We've had a thread where we've "peeked" into each others booths or at calling desks. Now, let's peek at the cue light controllers we each have, as I'll bet there are quite a variety out there. What do you like/dislike about your systems? What would you change? What would you recommend to others?
Post a photo, if you can.
I'll start:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1119315/Cue%20Light%20Panel.jpgHere at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach FL, they use a system I've never seen before. As described by the ME, "It's an AMX (Brand name) cue light system. Basically, any circuit, dimmable or non-dimmable, can be used to trigger a cue light. It is a single touchscreen that has all the buttons labeled per location. These can be reprogrammed however you'd like."
So, basically it's a computer touch screen that relays a signal to the light. The touch screen has other functions as well, as you can see by the labels across the top of the screen. Touching any one of these takes you out of cue light mode, but you can switch back and forth easily. During Tech., I had control of house and work lights, moving from Show to Work Mode,as we started rehearsal or we went on breaks. Now that we are running, the Light Board Operator takes care of changing into Show Mode for preset, and then I sit down and switch to the Cue light Mode.
After working with it for a few weeks, I am now used to it, but there was indeed, a learning curve. The system has limitations, and you find them out immediately.
•You cannot change the names of the buttons. You cannot change the order of the buttons. (If this device had a skin you could put over the screen, giving you the ability to change the labels on the buttons, it would be a small improvement.)
•Now, you CAN program any cue light into any button. For example the one called "Conductor" could very well be a cue light for an Automation position, or even on the Rail. But you have to remember what it really refers to, you can't label it accurately on the panel.
•The buttons labeled "Group #x" and the one labeled "Master" can have any number of the other buttons programmed into them, so that just hitting "Group #2" can trigger lights at Sound, DSR, USL, and the Rail, etc. But programming takes a while and really can't be done on the fly. So as much as you plan ahead, as things change during Tech. you can't change the cue light groups easily enough. And you only have 5 of these groups to play with, so unless your show is small, triggering every transition using a Group or Master, isn't going to happen
•You turn the lights on by touching the button, and turn them off by touching again. But, if you don't have a group programmed, and you need more than one light to go off at a time, you have to turn them off one by one. There is not way to hit more than one at the same time. So, you hit them in a very quick sequence, hoping there will be the illusion of cues happening simultaneously.
•And, unlike hitting a switch, there is no tactile information coming into your body, to know that you have been successful in your cue. I find I have to look at the panel to know that I've touched in just the right place, have turned off the light, haven't turned on or off the wrong light (which I have done...), and to locate the next button I have to push. It takes my attention away from the stage.
It's a sophisticated system that the theatre is very proud of, but actually I'd rather use the simplest of switch boxes instead. At least I can use each of my 10 fingers, and trigger many lights at once, and be able to make changes on the fly. I've worked with a variety of systems over the years, and this one is the most modern, and the most baffling to me.
Over the next few months, I'll try to post more cue light system photos, as I work in other venues, but I'd love to see yours!!
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Good topic!
- PSMK