Controling Multiple Groups of a single button

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Paul Shone, Apr 1, 2010.

  1. Paul Shone

    Paul Shone

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    Hi all and happy Easter.

    Sorry to raise this old chesnut but, I have a commercial application using several DLT's, DSI Dimmers and a PAC and can't find a specific answer to the following.

    I need to control multiple groups off a single DLT key, in fact, several collections of multiple groups off a number of single keys. These keys have to act with 'dimmer' functionality i.e. (Toggle on/off, Ramp up/down).

    The minimum number of groups, in each collection vary from 9 to 15, and these are the minmum numbers we can prune down to by using 'commoning' and still meet the clients spec. 'Blocks' appear to be out of the question as we need to control more than 8 groups per key and, on more than one key per unit.

    The solution so far is:
    1. For each key, set up a dummy group, asign it to the chosen key, and set the key funtion to 'Dimmer'.
    2. Create a scene with all the required groups in, and with all levels set to zero (essentially an 'OFF' scene).
    3, Using the Logic Engine, track the level of the dummy group, calculate current and previous levels, and use the resuls to 'Nudge' the scene.

    This works, but does not seem a very elegant solution. The system response is not quick nor the ramping smooth?

    Are there any other options/trickery for example, Triggers, the TrackGroup function? or is there a Logic funtion that returns or gives access to the messages generated by particular input device? on any other method to increase the efficency here.

    Any pointers would be appreciated.

    Thanks

    Paul
     
    Paul Shone, Apr 1, 2010
    #1
  2. Paul Shone

    Mark

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    Location:
    Grenoble, France
    TrackGroup Logic Function

    Hi Paul,

    The best option is to use the TrackGroup function in logic:
    TrackGroup("Local Network", "Lighting", "Group 1", "Group 2)";

    Each time a command is received on Group 1 this will generate a matching command for Group 2.

    This will be better than your procedure below as only one command is required to match each group, rather than lots of Nudge commands as the groups dim.

    Logic runs every 200ms, so expect the tracking groups to lag by roughly this amount.

    Small warning: The TrackGroup2 function is not yet supported in the PAC or B&W C-Touch#2, so stick to just TrackGroup - its perfect for what you want anyway!

    Happy Easter (or Tomb Sweeping festival over here)!
    Mark.
     
    Mark, Apr 2, 2010
    #2
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