Laptop as console backup

Hi Patrick -

The Client dongle is not a console dongle - a client by definition cannot serve any data (output levels) to the lighting rig. So, personal computers cannot be used as consoles or backups at this time. A Client machine can only connect to another console on the network to show that console's data (or act as another user for data input in multi-user systems). This is true for Eos/Ion systems and Congo systems.  

Thanks much -

Sarah 

sclausen:

So, personal computers cannot be used as consoles or backups at this time.

hmmmm.... Should I read anything into "At this time" or should I just let it go.... Decisions, decisions.... 

JeffMabray:

hmmmm.... Should I read anything into "At this time" or should I just let it go.... Decisions, decisions....

I once did a high-profile corporate show where the LD's table looked like he had just been to Toys-R-Us, with all these little blue plastic gizmos scattered about. 

Now, for backup purposes, or to aid in "sharing the load" of processing requirements, ala "parent's female parent"; that's another matter.

JeffMabray:

hmmmm.... Should I read anything into "At this time" or should I just let it go.... Decisions, decisions....

I once did a high-profile corporate show where the LD's table looked like he had just been to Toys-R-Us, with all these little blue plastic gizmos scattered about. 

Now, for backup purposes, or to aid in "sharing the load" of processing requirements, ala "parent's female parent"; that's another matter.

I am not wanting it to be a console, primarily speaking.

But lets say, for instance, your console craps out on you at 5:30  on a Saturday afternoon when you have a 7:00 show.  Wouldn't it be nice to be able to take your show and with either a fully networked system or just a laptop and node, run the show? 

Like I said, this is not something that anyone in their right mind would want to do on a regular basis, but in extreme situations... It could be helpful.

I know it opens up a much larger can of worms dealing with those types of consoles... but just wondering what the factory's thoughts on this were, if any.  (I am sure that they have had them, the may just not be at liberty to share...;-P ) 

So, something I've been wanting for a while now is a desk with a simple PC playback option.  Take the board to one venue, program the show, take it with you to the next show, leaving behind a laptop.  Probably wouldn't have any sort of live control to it, but you could load the show onto it and then board op could run the show using the space bar as the go button.  Come back for strike and pick up the laptop.

Jim