elation 5R pro moving lights with Ion

We purchased some elation 5R Pro moving lights and are using an Ion board to run them. I was wondering if anyone had any idea of how to use them as a follow spot. Using the board to manually control them is very difficult. Is it possible to rig up something like a game controller to the Ion board to make moving them by hand more efficient?

0 Richard over 12 years ago

You can use your external mouse or trackball by clicking (or touching) on the "Tkball" button in the Virtual ML Controls.
The next click 'disconnects' Pan/Tilt from the mouse/trackball.

However, using moving lights as followspots is something many people play with from time to time and quite simply, it doesn't work very well.
It's not actually the physical controls that makes it hard to do, it's the way moving lights (especially moving heads) move and the fact you're not behind the light.

There are some systems that can do this automatically, usually based on the performer carrying a beltpack (though I seem to remember an IR-camera based one). I've seen some quite impressive results - though they're rather expensive so probably not what you're after.

Really, if you need a followspot, then you'll need a followspot operator.

You may be able to use one of your normal profile spots as a followspot if it's bright enough.
- There are a few kits around to add followspot handles to a Source Four, or you could just use thick gloves!
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