Another funny typo. I didn't know Control Channels were "elimitated." Is that like removed and copied?
As you may or may not know, there are many different versions of the ETC Express. Manuals, datasheets, and specifications may be found here. We recently saw an advertisement online that shows a basic ETC Ion for less than the cost of any new Express. All would agree that the Ion is a better console for controlling "robotics" than the Express.
The Ion will ass?ist you more than the Express.
Sounds like you have boys who want toys Char5lie
Maybe they should do a little reading and research on how to actually use the toys before spending any money. You should try to put them in contact with someone like our own Icewolf08 who has toys but uses them like tools. Is there a big theater in the area with some toys that you can put them in touch with?
One more note arguing for the Gaff method... the biggest theater in the Pacific Northwest (with an inventory pushing 1000 lighting instruments) has color scrollers, rotators etc... but they don't have a single mover. They feel it's not worth the money or hassle to purchase and maintain movers when the Gaff Method works just fine. Ok, I have to admit I first developed "the method" after talking to these guys.
This is from another thread on board upgrades:
One of the clever things about the VL1000 is that it has a 7.5"x7.5" color frame slot. Often I use the VL1000AS with a cut of 1/2 CTO as "face light." The 1000 has no variable CTO/CTB, just CYM, and no color wheel either, which I've never really missed....unless its a VL1000 (more budget minded, and like the tungsten lamp source) which my work around is either color correct the lekos to match the movers or color correct the movers to match the lekos. I know the profiles will let you do this. The others may also, i cannot remember.
Its for a catholic all girls school, the teacher has no idea how anything works. We train the girls on how to use everything. They have a strand SV (96 channels). And their catwalk is useless for anything moving. Its a tight area to hang a leko in. In their upgrade (took them 8 years) we are specing source 4jr's (limited budget) and an express, because thats all they will ever need. They want anyone to be able to come in push up a fader and make a light come on.
I am not really supposed to say this, and I bet that most of the ETC folk on CB would deny it, but the Express line is at an end. Yes, the ones that are out there will be around and ETC will continue to support it, and yes, if you really wanted one, they would make one for you, or you can find a dealer who happens to have them in stock, but the days of Express are really coming to an end. Besides, the low end model ION is priced lower than a new Express.First off, I love the good old Express. It's the number one selling console in history for a reason and they will be around a long time. However at this point it makes a lot more sense to buy a newer console to me. There are just too many really good options out there with dramatically better technology in the same price range.
I realize that people don't want to give up their Express consoles, my point was more that if you are in the market for a new console you shouldn't be looking to the Express(ion) line.ice...one of the reason some of us old ETC folk don't want to give up the Express is because originally the SmartFade was marketed as its replacement especially in the world of HS theatre.
The SmartFade...quite frankly...sucks. Yes it has its uses, but its a step backwards IMHO from the Express.
I'd love to get my hands on an Ion. And if they haven't screwed up the syntax us ETC folk have come to know and love (like they did with the friggin Congo (yes I know all the back story and no I don't need to read it again)) then it will make its way into the market as a good Express(ion) replacement.
soundlight-Boards without 10-keys will always be inherently more time consuming than those with 10-keys.
That doesn't matter to the English teacher down the road who runs the drama club and just wants to turn 20 lights on and off without learning anything.
As for the Express I had an ETC sales rep tell me three years ago that the Express was soon to be replaced. Now they've sort of hit the market above and below it without replacing it exactly but it's days are SEVERELY numbered in production. Anyone with half a mind for tech can buy an Ion and anyone afraid of tech has the Smartfade. What else do they need?
Why, you can get the same functionality from ION starting at a lower price.
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