Hello All, I am new to the forum and am considering the ION. Just had a question if the GUI is an imbedded Windows version like many other newer boards or if it is proprietry ETC ?? We are looking for a board that has the capability of ease of use and offline familarity which our students can use to get experienced with the control of the console. In other words do you feel like you are in windows and mouse click or do you feel like you are in dos and looking at colorless screens? Thanks much ! don
One more thing that goes along with my question..... I notice there is no keyboard associated with any of the product promotional material.... how does one lable all cue lists etc. ????
As for the GUI, we are using Windows XP Embedded, like many of our other consoles currently are. The software for Ion is based on the Eos software which, if you haven't seen, contains virtually no "Windows" like displays. For the most part, the Windows part of the OS is never seen resulting in a unique, easy to use interface. The offline version of the software is virtually identical to the console software, and using it will give your students a very good feel for how the console will operate. Most commands can be executed using keyboard shortcuts or by using a virtual console keypad with a mouse.
The keyboard question, being in R&D, I'm not actually sure if the console currently ships with a keyboard (but I'm sure someone from marketing will chime in shortly about that). What I can tell you, though, is that you are able to plug in a keyboard into Eos/Ion to handle labeling. But on top of that, when you need a keyboard for typing in a label or similar function, a virtual keyboard will appear on your display, which you can use a mouse with or use a touch screen if you have one attached (or if are using an Eos).
As for the GUI, we are using Windows XP Embedded, like many of our other consoles currently are. The software for Ion is based on the Eos software which, if you haven't seen, contains virtually no "Windows" like displays. For the most part, the Windows part of the OS is never seen resulting in a unique, easy to use interface. The offline version of the software is virtually identical to the console software, and using it will give your students a very good feel for how the console will operate. Most commands can be executed using keyboard shortcuts or by using a virtual console keypad with a mouse.
The keyboard question, being in R&D, I'm not actually sure if the console currently ships with a keyboard (but I'm sure someone from marketing will chime in shortly about that). What I can tell you, though, is that you are able to plug in a keyboard into Eos/Ion to handle labeling. But on top of that, when you need a keyboard for typing in a label or similar function, a virtual keyboard will appear on your display, which you can use a mouse with or use a touch screen if you have one attached (or if are using an Eos).
Thanks Doc.... it does help. So using a mouse or trackball is a common way to control the ION .. or you have the choice of just arrowing around right? Other boards talk about Power Point control or possible video control ( Light Palette ) . Not sure what that means in a light console environment- thats why I ask about the windows. But the imbedded XP can go online for upgrades right ? And perhaps third party effect pacs for movers? Don
You cannot go online with the desk to update the software. That is all done through USB keys. (DL the software to your USB key, then plug it into the desk and update away)
The mouse/trackball is an optional way to interact with the console - the vast majority of user input is via the physical buttons, faders and encoders.
External touchscreens do add to the user experience, but they aren't strictly necessary.
There are a couple of functions in Ion that require a mouse, but these are the things you do very rarely (like adjusting encoder speed settings). - On Eos, these functions are handled by the built-in touchscreens.
Several views and the save/load show menu can be navigated using arrow or page up/down keys.
Ion does not do Power Point, and won't - it is a Lighting Control console, and thus utilises several different Lighting Control protocols, including DMX512-A, RDM (not yet implemented), ACN including sACN and ETCNet2. For input triggers it's got MIDI and contact closure, plus the various I/O and Show Control ACN Gateways available from ETC can be connected.
You can use it to control anything that supports control over a supported protocol - including DMX shock collars, media servers, Sensor+ dimmer racks, etc etc
Our builds of Embedded XP do not go onto the Internet, and won't - I wrote a long (and probably boring) explanation of why here.
Upgrades can be downloaded onto your personal computer, placed onto USB memory stick and installed into the console - that way you can virus-scan the files properly on your up-to-date PC, and can be absolutely certain that the console only updates when you decide to do it.
