Automated lighting programmers are responsible for more than just mastering their console of choice. A programmer must also understand the capabilities and functions of the fixtures under their command. Quite often, an LD will specify a fixture type without knowing all the capabilities, or a lighting company may substitute one fixture type for another. In addition, fixtures contain various modes that can greatly affect the abilities of the fixture. Automated lighting programmers need to be aware of the fixtures they are programming and educate themselves about the details of each unit. A Real World Example
Recently, I received the plot for an upcoming production, and I noticed that it had a new type of wash fixture that I had never used before. I had just seen these in action at LDI a few months before. So the first thing I did was to go to the manufacturer's website and read the specifications on the unit. This gave me a basic understanding of the features set and various configuration modes. I also downloaded the user manual and DMX protocol.
The next step was to locate a fixture library for my console. Since I knew this was a brand new fixture, I assumed that the library was not in the current software for my fixture. However, I went to the console website to double check. After confirming it was not in the software, I headed to their online forum to look for a download of the library. Sure enough, it was right there waiting for me; so I downloaded it and loaded it into my show file. Had it not been available, I had plenty of time to request one before my gig.
After reading the specifications and perusing the website for the fixture, I was still confused about one unique effect in this light. I had never heard of this effect before, and the descriptions from the manufacturer were rather vague. So I called a local rental shop near my house and found they had a few of these in stock. I asked if I could come down and play with one for a few hours. This gave me a chance to learn about the unique feature as well as to confirm that my fixture library was correct.
When I finally arrived on site at the gig, I already had a confirmed library, experience with the fixture and knowledge of the capabilities. I asked the LD if he had ever seen this particular effect, and he said he had not. So I showed him this new effect and he was so impressed that we used it in a few songs.
Moral of the Story
As you can see, my prep work paid off not just for me, but also for the LD and the production. Without prior knowledge and understanding of the fixture, I would have had to spend time on site to understand the capabilities of the fixtures. Even worse, I may not have ever known about this new function and thus not gained the full potential of the unit. In addition, because I had read the specifications, I was aware of the color options (color mixing, fixed color with CTO, and variable CTO). During the pre-production period I was able to select the best method to achieve the colors the LD wanted.
Educating Yourself
When you first learn about the fixtures you will have on an upcoming gig, there are several things that you should be sure you are aware of regarding the fixture. First off, you should look at the specifications and understand the feature set of the fixture. You may discover attributes that you did not know it was capable of. Furthermore, you should read over the user manual and DMX protocol to better comprehend what the manufacturer has packed into the unit.
The next step is to confirm that you have a fixture library for your console of choice. The library will ensure that you can control the fixture. By checking the library prior to the gig, you can save valuable on-site time trying to find (or make) the library. In rare cases, you might even discover a feature that is in the fixture and not available from your library. The sooner you can correct this, the better. It is also important to see if there are various DMX protocol modes and to determine which is best for your application. Once you select the mode you wish to use, you should confirm that your fixture library matches this DMX protocol mode.
A La Mode
Speaking of modes, when you are reading the user manual for the fixture, you might discover other settings of the fixture that can greatly affect your programming. For example, many fixtures have an option to allow for faster movement. Usually, manufacturers will not have the fast mode as the default setting. This is because in fast mode, the fixtures may not move as smoothly, or may be noisier. It is good practice to check your entire rig before programming to determine if all the fixtures are in the same mode. I will usually pan them all to the left and see if they travel at the same time. If some are faster or slower than the others, then I know that their movement modes do not match.
Other fixtures may have special modes for lamp wattage settings, remote DMX commands, and so on. Again, I urge you to make yourself aware of the capabilities so that you understand why one fixture out of 20 does not shut down from DMX. It is unfortunate when the crew swaps out a fixture and the only problem is a simple setting. The wasted time and energy could have afforded you more programming time with the entire rig.
Digital Dilemmas
When working with digital lights or media servers, there are many settings that can greatly affect your programming abilities. Most of these fixtures allow you to select the number of layers in use, which will have a large impact on your patching and universe assignments. Furthermore, the user guide for these fixtures will help you to understand how the digital environment functions. These documents often describe effects, interactions with layers, global functions and more. In addition, new software releases often add more features that you may not be aware of unless you take the time to get acquainted with the current fixture abilities.
RTFM Again
I know I often preach about reading the manual, but only because I find it so very important. It is essential that automated lighting programmers know all they can about their console and their fixtures. By learning about the features, modes, attributes and more for your lights, you will be able to bring additional looks to the production. The fixture library for the console is also the responsibility of the programmer, so be sure to check this early before your programming session. So the next time you have some fixtures you are unfamiliar with, take some time to become friends and get to know them before sitting down to program.
