This is the archive, no???

Review: Interactive Technologies CueServer Express

The different styles of lighting control available to us are staggering.  It seems as though each manufacturer puts a twist on how we can manipulate lumens, as well as “barrow” things from each.  One company that has separated themselves from the pack is Interactive Technologies.  While most manufacturers offer a hardware interface to select and manipulate lights, Interactive Technologies gives you a webpage.

Let me explain, at the heart of Interactive Technologies control offerings is the CueServer, a website-in-a-box that offers control from either a webpage or a button station like the SceneStation available from Interactive Technologies and outputs DMX control.

At LDI2010 I was introduced to the Interactive Technologies latest product, the CueServer Express.  This has to be the smallest website and DMX controller out there.  Don’t let the size and simple exterior fool you, there is some serious control in the CueServer Express.

The CueServer Express is the little brother to Interactive Technologies CueServer Pro and CueServer Mini control products. It is considered an entry level control device for portable applications and cost effective. Just like all the CueServer products, the CueServer express includes a built-in web server that provides access to a full complement of lighting controls, show programming and playback features without the need for special software or an Internet connection.

The power behind the CueServer Express lies hidden within this tiny little box of just 5″ wide, 3.5″ long and just 1″ high. It looks simple, but again, looks can be deceiving.  After connecting the CueServer Express to my local network, and plugging in a DMX line to some devices, it was up and running.  The CueServer Express was assigned an IP through my DHCP server, after finding what that IP was by simply pinging the network, I just had to goto the IP address via my browser and I was in.

What is happening behind the scenes and in the network is that you are communicating directly with the CueServer Express via it’s web server function.  You are sending commands and instructions over the network by TCP/IP to the CueServer Express.  Then within the CueServer Express, those instructions are translated and sent out the single DMX line to our devices.  The CueServer isn’t spending and receiving Art-Net, but standard web page instructions.

[singlepic id=1518 w=320 h=240 float=left]The beauty and simplicity of this design is the interface.  The default web page control out of the CueServer Express is fairly basic.  No frills and images to download, but a very basic and some what powerful control surface.

What caught my attention is “CueScript”, a programing language for the CueServer family. Think of it as the command line for the CueServer Express, very similar to most lighting controllers have. Rather then using the built in keypad on the web page, you can enter commands via the command line or CueScript.  The beauty part about CueScript is that you do not have to type out entire words, for instance, for channel, rather then typing out the entire word, just type c and then the number @ fl, ie: c1@fl.  Their is a help box below the command line that spells out what you have typed in plain English to assume you that you have typed in the command that you want.  The commands can be as long and complicated as you want them to be.

From the web page, you have the ability to use the built in keypad which is very similar to most lighting desk out there with a number pad, record and timing functions.  But wait, theirs more.  In addition to the number pad, you have three other keypad pages.  The second being a recall section for colors, just like pallets that you find on many other desk.  The last two pages are all yours, you can edit and record any command you like to 25 buttons per page.

Say command line isn’t your cup of tea, no worries, Interactive Technologies isn’t holding you back.  You have a number of other alternatives to send commands to the CueServer Express, such as the Brand New Figment iOS App, CuePad iOS app, custom Flash Applications and Interactive Technologies own button and touch screen station options.

For this review, I only had a chance to connect the Figment iOS app to the CueServer Express.  While I was temped  to try some custom Flash interfaces, it really didn’t pertain to the review.  As for the Figment App, so simple and easy.  Connecting the Figment App to the CueServer Express was just as simple as setting up the CueServer Express.  You just have to make sure the wireless access point that the iOS devices connects to is on the same network and subnet.  From there, the Figment finds any available CueServers and away you go.

The CueServer Express offers 512 channels on control, or a entire universe minus the ability to patch.  So patch is always 1-to1.  Another thing lacking out of the CueServer Express is the ability to patch multi-parted devices or fixtures that use more then one channel of control. Is this a limitation? Not when you look at when and where the CueServer is intended for.

The CueServer Express is marketed as a portable lighting solution and for architectural control.  I think the later is where the CueServer Express excels at.  Digging deeper into the controls and options on the CueServer Express, you’ll find the ability to write to four different cue list, each with independent timing and control.  On top of that are controls for triggers such as function buttons, contact closures, macros, timer list and most importantly, timecode events.

With timecode in an architectural installation, you don’t need an input or button station.  Record your looks and have them run at specific times of the day.  Creating and setup looks to go at a certain time during the day is super simple.  During my time with the CueServer Express, I quickly and easily created a time event that happened every day at the same time before I came home. So I came home to nice soothing orange uplight in the office, ah, soothing orange.

I enjoyed my time with the CueServer Express.  It was easy to setup, get up and running and begin to control some lights. While the controls and functions are super simple, it may not the best option for a rig with mass amounts of movers.  But in an architectural installation or a simmer heavy rig, the CueServer Express packs some pretty powerful features in a box the size of a roll of two inch gaff.

If you want to try the CueServer out, or at least try the web page functions, head over to interactive Technologies web site, www.interactive-online.com.

[nggallery id=97]

Time Square Lighting Introduces LED21P, LED Architectural Projector

Time Square Lighting recently announced the arrival of another LED architectural track fixture to their already impressive line up, the LED21P.

The LED21P delivers the lighting equivalent of a 75-watt pattern projector utilizing a 21-watt LED module. The rewards are 10 times the lamp life as well as 70% energy savings. The LED21P projects stock or custom patterns (gobos) and is equipped with four framing shutters for precise beam shaping.

Numerous mounting options are available. Standard finishes are black, white and silver. Custom colors are available at an additional charge.

Some stats on the LED21P

  • 120 and 277-volt available
  • 30º-50º Beam spread
  • 50,000 Hour lamp life
  • Dimmable with external PWM dimmer
  • Framing shutters included
  • Stock or custom, steel or glass patterns
  • Numerous mounting options and accessories

For more information on the Time Square LED21P, visit their web site at www.tslight.com.

Time Square Lighting Releases Outdoor LED Fixture

Time Square Lighting has just announced their latest LED architectural fixture, the GOBO80L, or Outdoor LED Gobo Projector.

Utilizing a single white LED, the Gobo80L will reach your target audience in an environmentally friendly way, indoors or outdoors. The 80W LED light source is capable of projecting up to 50 feet.

The manual optics system allows for linear zoom and focus adjustment. The projection angle can be adjusted between 19º and 35º. Under normal conditions, the LED light source is projected to last 100,000 hours. The LED light source produces no UV or IR and illuminates virtually instantly (100 ns).

Here are some specs on the GOBO80L

  • One high-power, 80W, white LED
  • IP65 aluminium body, IP55 cooling system
  • Long-life, 100,000 hour LED
  • Scratch resistant textured polyester grey finish, protected against UV deterioration and general corrosion.
  • Shock-resistant front tempered glass
  • -4ºF to 104ºF external operating limits
  • Adjustable mounting yoke
  • 90-250W 50/60Hz power supply (160W total power consumption)

Learn more about the GOBO80L from Time Square Lighting by visiting their website at www.tslight.com.

Philips Selecon PL 1 LED

Philips Selecon has a new Architectural LED fixture available, the PL 1. It uses high output and fully homogenized RGBW LEDs with a variable beam from 14-50 degrees.

The PL 1 makes perfect sense for museums and other architectural installations where UV light may cause problems.  The PL 1 produces no ultra-violet (wavelengths of less than 400nm) in the UV-A, B, C or infrared (greater than 775nm) spectrum.

The fixture also has the ability to define maximum energy consumption with built in power preset from 30 watts to full power along with fan noise management.

For more information on the Philips Selecon PL 1 LED fixture, visit their website at www.seleconlight.com.

New iPhone App – Stick Remote

Lightingsoft AG recently introduced the release of the STICK Remote app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. If you didn’t know, a STICK controller or “Sunlite Touch-sensitive Intelligent Control Keypad”, is a stand alone wall-mounted DMX controller designed for architectural lighting and much more.  Learn more about the STICK remote by visiting Sunlite’s web site, www.nicolaudie.com.

So back to the app… The STICK Remote app allows you to control your STICK(s) remotely from anywhere in your building. Simply connect to your wireless local network with your iPhone or iPod Touch, the app will automatically find all the STICKs and allow you to control them all at once. As an added security feature, you can set individual passwords for each STICK to prevent unauthorized access.

With a simple and intuitive graphical interface you will be able to control all your DMX fixtures easily, without any technical knowledge. Triggering scenes and changing the speed, color and intensity has never been so simple!

The STICK Remote app Requires one or more STICK Remotes with the COM+ option, as well as a Wi-Fi router in able for the STICK Remote app to function.

The STICK Remote app is a FREE download from the iTunes App Store.

Time Square Lighting Announces Architectural LED Fixture

Time Square Lighting has recently announced their latest lighting fixture, the LED1738. The LED1738 is LED architectural replacement par fixture that is equivalent to a 75W halogen PAR or 39W metal Halide fixture.  The fixture runs on 110v and consumes about 17w of power.

There are there beam spreads available at 15, 23 and 32 degrees as well as 2700k, 3100k and 4100k color temperatures.

Other Features include a three piece spinning set that allows full accessory rotation that locks in place. A rugged steel self-locking yoke, and internal accessory ring that can hold up to four accessories is also included.

For more information on the Time Square LED1738, visit their website at www.tslight.com.

Elation Announces Accent LED Strips with Adhesive Backing

Elation LED Accent StripElation Professional just released their latest architectural LED product, the Accent LED strips.  The strips are available in tow models, and RGB and a Cool White version.

The Accent Strip RGB is a very thin, LED-circuit-strip-tape with nine bright RGB (Red, Blue & Green) LEDs. It can be mounted to almost any surface using it’s built-in adhesive tape. The Accent Strip RGB can be used in various indoor applications; at home, in the office, a retail environment or any various compact space. With the use of the easy-to-use control box users can select between 7 colors and 3 operational modes.

What type of control does the Accent Strip use, I am not sure.  Looking over the product sheet, all I can tell is that each kit includes a control box.  No other specifications about control are mentioned. Each Accent Strip Kit includes 4 rolls of the LED strip at 9.75″ long and can all be connected together to run off the power supply and control box included.

At the time of writing, I was not able to locate a retail price on either Accent Strip. For more on the Elation Professional Accent Strip RGB and the Accent Strip Cool White, visit Elations website at www.elationlighting.com.

PixelRange Set to Announce New Family of LEDs

PixieRange_green_16Even more LED goodness is coming to the LDI Show this year with PixelRange set to announce an entirely new family of LEDs.

The first one, pictured to the right is the PixelLinear, a string of Quad color LEDs on a “string” with an IP rating of 66.  The PixelLinear features vast color palettes with perfectly homogenized LEDs. The PixelLinear is available in 1ft, 2ft, 4ft and 6ft lengths.  There is no mention of how they are controlled, but we can assume via DMX.

Another product PixelRange is set to introduce is the SkyLine Architectural Family of fixtures which feature durable outdoor rated LED floodlights. Capable of high projection, even washes and focused feature lighting – each luminaire can feature one or two robust, stylish housings with a highly flexible variety of LED and circuit formats.

Pixie by PixelRange is a portfolio of IP66 rated decorative lighting effects offering infinite design possibilities for both indoor and outdoor applications. Each Pixie product is fully addressable and offers full color motion effects with dynamic color mixing – it can also be used for video animation. Introductory products include PixiePoint, PixieMini, PixieNode, PixieBall and PixieStar.

If you are attending the LDI Show this week, be sure to stop by PixelRange’s booth, #696 to see these and more LED products that they produce.  To learn more about PixelRange, visit their website at www.pixelrange.com.

Interactive Technologies Introduces The SceneStation

SceneStationInteractive Technologies, the makers of the CueServer, has just introduced their latest DMX Control device, the SceneStation. The SceneStation is a different kind of architectural Preset Station as is goes beyond just simple playback of looks, but can run chases, stepped sequences or a cue list of scenes.

Each of the five buttons on the SceneStation include a fully programmable RGB backlight LED with optional button caps that can be engraved with custom labels.  The SceneStation also includes an infrared port for controlling, programming and setting up the SceneStation with a programming remote.

The SceneStation can control any device that runs over standard DMX signal as the SceneStation has bi-directional DMX port.

Interactive Technologies will be launching the SceneStation at the PLASA Show at Earls Court in London, England next week as well as LDI in November in October. To learn more about the SceneStation, visit Interactive Technologies website at www.interactive-online.com.

E:Cue Introduces Light-Drive Elite Controller

e-cue-light-driveWhat do you get when you take the beautiful design and function of a 1st through 3rd generation iPod and add lighting control and playback, easy, the E:Cue Light-Drive Elite!

The Light Drive Elite by E:Cue is a wall mounted standalone DMX controller and interactive user interface for dynamic lighting.  What exactly does that mean?  Similar to the iPod scroll wheel on the original iPod, users can “dial” in colors for LED fixtures. There is a memory function to save desirable colors to a palette for quick recall as well as color changing effects.

The device is connected via an Rj-45 connector for both power and data and can handle an entire universe of DMX, 512 channels. The light-Drive Elite as has an integrated IR receiver for remote control via the E:Cue remote control. The device has a glass finish sure to polish off any house with it’s slim design and color choices of black or white.

We have note been able to locate a retail price at the time of writing.  For more information on the Light-Drive Elite, visit E:Cue’s website at www.ecue.de.

ETC Introduces Unison Mosaic Show Control

arch_mosaic_web

Today, Electronic Theatre Controls, (ETC), introduced their latest show control product to the Unison Control product line, Mosaic.  Unison Mosaic Show Control is based on the award winning Pharos show control technologies and has a range of software, controllers and accessories such as the Designer software, Unison Mosaic Expansion Modules, Unison Mosaic Show Controller X and the Unison Mosic Remote Input/Output Modules.

Mosaic combines innovative software and hardware. Mosaic Designer Software™ provides the framework for creating art, while Mosaic Show Controllers™ (MSCs) are the compact hardware solution, running events reliably and precisely, show after show. Engineered with unique environments in mind, Unison Mosaic Show Control presents a comprehensive control solution for architectural exteriors, retail, museum and themed spaces, art installations, special events, and innovative projects yet to be imagined.

By bringing these Mosaic show-control products into the Unison brand – alongside the Paradigm™ and SmartLink® offerings – ETC puts it all together with the most comprehensive range of products for controlling LEDs and creating energy savings.

Detailed Unison Mosaic show control information can be found at www.etcconnect.com/mosaic.

Chauvet Set to Launch New Architectural Lighting Line at Lightfair

luminarc_logoChauvet Lighting is preparing to launch a new architectural lighting line at this years LightFair in New York City on May 5-7.

iluminarcindex

The line premiering at the show consists of more than 20 LED-fitted products, including indoor/outdoor linear, pod and panel luminaires, and control systems. All products are ETL-listed and meet or exceed industry standards for architects, lighting specifiers, and systems integrators.

Outdoor products are rated IP66 or IP67. Two have been submitted for the Lightfair International Innovation Award — the Ilumipod 48 IP, an RGBW PAR-style wash light with a color temperature range of 3,200K to 10,000K; and the Ilumipod 36 IP VW, a multipurpose variable white light with 18 warm and 18 cool white LEDs and a color temperature of 2,800K to 7,000K. Both can be controlled by any universal DMX-512 controller.

The indoor line includes DMX-controllable units and a compact, low-profile, self-contained lighting system, called Logic. At the heart of the system is the Logic 4 x 36, which delivers data and power to an impressive assortment of linear, MR-16 size and AR1-11 size fixtures.

The new division’s website, www.iluminarc.com, will be launched simultaneously with the products’ launch in May. ILUMINARC representatives will be at Booth 142 during Lightfair.

via Lighting and Sound America

© 2020 Justin Lang Design, All rights reserved.