Photo of DMX-lator I
Everybody has to start someplace.  For DMX-tools that start was the solution to my own problem in providing lighting for local-band shows.  I needed a DMX-512 controller to operate my new moving-light effects, but had several thousand dollars invested in old-protocol dimmers.  Running them from two different controllers was a hassle, especially when I was trying to run the sound system at the same time.  The DMX-lator I  translates a block of up to 128 DMX-512 channels to a multiplex protocol compatible with NSI microplex, James Lighting MUX-64 and other similar systems.

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Photo of DMX-lator II
 The DMX-lator II is a mirror-image device that translates up to 64 channels of analog-multiplex control to DMX-512.  I designed it at the request of my first retail dealer, who suggested that some customers would want to expand their systems by adding lower-cost DMX-512 dimmer packs and simple effects without having to replace their existing controller.  It's especially good for the musician who wants a foot-controller to operate his lights from the stage while singing and/or playing an instrument.  Feature-rich foot-controllers have been available for the older multiplex systems for years - the few I've seen for DMX-512 are extremely limited by comparison.

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Photo of Dmx-lator III
 NEW!  A few years ago, Yorkville Sound began manufacturing a packaged lighting system for bands wishing to do their own lighting from the stage.  It is relatively inexpensive and easy to set-up and operate, but not easily expandable - the LP-608 controller is limited to 8 channels and the protocol is incompatible with any industry-standard lighting system.  The DMX-lator III solves the expansion problem by translating DMX-512 signals from any DMX-512 controller into the Yorkville protocol.

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PRICING
Part Number
 Description
 Suggested Retail Price
512264
(no suffix)
 DMX-lator I - Standard version translates up to 64 channels  for James Lighting MUX-64 and original NSI microplex. Detects old Lightronics LMX dimmers and automatically switches to their 40-channel protocol.  Will also work with newer NSI, Leprecon and Lightronics "Microplex-128" dimmer packs, but only 64 channels.  Will not work with Sunn or ETA Ultraplex.
$249.95
512264M
 DMX-lator I - Microplex-128 version translates the full 128 channels for newer NSI, Leprecon and Lightronics dimmer packs marked as microplex-128.  Will not work with Sunn or ETA Ultraplex,  James MUX-64 or old microplex-64 dimmer packs, but is the most cost-effective solution for large microplex-128 systems.  IMPROVED! Now also detects old Lightronics LMX dimmers and automatically switches to their 40-channel protocol.

$249.95
512264S
 DMX-lator I - Sunn/ETA Ultraplex version translates 32 channels.  The Ultraplex system assumed a maximum of 32 channels.  These dimmer packs become confused and misbehave if they see more than 32 channels of data.  Works well with all, but only to a maximum of 32 channels.  IMPROVED! Now also detects old Lightronics LMX dimmers and automatically switches to their 40-channel protocol.

$249.95
642512
 DMX-lator II - Translates up to 64 channels of MUX-64, LMX, Microplex, Sunn-plex or Ultraplex to DMX-512, allowing existing systems to be expanded with new, lower-cost DMX-512 dimmer packs.  Will not work with old Lightronics LMX controllers.  IMPROVED!  A new digital filter prevents MUX-side noise from sneaking through to the DMX side.


$209.95
512304
 DMX-lator III translates up to 8 channels of DMX-512 to Yorkville protocol to operate LP-304 light bars.  Standard 5-pin XLR-style connectors for DMX IN and OUT.
$149.95
512304-3
 DMX-lator III with 3-pin XLR-style connectors for DMX IN and OUT, for use with lower-cost DMX-512 equipment.
 $149.95
642512P
 Optional plug power-supply for DMX-lator II.  Under normal conditions, the existing Microplex, Ultraplex or MUX-64 dimmer packs provide power to both the controller and the DMX-lator II.  Needed only if there are no Microplex, Ultraplex or MUX-64 dimmer packs in the system.  In that case, the plug supply delivers power to both the DMX-lator II and the controller.

$24.95

Coming Soon
At DMX-tools I try to be responsive to my customers.  I have several new products in the pipeline as a direct result of customer requests.  Unfortunately, until recently my plans vastly exceeded my development budget, so most of them stayed in the pipeline.  Things are looking up, though, and the  DMX-to Yorkville DMX-lator III was pushed to the head of the queue by dint of the sheer volume of requests I received.    Next up, already in prototype testing, will be the long-promised single-rack-space, 32 channel, DMX-512 to 0-10 volt analog translator.  It features per-channel activity LEDs (a useful troubleshooting aid) and pluggable, european-style terminal blocks for the analog connections (no ribbon-cables to build or separate connector panels to buy).

And, as always, I'm open to suggestions from my customers.

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