Basics About the Ion/Element Lighting Consoles

Using the ETC Ion and Element Lighting Consoles

This is intended to provide basic operational information on the ETC Ion and Element lighting consoles.  The console has far greater capabilities than what is outlined here and in some cases reference equipment that may not be available in a particular theater.

Powering on / off the console

• • To power on the console, simply press the power button.  This will boot up the console.  It should launch all the way thru to the most recent show file.  If it doesn't, and it stops at the "shell", simply select Primary to launch the most recent show file.

  • To power off the console, select the power off device from the menu.  If the menu has been collapsed, you can open it by clicking the triangle at the bottom right of the screen.  DO NOT TURN OFF THE CONSOLE BY PRESSING THE POWER BUTTON.

Show File

• • It's always a good idea to open the default rep show file when starting a new show.  Ideally, someone has not previously saved over that file.  There is a USB attached to the desk that should have the most recent "clean" show file if there are issues with the file that's on the console. 

Paradigm Preset Panels

• • In MB 2 and 4, there is a Paradigm Preset Panel system that allows you to control the work lights and has some basic theatrical functionality.  In order for the lighting console to have control of the room, the top button on the preset panel in the booth needs to be green.  To gain control of the room, simply press the bottom or off button to turn off whatever preset is up and turn control over to the console.

  • MB 1 and 3 do not have a preset panel to worry about.

General Setup

• • LED/Mover Power

    • The LED pars, LED cyc and moving lights are all powered thru relays that have been parked on the console, so they should automatically come on when the console is powered.  If that does not, happen, then you should check the park by taping the PARK button twice. This opens the parking lot.  If there are not addresses parked there, then you will need to run MACRO 1 to reset the park.  You should do this in the Park menu.  All of the addresses that should be parked will be put back in to the park. 

  • Aisle lights and blue run lights

    • The aisle lights and backstage blue run lights have been parked so that they come on when the console is on.  Aisle lights must remain on at all times for safety.  The run blues can be taken out of the park if they are distracting. 

  • LED Color/Intensity

    • In the default rep show file, the LED par and cyc fixtures have been set so that the intensity is an independent control from the color. So selecting a color for the LED will not actually turn on the fixture. You will need to give the fixture an intensity for it to come on.  

    • These fixtures have been set this way so that they can be mixed using the submasters to control color and intensity all separately.

Submasters

• • The submasters have all been programmed with basic control of the rep plot, and have been labeled accordingly.  This includes the general area lighting, LED pars and cyc and house lights.  The projector dowser in MB 1, 2 and 3 are also controlled using a submaster.