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Quick Tip Tuesday: Circular Copy

Cat — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:44:45 +0000

A circular copy is a way to move information across a block of fixtures. For example, let’s say you want to make a Sequence that becomes a color chase for a group of fixtures. In the first cue, each fixture is a different color. Then, in the second cue, you want the color of the first fixture to become the color in the second fixture, and the color in the second fixture to move to become the color of the third fixture and so on.

There are multiple ways to create this, but the simplest is by using the Quikey buttons for Circular Copy. These are among the pre-defined Quikeys available in all showfiles. There are two options for Circular Copy:
CCopy>>
CCopy<<
The only difference is whether you want the parameter information to move forwards or backwards.

So, you’ve got your rainbow colored fixtures selected in the FIxture Sheet, with their colors activated- just hit the CCopy Quikey of your choice and the colors will each be moved down by one unit sequentially. Since this is a new look, you can store it as a cue (or preset, whatever you’re looking for). Want to make another cue, use CCopy again and again the parameters will move down one. Continue this process as much as you like. (Just remember not to clear your fixture selection)

Keep in mind that Circular Copy WILL follow the options you’ve selected in your AT filter. If you’ve just used the AT filter to copy information, and not done a full clear, you may be surprised by what is and what is not copied. Also, Circular Copy is available as part of your MAtricks as well. You can even do a manual circular copy by using the AT key.

This is the last Quick Tip Tuesday from me. Happy Programming!
-Cat

Quick Tips are exactly what the name should imply. We’re adding these to our blog in an effort to help programmers and operators of all levels. If you’d like to suggest a Quick Tip, drop us a message on this blog, or on our Facebook page, or even via Twitter.

grandMA on Electric Daisy Carnival

Cat — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:54:24 +0000

Held over two days in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park and Memorial Coliseum, the Electric Daisy Carnival boasted festival artists Deadmau5, Moby, Z-Trip, Basement Jaxx, MSTRKRFT, Will.i.am and more. Performances were non-stop over five stages, which meant control had to be both versatile and rugged. The MA Lighting grandMA completed this task with ease. A.C.T Lighting is the exclusive North American distributor for MA Lighting.

Show designer and director Stephen Lieberman explains why he chose the MA Lighting grandMA for the event. “The versatility of the MA console makes programming a twenty-universe show extremely efficient. The ability to import and merge data from other showfiles has been a tool I’ve been using for years. These kinds of live environments force the user to be very creative in laying out their desk. Nothing is scripted, so the operator has to have fast access to functions at all times with minimal key-presses. I was able to dial in 180 moving lights plus another 500+ LED’s, blinders, strobes and other effects in about six hours.”

Running an event over five stages simultaneously meant Lieberman had to bring in additional programmers to cover the massive event. Each stage was controlled by an MA Lighting grandMA full-size, with an additional MA Lighting grandMA full-size for backup. Programming the other four stages were grandMA veterans Patrick Dierson, Joe Cabrera II, Demfis Fyssicopulos and Christopher Dumapias.

Elaborating on the event, Dierson states, “My start in the business of automated lighting came from working the underground raves at abandoned warehouses in New York during the early ’90s. Almost two decades later, EDC shows just how far the genre of electronic music has come and it was a treat to be able to take a break from the world of concert tours and broadcast television shows and go back to my roots for a fun, lost weekend with 180,000 of your closest friends.”

Additional crew for the event included Andrew Gumper (AG Lead), James Watral (ME – Kinetic Field), Brian Karol (Lead & ME of Felix Lighting – Circuit Grounds) and Steve Rose (ME – Cosmic Meadow).

Gear was provided through AG Lighting, Felix Lighting (Dave McKinnon) and PRG Los Angeles (Julian Edwards).
Electric Daisy Carnival is produced by Insomniac Events and is held in various regions throughout the year.

MA Lighting is exclusively distributed by A.C.T Lighting. A leading importer and distributor of lighting products, A.C.T Lighting, Inc. strives to identify future trends and cutting-edge products, and stock, sell and support their inventory. The company provides superior customer service and value for money to all of its clients.

New MA Lighting Software for August on ACTLighting.com

Cat — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:07:08 +0000

Today, you’ll find updated versions of software for the following products, along with Release Notes detailing the updates:

grandMA Series 2
grandMA2 Console Software Version 1.9.0.6
grandMA2 onPC Version 1.9.0.6

Visualizer
grandMA 3D Version [1.9.0][6.5] (compatible with today’s console software releases)

Please visit our Downloads page to access these updates and the Release Notes.

Thanks!
The ACT Lighting Software Team

Quick Tip Tuesday: Getting Fixed

Cat — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:18:23 +0000

Is there a particular Sequence that you’d like to show up on every page in your showfile? You don’t have to keep re-Assigning it on every page. Instead, locate the sequence on any Executor and FIX it. In other words, you can hit the FIX key followed by any key on the Executor and that Sequence is now Fixed.

You can quickly tell which Executors are fixed, because the background of the Executor’s title will be orange. Don’t want that Sequence Fixed any longer? No problem, use the same syntax: hit FIX followed by any key on the Executor and it will be un-Fixed.

Once the idea of FIX-ing makes sense, you might also look at the Auto-Fix options in your Sequence’s Assignment menu. This has to do with whether or not you want the Sequence carried over during a page change based on whether or not that Sequence in ON. This mode will also allow you to automatically un-FIX this Sequence when it goes OFF.

Quick Tip Tuesday: Parameters, Channels, Universes… Part 2

Cat — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:03:02 +0000

This is Part 2 of the series written by Michael Adenau of MA Lighting regarding parameter, channel and universe calculation on grandMA and grandMA2 consoles.

A grandMA1 session has a limitation of 64 patchable DMX universes. As mentioned before, this is handled separately from the parameter count. The user is welcome to patch instruments as desired to any of the 64 available universes. For another extreme example, imagine a show with only 64 standard dimmers patched, but with only one dimmer patched to each of the 64 universes. From a cabling standpoint, there will be 64 universes of data snaking around. But from the console’s perspective, this show only has 64 parameters; well within the 2048 parameter capability.

Once again, the grandMA2 goes a few steps farther by offering 256 patchable universes.

Adding NSP’s (Network Processing Units) to a grandMA1 session increases the parameter limit. There’s an upper limit of 16,384 parameters per session, which can’t be exceeded, no matter how many NSP’s are added. In addition to adding processing power, each NSP has four XLR ports on the back; each can be configured from the console to output any desired DMX universe. Also, any grandMA 2-Port Node added to the network provides two more XLR ports, which can also be configured from the console as any DMX universe output or input. 2-Port Nodes don’t add any parameter calculation, just ports.

The network communication in a grandMA2 session has advanced to the point where a NSP can no longer aid in parameter calculation. Instead, expansion is accomplished with the addition of NPU’s (Network Processing Unit). Each NPU adds 4,096 parameters and eight XLR ports to the network (twice the capability of a NSP at less than twice the price). The grandMA2 can also take advantage of 2-Port Nodes. And even though NSP’s can’t add parameter calculation, they can actually work as 4-Port Nodes in a grandMA2 session.

All of the above provides the user with the flexibility to patch a show however it best makes sense while maintaining reliably frame-synchronous DMX output. This frame-sync becomes ever more important with lots of LED fixtures running any snap change or quick chase.

Quick Tip Tuesday: Parameters, Channels, Universes… Part 1

Cat — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:59:48 +0000

We’ve talked before about how the grandMA console series deals with parameters, channels and universes differently than any other console. Adding the grandMA2 series to the family expands this capability, so we felt that this was a topic we should revisit. Recently, Michael Adenau of MA Lighting wrote a piece explaining how the calculation works and we are presenting that information here in two parts. Part 2 will be available here in one week.

The grandMA and grandMA2 have a very flexible method for dealing with parameter and universe limitations. Essentially, these consoles see a pretty distinct difference between a “parameter” and a “DMX channel.” At the same time, the DMX universe limitation in the patch is not coupled to the parameter limit.

A parameter is something like ‘PAN’ or ‘COLOR1′ or ‘GOBO2′.

On a grandMA1, a parameter can be 8-bit (for 256 steps of resolution) or 16-bit (65,536 steps of resolution), depending on the resolution. 8-bit means it uses 1 DMX-channel; if it is 16-bit, it uses 2 DMX channels.

Most lights use two DMX channels (16-bit) each for Pan, Tilt, etc. Most dimmer racks only use one DMX-channel (8 bit) per dimmer.

A grandMA1 full-size can process 2048 parameters without any additional equipment. Because the internal CPU calculation of a grandMA1 is always 16-bit, we count parameters in grandMA, not channels. So in an extreme scenario, we could patch 2048 16-bit parameters. This would actually require 4096 DMX channels to output. More realistically, Patching something like a Clay Paky Alpha Beam 1500 requires 27 DMX channels of output, but since Pan, Tilt, and Dimmer are all 16-bit, it only counts at 24 parameters, leaving enough extra headroom in the parameter limitation to add one more RGB LED. On the surface, it may seem strange for the console to calculate 8-bit parameters at 16-bit, but it actually requires less internal conversion between resolutions and is therefore easier on the CPU and network.

As with all things, the grandMA2 ups the ante when it comes to parameter processing and limitations. Without any additional equipment, the full-size console can process 8192 parameters. On top of that, the grandMA2 software adds support for 24-bit parameters, using three DMX channels for the output of a parameter (for 16,777,216 steps of resolution). Admittedly, there are scant few instruments that currently take advantage of 24-bit parameter resolution, but it’s very possible we’ll see more in the future.

Quick Tip Tuesday: Backups!

Cat — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:30:08 +0000

This week’s tip comes from Will Murphy: Technical Support in our NJ office, and it’s one of the most important things to know about the console.

It has probably happened to us all at least once; you sit down to work on your show and discover all, or some, of your show data is missing, and you scratch your head to wonder why. You also may have found yourself in a situation where all your shows and sequences were there, but none of your views or user defaults were available. Maybe I can clear up some confusing aspects of the backup menu and how show files are managed to help you avoid future troubles.

If you tap the Backup key you will be presented with the Backup Menu as follows:

You can use the five buttons on the right side of this menu to specify what location you would like to point to in relation to saving or loading a show.
• Internal Only: Points to the internal hard disk
• Demo Shows: Pertains to seven “Read Only” shows that are saved on the internal hard disk
• Internal & File Server: Points to an external FTP server where you can either save or load shows
• Internal & USB Device: Points to a USB device that is plugged in to the USB port
• Import Export: Points to either a USB device or a floppy disk

Most of the buttons in the backup menu are fairly straight forward, but what is confusing is how the console saves to a USB stick.

A show file by itself only contains show information; cues, sequences, presets, etc, but it does not contain views and default settings. Views and default settings are a part of user profiles, and these user profiles are saved in a different file than the show file.

If you choose the Internal and USB Device button, the console will essentially treat the USB device as an extension of the internal hard drive. When you choose Save under this menu, only the show file will save to the USB device, but it will not save any users or user profile information. Your show file will be saved on the USB stick in a folder called “GMASHOWS.” In this folder you will find two files associated with every show. One file will be title “nameofshow.sho” and the second file will be “nameofshow.tar.gz”

To save a copy of your show including user profiles and defaults, you should use the Import Export menu. This is also the menu you should use if you would like to transfer your show to another console, or to grandMA onPC. Exported shows will be saved to a folder titled “CompressedShows.” In this folder you will find another folder that is titled “nameofshow.sho” In your show folder you will find at least four files that will be titled as follows: “data_version#.bz2”
“nameofshow.sho”
“show.inf”
“show_.inf”

If you want to save your show for transferring, archiving, and backup purposes, the Import Export menu is the way to go.

Quick Tip Tuesday: Page Key Page Changes

Cat — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:50:41 +0000

There are 3 types of Pages on the grandMA:
1- Dimmer Pages
2 – Executor Fader Pages
3 – Executor Button Pages

You’ve probably already been using the Page Up/Down hard key options on the console, but when you want to skip to a page that might be 40 pages away – this isn’t the most efficient. Sure, you could also open up the desired Pool of Pages and select there, but the quickest option might be to key it in using the PAGE key.

Pressing PAGE 2 ENTER would take you to Executor Fader Page 2 along with Executor Button Page 2. Obviously, replace the number 2 with your desired page. Then, let’s say that you’d like to changed the Executor Fader Page, but not the Button Page. For this, we want to be a bit more specific.

Typing PAGE 2.3 ENTER would take your Executor Faders to Page 3 but leave the Executor Buttons as they are. This syntax is more specific, and there’s a number associated with each different type of page:

PAGE 1.X ENTER changes your Dimmer Page
PAGE 2.X ENTER changes your Executor Fader Page
PAGE 3.X ENTER changes your Executor Button Page

Quick Tip Tuesday: Oops Function Options

Cat — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:16:36 +0000

If you’re anything like me, then the OOPS key is probably your favorite key on the desk. Because the OOPS option is actually fairly processor intensive on the console, you might want to think about optimizing your settings.

Pressing the SETUP key will take you to the Setup menu, where you will want to locate the “Oops Settings” option on the right side of the screen under “Misc.” Here are your options:

GENERAL (Enabled vs. Disabled)
General Enabled: Allows you to use the OOPS functionality to undo errors you made in your Commandline.
General Disabled: Turns all OOPS functionality off.

Oops for Views: Lets say you hit the wrong View button, well if Oops for Views is Enabled, you can simply hit OOPS to go back to your old screens.
Oops for Programmer: Enabling this option extends your Oops functionality for fixture editing to include selections/deselections in the Fixture Sheet along with attribution activations.

Ever wonder what that whole note at the bottom regarding “loud environments” is all about? Well, it has to do with the line above it regarding permanent hard disk access. Having permanent hard disk access in an environment with a lot of vibrations is very very difficult to pull off because of the mechanics of your basic HDD. In some clubs, operators would find that the vibrations were causing so much trouble that the console’s speed would drop significantly. Turning off OOPS functionality releases the permanent access resulting in a much faster console. If you’re in a quiet theatre, this won’t be a problem for you. Also – if you have a grandMA2, this also won’t be a problem because you’re lucky enough to have a Solid State Hard Drive!

So, which options are best for you if vibrations are not an issue? It’s up to you, but I like to use General: Enabled and Oops for Programmer: Enabled leaving the Views option Disabled. This isn’t cause I never hit the wrong View button – believe me, if there’s a contest for hitting the wrong keys, I could probably go Pro. It’s just that it’s too easy to simply hit the correct View Button afterwards!

Quick Tips are exactly what the name should imply. We’re adding these to our blog in an effort to help programmers and operators of all levels. If you’d like to suggest a Quick Tip, drop us a message on this blog, or on our Facebook page, or even via Twitter.

Quick Tip Tuesday: Lowering your Showfile Size

Cat — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:47:17 +0000

This week’s tip comes from Joe Cabrera, Director of Software Support at ACT Lighting.

Lately, we’re seeing more and more show files of bigger and bigger size. It’s not unheard of when you have an extensive rig (especially a large number of LED’s and/or media servers) and a band with an extensive catalog of songs. At a certain point, multiplying lots of parameters by numerous cues starts to add up.

Building habits for effective data usage can help stop your file size from spiraling out of control. Two big keys (when used efficiently) that will help you to keep your show size down are the Tracking and User Profiles.

Unblocking any unnecessarily blocked cues (trusting tracking to maintain the correct stage picture) can remove quite a bit of excess data from the show file while maintaining all of the truly necessary values. Unblocking can be done directly within the Tracking Sheet (right-click on any value in the sheet) or with Commandline syntax (look for the Unblock key in the QuicKey Pool).

They may seem pretty innocent, but User Profiles (especially their Views) can take up quite a bit of space. If you imagine that the setting of every possible display option for any sheet on the screen must be saved within the view, and that you can have multiple sheets on a screen, and that a view can contain all of these settings for up to all five screens, you can see how this data starts to pile up. Deleting any unneeded views from within your profile, and of course any unused profiles altogether, can also save quite a bit of space.

Quick Tips are exactly what the name should imply. We’re adding these to our blog in an effort to help programmers and operators of all levels. If you’d like to suggest a Quick Tip, drop us a message on this blog, or on our Facebook page, or even via Twitter.