Trying to get old light board to work

[TimMiller]

I'm wiping the dust off of an old Lighting Methods Inc, Designer console. It powers up and seems to function fine, except i cannot get it to go into patch. The console does have a tape drive and i cannot find what kind of tape it takes. I'm not sure if this is why it is not going into patch or not. Does anyone remember anything about these? I know lighting Methods was bought out in 1990 by ETC. I have already trying sending an email to ETC just as a shot in the dark but havent heard anything from them... Any ideas? I can send yall pics if you would like.

[derekleffew]

I used that console once. The tape drive should not affect the patch. Could it be just that the button is not making contact? I believe you need a special leaderless micro-cassette for storage. Same as used to be used in some answering machines. Might be able to use a mini-cassette designed for a personal dictation device.

[TimMiller]

I didnt have the key for the keyswitch so i replaced it with a turn switch. It still does not allow me to go into patch. I already tried a microcassette, but it is about 1/2" smaller so it will not fit. i wish i knew what size tape it was, or at least how many MB or KB of storage it had.

[cutlunch]

So you have checked your wiring for any faults?
Have you gone through the board with a vaccuum cleaner?
Also have you checked the board for dry joints?
Does the board have a battery and if so have you replaced it?

You probably will already have done these things but this is what I would have tried.

[derekleffew]

I misspoke: Mini-cassette. PM STEVETERRY. If anyone here knows, it'll be him.

And yes, please post pictures. We love pictures. gafftapegreenia calls them "Stage Lighting Porn."

[TimMiller]

you dont happen to remember how to patch this console do you

[derekleffew]

You'd think I would, it was only twenty years ago, but I think someone else patched it before I was called in to program. Mike Callahan is listed as one of the patent holders. I can't find his address right off. He has written a number of articles for, I believe, Lighting&Sound America, and his address is at the end of each article. Anyone have any old copies?

[STEVETERRY]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

You'd think I would, it was only twenty years ago, but I think someone else patched it before I was called in to program. Mike Callahan is listed as one of the patent holders. I can't find his address right off. He has written a number of articles for, I believe, Lighting&Sound America, and his address is at the end of each article. Anyone have any old copies?

We still support the Designer, or at least we still have one in our service loaner stock. Let me see if I can chase up a manual.

ST

[STEVETERRY]

Originally Posted by TimMiller

I didnt have the key for the keyswitch so i replaced it with a turn switch. It still does not allow me to go into patch. I already tried a microcassette, but it is about 1/2" smaller so it will not fit. i wish i knew what size tape it was, or at least how many MB or KB of storage it had.

We do have a manual and I will post it here on Monday as a pdf. Sorry I can't get someone to scan it sooner, unless this is a "show must go on" emergency.

Steve Terry
ETC

[derekleffew]

Not to denigrate (well, maybe a little) any other lighting company, and there are few still in business, under the same ownership, that made consoles 25 years ago; but what are the chances I could get a manual or assistance or even an identical loaner console?

E.T.C. RULZ!
(My best Expression I impersonation! No beige text or bkue buttons.)

Seriously, please take this to heart the next time you are purchasing consoles, dimmers, or fixtures.