2010 Aurora Status / DMX beta

Originally posted by ChrisL1976 Tom.....I guess there is a question for Michael.  Is Aurora going to be strictly E1.31 output or will the V3 D-light dongle work also?

From the Facebook page:
"To update D-Light controllers to DMX is a relatively simple process which involves switching out one socketed chip on each controller. If nobody else steps up to the plate I will be happy to program your preprogram PICs and ship them to you for only the cost of the PIC itself and shipping. You do *not* need to mess with your D-Light V2 or V3 adapters because they will no longer be used (an E1.31 adapter, such as the DR4, replaces them)."

The model mentioned is the EthConGateway ECG-DR4 from Joshua 1 Systems.  It lists for $145 plus shipping.

Originally posted by ChrisL1976 Thanks, I missed that post. If I remember right, I believe JS1 is coming out with 2 universe ECG this year though for a bit cheaper.  Keep an eye out for possible  presale pricing if you plan to go that route.  If you are ever planning on using RGB pixels.....go ahead and go the DR4 route because you will need the channels.

In this thread Michael refers to an Aurora product that WAS going to be produced by Joshua 1 Systems:

Originally posted by LightsOnLogan We may bring back D-Light dongle and OpenDMX USB based DMX solutions in the future, but they are not our target for development at this point in time.  All active development is focused on E1.31 right now. We were negotiating with J1 to produce an Aurora branded E1.31 adapter with only 2 universes at a lower entry price point ($89-$99 range), but in the end we decided to focus on the software and to stay out of the hardware business. Michael

If this is the "2 universe ECG" to which you are referring, Michael is no longer pursuing negotiations with Josua 1 Systems to offer this adapter.  So the price point remains at $145 plus shipping for the ECG-DR4.

Thanks Chris & Tom.  Now I can look forward to the enhanced version of Aurora without major revamping of my system.

I'm looking at this from a more optimistic standpoint. Where else can you get a "dual" 255-Channel controller for $145? Granted, the "lights" aren't cheap, but when you are no longer constrained to a handful of colors, tons of extension cords, and having several 20A circuits to deal with; I think its well worth it.

Now, I may be waaaay off base, as I have no way at the moment to verify this; but it would appear than the DMX is on NET32 - leaving 31 "Nets" available for the D-Light serial dongle. Wouldn't both be useable simultaneously?

LC.....its going to depend on how Michael sets it up.  E1.31 and DL dongles use different ports on your computer.  So there is no issue there


Edited by ChrisL1976 - 12 Jul 2011 at 4:42pm