Parts check for Avo midi cable

[Racer_Rob]

Hi,

I'm trying to make the Avolites visualiser-midi cable so I can run the visualiser on my laptop with inputs from a Pearl desk. Here is how to make the cable: http://www.avolites.org.uk/support/illustr...-midi-cable.htm

 

could someone double check that these are the right bits for it:

2x http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchB...t&R=0491172

1x http

://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchB...&R=1311430

1x http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchB...t&R=1174843

1x http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchB...t&R=0437358

(I wasn't sure about the cable from the avo parts list..if it has to be anything special, could someone suggest something suitable please.)

 

the idea is that this is plugged into one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/USB-RS232-Converte...e/dp/B00077DJIQ

 

One all this is wired up and running does the visualiser start running from the desk when you click 'rs232' instead of 'simulator' in the visualiser window or do you have to do something more complex? I.e this thing popped up http://www.avolitesdownload.com/Downloads/ACDI.stm

 

Thanks for the help,

Rob :biggrin:

[niclights]

Parts are fine. Use any cable you like.

 

Theoretically you can use direct rs232 option in Vis, but I think it only lets you select COM1 & 2. Looking here, my USB converter sits on COM4, thus meaning I need ACDI and can't test direct connect. (Note that when using ACDI you set Vis to 'simulator')

 

To find out which COM port you are using with your adapter go to Device Manager. Enable Visualiser output in console User Settings. If using ACDI don't run until this is enabled or it won't see it (in my experience!)

 

But be warned. Communications with the cheap USB converters can be unreliable. Lindy is recommended.

Perhaps more importantly, using MIDI like this slows the console down horribly. Doing any programming is particularly difficult since it can't always read the keypresses quickly enough and actual vis simulation is rather sluggish.

[Racer_Rob]

Is even just equipment wire alright?

 

I may go for the Linky adapter instead.

 

I've also just noticed in the Vis manul: 'It can function stand alone, or with any DMX lighting console, however

specific functions allow it to communicate with Avolites control desks' does this mean it could work with a Frog?! I guess you would have to split the DMX then use a DMX to usb converter?!....or am I just getting carried away here

[niclights]

Probably best to use shielded. But otherwise just find something that fits and is easy to use.

 

The dilemma with the adapter is whether it is worth the extra when you might decide you can't work with the MIDI arrangement at all. It really is very slow :P

Can't say about compatibility with other desks. Sounds like it would work.

[Racer_Rob]

hmm I think this is sounding like a bit too much money for not much gain. :P I think for Avo desks it's probably better to plan a basic show on the Vis (running from a PC & simulator) then just save this to a floppy and stick it on the actual desk.

 

As for non-avo desk potential compatibility I don't really want to pay out for a DMX/usb converter & a DMX splitter just to find out it won't work!

 

While this thread is up I may as well ask....I think I saw on an Avo before if you use the Vis on a PC to pre-program a show then get to the actual venue and everything is out by say 5m to the left you can correct every memory without having to go through and adjust each light in every memory.....or again is this wishful thinking :)

[niclights]

If you program palettes and then base memories on them then, yes, you can adjust just the palettes and all associated memories will update to suit. This is the original function of palettes (preset focuses). See manual for more details.

 

Vis is very basic, but even with high-end applications like ESP Vision or WYSIWYG and accurate models I would probably not get too involved in positional details. If you need to make cues/chases in advance then just make up some rough palettes, otherwise I'd leave until the day.

I find offline editing is most useful for pre-programming intensity cues/chases. Colour/gobo palettes based on either personality range tables or manufacturer values can also be done reliably along with guessing CMY.

 

Do make sure you test anything on the actual console before a show. The simulator is just that. In contrast, the D4 (and Titan) offline uses actual console software and therefore is inherently much more dependable.