MIDI/Pedal Triggered Lasers and smoke.

[DubluW]

Hi guys.



I was really impressed after seeing the article on visuals with mixemergency and it's sparked a bit of interest in me. On top of onscreen visuals i was thinking hardware that could be triggered by MIDI would be really cool. The ability to switch between lasers/smoke blasts/strobes etc in time with your music would be really cool i think.

I have absolutely no clue where to start with this and don't know if it's possible with fairly cheap equipment or a DIY workaround. I have a couple of lasers and a smoke machine that are triggered with a remote of sorts. I was thinking if MIDI isn't possible, then some savvy electrical work with footpedals would be pretty cool as well.


Has anyone got any ideas?

[VanGogo]

I believe many DMX controllers have a midi connection that you can trigger your different scenes with an external midi controller. I use an Chauvet Obey 70 and it has this capability. Not sure about software lighting control set ups, but it would make sense for those to have it also.

[DubluW]

I don't think mine do. They're just bog standard KAM lasers with a little remote and a power cable and no sort of input etc. The Smoke machine might just require rewiring to a footpedal, but i've no idea where to start with the lasers.

[VanGogo]

Since the only control you have on the lasers is the remote and no DMX, I don't think you would be able to do anything via midi with out some serious IR remote hacking, making a midi to IR converter of some sort, etc. which I don't even know if it's possible.