The ION Lounge - will miss it

I Love your wrap around desk!  I too am Loving my Ions. Gee, not that it really matters(lol), but I thought I was one of the first to put an Ion on a running show full time.  I have been running Ion's exclusively since 2008, starting on 90210. That may not qualify as a Sitcom, though.  Patrick George was also using an Ion,  with Kath & Kim @ Paramount in 2008-2009.  I've had my Ions on NBS's 'Community' @ Para for the last 3 seasons, since 2009.  

A HUGE THANKS to David Hilton for supporting me the beginning and training me!

Jaylaca, I'm glad you're around. Please contact me, maybe through the 728 directory, I'd like to have your info as another programmer to cover me. Looks like your not using touch screens, am I wrong? I bet you'll really love it when you use them!

My first 'ah-ha' I love this console feature was what I call point groups. Before David Hilton built the Movie Light Profiles-Thanks David!- I was using groups to get my spacelights & other multi intensity fixtures as:

6 cell example,

Group1: all globes

Group 1.1: one cell

Group 1.2: 2 cells

Group 1.3: 3 cells

etcetera. This was huge to me.

Other great features to me include, but in no way limited to:

ETC's constant professional drive to improve and innovate in the hardware and software areas. 

Independent subs, shielded subs, faders INSTEAD of subs, any fader can be an Inhibit.

Greatly more powerful syntax; including select last, recall from, Go To Cue.

The Effects engine-which will just get better with future updates.

The ability to add fader wings.

Ability to useTouch screens, touch screens, touch screens.

Ability to easily network multiple consoles and computers, including client mode.

I look forward to buying my first Gio!!

btw, I'm just curious, Radford or Television City? Did the rental house have only one Ion, meaning no back-up console on site? 

No photo from me as my room isn't as nicely finished, and being in my 3rd season, boy is my desk more cluttered!

A little birdie told me that the CBS broadcast center in NYC is in the process of, or has installed 20 some odd Ions, each with a sweet little iPad to go along.

Personally, I thought that an Android tablet in 7" size, running aRFR would have been a better choice, lighter, buttons just the right size, cheaper by half.  My Samsung is terrific in this role.

Steve B.

Steve, any Idea when an Ion went into service on a running show in your area?

I was just happily using Exp3 for so many years, I had no idea ETC was developing the Eos family. I remember opening the case from Hollywood Rentals in 2008, expecting an Exp3, I took a look & said, "What is this?" Or words to that effect. I called ETC West and was told about the retirement of Exp3, and the future of the Eos family. Upon hearing this from ETC, I decided to 'learn while I earn'. Glad I did, I'll never look back!

Hi Gern,

This was CBS Radford in Studio City, CA.  Their lamp dock said they were dying with single console as of 2010.  Now they have 6 or 7 of them.  As far as the 4-camera SitCom goes CBS said they hadn't heard of anyone using this console.  Generally it was either the expression, horizon or some odd board that no studio carried (just to get it rented). But I'm glad to hear it's a welcomed console.  And no backup console on lot.  They said they could get  a subrental fast enough if need.  Plus with Dave Hilton and Tram so close, it was never a problem.

Anyway, once people started seeing me control the stage from an iPod, I started getting other Op's showing up at my desk asking about Network setup and IP addresses.  Fun times..

I purchased an iPad2 for my kit and have to say it's wonderful. I prefer the large screen size and the battery will last most of the day while being used as an iRFR.  My iPod dies in 45 minutes with the app open.  Plus I have all my plots on it in pdf, so it's easy to switch back & forth.  On focus days I'll use my iPod for convenience, since it fits in my pocket.  But for rehearsals and programming cues it's the iPad all the way.

Thanks for the replies!

I'm in the 728 book under Jason Lord. 310.600.9449

It took me a little doing (rooting to install android market) but I put the aRFR onto a kindle fire for use as a wireless remote. The screen is big enough to see all the buttons clearly and yet the whole device is small enough to slip into a pocket. 

M Weeks

MWeeks, Very cool, yes!

Jason, "My iPod dies in 45 minutes with the app open."

I understand. My RFR will die quickly too, I literally turn them off between adjustments. When I do have to keep them on, I plug in to AC, on set. 

It has made me 'plan' my recharging!

Gern said:

Jason, "My iPod dies in 45 minutes with the app open."

I understand. My RFR will die quickly too, I literally turn them off between adjustments. When I do have to keep them on, I plug in to AC, on set. 

It has made me 'plan' my recharging!

It was brought to my attention by ETC Tech support that there is a problem with the latest RFR Firmware 2.0.7 and 1.9.x Ion Software.

The RFR drains the batteries, never fully shutting off while plugged into the charger.  It used to be completely OFF while on charge, then after the update it always boots up when you plug it in.

I'm told this is to be fixed in the update patch, but I'm not near a console to confirm this

Just a note- the latest RFR handheld software is v2.0.8.  The release notes don't mention the battery problem as one that is fixed but I have had no issues with battery life while running v.2.0.8.

Link to the RFR download page: http://www.etcconnect.com/product.downloads.aspx?ID=20362

-Todd

Thanks Todd.

btw, is that a new style antenna?

Hmmm...

If you're talking about the picture on the page I linked to, I don't know.   Mine has a longer antenna with a hinge and swivel where it connects to the device- bought in late 2007.

-Todd

Hi all,

The hinged antenna is the current antenna.  The photo on the RFR page shows an older antenna that is no longer used in the current RFR (and would be incompatible with the current version).  Sorry for any confusion!

Hans

Gern said:

Steve, any Idea when an Ion went into service on a running show in your area?

I have no idea as I'm not in the broadcast or film business.  I've had my Ion for 27 mos. and there were a few around the NY area, but at the time I don't think many films had them yet, I know Kelly Britt was still on an Expression on Salt.  Ted Reid had yet to see one as well back then, AFAIK.  Those are the 2 Local 52 guys I know that sorta' specialize in console op's for the film business.  Can't speak for the TV studios

SB

This was home on Nurse Jackie 3: Ion, show monitor, iPad Remote (not pictured), Laptop with external display. Apple Keyboards. Kaufman Astoria Studios.

Also used an Ion on Pan Am this year, but no pictures of the desk. That was at Steiner Studios, and ended Wednesday morning.

Love the console and would take it over anything else, even in the film/television industry.

James McNeal

IATSE Local 52