Expression Timecode playback

No, it does sound like SMPTE.

SMPTE provides a time signal that synchronises a clock in devices together. In the Expression, you can use input SMPTE to fire cues at a given time. SMPTE was not fitted to all Expression consoles, it is an extra option you need to have fitted.

To configure your example:

First enable SMPTE and set the SMPTE frame rate in Setup->Options Settings

Next, configure the times you want cues to fire in Setup->SMPTE Events. Enter the time in Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames (so in your example, 120 frames / 24fps = 5 seconds, 360 frames / 24 fps = 15 seconds).

You might also like to take a look at the timecode section of the user manual here : http://www.etcconnect.com/docs/docs_downloads/manuals/Expression_3_v3.1_User_Manual.pdf - page 297 onwards.

Hope that helps

~Tom

Yesss.  I'm familiar with SMPTE play back.    I'm not familiar with Midi.  The trouble with SMPTE is that a Motion Control Rig doesn't generate SMPTE.  What was described to me was a program that the MOCON computer ran to.  Its probably Midi. 

I've done SMPTE.  the sound department generated TC and botht he computer and the expression followed.   Trouble happense when the Visual Effects department wants to run at different frame rates.   I dont' think the TC generator can be programmed to run at different speeds - speed to order as it were.

Midi Time Code is very similar to SMPTE- in fact the same information in a different format- see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI_timecode

That page also lists a bunch of variations on time code- perhaps the MOCON computer is generating one of those and something is translating it into MTC or SMPTE.

I'm pretty sure that triggering a lighting console via timecode would involve either MTC or SMPTE as they are the most prevalent formats.  I do think that you are correct that you can't alter the timecode frame rate on the fly- it is supposed to be a real-time reference- i.e. 30 frames at 30fps always equals 1 sec real time.

If you are looking to control a console based upon different playback speeds, using MSC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI_Show_Control) would be the way to go, although I don't know how you could alter the rate at which a cue runs via MSC.

-Todd

thanks for that.  If I find more information on how they did it I will post

so, my solution is to bring in a Grand Ma which will bring in 512 channels and allow you to control almost all of its functions.   This includes the faders: so a remote console can use its dmx to manually control a fade on the faders.