Busy Leap Frog Launch at the Prolight and Sound Show

[Kirkup_xp]

Seven years after the Frog series was originally introduced, Zero 88 has updated its phenomenally popular console range with a much anticipated new series - Leap Frog 48 and Leap Frog 96.

 

Developed using feed back from operators of our current Frog consoles the new Leap Frog range maintains Zero 88's philosophy of providing great value feature packed products.

 

Current Frog users will find a familiar ergonomic hardware platform but that is where the similarity to the existing range ends. The hardware set has been expanded considerably. The new desks feature two DMX universes as standard, USB storage, external touch screen support, multiple onboard LCD displays, multifunctional keys and the desk supplied in a custom flight case.

 

The key change however is in the software platform. Consistency of operation with the existing desks is maintained but the new software allows users to achieve more. Up to 200 fixtures can be controlled on either of the desks and these can be allocated to up to 200 groups. 200 colour, beam and position palettes can be recorded to provide the user with quick access when programming or operating live.

 

The Leap Frogs' effects engine can now be used for all attributes. Fly Ins, Can Cans, Rainbows and Iris Pulses can all be programmed simply using the onboard effects. Offsets and rotation settings allow for complex and versatile unique effects to be created and stored as effect palettes.

 

Control of attributes is done by using the ergonomically positioned control wheels. It is now possible to set the sensitivity of these wheels. A programming window means it is possible to try cues, park fixtures, release fixtures and override playbacks greatly enhancing the operation of the Leap Frogs. Combined with the generic faders, instant hands on control of all lights is possible.

 

Recognising that the user base of the Frogs is broad the Leap Frogs offer three operating modes; a simple non tracking mode for beginners, an advanced partial mode and a new professional mode which offers parameter level programming and full tracking with split times.

 

For theatre use there is an enhanced cue stack. For live mode there are multiple submasters. It is now possible to record chases directly to submasters or to transfer a cue stack to the submasters giving the user the option of multiple playback stacks.

 

Shows recorded on the Leap Frogs can be transferred to Frog 2 and vice versa. With the option of SMPTE/MIDI/ ChilliNet the Leap Frogs can be used to control architectural or multimedia environments. An offline editor is available allowing users to prepatch shows, edit cues, palettes and submasters or simply check timings.

 

The Leap Frogs make use of the ArtNet Ethernet protocol meaning it is possible to use a PDA together with WiFi to control the desks remotely.

 

Finally the standard Zero 88 fixture library of over 1200 different moving lights is standard on the Leap Frogs. Regular updates which can be downloaded from the Zero 88 website ensure that users will always have the correct fixture profiles. Fixture profiles can be edited on the desks allowing users to set home values, top sets or switch pan and tilt attributes at a venue.

 

After sales support is extensive with regular training, a dedicated user support forum and regular software updates all ensuring users have the best possible tools to achieve their objectives.

 

Leap Frog Key Features:

 

- Fully Tracking console

- 200 fixtures + 48 generics

- USB support for show files storage and touchscreens

- 2 universe optically isolated DMX outputs, with a further two available over Artnet

- 8 LCDs on the front panel ( 48 ) / 12 LCDs on ( 96 )

- Multi function keys speed up programming

- RDM ready hardware

- XGA monitor output for clear user definable displays

- Shows cross loadable with Frog 2 and importable from Frog 1.

- Supplied in a flightcase, with a desk light, ready to go.

- Optional hardware upgrade enables SMPTE/MIDI/ChilliNet

- Submaster playback faders now with directly recordable chases.

- Cue stack (Playback X) playback with improved clarity and ease of use

- Submaster faders can also be used as playback faders if required, giving separated cue stacks.

- Full context sensitive online help

 

Zero 88 were present at the Prolight and Sound show in Frankfurt, as well as our launch event in the Logos room.

 

 

[frogsurf]

For theatre use there is an enhanced cue stack. For live mode there are multiple submasters. It is now possible to record chases directly to submasters or to transfer a cue stack to the submasters giving the user the option of multiple playback stacks.

 

Leap Frog Key Features:

- Fully Tracking console

- 200 fixtures + 48 generics

- USB support for show files storage and touchscreens

- 2 universe optically isolated DMX outputs, with a further two available over Artnet

- 8 LCDs on the front panel ( 48 ) / 12 LCDs on ( 96 )

- Multi function keys speed up programming

- RDM ready hardware

- XGA monitor output for clear user definable displays

- Shows cross loadable with Frog 2 and importable from Frog 1.

- Supplied in a flightcase, with a desk light, ready to go.

- Optional hardware upgrade enables SMPTE/MIDI/ChilliNet

- Submaster playback faders now with directly recordable chases.

- Cue stack (Playback X) playback with improved clarity and ease of use

- Submaster faders can also be used as playback faders if required, giving separated cue stacks.

- Full context sensitive online help

 

 

 

...???

 

and what about "pro mode"? Is that a feature for the future?

[frogsurf]

Again.

 

How do I program seperate scene stacks onto submasters. Full tracking with multi-submaster stacking is a BIG improvement over the last system and I have looked forward to trying it out... It dosent seem to be mentioned in the manual... Am I missing something???

 

Not to be a pain, but...

[K-Nine]

The ability to copy a range of memories onto a submaster fader is one of several features that was originally planned for the Advanced Mode of the Leap Frog desk. Advanced mode is still in the process of being defined in terms of what additional functions it will provide.

 

We have already implemented some of the features that were originally specified for Advanced Mode in Version 2 of the software, together with several other modifications and improvements from version 1.

[NZ]

Blocks of memories from the cue stack onto submasters will be available in the next major software update.

 

Advanced mode has been superceded by the way the console now works.

 

Best

Graham