Relays

Preamble

The unique power demands of the lighting system require an equally unique system for distributing and switching power within the theatre. A homebrewed solution has been designed in order to properly distribute power within our space. This allows for unique control of each individual circuit and fixture section.

How it works

A Raspberry pi on loan from Mapletwine Lighting is located in the booth and connected to the lighting network. The pi acts as a bridge from sACN output from the lighting console to the zigbee network comprised of smart plugs throughout the venue.

The pi is running Open Lighting Architecture and listening to Universe 5 on sACN. This triggers a command which is relayed to zigbee2MQTT. From here, the signal is relayed over to the smart plug which is then turned off or on.

CAUTION

When issuing a large number of commands, these zigbee smart plugs can easily become overloaded. Do not turn on and off multiple outlets in rapid succession. Pick a state, and leave the outlet or switch in that position until it needs to be changed again.

How to control

There is a custom fixture type in the Kool Kat show file (soon to be in the template file). This fixture type has an additional state that most relays do not have: Stateless. By default, this patch will not affect any zigbee outlets that are connected to the system unless they are patched and addressed. This keeps untouched outlets from being touched by the lighting system, and allows them to default to localised button control.

Outlets are not yet labeled, but shall have a label on the bottom of them showing the label they have within zigbee2MQTT. This label in zigbee2MQTT corresponds to the address of the outlet on universe 5. 5|01, 5|02, and so forth. In certain, hard lined intentions, an object will be part of the base plot and have a label such as DressingRooms or other similar types. When this is the case, it will be patched by default in the show file.

Custom Patch

There are three states on the console for these wireless outlets. This is also necessary to have a neutral spot to allow "reasserting" the position of an outlet. For example, an outlet currently being set to ON by the lighting console that is subsequently turned off locally by a button press, means that the outlet will not be turned back on until the board sends an ON command again. At fifty percent at 50% allows for reassrting that value.

FAQ

Why doesn't this system use DMX controllable relays like a professional lighting rig?

Money, mainly. Have you seen the cost Smart Plugs are not to be used as an alternative for a regular lighting setup. Reliability is of extreme importance, and using a wireless home automation system for integral during-show lighting shifts where latency and delay matters is not smart.

When should I use this system when designing a show?

The Theatre NOVA wireless switching outlets is not recommended for use for integral stage lighting during a show. Do not switch outlets over the stage during a show. The Theatre NOVA wireless dimming outlets are designed to fail safe in the event of a power flicker and lighting surge, and will restore to ON when powered up. The exceptions for this are lobby flair lights, house lights, and work lights. These lights will NOT default to on when powered up and will instead to default to their previous state when plugged in/powered up.