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    Jeff Toussieng
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What is the correct pc program

Sorry,  because I haven't been following a certain line I am a bit confused so I will try to ask as clear as possible.

I, and I'm sure many others have been waiting for a way to run my rigs with my laptop using the EOS family. It appears that may now be possible but very unclear what is needed. I see the offline software has been renamed Nomad but there seem to be a few Nomad's out there so don't know what is correct. Seems simple enough, software on the laptop (old offline software download as whatever it is now) and a dongle to convert usb to dmx.

Since I have nothing I don't know what to look for to purchase.

Also I think I am understanding correctly that when using the software and dongle there is only 1/2 of one universe available. So that means if we can't fit all the show into that space then we can't use it as the Master or only control.

This is probably more of a Question than Discussion, which I have never really understood the difference on what to bullet anyway. Seems it's a black and white thing. So please help.

Thank you.

  • in reply to Robin Baston

    I tend to disagree Robin.

    If you by a Titan One you get one universe of output over DMX, that's it. What if you want to use your existing nodes, or what if you want more universes? You can't! ETC's offering allows you to just connect your laptop to an existing network and control up to 4 universes worth. If you do want a USB to DMX device the Gadget is available if you want it.

    Cheers

    Dan

  • in reply to dsmurfin
    there is no denying the advantages of more universes, But sometimes you just need to be down and dirty with the one universe which is more than adequate to run 20 or thirty LEDs and a few movers for an one off outdoor show. Once i set up a magic sheet or direct Selects, Namad/Eos is great for this.......Buuuut. if i need to buy a $2000 license dongle to make it run...then that for me defeats Mobility. you last point re Gadget being available......are you saying if i just have the gadget, then i can use Nomad to output live, but just the one universe. If so this is exactly what i want. please confirm.
  • in reply to Robin Baston
    You still need the dongle because that is the bit that permits output. The gadget is merely a USB to DMX device if you need that. I'm not 100% sure on US pricing, but I'm pretty convinced a 512 output dongle isn't $2000 though.
  • in reply to dsmurfin
    Dan, i don't know the pricing either, but i'm pretty sure, there is no Nomad 512. there's 256, 1024, 1536, 2048.
  • in reply to dsmurfin
    Dongle for 256 Outputs is US$480-$500.....Not a full universe.....Next up is two universe at $1520 ....add Gadget at $250 Which doesnt provide as there is only one out put. http://www.musson.com/nomad-dongle.html. So the cheapest thing for anything useful with only one DMX universe(not Net) is nearly $1800. Now compare with Titan Mobile, and Titan one. Titan Mobile is a $4000 Mini console, with faders , encoders and 4 universes. and no additional software licensing. The Titan licensed Dongle and DMX interface for output from laptop, is $200. im not trying to sell Titan, I want ETC to do better with their pricing. its a licence for pete's sake, not hardware that understandably will have manufacturing costs.
  • in reply to Robin Baston

    ETC are missing the 1 universe license, this isn't the first time someone has asked why they're selling the Gadget but not a license to fit it.

    But ETC should not be in a race to the bottom of price point. When you buy hardware or a software license you're paying for future development, testing and tech support not just the special USB key.

  • in reply to Nick Simmons
    Precisely Nick. ETC Has the best Hardware and software out there.....Why not beat all the markets. And one of them is the one universe, laptop run a show market......I would pay more then the Titan one $200 (which i use now) to run Nomad instead. maybe $300.....hell i would even spring for a touch screen monitor to plug into my laptop. This would give me a really viable solution when i go on the road.
  • in reply to Robin Baston
    The reason is that $300 nowhere near covers what you're getting. That is a 1 universe lighting desk you have with all the control of an Eos Ti, just no physical hardware. Software has become vastly undervalued, it's as expensive if not more expensive that hardware.
  • in reply to dsmurfin

    Also Titan then lower their price to undercut ETC and then it's a race to the bottom again.

    Manufactures are only producing these products in the hope that you then move on to  real hardware which pays for future software and product development. It's expensive just keeping up with the fixture library.

  • in reply to Nick Simmons
    Titan 1 software with dongle is preciesly that. All the power of any Avolite desk without the hardware . GrandMA have the same thing albeit a bit pricier. And of course they offer this solution hoping one will move up and get hardware. But tgey also offer it so that their users that alresdy have or are familiar withier product via hardware, dont switch when they are on the road.
  • in reply to Robin Baston
    We are releasing a 512 output dongle shortly (I don't know the time frame). Gadget originally was introduced as a way to configure the Desire series of LED's that are RDM capable. Something to remember too Robin is with that usb dongle you're buying you also get a level of customer support that no other company can provide.
  • in reply to jselander
    guys ....you dont have to sell me on ETC....ETC is the best, it has the most user friendly and capable machines for theatre work. and yes i have surely benefited from its 24/7 excellent customer support. A 512 dongle will be a definite step forward.
  • On a current show, I'm using the Nomad software with the dongle and Gadget, and it's *very* impressive. If you're using movers, you'll want an external trackball, or at least a mouse, rather than a trackpad.
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