With the multi-user functionality, up to10 consoles can be linked together on a network to control one show. Each console can operate its own independent screens, command line and hard drive archive, allowing multiple operators to work simultaneously with no need to merge their single show files together afterwards. Any console, replay-unit or offline PC of the grandMA family can be utilized as a multi-user client - only the master console determines the DMX channel count.
Multi-user is ideally combined with the new world pool to filter the display, playback and programming action for each single user (see below). In addition, the options for a Playback-Tracking setup between multiple consoles have been improved. Shows on different desks may now easily be played back from one master console. The previous 'True Tracking Backup' mode for live show-backup has been replaced by the new Full Tracking Backup which does a complete data, operation and display tracking where all connected consoles may still be operated in a kind of Master/Master mode.
grandMA now supports the use of pocket PCs (tested models are Toshiba e740 WiFi and Compaq iPAQ with optional WLAN adapter) as full featured designer's remote control. These remote controls are linked to the master console or one of the other clients in a multi-user environment. Each client supports up to six individual remotes simultaneously. The grandMA remote software even runs with the offline-editor - ideal for demonstration purposes.
The software for the pocket PC runs under Windows Pocket PC 2002 and is distributed together with the new grandMA release at no additional cost. Complete remote packages, including a Pocket PC and a Wireless LAN access point, both with pre-installed software and 'ready-to-go' with grandMA, are available from MA Lighting International on request.
The grandMA supports full tracking backup and playback tracking with any other console from the grandMA product range and can even be linked to the off-line PC programme. As the master-slave assignment within a network is purely handled via IP-addressing and multicasting, an unlimited number of master/slave combinations is possible. The status and type of any console, PC or dedicated grandMA device actively connected to the network is monitored on each console individually. Connections in tracking-backup mode can be established or broken by user action without restarting any component of the network.
For extended networks, or the need for channel capacities greater than 4096, two or up to 10 consoles (or replay units) can be linked via playback tracking. Only playback related commands are tracked via the network link. Shows with up to 40,960 channels can thus be triggered by one master console.
(Lee Baldock)
