Sneak Preview of the QX2 Options

[garyP]

Here is the Qx2 Clarity DMX decoder with 2 x DMX 512 outputs.

[justinp]

is there any chance to have these run by ethernet ?

[garyP]

Hi Justin,

Yes there is an Artnet to DMX version in the pipeline but is will be a number of months before it is available.

Gary

[LSC TechSupport]

Hi Justin,

What form factor would you want for an ArtNet Node.

The QX nodes are simple desktop boxes, as they will be located next to a computer (due to the 1-2m limit of standard USB cable). However it occurs to me that an ArtNet device would be located remotely, either at the side of stage or in the rig, so the form factor would need to be completely different.

Therefore your comments, and those of any one else, would be useful to the design team.

[justinp]

Hi Richie,

for artnet node, 1u 19inch consist of 8 output seems to be a very good way, you can fit it into a rack.
Or multiple of it into 1 rack such such as 4x8 32 output in it.

but it depends is there going to be a single device of 2 arnet output or more?
using computer can never avoid using usb for hardware device, I think it would be better to reduce the use of usb from a computer, having 1 usb for all will be alot better where 1 hook to wing and from wing hook to another device as a chain.

In a way, we can use the output from the wing and as well as using the artnet as backup unit running from another computer like a hot override feature when something bad happen.

Hi Justin,

What form factor would you want for an ArtNet Node.

The QX nodes are simple desktop boxes, as they will be located next to a computer (due to the 1-2m limit of standard USB cable). However it occurs to me that an ArtNet device would be located remotely, either at the side of stage or in the rig, so the form factor would need to be completely different.

Therefore your comments, and those of any one else, would be useful to the design team.

[guessi]

even for a small "desktop" version I would prefer artnet / ethernet as it is the more stable (mechanics and software) solution. just keep in mind that ethernet by definition is an isolated connection.

[garyP]

Hi guessi,

In the design of the QX "desktop" solution we had a few points to consider:
1) USB gets you power as well - for Ethernet a dedicated power supply would be needed.
Yes Power Over Ethernet exists but it is not that common.
2) For an Ethernet solution, the whole issue of IP addresses comes into play and that is not easy to solve (for the average user).
A standard PC out of the box usually relies on a DHCP server somewhere to arrange an IP address for it.
Without one of these it is not so easy for the average user to get a system working.
3) Plugging in more than one device will complicate the IP issues even further.
4) The QX and VX outputs are fully isolated.

So from a customers point of view USB is (mostly) plug and play so that's why we have gone that way.

However we will produce an Ethernet/Artnet decoder sooner rather than later and your desire for a desktop version will be taken on board.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Lyndon Buckley]

Try the Enttec ODE

[garyP]

A little late in adding this note, but we have released the Ethernet decoders discussed above.
They are called NEXUS Converters and you can find details here

Gary