Generic Starter Kit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Do I need to purchase a controller to get the starter package?
Yes, you do need to purchase one or more controllers from Light-O-Rama to purchase the starter package. If you have previously purchased controllers from Light-O-Rama, that will entitle you to a Generic Starter Package purchase.  Any controller purchase including kits qualifies you for the Starter Package.

Q. What else do I need?
With one or more Light-O-Rama controllers and a Generic Starter Package you will be able to create and run a show from your PC.  You will need to add a way to get sound from your PC to the people watching the show. This can be done using powered speakers and/or a FM transmitter. We sell an FM transmitter that would be perfect.

Q. What version of the Showtime Software Suite License should I get?
The first thing to consider is how many controllers you will have. Higher levels of software support more controllers.  The Basic version of our ShowTime Software Suite will support two controller which is a maximum of 32 channels. The advanced level of the ShowTime Software Suite has no limits. Beyond the number of controllers supported is the different features available to create sequences and shows. The Basic version is certainly powerful enough to get you started.  You can always upgrade later if you decide to add channels or want to use more features. Click here for a ShowTime Software Suite comparison.

Q. Do I receive a software box or CD with my software order?
To reduce packaging, postage and handling costs, we distribute our software electronically, via downloads, with an emailed license key. You have an option (at additional cost) for a CD which will be mailed to you with the starter package.

Q. Which Connector should I get?
The USB485 adapter is most commonly used. If you think you may some day upgrade to a wireless system then you should get the USB485B. If your PC does not have a USB port then get the SC485 serial adapter. The Easy Light Linker wireless option allows you to go from your PC to the outdoors without a cable from your PC to the controller(s).  See some typical setup configurations.

Q. What length cable do I need?
The length of the cable depends on the distance between the PC and your controller.  If you select wireless you will get two 10' cables. If you need a longer cable between the PC or controller and the wireless unit then order a cable of the required length.

Q. Do I need to use a PC to run the show?
The generic starter package will support the running of shows from your PC or from a Light-O-Rama ShowTime Director.  With one of the ShowTime Directors (not included in the Generic Starter Package) you can run the show without the need to tie up a PC. In a pinch you can use the PC while the show is running but disable Window's audio so you do not extraneous sounds.

Q. How long does the Software key take to arrive via email?
Online order processing for software is automated.  Most license keys are sent out via email within 5 minutes of an online order being made.  Depending on your  email system,  there may be some additional delay with your email provider.  About 5% of orders are flagged for manual checking (typically when there is a possibility of fraud.)  In these cases it might take up to one business day to verify the order and send out the key.

Q. It has been 24 hours and my Software key has not arrived.
Some email providers incorrectly identifying real emails as spam. So check your spam folder to see if the email has been misclassified. If possible, whitelist all email from our domain @lightorama.com. It is VERY important that you do this, because if our first email was misclassified, there is a good chance that all subsequent emails will also be misclassified. Then if you do not receive an email within 24 hours email us at software@lightorama.com with the order details and a contact phone number.

Q.  Where do I order the Generic Starter Kit?
We though you'd never ask!  Click her to purchase the generic starter kit in our store.