Is there an archive of Zero88 software versions?

[Simonkbike]

Hi,

I'm using a Solution desk so I'm now on the legacy Zeros v7.14 and I'd like to run the Phantom version equivalent to my desk. The website has legacy operation system but not Phantom emulator.  Anyone know if it's available?

Cheers,  Simon.

(NB: It's Panto season in UK so I'm prepping for our village show and hence the questions.  Next job is creating a profile for some cheap chinese pin spots & I haven't used the editor for years.  Wish me luck & don't be surprised if I'm back again later !)

Simon

[Archie D]

Hi Simon,

The PhantomZerOS installer .exe is contained in the .zip file for each ZerOS download.

To download the zip file, select a legacy version of ZerOS in the Legacy section, and unzip the zip which has been downloaded. You can then install that by running the PhantomZerOS executable file. https://www.vari-lite.com/global/products/zeros-software

25 minutes ago, Simonkbike said:

Next job is creating a profile for some cheap chinese pin spots & I haven't used the editor for years

Since ZerOS 7.13, there's been a new way to create fixture files that allows compatibility for multi-cell (selecting and controlling individual 'zones' or LEDs of a fixture), and also allows for quick on-the-fly fixture creation without needing the legacy Fixture Tools application package.

To access this, enter SETUP > Add Fixtures > Create new fixture > Next. This will allow you to define how many channels the fixture profile has using + and - buttons in the window, or clicking the '# of channels' button to input a number (means you can quickly get there without multiple clicks of + and -). You can then define what those channels are by clicking the designated buttons for each one.

In the dropdown below (which should be open by default), you can input which manufacturer, the model name, the channel mode and whether it is an RDM-enabled fixture.

Once you've inputted everything, tap 'OK'. The console will then prompt you of how many fixtures you want to be added to the patch (returning to the normal thing that would happen after pressing 'Next'). If you need to export this fixture (or any fixture) to a USB stick, you can click 'Edit & Export' bottom right next to 'Back' and 'Finish'. In 'Edit & Export', you can re-save it to the library after editing, save to USB or delete it. When exporting, the fixture profile will be in the .zfix format, which can be loaded into any other ZerOS console. .ift personality files are still compatible, so if you wish to use the legacy fixture tools package still, you can.

I hope this helps, if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

[Simonkbike]

Thanks Archie, I'll check out the legacy files.

I watched the YouTube tutorial for creating the fixture profile but I couldn't find quite what I need.  The fixture has 6 channels. 2, 3, 4, 5 are standard RGBW. Ch1 & ch6 both seem to be mode adjustments.

So far I have a profile with ch1 as a beam type with default 255 & with RGBW plus a virtual intensity channel it seems to be working. I've ignored ch6.

I'm not exactly sure how ch1 works across all values: 135-239 is a strobe control so is 8-134 an intensity control? I can't see how to set these using the desk fixture setup.  Do I remember these as sub-parameters in the old fixture editor.

[Archie D]

Hi Simon, thank you for sharing the DMX chart for your fixture.

It appears that CH1 in the 9-134 range is the fixture's intensity control itself (I think), with 0-8 having the fixture in dark at zero intensity. Using a virtual intensity channel for this is a good idea (which you have done) and will scale the values accordingly. Out of curiosity, what manufacturer and fixture is this chart for?

You're correct, you won't see how to set these in the ZerOS fixture creation tool, it appears to only be available on the fixture tools application. You'll find this within the 'Details' tab of the parameter you are editing, of which you can assign names to specific value ranges which will appear and change when controlling that parameter (on the Wheels LCD and external monitor in the Output Window). I've attached a picture below of what I've made for CH1 in the picture you have provided, along with the view of how it should look on the Wheels LCD and the external monitor in the Output Window.

You'll notice that on the selected field named 'Shutter Closed' (DMX value 0-8), I have 'Dark' set to 'Yes' by ticking the 'Is Dark' box. This will now ensure those values work with Move on Dark on the desk, so when the fixture goes down into these values for zero brightness, ZerOS will 'know' it is at zero intensity and is safe to move parameters ready for another cue. You may not need this 'Is Dark' feature, as you're using virtual intensity, but I'm not sure.

If you use Fixture Tools for this, and then decide later on to edit that fixture profile using the on-board ZerOS fixture editor, you might find it will break these added labels per value range, just something to be aware of.

      

If there's anything else I can potentially help with, please feel free to ask.

[Davidmk]

@Archie D @Simonkbike Very thorough response as always Archie. If I've missed this in your post I apologise but I'd suggest ch1 should have a default value somewhere between 240 and 255. This is because my reading of the chart suggests this will be needed to make the virtual dimmer work.

[Simonkbike]

My thanks gents & @Archie, I echo David's appreciation of your comprehensive response. I set Ch1 to Beam as a "Mode" channel on the thumb wheel & it's working as you suggest with values 9-135 controlling intensity but with all colours firing, overriding any colour parameter.  

Panto opens next week and I don't need a strobe so I'll leave it as I described in the OP for now.  If I need a strobe I can come back here to confirm the sub-parameters setup.

Many thanks 

Simon.

[Archie D]

Hi Simon,

Fantastic to hear it’s working for you. I expect the 9-134 is a locked colour as you say, and then 240-255 is to use colour..?

I think the aim of it is to use 240-255 as a sort of ‘base’ intensity adjustment with a wiggle room of only a range of 15, with the colour values themselves allowing for fine intensity adjustments (0-255 on each of RGBW).

Best of luck with your panto!

Kind regards
Archie