Martin TrackPod 2.0
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and define the megapod by specifying which two trackpods to use. If
there is a lot of disparity between the two operators the system will reset
itself to follow the “master” TrackPod. When using the Megapod
functionality the risers and target heights and offsets are ignored, since
they are not necessary.
Using the console driver
The TrackPod system can be completely controlled by an external DMX
console that has a TrackPod driver (also called a "personality" or
"profile"). If your console does not already have a TrackPod driver, the
console manufacturer or a programmer can add one by using the
channel descriptions and examples that can be found in the "driver.txt"
file that is installed with the program files.
To use the console driver, connect the console's DMX out to the Track-
Pod PC's DMX IN and enable the console's TrackPod personality
assigning it to a certain base channel address (the driver uses 15 chan-
nels). By default the TrackPod is set to listen to channels 498 to 512 on
the link but this can be changed in the preferences. This process is
similar to how you would assign an address to a fixture.
In a nutshell, the new driver allows using the TrackPod system without
the need to preprogram a show, i.e. it is not necessary to define maps.
Basically, the console can select any calibrated fixture or group of
fixtures and assign them to any TrackPod on the fly. Of course, you may
remove any fixtures at any given time and access automated effects like
automatic beam size and focus. Many console operators like to prevent
the TrackPod operator from controlling any fixture parameters except
pan and tilt (this can be accomplished by setting appropriate access
priviledges for the TrackPod in the preferences) and then remotely
control the operation of the entire system from their console.
Tip: the PC software has a “Driver Monitor” window which lets you see
what commands are being sent by the console in real-time playback.
For a complete explanation of the driver functionality please see
“driver.txt” file which the installer places in the same directory as the
trackpod.exe application.
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