WhiskyFudge Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 We currently have a Zero88 Jester 48ML & Jester TLXtra for evaluation. There's an event this weekend I'll be trying them both out at for the "use in anger test". Unfortunately the intelligent fixtures we're installing at the event are limited to strollers, so I've set up a couple of fixtures to play with here. The features on both desks for dealing with generic's are perfectly sufficient and seem to work well. However the fixture support is really proving to be a pain point. So far the unanswered questions I have are: 1. One of the chases I'm trying to program involves movement, specifically movement between defined points in time (read: not suitable for shape generation). I can't for the life in me work out how a chase on a submaster can be programmed with the required effect. The key issue is that I do not wish for the chase to spend any time dwelling on a specific step, only that there is a fade time between steps - this fade time should be linked to the chase speed. 2. Other than the hardware differences and the limits on channels/fixtures - are there actually any differences between the two desks? Would I be safe in assuming the operating systems for both are in fact the same? 3. I looks to be a while since the last software update. Does any one know if future developments are planned or is this as good as it's going to get? I'd also be interested in hearing the opinions of anyone who knows one of the desks (or one of its siblings), what's it like for busking? what limitations (if any) have you found with it's fixture support? Help/Opinions greatly appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 The venue at which I spend most of my time has a Zero88 TLXtra. Unfortunately the fanciest bit of kit we have are scrollers so I can't really comment on fixture support. Nor have I used the ML desks. One thing I would say is when testing them (or any desk) in anger make sure you do all the things you usually do and to the extent you usually do. Something that is a minor irritant when programming one cue can be a real pain in the rear when you come to do a hundred cues. Really give them a damn good work out. With regard to development I have raised this on their forum (http://support.zero88.com/forum/) along with some issues we have with the TLXtra. It might be worth taking a look there to see if they sound like they might cause you grief. Edited for SpaG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonhole Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Hi Jason, Hopefully I can help out: 1. One of the chases I'm trying to program involves movement, specifically movement between defined points in time (read: not suitable for shape generation). I can't for the life in me work out how a chase on a submaster can be programmed with the required effect. The key issue is that I do not wish for the chase to spend any time dwelling on a specific step, only that there is a fade time between steps - this fade time should be linked to the chase speed. When programming the chase on the Submaster, if you click 'Chases' you can toggle the Beamshap, Colour and Possition to go between 'Snap' and 'Fade'. Changing 'Position' to 'Fade' will hopefully achieve what you want to do. 2. Other than the hardware differences and the limits on channels/fixtures - are there actually any differences between the two desks? Would I be safe in assuming the operating systems for both are in fact the same? The TL Xtra has control of 200 generic channels, whereas the ML 48 only has control of the 48 generic channels. Apart from that there is very little differences, and yes the ML and TL desks run the same operating system. It is possible to assign the 30 fixtures as extra dimming channels too. It's not a great solution, but I have used it to get me out of trouble before! 3. I looks to be a while since the last software update. Does any one know if future developments are planned or is this as good as it's going to get? The currently Jester software is very stable. However if you think you have found a problem then we would definitely want to know about it - please post it on the support site. The latest software release is version 3.0 for the Jester ML and TL series. I hope this answers some of your questions, if there are any more please let me know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiskyFudge Posted October 7, 2010 Author Share Posted October 7, 2010 Jon, It's great to see you representing your company on a 3rd party forum. When programming the chase on the Submaster, if you click 'Chases' you can toggle the Beamshap, Colour and Possition to go between 'Snap' and 'Fade'. Changing 'Position' to 'Fade' will hopefully achieve what you want to do.This is where I'm at, at the moment. Which get's me partly to my goal. However when running the chase, the movement is made during the fade up time, so far so good. The fixture then stays stationary until it's time to go to move (fade in) to the next step, the time spent stationary depends on the chase speed. The issue I have is that I do not wish for the fixture to stay stationary at all, in addition I want the chase speed to govern the fade in times. I've actually achieved the desired effect using the memory stack. Having a fade in time, zero dwell time and an automatic next cue. This works apart from the fact there's only one memory stack (not actually objecting to that) and thus I could only ever have one chase like this programmed into the desk and that assumes I'm not using the stack. It also means the chase speed has to be preset. The currently Jester software is very stable. However if you think you have found a problem then we would definitely want to know about it - please post it on the support site. The latest software release is version 3.0 for the Jester ML and TL series.I'm always a fan of stable software and I am fully aware of the potential risks to stability any alterations create. However I also like to see development, improvements and innovation in a product. At the moment I feel the features around fixtures are a little limited and it would be nice to see some additional work in that area. From what I've seen of the desks so far there's the minimum fixture based features to make it usable as a fixture controller, but not a lot more. I realise that the desks are not top dog of your product offering, they fit more into the "affordable" category and dare I say budget end of the market so I shouldn't expect all the features of a top desk - but even so I feel they're currently a little limiting. I'm sorry to criticise. You still have admiration by the very fact you engage with customers on a 3rd party forum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiskyFudge Posted October 7, 2010 Author Share Posted October 7, 2010 I think I've found a bug in the software around editing chases by selecting pallets. See my post on Zero88's support forums: http://support.zero88.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5884 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonhole Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Thanks for the feedback Jason, I will look into this when I'm in the demo room tomorrow and will feedback. Many Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.