So I preface my remarks first that I am frustrated, po'd and stressed out, Also, I am positive that I don't understand all of the complexities regarding network connections!
Maybe it is just me, but the entire client / laptop setup is a train wreck. In the two years that we have had our Ion and Eos, I can count on one or two fingers the times I was able to successfully connect my laptop to the console as a client (this is WITH tech support help) and I can count on about 10 or 15 hands the times I've attempted and given up. Like I said, I cannot fathom all the complexities but the bottom line is that it needs to be easier....MUCH easier. Also, we need useable wireless connectivity!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in a theatre with an EOS but not a real lighting network, so I have to run about 350 feet of cat 5 to get my laptop onto the stage. Wireless would make this so easy! I believe we have a Yamaha LS9 sound console and it appeared that our sound designer for the last show was sitting out in the auditorium tweaking the sound from his laptop.
I thought the whole client thing would be so nice, "I can take my laptop out in the auditorium or onstage to fix problems...sweet!". Trailing a cable behind me is not my idea of convenience! Frankly, it is not worth the trouble. When I need it (client / laptop support), I don't have time to mess with all of the BS needed to get a connection...it just isn't worth it. There needs to be a CONCERTED EFFORT to make this right! I am not suggesting an effort like the Apollo program, but more than a side project.
I apologize for the tone of this post but I don't have time to mess with a process, it just needs to work. Nobody is a bigger Eos/Ion/ETC fan than me...ok, maybe a few people!, but I am just a bit dissappointed!
Pat
