Using a pushbutton to control cues

[rl347]

Hi has anyone found a way of using a USB or serial pushbutton to emulate a mouse right-click to control cues? If so, what software/hardware do you use?

I normally use the mouse or keyboard, but would prefer something more robust that I can hold in my hand at some distance from the PC.

Grateful for your experiences. Ron

[Boswell]

We use a serial or USB generic numeric keypad, it's small, the keys can be re assigned using KeyTweak (free).
If you just want one push button, you can butcher the numeric keypad and fit a large button.
HTH

[sjwicks]

I use a Korg nanopad. The eight large pads are assigned via MIDI to map to GO, STOP, UP, DOWN. I also map one pad to the function key F1. This key is setup as "FADE ALL PLAYING CUES". "Works a treat"

[rl347]

Thx guys. I had in mind a simple button for go cues (like they us on UK weather progs), but I now realise it is a more subtle need than that. Both seem excellent solutions at different price points. I particularly like the "FADE ALL PLAYING CUES" panic button! Ron

[sjwicks]

After a little trial and error, I have also used a generic wireless "clicker" type controller as used to controller powerpoint presentations. (Received this FOC at a conference). The receiver plugs into the usb socket and I carry the "clicker" around the theatre (works via bluetooth). The clicker has four buttons: Next, Back, Up and Down. Without any "assigning" the buttons successfully mapped to GO, STOP, UP and Down. I was able to run the show from anywhere in the theatre (max distance away from the computer was about 25 mtrs). This worked a treat for EQ'ing and leveling of all the Music and SFX throughout the theatre, last night.

I have also used a "Logitech Presenter" that does the same thing but over much larger distances - I managed to get 100 mtrs between myself and the computer. Ran out building well before I lost bluetooth signal. This device however is expensive.

Other ideas? .... I'm looking at how an IPAD can be mapped to control SCS, via wireless and MIDI, using TouchOSC software. All acting together as a control surface for SCS. Thus I could then down with the Director (stage level) and do the Tech and any changes without having to run back and forth to the Sound desk. TouchOSC software is £2.99. Absolute bargain - bit of effort required to map the MIDI and create the tempates, but ulimately do-able .. Maybe just a gimmick / "nice to have". But who knows, it may improve my workflow and make life just a little bit easier.


Might be useful ....

Simon

[Adair]

This interests me as well. On a recent show I used a wireless keyboard. It had a track pad built in.
This allowed me to sit in the house with the director etc and work on cues.
At the same time the operator could run the show from the booth. Both keyboards and mice were active but only one at a time.
I used a video splitter to send the video out to the theatre.
This setup worked very well for me and the show.
But I'm thinking about getting a tablet computer and using Windows remote or ?????.
This would allow me to move around the theatre freely.
Adair

[kallek]

Simple way: wlan and windows remote desktop. Can do all functions and wlan is covered usually quite well in whole stage. Then you can use very simple laptop etc. Only problem is video (because showing logging screen, I think can be done with remote assistance though). For sound you have to check remote desktop software settings in computer which is controlling.
I use Nokia N900 and rdp software, shows desktop same than in laptop (N900 has good resolution for that). Also easy to carry, also have done remote lighting with PC software and usb DMX.

[rl347]

Thx Gents. I like the 100m idea - could sit in the green room sipping coffee and listening for cues on the dresssing room monitor!!! Or ask the prompt to operate. Must play some. Ron

[runawaymartin]

After a little trial and error, I have also used a generic wireless "clicker" type controller as used to controller powerpoint presentations.

Sounds interesting . . . I was wondering if you have the make/model of this device, or where one can be obtained from?

Cheers . . . Martin

[sjwicks]

Hi Martin

Just checked the one Generic "clicker". Unfortunately there's no indication of the make or model. However if you you were to search for "logitech presenter" at the www (dot) ebuyer (dot) com web site (UK based), it will give you a good idea of the types available.

Hope this helps

Simon

[sjwicks]

After some futher trial and error (and much googling), I have successfully designed a controll surface on the ipad which controlls the Go STOP PAUSE, Master volume, Up one cue, Down one Cue and GOTO TOP of cues. In addition I also have mapped the 12 Function keys which are used to trigger adhoc SFX and a FADE ALL Cue

Everything seems stable enough over WIFI and is just as responsive as my eariler "Korg Nanopad" setup. Not used it is anger yet .... but all the functionality works a treat.

IMAG0122 small.jpg (73.51 KiB) Viewed 5470 times

Cheers

Simon

[barneyd]

Simon,

Can you describe how you mapped the keys on the clicker? I have one that drives PowerPoint perfectly well but I've never managed to get any other software to "see" the key presses.

Barny

[sjwicks]

Hi Barny

It's been a while since I have used the clicker, so I'll try the set up again tonight and report back shortly.

Simon

[sjwicks]

Barny

A quick review of the clicker and my SCS setup:

- 4 buttons on the clicker which are assigned as Up Arrow, Down Arrow, F5 and B (the "b" on the keyboard). All these control powerpoint as you would expect.

- the key mapping in SCS is set up so that the GO Button is assigned as B. The "cue list up one" assigned to Up arrow, the "cue list down one" assigned to Down Arrow. It seems that the F5 button, when pressed twice, stopped all running cues. I can't see how this allocated in SCS, it just works.

Hope this helps

Simon

[Peter Jackson]

Hi Simon
For information on your clicker for Powerpoint, F5 is a key command to start a slide show and a second press is automaticaly aimed at escape to end the show. So in SCS when you assign the button in keymapping to be the GO trigger SCS accepts it fine, the second press of this button is only seen by the unit as the escape key being pressed and this then stops all playing cues as on the keyboard.
I use mind for doing volume checks in the auditorium and map the master volume to the forward and back buttons so I can adjust levels and then make a note of any changes so I can alter them later when back in the control room.
Hope this explains it for you.
Regards
PJ