Automated Fixtures - Semi-Urgent - Trackspot Bolts on Express 48/96

[BobHealey]

So, I rented a set of 5 trackspot bolts for a production of Hairspray. The theater's console is an Express 48/96. I built a profile based on on what I could figure out from High End's info. The fixtures do not properly respond to the console when I have them in reduced mode. I'd use the full 21 channel profile, except I don't have enough channels on the console to do so. Does anyone have any experience with these fixtures?

[TimMiller]

Did you build your profile based on them running in reduced? http://www.highend.com/pub/products/...potBolt_DS.pdf also running in reduced only saves 1 channel (not even worth putting in the effort to make a reduced in my opinion.)

[BobHealey]

I built the profile off of that, however I lose pan/tilt/focus/etc. They only start working right when the fixture is in full. I've attached my profile, it matches that document exactly. As for why I'm using reduced, I am 4 channels short of being able to use all the fixtures in full mode. My current idea is to build a new "reduced" profile that omits the control channel in the profile and just leave the space in the DMX patch for it I have plenty of addresses left, just not control channels on the console. Show consists of 54 dimmers, 4 Forerunner Color scrollers, 1 fog machine, 4 American DJ Accuscan 250s, 1 Trackspot Bolt in full mode, and 4 Trackspot bolts in reduced mode. I can potentially free two channels via removing an unused dimmer and giving 2 of the scrollers the same address, but that still leaves 2 not fitting in the console.

[TimMiller]

If you omit the control channel the lights will still see that value and do whatever that channel tells them wether you skipped by it in the fixture profile or not. Also if memory serves correctly the express 48/96 is limited to 250 channels

[BobHealey]

I was going to leave the appropriate holes in the DMX addresses. So Fixture one, address 120, 20 control channels. Fixture 2, address 142, 20 control channels, leaving address 141 unpatched. Express 48/96 is capped at 192 channels (2x96). I might be getting my hands on a Road Hog, which will solve one set of problems (but create another in show control land)

[TimMiller]

Personally I would run everything off of the hog. I have never had much luck running movers off of an express.

[BobHealey]

For a scripted show in a theater theater, the Express works well enough. Someone was kind enough to lend me a hog, which was a godsend because I managed to exceed usable DMX length (500+ft daisy chain) and needed a 3rd universe. Having issues with MIDI now, but that's due to the MIDI -> USB I have on hand.

[65535]

The 48/96 will do 250 channels just need to set it in the system settings.

Anyways I would probably just patch them in order and assign your most used attributes to submasters on various pages.

[derekleffew]

The 48/96 will do 250 channels just need to set it in the system settings. ...

Incorrect.

See Express Console - Electronic Theatre Controls and/or Express - ControlBooth :

All ETC Express consoles are capable of 1024 outputs/addresses/dimmers (2 DMX512 universes).
Maximum channel count is as follows:
Express 24/48 - 96 max. channels
Express 48/96 - 192 max. channels
Express 72/144 - 240 max. channels
Express 125 - 125 max. channels
Express 250 - 250 max. channels

[TimMiller]

This is what has never made me a fan of etc and strand consoles, their channel limits. If you sell a console with 2 dmx universes but can only use 192 channels. It did allow me to sell lots of schools hogs though.

[BobHealey]

I'm using a Road Hog now. Need to get MSC working on it now, and get used to programming it with tracking mode. I'm much faster programming over in pre-Eos ETC land. If the director hadn't wanted surplus bling, and the Trackspots had better documentation of their DMX protocols, would have been a non-issue with the Express.

[TimMiller]

http://www.highend.com/pub/products/...UserManual.pdf page 40 of the manual does a much better job of showing the standard and reduced protocol. When in reduced it takes the lamp from 16 bit control to 8 bit control. Also I have to say Highend did drop the ball a bit they usually explain what channel values index to what function ie 0-20 gobo1, 20-40 gobo2, etc. But they do have a video on how to put the fixture in the box.

[tdrga]

Also I have to say Highend did drop the ball a bit they usually explain what channel values index to what function ie 0-20 gobo1, 20-40 gobo2, etc.

I believe that High End no longer provides that info in the manual because they were having problems with people writing incorrect fixture profiles. You have to contact them directly to get that info or use one of their "approved" fixture profiles.

-Todd