This is the archive, no???

iOS App: Event Rigging Helper

Do you handle equipment over peoples heads? It can be a tough and exhausting job.  You have a lot information in your head that you need to put together to make sure that rig is safe and secure.

Doing a bit of searching yesterday, I ran across another industry iOS app, Event Rigging Helper.  Plug in some information and it help calculate jumps, bridles, lengths and more.  The app also can keep track of your projects, a library of truss manufacturers, hoist, winches and other assorted equipment a rigger might need info on.

Features include:
•Bridle Length calculator (imperial, metric, ratio)
•Leg tension calculator
•Multiple Project data- notate per show, venue, elements, trim, purpose, point location
•Track show weight: totals per point, per element, per show
•Export data
•Record keeping
•Weight database of typical production elements
•Library of manufacturer’s product spec’s in the likes of truss and motors, shackle, cable, power distribution…
•Rigging education and seminar info…
•Industrial Rope Access info
•Venue data contribution and exchange
•Facebook page for community, discussion and dialog

The Event Rigging Helper App does not come cheap in comparison for most iOS apps. The app cost $19.99 USD through the iTunes App Store.  I am not saying that the app is over priced. What I am saying is if you fell that paying $19.99 for an app that help you save time and money on the job… Then it just might be worth the investment.

REMEMBER: Purchasing and or using this app does NOT make you a rigger. Rigging should be performed under the supervision of experienced and certified professionals.

ETC Releases New iOS App – Selador Toolkit

Seems like ETC is pumping out iOS apps left and right lately.  Earlier this week they released their ETC Rigging App and just yesterday their latest app, the Selador Toolkit.

The Selador Toolkit application – with features for both beginners and professionals – allows designers to mix their favorite colors and determine which models to use. The app also includes calculators to help stage electricians set DMX addresses for a series of Selador fixtures and gauge power usage. Data sheets, manuals, and application guides are provided to help accomplish the best overall results.

The Selador Toolkit app is FREE from the iTunes App Store and is a universal app, meaning that the same app works both on the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad.  Head over to the iTunes App Store and pick up your FREE copy of the ETC Selador Toolkit App.

New iOS App – Not Dip Switch Calc, But Binary Calculator

I have to start this one off with what the developer wrote on the apps description page, it says it all.

Nothing special but simple and easy to handle.

Did you catch that?  Nothing Special, love it.  Now is the developer just being modest or truthful, you decided.  There really is nothing special about this app. It is just like all of the other Dip Switch apps out there.  The main difference is that it is giving you the “binary” number.

Guess what, that is what we are doing when we address a fixture or device. ;) Funny how that all works out. With the Binary App you can enter a number and it will show you which position the dip switches need to be in, or the reverse, set the dip switches and it will tell you the DMX Binary number.

You can learn more about the Binary Calculator app and purchase it through the iTunes App Store for just $.99 USD.

Useful Development Re-Releasing USITT App for iOS AND Droid

I just heard from the iOS developer, Useful Development, that they are re-launching the USITT App for this years Conference and Stage Expo in Charlotte North Carolina. You may remember last years conference when Useful Development announced and released the iOS app, USITT 2010, as a replacement for the printed conference and stage expo guide. The app served as a tool to locate sessions, conference events and of course a map to the stage expo to find any given exhibitor you may have been looking for.

With the upcoming release, it not only is getting update with the 2011 conference and stage expo information, but a couple of other useful additions.  I am not sure yet what some of these new features may be, but one thing now iOS device owners will welcome, the USITT app will be available for the Android as well!

Useful Development has taken all of the feedback and advice from last years conference and revamped and reorganized the app to make it even more powerful of a tool while in Charlotte.  Be on the look out for more information about the USITT app during February.

Another DMX Dip Switch App Shows up in iTunes – DMX Dip (FREE)

Just when you thought that the DMX Dip Switch market place was saturated enough on the iTunes App Store, another one shows up. Now the good news is, the DMX Dip app is a FREE download from the app store.

DMX Dip is exactly as it sounds, it calculates the DMX address on fixtures that use dip switches for addressing.  The reverse operation is also possible, just use the dip switches in the app like you would use real-life switches, and DMX Dip tells you exactly for which address the fixture is configured.

The app also offers an off-set function for addressing multiple fixtures. You can pick up the DMX Dip app for FREE from the iTunes App Store.  The app is universal and works nativity on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve Like You’re in NYC with Times Square 2011 iOS App

There is just under 35 hours left in 2010! I have heard that celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square is something not to miss, the lights, the partying and just the excitement of what the New Year will bring.  If anything, it is something that you have to try once in your life.  I personally still have not made it up to New York City for New Year’s Eve, but it is on a list some where of things to do.

Since most of us can not make it to Time Square in 35 hours to celebrate the dawning of the New Year, why not bring the Times Square celebration to your iOS device?  That’s right, Apple’s tag line for iOS apps hold true once again, “There’s an app for that”.

Countdown Entertainment, the iOS developer of the Times Square Offical New Year’s Eve Ball App – 2011 has announced the release of the app into the iTunes App Store! It brings New Year’s Eve in Times Square LIVE to your iOS device.

Some of the features of the app:

  • Submit your New Year’s photos of friends and family for others to vote on. The most popular photos will be featured on the Toshiba Vision sign atop One Times Square, right below the new Year’s Eve Crystal Ball.
  • Get live updates about news, weather, photos and the LIVE show schedule happening December 31st in Times Square
  • Send New Year’s Eve Kisses to friends and family
  • Watch live streaming of events in Times Square leading up to New Year’s Eve
  • Customizable Countdown Clock with Time zone recognition.
  • Chick-in via Foursquare, Facebook and twitter to find out how far away you are from Times Square.

What a neat app right?!  Best part… FREE!  Head over to the iTunes App Store and download a copy for yourself and start celebrating!

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Review: Fixture Tester iOS App

Back towards the end of November, a new lighting app came out in iTunes for Bart van Stiphout called Fixture Tester.  Bart was kind enough to provide a review copy of the app for me to write a review of the app.  But what is Fixture Tester?

The Fixture Tester App is exactly as it sounds, a way to test moving lights all from your favorite iOS device.  Fixture Tester gives us the ability to trouble shoot and test a fixture any where with in range of a WiFi access point that is connected to the rig.  The app uses Art-Net to send signal to the fixtures.

With a selected fixture that you want to test, Fixture Tester offers the ability to run simple macros such as lamping on a fixture, test whether a fixture is patch and address correctly and run the parameters of the fixture through a simple set of test.

You may begin to ask yourself, what is the point of such an app when most well known console manufactures and other iOS apps out there offer the same sort of testing and diagnosis of our rig. Fixture Tester is an independent app thats sole purpose is to test and trouble shoot a fixture on a rig.  The app can work in conjunction with almost any lighting desk out there.  While board op is writing cues or setting up the desk, an electrician can run through the entire rig and check to make sure each device is operating correctly.  If a fixture is acting up, the electrician can get to that fixture, still connected to the rig via WiFi and use Fixture Tester to trouble shoot it, all while independent of the desk.

Another use for the Fixture Tester App could be rental houses.  When ever a fixture comes in our goes out for rental, each fixture needs to be checked and made sure it operates correctly.  The Fixture Tester App could be a perfect fix for that application by setting up a simple WiFi access point with a single Art-Net translator, and BAM, the service techs can quickly and easily check fixtures with the app rather then using desk from rental stock.

Something to be aware of is that the Fixture Tester App speaks Art-net.  That means that our rig either must be speaking Art-Net or have an Art-Net translator some where in the rig to function correctly.  Not a huge problem, just something to think about when trying to implement Fixture Tester into our rigs.

As for fixture profiles or templates, the road maps of how a fixtures DMX address are assigned, the Fixture Tester app comes filled with a wide variety of manufactures and fixture types already available with in the app.  If a particular fixture isn’t available, not to fear, the developer has created a programed called FileUploader that you can create dmXLAN patchfiles and upload to the app via the settings tab.  FileUploader is a free download right from the developers website.

The Fixture Tester app is a universal app meaning that it will run on all three iOS devices, the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad. Running $24.99 for the app seems a little up there in cost, but with any app, if it fits your needs and makes our lives easier, $24.99 is a small price to pay when time and money are saved while being on site. The app does exactly as described and can be a very useful and powerful tool in our ever growing digital tool box. Visit the iTunes app store and purchase your copy of the Fixture Tester App.

Have you used the Fixture Tester App?  What did you think of this review?  Please share your comments, reviews and thoughts about the app below in the comment section of this review.

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iOS App: e:cue Action Pad for iOS Devices

Seems like almost every type of lighting controller out there is coming out with an iOS app.  And for a good reason too!  I don’t think you will EVER miss place this remote!  If you do, call it or use Apple’s Find My iPhone/iPad.

e:cue released an iOS app called e:cue Action Pad for iPhone/iPad.  If you know anything about e:cue, they create some pretty sophisticated lighting control.  The neat thing about e:cue is that the control lives on a centralized serve and then “remote” into the control via applications, e:cue specific hardware devices and now a wireless device like the iPhone/iPad.

The e:cue Action Pad App is actually just a very simple client to the e:cue server, (from what I can tell).  All of the layouts and controls are actually designed and held back at the server and then ran on the iOS device for playback and control. Pretty neat concept.

The e:cue Action Pad App is a free download from the iTunes App Store.  But, in order for you to start using it in your facility or even home, you need just a couple of more things from e:cue to getting working.  Like a server and the control/design software.

Learn more about the e:cue hardware by visiting their web site at www.ecue.com.  You can download the e:cue Action Pad App from the iTunes App Store. The App is designed to run both on the iPhone/iPod Touch and the iPad.

MA Lighting Releases grandMA2 remote App for iPhone/iPad

It was only a matter of time that MA Lighting would release a new iOS app for the grandMA2 series of desk.  Just like the long awaited Hootsuite for iPad app, MA Lighting recently announced the new a, grandMA2 remote. The app is still FREE, but you do still need to spend just a bit of money on the desk.

Here is a bit more about the app:

The grandMA remote 2.0 can also be easily used in connection with a grandMA onPC (1&2). Because of the bi-directional communication between grandMA and remote control it is also possible to show intensities and positions or attributes of moving lights in real-time.

Features:

  • Convenient remote control for all important functions of the grandMA range
  • High distances and safe use with all grandMA consoles
  • Up to 2 (for grandMA1 even up to 6) remote control units can be used with each console or station
  • Software is available free of charge
  • Same software for console compatibility: one system – one operating philosophy
  • Completely configurable for every application: Theatre, TV, Concert Touring, Entertainment, etc.
  • Elegant programming and control of moving lights, dimmers, LEDs, effects and media servers
  • Mature software and hardware

Difference to the former grandMA remote Software: The grandMA remote 2.0 software connects to both grandMA2 series consoles and grandMA1 series consoles. Connectivity to grandMA2 consoles requires grandMA2 Version 2.1 at minimum.

Head over to the iTunes App Store and pick up a copy of the grandMA2 remote app and start using it today.  To download the grandMA OnPC 1 or 2, head over to www.malighting.com.

Luminair for iPad v1.1 adds support for MIDI, OSC, and sACN E1.31

That rights everyone… iOS 4.2 is OUT!!! I have been waiting for this for soooo long it is not funny.  I think Synthe FX, the developers of Luminair for the iPad/iPhone have been waiting even longer.  Here is the latest from Synthe FX and Luminair.

Luminair for iPad has received it’s first major update, which adds support for external MIDI control, OSC (Open Sound Control) protocol, as well as the ability to send DMX over Wi-Fi via the sACN E1.31 protocol.

With external MIDI input, Luminair users can now turn any MIDI controller into an advanced lighting console. With features like easy MIDI learn and full mapping capabilities, users can assign external controls to faders, cue buttons, playback controls and much more. Luminair is compatible with CoreMIDI via Apple’s USB iPad Camera connection Kit, as well as Line 6’s MIDI Mobilizer dock accessory for iOS devices. Alongside the new MIDI features, is the ability to add MIDI Show Control support to Luminair, via an In-App purchase.

Adding support for the OSC (Open Sound Control) protocol opens up an endless number of ways to interact with Luminair. Users now have the ability to create custom user interfaces for controlling Luminair on additional iOS devices, and using other remotes and sensors through the OSC protocol. Multiple remotes can also all be connected at the same time, allowing a team of users to work together in lighting designs and shows.

Users also now have the option of outputting DMX over Wi-Fi using E1.31 (sACN), which is a network based protocol developed by the ESTA Control Protocols Working Group. sACN E1.31 is a great addition to Luminair’s Art-Net support, and makes Luminair compatible with the next generation of network enabled DMX interfaces and lighting consoles.

Notable new features included in Luminair for iPad v1.1:

  • iOS 4.2 multitasking support
  • Support for sACN E1.31 DMX output over Wi-Fi
  • MIDI input w/ full learning and mapping capabilities. Supports Apple’s iPad USB Camera Connection Kit and Line 6’s MIDI Mobilizer dock accessory.
  • OSC input as a remote control for most app functions (use custom apps like TouchOSC on iOS devices, WiiMotes and other controllers through OSCulator, etc.)
  • Art-Net node detection and unicasting support
  • A new built-in shop for In-App purchases
  • MIDI Show Control (*In-App Purchase)
  • Password protected CoverFlow view option

Synthe FX has also updated Luminair for iPhone to v2.1, with support for the sACN E1.31 protocol, plus an enhanced Art-Net implementation, and iOS4.2 compatibility. Both updates are available now and free for existing users.

Baxter Controls Releases BCIconsole App on iTunes

You heard about Baxter Controls coming out with an iOS app back at LDI 2009 and again this year at LDI 2010.  Just a couple weeks after LDI 2010, Baxter Controls releases BCIConsole on the iTunes App Store.

BCIConsole is a live control application for DMX controlled lighting systems. This easy to use hand held DMX lighting control console gives you a remote patchable control system in the palm of your hand on your iPhone or iPod touch when connected to a BCI Pocket Console DMX NET port.

You have 36 patchable channels of level control. Each channel can be patched to any DMX address. You can patch all 512 DMX addresses and any channel can control from 0 to all 512 addresses. There is also a dimmer and channel check function with the check level selectable by the user.

The BCI Pocket Console DMX NET port allows merging of your existing console data with input from BCIConsole as well as having a DMX pass-through port. Merging is on a highest takes precedence basis.

BCIConsole App offers:

  • Automatic connection to the Pocket Console DMX NET port
  • All 512 DMX addresses
  • 36 Patchable Channels
  • Dimmer and Channel Check with Solo option
  • Grand Master
  • Bump Channel to Master
  • Blackout Button
  • DMX merge
  • DMX pass-through
  • More…

Requires a WiFi connection and the Pocket Console DMX NET port, available from Baxter Controls at www.DMX2go.com, for output to DMX512 fixtures.

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Apollo Design Announces iGobo App for iPhone/iPad/iPod

I spent a bit of time talking to one of my favorite people from Apollo at LDI, Melissa Irk. Melissa mentioned to me that Apollo Design just released it’s iGobo App for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Now you can browse all of Apollo’s stock gobo’s in one place, well, actually two places, the iGobo App and the Moire Gobo App from Wybron. The difference being that the iGobo App is a FREE download.

Here is a bit more about the iGobo App:

Apollo’s iGobo allows everyone involved in the art of lighting design to conveniently view full screen images of the company’s extensive library of standard metal and glass patterns. The Apollo iGobo feature list includes:

  • 2000+ metal, SuperResolution glass,1-color glass, 2-color glass, and ColourScenic gobo designs
  • Search the gobo library by name, number, or keywords
  • Compare up to four gobos at a time on the screen
  • Rotate an image at variable speeds, either clockwise or counterclockwise
  • Stack two images and rotate the bottom image in either direction
  • Maintain a favorites list
  • Email a single gobo or your complete favorites list
  • More features to come on future versions

Fire up your iTunes App store and download your free copy of iGobo from Apollo Design. Be sure to connect to a WiFi access point when trying to “purchase” and download the iGobo App.  At 105mb, AT&T will not let you download it over their data network.

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