Yeah, thought about the 682 for this as well as for a matrix sign. I am not comfortable enough to stray from the Lynx gear yet. That said, it would be half the price, easier to hookup, and I could use cheaper nodes and mega tree is not exactly an inexpensive element to add to your show...
I assume if one were to feed dmx to the 682 from a hub is all it takes. The j1sys gear is just over my head...
Getting back on topic. I am thinking more about the grommet idea. I wonder if just punching 3/8" holes is enough. A good punch is $10. I am just a bit freaked about burning 1,000 holes in a garage filled with my wooddorking stuff...