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    Andrew Riter
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when does ION start outputting DMX?

I know this is a weird question.

We're about to replace the control modules on our dimmer racks.  Current operation has a switch to let the rack listen to either the console (DMX A) or the House Light Control System (DMX B).  The dimmers listen only to 1 or the other, depending on the switch.

While the console is booting up, the House Light Controller is still in charge.  Once the console is running, we turn on our house lights, work lights, running lights via submaster.  Then we throw the switch the dimmers ignore the House Light COntroller and listen only to the Ion.

The new processors don't have the option of the switch.  They only have HTP or Priorities (A over B).  I recognize that HTP will fix this question, but it has its own problems.  As for priorites, the dimmers will "switch over" as soon as it sees DMX levels from console.  This could be a string of 0%, since the subs aren't up yet. 

When does the Ion start producing DMX? 

When the monitors display the cue list/channe grid (which is before the submaster labels have stopped shuffling down the wings?

When all the subs are "in place?"

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

Andrew Riter

Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

  • 0

    Ion starts sending DMX the moment it's powered up. This will be all-zero until the the showfile has loaded, then it's updated to the 'showfile' values.

    It starts sending DMX-over-Ethernet once the showfile has loaded.

  • 0 in reply to Richard

    Thanks.  Our consoles have a show (house patch) loaded continuously.

    The power up is a long sequence.  I take your answer to mean DMX is produced as soon as the ON button is pressed, even though the application isn't yet running.  Is this correct?

    Thanks.

    Andrew

  • 0 in reply to Andrew Riter

    Yes, that's right - same moment the facepanel LCD backlight comes on.

  • 0 in reply to Richard

    Sounds like a DMX A/B switch will do your trick.

    Set your dimmers to console highest priority. Have only one side of the switch connected through to the dimmers.

    When the console is ready to take control, flipping the A/B will have the dimmers respond only it. You could also just plug and un-plug the cable but that will wear on the connectors and isn't as gadgety.

  • 0

    It sounds annoying, but I actually unplug the DMX when booting up otherwise the house will be dark  while waiting for the console to boot up. My rack is pre CEM+ so I can only have a hardwire DMX, and the architectural controller is set that the console takes priority when it is on. Kinda a bummer, but not too terrible to have to do seeing as the alternative is standing in the dark for over a minute.

  • 0

     

    This may sound dumb, but why a switch at all ?.

    Assuming the new CEM's are Plus's and that you have the ability to send the house controller DMX to the racks via Net2/3,  why not have the House Light controller leave on all the assorted work, house, etc..functions at full, until the Ion is up and running, then turn on whatever subs are required, THEN send to zero all those functions on the dedicated house controller ?.  The racks are listening to HTP values, even if the CEM's are Plus models on EDMX and if both the Ion and the House controller are at the same priority, the Ion wall have control once the House controller sends levels to zero.

     

    I use a Unison CMEi system with LCD stations for House, Work, Relay etc... control.  I pretty much always use the Unison for those functions as it's configured to be an operational controller for those functions.  On the occasions I need to control via Ion, I will get all that stuff patched and onto subs THEN take the appriopriate Unison levels to zero.  I don't play games with priorities for exactly the reasons you are facing.  

    Which also begs the question of do you always need to have control of House, Works and Running on the Ion, or could they simply be controlled all the time, even during performances,. on the controller designed for the purpose.  Granted I can see times where you will want to cue on/off stuff and it's then easier to do on Ion, but what exactly does is the function of the House Controller ?.  

    Steve B.

     

     



    [edited by: Steve Bailey at 9:58 PM (GMT -6) on Thu, Mar 17 2011]
  • 0 in reply to Steve Bailey

    I realize that the OP is from another country than I'm writing from. But the question of whether the stage manager's desk, or anywhere in the building has a "Panic" switch has not been brought up. If the console is hard-wired (i.e. with a manual switch) to be the only possible control for the house lights, is the hall in compliance?  I would think that in many jurisdictions (especially if the "cleaning lights" are slow-striking vapor fixtures) this might be a violation.

  • 0 in reply to Steve Bailey

    In reply to Steve B - 

    I am at a church where there is a unison button station in the entryway of the house (the Ion is upstairs). It could easily be leaned on thus triggering the house lights or work lights at an unwanted time. Thats why I have Unison set up to disable itself when it sees DMX. CMEi is the network version of Unison, which I dont have. I have a very simple setup, so hardwire DMX was the cheaper way to go at the time (10 years ago). The original install had an Express console which did not have the DMX output engaged until the cue list appeared. Kind of a bummer with Ion, but if I dont want people in the dark during boot-up, then I unplug the DMX. Really not too bad, a little annoying but necessary. I welcome alternatives, but I just am not aware of one at this time.

  • 0 in reply to Brian Webber

    We have an old house/ worklight (analog control) panel backstage that is in the same (accidentally leaned on) position. What we did was install a key switch which would then disable that one station. Works great.

     

    Andrew 



    [edited by: andrewt at 11:18 AM (GMT -6) on Fri, Mar 18 2011]
  • 0 in reply to Brian Webber

    Not super graceful, but you could have a channel (say DMX 512) always parked at full, and then use that to trigger the lockout.

  • 0 in reply to Brian Webber

    You might be able to configure Unison to lock out the station with a code.  I assume the entry station is a button station ?, thus the concern about being leaned on ?.  Maybe set up a preset/button that activates a macro that has a wait (to give you time to get Ion up and running and in control), then has presets to drive levels to zero, then de-activates/locks out  the station.  I believe the multi button stations can run codes, but maybe call ETC tech support and ask.  800 688 4116 if nobody here answers.

    SB

     

  • 0 in reply to Steve Bailey

    To both Steve B and others:

    I currently have a DMX A/B switch installed in the wall, to allow for a hard choice between House Lighting Controler and the Console.  The incoming racks don't allow for the switch option.  Buying an off the shelf switch is out, since the House Lighting Controler is in the dimmer room.  I can't get its DMX down to me.

    HTP works fine, but doesn't disable other stations around the room, in the venue, catwalks, backstage doors, etc.  Right where people entering the venue, not knowing a show might be happening (we're a school, with multiple venues), would turn on all the backstage lights.  Guaranteed to happen during R&J death scene.

    The HLC allows for 8 presets, in addition to having single buttons for individual channels of worklight around the room.  We tend to utilize more control than this, with decor lighting at different levels, different levels of "reading" light, etc.  Too many variables.

    Looking at this, locking out all the other stations is my option: Locks out the house light controller, leaves the console in control of everything.  Doesn't plunge the room in darkness.  This is possible (and already done) in the programming of the HLC.  We just never used it as a work practice.  The switch was seen as a better method.

    Thanks everyone.

    Andrew Riter

    Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

  • 0

    First...Do you have a spare 'bay' in the rack?

    No...Buy relay panel!

     

    Yes....

    #1 - Put a relay module in it

    #2--a--wire a second relay to be turned on by the Dimmer Rack Relay.

          --b--wire the "NO" contact to the power for the House Light Controller

     

    #3--Once Ion is up and running turn on what-ever your heart desises

    #4--turn on the Dimmer Rack Relay Channel(Which will 'unplug' the House Light Controller

    #5--Reverse step 3 & 4 after show to return swstem to 'Normal' if you ever seen it!!

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