Lights and Sound: MPX to DMX Conversion Module

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MPX to DMX Conversion Module

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Lights and Sound
Forum Discription: Technical discussion
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5538
Printed Date: 12/04/24 at 2:16pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: MPX to DMX Conversion Module

Posted By: Mike C
Subject: MPX to DMX Conversion Module
Date Posted: 1/16/14 at 1:15pm

Need some info on the different MPX to DMX converter modules available. Is one better than the other? Leviton I/F 501 OR DMX-later I se. Any advice? We currently have an old controller sending to NSI 8600 dimmer packs. We would like to change to a laptop controller(Daslight?)/dongle/DMX splitter out to our converter(conventional lighting) and eventual DMX lighting add-ons. I apologize if I don't sound too knowledgeable on the subject of lighting. I am just a volunteer trying to update our old lighting system.

Replies:

Posted By: dionysus
Date Posted: 3/27/14 at 11:44am

Yay I can finally post! (New Member).

Okay. Which NSI MPX controller are you using? Many of these can be upgraded to speak DMX, which is a much more elegant solution as you "cut out a middle man".
Likewise the NSI DDS 8600 can be converted to speak DMX512.

Converting the console is fairly easy if you have the right skillset if it is an MC7xxx model (most common). You just have to install a chip and a 5-pin connector, the ability for the board to speak DMX is really factory loaded they just only installed those two components to make it work on some "models" (see "money grab"). Note that you will have to "plug-in" the board to make it run off of DMX OR to use a converter (as the packs will not power the console via the DMX).

As for external converters can't really say one is better than the others. Personally I'm a fan of the more utilitarian multi-converters, right now I can't think of a name (haven't installed one in MANY years) but the one I found really worked well converts between ANY lighting protocol. This includes DMX, MPX, AMX, 0-10v, etc. At least with one like this you can make any lighting board work with any dimmer.

I installed a DMX-to-MPX converter in my old highschool ages ago to make their DMX consoles speak to the NSI packs that they had (cheaper than converting all of them), in addition to the DMX devices. Note to do this the MPX converter should be at the END of the dmx chain. I can't recall how much this converter was, but it was MUCH cheaper than the Leviton one. Do a search online.

Reply to let me know if you have further questions.