Strand 530 Midi

[andy_pye]

Hi All,

 

I am currently setting up a show using MSC to control the LX and Sound Desks. I have sorted the sound desk out no problem, but am having difficulty finding information about what channel/notes etc I need to use to enable the show control software to fire the next cue on the Strand 530i.

 

I know it can do it, but the manual is very confusing!

 

Any help, much appreciated!

 

Many Thanks

 

Andy

[neilalexrose]

but am having difficulty finding information about what channel/notes etc I need to use to enable the show control software to fire the next cue on the Strand 530i.

 

 

The strand listens to Midi show control messages, which aren't note on/off messages, they are more sys ex messages than simple note on/off stuff. What are you using to send midi messages to the two desks? In certain pieces of software the ability to send out midi show control messages needs a specialised midi license.

I've played about with Qlab and midi show control - but in Qlab it reqiures a pro midi license to send out midi show control stuff. The message sent out contains the cue number and a command specific to lighting control go.

So it's not as simple as pressing a note on a keyboard, the strand is listening for a specific message to tell it to go, which needs to be within the limits of the show control software you are using.

 

 

Neil

[Smiffy]

If you have a budget, the show control systems in many of the worlds Theme Parks are by the guys at Medialon and/or Alcorn McBride they tend to have some lower cost entry level products too so could be worth a look. These guys can generally interface just about anything, to just about anything else. So even if you can't afford anything from them this time around, they are worth keeping in mind for any future show control projects you might have.

 

Cheers

 

Smiffy

 

 

 

Edit: Added links

[andy_pye]

Hi,

 

I am using SCS show control, it can send out programe change commands etc.

 

What do I need to send the strand to get it to move onto the next cue etc?

 

Many Thanks

 

Andy P

[kitlane]

Which version of SCS are you using. I am not familiar with it but it looks like you need to the Pro version. You need to send a MIDI Show Control (MSC) command. It will be something like "LX Q5 GO". MSC uses a device ID so you need to know the device ID that the Strand is set to (you can change this). An MSC command is actually sent as a realtime system exclusive string.

[andy_pye]

Hi -

 

I am using the Pro Version so fingers crossed should be fine!

 

On the Midi set-up page on the Strand, which settings do I need to have set to what?

 

Many Thanks

 

Andy P

[spotblaster]

Hi,

 

I am using SCS show control, it can send out programe change commands etc.

 

What do I need to send the strand to get it to move onto the next cue etc?

 

Many Thanks

 

Andy P

 

A much simpler method than MIDI is to use SCS to send ASCII control codes to the Strand console via RS232. All it needs is an RS232 crossover cable between PC and console. The ASCII codes are in the Strand manual. (If you are using a PC without a 9 pin or 25 pin serial connector, USB to RS232 converters are available on ebay).

 

I have used this with a Strand console and it works well.

 

It is also possible to use the hotkeys on SCS to mimic any console key giving you a crude console remote.

 

I believe the "multiplay" audio software can also generate RS232 control strings and unlike SCS it is free.

 

 

Spotblaster

[Bobby Harrell]

if you need, I can email you the CommuniquePro manual that has all info about MIDI. Please email me at bobby.harrell@philips.com if you wish.

 

It's also on the Strand website at the following location...

 

CommuniquePro Manual