Controlling more than just pixels

[mjones03]

So, not sure if this is the right place to post this but here we go. I've been using LOR for a few years doing a Halloween show. Most of my display consists of RGB floods with a smattering of some AC lighting. I've been working on adding DMX fixtures such as moving head spots and DMX controlled fog machine. I'm also working on an animated prop that will utilize pneumatics, linear actuators and maybe a couple servo's. I've been looking at Xlights for a while now because of it's capabilities with pixels, planning a Christmas show and gathering all of the hardware in the process. I know that LOR is more than capable of running DMX devices as well as DC motors, pneumatics and linear actuators but it seems to be lacking a little in the pixel department. Since I haven't started any Christmas sequencing yet, now would be the time to make a software switch. My question is whether or not Xlights has the ability to control the above mentioned DMX devices, pneumatics, etc? If so, is there any "special" equipment I would need?

Sorry if this questions been asked before. I tried looking around a little but I'm not too familiar with this forum yet. Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[keithsw1111]

Sure it can.

[mjones03]

Keith, thanks for the reply. Could you elaborate a little please? LOR has an actual DMX editing tab ie. 0-255. I have not used it yet, but from what I understand I can control DMX fixtures via E1.31 or daisy chained off my last "dumb" RGB controller. How would it be done with Xlights? Also, LOR has the "Servo Dog" controller. Again, haven't used it yet but I have a general understanding how to sequence it in LOR. I have no idea how it works with Xlights!

[keithsw1111]

Dmx devices (other than lights) are either controller by the dmx effect or historically the on effect.

[Gilrock]

In layout use the DMX Model and in the grid use DMX effects.

[mjones03]

Thanks for the info guys! I'm trying to get through the videos on here as well as other user info as I find it. I'm pretty familiar with LOR, so it's just a matter of learning the differences. I'm trying to make up my mind whether I want to  make the switch.
I appreciate your insite

[Gilrock]

We are all fairly busy with shows right now.  Probably will get longer answers in January.  You wouldn't want to switch right now.  Just go look up videos from Tom BetGeorge and Matt Johnson.  Both of them have been on the Great Christmas Light Fight and switched to xLights this year.  Tom is controlling those DMX moving heads on his roof and Matt is controlling some DMX moving heads at the San Antonio Zoo.  I demo'ed running a DMX fogger in Vegas and it wasn't even mine so I set it up on the fly during the class.  We have users that run a variety of DMX devices.