I have recently completed a run of "Return to the Forbidden Planet", which was programmed and run on a Strand 530 - a desk I would say I was "comfortable with". In three weeks we are performing it elsewhere and the 530 isn't really suitable for the venue (access and size of control room), so we have opted to use an Ion - a desk I would say I was a "complete novice" with.
Via a floppy disc and "Showport" I have transferred the complete file onto a a borrowed Ion and it all seems to be ok, I have had to change some of the Effects/Chase timings and sort out the embedded Effect Start/Stop commands (F/f). The show is vitually all generic and LED based with only a couple of movers used sparingly and I am happy that the show will run ok EXCEPT FOR.............................
I have several cues when I have an effect that I triggered the steps by pressing "Step button", this is to do the chase in time with the music/countdown dialogue etc. I can't (and talking to a more expert friend) can't find the Ion equivalent of this function.
I realise I could write each step as an individual cue, loop the cues and then get out of the loop at the end of the effect, but this seems rather excessive and time consuming as currently the effect is used over the top of 3 different "base" states. The 2 venues are vastly different, so there will be a great deal of re-plotting, but as it is such a heavy effect-based show, the effects are the one thing that will remain constant.
Does anyone know the solution? If it makes any difference I am a "Cue Only" user.
Many thanks,
Alan
