Maybe some of you here can give me some direction...

[twiztidmn]

I know this isn't exactly a Christmas related post, but by doing a Google search while looking for a way to work a custom light setup, i stumbled upon this forum and decided to give it a shot. Here is what I'm trying to figure out...

I am working with a local rock band that has a limited budget for stage lighting effects and all that fun stuff. they want me to make 4 upright light bars with strobe lights and eventually be able to add lasers to it also. I went to a professional DJ sound and lighting shop here in town and talked to them about what my options are for running it, and how much it would cost. after getting an estimate of close to $2000, most of the price being in DMX dimmer packs, I decided to see if there is going to be a cheaper way to do it. We still want to use DMX due to the fact that it will give us more control over the lights, and we are also planning to buy a DMX lighting software program because we wouldn't be limited to the number of channels that our board will support, only the amount of DMX dimmer packs we have.

What I want to know is, does anyone know of a place that I can buy cheap dimmer pack assembly's, or have any clue if it is possible to make them ourselves to cut costs? we have a total of 88 lights that we would like to have 100% control over, plus 4 strobes, and eventually 8 lasers, plus have the option to expand later (this being the reason we are getting the DMX software instead of a board, only limited by the number of packs you have, and wouldn't have to buy a new, bigger board). I am planning to use regular house light sockets and a standard wall plugin for each light (kind of like how a lamp is, without an on-off switch) and use either 75 or 100 watt bulbs (brighter is better, since this will mostly be used in dark clubs and we want it to stand out.)

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and hopefully some of you will have some ideas to throw at me.

[eswets]

I'm not a DMX guy, but one thing to look into, is that most band and theater settings, homemade or DIY setups are forbidden in clubs or theaters. I used to DJ, and I was not allowed to use any of my lighting b/c one controller I had was "rigged". Some places are strict and some are not.
http://www.northern.edu/wild/th241/homemade.htm
Most of the hardware here is DIY, so keep that in mind. Don't what you going down the wrong path for it to bit you later.
Good luck with finding the best solution
Eric

[DynamoBen]

As you said, this is outside the scope of this forum. As a professional concert and theatrical lighting designer I tend to think you are heading the wrong direction. While I understand cost of commercial equipment may be a bit high at least it won't burn a building down or electrocute someone. Remember it’s your neck on the line if something goes wrong.

With that being said eBay is a great source for gear like what you are describing. DJs go out of business all the time and have gear to sell. Start small and think about flexibility and available power. While par cans are inexpensive that can use up a fair amount of power and only provide 1 color. LED par cans have limitless color options, use very little power, but are expensive. All things considered DJ style equipment if fairly inexpensive, I saw a moving light tonight for $99 which was unheard of 6 years ago. Regardless of what you by be sure to consider what the point of the lighting is, are you trying to build a Pink Floyd light show or light the band. With a small rig the band comes first over time better paying gigs allow for more elaborate light shows and better sound equipment.

Finally consider renting, many music stores and theatrical lighting resellers rent lighting equipment. Dollar for dollar this can be the best option; you get a lot of lights with no maintenance or storage expense.

[BuzzKill]

Stick with DMX. You can get the dimmer packs on ebay for about $75. Watch your watts. Having lights is one thing. Having someplace to plug them in and not blow all the fuses in the house is another.

Also try cheapdjlights.com They always have specials on par cans and such.