Converting Congo files to Strand files

Hi Louise,

Congo show files are ASCII show files. You can save a copy of the show from Congo and use Strand's Offline Editor programs to read the ASCII show file and convert it to the proper file for the 520i.

Because the two consoles are different in their implementation of data, only the basic information such as patch and preset data may be transferred. Check your show file after the conversion on your 520i to make sure that you have what you need before going into a show critical situation.

In order to convert the Congo file to a Strand Showfile, you will need a PC application called Strand Showport. This is available for download here :

http://bobbyharrelllighting.com/console_training/software.html

At the bottom of the page.

You will need to save this on your PC, along with a copy of the congo showfile (which you can get off the console with a USB stick).

You will need to change the file extension from .asc (the Congo default) to .alq or .txt. You can do this using Windows Explorer.

Finally, run the Showport application, select "Ascii Light Cues" to "Strand Show Files", browse to the directory your file is in, select it, and click "Convert"

As Kirk mentioned, only basic information like patch and cues will come across, so I would recommend checking the output file carefully before using it for a show.

Hope that helps

~Tom