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Tip: try to make patches consistent for all maps. For example, always
set the first fader to control dimmers and the last fader to control the
target height offset. This way the operator will be able to remember
fader assignments.
Fader patches may be generated automatically by choosing the "suggest
patch" item in the patch menu. They may also be saved and loaded. The
patch name and notes are important because these notes can be seen in
the TrackPod display so that the operator may remember what parameter
is controlled by what fader. You may have up to 10 pages of different
fader assignments for each map. During a show, the operator can
"bump" or switch the pages by simply pressing the asterisk button
followed by the desired page number.
Any parameter in the fader patch can be defined as a master or an offset.
A master control will simply assert the actual absolute value chosen by
the fader, for example the parameter will be zero when the fader is all
the way down and 255 when it is all the way up. An offset control will
add or subtract an amount to the current value set by the map (e.g. by a
curve). For offset controls, when the fader is at its mid-point the offset is
zero and as the fader is lowered the current value of the parameter is
decreased and as it is raised the value is increased proportionally.
Height control
The TrackPod encoders calculate where a performer is in two dimen-
sions (x and y) and the system has several ways of specifying the actual
height of the performer (the z) which tends to be quite constant during
most performances. Please refer to Figure 11 to understand the concept
of target height.
Target height - Each map has a predetermined "target height" at which
followspots will be directed. By default this is 1.5 metres, which is an
average height to light performers' faces. Setting this constant value will
suffice for most shows with a flat stage.
Risers - If the stage has ramps or platforms you may use the "riser tool"
to define their location, inclination, size and height. When the TrackPod
is pointed at a defined riser it will automatically add the target height to
the height of the ramp or platform so the performers are still properly lit
while on the riser. Tip: if you want the automated followspots to point at
a wall draw a very tall riser and the spots will actually climb "up" the
side of the riser as though it were a wall.
Page 26
Getting Started
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