DMX Controllers
In order to send DMX from your computer to your fixtures, you need a hardware controller or converter.
ENTTEC
A piece of hardware to control your fixtures/daisychain through USB.
HKU students can borrow this at the uitleen JK, uitleen PT and uitleen ON.
For you computer to recognise the hardware you need to install a driver
Quick & dirty way is to install EMU : https://www.enttec.co.uk/en/downloademu185639027/
EMU info & download
EMU (the software by ENTTEC) is designed for musicians, DJs and live artists with live performances in mind. The interface is quick to learn and easy to use. EMU allows for the synchronisation of lighting and music with oscillators in real time, though MIDI. Whether you want to control LED washes, moving heads, dimmer packs, smoke machines, scanners, moonflowers… You name it, you can control them using EMU’s audio to DMX or Art-Net output.
Installing EMU will also function as a driver for your ENTTEC device.
Download EMU here (register first)
A tutorial on getting started with EMU:
ArtNet
Art-Net uses ethernet for transmitting lighting data, making it easy to transfer of large amounts of DMX512 data over a wide area using standard networking technology. It is an implementation of DMX512-A protocol over UDP. This can be done through a LANcable or wireless to a receiver/converter.
To receive ArtNet data & convert it to DMX you need a hardware converter. *
For HKU students the Blackbox JK is equipped with ArtNet, not for loan.
more info: https://art-net.org.uk/
*Do you have some Arduino experience? Build your own!
https://www.instructables.com/Arduino-Artnet-Node/