programming problems

[chrissee]

Hi I'm using an Alcora desk to run the lights for a show, I'm using 2 x mac 250+ everything seems fine in program mode, but when switch to run mode the macs are in different positions to what they were programmed to. Iv spent a fair few hours re-programming and doing general idiot checks but it still does the same thing. I've also noticed, when checking the cues in run mode to check they work-all seemed OK but when in run mode during an actual performance, the macs do very odd things IE wrong positions, wrong colours, gobos, focus etc. Please can anyone help???!!!! :D

[IRW]

Hi I'm using an Alcora desk to run the lights for a show, I'm using 2 x mac 250+ everything seems fine in program mode, but when switch to run mode the macs are in different positions to what they were programmed to. Iv spent a fair few hours re-programming and doing general idiot checks but it still does the same thing. I've also noticed, when checking the cues in run mode to check they work-all seemed OK but when in run mode during an actual performance, the macs do very odd things IE wrong positions, wrong colours, gobos, focus etc. Please can anyone help???!!!! :D

 

Are you sure the desk isn't doing something silly like softpatching some dimmers over the intelligent channels when you switch to run mode?

Edit: Just checked the manual, thats not possible!

 

However, the manual states in one part

"Individual desk channels can be mixed in with the current memory outputs using the PRESET faders. The channel are mixed on a HTP basis."

 

Possibly HTP in the cues is an issue?

[peter]

Hi Chrisee

 

First of all, I have to say I'm a little surprised that you're using an Alcora to control moving lights. The Alcora is a generic control desk - whilst it is possible to control moving lights on it, it is not recommended. Dedicated moving light controllers don't tend to get this sort of problem, as they are designed for the job :D

 

Because the Alcora works Highest Takes Precedence (HTP), if the value of the Pan channel is higher from the preset faders than it is in the programmed memories then your Pan channel will output the higher value ( ie from the Preset faders). On a dedicated moving light controller this philosophy does not apply, as you will find LTP (Latest Takes Precedence) control on the moving light attributes. Double check that you have brought your preset faders (including the A and B masters) to 0 - the 0 position for the B master is at the top of its travel. Also check that you have the Memory Master fader at full. If this is slightly low, you will see odd behaviour. Hopefully this will resolve your problems - please let us know how you get on.

[chrissee]

Thank you for the tips, am using the Alcora 24/48 because the alternative was a Sirius 24. Anyway, when I was doing my idiot checks yesterday one of the first things I checked was that all faders and buttons were in the correct state/positions. Any ideas on why should the Preset A master have any effect on the channels that are on the B preset faders as this seems to be what's happening. I noticed it when I was running the show and was asked to bring up some working light, I tried to bring up the Preset A master so I could do so, but this made the macs change, :D :( even though they are both on the Preset B and all the faders including Preset B master were at 0. I don't understand how or why preset A should alter preset B. ;)

[Bryson]

Can you photograph the desk so we can check for you that it's in the correct state?

[chrissee]

I'll certainly try. :D

[Potassium Neuf]

If the desk is in Wide mode then the A Master and B Master faders will control all the preset faders or the stored scene depending on the position of the preset control.

[chrissee]

Sorry I didn't photo the desk because I've established I was being a mupit. I realise the A master will have effect if in wide mode but all the faders on the B set were at 0. But anyway, I think I've sorted the problem, because I'm using the desk for both generic and moving lights, my cues were done with crossfade times... this obviously doesn't work with movers-it causes them to slowly scroll through to their correct states rather than snapping into them. Thank you anyway for all the help and hints, at least I know for next time and consequently the show ran rather well last night so I think I'm happy again. ;)