etc express

[rgsw]

just how easy is it to control movers with the express range of lighting boards as the trackpad looks in-accurate and the two smaller rectangler trackpads to the left of it looks, frankly crap!

[soundman]

We just set up subs for each channel, so pan was sub 1 pan fine 2 tilt sub 3 and so on. Our track pad got broken over the summer so I have no idea how it would work.

[SteveB]

It's not the ideal console, but it can be done if it's the ONLY console:

1) The 2 little trackpads to the left of the square one are the fine and course settings for the trackpad. The fact that you didn't know that means you need to read the manual and/or get more conversant with the console, else your experiences with ML's on this console will be a disappointment.

2) The trackpad actually is pretty good at positioning a miror - if that's what you're using, but not good at moving heads, as the trackpad orientaion flips once the head rotates past 180 degrees. That's when the subs are often a better choice.

3) The biggest headache with the Express, is after you've figured out how to import and load personalities, the attribute settings are all set via the trackpad - assuming you use the Fixture window. Subs and Groups might well work betteer, but take a ton of time to get organized and loaded.

SB

[OnWithTheShow]

http://www.etcconnect.com/docs_downl...uick_Guide.pdf

The express quick guide has a detailed section on controlling moving heads.

[rgsw]

thanks for all your helps guys. The etc express does not look at all suited to ml's after reading through the manual, it must have been an afterthough.

i think i am going to head down the frog route because the bullfrog looks nice but not too expensive.
however it may be a bit over-rated for my use as we will many be sticking with convential lanterns and only purchasing two ml's to pratice on (two s4 revolutions) largely due to cost of ml's both hiring and buying.

anyother boards recommondations? i am looking mainly for high flexibilty and boards that have individual faders for spontaneity as I do a lot of last minute gigs etc...

[rgsw]

thanks for all your helps guys. The etc express does not look at all suited to ml's after reading through the manual, it must have been an afterthough.

i think i am going to head down the frog route because the bullfrog looks nice but not too expensive.
however it may be a bit over-rated for my use as we will many be sticking with convential lanterns and only purchasing two ml's to pratice on (two s4 revolutions) largely due to cost of ml's both hiring and buying.

anyother boards recommondations? i am looking mainly for high flexibilty and boards that have individual faders for spontaneity as I do a lot of last minute gigs etc...

[BillySerious]

I am currently running a conventional rig with 8 intelligent lights on a Zero 88 console, and I would recommend you to something else.

It is a decent enough board for conventionals, (but then again what isnt....) but it SEVERLY LACKS in Intelligent Lighting Control. Its pallates are set up to where you cannot stack individual Beamshape attributes, making it impossible for almost any impromtu cues, and its durability is VERY suspect. We keep our board in pristine conditions, no dust, no wear, no moving, and three of the faders are already glitching, causing a strobe/blink on slow fades, which basically ruins mood lighting.

It is not a hard board to figure out, but once you do, you will find yourself wanting alot more control, and for the price, there are more suitable alternitives out there.

[bdesmond]

I would take a serious look at the Strand 300 series board. IF you have the budget for an ETC Express, the Strand 300 is the saem range, maybe a little cheaper. It uses a trackball mouse and/or a wheel for controlling values. It has some pretty cool moving light features, although I've never tried it with an intel fixture.

[digitaltec]

Do not use a Express to control moving lights. It takes at least 13 channels to control one fixture. It's not fun, let me tell you.

[OnWithTheShow]

I'm not expert on Moving Light consoles but wouldn't the fixture use the same number of channels no matter the console. If you are really only going to have 2 then the Express will still do the trick.