I recently suggested a Jester 24/48 for our studio venue (in addition to the 2x ETC Expression 3s we have for the main houses) which we later bought, and having played with it over the last week here is some random opinions & suggestions.
I understand some things may not be physically implementable at software level but I've suggested bits all the same - see what sticks!
Cheers
Stu
Lighthouse, Poole's Centre For The Arts
Good Points
USB support – means possible software upgrades for a variety of things, also USB memory sticks are dirt cheap and in plentiful supply.
Monitor output – also a good layout and plenty of information is available in one screen. Colour co-ordinated screens help operator see what mode they are in at a glance.
Traditional cue stack – no pages of cues, or cues operated without a GO button. Plus insertable cues, and correct fade times J
Recessed panel at rear for connections – good if you are using the desk in confined spaces.
Good solid buttons – nice size, definite click, and not too crowded. Only slight criticism is the click is loud and not good for noise critical situations.
AUX channels – allowing control of additional DMX controlled appliances without sacrificing existing channels.
Full DMX512 patch – also allowing a number of dimmers to be patched to a channel. Also like the way the dimmers can be patched to a channel by pressing its flash button.
Also...
Clear & bright LCD panel
Good price
DMX in for backup purposes
Suggestions
When programming fade times, the FADE TIME WHEEL is too sensitive. Could it be possible to program fade times in the PROGRAM (red) window by using the left & right arrow keys to move to the FADE UP/DOWN column and then using the UP/DOWN keys to select the required fade time?
When moving around the cue stack / memory screen in program mode, by pressing ENTER and then the cue number required, would it be possible to enter 2, 3, 4 etc for single digit cue numbers instead of 002, 003, 004. Ditto for 2 digit cues numbers (10 instead of 010).
When naming a sub or cue, pressing another number for a different letter does not move on a space before selecting that letter – meaning the letter you have just done is ‘erased’. You have to wait for the cursor to move on or advance manually before continuing to type.
USB keyboard support? (Be able to use number pad, space bar as a go – similar to the implantation on the existing Frog range).
Ability to program AUX channels into cue stacks, submasters etc. Perhaps some sort of tagging system that means when you press SHIFT to select aux channels, the LEDs light up to show which channels are tagged and therefore will be included in the programming. Also, this could be extended to include ‘grab’ levels so when you go back into the AUX channels, and you’ve previously set aux 1 to 45% (for example), you would need to move aux 1 fader back to 45% before you have control – similar (or exactly the same?!) as grabbing channels already programmed in submasters or memories/cues. This could be taken a step further to be implemented at a AUX channel by channel basis on the Aux Setup screen in Super User.
When in PROGRAM mode and moving from up and down the screen using the UP/DOWN cursor keys, would it be possible for cues not to become live on stage – perhaps instead being able to go to the que you require and then press ENTER to make it live? (Thinking of the potential hazard to bubbles if they keep snapping up/down, especially with less experienced operators).