Kabuki Drop - dangerous?

[Charc]

DMX-512 USITT Draft 1991 (or something like that, I can't remember) stated that this data protocol was not to be used for anything potentially life threatening. So, MIDI became the protocol of choice for rigging/automation, correct?

However, a kabuki drop doesn't count as rigging/automation? Anyone else seen that DMX-512 kabuki drop? Seems cool to me.

I'd be happy if everything was run on DMX. want some coffee made? No problem, channel 50. Want to turn the heat up? Sure, channel 56. Want to warmup the engine of your car? No problem, channel 67.

(I'm getting carried away, so back on top...)

[derekleffew]

Link? to the DMX Kabuki Drop? Dropping 20 pounds of china silk, (or for Van, tricot) spread out across 40'-60' isn't particularly dangerous, but accidental triggers can and do (seldom) happen with any automated system.

The problem with using DMX-512A (or any variant) is its inherent lack of error-checking. The receiving device is "dumb" and will do whatever it is told. There's a thread on "the other board" right now about whether or not adding a "deadman switch" is an appropriate safety device. All quality dangerous devices that use DMX or Midi, or MSC, will include a PLC to monitor for safety, often including a deadman, and only if all safety devices are secure, will execute what the DMX or other external trigger tells it to do.

As far as controlling everything with DMX, check out this, this, and that. Whether or not ACN is appropriate for controlling dangerous devices has yet to be addressed, as far as I know (or can remember).

[gafftaper]

A good question for Steve Terry... has there been any discussion of ACN and triggering "dangerous" systems? Just sent him a PM to make sure he sees this thread.

[STEVETERRY]

Originally Posted by gafftaper

A good question for Steve Terry... has there been any discussion of ACN and triggering "dangerous" systems? Just sent him a PM to make sure he sees this thread.

Since ACN is an Inherently reliable protocol with guaranteed message delivery, there is no such prohibition.

However, the wise system designer will always insert a final interlock, such as a dead-man switch, between the automated execution and the actual execution.

ST

[Charc]

I guess I didn't mean dangerous, but being in the realm of rigging, I thought it inherently shouldn't run on DMX. However, I though the USITT draft stated that DMX was only prohibited from dangerous situations, not rigging applications.

Link? I think it has bee advertised in LD, multiple times. I can check an issue down in my room later.

[Footer]

I personally just don't like automation running directly off of a lighting console. Running off a separate unit that is cued by the lighting console and has a second operator... fine... but not direct. It makes cueing a pain and its to easy to jump a cue.

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by STEVETERRY

Since ACN is an Inherently reliable protocol with guaranteed message delivery, there is no such prohibition.
However, the wise system designer will always insert a final interlock, such as a dead-man switch, between the automated execution and the actual execution.
ST

I can just hear it on the headset.

"Roll On One".

SB

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by Footer4321

I personally just don't like automation running directly off of a lighting console. Running off a separate unit that is cued by the lighting console and has a second operator... fine... but not direct. It makes cueing a pain and its to easy to jump a cue.

There's been an interesting - and very long as is typical, thread on the stagecraft list about powered rigging systems and automated controls for such.

One pointed comment that came up with the Vertek system was the difficulty in skipping cues, a common occurrence and readily do-able in lighting and audio systems. Seems the Vortek controls, and others as I was led to believe, have some issues as to how best to accomplish the task desired and called for and are seemingly not as far along in the process as related lighting systems. In general, powered systems are not as well thought of umong the list members, for any number of reasons, though admittedly, many of the list members are old and set in their ways.

SB

[Charc]

Originally Posted by SteveB

I can just hear it on the headset.
"Roll On One".
SB

I'm sure that's a joke, but I don't get it!

Care to explain, anyone?

[jonhirsh]

Watch the movie the Green Mile

JH