ETC Ion - Manual (Page 21)

Introduction 5
Enter
Since the command line can receive multiple edits and instructions at once, it is necessary
to let Ion know when you have completed your instruction in the command line. This is done
with the [Enter] key.
There are some commands which are self-terminating, and therefore do not require [Enter]
to be pressed. Some (but not all) of these commands are:
• [Out]
• [Shift] & [+]
• [Shift] & [-]
• [Full] [Full]
• Actions from the direct selects
Parameters and Parameter Categories
Ion divides fixture parameters into four major parameter categories: Intensity, Focus, Color, and
Beam. These are the parameters in each category:
• Intensity . . . . . . . . . . Intensity
• Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan and Tilt
• Color. . . . . . . . . . . . . All color parameters (such as color wheel, CMY, scrollers, and
so on).
• Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . Any parameter not covered in the other categories.
Tracking vs. Cue Only
Ion is, by default, a tracking console. This means two things. First, tracking relates to how
cue lists are created. Once data is in a cue list, it will remain a part of that cue list, at its
original setting, and track forward through subsequent cues, until a new instruction is
provided or until it is removed from the cue list using filters or null commands.
Secondly, tracking relates to how changes to cue data are handled. Unless otherwise
instructed by a Cue Only command, changes to a parameter in a cue will track forward
through the cue list until a move instruction (or block command) is encountered.
It is possible to change the default setting of Ion to “Cue Only”. This prevents changes from
tracking forward into subsequent cues, unless overridden with a track instruction.
Ion also has a [Cue Only/Track] button that allows you to record or update a cue as an
exception to the default setting. Therefore, if the console is set to Tracking, the button acts
as Cue Only. If console is set to Cue Only, it behaves as a Track button.