Cast Blacktrax

Hi Orri,

I have looked at the Blacktrax system now and it isn't clear to me how it transmits data back to other systems. The documentation isn't very clear on this although DMX and ArtNet is mentioned. I guess the console would have to listen to a returned data stream through DMX and merge it with its own data but I am unsure how this actually works.

Have you been able to find out anything more about this in the meantime?

Hi Orri,

I have looked at the Blacktrax system now and it isn't clear to me how it transmits data back to other systems. The documentation isn't very clear on this although DMX and ArtNet is mentioned. I guess the console would have to listen to a returned data stream through DMX and merge it with its own data but I am unsure how this actually works.

Have you been able to find out anything more about this in the meantime?

Info as follows:

How does your system relay information to the fixtures?
The system generates pan/tilt DMX values for the light fixtures that are intended to be used, and send these values over Ethernet to a DMX merging node. The merging node combines the BlackTrax values for pan and tilt with the rest of the data coming from a lighting console and sends the combined output as DMX to the light fixtures. (In fact, BlackTrax can also optionally control zoom, iris, and fade down intensity as a person leaves designated areas, for example moving offstage.)

Do you have to address the fixtures at your server end as well as at the lighting console?
Yes. This addressing information is received from a wysiwyg plot (A special version of the wysiwyg software is included with our system.) The WYG plot includes all the addressing. In fact, BT-WYG allows you to visualize the real-time live operation and behavior of the lights and includes special features such as the ability to see which lights are being controlled by BlackTrax and which lights are being controlled by the console. The console can at any time during the show take back control of lights, or designate new lights to be used with BlackTrax.

How then do the fixtures know which data to listen to (from console and Blacktrax system)?
This is handled at the merging node. The node is controlled from the console via a dedicated DMX channel. The board operator can use this channel to decide whether the merging node sends the pan/tilt commands from the console, or the pan/tilt commands from BlackTrax. This is like a global on-off switch, that enables or disables BlackTrax as a whole. More specific control of the lights can be done from the BlackTrax end (although this can still be ultimately disabled from the console.) For example, BlackTrax may send signals for only some of the lights, and leave the rest to be controlled by the console-but this can still be overridden from the console.

As received from the helpful staff at Cast.

Regards,
Orri 

hi orri

so, if i understand your second post correctly, then there is nothing to be done at the Congo end. maybe find a clever way to patch this General Override channel for the merger. but all the rest happens behind the console's outputs... i think?

Looks like it yes