Stupid Ion Questions 3: 2.4, 2.5 and the hardware upgrade

It's summer.

We're a college.

There's a rumor we're going to get a new Ion in our next capital budget, to replace a pair of Expresses -- well, to hand-me-down our current unit, running 2.2, and, I think, XPe.

Safe to assume that unit will be new, and have the current hardware and software.

But it's still summer.

Is 2.5 stable enough to upgrade, to, folks? Are you running it? How far back did you upgrade from? How'd it go? Should I stick with 2.4 for now? What's the oldest version that's still formally supported?

My driver is the Android OSC RFR from Alien, which requires at least 2.3.1, but I gather the Magic Sheet stuff has substantially upgraded as well.

2.5 is stable. Haven't had any issues. My board was updated form 1.9 to 2.2 than 2.4 than 2.5 no issues. Ran a show that ended yesterday that I upgraded with the houses permission direct from 1.9 straight to 2.5 no problems.

Check out OSC RFR for control, its far better than Andoid RFR

Why would you want to be running an older version? New versions have more bug fixes and support the most recent fixture libraries, plus they have scads of time-saving features.

sk8rsdad said:

Why would you want to be running an older version? New versions have more bug fixes and support the most recent fixture libraries, plus they have scads of time-saving features.

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^ This. Each version goes through a pretty good testing process including a public beta before release. They're usually pretty solid. While I wouldn't recommend upgrading right before or during a show, but during the downtime between shows, and especially if you're dark for the summer, it's definitely worth upgrading and learning the new features.

Jay Ashworth said:

What's the oldest version that's still formally supported?

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I believe, and I may be wrong on this, but ETC is pretty good about supporting the stuff they make. I'm sure you could even call in and get help with your Expresses still if you needed.

Definitely check out all of the manual supplements to see what features have been added since your last update, there are a lot of really good features that have been added in.

I have not used it a whole lot yet, but 2.5 has been solid.
The nice thing about new ION's is that they will work with almost any touchscreen; no need to get an uber expensive ELO, though ELO's are great.

And we do have 2 ELO's, though I only have one working (that used to be zero; don't ask

Why, is because it's not my board, and my theatre manager (and LD) isn't a gear slut like me. I'm workin' on it; trust me.

And yes, OSC RFR is the one I was talking about; that's my handle to upgrade.

You should be able to upgrade from almost any previous version of EOS to the most recent. I have had people go from 1.4.0 to 2.5.2 with no issue(Other than having to get new key caps).

As Anne V has stated(here or on ETC forum), the ETC iRFR and aRFR are on the docket to get a facelift and feature update, my understanding is the update will come free to those who have already purchased either app. Otherwise the money spent on purchasing the app goes straight to the Behind the Scenes(BTS) or Light Relief(LR) funds.

Alien Stagecraft's OSC app is highly recommended.

http://www.alienstagecraft.com/

I use this all the time on my iPad, it's by far the easiest app to get ML's and the like moved, adjusted, etc...

$30 and is money well spent

It's down to $30? Was in the 40s last time I looked...

Jay Ashworth said:

It's down to $30? Was in the 40s last time I looked...

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From the Apple store

Oh, yeah; I'm an Android guy, as noted up top.

But I see it's come down from $44 there too:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alienstagecraft.oscrfr

And 2.5.2 is running fine, and my second touchscreen is working, and the trial oscRFR is working fine, and I'll be ordering it tomorrow.