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    mlberger
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Moving Squares

Hey Everyone, 

I've been faced with an interesting programming challenge by my designer and I thought I would throw it out to everyone on the forum to see if there are any better suggestions than what I was planning. 

Relevant rig information: EOS console and VL3500Q Fixtures. 

What the designer has requested is a moving square of light that will maintain its shape and axis as it moves in a straight line. She would like this to be accomplished with 2 of the 3500's which are hung about 3' DS of where the effect needs to take place. So having the lights move on 1 axis of motion is not an option. What is happening right now is in Q1 there is a square SL and in Q2 a square SR. The transition between the two is taking the path of least resistance and creating a rotating arc of a square across the stage. 

My current thought is to add enough point cues as references between point A and point B in which I will rotate the shutter assembly and angles so that the square remains consistant. However, I am sure that someone has tried to do this before and I was wondering if this was indeed the best option, or if I am missing a better option. 

Thanks!

-Mike Berger

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    Yike. These tasks are never fun (geektastic yes, fun, not so much).

    I would be wary of using too many points in between because it could create a jerky motion.

    From your description it sounds like you are mostly moving the pan and only a little on the tilt, so when you are half way through the move you would still be tilted too high, so you need to create a point "A.5" that is Center of the travel in line with points A and B that will tilt the unit down from point A and back up with point B (and that also rotates the gate so it is also square in line). 

    The real issue is how these three parameters interact over a timed cue(s). Because these three parameters are moving different amounts over the same amount of time you may need to tweak how they execute that travel. This can be done by using discrete timing/delays on individual parameters (or putting those parameters in their own parts) . So if you need the tilt to move in 3 secs but the pan to move in 5 secs and the rotation of the gate to move in 7 secs, you can apply those times to each of the parameters (or parts).

    If you need even more fine control you can utilize custom curves. So if you need to tilt just a little bit at the beginning of the move, then a lot in the middle of the move, then a little at the end of the move, you could create a "Damped" curve where 0=0, 30=10, 70=90, FL=FL. Then part out just the tilt and apply that curve to that part.

    It's a lot of trial and error, so best of luck.

    Hope that helps.

    -M

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  • 0

    Yike. These tasks are never fun (geektastic yes, fun, not so much).

    I would be wary of using too many points in between because it could create a jerky motion.

    From your description it sounds like you are mostly moving the pan and only a little on the tilt, so when you are half way through the move you would still be tilted too high, so you need to create a point "A.5" that is Center of the travel in line with points A and B that will tilt the unit down from point A and back up with point B (and that also rotates the gate so it is also square in line). 

    The real issue is how these three parameters interact over a timed cue(s). Because these three parameters are moving different amounts over the same amount of time you may need to tweak how they execute that travel. This can be done by using discrete timing/delays on individual parameters (or putting those parameters in their own parts) . So if you need the tilt to move in 3 secs but the pan to move in 5 secs and the rotation of the gate to move in 7 secs, you can apply those times to each of the parameters (or parts).

    If you need even more fine control you can utilize custom curves. So if you need to tilt just a little bit at the beginning of the move, then a lot in the middle of the move, then a little at the end of the move, you could create a "Damped" curve where 0=0, 30=10, 70=90, FL=FL. Then part out just the tilt and apply that curve to that part.

    It's a lot of trial and error, so best of luck.

    Hope that helps.

    -M

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