ETC Nomad Setup for dummies

I have pretty much given up.  There really isn't any get-started guide for Nomad. And the tutorials ETC has on Youtube are useless if you are getting started. 

We initially had someone with prior training and years of experience set things up for us, and I have been able to do a few basic things with his pre-set things. But, he is very busy, and not able to help on a regular basis. We are trying to hire someone to do our weekly show. 

If we can't find someone, we will sell our Nomad key and perhaps try another set of software.  Or perhaps if we hire someone with experience on another software, use whatever software they have used.

-joe

Hi Joe - I'm sorry to hear that your experience with Eos and Nomad have been frustrating.

As you and others have described here, Eos installed on a computer feels like the console software detached from hardware - because it is. Eos is top-tier control that operates some of the biggest and most complicated shows in the world. Installed on a computer, we also call it "Eos offline," because the folks who work on these shows use it to edit files when not in the theater / on set. They know the console extremely well, so the software makes sense to them with keyboard shortcuts that fill in for a dedicated face panel.

This isn't to excuse our current state, it is just for some context. I am acutely aware that if you are learning Eos software without a console, it can be a tough experience. I'm committed to making Eos on a computer more accessible and intuitive, without losing its capabilities. This will happen slowly though many development cycles - we have lots of other work on our plate that we must balance. But my hope is that if you decide to stick with us, you'll see improvements as we release new versions over time. I'll also be working with our manual writer to fill out that document more (which is available in the software, as well as online). For some stopgap help, I will work with our video team to get some Nomad-specific resources produced.

Like the other systems you've mentioned programming previously, Eos has a syntax - it has to be spoken to in a certain way to operate. We use a command line, with similar-to-English syntax. If you're looking to dive in, get the keyboard shortcuts handy (or use the in-system popup keypad, upper right, next to the clock), and try running a few of the video exercises in our Level 1 training. I am hopeful that once you get comfortable with a few of the channel controls and recording of cues, that you'll start to feel better about how the system thinks.

Something else to consider (which has helped other folks on computers) is getting a USB programmable keypad, like X-Keys, to emulate a console face panel - so you're not having to remember keyboard shortcuts, and so the keys are laid out in a more intuitive way. If you're interested in something like this, I can provide links to units that folks have deployed successfully. 

In addition, one of the best things about owning ETC product is that you have access to phone support 24/7/365 - give them a ring and someone will help with whatever you're running into. If you prefer, you can also email them, and they reply within 24 hours (support@etcconnect.com).

If you have suggestions for ways we can improve, you are always welcome to post them to this forum, or to contact me directly (email below). Thanks for your feedback, stay well.

~n~

____________________________________________________ 

Nick Gonsman
Eos Family Product Manager
e: nick.gonsman@etcconnect.com

Hi Joe - I'm sorry to hear that your experience with Eos and Nomad have been frustrating.

As you and others have described here, Eos installed on a computer feels like the console software detached from hardware - because it is. Eos is top-tier control that operates some of the biggest and most complicated shows in the world. Installed on a computer, we also call it "Eos offline," because the folks who work on these shows use it to edit files when not in the theater / on set. They know the console extremely well, so the software makes sense to them with keyboard shortcuts that fill in for a dedicated face panel.

This isn't to excuse our current state, it is just for some context. I am acutely aware that if you are learning Eos software without a console, it can be a tough experience. I'm committed to making Eos on a computer more accessible and intuitive, without losing its capabilities. This will happen slowly though many development cycles - we have lots of other work on our plate that we must balance. But my hope is that if you decide to stick with us, you'll see improvements as we release new versions over time. I'll also be working with our manual writer to fill out that document more (which is available in the software, as well as online). For some stopgap help, I will work with our video team to get some Nomad-specific resources produced.

Like the other systems you've mentioned programming previously, Eos has a syntax - it has to be spoken to in a certain way to operate. We use a command line, with similar-to-English syntax. If you're looking to dive in, get the keyboard shortcuts handy (or use the in-system popup keypad, upper right, next to the clock), and try running a few of the video exercises in our Level 1 training. I am hopeful that once you get comfortable with a few of the channel controls and recording of cues, that you'll start to feel better about how the system thinks.

Something else to consider (which has helped other folks on computers) is getting a USB programmable keypad, like X-Keys, to emulate a console face panel - so you're not having to remember keyboard shortcuts, and so the keys are laid out in a more intuitive way. If you're interested in something like this, I can provide links to units that folks have deployed successfully. 

In addition, one of the best things about owning ETC product is that you have access to phone support 24/7/365 - give them a ring and someone will help with whatever you're running into. If you prefer, you can also email them, and they reply within 24 hours (support@etcconnect.com).

If you have suggestions for ways we can improve, you are always welcome to post them to this forum, or to contact me directly (email below). Thanks for your feedback, stay well.

~n~

____________________________________________________ 

Nick Gonsman
Eos Family Product Manager
e: nick.gonsman@etcconnect.com

Thank you for the detailed reply.  I am  very glad to hear that  you are addressing these issues.

I will mention that the 1st thin you need to do, is on the web page. Explain what Nomad is using the same description as you used in the message above. Also include a direct link to whatever manual you want the Nomad-only users to download. That was a complete mystery, and I needed help from you to do that very basic thing.

2nd, At the home screen of the Nomad program, make it obvious how to change to a standard graphics window that can be closed using the standard interface (i.e. windows or  Mac OS). This is so user's don't have to default to a Cntl-Atl-Delete to get out of the program.  Alternatively, have the program default to a GUI compliant interface. The experienced users can change the default start-up to be the full screen option.

You referred me to the a Getting Started Video..   But the  Nomad purchaser, who is not familiar with the EOS line of consoles, is going to be lost. Finding them will be a challenge, because they purchased a Nomad. But, the titles for neither the manuals or videos refer to Nomad.  And even when you find them, the video is just not sufficient for the complete novice.

The new video, and/or getting-started manual, that you are pursuing could explain things enough to allow the user to learn from existing videos.  But, as things are now, the existing videos are completely useless for the Nomad novice.

I even suspect that this new getting started stuff could be fairly brief.  Just be sure to get the input from a complete novice. Sit by them as they go through the process of purchasing the product. Every time they get stuck, or ask you a question, that is something  that you must address.  Someone with experience on the EOS will be quite unable to provide the info you need in the getting started content.

It may be that you should produce a few getting-started to bring people up to speed on lighting control. One video that explains some of the basic concepts of what DMX is. Then another on how DMX is used in traditional lighting fixture, LED Pars, and Robotic lights.  If someone purchasing Nomad is a complete novice on lighting, then tell them to view those videos first.

Hello Chris,

cadcoke5 said:

It may be that you should produce a few getting-started to bring people up to speed on lighting control. One video that explains some of the basic concepts of what DMX is. Then another on how DMX is used in traditional lighting fixture, LED Pars, and Robotic lights.  If someone purchasing Nomad is a complete novice on lighting, then tell them to view those videos first.

I don't know if ETC is only responsible for that.

But they have wonderfull training courses you can do online.

There are as well some "Bobblehead Fred" Videos for free on youtube, at the ETC-Channel.

And many more stuff for you to dive in.

As well as the marvelous tech support, mentioned by Nick as well.

cadcoke5 said:

2nd, At the home screen of the Nomad program, make it obvious how to change to a standard graphics window that can be closed using the standard interface (i.e. windows or  Mac OS). This is so user's don't have to default to a Cntl-Atl-Delete to get out of the program.

When using Windows you always can use Alt+F4 to close Programs. This Shortcut works as well for this Program (ETCnomad).

Those are just some little tips. Nick allready made his point as an official ETC Person.

And in the End, you told us you are at a school. So please keep up the good work and never stop learning.

Thank you.