Q Light Controller+

Hello, I've been using QLC+ for a while now. Very happy, but I ran in to my first problem today. I've purchased two Moving Heads and am programming them now, I noticed they behave different then a LED PAR.

If I set a scene to switch the RED channel to 255 for the PAR, after deactivating the RED channel in QLC+ will return to zero-value. With the moving head however. If I deactivate the scene, the light does not return to the default setting. In example if I write a scene to set the gobo channel to 20, after deactivating the scene it will stay at 20 instead of returning to zero (default value) and keep displaying the gobo.

I like this for the pan and tilt function. But it's messing up my usual workflow (scene disengaged back to zero). This is especially anoying for the effects-prism. Is there any solution other then creating a scene with a values set to zero and constantly returing to this scene?

Regards

Hi,
This is probably due to a difference between HTP and LTP channels.

If you attach a copy of your Show and any custom fixtures you are using I am sure someone will have a quick look for you.

Hi Maarten Provo,

I have the same issues when running Functions on Qlc. I have been using a standard DMX desk for years with my lights so used to the lights returning to 0% when scenes and chases stop.

First you need to get an understanding how Qlc uses LTP and HTP modes.

As I understand it the LTP ( latest takes priority ) type control is used on all channels by default on Qlc ( execpt RGB and Intensity (lamps or dimmers) on lights with stepper motors eg colour wheels, gobo wheels, fx wheels, Pan & Tilt are all LTP mode style controlled.

The idea behind LTP is to avoid the stepper motor running back to 0% each time the fixture is not reciving any other DMX value for that channel.
This can be used to keep the moving head in the last position so you get a more of a snap to effect, with scenes & chases.

With HTP the motor will start from the start position 0% DMX value, unless a scene is running to keep the motor facing where you wish it to start from. Or the channel has been modified with Qlc's modifier ( eg pan inverted starts at 100% - 0% ) .
If using a scene to set a home start DMX value in HTP, the scene needs switching off to control the channel correctly. The next DMX value setting sent from Qlc to the light with HTP ( highest takes priority ) mode will only add to the DMX value set by the scene eg if the DMX value on the Channel is set to 80% by the scene, then the next DMX value sent on that channel would only increase the DMX value eg you set a value in a scene on 10% and the result on the output is 90% on the lights DMX channel. With LTP style the last setting of 80% is swopped with the latest DMX value so the result on the lights DMX channel is 10%.

I believe it's not as simple as changing the Channels on the moving head to all work as HTP. You can try this though, the LTP / HTP setting is changed in Channel Properties Configuration (see manual to find "Behaviour" listed in these settings).

I think Qlc is simply missing two things.

First - With other popular software DMX programs, in the channel properties there is DMX value settings for LTP & HTP home position for each DMX channel. The lights when not reciving any other DMX value return to this value ( in live mode or programing mode).
Great for moving heads when you want them always to be positioned pointing at the stage or sending them to 0% as you wish to do.


Second - Again in the channel properties, a DMX value can be added to set the lights to a set basic light On state ( needed for complex moving heads when a number of DMX values on different channels is required to see the light beam eg. Iris open, dimmer 100%, lamp on ) See the new video for Qlc 5, this setting would be active when you high light fixtures as singles or groups during programing ( highlighted lights On ) ( un highlighted lights return to home position as above ) so you can see what the real lights are doing in real time ( if not programing blind).

Some thing to try if you don't fancy setting all the channels on your moving heads to HTP but leave them as they are LTP. Make a scene containing all the DMX channels you wish to return to 0% when your moving head functions stop. In the virtual console add a red frame, then place a button in it with the scene you just made. Add all the functions you are using that contain these DMX channels in the same red frame. When you wish to switch off the functions press the button with the scene on it. In red frames only one button can be active at one time so in affect this should return your moving head motors, gobo's ect to 0% or any other DMX value you wish as a home position.

Hope this is helpful please post back with your results.

Regards

Alex

Hello
I do like, I create a scene (named "ZERO") with a baseline and run it at the beginning, then every other scene overrides values, for example (gobo, color, pan, tilt, prism) and disable its returns this initial stage ("ZERO")

Hi all,

Been running some tests as I have some old abstract twister4 lights that have two DMX channels.
The first channel is a mirror dish and the second DMX channel 0-5% is the Lamp Blackout setting then 5%-90% is control for a Colour wheel combined with gobos stepper motor then finally 90-100% is Strobe from slow to fast.
The profile is written with both channels set to be LTP so perfect for the test.

I'm using Qlc OSX 4.9.1 with a Artnet DMX king 4 universe network interface hardwired directly to the computer for this test.

I've found a better way to get these types of lights to go to blackout or to make any LTP style channel go to 0% ( Or a value that works better eg pan and tilt set to face a stage point ) this works like having a home position setting that I talk about in my first post. In fact I think this may be better than having a section in the channel property settings.

Simply make a scene as I said before containing ALL lights and include ALL faders. Leave all faders at 0% ( unless setting pan tilts home positions, don't forget to return any faders on the light to 0% if used to see heads position during positioning ). Now name this scene what ever makes you like eg "Zero"

adriankapka quote " run it at the beginning " You've got it !

Next instead of making a red frame in the virtual console as I said in the earlier post. With the scene highlighted click on the Green flag. This scene will now start every time you switch to live mode.

Now my Twister4 's go to blackout after switching of a function button in the virtual console

Should do what you guys want to do.

Enjoy the good times !!!

Alex

The zero-scene was a great idea! Thanks!

how about enable the assignment to a scene - or the better also a collection to "Stop all Function"-mode in VC Button's Properties (though contradiction). It should be executed (and self-disabled?) at the end of this routine and can accommodate all home positions like @128DMX Pan/Tilt, as we like to set...

The zero-scene was a great idea! Thanks!