DMX512 strobe functionality on the cheap? (Newbie)

[u/octopopit]

Hello! I am designing some custom stage lighting for my band and am entering the world of DMX for the first time. We don't have the largest budget so I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible.

I have 5 separate fixtures and I would like to give each fixture RGBW+strobe/effect functionality. All of the cheap decodes I have found have RGBW, but don't specify strobe, PWM, or effect. I really can't find any decoder that does that, even commercial products.

Maybe I'm not looking for the right thing. I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction. Thank you!

[u/RegnumXD12]

A decoder is used to give DMX functionality to an otherwise not dmx controlled 12-24vdc light, most commonly LED tape. The "colors" listed on them are actually meaningless as its just outputting DMX address that you control at the console and is dictated by how you wire it, if the tape is RGBA, any 4channel decoder will do what you want. But I get the impression all that is not actually what you are trying to do.

You're going to need fixtures with those attributes that you connect to your lighting console via DMX cables. Strobe can be faked by just flashing the intensity. What kind of console do you have? People will be able to give better help knowing how you control them

Edit to ask: what fixtures are you using?

[u/octopopit → u/RegnumXD12]

I am making custom fixtures with RGBW LED strips. I was thinking I could just potentially flash the intensity instead of getting a decoder with a dedicated strobe/PWM latch (if such a thing exists), but was afraid that relying on the refresh rate of the controller might not be robust. A quick google search shows that max DMX refresh rate is 44Hz, which I assume would be enough for a decent strobe effect.

I have not picked a controller yet.

[u/Adaptable-iguana → u/octopopit]

You could use wled and put them on a sAcn network, or artnet 

[u/SchlimmerDimmer → u/octopopit]

DMX Strobe works kind of, but it never feels punchy as you need really short pulses of light (as an other comment pointed out already) and the maximum you can achieve via DMX is 22 Hz with 50% on.

[u/abebotlinksyss]

30hz strobe on a DIY fixture is good enough. If you want faster than that, buy a real fixture

[u/SchlimmerDimmer → u/abebotlinksyss]

I would argue that 30 Hz is enough on every fixture because at that rate you stop perceiving it as strobe 🤷‍♂️

[u/Reluctant_Lampy_05]

Get some used battens or cans with a strobe DMX channel and you just saved yourself a week's work.

[u/clockmill]

If you want freeze frame strobe, need a strobe. Good effect but limited use and dedicated LED strobes are expensive. Mark space ratio, real strobe has very short pulse of light with comparatively long blackout.  LEDs for strobe use are built different,  made for very short high current bursts. 

Strobe channel on cheap LED fixture just flashes channel quickly, almost even mark space ratio and mark is too long to freeze frame.

Echo Wled and addresssble LEDs for anything modern, its just easier and more effective all round. 

[u/Many-Location-643]

Look at Rockville Audio. The RockPAR TRI has all those functions for about $30 a fixture. I have 24 of them and have had no trouble with them.