Control/Dimming Zero 88's New Console

NickJones

Active Member
Zero88, the English lighting company, has launched a new console. The "Orb" I think it's supposed to be a competitor for the EOS or Strand's Palette.
Zero88 makes reasonably low end consoles. So hopefully, this will do all the things an EOS can do but for a lower price.

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* Control channels : 2048 (Patchable to any DMX address)
* Playbacks : 10 (Plus 2 Master Faders)
* Submasters : 600 (20 pages of 30, via DMX In)
* Cues : 1000 stacks x 1000 cues (Maximum 2000 total cues)
* Control Wheels : 4 (3 Panel Mounted Encoders, 1 Control Wheel)
* Trackball : 38mm IP65 Panel Mounted Trackball
* Power supply : Internal switched mode power supply
* Mains inlet : via switched CEE22 connector
* Supply voltage range : 100-240V, 47-63Hz
* DMX Output : 4 x DMX512A opto isolated via 4 x XLR 5 fixed sockets, over-voltage protected
* Ethernet protocols (RJ45 port, 100 Base T): Artnet (4 universes), Zero Wire DMX, LightConverse, Capture, WYSIWYG and PDA Remote
* DMX Input: 1x DMX512
* Sound to Light input : Stereo ¼” Jack socket. 100mV – 10V
* Monitor Output : 2 x XGA via standard 15 pin D connector
* USB : 4 ports for connection of accessories or for storage
* Data Storage : USB memory stick (included)
* Desk lamp supply : 12V 5W. 1 x XLR 3 pin female. For Littlite ® or compatible lamp
* Rear mounted control inputs : SMPTE, MIDI in/thru, CAN
(iCan and ChilliNet), Remote (8-pin DIN) and Line in/out
* Dimensions : 201mm(H) x 1000mm(W) x 462mm(D)
* Weight : 20kg
* Operating Temperature Range : +5 to +40 °C
* Humidity : 5% to 95% Non condensing


The website had this to say about it:
The ORB has been designed for 21st century theatrical lighting control.
Extensive market research and customer feedback has driven the design of the Orb. The ZerOS software suite which underlies the Orb’s operating system has been tried and tested in leading entertainment controllers, the Leap Frog and Frog 2. The ZerOS software has now been adapted to meet the stringent requirements of theatrical lighting designers and programmers in the 21st Century.

The 2048 DMX control channels offered by the Orb allows users to control multiple LED fittings, intelligent lights or media servers controlling video, as well as the standard generic dimming systems common to theatres and television. All of these devices are programmed through intuitive user interfaces incorporating custom designed encoder wheels, multiple playback stacks, user definable keys and optional touch screens.

Programming is via a numeric keypad using standard, familiar industry style syntax. Tools like the integrated track ball, automatic palettes and syntax keys, allow for speedy programming when used by a seasoned lighting operator.

The graphical user interface on the dual monitors provides tools to allow anyone to quickly select and program colours via the colour picker or gobos via the gobo image display. User definable screen views mean operators can set the graphical user interface up to meet their own specific needs.

The power of the ZerOS system allows users of the ORB to make dynamic ‘on the fly’ changes to a show, provides advanced tracking updates and enables the creation of powerful effects via the intuitive effects engine with over 40 effect foundations to build on.
Fixture swap out to any of the internal fixture library of 1900 fixtures make the desk ideal for touring shows or updating of long running shows to newer fixtures.
There are 1000 cue stacks of 1000 cues and two theatre style playback masters adding conventional A/B crossfading for users preferring this operating methodology.

Show files can be cross-loaded between the Leap Frog 48 & 96 and Frog 2 lighting consoles

Industry standard Ethernet protocols and 5 pin XLR connectors gives flexibility in selecting DMX output options. Ethernet support for all common visualisation software packages is standard. By adding a suitable Wireless Access Point and Windows Mobile device running free ZerOS software, the desk can support a wireless remote for channel and syntax control. A free Off Line Editor is also available from the Zero 88 website.
From the website: ORB
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I'm not sure how I feel about this console. What about you guys?
 
I'm not sure how I feel about this console. What about you guys?

Well, since chances are no one has used it yet, how can we feel about it? Designed to or not, it will never compete with ETC, Strand, MA Lighting, or Hog. However, having another choice on the market is not a bad thing. People will buy it, some will swear buy it and some will hate it.
 
I am a fan of all the blue!
 
Well, since chances are no one has used it yet, how can we feel about it? Designed to or not, it will never compete with ETC, Strand, MA Lighting, or Hog. However, having another choice on the market is not a bad thing. People will buy it, some will swear buy it and some will hate it.
I was talking about how they feel it will go.

I'm not a fan or a hater of Zero88, they make some OK gear. Considering this is there first "Real" console (the first one to use more than one universe at least) I doubt it will compete with anything, but this signifies that they are attempting to pull themselves up there. It's allways good to have more competition. The new Jester (from Zero88), has command line interface, ML control, and would be a good solution for schools, churches ect, after a 200 channel desk, with ML, LED and Conventional support.

So this "Orb" will offer a solution that gives you the same amount of channels for less price, sure it may not have the reputation, all of the features or the support of an ETC, Strand ect, but I presume it will give you quite a few features, and with over 2000 channels, it certainly would deal with all the MLs and LEDs, but if you are going to use 2000 channels, then chances are you have a high budget anyway. So it seems a lot like overkill to me. I don't think they thaught this one out though. As you aren't going to go for a product that is new for your huge theatre with more than one universe, with a companies brand new console. I think it will flop, but we will find out. :rolleyes:
Nick
 
It's allways good to have more competition.

Hmm, I somewhat agree, but mainly disagree.

You think more competition would make MA Lighting/ETC/Strand/HES/Chamsys etc. push down their prices to compete, but they don't have to. They know they have the advantage of industry knowledge and respect, and they don't have to fight for that.

Having another desk in the mix makes it harder. It may have similar specs to the others, but probably serious design flaws as well. The issue is that when a less knowledgeable person is deciding what desk to buy for their venue, they see the specs and go "Oh, it looks equivalent but at a much better price, I'll get that". Then people come into the venue, and spend 80% of their time troubleshooting a sub-standard console. I know when I go into a venue, I expect them to have a 'name-brand' console, because I know I can operate it, and that there are decent resources out there if I get stuck (HES forums, ETC forums, Strand helpline, ETC helpline etc.).

Also, I used the Jester, and it sucked.
 
You think more competition would make MA Lighting/ETC/Strand/HES/Chamsys etc. push down their prices to compete, but they don't have to. They know they have the advantage of industry knowledge and respect, and they don't have to fight for that.
Yeah, It's a bit like the whole Apple thing with there complete control. However, if a few more consoles like this come out. then there may be a bit more chance of them going down.
Having another desk in the mix makes it harder. It may have similar specs to the others, but probably serious design flaws as well. The issue is that when a less knowledgeable person is deciding what desk to buy for their venue, they see the specs and go "Oh, it looks equivalent but at a much better price, I'll get that". Then people come into the venue, and spend 80% of their time troubleshooting a sub-standard console.
I presume that's where they intend to get most of there market from. I know if I was designing a venue that had 4 DMX Universes, I definitely wouldn't want a no-name console. That's a major design flaw. But I think that so many people designing venues for collages and big schools will look at stuff like this and do as you said. As far as Zero88 is concerned, they have already made there Money. But Zero88 still value there costomers, I haven't had a huge amount of contact with there products, but the Jester has had a few software updates, so they must semi care. In the war between ETC, Strand, ect, if one console has one feature, the other will have it in no time. If Zero88 work hard on the updates, this could be a great console. I doubt it, but if they really wanted it to it could be. [/QUOTE]

Also, I used the Jester, and it sucked.
Yes, totally with you there, however, today we pulled out the Precept 12, made in the late 70's. Things that are legends should die young, like Elvis, John Lennon ect, as Elvis wouldn't have been quite as legendary if he was in a retirement home wearing adult dippers unable to string a sentence together. Unfortunately, this is what's happening to our oldest console, the Precept, sad as it is. Today she decided that faders being pushed up to bring lights up, was a silly idea, and so now, we push faders down to bring lights up. This will all change by the time I go in tomorrow, and I will have the task of resuscitating it again. And again. And again. Today, we also discovered, while moving the console, that when I stood away from the console, everything blacked out. Discovered that the lights only came on if you were standing on a piece of the cable that runs to the dimmer. I can flash lights by jumping. Loki and I got some good entertainment out of this. It's time for a refit of that space...
And you said the Jester sucked. I spoke to an electrician today, I'm having the old dimmer un-hard wired, so then we can plug in some of the newer gear... YEY!
 
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Today, we also discovered, while moving the console, that when I stood away from the console, everything blacked out. Discovered that the lights only came on if you were standing on a piece of the cable that runs to the dimmer. I can flash lights by jumping. Loki and I got some good entertainment out of this. It's time for a refit of that space...
And you said the Jester sucked. I spoke to an electrician today, I'm having the old dimmer un-hard wired, so then we can plug in some of the newer gear... YEY!

You do realize that the LSC Precept is an analog console, so you can't just plug new gear into the control cable, it isn't DMX. Unwiring it from your dimmers won't help you at all. So, unless you are talking about some other console, I wouldn't not suggest changing anything except maybe fixing the short in your cable.
 
You do realize that the LSC Precept is an analog console, so you can't just plug new gear into the control cable, it isn't DMX. Unwiring it from your dimmers won't help you at all. So, unless you are talking about some other console, I wouldn't not suggest changing anything except maybe fixing the short in your cable.
Yeah, I know that its 14Cannon and I need a Mux to use anything DMX, we have a new desk and new LSC dimmer we use for non permanent set-ups, so the gear is sitting the the back room, waiting to be used, but there was no 3phase point at the dimmer, well, it was hard wired, so I'm having it un-hard wired, taking out the old dimmer and putting a new dimmer, in its place. I just came back from a 9 hour rehearsal, where I sat with my head in the dimmer rack for each cue, as the console went even more AWOL today. I think this will be it's last show.

As for the short in the cable, we did realise that's what it was, but the console still has a mind of its own.
Today antics included: Push up fader to bring up random lights, this changes every time you un plug it. So it chooses different channels each time.
The most frustrating part is knowing that all it takes is a guy with an electrical licence, a 3phase plug and a pair of wire cutters 10 minutes and we could use all the new stuff.

LSC gear is used primarily in Australia, do you use much of it in the US?
 
To be fair this is not their first multi universe desk, the frog 2 also does 4 universes and has been out for a few years now, and if I'm not mistaken the leapfrogs do 4 universes (though they only allow a set amount for dimmers and the rest is movers only).

How good or bad it is time will tell...
But to the best of knowledge and limited experience with them their service is excellent, you seem to have a glum and cynical view of them...


[action=KeeperoftheKeys]thinks that the choice for Linux as OS of the desks shows better judgment then ETC's choice for MS on their desks...[/action]
 
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Dear all,

Many thanks for raising the topic of the ORB - we're really proud of this console and feel that it will be an exciting product for the industry as a whole.

You may or may not be aware that 2 years ago Zero 88s parent company, Polaron Plc, were purchased by Cooper Industries making us part of a large corporation with access to all of the resource and funding which that brings. The ORB is the first significant development from the Zero 88 brand as a result of that takeover and as such is a significant departure from the "comfort zone" in which many people would place Zero 88. The ORB has undergone a not insignificant development process including public field tests, feedback sessions and many new staff members being brought on-board in the development team to cope with the major comitment which a manufacturer needs to make to a product like this. We see this product as a true competitor in its marketplace and certainly hope that with time ControlBooth members will grow to love the console.

There have been a number of comments in this topic which I would like to address here:

So hopefully, this will do all the things an EOS can do but for a lower price.
The ORB isn't aimed to be as fully featured as EOS, but neither is the price - the US$ list price is just $7249 at list (ex-works). We're aiming the desk at venues where you would find the Strand 300 and 500 series or ETC Express ranges, and feel that it's feature set and price point very closely reflect what this marketplace is asking for.

Considering this is there first "Real" console (the first one to use more than one universe at least) I doubt it will compete with anything, but this signifies that they are attempting to pull themselves up there.
That's not strictly true - Zero 88 have had multi-universe consoles for the past 10 years including the Bull Frog, Mambo Frog, Frog 2 and the newer Leap Frog 48 and Leap Frog 96, the latter three all featuring 4 universes as standard. The newer three consoles (Frog 2, Leap Frog 48 and Leap Frog 96) all feature Ethernet, Colour Pickers, Gobo Image Previews and pretty much every other feature you would expect from a true moving light console. We are often pidgeon holed by users as a low-end brand, however once people take the time to try our consoles, they are often surprised at how closely they match the features of their favorite "brand". Over the past few years development has been swift - our original Frog range consoles have had no less than 13 major software releases, with the Frog 2 and Leap Frog 48/96 being on their 6th major release.

It's allways good to have more competition. The new Jester (from Zero88), has command line interface, ML control, and would be a good solution for schools, churches ect, after a 200 channel desk, with ML, LED and Conventional support.
The Jester TL range is aimed exactly as you say - the schools and churches of this world who require upto 200 channels with basic ML an LED control. We see this as sitting alongside the ORB very closely to facilitate the two market areas from a single manufacturer.

So this "Orb" will offer a solution that gives you the same amount of channels for less price, sure it may not have the reputation, all of the features or the support of an ETC, Strand ect, ... As you aren't going to go for a product that is new for your huge theatre with more than one universe, with a companies brand new console.
I presume that's where they intend to get most of there market from. I know if I was designing a venue that had 4 DMX Universes, I definitely wouldn't want a no-name console.
That's an interesting way of looking at it, and one which isn't going to help the industry move on as a whole. Remember, just a few years ago MA Lighting were a small German manufacturer who had made a couple of basic moving light controllers. Without early adopters, nobody would have picked up a GrandMA and taken it seriously.

You think more competition would make MA Lighting/ETC/Strand/HES/Chamsys etc. push down their prices to compete, but they don't have to. They know they have the advantage of industry knowledge and respect, and they don't have to fight for that....
I expect them to have a 'name-brand' console, because I know I can operate it, and that there are decent resources out there if I get stuck (HES forums, ETC forums, Strand helpline, ETC helpline etc.).
You mean, something like the Zero 88 Forum(which has been running for 6 years) and the Zero 88 telephone support line, together with free training courses and distributor based support world-wide.

Also, I used the Jester, and it sucked.
I'd really like to hear what you feel it was that sucked about the Jester - we sell in the 1000s of Jesters per anum worldwide and have very feed negative comments expressed about these products.

But Zero88 still value there costomers, I haven't had a huge amount of contact with there products, but the Jester has had a few software updates, so they must semi care. In the war between ETC, Strand, ect, if one console has one feature, the other will have it in no time. If Zero88 work hard on the updates, this could be a great console. I doubt it, but if they really wanted it to it could be.
We certainly intend to work hard on the updates. I can assure all ControlBooth members that their feedback is valued and Zero 88 fully intend on developing and supporting the console as it reaches the marketplace.

Thank-you once again for taking the time to read about and discuss our new product developments - please feel free to contact me on the details below should you have any comments you wish to share, or if I can be of any assistance with any Zero 88 product.
 
First off, welcome to CB Peter! YOu might consider heading over to the new member forum and formally introducing yourself. It is great to have a representative from your company with us and we hope you stay. Having another manufacturer represented here helps people be more aware of other products that are out there. The information you provided is very valuable.

Let me ask one question. You say that the target market for ORB is people replacing Express(ion), and Strand 300/500 desks. However, at the $7.5K list price point you have heavy competition from both companies (ETC's Ion and Element, Strand Palette Line). So how do you guys overcome brand loyalty when trying to make a sale? What (for curiosity's sake) are the selling points of ORB that would make someone want it over the Strand and ETC consoles in that price range.

Please note that I ask strictly out of curiosity. While I am on the market for a new console, we are looking at Eos level gear. However I think that this would be an interesting bit of information for many people here on CB.
 
First of all the Element isn't really comparible with ORB feature wise - it has no fixture wheels and doesn't support multiple cue stacks and is really closer to the Jester TLXtra in many ways, or to our Leap Frog range.

The Ion is a close comparison but what ORB has against Ion is the addition of 10 playbacks (or submasters, user definable) on the front panel, plus the inclusion of a trackball (to effectively use some of the controls on the Ion you have to page through menus or plug in a mouse - the trackball on ORB gives you on-screen control and can also be used for Pan/Tilt adjustment). With ORB it's an out of the box product - no need to buy a desk, buy channel upgrades, buy a wing, buy a mouse, buy buy buy... with ORB you can simply buy the desk, unlocked for 2048 channels out of the box, and go. Yes, there are upgrades (PDA remote - free software, more submasters available via DMX-Input, etc) but the basic product is far more featured than competitors products. Consider that the book price of a Strand Palette or an Ion includes a reduced channel count - to expand to 2048 channels on both of those ranges costs you significantly more. With ORB, it's unlocked like that out of the box.

Spec-wise we are pretty similar (deliberately so) to the majority of consoles in this marketplace and i'm sure that people with strong brand loyalty will look at their favorite brand favorably over our consoles.
However, what we bring to the table is a stylish, easy to understand console for a great price and fantastic support. I hope that this answers the question - please feel free to ask more :)
 
You mean, something like the Zero 88 Forum(which has been running for 6 years) and the Zero 88 telephone support line, together with free training courses and distributor based support world-wide.
Touche. Always good to be proven wrong, and this is a +1. :)

I'd really like to hear what you feel it was that sucked about the Jester - we sell in the 1000s of Jesters per anum worldwide and have very feed negative comments expressed about these products.
It wasn't a very 'intuitive' learning curve for a (mainly) analogue desk. The desk felt slightly 'cheap', though that might just be personal opinion, and probably just lack of openness towards other companies on my part. The screen display looked like something from the 70s, and could've done with a bit more of an attractive interface. The help built into the console was shocking too, though this might have changed.

Thanks for coming on CB and representing Zero88, it's good to get response directly from the developing companies. :)
 
Wasn't a very 'intuitive' learning curve for a (mainly) analogue desk. The desk felt slightly 'cheap', though that might just be personal opinion, and probably just lack of openness towards other companies on my part. The screen display looked like something from the 70s, and could've done with a bit more of an attractive interface. The help built into the console was shocking too, though this might have changed.
Yeah, I know what Raktor is talking about, the screen setup of having the channels in yellow at the bottom, all this wasted black space in the middle, and then more info at the top irritated me, I was using a small screen and all the while thinking "Why not just spread the channels out like on Strand or Eos?" the online help wasn't great, but then again, it wasn't exactly hard to use. And Raktor is so right in way it just feels so old, its fast when I hit go, but it feels like the Precept. Comparing our 30 year old console with a lot more cues and a screen. That's pretty much all the new stuff it can do. I know you sell a lot, but I just didn't feel satisfied by it. I think it's just because it is a rather primitive way of controlling lights, that being said however, the primitive way is due to your target audience, I was helping out at a school where there was only one lighting guy, and he had only just worked out how to program chases on the Jester. As he found the manual "To complicated" having said that, he ran cables throughout the roof as the flexi-patch they had just had put in was "faulty" turns out, he was reading the 6's and the 9's upside down...... Maybe simple consoles are best for simple people....
Thanks for coming on CB and representing Zero88, it's good to get response directly from the developing companies. :)
Yeah, great to have you here, we have a few manufacturers, its really great. A few questions though:
  • Looking at the photos it looked Windows based, is it?
  • Will you be posting an OLE so I can have a play around with it?
  • Is it one size fits all? A two universe model instead of a 4 universe one
  • would be great for smaller spaces.
  • Does it have a Gel Picker, I work in a lot of venues, and it drives me insane, trying to get there LED's to match up with my gels.
  • Does it WYSIWY output?
  • How hard is it for lighting Noobs? In school and church situations, different people are using it so can it be set to operate in Preset mode?
  • What networking capabilities are we talking?
  • Your Frog range had Frogger, Orb sounds "Spacey" can we expect a game?
  • Your site mentions controlling video, can you expand on this?
  • Can you connect a keyboard, one of the things that drove me insane about the Jester was naming cues mobile phone style, and if it does have a keyboard, can you write notes?

Selecon recently joined CB, and asked for suggestions for there latest Cyc light, are you still taking suggestions for features?

Hearing from you guys makes me feel more confident about this console. I stand corrected on my comments about Multi-Universes, I like the JesterXL or whatever its called in concept, having never used it myself, as consoles like the Strand Basic Pallet have a large capacity but if you need 200 channels, you have to buy a console capable of doing 500, that can only do 100 from the start, so you have to buy another hundred, and still you have that system there not being used to its full potential.

DVSdave shot a demo with Sarah Clausen from ETC, would you be able to do something similar, post it on your site, or youtube ect, that way we can all have a look. The 7 grand US isn't as much as I expected, making it easier for people to get funding for. The regular updates should be great, so aslong as you have all the features, I think this console could be a good addition to the range out there. I also think seeing the Gobos is a cool function.

Having you here has changed my views a lot,
Nick
 
Yeah, I know what Raktor is talking about, the screen setup of having the channels in yellow at the bottom, all this wasted black space in the middle, and then more info at the top irritated me, I was using a small screen and all the while thinking "Why not just spread the channels out like on Strand or Eos?" the online help wasn't great, but then again, it wasn't exactly hard to use. And Raktor is so right in way it just feels so old, its fast when I hit go, but it feels like the Precept. Comparing our 30 year old console with a lot more cues and a screen. That's pretty much all the new stuff it can do. I know you sell a lot, but I just didn't feel satisfied by it. I think it's just because it is a rather primitive way of controlling lights, that being said however, the primitive way is due to your target audience, I was helping out at a school where there was only one lighting guy, and he had only just worked out how to program chases on the Jester. As he found the manual "To complicated" having said that, he ran cables throughout the roof as the flexi-patch they had just had put in was "faulty" turns out, he was reading the 6's and the 9's upside down...... Maybe simple consoles are best for simple people....
The reason we've opted for the screen layout as have on the Jester range is a result of the criticism levvied on the original Frog range screen layouts which people commented that paging through multiple screens to see your outputs, submasters, memories, etc was frustrating. With the Jester we display the contents of your memories, submasters, your channel outputs, and in "Run" mode, a preview of your next memory as well. Your feedback is valuable though and will be passed on to the development team for inclusion in any future developments.

Yeah, great to have you here, we have a few manufacturers, its really great. A few questions though:
  • Looking at the photos it looked Windows based, is it?
No, it runs a custom distribution of Linux internally.
  • Will you be posting an OLE so I can have a play around with it?
Yes, there will be an offline version of the desk software up on the website in the next couple of weeks - we're just finishing off some of the software before we publically launch it.
  • Is it one size fits all? A two universe model instead of a 4 universe one would be great for smaller spaces.
We dont want to run before we can walk, so we're starting off with one desk in this range, however we're not adverse to bringing out variants of the product based on market feedback - the Original Frog range ended up with 6 variants, and the Jester range is now 6 products, so if the market dictates that it needs different versions, we'll listen and respond. We believe that the product we have designed will answer the demands for most customers out of the box, and the platform internally is intended to be very modular so future developments should be reasonably simple.
  • Does it have a Gel Picker, I work in a lot of venues, and it drives me insane, trying to get there LED's to match up with my gels.
This isn't in the first release of software, but we have already gathered the data for implementing this into a future release. It does have an on-screen colour picker so you could always use that to pick with (including HSI adjustment).
  • Does it WYSIWY output?
Yes, as standard (as well as Capture and LightConverse), and it comes with the new WYSIWYG-DV (demo version) on the accessories CD which will connect directly with the offline.
  • How hard is it for lighting Noobs? In school and church situations, different people are using it so can it be set to operate in Preset mode?
We believe it's pretty simple to pick up, although it doesn't have a "preset" mode as such.
  • What networking capabilities are we talking?
Out of the box in the first release of software, it supports Artnet, Zero Wire (wireless DMX), WYSIWYG, Capture, LightConverse and a PDA Remote. Tracking Backup functionality is coming very soon.
  • Your Frog range had Frogger, Orb sounds "Spacey" can we expect a game?
Maybe... do you have some suggestions as to which game you'd like?
  • Your site mentions controlling video, can you expand on this?
The desk already supports CITP (the Capture visualisation protocol) and we intend on implementing the MSEX (Media Server Extensions) to this protocol later this year. This will give on-screen previews of media clips and server output. We have also worked hard on our fixture profiles for media servers so that the control wheels on ORB lay out the controls in a logical and easy to follow way. As with all Zero 88 products, we're happy to listen to customer demand, so if there is a particular feature you'd like to see related to video or any other desk function, please do let us know.
  • Can you connect a keyboard, one of the things that drove me insane about the Jester was naming cues mobile phone style, and if it does have a keyboard, can you write notes?
Yes, the desk supports the majority of USB peripherals (Keyboards, Mice, Touchscreens, Christmas Trees, Lava Lamps, etc). On newer Jester consoles you can connect a USB Keyboard too - the first generation motherboard didn't support this but the ML and TL ranges motherboard now supports this function.
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Selecon recently joined CB, and asked for suggestions for there latest Cyc light, are you still taking suggestions for features?
Absolutely. Please let me know anything you'd like to see in the product or in our range generally and we'll do our best to include your thoughts in our design process.

Hearing from you guys makes me feel more confident about this console. I stand corrected on my comments about Multi-Universes, I like the JesterXL or whatever its called in concept, having never used it myself, as consoles like the Strand Basic Pallet have a large capacity but if you need 200 channels, you have to buy a console capable of doing 500, that can only do 100 from the start, so you have to buy another hundred, and still you have that system there not being used to its full potential.
That's our feeling too, and the reason that we've not opted for selling channel upgrades on any of our products.

DVSdave shot a demo with Sarah Clausen from ETC, would you be able to do something similar, post it on your site, or youtube ect, that way we can all have a look.
I'll talk to our Marketing Department about getting something like this put together.

The 7 grand US isn't as much as I expected, making it easier for people to get funding for. The regular updates should be great, so aslong as you have all the features, I think this console could be a good addition to the range out there. I also think seeing the Gobos is a cool function.

Having you here has changed my views a lot,
Nick
That's great news Nick - I fully intend on sticking around here and listening to everyones feedback. We're comitted to making ORB a success and only through an open mind and listening to feedback from you guys, the customers, can we really achieve this.
 
The reason we've opted for the screen layout as have on the Jester range is a result of the criticism levvied on the original Frog range screen layouts which people commented that paging through multiple screens to see your outputs, submasters, memories, etc was frustrating. With the Jester we display the contents of your memories, submasters, your channel outputs, and in "Run" mode, a preview of your next memory as well. Your feedback is valuable though and will be passed on to the development team for inclusion in any future developments.
Good to hear, after speaking to some other people about there views they said the same thing. It's the Preset mode that has it, this view,

No, it runs a custom distribution of Linux internally.
Good to hear, love Linux!
Yes, there will be an offline version of the desk software up on the website in the next couple of weeks - we're just finishing off some of the software before we publically launch it.
Great, will it be like the Phantom Jester, just downloaded that, can it be used via keyboard shortcuts, I had to use multiple monitors to see the controls and the screen, the Strand 500 OLE (DOS based, hell to get to work) uses keyboard shortcuts, although harder in the short term, it makes programming off-line, or connected to a network, almost as fast as it is on a console, (Not suggesting it on the PhantomJester though as it is more "Hands on" than proper programming.) I found the same problem with the Frogger OLE, keyboard shortcuts own virtual buttons. You could still leave them in there for the newbie, but keyboard shortcuts would be a major plus. Strand released a layout of the normal keypad on the console, with the corresponding letters below it.
We dont want to run before we can walk, so we're starting off with one desk in this range, however we're not adverse to bringing out variants of the product based on market feedback - the Original Frog range ended up with 6 variants, and the Jester range is now 6 products, so if the market dictates that it needs different versions, we'll listen and respond. We believe that the product we have designed will answer the demands for most customers out of the box, and the platform internally is intended to be very modular so future developments should be reasonably simple.
Fair cop, who do you mainly aim it at? Theatres? Tours?

This isn't in the first release of software, but we have already gathered the data for implementing this into a future release. It does have an on-screen colour picker so you could always use that to pick with (including HSI adjustment).
Good to hear! I use iPhone apps for gel picking to, iPhone RFR for ORB?
Yes, as standard (as well as Capture and LightConverse), and it comes with the new WYSIWYG-DV (demo version) on the accessories CD which will connect directly with the offline.
So it comes with the demo? And not the USB-DMX WYS adapter, simply through a network.

We believe it's pretty simple to pick up, although it doesn't have a "preset" mode as such.
Good to hear, in situations like this I program Subs for them, then lock the desk, can the desk be locked for changes like the Jester? And can it be locked full stop so nothing can be done expect type the password? Its useful in case people decide to have a "Button Press" while I'm buisly off getting myself NACHOS (I like nachos)
Out of the box in the first release of software, it supports Artnet, Zero Wire (wireless DMX), WYSIWYG, Capture, LightConverse and a PDA Remote. Tracking Backup functionality is coming very soon.

Will this work with my traditional computer network gear? Presume so? And can laptops be used to remotely control the console? Its a useful feature to not only be able to use the console off line, but also to control it wirelessly from anywhere in the venue. Especially if you own a Dell Mini 9 or EePC.

Maybe... do you have some suggestions as to which game you'd like?
I previously asked ETC for Doom, they declined :p just something retro! Arcade games are fun!
The desk already supports CITP (the Capture visualisation protocol) and we intend on implementing the MSEX (Media Server Extensions) to this protocol later this year. This will give on-screen previews of media clips and server output.
Wow, that's impressive, this really is a high end console!

As with all Zero 88 products, we're happy to listen to customer demand, so if there is a particular feature you'd like to see related to video or any other desk function, please do let us know.
Yes, the desk supports the majority of USB peripherals (Keyboards, Mice, Touchscreens, Christmas Trees, Lava Lamps, etc)
Good to hear, also glad that my
Absolutely. Please let me know anything you'd like to see in the product or in our range generally and we'll do our best to include your thoughts in our design process.[/QUOTE]
Looking at the image on your site, the LCD's above your faders, are they able to show the "Name" of each fader, something I particularly like about the Ion's fader wings.

That's our feeling too, and the reason that we've not opted for selling channel upgrades on any of our products.
Okay, so a smaller console may come in the future if there is the demand.

I'll talk to our Marketing Department about getting something like this put together.
Great, It doesn't have to be Hollywood, just so we get an idea, a "walk though" of the consoles features.

You mentioned
On the fly changes
on your site, does this mean I can change a cue while running a cue?

Where exactly is the console at the moment? Has it been released? Are they being made? Are you still working on the final design?

I fully intend on sticking around here and listening to everyones feedback. We're comitted to making ORB a success and only through an open mind and listening to feedback from you guys, the customers, can we really achieve this.
Thanks Peter,
Everyone benefits from this, we do, beacuse we get what we want, and you do as you keep us happy :)
Cheers
Nick
 
You might be lucky with doom, as it's out there open source and ported to linux... (unless you want 3, then you'll have to wait until they release doom 4).

EOS runs win XP embedded which makes supporting Doom 1 very hard for ETC...
 
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It's the Preset mode that has it, this view,
I can see where you're coming from, and have passed your comments onto our R&D team.


Great, will it be like the Phantom Jester, just downloaded that, can it be used via keyboard shortcuts, I had to use multiple monitors to see the controls and the screen, the Strand 500 OLE (DOS based, hell to get to work) uses keyboard shortcuts, although harder in the short term, it makes programming off-line, or connected to a network, almost as fast as it is on a console, (Not suggesting it on the PhantomJester though as it is more "Hands on" than proper programming.) I found the same problem with the Frogger OLE, keyboard shortcuts own virtual buttons. You could still leave them in there for the newbie, but keyboard shortcuts would be a major plus. Strand released a layout of the normal keypad on the console, with the corresponding letters below it.
We'll look at doing something along these lines - our Frog 2 offline has a lot of keyboard shortcuts which work in the same way as the 500 series one, so it shouldn't be major to add some keyboard shortcuts to the ORB one.

who do you mainly aim it at? Theatres? Tours?
We see it as being a fairly close replacement to the 500 series with decent level of moving light controls, so both sectors.


iPhone RFR for ORB?
Something that's been requested a few times, so it's already on the wish list - the remote only works on Windows Mobile and Windows PocketPC devices at the moment.

So it comes with the demo? And not the USB-DMX WYS adapter, simply through a network.
Yep, a demo version which will connect over Ethernet. No need for you WYG-IT or an Enttec dongle any more.

Good to hear, in situations like this I program Subs for them, then lock the desk, can the desk be locked for changes like the Jester? And can it be locked full stop so nothing can be done expect type the password? Its useful in case people decide to have a "Button Press" while I'm buisly off getting myself NACHOS (I like nachos)
At present we only have the "global" lock implemented, where the whole desk locks out. We're looking at adding a programming lock in soon though - watch this space.


Will this work with my traditional computer network gear? Presume so? And can laptops be used to remotely control the console? Its a useful feature to not only be able to use the console off line, but also to control it wirelessly from anywhere in the venue. Especially if you own a Dell Mini 9 or EePC.
It'll work with normal Ethernet hardware - switches, crossover cables, wireless hubs, etc. At present you can't remotely control the console from the PDA application but once we have tracking backup functionality this sort of thing will be a small step away. Again, watch this space.

You might be lucky with doom, as it's out there open source and ported to linux... (unless you want 3, then you'll have to wait until they release doom 4).

EOS runs win XP embedded which makes supporting Doom 1 very hard for ETC...

I previously asked ETC for Doom, they declined :p just something retro! Arcade games are fun!
One for a Friday afternoon for the software guys I think.


Are the faders motorised? Not a major thing for me personally, but some people realy like this feature.
No, the faders are not motorised on the ORB. If people really want motor faders, we could do it, but we'd have to charge more than $7.5k for the desk.


Looking at the image on your site, the LCD's above your faders, are they able to show the "Name" of each fader, something I particularly like about the Ion's fader wings.
The LCDs above the faders show:
<Cue Stack Name>
<Current Cue Number>
<Next Cue Number>
<Fade Progress as a bar graph>

If they're in "Submaster" mode then they simply show the name of the Sub.


Great, It doesn't have to be Hollywood, just so we get an idea, a "walk though" of the consoles features.
Time to dig out my digicam I think

You mentioned 'On the fly' on your site, does this mean I can change a cue while running a cue?
Yep, we have a Hog-style "Update Options" window which lets you filter your update into various locations and perform track forward/back/cue only - once the contents of your programmer are fully updated, the programmer automatically clears so you can move on with your show.

Where exactly is the console at the moment? Has it been released? Are they being made? Are you still working on the final design?
The first desks are going into pre-production this morning as I type. We're aiming to ship the first desks to customers before the end of the month :)
 
I can see where you're coming from, and have passed your comments onto our R&D team.
Great, will make me like the desk a more enjoyable to use.

We'll look at doing something along these lines - our Frog 2 offline has a lot of keyboard shortcuts which work in the same way as the 500 series one, so it shouldn't be major to add some keyboard shortcuts to the ORB one.
Great, OLEs can be a god send when you are at intermission, and you think: "Oh god! That extra scene!" and can program it without changing the real lights.


Something that's been requested a few times, so it's already on the wish list - the remote only works on Windows Mobile and Windows PocketPC devices at the moment.
Right, so I can't even control it from my laptop yet? I find it really useful to be able to do that.


At present we only have the "global" lock implemented, where the whole desk locks out. We're looking at adding a programming lock in soon though - watch this space.
Okay, but the desk itself backs up to USB as well as internal storage, is this a Hard Drive or Flash Memory? Solid State drives are great, because they are silent, and they don't die if dropped.



It'll work with normal Ethernet hardware - switches, crossover cables, wireless hubs, etc. At present you can't remotely control the console from the PDA application but once we have tracking backup functionality this sort of thing will be a small step away. Again, watch this space.
Okay, so once it's finished I can plug my wireless router into the back of this console, and broadcast it through the venue? I always bring wireless gear when doing shows, that way we have two lines of communication. There was a change of plan mid way through a show, and instead of having to go down to the stage with a USB or printout with the updated version on it, I used our network chat client to do it, meaning they got sent the updated version. We also use it just to chat about the show, and other things, without blocking Coms, could there be any type of network chat integration with the console?

One for a Friday afternoon for the software guys I think.
Oh yeah! As it's Linux Based, it actually wouldn't be that hard to do. As its freeware. You could use the trackball to aim, the arrow keys to move! You could even have maps of theatres and venues there, and set the bots to your director..... Now that's a function I would use a lot! (It would also have to have a "Quick Hide" button!)

The LCDs above the faders show:
<Cue Stack Name>
<Current Cue Number>
<Next Cue Number>
<Fade Progress as a bar graph>

If they're in "Submaster" mode then they simply show the name of the Sub.
Can this be changed? Not just the layout of the LCD's, but of the screens? I know how bleak it looks after I stare at it all day while slowly chewing a pencil/pen. The Strand consoles can have the Color Scheme & Channel Layout changed. Can the ORB do this? Having a fresh set of colours is a god send when doing a big show.

Time to dig out my digicam I think
Yeah, I would be really interested in seeing this console in action.


Yep, we have a Hog-style "Update Options" window which lets you filter your update into various locations and perform track forward/back/cue only - once the contents of your programmer are fully updated, the programmer automatically clears so you can move on with your show.
Okay, could be useful.


The first desks are going into pre-production this morning as I type. We're aiming to ship the first desks to customers before the end of the month :)
Okay, so you will soon have feedback from people who have actually used the desk instead of me :)

Nick
 
Right, so I can't even control it from my laptop yet? I find it really useful to be able to do that.
This will be coming - the to-do list is getting ticked off quickly.

Okay, but the desk itself backs up to USB as well as internal storage, is this a Hard Drive or Flash Memory? Solid State drives are great, because they are silent, and they don't die if dropped.
Flash Memory - the only moving part inside the desk is a cooling fan for the processor, as well as the wheels and trackball. No hard disks to go wrong.

Okay, so once it's finished I can plug my wireless router into the back of this console, and broadcast it through the venue? I always bring wireless gear when doing shows, that way we have two lines of communication. There was a change of plan mid way through a show, and instead of having to go down to the stage with a USB or printout with the updated version on it, I used our network chat client to do it, meaning they got sent the updated version. We also use it just to chat about the show, and other things, without blocking Coms, could there be any type of network chat integration with the console?
Another neat idea to add to the mix - we've also talked about giving the LD a window where they can write Cue Notes and the desk would automatically append the cue number which is active at the time.


Oh yeah! As it's Linux Based, it actually wouldn't be that hard to do. As its freeware. You could use the trackball to aim, the arrow keys to move! You could even have maps of theatres and venues there, and set the bots to your director..... Now that's a function I would use a lot! (It would also have to have a "Quick Hide" button!)
For some reason when I talked to the software guys about this, they got very excited.... watch this space.


Can this be changed? Not just the layout of the LCD's, but of the screens? I know how bleak it looks after I stare at it all day while slowly chewing a pencil/pen. The Strand consoles can have the Color Scheme & Channel Layout changed. Can the ORB do this? Having a fresh set of colours is a god send when doing a big show.
You can define your own user views, and store and recall these using syntax. Colour schemes can be switched, and we're working on alternatives as we speak (at present there are three).
 

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