Automation desks

[nick_blick]

As an automation operator which systems have you used?

Which desk is your favorite to operate and why?

 

A concurrent post has been automatically merged from this point on.

 

I have most of my experience with Stage Technologies, especially their Acrobat desk from when it was Acrobat 4D through to its transition as Chameleon.

 

This desk is superb in so many ways. To program it is tremendously easy and versatile. In fact it has the ability to calculate moves that far outweigh the current needs for many of the shows I've used it on. This is a good thing as it proves it's ready to take us to the next step in complex moves, which will inevitably be the larger shows will head.

 

Not only is Chameleon an easy front end to program, it is also a breeze to carry out on the fly temporary adjustments such as changing targets or speeds, or even moving an axis that isn't in the current state/cue without affecting the rest of the the shows operation.

This makes running of rehearsals considerably easier when only certain scenic elements are called for, as well as for getting you out of sticky situations during a show.

 

But there's more to Stage Technologies than just their software and hardware. Their customer support is simply unbeatable. Especially in the West End where they can provide on site service, if needs be, within an hour of calling them up.

I think this kind of service is often overlooked when pricing up, but at the end of the day it's an invaluable resource to the operator and just as important as the desk itself.

[JDP]

I chose Kenesis, as its what I commonly use, and have come to like.

 

With that said, I don't like the fact the EU limiters have dirty current output, requiring a Transformer.

 

Neither do I like the fact that you could VERY easily have your fingers or even your hand off with the Kenesis motors, as they run so fast.

[mac.calder]

I have worked with a few different systems (Waagner Biro CAT, Stage Technology, Kinesys, Batalpha, StateV etc). The key is that provided the install has been done well, almost all of these systems are great (Impressario and Arlacon are the two main exceptions I have)

 

99% comes down to operator familiarity I find.

[nick_blick]

Neither do I like the fact that you could VERY easily have your fingers or even your hand off with the Kenesis motors, as they run so fast.

 

Surely this is an inherent aspect of all moving machinery. Bear in mind that where appropriate all moving parts have to be enclosed so as to avoid any accidental injuries like that.