Stairville DS-2 RF DMX

Great way to add DMX dimming to standard lights

I installed this to convert some small installed spots into DMX controllable lights. I have it hooked into my DMX controller and have the included slider so they can be used without the DMX board. I would buy this again, and may for other lights!

Good but a bit loud

Pros:

Good product for a great price.

Well built.

Cons:

A bit loud when dimming. It is totally ok for 95% of the cases, but for cases when silence is needed, this might not be the way to go.

Fonctionne très bien à un prix plus que modeste

J'utilise régulièrement ce produit pour piloter des petites faces ou en complément d'un gradateur standard quand il me manque des canaux.

Je n'ai eu aucun problème avec pour le moment, quelle que soit la charge utilisée (de 300W à 2000W). Le potentiomètre déporté est assez pratique.

DMX 1-Channel Dimmer

Very small, easy to use, handy.

More than enough for the price. Easy to modify.

I have them attached to the side of PAR can mounts for the PAR cans that I move around a lot - easy way to put them anywhere where there's DMX and power available. I have used them for 50W to 1000W lamps and they have worked flawlessly so far. They have also survived a few blown lamps. I have even used them to switch some random decorative LED lights or UV fluorescent lights on or off (without dimming).

The unit has a proper metal case and is built solid enough to survive more than a few bumps and drops. Overall build quality seems to be surprisingly good both outside and inside. All the terminals inside are properly secured, it has proper grounding, no loose screws, soldering is good. The switching element is a BTA416008 triac, which is rated for 40A and can handle 400A surge current for 20ms.

Only problems I saw where not enough thermal compound between the internal heat sink and the case (not really a problem in my case - the internal heat sink doesn't get that hot) and the inductor is only partially potted so you can hear some buzzing when the dimmer isn't fully on or off (I have one at home and it's a bit annoying but not really a problem on a big stage). Also the mains cable isn't very flexible

.

I replaced the 3 pin XLR sockets with 5 pin ones on my units. It was quite easy to do as there where extra solder pads for 5 pin sockets (but you have to remove 15 screws to get the PCB out).

The user interface (3 buttons and numeric LED display) is simple but intuitive enough to make the user manual useless.

If you need a cheap and reliable dimmer for incandescent lamps, without anything too fancy, this one will do fine if you don't mind a slight buzzing sound.

Perfect for little rentals

I bought two of these units to leave with clients on a little stage. They can use the little remotes included, to control the light on stage.

Pros:

Simple to use

Compact

Professional looking

Cons:

Only one channel

The dmx out connection broke on one unit

Good value for buck

Tested on 1250W blinder and got humming sound, but when loaded with a 300W par can there wasn't any sound. Bonus for the external magnetic fader to have at the bottom a lighting stand.

Works as is supposed to

I use it as an auxiliary dimmer when needed. I mostly run 1000W PARs on it, but also practicals when needed.

It is small, easy to carry, easy to mount to most places, and easy to use standalone or on DMX system. Build quality seems good.

I wouldn't mind having different dimming curves, instead of linear/step, but for the price it does the job well.

Nice single channel dimmer

I bought this dimmer just to control all the lights on the tables. All the pin spots on the tables are now dimmed and can be controlled by the DMX controller as well to flash during music parts.

Was a great addition to the lights. the controller makes it easy for the cleaning staff to turn up the lights to full when the DMX is not used