Successor to Frog?

[DSA]

Hi,

 

Just a thought - are we likely to see a successor to the Zero88 Frog range in the (near) future??

 

If so, what do we speculate that it will be/provide...?

 

We currently own a Sirius 24, which the frog replaced. Yes its quite good, but I can see that the Frog is so much better. Any ideas?

 

Perhaps a graphics tablet, as on the pearl.

 

David

[peter]

I imagine whatever comes out next will have

• More DMX Channels
  
• Numeric entry rather than faders for each channel
  
• Capacity for newer moving lights (the Fat Frogs can't take a Mac550 in Enhanced mode, because it has a 16bit dimmer)
  
• Some form of pre-defined pallets
  
• ACN or RDM ready interface
  
• Fixture cross-patching - the ability to swap a Mac600 for a Studio Colour and keep the same plot
  

Although if Z88 are trying to keep to the lower end of the market, they may go for...

• A more user friendly On Screen Display, perhaps with colour LCDs
  
• Flash Buttons with mini LCDs - "Maxyyz" style
  
• Better illumination of the desk - backlit faders, anyone?
  

I suppose this is one thing that only time will tell - I doubt Z88 will be allowed to disclose their R&D ideas on an open forum :huh:

 

Whatever happens, I hope the customer service that Zero88 seem to pride themselves on stays as brilliant as it is at the moment.

[sam.henderson]

According to staff @ Zero88 they have no plans for any successor to the FRog at the moment however in the near future we can expect a new desk aimed at the club sector (think its called the Rimmini). Not really a sucessor to the Frog Range though! follow this link for some more information.

 

However despite there is no sucessor planned for the moment the Frog Series keeps changing anyway as Z88 constantly are brining out new updates (there is a new one just out) which bring new features to the desk!!

 

For more information on the Frog Series you can alway check out the Zero 88 Website or even better The Frog Forum which has loads of info and you can ask questions.

 

Sam

[Djbarryblue]

Zerro 88 should get the bloody editing of cues on there desks sorted out. Its a right pain in the tits when your in a rush and want to change a cue with out having to fart about resetting blooding faders to flashing leds! Also as peter said beetter back light and colour monitor.

 

Apart from that they are not bad budget desks

[martinw]

The frog is quite a new console, so I'd expect new software updates, rather than replacement consoles anytime soon. They are much more likely to release further variations on the frog theme (ie. fat, bull, leap frog). The software takes lots of time and money to develop, so Z88 will try and sell as many consoles as they can based around it.

 

Flash Buttons with mini LCDs - "Maxyyz" style

They cost around £15+ each, so don't really strike me as Z88 style. You can achieve the same result with a cheap LCD and a cheap button.

 

ACN or RDM ready interface

It will be a while before ACN appears in a working form on any console. It will start at the top end of the market, but the lower end of the market will probably have to wait a while. RDM is more likely in the short term, and I'd guess you'll see this on some consoles in an early version by PLASA.

 

Martin

[peternewman]

Hi all,

 

Sam you misunderstand, its called Diablo and will be launched at Rimmini.

 

PN

[Bryson]

I'd say it's unlikely at the moment - the Frog is comparatively new, and the user-life of desks will be extending these days due to the greater accessibility of software upgrades via the net, etc.

[Knut]

Hi,

We are leap frog owner and I´am confident it´s a very suitable desk of Zero88.

 

I´am aware to know new amphibian desks in future. I´am sure Zero88

did a great job envolving and supporting the frog series.

[James]

The feature I would realy like to see on desks in the frog class (eg strand 200 etc...) is flying faders for the sub pages.

 

There are cheep faders out there and only a dozen wouldn't put that much on the cost of the desk - I think it would be a real bonus.

 

 

 

James

[Knut]

The feature I would realy like to see on desks in the frog class (eg strand 200 etc...) is flying faders for the sub pages

 

Hi James,

as permanent frog user I don´t see the use of moter or flying faders on the submaster, as submasters are not speedcontrol or forced masterfaders for fixtures. You can run a hole show with movinglights without touching one submaster using the playback X fader.

 

Maybe if the hole way of programming a frog changes it could be useful for the frog range.

 

regards

Knut Hayduk

[Brian]

The feature I would realy like to see on desks in the frog class (eg strand 200 etc...) is flying faders for the sub pages.

 

There are cheep faders out there and only a dozen wouldn't put that much on the cost of the desk - I think it would be a real bonus.

Even if they were around £10, 12 of them would cost the manufacturer £120 which translates to between £264 to £360 on the list price.

[Potassium Neuf]

Zerro 88 should get the bloody editing of cues on there desks sorted out. Its a right pain in  the tits when your in a rush and want to change a cue with out having to fart about resetting blooding faders to flashing leds! Also as peter said beetter back light and colour monitor.

 

Apart from that they are not bad budget desks

And which desk would you be referring to here - pray :huh:

[Potassium Neuf]

The frog is quite a new console, so I'd expect new software updates, rather than replacement consoles anytime soon.  They are much more likely to release further variations on the frog theme (ie. fat, bull, leap frog).  The software takes lots of time and money to develop, so Z88 will try and sell as many consoles as they can based around it.

Speaking as someone who has worked on the Frog range since the idea was first 'spawned' by Graham way back in 2000, I have seen just how much time and effort has gone into the various updates we have done over the last three years or so since it's original release :huh:

 

The range of desks has increased from the original two (Frog and Fat Frog) to include the Leap Frog, Mambo Frog, Bull Frog and the Frog Box capable of playing back shows recorded on any of the Frog desks.

 

It's nice to see that some people appreciate that software does take a significant amount of time and money to develop. :huh:

 

When you consider that the various updates we have been produced can be simply downloaded from our sites, then they represent excellent value for money :D

[DSA]

I do indeed appreciate the work which zero88 puts into their desks - they are very helpful.

 

Is it possible to update the software on the Sirius 24, or is it fixed....for example a feature to 'cut and paste' memories would be most useful!!

 

David

[Mars]

...to 'cut and paste' memories... on a Sirius24/48

The famous but undocumented feature of version 4322 (w. insert bttn):

 

in edit mode...

select the mem to be copied

copy it (temp) to a sub: transfer (..."forward")

keep that sub full!

select the target mem

if it has data, erase it first

('cause B-mst fader must be full up when prog.; otherwise, the current contents will mix with the 'to be copied' contents)

Press in following order, carefully and promptly, and release both, all within 2 seconds:

[insert]... [Transfer] of the abovementioned sub (..."backward")

The OUTPUTS of the desk are copied, from the sub to the mem.

 

The software of the desks is fried in two eproms. It could be done, to change the programmed code...

But without any doubt, Zero88 will never do this. Their interest is selling frogs now.

Being able to program & run a S24 blindfolded, I've snapped diz buxom toad.

:huh: :o :huh: :) :huh: :D