Bluetooth Or Wireless Cue

[murgy91]

Hey All,

I'm using SCS primarily in different cruise ship theatres for my show, the software has been running flawlessly however the operator is sometimes questionable. In fairness rehearsal time is sparse but if the cue is missed or delayed it ruins the whole effect and the objective of what I'm trying to achieve.

An example is a song, cut into segments to allow longer/shorter phrasing at the end of sections. I could be singing and the next part not come in, obviously a problem.

I'm wanting to eliminate that by triggering the cues myself on stage albeit in a sly manner. I know I can use an app but as I say I'm hoping for something a little less noticeable, a small pedal on the floor maybe or small bluetooth remote.

I did search for the topic and the latest post I found was ending in 2012, I wondered if anymore options have become available I don't know about or someone already has a solution?

[jmgordon]

For a number of years I have been using a small wireless remote to trigger cues in a somewhat surreptitious manner, when doing readings with musical illustrations. I have found it simplest to have one that offers 'mouse' mode and use the right-click method of triggering. This works well, although my particular model, the Microsoft 3000 (no longer sold), can be temperamental. My reason for using mouse mode rather than presenter mode (PowerPoint)was so I could park the cursor over the fade button on the playing cue; this enabled a left click to stop the cue early if necessary.

Points to consider: make sure you don't park the cursor in an inactive area of the screen (not sure where they are now, can't find it in the documentation - Mike will advise); have a good line of sight to the wireless dongle - I put it on a gooseneck 18" extender to the top of the laptop screen; take the range claims with a pinch of salt unless independently verified - Microsoft claimed 'up to 50 feet' whereas the actual range for most people is 5-10 feet.

So you need to consider the distance to the laptop and any obstacles in the way. More reliable presenters with mouse mode (if you want to work that way) may be bulkier and more expensive. I imagine you also need to consider interference from other electrical systems.

[murgy91]

Thanks for the reply, will have a look at a few different options like you suggested. There may be some interference but I won't be able to test it until I'm actually on the ship.

Fingers crossed!