Patching in a strange theatre

[Zulu]

Hi, all.

Next week, I'm taking my FLX S24 into a theatre that is new to me.  I have a question on patching the rig to the FLX S24.

They have 4 x Zero88 Spice dimmers, total 48 channels. (see attached photo)

They have about 35 trad fixtures, which are permanently connected across the 48 dimmer channels, obviously leaving some gaps.

With the config of stage and audience we are using, several of the fixtures will always be used together, eg about 8 fixtures will act as "House Lights" for the audience.

Wanting to make best use of the faders on the desk,

QUESTION . . .

Can I patch several dimmer channels onto 1 fader of my FLX S24?

If so, this would allow me to patch the next 23 faders to the trad fixtures, and the remaining 24 faders to the LED and intelligent lights. Perfect !

 

Secondary Question...

Can RDM or Rig Sync help me for these dimmers?

I've never used rig sync.

Many thanks, Zulu

[kgallen]

15 minutes ago, Zulu said:

QUESTION . . .

Can I patch several dimmer channels onto 1 fader of my FLX S24?

If so, this would allow me to patch the next 23 faders to the trad fixtures, and the remaining 24 faders to the LED and intelligent lights. Perfect !

Secondary Question...

Can RDM or Rig Sync help me for these dimmers?

I've never used rig sync.

1) Yes you can "Add" multiple dimmer addresses to a console channel. You'll have to fiddle about with your patch console channel numbers to close up the gaps from the multiple patching assuming you start with a 1:1 patch of the 48 dimmers.

See "Add as additional" on this page: https://www.zero88.com/manuals/zeros/patching/fixture-schedule/edit-dmx-address

2) I don't know if your model of Spice supports RDM, you'll have to look up the datasheet, or Z88 folk will answer shortly...

Looking at the datasheet I don't think Spice supports RDM: https://www.vari-lite.com/global/products/spice#_english

[Edward Z88]

Hi @Zulu

25 minutes ago, Zulu said:

Can RDM or Rig Sync help me for these dimmers?

I've never used rig sync.

17 minutes ago, kgallen said:

Looking at the datasheet I don't think Spice supports RDM:

@kgallen is correct - Spice dimmers do not have RDM functionality. I would therefore recommend ensuring RigSync is disabled on your console, prior to connecting DMX.

[DALX]

I asked Edward about using a custom fixture to control multiple dimmer channels with one channel fader. This is Edwards reply to my email

However, you may find it easiest to use a multicell fixture for this. There are several multi-intensity multicell fixtures already in the ZerOS Library. The Filtering in Add Fixtures can be used to find one that’s suitable. 

For example, tap SETUP -> Add Fixtures -> Add Filter. I have then added a filter to show all 24-channel fixtures, where each channel is an intensity parameter…

could not embed picture 

As can be seen, 2 fixtures meet this criteria. Please see the link below for more information on filtering…

https://www.zero88.com/manuals/zeros/patching/add-fixtures/searching-filtering#filtering

 Once you have added a filter, click OK, and then choose a fixture to patch. Once patched, it can then be renamed in the Fixture Schedule if required.

 You could also even export the fixture with a custom name if required. Please see the link below for more information…

https://www.zero88.com/manuals/zeros/patching/add-fixtures/edit-export

I will be trying this out in the venue tomorrow morning. Using multicell fixtures saves channel faders, allows you to treat the dimmer rack as a group but still allows individual access to each dimmer when required. I will be busking a dance festival with 60 items in one day so I will have to prerecord everything into playbacks and groups, as there is no time to plot on the day.

[Zulu]

Thanks, Ed and kgallen.

I've had a go at your suggestion in Phantom Zeros, and I get it. It looks like it will do what I was hoping for.

Many thanks.

Thanks also to DALX . . .  I see what you're suggesting regarding a multi-cell intensity fixture into a Desk channel. Looks like a great idea. If the dimmer patching at the venue suits, this could alsowork.

thanks, to all. Cheers, Zulu