Member Steve Farris Posted September 16, 2015 Member Report Share Posted September 16, 2015 I am working on an installation that will require a simple remote to control a display cluster. Basically, I need to send a "run" command by pushing a button on a wireless remote. The way I would do this on the production machine is to use something like a PerfectCue to send a keyboard command to the computer. However, keyboard commands don't seem to do anything to a Display machine. Is anyone aware of a simple device that can operate similar to a wireless remote that will then send a tcp/ip command to the display cluster? At first, it seemed like an easy concept but I'm at a loss trying to figure out how to do this. Worst case is I just include a production computer in the system, but this is a long term installation and there is no need once my programming is finished. Using an iPad or similar won't work because of the IT security restrictions on creating a WiFi hotspot or using the existing WiFi. Steve 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Quim Posted September 16, 2015 Member Report Share Posted September 16, 2015 Hi Steve, one option I thoug is to use an Artnet switching input and use a regular remote control, as used for automatic doors, an use it to activate inputs on the device and then it will send a DMX level to the Watchout cluster and trigger an Aux timeline. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Fahl Posted September 16, 2015 Report Share Posted September 16, 2015 You should be able to run the WATCHOUT remote (free download) from a desktop computer as well, although it may look a bit out of place. http://www.dataton.com/files/watchout/remote/ More details in this PDF: http://www.dataton.com/assets/WATCHOUT-remote_app_info.pdf Alternatively, WATCHNET can do this as well. Hope this helps. Mike – http://fahl.se/ 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Steve Farris Posted September 17, 2015 Author Member Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions. Using a computer or other device on a wire doesn't really solve the problem. I need a small, simple device someone can carry that has a button to trigger a run. Quim's idea is more what I'm looking for, but I'm really wanting to just trigger a run over tcp/ip. In the past I have done this with a bunch of Crestron gear, but it's a lot of hardware and complicated setup to do what seems simple on the surface. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator jfk Posted September 17, 2015 Moderator Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions. Using a computer or other device on a wire doesn't really solve the problem. I need a small, simple device someone can carry that has a button to trigger a run. ... An iPhone, iPod Touch or similar device running a WATCHNET panel with just the one button would be easy enough. Your incremental cost is 0, as you can not use WATCHOUT Production and WATCHNET on the same cluster at the same time (either/or). WATCHNET uses a standard WATCHOUT License (the web site may lead you to believe it is a different license - it is NOT.) So quit WATCHOUT Production when you are done with changes - releasing the license key, open WATCHNET, using the same license, to serve your simple remote. Could not be much easier. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Steve Farris Posted September 18, 2015 Author Member Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 Thanks Jim. Unfortunately, I am not able to set up a WiFi hotspot and I'm trying to figure something out that doesn't use a cable. I was also hoping to get rid of the production computer once the show is programmed. If I keep the computer, I can just use my existing PerfectCue to control the Production computer. Can I have Watchnet "listen" to a keyboard command coming from the PerfectCue? steve 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Leong Posted September 19, 2015 Report Share Posted September 19, 2015 If I may say so, one of the weaknesses of Watchout is a feature to allow the use of a simple 'Powerpoint' like remote to start/pause the timeline, aka spacebar toggle. That would have solved your problem. [so perhaps an addition to the Wishlist' is an 'enable Remote' option in Preferences for a Powerpoint-like remote controller]. As it is, your choices are either programmable Bluetooth remotes or wireless RS-232. Think you will require to speak to an electronics engineer who should be able to build a transmitter and receiver for this. One other alternative is to ask at the Show Control Yahoo Forum - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Show-Control/info Someone there may already have a pre-built solution. Thomas Leong 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator jfk Posted September 21, 2015 Moderator Report Share Posted September 21, 2015 Thanks Jim. Unfortunately, I am not able to set up a WiFi hotspot and I'm trying to figure something out that doesn't use a cable. I was also hoping to get rid of the production computer once the show is programmed. If I keep the computer, I can just use my existing PerfectCue to control the Production computer. Can I have Watchnet "listen" to a keyboard command coming from the PerfectCue? steve No, there is no inputs to WATCHNET other than the panels. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Ramos Posted October 1, 2015 Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 Steve Farris inspired me to put some VB.net code together, so I come up with this small app. It connects to the display cluster and sends Display Cluster Protocol commands when "T" or "Y" key is pressed. Command and Timeline name can be set in the text box. I think all is self explanatory. Feel free to use, hope it works fine ...works here File @ https://www.dropbox.com/sh/i5ufff1q226nlhc/AADo0EOyJtdxR0Sf_JhMFDDsa?dl=0 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screenshaper Posted October 8, 2015 Report Share Posted October 8, 2015 @AlexRamos Great job! Do you thin it is possible to release a version working with a WO Producer, enabling the speaker on stage to advance an Aux timeline with the PerfectCue and the WO operator working at the same time on other timelines? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Ramos Posted October 11, 2015 Report Share Posted October 11, 2015 Here you go. V2 File @ Version 2 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screenshaper Posted October 12, 2015 Report Share Posted October 12, 2015 Great! Do I have to re-program PerfectCue system to send Y and T keystroke? Maybe I'm wrong, but I remember PerfectCue by default sends other keys... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeMc Posted October 13, 2015 Report Share Posted October 13, 2015 Depending on model, this is how you programme key strokes. http://www.dsan.com/CueLights/CueProgrammer.asp 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomT Posted October 14, 2015 Report Share Posted October 14, 2015 Perfect cue is the professional choice but quite expensive. Alternative: http://www.amazon.com/PresenterCard-PCRF-01-Turning-ResponseCard-Classroom/dp/B00M6E756U The PresenterCard is powerpoint present with 3 additional, free programmable buttons. Another possibility is to use your mobile (or pad) with touchosc: http://hexler.net/software/touchoscavailable for ios and android. /Tom 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonas Dannert Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 PerfectCue Micro is not THAT expensive...$359 http://www.dsan.com/SC/shop/category.asp?catid=9 /jonas 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomT Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 @ jonas yes but only 2 buttons! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator jfk Posted October 15, 2015 Moderator Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 @ jonas yes but only 2 buttons! There is a three button option too: Cue Lights > Transmitters — How many do you need? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomT Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Ok, i surrender .... I dont need any, most times I use touchosc. I just wanted to help giving hints for alternatives. And the alternative I gave (PresenterCard) is only $ 80, that is worth to mention 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonas Dannert Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Seems like the PresenterCard requires some expensive extras for it to work... System Requirements The following requirements are necessary for PresenterCard to properly function: One of the following receivers: - RRRF-02 receiver - 4.6 firmware or higher - RRRF-03 receiver - 2.7 firmware or higher - RRRF-04 receiver - 2.7 firmware or higher /jonas 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator jfk Posted October 15, 2015 Moderator Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Ok, i surrender .... I dont need any, most times I use touchosc. I just wanted to help giving hints for alternatives. And the alternative I gave (PresenterCard) is only $ 80, that is worth to mention Seems like the PresenterCard requires some expensive extras for it to work... System Requirements The following requirements are necessary for PresenterCard to properly function: One of the following receivers: - RRRF-02 receiver - 4.6 firmware or higher - RRRF-03 receiver - 2.7 firmware or higher - RRRF-04 receiver - 2.7 firmware or higher /jonas Yes, I was wondering about the receiver. The picutre of the transmitter appears to have a second device that might be a receiver, but it is just a front and rear view of the transmitter. $350 for the receiver + the $80 transmitter kinda of invalidates that TomT 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonas Dannert Posted October 15, 2015 Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 Actually it's $695 list price from Turning Technologies... On a sidenote, it's apparently possible to re-program the buttons on MasterCue/MicroCue too, if one prefer those products instead. Not so cheap, from $518 / £330 and up, but also good and reliable. "To reprogram MicroCue2 , firstly ensure it is plugged into a computer using the USB cable supplied. Plug a computer keyboard with a PS2 connection into the PS2 socket on the rear panel of MicroCue2 (see figure 2). Check the keyboard can control the computer by using keys as normal. Note that only the standard alpha-numeric keys will operate. The CTRL and FN keys will not operate whilst connected to MicroCue2 in this way." /jonas 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomT Posted October 16, 2015 Report Share Posted October 16, 2015 As I said; I surrender Yes Jonas you are right, it seemed the transmitter needs a receiver. I just saw a college controlling a presentation.with presenter card. I havn´t seen a receiver so I thought its working via bluetooth or Wifi..... @ jfk yes thats true, 350 and 80 invalidates my argument.... if you don´t need more than three buttons /Tom 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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