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2.2 Tracking vs Non-Tracking

When programming a sequence of cues on the EDGE Console, playbacks can be run in either Tracking or Non-Tracking mode. Understanding the difference between these modes is key to how the console records and recalls data.

Summarizing the sections below:

  • Tracking Mode: Use Tracking Mode when you want to work efficiently and need previous state values to carry over into new cues. It is also necessary if you require Move in Black functionality. However, be aware that unintended values may carry over unless specifically addressed.
  • Non-Tracking Mode: Use Non-Tracking Mode when you need complete control over each cue with no carryover from previous cues, ensuring that each cue is independent, though programming may take more time and effort.

2.2.1 Tracking Mode​

Tracking mode is ideal when you want to create cues that build upon each other, without needing to re-program every fixture setting each time. It works by tracking all changes made, so if a value is modified in one cue, that modification carries over to subsequent cues unless specifically overridden.

In situations where cues need to be played back out of order, such as during rehearsals when jumping between different scenes or acts, the EDGE Console automatically handles tracking. It ensures that the system maintains the correct values, as if the cues were played back in their original order.

Even if cues are triggered non-sequentially, the EDGE Console calculates the values for each cue based on the tracking state, ensuring that all changes are properly applied and the output remains consistent. This allows for flexibility in cue playback while preserving the integrity of the tracking process.

Advantages​

  • Efficiency in Programming: You don’t need to re-enter all values for every cue. Once a change is made, it automatically carries over to the next cue unless you decide to change it again.
  • Flexibility: You can quickly adjust a cue by modifying only the attributes that need to be changed, without resetting or re-recording the entire fixture setup for each cue.
  • Previous State Carryover: If no value has been modified in a cue, the fixture remains at its previous state. This allows you to focus on only the changes necessary in each cue.
  • Move in Black (MiB): Tracking Mode supports Move in Black, allowing fixtures to transition to new positions (or other attributes) without any light output. This is especially useful for pre-positioning fixtures without creating unintended lighting effects.

Disadvantages​

  • Unintended Changes: Since values from previous cues are tracked, it's easy to accidentally carry over settings that weren’t intended. For instance, a fixture's color may unintentionally remain from the previous cue if not specifically overridden.
  • Less Control Over Individual Values: With tracking, changes from earlier cues carry forward automatically, which can sometimes result in unexpected or unwanted effects, particularly when working with complex cues.

Example with Tracking Mode

  • Cue Breakdown:

    • Cue 1 (Entrance Door): The door is opened.
    • Cue 2 (Light in Corridor): The light in the corridor is switched on.
    • Cue 3 (Close Main Door): The entrance door is closed, but the light in the corridor remains on.
    • Cue 4 (Living Room Door): The living room door is opened.
    • Cue 5 (Living Room Light): The light in the living room is switched on, but the entrance door is still closed, and the corridor light remains on as well.

  • Final State with Tracking Mode:

    • Entrance Door: Closed (from Cue 3)
    • Corridor Light: On (from Cue 2)
    • Living Room Door: Open (from Cue 4)
    • Living Room Light: On (from Cue 5)

Since Tracking Mode keeps all changes that were made, it tracks the state of each fixture or device, even if those states were not specifically addressed in the later cues. This is why, in the final state, the entrance door is closed (from Cue 3), the corridor light is on (from Cue 2), and the living room door is open (from Cue 4). Additionally, the living room light is also on, as it was explicitly switched on in Cue 5.

Thus, with Tracking Mode, the console automatically keeps the previous states and builds upon them unless explicitly overridden in the following cues.

2.2.2 Non-Tracking Mode​

Non-Tracking Mode only records the values that are explicitly changed in each cue. If a value wasn’t modified, it won’t be stored or recalled, offering more control over exactly what gets recorded.

Advantages​

  • Complete Control: Every cue is independent, meaning that no values are carried over unless you explicitly change them. This gives you precise control over the behavior of each cue.
  • Clarity: It’s easier to ensure that each cue is distinct and operates as intended, without unexpected carryovers from previous cues.

Disadvantages​

  • Time-Consuming: More time is required to record each cue, as you must specify every change you want to make. This can be tedious, especially with complex setups.
  • Risk of Missing Values: If you forget to record a value in a cue, it won’t automatically be included in subsequent cues, which may lead to unintentional blackouts or incomplete effects.

Example with Non-Tracking Mode

  • Cue Breakdown:

    • Cue 1 (Entrance Door): The entrance door is opened.
    • Cue 2 (Light in Corridor): The light in the corridor is switched on.
    • Cue 3 (Close Main Door): The entrance door is closed.
    • Cue 4 (Living Room Door): The living room door is opened.
    • Cue 5 (Living Room Light): The light in the living room is switched on.

  • Final State:

    • Entrance Door: Closed (default value after Cue 3)
    • Corridor Light: Off (default value after Cue 3, since it wasn't referenced again after Cue 2)
    • Living Room Door: Closed (default value, as it wasn't referenced after Cue 4)
    • Living Room Light: On (as per Cue 5)

In Non-Tracking Mode, every parameter resets to its default state unless specifically defined or changed in the cue. This means that unless a value is referenced in subsequent cues, all non-referenced elements will be reset to their default value after each cue.