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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

    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.

Reply
  • 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.

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