There are two DMX channels that you need to think about, channel 1 controls shutter, channel 2 controls dimming (a mechanical douser).

To gracefully fade the light from black you want to have channel 1 set to a 'shutter open' value and then fade channel 2 from 0 to 255 (100%).

The shutter channel is tricky because it combines a lot of functions (strobe, random, control), etc. on one channel. If you inadvertantly 'fade' through these other values you will get some strange results.

You might want to download the software for our control system at www.innovateshowcontrols.com. It includes templates for all four DMX modes for the Pro 918's, and it also includes a 'template editor'. Even if you use something else to actually control the lights, this would let you see all the features in a point and click arrangement, then open the template editor to see what channels at what values to get the desired effect.

Good Luck,
-jjf