No/wrong signal?

Ilias · Fri Jan 21, 2022 9:20 pm

Hello together

I'm new here, but I use QLC + 4 since a few years and I LOVE it.

But now, I've recognize a problem in my configure/hardware.

Difficult to discribe in german, extreme to explain in english. So lets make a try.

I'm using QLC+ 4.12.4 (Windows) and some versions earlier with a Eurolite Node 1 an some lights.
So far, so good.
But now I've bought two Showtec Shark 1 and they are so difficult to control.
The mainfunctions (pan/tilt/color/gobo/etc.) are not the problem. The functions are fine, but sometimes the pan/tilt positions after a restart are little bit different. No problem either.
But I can not use the focus. If I use the channel of the focus, nothing happend. Also when I recalibrate the Sharks. But when I use a cheap dmx controller (Stairville DMX-Master II) there is no problem and I can use all functions.
May that be a problem of the software or the Node 1? What do you think?

Many thanks and greetings,

Ilias

maquelle · Sat Jan 22, 2022 1:44 pm

Hello,

Have you tried to move just the focus channel on simple desk ? Does it work good or not ?
Maybe a problem in your fixture definition. Can you share it ?

Vincent

Ilias · Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:03 pm

Hi maquelle,

no, there are no effects, when I use the simple desk.
I try to post my fixture definition on wednesday or friday. But that could be an interesting point.
All my other fixtures are in the library. The scanners are not...

Ilias

GGGss · Tue Jan 25, 2022 9:03 am

So in 8ch mode and in 14ch mode you cannot control focus?

To check your fixture definition: patch 14 dimmers and use simple desk. If you touch ch11, (in 14ch mode that is), you should be able to see the lens moving up and down.
If not -> factory reset your movers. (It would strike me that you have 2 identical fixtures with the same problem.)
Oh ... and use the DMX monitor to really verify you are sending signals to the right channel.

Ilias · Sat Feb 05, 2022 1:26 am

Hello together,

it is so sad. In 8 Channel and in 14 Channel I cannot use the focus.

I see the lens in simple desk (with 14-standard dimmer) focusing, but I have no chance to get it sharp. Also with recalibration

When I use my definition, I see not the lens focusing. There is a problem. The dmx monitor say that too (tip like gold, thanks GGGss). Construction site 1.

When I use my Stairville DMX-Master II there is no problem. Can there be a problem with the Eurolite Node 1 too?
What do you think?

Greetings Ilias

maquelle · Sun Feb 06, 2022 1:55 pm

Hello,

I really think there's a problem with your fixture definition.
Can you post it ?

GGGss · Mon Feb 07, 2022 12:58 pm

Question: even on simple desk you cannot get the image sharp? That is bad ...

Yes, send in your fixture definition ...
My bet is that the focus channel has the 'no function' property set and hence no output is sent!

Ilias · Fri Feb 11, 2022 11:12 pm

Hey together,

I hope you can find the fixture def. in the attachment.

Showtec-Shark-Scan-One.qxf: (6.58 KiB) Downloaded 59 times

GGGss wrote: ↑Mon Feb 07, 2022 12:58 pm Question: even on simple desk you cannot get the image sharp? That is bad ...

Yes, that's really bad...but exactly this is happen.
I'd check my definition and when I'm in play-modus I can change the channel eleven an see the sendet DMX-Packets on the monitor.
But I cannot make the focus sharp.
Happy DMX-Changing and no effect to the scanner

By the way, if you think, the definition is correct, I will post it to the fixture thread.

Greetings
Ilias

Ilias · Fri Feb 11, 2022 11:48 pm

F***

I think/hope I have it....

Start the scanner and wait until they are warm (maybe 10 min).

Then reset them (channel 14) at 231-240.
Now it is much more sharp and react to my dimmer changes.

Hope I can refer it in the next weeks...

Greetings
Ilias

maquelle · Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:58 pm

Hello,

Very strange but good news if you found a solution to your problem.
I check your fixture definition file and I did not detect any error.
I still made some changes so that it meets the fixture sharing guideline (some differences with the manual and 2 letters reversed).

Here is the new file.

Ilias · Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:13 pm

Hi,

I'm not shure that I have a solution. But sometimes it works...
And I hate the word sometimes.
Sometime there is no signal on channel 11 to the Scanner. Sometime it is.
And the solution only works when the scanner are 10 min in use.

I'll try some tests more.

Thanks maquelle for test my fixture definition an some changes. Do you have upload the definition or may I do it?

Greetings Ilias

maquelle · Fri Feb 18, 2022 8:33 am

Hello Ilias,

No I don't upload the definition file, just attach it to my previous message.

GGGss · Fri Feb 18, 2022 10:11 am

Ilias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:13 pm Sometime there is no signal on channel 11 to the Scanner. Sometime it is.
And the solution only works when the scanner are 10 min in use.

I would physically open them and verify the guidance rails. I'm betting the old grease is very sticky so it needs some temperature to become more liquid again.
A typical case of discotec-smurry? Dust, sweat, human breath, hazer-fluids, nicotine and tar combine into a very sticky residue.
Some love and caring will get your scanner back into function.

Ilias · Fri Mar 11, 2022 9:33 pm

Hi,

thanks for the wishes. Still have the same problem.
The scanners are new, but yes, maybe the oil/grease is old. So, having a drink and starting lights and music a little bit before party

Maybe I have to change to Absinth to see the problem

Thanks a lot for your help.

I uploaded the definition in the right section, the thread can be closed.

Greetings
Ilias