Artist Help: Best Practice

This article describes the process of programming and the best ways to save time and effort. This recaps the previous articles to give a general overview of the process.

A new Workspace

Create a new Workspace using the Workspace Wizard. This will produce a blank set of files for you to create your show.

Install all system Fixtures using Fixture Wizard. This informs Artist of all the fixture devices connected to your DMX512 lines.

Position your fixtures on the combined Grid View. This provides a meaningful representation of your rig and thus makes it easier and faster to access your fixtures.

Test all system fixtures and Control panels. As you test your fixtures set some common and useable position, such as the centre floor. This position is useful for servicing purposes also. So set the fixture in each group to a centre floor and click 'Add to Focus Palette' and name the place holder. As you are programming the system you should save as many common positions as possible to the palette. These will prove very useful.

Programming

Usually, the preset levels on the fixture control panel provide most beam settings you will require. However, you may want to save special strobing or prism effects in Beam Palette place holders to be used repeatedly.

Finishing off

Before leaving the system in the hands of the operator, set up a Security scheme to prevent unauthorised access.