Control/Dimming Chases in DMX, and Macro Options

In simple terms. a chase is a series of looks that run one after another with some level of timing. For instance. if you want to have a red light flashing for a fire drill. you would have a chase that the first step turns the light on to a specified level. the next step turns the light off. Most boards will automatically loop this chase and give you a flashing light. Of course. a chase can have a lot of steps or only two (as above).

Tim
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First I think that it is important that we clarify a few things before we get to details.

1) Macros are preprogrammed effects that are built into the fixture, they can usually either be started through the onboard menu or with a controller. When using a controller there is usually one control channel which, when set to a given level runs a pre-programmed macro. As far as I know there are no fixtures that allow you to add/delete/or modify any built in macros.

2) Chases are (as stated by tcahall) a series of looks played back in arder with some kind of timing. A chase requires a console that supports running chases, effects, or a series of auto follow cues. Chases can be modified.

Moving on...
So does that mean, I can have moving lights like the macros installed at the Factory in the Martins by doing this?

Well, by definition you have moving lights as the SCX500 is a moving light. I assume you are asking if you can create movement effects similar to the built in macros. In short yes, but you have to program every look that you want to be a step in the chase. With the Chauvet controller you have to program each look as a scene and then you can create a chase that plays back those scenes. For details on how to do this you should probably read the manual for the console.

The caveat to this is that you have to have the controller on and connected to the fixtures to run your chases as the fixtures don't store them. So if you are used to running your fixtures in standalone mode this will be different.
 
No since coming on as the Lighting guy I have figured out how to do the basics, and the board is always hooked up with the fixtures, no stand alone modes here.

Now that i get the Chase thing, is there a more effective inexpensive, but not "cheap" way of creating these movement effects like a chase pattern?
 
With the board you have your two choices are going to be to look in the manual and send the DMX address, or range of addresses, that trigger whichever built in macro you are after or, if you want to put together custom movements, you will have to move the faders on the channels that get the reaction you want, program the look in the chase, move the fader, record the chase, move the fader, record the chase...

I am somewhat familiar with the board and don't know of any other options. If you are looking for a cheap way to run moving lights, you will probably end up turning this into a Chamsys MagicQ thread (not a bad thing, but a definite move off topic);)

Tim.
 
I need your Help

Hello my friends,

I am new to this lighting system. Can you explain me what is shutter, prism, gobo and all this stuff. I made small things like fade in and out and some timeing for specific lights. Now i am having software in my pc which gives an space for macro where we can write macro program. so can you help me in how to write this macro program.

Now I am not having moving lights. but in near future I will have some. So please help me with situation.
 
Re: I need your Help

Hey virajtolia,

First, you should swing by the new member board and formally introduce yourself! We love meeting people all over the world and we'd love to hear your story!

Second, we'd be glad to help you with any questions you might have, but you should start your own thread as to not intrude on other peoples questions! Also, some of the things you're asking about you can find in the Control Booth Wiki!
 

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