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    Terri Batcheller
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Addresses with proportions

Let's say I need address 99 to never go above 73%. In patch I set the proportion on address 99 to 73. Now let's say someone calls for dimmer (address) 99 to full. In park I bring address 99 to full. (this is after I have set the proportion on address 99 to 73). The address actually goes to full and not the proportion I set it to. Now let's say I assign the address to channel 1, so now address 99 (with it's proportion at 73%) is at channel 1. I can now bring channel 1 to full and the address does what it is supposed to do and goes to 73%. How do I keep the dimmer (address) from actually going to full when it's in park after it has been assigned a proportion?

Terri Batcheller
Board Op
Houston Grand Opera

 

 

  • Terri, right now, the proportional patch level is only applied when you route the control via a channel number.  If the address is controlled directly, it is ignored.   If you all feel the proportional patch level should be used regardless of how the device is addressed, that can be done.  

    Thoughts all?  (So, answering your direct question ... you can't.).

    a 

  • in reply to Anne Valentino

    In my opinion, proportional patch is exactly what it says - I'm patching an address to a desk channel at 73% (for example)

    It would completely freak me out if I sent the Address to 100% and it showed 100% while actually only outputting 73% - I'd be tearing my hair out in no time, and I don't have much left to start with!

    However, I can see the value of treating the proportion as a 'hard limit', so I always see and use the 'real' Address level, but am prevented from setting it higher than 73%.



    [edited by: Richard at 11:13 AM (GMT -6) on Fri, Oct 17 2008] [edited by: Richard at 11:13 AM (GMT -6) on Fri, Oct 17 2008]
  • in reply to Anne Valentino

    Anne

    If you apply a proportional percentage to a dimmer then the dimmer shouldn’t be mandated by the channel, but by the dimmer. Once I proportion a dimmer (since it’s the lowest in the food chain) I shouldn’t have to worry about it coming up to full at any time.

    For example: We are hanging European lighting practicals and the voltage output must be limited to prevent damage to the fixtures. If the fixtures are brought up past 73% they will blow. So if someone was using the RFR and stepping thru dimmers backstage, it’s going to bring that dimmer to full without the proportion that I assigned to it.

    Terri Batcheller

    Board Op
    Houston Grand Opera 


     

  • Hi Terri,

    When I have needed dimmers to be specific about voltages I have sometimes built and applied unique profiles to them. Dimmable fluorescents for instance. I think this may be more flexible than the proportional patch route.

    Tim Wilson

    American Conservatory Theater

     



    [edited by: Tim Wilson at 12:58 PM (GMT -6) on Fri, Oct 17 2008]
  • in reply to Tim Wilson

    If its a propotional then you should be able to bring it to full by bringing it up by dimmer.  I think of the porportional as from the channel, as so the designer doesn't bring it to full.  If I need the dimmer never to be brought up to full I would create a profile and apply it to the dimmer.  Or put a limit at the rack.  

     

    Just my 2 Cents.

     

    Jay 

  • in reply to Jay

    For what it is worth I would put the limit on the dimmer rack in the above situation. For instance when I need to patch non-dim kino flo's (florescent) or moving lights that are powered from a dimmer I always put the profile on the rack so that no matter what (even if another console is used or the show data where to be cleared) that instrument will not be dammaged by human error. Unless it gets dropped, or run over by a forklift. ;)

     

     

  • in reply to rhdgs
    Leaving it as is, is my vote. Scenario being, you programmed a whole show, ld says at the last minute before going to air/tape to limit the output of the fixture down to 75%. The channel should still display that it's at 100 (if it's programmed there) but is limited to the level set. Going directly to the dimmer and bringing it to full should still go to true full.
  • in reply to jabadger
    I agree with Badger. Two questions that come to my mind in this are what effect limiting has on Highlight and Chan Check. I could see a use for both of those functions over riding a limited channel.
  • in reply to usesafesets

    I think the behavior should stay as it is. Proportion and curve work fine the way they are.

    Tim

  • I agree with the general notes on this issue.  I work at BAM in NYC where many companies are coming from overseas and bringing all kinds of gear that needs to run on various voltages and cycles.  We always try to set up the needs of the gear at the power supply source and not the controlling side of the rig.
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