when does ION start outputting DMX?

Question

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

Steve Bailey · Answer

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.

jhamil · Answer

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!!