congo kid, channels vs. devices

Question

Helo, 
 I'm just a little confused about one product specification. Does 256 channels mean 256 DMX adresses or 256 possible devices, which have to fit into 1024 DMX outputs? Do I need channel upgrade in case I'm never going to run more than 256 devices, but I will probably need more than 256 DMX adresses to rule them all? 
 Congo Kid has two DMX universes. Each one has this 256 channels thing alone, whatever that means? 
 Thanks for answer.

starksk · Accepted Answer

Hi Tomas Lohin , The Congo Kid has 1024 DMX outputs. You can patch those outputs across 256/512 control channels (depending on channel upgrade). So, on a console with 256 control channels, if you have 256 devices, their collective number of addresses cannot exceed 1024. (i.e.: You could patch 256x RGBA fixtures in a 4ch mode (= 1024 outputs), but not 256x RGBA fixtures in a 7ch mode (= 1792 outputs).) Does that help? Kirk

starksk · Answer

Essentially yes. You can have unlimited number of dimmers (up to the output limit of the console (1024)) patched to the same control channel, but only one device per control channel. It does not matter which protocol is being used to actually communicate with the dimmers/devices. 
 
A device is defined as any multi-parameter unit that is more than just an intensity control.