Hi All

Just finished second night of school show and noticed just before the show went up that occasionally one of the source 4s would randomly flash. Occasionally it would look like it would go up to near 100% and other times it would just come up only slightly. I haven't noticed it showing up on the desk (vista s3) however I'm running sound for the show so cant say for sure. Apparently this carried on through the show though thankfully due the dark gel and where it was focused it was it wasn't noticeable. Dimming is from a betapack II

Ive also had a problem with a mac600 I have in the rig. I should point out that they are quite old. While programming using the max/min function on the desk occasionally it would not dim. A quick slide of the fader and all was fine!

My DMX run goes from the desk, through the dimmers then split 3 ways, and unfortunatly isn't terminated, so im aware this may be the cause of the problem (especially the first one!) however I know that sometimes it might be something else...so im just wondering if anyone else may have some input that can help!

Thanks

Steve

When you say "split 3 ways"... you are using a proper DMX splitter/ distribution amp? Or a hardwired split?

Just worth a check.

For the Source 4, I would check the unit itself first but my suspisions are that theres an issue at the dimmer end, perhaps a flickery channel. I know thats a little vague but if one of the pots is buggered then it could cause something like what you describe.
That would also explain why it doesnt show up on the desk.

You Mac problem sounds desk based to me, I use the S3 all the time and I think I've had the same problem a few times. It's something to do with selecting the fixture, changing the intensity, then trying to control it on the desk before reselecting it. I put it down to the software being a pain in the ass some times.

I would make a point of terminating the DMX on all ways though.

With the value of the equipmemt being used, vs the cost of Terminators, why aren't you using them. Spend £10 and terminate the splits.

Thanks for the replies. I would usually use terminators except mine have grown legs...I do now have 3 on the way for tonights performance, as I said I thought I should also check incase it was something else!

Would leaving the dimmer on check the damaged pot theory...or would the dimming of the other channels effect this? Im just wondering what is the best way to try and check this.

Hopefully Byron will solve some of the desk issues!

Thanks again

Steve

Possibly no help at all, but I have a Studio Spot 250 which does a similar thing (on a strand 520 and a Pearl Tiger), which I am pretty much certain is to do with the age and condition of the stepper motor/s that drive the shutter flags. I find that if I treat the shutter/dimmer channel gently it works fine, but if I snap it, it doesn't.

Ian

I guess the best way to check it would be to try and cause it to happen. So when you can, get up a ladder and wiggle it about, then leave someone watching it (with a radio etc) and go and poke the dimmer, twist the pot, even try wiggling it to see if its loose.
If you can recreate what you werre doing when it happened then you stand a much better chance of finding it. I suppose if its totally random though then you'll have your work cut out to figure this one.

Hi Steve

Like the first reply says, split 3 ways ?? is this through a buffer box / opto splitter or is it a 3 way splitter cable

If its the latter (ie no buffer/opto split) then I would either get one or run extra cables so you go through dimmer
then to each set of lights and remove the 3 way splitter from the system.

DESK -> DIMMER -> LIGHTS 1 -> LIGHTS 2 -> LIGHTS 3 and terminate if you can

(Terminator Plug is just 120 ohm resistor soldered across pins 2 + 3 on male XLR)

Hope this helps

Craig