Compact has many advantages over the multi-preset, multi-group lighting controls which it succeeds. It is much smaller and fully mobile. It is also far faster in rehearsal and far more accurate in repetition for each performance. Moreover, the memory, equivalent to 130, 200 or 260 presets, enables the operator to concentrate on the visual effect of each lighting change, instead of having to reset fader levers to intensity levels hastily scribbled at rehearsals.

Compact is much more than a near-instant means of recording and reproducing precise dimmer intensity levels. It is a comprehensive control system for truly creative lighting. For example, the designer always has the opportunity for second thoughts because he can see a particular cue again without waiting.; and can add cues together or subtract from one another to form a new effect. Also the Rank Strand fader wheel is available to compose and to modify existing lighting to meet unforeseen needs - all without the need to match to the existing level. Another valuable performance facility is Sequence, which automatically recalls the next cue from the memory on completion of a dipless or contoured crossfade. Nor are essential ancillary controls forgotten - there are ten fold-away fader levers for both pile-on and inhibitor mastering of ten groups selected on a pin-patch matrix.

Compact uses today's and a touch of tomorrow's technology to control, superbly, up to 80 or 120 Thyristor dimmer channels. The solid-state ferrite core memory is secure whether the equipment is switched on, or switched off, and is not susceptible to mechanical wear or damage. The operational facilities and the technology are already well proven in Rank Strand's highly successful, but more expensive, Modular Memory System. Compact is batch produced for off-the-shelf delivery and is exceptional value for money - and for lighting.

Compact has a crossfader to effect a dipless, or contoured, crossfade from the intensity levels in Playback A to those in Playback B, or vice versa. Both these playbacks are local stores, either of which can be selected by their green Channel Control push, for the initial composition of a complete lighting cue, or for subsequent alteration.

The Rank Strand fader wheel is used to change the intensity level of any channel number which is selected on the adjacent, left-hand keyboard. The change can be "active" or "blind" depending upon which Playback has been selected. The fader wheel never has to be matched to the existing level but increases or decreases the intensity according to the amount, the rate, and the direction of movement applied. When a different channel number is selected, the previous channel remains undisturbed. Other controls associated with an individual channel are Return, to allow the selected channel number to revert to the intensity it was at before it was changed: also Flash Full and Flash Out to aid channel load identification.

The intensity level content of either Playback A or Playback B can be stored in the memory in precise detail - 254 discrete levels between zero and full intensity. All Record allows the intensity levels in mid-crossfade to be recorded. First, the keyboard at the right hand side is used to select a Memory number, necessary to positively identify the complete cue. The same keyboard is used to recall any Memory number to either Playback where the intensity levels can be substituted for the existing levels, or added, or subtracted. The Sequence facility can be invoked to automatically advance the Memory number and recall the next cue into the "blind" Playback on the completion of each crossfade.

The head-up display shows which channels are above zero intensity. The content of either Playback, or the total combined output, can be displayed. It is always possible to preview the content of any cue recalled from the memory to the "blind" Playback. The intensity level of any channel is shown on the meter whenever that channel number is selected.

There are also auxiliary facilities for direct fader control of ten groups of control channels. There is an 80 channel x 10 group pin-patch matrix below the fold-away fader levers. Yellow pins provide a pile-on mode of operation for presentation lighting etc. Red pins give inhibitor mastering, for example of all the auditorium spotlights, and the means to withdraw any channel from a series of recorded cues.

ALTERNATIVE CROSSFADERS

Two different forms of crossfader are available. Either provides a dipless crossfade, while allowing a contoured crossfade whenever is required. The unique joystick version is dipless when operated from side to side, but the contour is variable by movement in any arc above the horizontal, for maximum common levels, or below the horizontal for minimum common levels. Alternatively, the crossfader can consist of two faders side by side, one fader controlling only those channels increasing in intensity, and the other those decreasing in intensity. A master fader is also provided.

COMPACT 80
Compact 80 for a maximum of 80 dimmer channels is self-contained and really small - only 815mm wide, 690mm high and 820mm back to front over the shelf. With the shelf hinged upwards the depth is reduced to 690mm to pass easily through a standard doorway. For maximum mobility locking castors can be fitted. The memory capacity is 200 different cues.