co.uk/product.aspx?prod=nj200

Anyone know if the boxes can be converted safely?

Also, I want to start using up to six (or maybe 8) pinspots, just with a simple chase programme. Anyone recommend a simple controller to do this?

Any help appreciated folks...

(Remember, no 'throw the lightboxes away' comments, I know how a lot of folk feel about them...) :p


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[Sapphire Disco]

Yes that will run 3 light boxes you will need 3 Bulgin cables ( get short ones ) just plug in to each other and jack to jack for sound to light.

[PB Entertainments]

Yes that will run 3 light boxes you will need 3 Bulgin cables ( get short ones ) just plug in to each other and jack to jack for sound to light.

So, does the controller have a bulgin socket? I've tried to find a pic on t'internet showing the back but even the NJD website only has the front of the unit! :(

[Jiggles]

Some of them have the IEC and some have Bulgin.

[Sapphire Disco]

Yes it does also a jack for sound to light you can plug the other end into a spare jack on one of your speakers.

[CRAZY K]

Hello - now before you go shouting at me :D I STILL use lightboxes.

Usually for 'retro' nights and for parties for our older clients (who still expect that kinda thing.) I know they're not everybody's cup of tea but they are mine. Plus, we're in the Scottish Borders here, I'm sure CB will agree that a lot of things around here are still in the dark ages, and I know a local disco that still uses vinyl AND twin Citronic decks to play the *content removed things on :eek: , so........

I want to control up to three lightboxes (the showtec kind, I know, cheap but as I said, they're for selective gigs!) I also prefer sound to light (flash to the beat, not varying the speed to match the beat) rather than chase.

Can this controller run them, bearing in mind the sockets on the lightboxes are Bulgin and the controller is 7 pin IEC

http://www.njd.co.uk/product.aspx?prod=nj200

Anyone know if the boxes can be converted safely?

Also, I want to start using up to six (or maybe 8) pinspots, just with a simple chase programme. Anyone recommend a simple controller to do this?

Any help appreciated folks...

(Remember, no 'throw the lightboxes away' comments, I know how a lot of folk feel about them...) :p

Hi there ive got a well deserved night off and theres all on TV so I was
interested to see your post.

I have used that unit for about 3/ 4 years and its excellent.

I use it to drive four large coloured floodlights normally and have used it for four lightboxes also.

Its very versatile---sound to light only or chasing either to programmes or chasing to sound signal.

You can have say one, two, three or four channels working together or independently or as flood lights --again one two three or four.

The connections I use are a junction splitters boxes which I made myself and these have permanent leads feeding to the lights and connecting with "kettle" type males and females.

You need to check for power ratings etc.

You say there a bulgin sockets-if the boxes are quite old these may be old style( which I used to have ) and possibly now illegal--you need to check.

Im sure you can connect up safely and easily, perhaps your local Maplins, DJ shop or someone on here can suggest something suitable.

Depending on the ratings you MAY be able to link your pin spots in as well assuming they are not very powerful using a hybrid junction box---better speak to the experts though!

As a unit the NJD is absolutely brill for simple usage that you need.

CRAZY K

[Impactdisco]

I have one as well. It has a bulgin on the back as well as jack socket.
I have, in the past used it to run two lightboxes and 4x 500w halogen tubes with coloured gels, so I don't see you having a problem

[PB Entertainments]

Right - got one of these controllers, it has an EVL socket, but the helpful staff at DJKit arranged an EVL to bulgin lead for me - sorted!

The only thing now is the sound to light......

I tried taking the signal from the spare balanced xlr output on my mixer

I also tried the record phono output

Sadly, neither were really powerful enough, the bass had to be thumping for the controller to pick up a signal. I have no spare output from my amp and was wondering if I could use the signal from link on the back of one of my top speakers - it's a speakon connection?

(For info I use amp -> bottom speaker -> top speaker)

Any help muchly appreciated! :)

[CRAZY K]

Right - got one of these controllers, it has an EVL socket, but the helpful staff at DJKit arranged an EVL to bulgin lead for me - sorted!

The only thing now is the sound to light......

I tried taking the signal from the spare balanced xlr output on my mixer

I also tried the record phono output

Sadly, neither were really powerful enough, the bass had to be thumping for the controller to pick up a signal. I have no spare output from my amp and was wondering if I could use the signal from link on the back of one of my top speakers - it's a speakon connection?

(For info I use amp -> bottom speaker -> top speaker)

Any help muchly appreciated! :)

Thats the option I have always used.

You will obviously need a quarter inch jack coming into the back of the unit assuming its the same as mine.

I think the cheapest option is Speakon converter plug plugged into Speakon socket at back of speaker--then it will take a quarter inch jack in the back of the speaker cab--then run a cheap maplins lead-- quarter jack to quarter jack each end--job done.

My Peaveys have a jack plug socket so its easier.

It will take a bit of bass to get it going---seems to work better once it starts picking up the signal---or maybe I keep turning the volume up as the night goes on::rolleyes:

CRAZY K

[sleah]

You say there a bulgin sockets-if the boxes are quite old these may be old style( which I used to have ) and possibly now illegal--you need to check.

No such thing as an illegal connector. A Policeman won't come and arrest you for using them.:rolleyes:
They've simply been replaced with the newer type multipin jobbie, as the old bulgin wasn't the best design ever conceived.........
A pedantic PAT tester may fail them as there is a slight chance of getting a shock from them..... I know from experience:eek:
If your kit has them fitted no need to rush off and change them, only if you want to change them. If there is any likelyhood of anyone (except maybe you) coming in contact with them when they are in use, then maybe a good idea to replace.

[CRAZY K]

:eek:
No such thing as an illegal connector. A Policeman won't come and arrest you for using them.:rolleyes:
They've simply been replaced with the newer type multipin jobbie, as the old bulgin wasn't the best design ever conceived.........
A pedantic PAT tester may fail them as there is a slight chance of getting a shock from them..... I know from experience:eek:
If your kit has them fitted no need to rush off and change them, only if you want to change them. If there is any likelyhood of anyone (except maybe you) coming in contact with them when they are in use, then maybe a good idea to replace.

Well if the Elf and Safety investigate an accident and pronounce the plug as dangerous and then in breach of Health and Safety Rules --ignoring PAT here-- in my book if you get prosecuted under H and S legislation then ---you have done something illegal.

i.e. Against existing legislation.

Not having PAT is not illegal--just unprofessional.

Anyway-- EVERY item of DJ equipment can potentially come into contact with the Public and Employees--ask Daz--when drunks start knocking over loudspeakers---anything is possible:eek: :eek: :eek:


CRAZY K