The ART-DC runs off industrial or car batteries and dims lights up to 20A. It's currently available in 4-channel/32A modules, and it can be either a dimming or a relay/switching module. It's ideal for dimming car headlights and other HMI/HID automotive lightsources, say Avolites. A 'Battery Save' function kicks in to conserve energy if there's no control signal, and there's local control and a useful and easily readable LCD front panel display for status and diagnostics - including battery voltage measurement. There's opto-isolated DMX in and out. The ART-DC is designed to be used outdoors. It's small and portable, measuring just 275 x 290 mm by 110mm high - just over A4 size - and weighs 3.2kg.
Also new from Avo is mDMX (for 'Mains DMX') - a unique and highly reliable wired and wireless method for sending DMX over mains cabling using Ethernet. This uses multiple multiplexing technology to module multiple DMX universes down a standard mains cable. The attraction of running just one cable is obvious and it's designed for situations where data cable management is a problem, e.g. moving trusses and scenery, FOH data runs. It currently has a maximum capacity of four DMX universes running concurrently over a distance of 400m. mDMX is fully compatible with the versatile and popular Avolites eDMX wireless system.
Avolites' implementation of the dAFTdATA WENDI wireless data protocol is a new sister product to eDMX, that works on the 5.8GHz range. Specifically designed for long-range work and point-to-point, clear line of sight solutions where the 2.4GHz spectrum is busy. Avolites' eDMX now offers this completely new frequency range, giving users increased flexibility over the design of their wireless systems.
Also new is the Diamond 4 'Active Personality' system - an innovation that creates a seamless link to Media Servers and Ethernet enabled fixtures. 'Active Personality' enables media clips to be viewed as graphic thumbnails from the Diamond 4 console. Finally, Avolites will show the latest software for Pearl 2004, including Shapes in Chases, Playback and Palette Legends, Quick Palettes, Filter Palettes and Palette Pages.
Avolites can be found on stand J30/J34 at the PLASA Show.
(Lee Baldock)
