USB DMX Open vs. USB DMX Pro

[TheBigLog]

I have just started in this hobby and this is my first year doing a computer controlled display but I have some questions. I have 12 channels of DMX dimmers that will control my lights this year. My question is, should I be ok with the Open or should I spend the extra money and get the Pro for a better DMX stream? Money is short so I was leaning toward the Open but if it will cause problems I would rather spend the money for the Pro. Thanks in advance for the help.

Rob

[DynamoBen]

The open will work great, and its easy on the wallet. ;) Happy DMXing.

[TheBigLog]

Thanks Ben,
That will save me some much needed money that I can use on other things.

Rob

[DynamoBen]

That will save me some much needed money that I can use on other things.

Like more dimmers and lights ;)

[RJ]

I will sell you one cheap. It doesn't work well enough for me on my system. I also know where another one is from the local theather group that I think I can get you cheap. Didn't work well for them either on there stuff. They are using a pro now just as I am. Works well for some not for others depends on your computer. For many it works great.

[TheBigLog]

Thanks RJ i'll get you my information when I get a chance. Is PayPal ok for payment? Actually just PM me with any information you need and if I need anything from you.

Oh and Ben, Exactly :D

[tfmacz]

I will sell you one cheap. It doesn't work well enough for me on my system. I also know where another one is from the local theather group that I think I can get you cheap. Didn't work well for them either on there stuff. They are using a pro now just as I am. Works well for some not for others depends on your computer. For many it works great.

I am interested as well...
If RGJones does not want the other one...

Thanks...
Ted

[RJ]

He did buy mine. I will ask when I see the other person if they want to sell theirs.

[TheBigLog]

Thanks RJ. I haven't had the time to install the software yet but I need the IDMX plugin, the DMX-512 dll and the FTD2XX dll right? Do you think I need the DMX add-in. Unfourtunally I the FTD2XX dll is not available in the downloads section on the vixen website, but i'll search for it on the fourms because I think I saw it on here somewhere.

[RJ]

I thought they came in the install?

[TheBigLog]

By the install do you mean the CD or do you mean the DMX-512 Plugin download?

[DynamoBen]

Go here for the driver:

http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=downloads&prod=70303&show=downloads&name=opendmxusb

[TheBigLog]

Thanks Ben I got the drivers but where should I put the other dll files? I put the DMX-512 plugin in the plugin folder and it won't show up in vixen and I put the DMX addin in the addin folder and it won't show up either and I just don't know where to put the IDMX dll. I also have version 1 of vixen.

[DynamoBen]

IDMX goes into the plugins folder.

If you are using 2.0 this should all be taken care of for you.

[TheBigLog]

I downloaded 2.4 and got everything to work right away. I made a makeshift 5 pin DMX adapter out of cat-5 and a spare 3 pin connector (my real connectors are on the way) and got to see blinky flashy in my backyard for the first time! :D :D :D Thanks so much guys.

[DynamoBen]

:D Happy to help, enjoy!

[lundeby]

The widely proclaimed DMX controller for Vixen use is the ENTTEC Open DMX USB Interface: I've even seen at least one posting state that the Open DMX USB is the only supported controller.

http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=Products&prod=70303&show=description&name=opendmxusb

In other postings it's highly recommended instead to use the ENTTEC DMX USB Pro. Some of its features like the ability to offload work are lauded. Reliability is frequently stressed.

http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=Products&prod=70304&show=description&name=dmxusbpro

My issue is not price. My question is entirely about what the highest reliability and lowest risk choice is for Vixen use now and for future versions.

So, all other things being equal, what's the best choice USB DMX controller?

Note that a key factor has to be doing the same thing as most others.

So, what's the wisdom?

BTW, I know there are threads that at least dance around the issue. I want to force the specific point without the cost factor.

Thanks,
Bruce

[JEC]

The widely proclaimed DMX controller for Vixen use is the ENTTEC Open DMX USB Interface: I've even seen at least one posting state that the Open DMX USB is the only supported controller.

http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=Products&prod=70303&show=description&name=opendmxusb

In other postings it's highly recommended instead to use the ENTTEC DMX USB Pro. Some of its features like the ability to offload work are lauded. Reliability is frequently stressed.

http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=Products&prod=70304&show=description&name=dmxusbpro

My issue is not price. My question is entirely about what the highest reliability and lowest risk choice is for Vixen use now and for future versions.

So, all other things being equal, what's the best choice USB DMX controller?

Note that a key factor has to be doing the same thing as most others.

Thanks,
Bruce

I bought a Pro converter in November 2005, specifically because (a) it relieved the host computer of extra work and (b) it was compatible with the video processing software I was using at the time.

I'm not a software programmer, but am under the impression that the unit is easy to interface with from a development standpoint.

I have no experience with the Open version.

John

[DynamoBen]

Think of these two options as entry level car (Open) versus a luxury car (Pro). Both are going to be reliable but the luxury car is going to have several nice features the entry level model won't, and ultimately that is what you are paying for.

Each person’s situation is different and only you can decide what will work best for your situation. What might help is a list of the "features" of each.

“Open” - Pros

Inexpensive
Can be built from scratch or with off the shelf components (DIY)
Completely open source (hardware and software)

“Open” – Cons

Relies on the PC to create and send DMX packet
~33 Hz refresh rate
Not optically isolated to protect key components.
Entry level device

“Pro” – Pros

The DMX packets and data are generated by the device, not by the PC
Optically isolated to protect the device from damage (limited expense if damaged)
Configurable (see user manual)
Professional grade device
Capable of communicating via the new RDM standard (bi-directional communication)
40Hz refresh rate (adjustable)
Upgradeable (new features)

“Pro” – Cons

Expensive
Many of the “cool” features aren’t used/needed by Vixen
Closed source



I personally own an Open and love it. I built it myself and don’t use it very frequently. If money wasn’t an issue I would purchase the Pro. If I had a Pro I would use it for theatrical shows where I could use its RDM capability. Anyone want to buy me one? ;)

[RJ]

//majority of post deleted by ben //

See http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1628

BTW, I'm not hung up on the Pro. If someone comes up with another dongle that performs well on vixen that is cheaper I am with it. Thats the reason I started with the open.

[DynamoBen]

BTW, I'm not hung up on the Pro. If someone comes up with a nother dongle that performs well on vixen that is cheaper I am with it. Thats the reason I started with the open.

I'm working as fast as I can on this one. I do however need someone to create an ACN plugin for me. I was told that someone will take a peek at it after Christmas. Cross fingers. :)

[lundeby]

There's still one aspect of my query not answered. Imagine I did not care about the cost and I also did not care about the features. If my only consideration was Vixen compatibility, is there a preference?

[RJ]

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1628

Since I do not have time to rewrite the post complete over agian the summary of it is this.

I said I agree basicly with Ben on it with the exception of one point:

I have had both and so I am saying this from comparing the two side by side hooked to a logic analyser not based on my opinon.

The open -
If your machine is not one that does not like it it will work fine but under Vixen it runs slower updates than the rated that ben provided. It will meet his specs on other DMX software. It has to do with the current plugin. (might could be fixed)

The Pro -
The software cannot effect the refresh speed of it as it is handled in the hardware. It will do faster on any software including Vixen.

The pro is worth the extra if you might ever want to run faster than 50 - 60 ms timming on your system under vixen. (most will sooner or later)

I also said I only chimmed in on this thread becauses I noticed the person asking is in the Lynx coop and I did not want him to get the open and then be unhappy that the Lynx did not perform as I had said it would. All my specs for it as I have pointed out in the threads on it, are under the Pro.
RJ

[DynamoBen]

There's still one aspect of my query not answered. Imagine I did not care about the cost and I also did not care about the features. If my only consideration was Vixen compatibility, is there a preference?

Without those factors the answer is no, there is no preference. Both are equal in Vixen's eyes.