Maintain DMX Values after Input has Stopped
CueServer is often used in concert with additional DMX sources due to its ability to manage and coordinate. Many do this to switch dynamically between a console and CueServer internal control, others do it to automate other devices with DMX input triggers. What about when you want to maintain the values of an input even after the input source has been removed? We've got you covered!
This tactic is achieved using the AT command, which is responsible for setting channels, playbacks, station pages and more. In this article, we'll show you how to use the power of the AT command to cache and maintain the last frame of DMX received via input.
For more information on the AT command, take a look here in the CueServer Manual.
The Scenario
You have a room where the lighting is regularly modified to fit the look of the event in which it's hosting. You use a basic lighting console to manually set the values to suit the event. Saving a new cue or preset for each event would be fruitless because no two events share the same look. You would prefer to disconnect your console once the lights are set, but once the console is disconnected, the lighting values return to normal.
The Breakdown
In order to capture the last values of the DMX input, we need to set up an event-based trigger for when the DMX input ceases. We can use a Global Rule to catch that event and then use the AT command to temporarily set our current playback fader values to that of the input we want to maintain.
Once we've set a fader's channel values to that of the input, it will maintain them until another event changes them again, or the input source returns.
The Walkthrough
In this article, we will assume the input is coming in on Universe 1 alone, however, this tactic is not limited to a single universe.
The first step is to open up the editor and create a new rule. We can name this rule anything and it can be any number.
Next, we need to choose DMX Universe from the "Whenever X" menu.
Now, we need to change the trigger from "Begins Receiving Data" to "Stops Receiving Data".
Once that's done, set the action (by clicking on the green "Chose..." button) to Perform Script and click on the resulting "None" bubble to add CueScript.
In the CueScript box, we'll add:
Playback 1 Channel * AT input
Now your rule should look like this.
If it does, you're all set. Your CueServer will now automatically store the most-recent frame of DMX input whenever the input stops. Easy as that!
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