Newbie to light control

[mrtinga]

Would like to know what I would need to control at least 104 channels for now and have room for more channels later. So I might be looking at getting 128 channel controller. Which one do I need to have the dimming, fading, etc. What are the difference between each controllers ?

[Trip]

http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Comparison_of_DIY_Boards

firegod is the only one right now that is one controller for all 128 channels, but you can interlink the other ones to get 128.

[zaker]

Welcome aboard!

First you can look at this post for some more info:
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1777

And then check here:
http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Comparison_of_DIY_Boards

Quick Rundown

Renard, dimming controller, serial port
Renard 64, 64 channels, requires offboard SSr's & RenT, needs Power source
Renard 24, 24 ch, onboard SSR, self contained
Xmus 16, 16 ch, onboard SSR, needs power source
Firegods will do dimming, read about that one also.

each of these can daisy chain to another controller, there is a limit depending on port speed.

IMHO, one of these boards is the best way to go if starting out fresh. I use a Renard64 and two Renard 24's on one serial port for 112 dimming channels.


Go to the ChristmasWiki link above http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page and read. Almost everything you were afraid to ask is in there.

Holler with questions, LOTS of help around here!

Tom