Converters

We're all about creating dynamic shows by mixing lights, music and motion via electrical control of almost anything and everything.  Ready to dazzle your audience? 

In the perfect world we'd use the same computer network like in your office (Ethernet) but it's not really designed for outdoor use.  We could use the same technology the big data and telephone providers use but it's cost prohibitive for the typical customer.  After years of research we determined the trusty RS-485 communications protocol was perfect for the demanding use of computerized shows in all types of environment.  We use a special language for computers and controllers to communicate with each other that's optimized for great shows.  We put this all together and call it the Light-O-Rama data network. 

How do you connect your computer into the Light-O-Rama data network?  Don't worry.  We've made it easy.  We have several types of converters to make the way your computer likes to talk and convert it into the way the Light-O-Rama network likes to talk.  In most cases it's plug and play so everything is transparent.

Having trouble understanding how your computer will control the rest of the world using Light-O-Rama products?  It's not the hard to understand once you master the basics. Here's an example of controlling your outdoor Christmas lights.

1. The Light-O-Rama ShowTime Software works on your personal computer running Microsoft Windows and allows you to design your own shows.  ShowTime Software then runs your shows and sends the right commands at the right time to the various control channels.  ShowTime Software can even keep music synchronized to the controller commands.
2. Speakers to play the music accompanying your show are attached to the computer sound card.
3. Your personal computer communicates to the controllers using a device plugged into your computer's serial or USB communications port.  The blue line shows the standard serial output of your computer (RS-232 or USB) out of your PC where it enters our converter that transforms the signal to the native Light-O-Rama network protocol (the green line) that connects to our various types of controllers over standard computer network wire.  We recommend Cat 5 LAN cables available from us and off-the-shelf from your local big box store in the computer section.
4. The Light-O-Rama ShowTime Pro or ShowTime PC controllers include special effects such as simple on/off, intensities, smooth fading, twinkling, shimmering.  Up to 200 controllers (each handling 16 unique electrical circuits) can be daisy chained on the LOR network giving you the ability to control over 3200 channels
5. Electrical power is supplied to the controller placed close to your lights so you don't need to run long extension cords.  Commands from the ShowTime Software suite are performed on each controller.  Power to each of the attached lighting circuits  is controlled independently.  Think of having many dimmer switches that the computer can change very quickly and independently.

Need some other examples of typical Light-O-Rama data network setups?  We've got a few suggestions. 

Having trouble getting your converter to work?  Checkout our converter troubleshooting guide.

	SC485 - RJ45 Serial Adapter The SC485 Serial Connector converts the short range RS-232 serial output of the computer into the industry standard, long range RS-485 protocol. It is required to communicate between your personal computer and the Light-O-Rama data network. Only one SC485 is required to operate an entire network of controllers (see item 3 in the diagram above.)  Check the back of your computer for a 9-pin male connector to match the adapter in the picture.  If you don't see this connector, you have a newer computer with USB ports so see below. 5/8”h x 1 3/8”w X 2” d.  Datasheet.  Manual.
	USB - RJ45 Serial Adapter The USB485 Serial Connector converts the short range Universal Serial Bus (USB) output of your computer into the industry standard, long range RS-485 protocol used by the Light-O-Rama data network.  Only one USB485 is required to operate an entire network of controllers (see item 3 in the diagram above.) ncluded is a filtered 6' USB cable.  5/8”h x 1 3/8”w X 2” d.  Datasheet.  Manual.
	USB - RJ45 Serial Adapter with Booster The USB485B Serial Connector with Booster converts the short range Universal Serial Bus (USB) output of your computer into the industry standard, long range RS-485 protocol used by the Light-(see item 3 in the diagram above.)O-Rama data network.  Only one USB485B is required to operate an entire network of controllers (see item 3 in the diagram above.)  Included is a filtered 6' USB cable.  1 1/8”h x 2 5/8”w x 2 5/8” d.  Datasheet.  Manual. The USB485B has a built in voltage booster that provides power for LOR accessories such as the Easy Light Linker wireless unit. If you are going to connect a wireless unit directly to a PC or if you plan on future interactive displays you should choose the USB485B.
	RS-485 Network Repeater The Light-O-Rama Network Repeater makes it possible to support an extremely large network of controllers. Perfect for a network that is not simply a wire running from one controller to the next in a daisy chain.  The status LED indicates power (flashing) and connection to your computer or ShowTime Director (solid.)  1 1/8”h x 2 5/8”w x 2 5/8” d. Can extend a Light-O-Rama network beyond the 4,000’ maximum distance permitted by the RS485 electrical protocol Allows complex Light-O-Rama network topologies in addition to the recommended daisy-chain Powered by nearby Light-O-Rama controllers over the network cable so no separate power supply is needed Small enough to fit inside a controller box for outdoor applications • Bi-directional to support interactive inputs on controllers No configuration required — simply plug in the Light-O-Rama network cables Has one RJ45 jack on the front and two RJ45 jacks on the back to allow the network to ‘Y’
	USB Isolated Adapter The USB-485-ISO converts the short range USB output of the computer into the industry standard, long range RS-485 protocol used by the Light-O-Rama data network. Only one USB485-ISO is required to operate an entire network of LOR controllers (see item 3 in the diagram above.)   1 1/8”h x 2 5/8”w x 2 5/8” d. The USB485-ISO completely isolates the PC's USB connection from the RS-485 network. This can be important when you have multiple networks and each network is large. The USB-485-ISO has a built in, isolated voltage booster that provides power for Light-O-Rama accessories such as the Easy Light Linker wireless unit.  Includes a 6' USB cable.
	Still don't see what you want?  Checkout the other options in our store.