Unable to create new fixture profiles (IFTs) for Fat Frog using FE v2.6

[G-man]

Hi there Zero-ists 🙂
Here's a test of your general knowledge from the noughties: What is the correct Fixture Editor version for creating/editing profiles for a Fat Frog (2002) please?

I'm using v2.6 at the moment but as this also seems to be the current Editor for ZerOS I'm wondering if I've jumped ahead for the old (much loved) desk.  The symptom is that The Fat Frog will only recognise IFTs that have been downloaded from the online Fixture Library.  If I edit a downloaded IFT in any way, or create an IFT of my own, the Fat Frog will not see the file on the (Gotek USB upgraded) disk to allow me to choose it.
This also applies to CFT files if I try to build my own Common Fixture library using v2.6.  But the desk can Save and Load a Show from disk and see un-sullied IFTs on the USB stick, and read a home-made CFT from April 2024 that I previously created using The Common Fixture Manager (but not sure if this was the same version).  So I don't think it's the USB part of the equation...

I appreciate this is unsupported software/desk but as a small not-for-profit running fairly basic rigs and shows, we don't have the scope to upgrade yet for our relatively untrained users.  So any best-effort help is appreciated, and not taken for granted.

I can get desk firmware versions etc if needed.

Cheers

G-man

 

Museum of desks: Fat Frog, Frog, Alcora, Pearl Tiger II, Light Factory and a few more

[Charlie Newman]

Ok, very odd suggestion, but are the fixture names/modes over eight characters?

[kgallen]

14 hours ago, G-man said:

Hi there Zero-ists 🙂
Here's a test of your general knowledge from the noughties: What is the correct Fixture Editor version for creating/editing profiles for a Fat Frog (2002) please?

Hi!

I've got a Fat Frog (as well as FLX) and have used FE 2.6 successfully for years (FE 2.6 doesn't actually support the newer features of ZerOS, it's best application is for Illusion/Frog desks!). My FF does still have the floppy though (the USB mod is still in it's packet in a drawer!) You seem to be aware of the difference between IFT and CFT so that's good!

Do you want to upload the manual for the fixture and I'll have a bash for you? Latest Fat Frog OS is 10.12 [which I highly recommend] (here: https://www.vari-lite.com/global/products/frog-series#_english ) although I don't recall fixture format changing, at least in the later years (I got my FF in 2006).

If you want to experiment with loading a new IFT, I just made a couple using FE2.6 for another chap. See this thread:

If I get chance today (Sun/17/Nov) I'll put these on a floppy and see if I can patch them on my FF (on FrogOS 10.12).

Note: You've posted in the "Frog2" forum, I'll ask the mods to move your post to the "Frog Range Mk1" forum.

[kgallen]

Hi @G-man

Re:

14 hours ago, kgallen said:

If I get chance today (Sun/17/Nov) I'll put these on a floppy and see if I can patch them on my FF (on FrogOS 10.12).

The two fixtures I created for @AlexP on the other thread work fine on Fat Frog 10.12. They were created with FE v2.6.0.0.

I put them both onto a floppy disc and read them into Fat Frog and patched a couple of fixtures with them using their highest channel count modes. They work fine. I was able to patch them, select them and manipulate dimmer/colour/beamshape parameters.

So if you are having issues with loading IFTs then it's not due to FE v2.6.0.0!

As above if you tell me what fixture/mode and upload the PDF manual, I'll have a go at making you an IFT with FE v2.6.0.0 for you to try.

Regards, Kevin

[G-man]

Wow, thanks@kgallen for the help, forum guidance and sanity check🙂
 

Actually,@Charlie Newman you are right. The Fat Frog OS v5.0.1 that I am running can only read IFT filenames of 8 characters or less, the fixture name can be longer but not the filename.
As I have a show loaded ready for Run, I'm reluctant to upgrade to a later OS in case I brick the desk completely this close to a run. But I will afterwards.

So on Fat Frog OS v5.0.1 I was able to verify KG's AFX1820 IFT file from the other thread was not recognized by my desk, until I shortened the filename to 8 char.

I have now renamed my own "AFX Club Zoom 2810.ift" to "AFX2810.ift" (attached) and the desk reads it at last 🙂
Now to test the fixture operation when I get back to the rig tonight....

@kgallen  I may take you up on your kind offer if tonight's fixture-test does not go well. 
Attached is the manual BTW. They are stunning LED parcans with great color balance, huge light output and the smoothest dimmer we found. Oh, and remotely zoomable from 12-60 degrees too.

Back soon!

AFX Club Zoom 2810.pdf

AFX2810.ift

[kgallen]

@G-man no problem!

Wow FrogOS 5.0.1, that’s an early one!

I think mine came with something like 9.4 on it, but then I was late to the party at 2006!

Glad the ole girl is still running dem shows just nicely! 😎

[G-man]

Yeah, I should have realised when I got the manual out - it was printed on parchment 😁

I didnt realise the desk had never been updated actually.  My 'thin' Frog is way more up to date but wont run this particular show.

To Zero88's credit our 2003 Alcora (I still love this desk), the thin Frog and the Fat Frog are still doing amazingly well and are easy to use for all our crew.  Also your support makes them last even longer.  Keeping the faith!

[kgallen]

14 minutes ago, G-man said:

To Zero88's credit our 2003 Alcora (I still love this desk), the thin Frog and the Fat Frog are still doing amazingly well and are easy to use for all our crew.  Also your support makes them last even longer.  Keeping the faith!

With you there! Bought an Alcora in 2000 as my first own lighting desk. It comes out when I need a ‘little one’. Somehow I also seem to have an Elara… (and a Fat Frog… and an FLX…)! 😆 All still working ‘as new’ 😁.

[Charlie Newman]

2 hours ago, G-man said:

Actually,@Charlie Newman you are right. The Fat Frog OS v5.0.1 that I am running can only read IFT filenames of 8 characters or less, the fixture name can be longer but not the filename.

Glad I could help. It honestly was just a random idea I had haha

[kgallen]

Oh, @G-man seems I didn’t make a 2810 profile for you. I’ve been doing a few here recently I’ve lost track! Are you still in need or is your one good?

I’m out tonight (sorting out someone else’s Frog2!) but I could have a bash tomorrow as you’ve provided the manual.