Re: [LCtalk] First experiences

[Fokko van Duin]

At 09:59 +0100 23-02-2005, Dennis Peeters wrote:
> Maybe this has something to do with it : when I was trying out the v 
> val <enter> command yesterday, at one point I had no channels 
> selected, it returned a Nil-exception, which disabled the auto 
> update. This was not wat happened on monday though.

OK, the exception is on the bug list. For the stopping refresh, we 
keep searching.


> > OK, if you lowered a few % by hand why not raise it the same amount 
> > by hand (e.g. v-25 or v+25)?
>
> Because I might have changed quite a few values. And I can't 
> remember what they were on, I thought computers were about 
> remembering ;-)

Yeh, computers maybe, but software is soo dumb :-)


> > We do not have a reset cue, as it will lead to next question; what 
> > fade speed? If you set manual fade speed to e.g. 2sec, the +/- 
> > correction is also softened.
>
> Maybe next to the 'disable fades', a 'fade layer in manual fade 
> speed' button ? (I keep trying)

There -is-, but it's for manual, not for reload. I have put it on the 
wish list, and see what we can do as it sounds reasonable (even for a 
non-theatre man).



> > Note: I must admit I never understood why theatre lighting people 
> > created cues, and always change them when they use it. I mean, what 
> > you make is good, else correct it, not? :-)
>
> That's why I design light for theatre and others do the TMF awards 
> (no offence) . Theatre is not about reproduction, especially in the 
> rehearsel and try-out fase it's about experimenting, adjusting, 
> readjusting, going with the flow. It's like sketching, a lot easier 
> if you got an eraser at hand. And even if the show is on the road, 
> venues will differ, the way the piece is played will differ, and you 
> want to react to that.
> Might be good to add a theatre technician to your team, I think your 
> box has a lot to offer for smaller theatregroups that want unlimited 
> possibilities. But sometimes you might need someone with a different 
> point of view.
> If you don't understand, try and find out. Broaden your view, this 
> could significantly extend your usergroup.
> This might sound a little condescending, but I mean well:-)

Luckily this happens already for years from many other application 
fields as well. We made many things special for theatre (split fades, 
cues; next/prev, manual override, etc). I even get some training from 
time to time from a theatre customer :-)


> > Do the same as with your Flash, but in order to come back smooth to 
> > your "normal" cue
>
> This's 'll work, but with a hold forever in d02, so i can choose 
> when I go back to normal.

OK, I have the "even better blackout cue" which uses transparency so 
it smoothly fades-in to the previous cue in 3 sec:

// Cuelist 1 (5 steps), stored 23-02-2005 13:11
  -- blackout
  set attributes to fade and output
  show d03 for ever
  set layer to mix transparent from 0% to 100% in 3.0s
  hold for 3.0s

:d03
    1[000]    2[000]    3[000]    4[000]    5[000]    6[000]
    7[000]    8[000]    9[000]   10[000]   11[000]   12[000]
   13[000]   14[000]   15[000]   16[000]   17[000]   18[000]
   19[000]   20[000]   21[000]   22[000]   23[000]   24[000]
   25[000]   26[000]   27[000]   28[000]   29[000]   30[000]
   31[000]   32[000]   33[000]   34[000]   35[000]   36[000]
   37[000]   38[000]   39[000]   40[000]   41[000]   42[000]
   43[000]   44[000]   45[000]   46[000]   47[000]   48[000]
   49[000]   50[000]   51[000]   52[000]   53[000]   54[000]
   55[000]   56[000]   57[000]   58[000]   59[000]   60[000]
   61[000]   62[000]   63[000]   64[000]   65[000]



> > I hope this helps a bit, but realize there are many other ways to 
> > achieve what you want. It's most of the time being a bit creative, 
> > and not being afraid to do things different :-)
>
> I'd like to be creative with the artistic side, not the technical 
> side of things.
> Just trying to beat  the learning-curve, broadening my view. 
> Sometimes it's slow progress, but I'm getting there.

I appreciate your feedback, as that's what we need to improve our products.

Regards,

Fokko van Duin,                     Creators of the LanBox-LC
CDS advanced technology bv,         DMX lighting controller.
http://www.cds.nl/                  http://www.lanbox.com/

Member of MIDI Manufacturers Association, MMA