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May 2012

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by Michael S. Eddy

I have used Leprecon lighting tree-mount dimmer packs for years, finding them rugged, reliable and often indestructible (not that that was my intention). If you only occasionally use your sanctuary for performances, a couple of lighting trees with controllable lighting are nice items to add to your production. If you have a lighting tree with some fixtures, such as those often found in a multipurpose room, a dimmer pack that you can plug into a wall outlet and use to power some stage lights is a very handy tool. They are portable, easy to set up and simple for volunteers to understand. Leprecon dimmer packs have always been a truly nice dimming option. On the other hand, running DMX control cables from dimmer pack to dimmer pack, especially in a large room, is always time consuming and hiding the cable runs can| at times be problematic.

Having a wireless DMX system to run dimmers—as well as other DMX devices like automated lighting and special effects devices—makes life a lot easier. Wireless DMX has come a long way in just the past few years and is now within the reach of many churches, regardless of budgetary constraints or the staff’s technical knowledge. It’s a good time to take an in-depth look at Leprecon’s latest offerings that have wireless DMX as an option.

Launched in April 2008, the Wireless DMX addition to the ULD Series Dimmers is the result of Leprecon partnering up with Sweden’s Wireless Solutions and using their W-DMX products for connectivity. I applaud Leprecon’s decision to work with a manufacturer with an existing product line, especially one that is very well-regarded, rather than trying to develop its own wireless DMX transmitters and receivers.

The Wireless Solutions’ W-DMX wireless products use AFHSS, Adaptive Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum, along with a number of other techniques to avoid interference and create a reliable wireless link. With the W-DMX line you can create wireless point-to-point, point-to-multi-point and multi-point to multi-point installations. All the ULD dimmers ship with a 2 dBi antenna.

With the W-DMX system you can run up to 16 DMX universes. Features include a range of up to 2,000 feet indoors with a 2 dBi antenna; the units operate in the 2.45 GHz range; and have an LED indicator for power and the presence of a DMX signal. Non-volatile memory holds settings for power level and hopping pattern in case of power loss.

The ULD dimmer packs measure 14.15 inches long by 5.82 inches wide by 4.05 inches deep and weighs 8.35 or 10.35 lbs depending on the model.

Each dimmer in the Leprecon ULD series packs are equipped with dual 25A SSRs and illuminated magnetic breakers. The dimmers also include over-voltage and over-temperature protection. The chokes are fully encapsulated, which aids in keeping the dimmers fairly quiet. There is a display-based menu system that allows each channel to be defined as either a non-dim, fluorescent dimmer or fixed intensity level.

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Michael S. Eddy writes about design and technology. He can be reached at mseddy2900@hotmail.com.   .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)