Looking Back
I have utilized many pieces of technology to assist me in my programming endeavors. Because technology is always improving, the tools I have carried with me have changed quite often. Some staples will likely never change, such as a pen and paper, but there are certainly important pieces of equipment that are hard to live without.
Over the years, I have carried different music players, from cassettes and CDs to MP3s. I have also transitioned through various electronic organizers. I remember using Palm Pilots (with monochrome screens) for many lighting functions. I could calculate timecode, time events, test fixtures and read manuals on this handy little device. I also have carried all types and sizes of cell phones and pagers. Even the type of flashlight I have has changed from incandescent to LED. The numbers and type of laptops have been just as varied. I laugh when I think of my first monochrome screen laptop with only a few megabytes of space on the hard drive.
Current Technology
The current, modern age of 2012 has me carrying an iPhone in my pocket that can do so much more than all the gadgets of the past combined. But now that is getting passé, and the iPad and other similar devices are all the rage. There are tons of lighting apps available for the various devices, and each has their own set of specialties.
I love being able to shoot photos, send emails, listen to music, organize data, connect to my console, search the web and more from a single device (oh yeah, it will allow me to make phone calls too!). It is totally amazing what is possible with a pocket-sized device.
But what happens when the batteries die or the Internet is not available? This is when the technology shows its vulnerability. Furthermore, the gadgets all can have bugs, require updates, and will eventually become outdated and obsolete. This is why there is another very important set of tools that I always have with me, and which I try to maintain to a T.
The Most Important Tools
These tools are the most important ones I have. I’ve brought them to every single programming gig. I have never forgotten them, and I hope to always have them with me. They are so important that I cannot do my job without them. I can survive without an iPhone or iPad, but these essential tools are the true must-haves for every programmer, and it’s important to ensure that they receive the utmost care and maintenance to ensure they function at their absolute best. They don’t require any special apps and are completely free to use.
The first essential programming tool I utilize on every gig is what I like to call my iSight. Unfortunately, it would be nearly impossible for a blind person to work as an automated lighting programmer. Vision is required to see not only the console data, but also the position, color and look of the lighting on stage. In order to ensure healthy eyesight throughout my life, I see my eye doctor annually. In addition, I wear sunglasses when in daylight or when working with intense strobes (or other fixtures) pointed directly at me. I try not to rub my eyes with dirty hands, and I enjoy eating lots of carrots, spinach and grapes.
The next important tool I always utilize could be called iFingers. As a lighting programmer, we must use our fingers to command the lighting console. Because the console contains not just buttons, but touchscreens, encoders, knobs, sliders and more, the dexterity of fingers is very significant. I maintain my fingers by keeping my fingernails trimmed and trying to avoid damage to my fingers, hands and arms.
When I was touring with a band many years ago, I had a break at home for a week. During this time I took my son to a local skateboarding park to have some fun. After a few rounds, I fell down pretty hard and landed directly on my hands. Luckily, I was okay, but I instantly realized that if I had broken my wrist, arm or fingers, I would have been in trouble. I would have a tough time programming and operating the console the following weekend. I decided to always take extra care of my hands to ensure that I do not damage my potential as a programmer. However, I also understand that I need to live my life and not go to the extremes displayed by George Costanza on Seinfeld.
My Number-One Tool
Each of the Androids, iOS and other computing devices all require a certain amount of logic. The main tool in my kit is also based on logic: my own mind. I must keep my mind sharp and focused when programming. I also continually feed new information to my mind to ensure it is well prepared for every gig. This might require reading scripts, listening to music, reading manuals, studying lighting specifications and more.
In order to ensure my mind is always as active and available as possible, I avoid toxins such as drugs and alcohol. I also try to provide my mind with plenty of rest and sleep. This is not always possible on every gig, and sometimes I do have to experience some sleep deprivation. There are, however, many foods and natural supplements that can assist when the mind lags due to lack of rest. Consult with your physician as to which is best for you. Meditation, a healthy diet, puzzle solving, reading, and other brain exercises will keep your brain fresh and alert. This will certainly aid you in the middle of long programming session when you are fully tasked. Keeping my mind in superb working order is key to my success as an automated lighting programming. It helps with data management, conversations, creativity and all other elements of programming.
Synergy
As you can see, the key tools that I utilize on every gig are all part of me. My eyes, fingers, and brain contain all the apps I need to help me be productive and triumphant as an automated lighting programmer. Sure there are some really great pieces of technology that are also useful, but these will come and go through the years. These really important tools will always be with me, and I need to remember them and be grateful for all that they provide. Furthermore, it is important to care of these items as there is no replacement, should something go wrong. Besides, you will also need your eyes, fingers and mind to operate not only the console, but also all those cool new electronic gadgets and apps.
