Q Light Controller+

Hello all!

I'm the President of a community theater group that is doing shows in a small high school auditorium. Our old board (ETC Express 48/96) is getting "tired" and I wanted to make the switchover to a computer based system that will allow us to more easily use modern lights. I have been watching QLC+ for awhile and I think we're ready to start the switchover.

Surprisingly, I don't have access to old computers laying around (as is what I see suggested most for QLC) nor am I really comfortable with Raspberry Pi or Linux, only dabbling in it from working with Home Automation software. So new hardware it is.

The goal is to have a semi portable/packable system that is separate from the school (they will retain our old board for their use) that I can just plug into the DMX or do ArtNet to DMX. Along the lines of those Pelican Case setups you see or something just packable in a tote that we can store in our locked area.

Background over, I was looking at mini pc's and particularly this BMax Mini PC. Celeron J4105 (up to 2.5 GHz), Windows 11 Pro, 8GB LPDDR4/256GB SSD, 4K 60Hz, Gigabit Ethernet, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, BT 5.0, 2x HDMI 2.0 for dual displays. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09V5 ... _qh_dp_hza

$125 after coupon. Seems reasonable but I just wanted to make sure it would be sufficient. We only run 2 universes but would like the option of 4. Not that we need that many, mostly for organization on my part.

Thanks and I look forward to being a member of the community.

Hi there!

Good to see you're giving QLC+ a shot. I run QLC+ on a similarly spec'd Intel nuc just fine. Although I should point out that the new 3D view needs a graphics card. (Fine if you don't need it)

I'd recommend factoring in a touchscreen and midi controller of some kind to allow your students to interface with the program. And an OpenDMX USB or DMX USB pro from Enttec.

Let us know if you need more info!

Cheers,
Lachie

Thank you for the reply and the confirmation. This actually won’t be for the students, in fact, the whole purpose it to separate our system from the schools. We want to build a system we can just bring in and plug into the DMX lines.

The specifications of that machine are much better than the first machine I used to QLC+. I think you'll be just fine.
The first machine was an Intel Core 2 Duo machine with 2GB of memory. This was nine years ago so it was crap then but QLC+ did great until I began to do more with it.

Another option I was looking at are the Dell Optiplex Micros, like this one. Dell OptiPlex 3040 MICRO Intel Core i5-6500T 2.5GHz 500GB / 8GB RAM.

I'm not too computer savvy, the Optiplex looks to be better than the BMax, although used/refurbished (but cheaper). Would this be a better PC spec wise if I could find a good one?

^^ not too shavvy - I see all needed connections possible. And the price fork is ok. You may come a while with that one...
But I 'd really invest in a decent DMX interface (with an integrated processor) to be future trouble-free since you seem to come in different places.

Went with HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini, i5-6500T 2.50GHz, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Win11 for $110. Touchscreen on order too. Now to just get the DMX interface.

That should treat you just fine. Spend the money on a decent adapter. The cheap ones are not reliable.

uh.. since you're bringing it in, and in the interest of being able to change things quickly; can I recommend a Lappy? I run our show on a Mac, but have run it on older Windows and Linux Laptops no problem. I have 2 of them, and have the show file loaded in both so that in case something happens; I can quickly swap things out. We still use a large screen when doing all the "Tech" runs of the show so we can edit/fix; but just run the show off the small screen.

My other suggestion is to investigate ArtNet connection along with cabled; so that you can take the laptop to the stage to fine-tune things. Does make it easier when working with the Director to be right there sometimes