We're using an ETC Express 250 lighting console that we purchased in 1998 with a bunch of Sensors and a complete electrical overhaul as part of a $1 million renovation. Just this past year, though, our console has been failing in creative ways. Occasionally it will just freeze for no clear reason. The only way to fix it is to turn it on and off again, which discards the current channel levels. Just recently this happened during a show, with an audience in the room. JT (our Master of Everything) was running lights at the time, and he tried a creative fix. It didn't work, and in the end, the stage went completely black without warning in the middle of a ballet. Needless to say, this could prove difficult if it continues to happen.
Also: the board is equipped with a pair of those gooseneck lites to illuminate the control surface. There's a small dimmer knob for these lights on the back of the console. However, recently, any adjustment in this knob causes a console reset.
Fortunately, we have until October before we need a light board again, so JT's called ETC and is hoping to repair or replace the board before we need it again. Unfortunately, ETC only carries a two-year warranty on its products, meaning that our only recourse might be to purchase a new board. If the cost to fix it proves prohibitive, I suppose we always have our old two-fader manual preset board up in storage, but it would be a huge step backwards from the ETC technology.
Has anyone else ever heard of an ETC desk malfunctioning in this way? I love ETC products, but if a lighting console fails catastrophically after six years, then it might prove expedient to investigate other control options.
Also: the board is equipped with a pair of those gooseneck lites to illuminate the control surface. There's a small dimmer knob for these lights on the back of the console. However, recently, any adjustment in this knob causes a console reset.
Fortunately, we have until October before we need a light board again, so JT's called ETC and is hoping to repair or replace the board before we need it again. Unfortunately, ETC only carries a two-year warranty on its products, meaning that our only recourse might be to purchase a new board. If the cost to fix it proves prohibitive, I suppose we always have our old two-fader manual preset board up in storage, but it would be a huge step backwards from the ETC technology.
Has anyone else ever heard of an ETC desk malfunctioning in this way? I love ETC products, but if a lighting console fails catastrophically after six years, then it might prove expedient to investigate other control options.