Control/Dimming Strand Basic Palette RFU

[tyler.martin]

Anybody have any particular experience with the RFU unit for the Palette Series? or any other tips such as RDP or web control?

Thanks...

 

[NickJones]

[IMGL]http://www.strand-dev.com/forums/download/file.php?id=443&sid=1e5914f355275ad90747670023b290a1[/IMGL]I know of an OLE for it, and this little App seemed verry cool, it is web based control. And as it's web based, so it works with any os, as long as it is has a web browser and connected to the same network. It's Java based, and it will work on your iPhone, if you have one.
Here's a screenshot

Nick

 

[tyler.martin]

yeah, i have used the OLE, quite frequently infact, but what i am looking for is feedback regarding the strand branded Pocket PC PDA RFU? Of the 6 or so theatres I work at, 4 of them use a Palette based system, and none of them have an RFU so it might be beneficial for me personally to buy the Strand PDA... So has anyone used the Strand PDA?

 

[Balo]

If you have the software for the new palette's rfu, buy your own pda. Strand was simply selling a symbol mc50 with the software installed. I have bought one on ebay that I installed the old 300/500 series wrfu program, the new palette wrfu program, and the obession 2 wrfu program to ease my work in several places here in town. Buy an extended use battery pack and you're set for a couple of days or longer. Plus the symbols are die hard devices built for being dropped in a warehouse, you can't go wrong.

 

[NickJones]

Yeah, but martinty has a Pallete, and I think the 300/500 PDA software only works with the 300/500 series, not the newer ones, I may be wrong,
Nick

 

[fredthe]

... the 300/500 PDA software only works with the 300/500 series...

True, but Balo said he also installed the software for the new Palettes, and the Obsession 2.

(Please learn to read past the first comma in a sentence )

 

[gafftaper]

I have the RFU and love it. It has some software issues and crashes once in a while. They've upgraded the software and the new version runs a lot better, although it's still not 100% glitch free. But who cares you are using it to focus, not run a show, the occasional crash is no big deal.

The main screen is a virtual version of the key pad. Then there's a grid screen that shows which channels are on. There's a submaster screen which is very useful. You can record and run submasters from the PDA. There's a cue screen so yes you can run cues from the pda if you are crazy. Finally there's a pre-show check screen which flashes fixtures for you one at a time.

I don't know anything about installing it on your own PDA. Mine came with the new building and system so I don't know anything about pricing. You could post a question over on the official Palette software forum strand-dev.com for info on if you can install the software on your own PDA.

 

[tyler.martin]

Strand gave me a crazy high price, because of the symbol PDA. Does anyone know the link to download the software? It is not on Strand's current page, and it is not on ArchiveWeb

 

[tyler.martin]

found it! its in the OLE intstaller file C:\Program Files\Strand\Palette\PaletteRFU.msi

 

[tyler.martin]

ok maybe not... that just runs the RFU program on ur PC

 

[gafftaper]

I don't think they let you have the software without buying the Symbol PDA. When they upgraded my PDA's software to the latest version they had me mail it back to the factory instead of sending me a file.

Where's Darthrob when you need him? I'll drop my regional Strand sales rep an e-mail and ask if it's possible.

 

[NickJones]

I think I have a copy on a hard drive somwhere, I tried to install it under a PDA emulator in order to control the console, I never got it to work, but I'll have a look. I tried to install it in Windows but it told me I needed a PDA syncing software installed, in the end I gave up, but I'm currently searching one of my 3 1TB drives for it.
Nick

 

[tyler.martin]

awe thanks man... My sales rep up here in the great white north (Vancouver BC) is trying to get answers from Strand, who has told them its free, but has yet to provide a download link or hardcopy...

 

[NickJones]

Wow, I have a lot of files with the word Strand in it....
I'm pretty sure it was the Strand one, as it needed a PDA. I'll keep looking.
Nick

 

[gafftaper]

My regional sales rep tells me the software is free HOWEVER, they won't give it to you. If you send them your Symbol PDA they will load it for you and send it back. She specifically said "Symbol PDA". I'm not sure if they will load it on another compatible PDA. You should contact Strand Tech support directly for more information.

 

[derekleffew]

...the software is free. HOWEVER, they won't give it to you. ...

Oh, yes, must protect the intellectual property. Don't want that software falling into the wrong hands and the tens of Strand console users be able to control them remotely.

Now where's that iPhone remote for the Palette series?

 

[tyler.martin]

I contacted Strand to see if they would install it on any PDA and they said no, it has to be a Symbol PDA with Windows Mobile. I am hearing so many different stories now, its confusing me...

 

[gafftaper]

That's consistent with what my Strand Rep told me. She didn't say they won't install it on another brand, but she did say you don't have to buy your Symbol PDA from Strand which suggests that they won't install it on any other PDA.

Don't yell at me Derek, She's your friend.

 

[NickJones]

The copy I had said it wanted the Symbol syncing thing. I'm pretty sure it was it, I will keep looking.
Nick

 

[gafftaper]

I think I remember seeing the original version of the RFU software briefly available for download from Strand. However trust me you don't want it. It crashed way too much.