The Avolites Discussion Forum

I'm using a Pearl Tiger running the classic 2008 software and just wanted to ask about something that I've been wondering about.

I'm coming from using a Strand Palette console for a while, so I've got used to the way that console handles the CLEAR function. On the Strand console, when you hit Clear, it would clear out everything you had done and reset moving light positions back to their home positions (the position they go to when they first get DMX signal from the console). So after recording something, I'd hit Clear and then I could start programming again from the start.

On the Pearl 2008 software, the Clear function just seems to de-select the fixtures and turn the dimmer off, but it doesn't set the positions back to home. In fact, it doesn't chance the positions at all from the last thing programmed or ran. In order to reset the fixtures I have to Locate them to get them back to their original position so that I can start programming again.

I understand that maybe I'm supposed to get used to hitting locate all the time, but I find it odd that hitting Clear on the Pearl doesn't clear out the position data at all. If I"m testing a chase or shape, the fixtures all have to be located again in order for them to start from home, otherwise they stay in the same position as the chase left them.

I guess I just don't understand why it functions this way. Why wouldn't "Clear" actually clear out all of the data in the programmer, instead of leaving position as it was when last used?

I'm sure I'm probably not getting the overall function or I'm just missing something, but any help or advice would be great.

Thanks

Short answer: on the Pearl Classic, this is exactly the intended behaviour, and you cannot do anything about it - you could on a Titan console, though, but this doesn't help you.

Slightly longer explanation: pressing Clear does exactly what Clear is for: clearing the programmer. The only debate is: what happens with all the attributes which were in the programmer. And the only answer on Classic consoles is: all attributes adhere HTP and LTP rules. HTP channels return to their values which are set by playbacks, while LTP channels simply stay, until otherwise changed. Something like 'release to playback values' is not there in Classic software.

Yes, you must find your way around this, like always locating, or like using your own 'home' palettes.

Thanks so much for the reply!

It's a relief to at least know that I'm not doing something wrong, or that my console isn't messed up that regard.

I like the idea of a home palette, so I may go that route.

Thanks again for the reply!