Integrating DMX with Show Control

In this lesson, we’ll learn about how DMX fits in the world of show control and themed attractions.

Though theme park attractions rely on the same core concepts we discussed earlier in this course, they tend to take a unique approach when it comes to control of a DMX lighting system.

Lighting consoles are typically the most popular lighting control systems since they are well-suited for mainstream applications like live performance spaces.  They are designed with human operators in mind and have tons of user-interface features like touch screens, faders, knobs, buttons, and blinky LEDs.

Theme park attractions are quite different though.  They need to be highly automated and require lighting control to be tightly linked to other automated systems like audio, video, animated figures, ride control, and special effects.  Synchronizing lighting with these other systems is a job best handled by Show Controllers.

For complex lighting systems, show controllers are used in conjunction with industrial lighting control systems.  These types of lighting controllers are much more compact than lighting consoles.  They also have no built-in user interface, so they are programmed remotely using a computer running a suite of development tools.

Simple lighting systems can bypass the separate lighting controller altogether and actually be handled by the show control system itself.  For example, queue line venues with typical lighting needs could be controlled directly with a V16X or V4X show controller:

This concept makes even more sense for ride vehicle applications where space, weight, and power consumption are critical resources.  It doesn’t make sense to add any more equipment (including extra lighting controllers) to the vehicle, especially since that equipment is not likely designed to withstand the harsh high-vibration environment of a ride vehicle.  A single RidePlayer unit can provide all of the show control, audio playback, and lighting control needs:

As you can see, there are plenty of applications where it makes sense to implement DMX control directly from an Alcorn McBride V16X, V4X, or RidePlayer unit.  Especially when you consider how tightly this control will be synchronized with the other systems in themed attractions.