ColourBlock newbie

So I've got more information about which specific model of colourblock will be coming in.

(8) chroma Q Colour Block CHCB4M2

(2) PSU-05B (v1 or v2 unknown)

Reading the manuals online, my understanding is that I should find the profile in the Ion console for the PS and mode selected within the PS, since the programming IN the PS (which mode determines if the Colour  Blocks are grouped as 5 individual blocks, 20 individual cells, or 1 big group (least # of channels)) is what the console DMX channels are talking to; rather than using an individual library profile for each colour block.. . .

The Power Supply sets the first DMX address for the string of up to 5 Colour Blocks.  The Mode chosen on the PS will determine the number of addresses needed for that single string, whether all 5 units exist.  THe next PS would have to start above the last address of the 5th block on the first string.

would this be correct?  Please advise as to the best library profile to start with.

Thanks.

Andrew Riter

So I've got more information about which specific model of colourblock will be coming in.

(8) chroma Q Colour Block CHCB4M2

(2) PSU-05B (v1 or v2 unknown)

Reading the manuals online, my understanding is that I should find the profile in the Ion console for the PS and mode selected within the PS, since the programming IN the PS (which mode determines if the Colour  Blocks are grouped as 5 individual blocks, 20 individual cells, or 1 big group (least # of channels)) is what the console DMX channels are talking to; rather than using an individual library profile for each colour block.. . .

The Power Supply sets the first DMX address for the string of up to 5 Colour Blocks.  The Mode chosen on the PS will determine the number of addresses needed for that single string, whether all 5 units exist.  THe next PS would have to start above the last address of the 5th block on the first string.

would this be correct?  Please advise as to the best library profile to start with.

Thanks.

Andrew Riter

Hi Andrew,

How much control of the fixtures do you need? What are you using them for?

Do you need to control each cell of the fixture individually?

If not, I would suggest maybe using the PSU in mode 6, which will give you RGB control of each fixture.

Don't patch using the library fixtures for the PSU, simply patch some Generic>RGB fixtures sequentially from the start address of the PSU.

It really does depend on how many features of the fixture you need to use as to which mode you choose to put them in though.

Graham

The designer is lighting 6 columns at the back of the venue, and then MAYBE 2 units on the Choir Loft wall. (we have 2 PS).

I would assume (well, if I were designing), the designer would want control per block/head, since the 6th column will be from the 2nd PS.

What I'm not understanding (and I'll ask this of Chroma Q), is how the Magic Amber (fourth cell) works, since the paperwork says it will "magically" come on when needed, even if in 3 colour mode.

So, you're telling me to set the PSU to mode 6, and then use a generic RBG LED unit as the fixture profile.  I'll give that a try.

PSU #1: address 001, PSU #2: something higher than address 016, if using mode 6

Thanks

Andrew Riter

not having ever seen a chroma q other than on a pictures, my guess is, that magic amber works because usually a RGB fixture gets "amber" from mixing red and green. the fixture can detect color mixes that include red and green at similar levels and then add amber (or replace parts of red and green with amber)...