All I Really Want To Do...

[GandBman]

Hi, while I have been in the computer industry for more years than you might image, I am a complete novice when it comes to lighting and took one look at FS and thought WTH. A completely new language for me. I want to do some very very basic lighting for a rock/blues trio that I play in. Maybe this software is over kill and maybe I need some simple hardware solution but I'm sure someone here can point me in the right direction.

I have two Chauvet 4Bar groups and will place one either side of the stage. All I want to do is be able to have them run programmed sequences while we play various songs. A few color washes and a little flashing etc. Where should I start? I also notice that tghe 4Bar is not listed in the Chauvet devices but I image there is something similar I might be able to select assuming that you tell me this software is where I should be?

Many thanks for your help.

Regards. Gerald.

[wardomon]

Freestyler is exactly what you're looking for. Learning it is an uphill battle but the end result will be worth it. You'll be able to do all you " really want to do", just like you want to and a lot more. Down the road when the need arises, you'll have the skills and the tools to expand your show. A simple hardware solution will always be simple.

One of the nice things is that you can learn, program, practice and generally play with your light show using Magic 3D, the visualizer, without burning through expensive bulbs. It's also relatively easy to create a new fixture or to modify an existing one for Freestyler.

You've also found this forum where there are many people willing and able to help you out. We tend to push you in the direction of an answer rather than solve your problem for you. Self discovery is the strongest learning experience.

To start with you'll want the latest stable version. It's here: http://users.pandora.be/freestylerdmx/setup.exe I'd suggest staying away from the betas until you've got a handle on the software.

It's free. Give it a try. If you find it useful, the developer accepts PayPal.

[GandBman]

Thanks for the thoughts wardomon. It just strikes me that the process for a simple show should be quite, well, simple... Start with this color for so long blending into these colors flashing for this period and then blending into these colors and then fading to this color before going to this sequence and then... etc. With a language that talks in terms of colors, intensity and timings rather than a gazillion numbers. More of a "user's" interface rather than a "technician's" interface. Maybe even a set of templates that do certain "standard" things that can be used as a starting point for developing adaptations of that template. This is typical of how things work in the business computer environment. I understand that people who are really into the finer points might want to fuss with the micro level but I can't help but think that there are many people like me who want to get quick, simple results without being a lighting scientist! Is this possible with FS or some other solution? Thanks for your input. Gerald.

[wardomon]

Here's where I learned the basics: http://www.freestylersupport.com/wiki/

The things you need to know, pretty much in order.

Set Up - Adding fixtures.
Magic3D - Building a stage. Adding and placing lights.
Sequence Editor - Building a single step scene. Building a multi-step sequence.
Submasters - What they are and how to use them
Cuelists - Ditto
Cuelist Buttons - Ditto
Override Buttons - Ditto
- - -
It may seem like a lot of stuff to learn. It's actually easier to program a scene or chase into Freestyler than it is to do the same on an Elation Show Designer. You haven't lived until you've tried to edit a chase on one. I'd rather eat a bug.

A Freestyler lighting control system will do far more than a comparably price dedicated lighting control board.

[GandBman]

Thanks you sir, I will give it a try. One question though... What do I do if my device is not in the fixtures list? I have a couple of the Chauvet 4Bars and inded, they are not listed.

Reagrds. Gerald.

[wardomon]

There's Fixture Creator. I haven't used it much as my fixtures were in the library. I did have to tweak one a bit to match my vintage version.

There's also a couple of discussion areas on this forum.

Check here: http://www.freestylersupport.com/fsforu ... um.php?f=4

Look for "Fixture file" related posts. I looked at the 4Bar manual and a couple other Chauvet LED manuals. It doesn't look to difficult to piece together a fixture. Look at how other brand LED pars function and modify accordingly. Once you get a fixture file working, be sure to share with the group.

Stick with it. We know that it's initially daunting, but in retrospect will seem easy and logical.