Losing control due to Fixture Channels resetting

Finn, Welcome to the forums. Sounds like someone is screwing around with the addressing in the page settings. Are you sure this isnt happening with the same operator every time? Perhaps lock down the software and put it in beginner mode? I have never heard of this issue before. Perhaps try upgrading the software one of the newer releases on the website? go to the compu live product page on our website and you will see a link for compu live software downloads. Let me know what you think.
Sincerely,

Hi Jingles,

I do have an idea that it is the same guy causing this to happen all the time, but I don't believe it is malicious. I know he tries to move the windows around and expands the buttons because the workspace is always different then the way I leave it - I am using the most updated version, the March '08, and I have locked out all of the starting parameters, but unfortunately, he knows how to unlock the parameters and access the various functions. I wish there was a way to dummy-proof the programming on this software, but anyone who downloads the manual from the web can get around the lockouts because you don't need to password to turn them off

That being said,
My reason for thinking this is happening due to a function or key combination is that the nature of the change that happens is always the same no matter what page or how many fixtures or channels are assisned- I lose control over the page and the channels are reset from 1 to 100. And even when I try to reset the addresses proper, the page no longer has any control. I've gone through this several times and with almost all of the LED pages, and it's always the same result.

That is why I'm reaching out to the community, I have this software and fixture package running in several nightclubs and besides the usual compu-quirks like windows moving or un docking, or the double click not being turned off on a new scene or switch, the systems all run fine. I'm at a loss here, the only variable is the human component, but I really need to narrow down the cause so I can get this stopped. I'm positive it is not happening on purpose, and they are blaming the system which I know works fine. Like I said, I'm at a loss.

Let me know if maybe some screen shots or the show file would be helpful here, I really need to troubleshoot this further and find the root cause.


Best,
Finn

I am not a CompuLive expert in the least (leave that up to the man himself, Jingles ) but is there some way to backup the Compu files? So you could then backup the show onto a flash drive and leave it there for the club for when it happens again. This way you don't have to keep returning, and you can also keep a copy in your files in case the flash drive is lost/stolen.

I can't imagine the show files are very large. The largest Hog show file I have ever had was about 500 megs, and it was a very large show with a ton of cues. So a little 512mb or 256mb drive should do the trick.

Again, not sure if any of this stuff is correct or not, just some ideas.

I would do what Serra suggest as a backup. (Thanks Serra!) Till we can figure this out. Also please post the computer specs of the computer this issue presents itself on. And also send me your .ssh file and i will take a look at it myself. My email is james k At Elation Lighting DOT COM

Sincerely,

NY.

Welcome to the Forums.
I've seen both symptoms before. 1. dmx re addressing to 1-100 and 2. someone sticking there fingers where they shouldn't.
The 2nd one is the most common off all controller issues.

Here is a list of things I believe will improve your situation.
1. Always back up your work.. Controller drop down menu has a Save the Show option. This saves everything you did and you should keep a file at home, this way if the computer catches on fire and dies... you still have the file at home.

2. This address reset has been resolved in the new Nov 4 version which can be downloaded here. http://www.elationlighting.com/pdffiles/compu-live_11-2008.zip

3. Starting Parmeters does have a password option you should be able to set a password and there is no way to change settings. Windows > Reset positions > lock docked windows allows the windows to not move.

4. Both Vista and XP allow you to create multiple users.. you can install the program more than once on each users window.
This way you have a better idea of who's ruining it, and then the owner can start billing that guy for the service fees.
You can have an emergency window ready where you are the only one with the password. If and when the time comes you can give the password to this window and they will be able to access it.

5. Offer a small training for the guys who keep ruining it. Once they know how to use it better it could solve problems in the future.

Thanks Guys!

Hey Ray, It's Finn from IDJ/Lumi-pro- Thanks for the suggestions- I've already done the training session (in a group on a 50 inch plasma, just for kicks and show value).
I knew this was an issue or keystroke of some kind... I'll download the link and get it in tomorrow. I really like the multiple user suggestion, I'll implement it tomorrow as well. I'll lock the windows and starting parameters as you suggest, however, I might have done it wrong the last time I tried because when I fully locked everything, and put it into beginner mode, I was unable to get back the menu features to access the starting parameters next time I tried to edit anything. I wound up reinstalling again...

I'll get things cranking tomorrow and see how it goes.

Thanks again for the responses guys!

~Finn

If you get stuck give me a call. my direct line is 1-323-213-4590.
Sincerely,

Also, I would recomend not using the beginner mode. i've never been a fan of it. Instead I would recomend closing windows that don't need to be there.
Close output window, cycle window and even page window.
Leave only those windows that have the scenes and cycles and you can even close all the tool bars.

Hey Guys,

So I've had some good success with your suggestions- I wiped the machine down with a fresh windows install and set up the user accounts and installed the recent compu version. The backups and separate user accounts were a life saver, although I had to install the compu software into three separately named directories because the original install sourced the same show accross all three users. Once I installed it three separate times they worked independantly of each other.

I stopped in last night to check on things, and the (main users) account experienced the 1-100 channel change and no response on one of the Color Kinetics pages again. Having the backups and user accounts, I was able to re-copy the show and get if functioning again with relative ease, but I thought this issue was resolved in this newer update? Can you tell me what causes this? Is it a random occurance or is there a particular keystroke or function combination that causes it to happen? It would be helpful to know so I can warn this guy to stop doing it!

Thanks guys,
Finn

Interesting. the 1-100 reset should be done.
Are you running NOV 4 edition?

I'm not sure what cuases this. It generally only happened at a few locations and only those locations as if they were cursed.

Make sure that all your screensavers and power savers are set to never or off or none.
These mess up the program. make sure you leave a note also not to activate these functions.
Aside from that you should be good.