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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

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    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

    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.

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  • 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.

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