Interrupt a crossfade, then return to where the crossfade was

[kenact]

I'm not sure if this is possible. I have the need to create a long crossfade (45 minutes), but while the crossfade is executing I need to introduce a brief blackout. When the blackout is complete, I want to return to where the crossfade was. For instance

Scene 1
Dimmer 1 - 255
Dimmer 2 - 0
Fade Out - 255 seconds (4m15s)

Scene 2
Dimmer 1 - 0
Dimmer 2 - 255
Fade In - 255 seconds (4m15s)



At some random point, I need a 5 second blackout (for argument, 20 seconds)

At the start of the blackout Dimmer 1 would be at 235, Dimmer 2 would be 20.

At the end of the blackout I would like the crossfade to pickup where it left off, and continue through the next 3m55s crossfade (or if it's more doable, 3m50s).

I tried setting up a blackout scene with both dimmers set to 0, and put that on a button. Using the DMX Monitor, the dimmers didn't change. I also tried the built-in blackout button. That didn't change anything in the DMX monitor either.

I can use the GM slider, but I was hoping to find something that can be set to a static in/out/hold.

[MichelSliepenbeek]

You could try using EFX for your CrossFade:
Create an EFX "CrossFade", select Dimmer 1 and Dimmer 2 as Fixture, ensure that Mode = Dimmer and Select Dimmer 1 as Reverse (it will start from 255, while "non-reversed Dimmer 2" will start from 0) .
On the Movement Tab select Pattern = Line, Width = 0, Heigth = 127, X-Offset = 127, Y-Ofset = 127, Rotate = 0 and Start Position = 0.
Now set up a Speed Dial for this EFX Crossfade and create 2 Presets one for 4 minute 15 seconds and another set to Infinite (this last one should pause the EFX during blackout).


For your BlackOut:
If your Dimmer 1 and Dimmer 2 are set up as LTP, you only need to create a scene that sets both your dimmers to zero.
Otherwise you could put the button to launch your EFX Crossfade in a frame together with a Slider in Submaster Mode (this option will work LTP and HTP).


Now you have to:
- Start your EFX (with Speed Dial Preset 4 min 15 sec and Submaster Slider at 100%),
- when you want the Black Out to start, set your Speed Dial Preset to Infinite and either press the Dim Button (if LTP) or set your SubMaster Slider to zero (if HTP).
- when you want the Black Out to end, set your Speed Dial Preset (back) to 4 min 15sec and either deactivate the Dim Button (if LTP) or set your SubMaster Slider back to 100% (if HTP).
- Stop your EFX (after 4 min 15 sec).

[MichelSliepenbeek]

If you are familiar with LoopBack and Channel Modifiers:

You can add a LoopBack channel as third (non-reversed) dimmer to the EFX.
Create a Channel Modifier "On 020 - 025" (from input 000 to 020 -> output = 000, from input 020 to 025 -> output = 255, from input 025 to 255 -> output = 000) for this LoopBack channel.
You can use this channel to trigger your Black Out.

In the same way you can add yet another LoopBack Channel as fourth (non-reversed) dimmer to the EFX, only this time use an "Off 020 - 025" Channel Modifier (from input 000 to 020 -> output = 255, from input 020 to 025 -> output = 000, from input 025 to 255 -> output = 255).
You can use this Channel as External Control for your Submaster.


Another option would be:
Create 2 loopback channels: one with a channel modifier that is "Linear Up" from 000 - 020, "dips to zero" from 020-025 and then is "linear Up" again from 025 - 255, the other one should be Linear Down (but with the same dip).
Now only use those 2 LoopBack channels in your EFX and then connect those Loopback Channels as External Control to the Sliders for Dimmer 1 and Dimmer 2.

[kenact]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll try playing with both.