where to begin

[newbie]

There are tons of information in this forum and on the web.
For an average DIYer, it's overwhelming.
I've already been searching the web for the past few days with still tons of questions not answered.

But, The question is where do I begin, to even prepare for next year?

I have read some "how to" instructions here with regards to light control but having a newer PC, it doesn't come with the parallel port required for the intructions.

Since, I'm not yet very familiar with the terms you guys use, plain english would be appreciated or be directed to a "dictionary" of some sort

please and thanks
Leo

[cmurray]

Try the link to the wiki on the top right of any page.

It is more organized and less chaotic.

Joel

[Ronp]

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/chat/flashchat.php
Ask all the questions you want there.

[Macrosill]

Leo,
If you do not have a parallel port then you will need to go with a serial or usb based controller. That would be either a Renard or Lynx and both offer dimming.

Check out the Firegod system. I am not sure how it connects.

[ikabod]

Check this link, will help you understand the basic

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1777

[Josh]

Macrosill, he could also buy a parallel PCI card if he wanted to go that way.

It all depends on your setup, but if you want dimming, Renard, or Lynx is the way to go.


If not, get a grinch, or 595 and a PCI card and you should be fine.

How new of a pc, if it has Vista, Vixen currently is not compatible with Vista x64. This is being worked on, but is new to KC and he has to do his homework.