wireless dimmers versus the ION/EOS RFU.

In my experience the City Theatrical wireless DMX systems stomp on almost all other 2.4Ghz wireless systems.  I have come across systems that could not have a wireless access point or wireless RFU working with them.  I don't know of any work around at this time.  The City Theatrical boxes are very reliable within themselves but can cause pure havoc among other wireless systems.

Andrew Webberley

The ShowDMX system can be reconfigured to use a smaller part of the 2.4GHz spectrum.

By default it stamps on the entire band and shuts down everything else in it. You should always squash it into the smallest space that it still works well in.

If you have equipment to 'sniff' and look at the usage of the 2.4GHz band you should be able to find a suitable range to move it to, otherwise it's a case of trial and error.

I'd suggest trying something like this:

• Turn ShowDMX and the RFR basestation off.
• Turn on the RFR handset only and scan for frequencies with two or three stars.
• Now configure ShowDMX to use one range that had two to three stars, and turn it on.
• Configure the RFR handset to another frequency that still has three stars, and then move the basestation to it.

That should usually give you reasonable wireless, hopefully without stamping on other users of the spectrum.

The key thing to remember is that 2.4GHz is licence-free. This means that everyone and their dog is using it (even Starbucks!) - you cannot consider it to be yours, and you can't expect the band to stay clear.

The other side of the coin is that you should be nice to other users. Don't configure your systems to swamp the whole band.

The default whole-band setting of ShowDMX is intended to help you quickly check the hardware is working, because it will almost always get through - but you shouldn't ever leave it set like that, as it will annoy everybody else!

could you expand on the concept of "equipment to sniff?" what would that be?  does the RFR Handset display the stars? 

thanx,

Marty

While the RFR is off, hold down the "More Softkeys" button, then switch on. This will boot you into the frequency changing mode. Then with the right wheel, you can change the frequency and it will give you a rating (the stars - 3 is best) for each of the available channels. Dont forget that if you change your settings on the handheld, you need to also change it on your console. Exit Eos/Ion, then hit the settings button, and then hit the RFR, and change to the appropriate settings.

While the RFR is off, hold down the "More Softkeys" button, then switch on. This will boot you into the frequency changing mode. Then with the right wheel, you can change the frequency and it will give you a rating (the stars - 3 is best) for each of the available channels. Dont forget that if you change your settings on the handheld, you need to also change it on your console. Exit Eos/Ion, then hit the settings button, and then hit the RFR, and change to the appropriate settings.

hi Brian, thanks for the answer. Marty