Correct use of Channel Functions

[Wouter Verlinden]

Hi,

what is the correct use of channel functions, for example in relation to fixture Internal FX Macro's?

What I have done so far is create different channel functions for different types of effects.

For example:
DMX 0-50 Intensity FX   (and then insert channel sets for the different effects in that category)
DMX 51-100 Colour FX   (and then insert channel sets for the different effects in that category)
DMX 101-255 Complete FX   (and then insert channel sets for the different effects in that category)

This seemed to work fine, as MA3 was generating different "tabs" for the different effect types.

But now with the updated builder, my files give an error, as the Default DMX is the same for the 3 channel functions?

Check out Martin -> VDO Fatron 20 1000mm for example.

Best Regards,

Wouter

[Petr Vanek - Robe]

Hi @Wouter Verlinden,

essentially, Channel Function is "the" definition of physical behavior, as defined by the Attribute. So it is correct to create different ChannelFunctions for different behaviors. Now, as for macros, because macro can mean several different things which might not be implemented by visualizers, it is then up to you to decide if you actually like to split them into various ChannelFunctions, which can be nice for the user to be able to select them individually (only color macros, only intensity macros...), or to have only a single tab with "all macros" defined as channel sets.

The reason to see the new errors is the transition to GDTF 1.1 DIN SPEC 15800, where each Channel Function now have it's own Default value. Previously, in GDTF 1.0, this Default value was for the whole Logical Channel, which could mean that a value (for example 0) was actually not available within a particular Channel Function (for example defined from DMX 20 through 40).

Hope this helps

Petr

[Wouter Verlinden]

Thank you Petr.

We have updated our GDTF files to include a default value for each channel function.