Am I correct in understanding that each DIP socket that the diode jumpers plug into performs a specific function, and these are hardwired into the automation? To determine which cue will activate a function, the diode jumper is inserted on the matrix line corresponding the the cue you want, right? Currently, cue 4 is our lights up cue. So DIP socket P13 has matrix line 7, for cue 4, jumpered. If I want to change this function to cue 1 so that it is less visible on screen (which is my whole reason for doing this), all I would have to do is move the jumper in P13 from line 7 to line 4, right? (Assuming nothing else is set for cue 1.)

Actually, cue 1 currently activates our lights half at the start of the show. I think that's pretty dumb. I'd like the lights to go down when the Start button is pressed. For that, do I just move the jumper in P14 from line 4 to line 2?

If that's all there is to it, seems pretty simple. I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

------------------
This one time, at Projection Camp, I stuck a xenon bulb....

 |  IP: Logged

 |  IP: Logged

quote:

---

What you are asking for Ken is the way the cues should have been designed in the first place.

---

What, specifically are you referring to? If you're talking about my last post about the lights going down to half, it is the user's option to have the lights go down when the Start button is pressed or by a cue. Our installation tech programmed it to be done on cue, because he was under the impression we would have ads, during which the lights would stay up. The cue would be placed at the first trailer, at which time the lights would go to half. I am thankful we do not have ads. That's why I want to make the lights go to half when the Start button is pressed. It's not exactly like I'm coming up with my own modifications here. It's all in the manual. I just wanted to double check to make sure I understand it correctly before I mess around with things.

Now, referring to my cue detector thread....If I ever come up with a way to realign it so the cues can be read from the edge of the film rather than the center, I'll be sure to post pics!

 |  IP: Logged

Now as far as the way the cues were set, either that is how it came from the factory (when I worked with this automation the diodes were placed a bit randomly ), Cinema World wanted it that way (why? ), or the install techs decided to configure it that way (why? ).

Oh, if you want to print out the layout chart you can get a copy of the manual in the manuals section.

Also, why the cues themselves aren't great, this automation (and the Xetron equivalent) are much more flexible then the Christie 3Q.

Steven Gorsky

I have the manual, so I'll make a copy of the worksheet before I do anything. This is all, of course, assuming that I can convince my GM to let me do it. A lot of people would think there is no point to it. I hope I can get him to agree with me.

ie:

Program 1
Lens Flat
Masking Flat
Sound SR-D
Lights dim half
motor start
lamp start
changeover open 7 sec

--Wait Cue 1--

Lights Down Full

--Wait Cue 2--

Lights up half

--Wait Cue 3--
Changeover Close
Shutdown 25 Seconds

What I really like is the ability to have multiple programs and choose the appropriate program for the format of movie you are running. With Big Sky you can't do that. If you want to change something, it's back to the jumpers. Also, with the CNA, if you miss a cue, simply press the [What's the name of that button? It's been to long! ] button to advance it manualy. From what I understand, if the Big Sky automation is set up for sequential mode and it misses a cue, you're screwed, because it will think that the next cue it reads is the one it was just supposed to read, and there is no manual cue advance.

The average operator really only needs to know how to build programs and how to execute the functions manually in case a cue is missed. I find the learning curve for this on the CNA to be very simple. Even the more advanced setup stuff was easy for me, but maybe that's just because I take so well to computers.

Sean, Cue Learn is an *option*. Break out the manual if you want to dissable it. I think in theory it's a good idea (don't you just hate when a cue wears out and is no longer read, requiring replacement!?), but not too practical when prints move at least once a week and the cues have to be relearned each time.

After the automation is set correctly you should never have to change any diodes ever again. The program is on the print instead of the automation. So, if you were running a flat movie, and the next movie is scope, you don't have to do anything - as long as the print is cued properly. The automation will read whatever cue you assign for scope, and change the lens automatically (of course unless you don't have turrets). So instead of having program 1 for flat and program 2 for scope, you could have say 3 cues for flat and 4 for scope.

The automation would probably work with FM-35 or FP-350, but I have no idea how well they would handle multiple cues.

When I worked for AMC for a few months I worked with the CPA-10. Reprogramming it was really easy. The paticular theatre I was employed at did interlock frequently, but could get cues to work right (this also solved the problem of lights not going down at the correct time/at all). In the end I made it so all prints were cued identically, so they wouldn't have to add cues for interlock, and they would have to advance the leader to a specific spot. I also found out for interlock you have to use the start button on the last projector to see the film, otherwise it wouldn't finish running after the failsafe dropped on another projector.

Steven Gorsky

quote:

---

After the automation is set correctly you should never have to change any diodes ever again. The program is on the print instead of the automation. So, if you were running a flat movie, and the next movie is scope, you don't have to do anything - as long as the print is cued properly. The automation will read whatever cue you assign for scope, and change the lens automatically (of course unless you don't have turrets). So instead of having program 1 for flat and program 2 for scope, you could have say 3 cues for flat and 4 for scope.

---