Support Forum

I'm currently using Freestyler (v3.0.1) w/ an ENTTEC Open DMX interface in an Entertainment complex as a more affordable means to control our lighting (we're probably using 20+ fixtures in the facility). For the most part, the system has been great. Other then a couple nuances with restarting the software (usually done when maintenance was performed on the computer it's installed on), I really haven't had any problems with the Freestyler software.

As I'm sure many of you know, DJ and Professional lighting isn't made to run 24/7. Bulbs go fast if a fixture is left to run. DMX operated lights usually allow you to lamp the bulbs on and off safely. When I originally set up this system (v2.9.5 at that time), the idea was to schedule cues to turn the fixtures on and off at appropriate times during the day.

However, I have never been able to figure out how to use the scheduler feature. There are references to it in the "help" menu, which refers to buttons or menu items I can't find. I've also been unable to find any topic in the forums that have been helpful.

Could anyone provide a good explanation on how the scheduler functions and how to set it up? Or is there a topic somewhere else on the forums that offers an explanation?

Random Discourse wrote:I have never been able to figure out how to use the scheduler feature. There are references to it in the "help" menu, which refers to buttons or menu items I can't find.

Help file wrote: Control sequence by time (elapsed / realtime):
To enable time control: "options" -> "Enable timecode" -> "Timecode elapsed" or "Timecode realtime"

Timecode elapsed: The timer starts at 00:00:00
Timecode realtime: Windows time

Fill in the time in following format: hh:mm:ss

the options button is a cog wheel on top next to the fast CUE Switcher in the CUE window. if you choose "Timecode elapsed" there will be two new buttons in the CUE window; "Start" and "reset". In a column you see "HH:mm:ss", replace it with your choice of time.

thats all i know,
don't know if more than one sequence can run on the same time

where and what is your entertainment complex???

DJ Support: Arnold's Family Fun Center. In Oaks, PA (http://www.arnoldsfamilyfuncenter.com)

LJ_krede.dk: Thanks for the help, found the options menu, and set "Enable Timecode". I also set the cue times for each sequence.

Using the "Elapsed Time" option, things seem to work well. However using the "PC Realtime Option", I don't seem to get any response. In the interest of resetting fixtures daily, this is the preferred option.

I'm currently using Three Zones, so ideally I'd like to be able to cue multiple scenes, but if it's not possible, I won't be too torn up about it.

Because I'm curious and unable to find a case where someone has used it,

Does the "real time" scheduler work?

Right now I'm thinking I "might" (big word in this context) be able to use some sort of MIDI controller to fake it, but I'm not sure it's worth tinkering with.

Funny how when you decide to walk away from a problem for a while (in my case a long while), the answer can suddenly hit you.

So yes, it does work.

But in order for it to work, you need to set Windows to operate in a 24 - hour format, specifically the same HH:mm:ss format that Freestyler uses. By default, Windows uses a h:mm:ss format.

In XP, "Control Panel" -> "Regional and Language Options" -> "Customize" button -> "Time" tab
In vista/7 "Control Panel" -> "Clock,Language, and Region" -> "Change the date,time, or number format"

Hope that helps anyone else that may of had this problem, otherwise I'm just a complete idiot.

Random Discourse wrote:Funny how when you decide to walk away from a problem for a while (in my case a long while), the answer can suddenly hit you.

So yes, it does work.

But in order for it to work, you need to set Windows to operate in a 24 - hour format, specifically the same HH:mm:ss format that Freestyler uses. By default, Windows uses a h:mm:ss format.

In XP, "Control Panel" -> "Regional and Language Options" -> "Customize" button -> "Time" tab
In vista/7 "Control Panel" -> "Clock,Language, and Region" -> "Change the date,time, or number format"

Hope that helps anyone else that may of had this problem, otherwise I'm just a complete idiot.

If that is really the case (can't check it for you at the moment), than it seems its a bug in FreeStyler as that kind of system changes may never have any effect on working (or not working) schedulers.

Do you want to sent a bugreport to Raph, with a complete description of how to make things work (and not to work)?
Then he will maybe pick it up and fix it!
[bugreporting][/bugreporting]

Do you want to sent a bugreport to Raph, with a complete description of how to make things work (and not to work)?
Then he will maybe pick it up and fix it!

Done.

And The scheduler is working great, my props to Mr. Wellekens.