TroikaTronix Forum: Isadora: Hardware Platforms: Alternative to Rosco Keystroke on a Mac Pro Intel Box running Isadora?


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Alternative to Rosco Keystroke on a Mac Pro Intel Box running Isadora?

emopaul
Novice

Dec 23, 2007, 12:22 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1775 views)
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Alternative to Rosco Keystroke on a Mac Pro Intel Box running Isadora?	Can't Post

I'm a novice Isadora user (just bought it today). I'm trying to trigger 5 pairs of movies (coming out of 2 projector actors) with DMX triggers from our lighting board.
I was planning to use Rosco Keystroke, but just saw that the MAc version doesn't support Macintel boxes.
Does anyone know of another way to get DMX control of playback of movies in Isadora? There are 5 of them and I just need to start and stop them, nothing fancy.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Cheers,

Paul
paul lundahl
creative director
eMotion studios
http://www.emotionstudios.com

Mark Coniglio
TroikaTronix / Moderator

Dec 26, 2007, 9:11 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1745 views)
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Re: [emopaul] Alternative to Rosco Keystroke on a Mac Pro Intel Box running Isadora? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't know of ways to get DMX _in_ to Isadora right now, I'm afraid. Does anyone here know if the LanBox will transmit MIDI messages if it receives DMX cues? That would be one way to pull it off.

In any case, I do have plans to support input from the LanBox in an upcoming version of Isadora, but there is a bit work to do to make this happen, and I've got a few other fish to fry at the moment in terms of priorities.

So hopefully someone else might have a suggestion.

Best Wishes,
Mark

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Mark Coniglio / TroikaTronix
Creator of Isadora

emopaul
Novice

Dec 26, 2007, 11:00 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1740 views)
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Re: [Mark Coniglio] Alternative to Rosco Keystroke on a Mac Pro Intel Box running Isadora? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mark,

Thank you for the reply. I wish there was a simpler workaround though!
If anyone on the forum has any ideas I'd love to hear them. The Rosco Keystroke seemed to be a good potential solution, but it looks like it won't be working with Intel Macs anytime soon.
I'm looking for something that's not super techy and can be robust enough for a live show environment.

Thanks in advance.

all the best,

Paul

____________
Paul Lundahl, creative director
eMotion studios
paul lundahl
creative director
eMotion studios
http://www.emotionstudios.com

william
User

Dec 27, 2007, 12:35 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1721 views)
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Re: [emopaul] Alternative to Rosco Keystroke on a Mac Pro Intel Box running Isadora? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Paul -

What sort of lightboard are you using? I automate my shows all of the time using the MIDI output from the lighting console.

If you're using a Microvision or ETC Express console, all you need is a MIDI to USB converter and you're in business. (TroikaRanch has a bunch on sale right now!) Isadora will see a program change (the cue number) and will send a trigger out.

If you're using a larger console, such as the Obsession I or II, you will need to write a patch in MAX/MSP to parse the sys-ex midi, as well as building macros in the board to send the appropriate triggers.

emopaul
Novice

Dec 27, 2007, 5:46 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1713 views)
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Re: [boys&murderers] Alternative to Rosco Keystroke on a Mac Pro Intel Box running Isadora? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate your ideas. We have an Etc Express console, not sure of the model #.
On the back it says, Model # 4110A1002
I'll have the lighting designer chime in, he knows the board very well.
In the meantime, what midi to USB converter would I need? Is it hard to configure? We'd love to bring the films up for triggering by the board.

Thanks for any of your thoughts.

All the best,

Paul
paul lundahl
creative director
eMotion studios
http://www.emotionstudios.com

william
User

Dec 28, 2007, 9:20 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1687 views)
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Re: [emopaul] Alternative to Rosco Keystroke on a Mac Pro Intel Box running Isadora? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Paul -

If you have an ETC Express, you're half way there. I recommend the MIDISPORT 2x2, since I've used that extensively without a hitch. If your budget is tight, the MIDISPORT UNO is a solid second choice. Install the drivers, which are included on a CD-ROM or downloadable from their website, and away you go...

Have the LD or the LX programmer go to the SETUP in the ETC Express and turn MIDI on. If it asks for a channel assignment, leave it at 1, if this is the only MIDI device you plan on connecting to the computer. Once that's set, connect the console and the computer via the MIDISPORT.

Go into your MIDI setup in Isadora and find the INPUT on PORT 1 that matches your MIDI device (it will be clearly labeled). Then open your STATUS window. Have your LD fire a few cues and confirm that you are getting a signal in your MIDI monitor.

If you are getting a signal, go to your patcher window and add a PROGRAM CHANGE WATCHER from your MIDI group. Keep firing cues, and the cue number ought to show up with each go. If the program change watcher doesn't do it, try the NOTE ON WATCHER and keep your eye on the pitch, but if my memory serves me correctly, both the Microvision and the Express send out successive program changes with each GO on a cue that is an integer.

Bear in mind - decimals will not be recognized. So point cues are effectively worthless in triggering video, which is no big deal, so long as you plan for it.

Also, bear in mind that MIDI has a 50' signal distance limit, so plan to keep your Mac near your ETC Express. It would also be handy to keep it near the operator, if at all possible, to monitor the video cues. I prefer to build simple control panels to alert the operator that the video is in fact working, along with trigger buttons in the event that the MIDI connection fails somehow.

There ya go, the short and skinny on automating Isadora...

Send me an email when any of you try this with an Obsession II...

Cheers,
William

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