Oceana w/out DMX

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awdj

awdj

DJ Extraordinaire
Jan 4, 2007
669
221
Hello everyone,

Haven't had time for the big intro or anything, but I have a quick question tonight before I have to run.

I haven't made the big switch to DMX yet, but am looking at adding the Oceana to a very near purchase. Has anyone used it in standalone mode? Is it still worth it, or does it perform a lot better with a controller?

I figured why not start getting a few that will at least be DMX compatible in the meantime.

Thanks in advance!

:sqconfused:
 
Yep!!!

It works very nice in stand alone. As I recall, the two bulbs are 400 watts each, so the effect is nice.
 
I saw that video somewhere else on the board but wasn't sure if that was standalone or not.

Thanks for the advice, I'll probably be adding it to my lineup!
 
That was dmx...all I wanted was back and forth motion...In Standalone it goes through a variety of movements, many I didn't like (a stutter/strobe effects). I'll have it set up at home this weekend (I want to reprogram all my lights). I shoot a video in stand alone and post it.
 
Actually it is one 800W bulb, an "S" shaped bulb developed specifically for this light. It's based off a similar principal to the "RLUX" bulb used years back in the Lotus.

The Oceana is one of our best selling effects. DMX gives you a lot of control, and Tyrone can go into that more with you, but it does work well in standalone too.

Ben

Tyrone Blue said:
It works very nice in stand alone. As I recall, the two bulbs are 400 watts each, so the effect is nice.
Click to expand...
 
Never a bad idea. As Tyrone will tell you, DMX is not the future, it is the NOW. The standard has been around a long time, and it's now affordable enough to be ubiquitous. There are even DMX coffee makers available. No joke! Check out DMX guru Doug Fleenor's site.

Anyway... many jocks are not using DMX yet, but it's certainly nice to know that the lights you acquire now are ready for you when you make that jump. Typically they are better constructed and do not require duty cycles as well.

Just my $0.02. ;)

Ben

awdj said:
I figured why not start getting a few that will at least be DMX compatible in the meantime.
Click to expand...
 
In the meantime, until that video gets posted, does anyone know off the top of your head the lifetime rating on the bulb? Is it really even worth it, as it sounds to be an expensive replacement down the road? I would presume, but of course just curious...
 
What I really wish is that I could see someone using a DMX setup with multiple types of lights all mixed together and see how each are controlled in person hands-on. I understand the concept, but not what the sliders actually do and how automated it is (e.g. how much of the time do you actually have to be 'controlling' the lights, instead of cueing up the next track).

When I make the switch I'll most likely get a couple scanners and a controller and start with that, but that's down the road a bit.
 
Ask and you shall receive... Where are you located?

The bulbs really aren't that bad in price... not as inexpensive as something like a BRL or 64514... but not out of line either for a specialty bulb. If properly fed and watered you'll get quite a bit of life out of that lamp.

Ben

awdj said:
What I really wish is that I could see someone using a DMX setup with multiple types of lights all mixed together and see how each are controlled in person hands-on. I understand the concept, but not what the sliders actually do and how automated it is (e.g. how much of the time do you actually have to be 'controlling' the lights, instead of cueing up the next track).

When I make the switch I'll most likely get a couple scanners and a controller and start with that, but that's down the road a bit.
Click to expand...
 
awdj said:
What I really wish is that I could see someone using a DMX setup with multiple types of lights all mixed together and see how each are controlled in person hands-on. I understand the concept, but not what the sliders actually do and how automated it is (e.g. how much of the time do you actually have to be 'controlling' the lights, instead of cueing up the next track).

When I make the switch I'll most likely get a couple scanners and a controller and start with that, but that's down the road a bit.
Click to expand...

Awdj...The time is spent at home programming the lights......You have 240 scenes that can be programmed...typically 30 banks of 8 scenes...

one scene might be two reds, next scene 2 blues, ...so on...

In gig situations, you can simply scroll through the banks, changing patterns or light fixtures at your discretion.

You can also assigns scenes to chase buttons. I have two chase buttons devoted to my pars...one chase at full brightness, the other at reduced....The others are devoted to the Kinta and Oceana...I can toggle back and forth using the chase buttons...

You can also, while on chase, "call" up another fixture to have it work with that...If your pars are playing, you can strobe them by calling them up, then sliding the knob up to the strobe value..

Then comes analog. i have two starballs and two Chauvet rave 250 shooting Stars...i use a co pilot for these, so it's a matter of toggling those fixtures and blacking out the DMX units.

It sounds complex, but really isn't too bad once you get the hang of it...There's lots of flexibility........
 
Thanks for the info! I'm sure I'll have more questions for you later. I understand how DMX would be great for something like a play, where you've got lots of different static scenes that it could remember, but still have a little trouble seeing how it works in the fast-paced mobile dj world. I'm not doubting it at all, just not seeing it quite yet. I should add that I'm kind of an electronics freak, and the only reason I haven't explored this frontier yet is the money factor. Programming the lights for hours at home beforehand doesn't scare me in the least -- I'm just waiting to see the end result in action, although I almost actually don't want to yet because if I see it it's going to cause my wallet to instantly lighten.

Not to rush anyone, but I would love to get this order out tonight if possible. Did anyone get a video of the Oceana in standalone yet?

:sqbiggrin: :sqrolleyes: :sqerr:
 
awdj said:
I understand how DMX would be great for something like a play, where you've got lots of different static scenes that it could remember, but still have a little trouble seeing how it works in the fast-paced mobile dj world.
:sqbiggrin: :sqrolleyes: :sqerr:
Click to expand...

Its great to have scenes in the DJ world. Set up a scene for cake cutting where two of your scanners can act like spotlights on the bride and groom. During dinner hour let those scanners display images on unique areas of the room. There is a way to set the room with audio, but a way to really set it off with lights. Its a beautiful transition.

Also, it doesn't take hours to set scenes if you only have 5 or 6 units. Just make 20 scenes or so in a programmer and then record them to "chase". Very simple to do.
 
Steve worked for me,,, looks like a cool light... any idea how far it was from the light to that back wall? Just so I can get an idea of the "throw"

mahalo
 
I just ordered the Oceana on Monday, it will be my first DMX capable light.

I thought it was a pretty affordable light and I liked the posted video(s).

Will have to run it on "sound" until I am able to get my controller ordered... :D

I should have it my hands before my "after the first of the year Holiday Party" that is scheduled for this Saturday!

Thanks for posting the videos on this fixture, Steve! :thumbsup:

Kirby
 
Yes Kirby - it will run on sound...and actually the stand alone programs work quite nice...there even a sensitivity knob.

Only thing I found deficient was the knobs that tighten the light into position...No matter how hard you twist, the light seems to drop. I remedied that with some silicon washers.....

With the Kinta - it's a versatile pair....
 
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