Scenario:
With a Unison CMEi and an input Net2 Node transmitting levels on Net2 on the same EDMX addresses, the Node input starts at priority 10, with Unison zones in Replace mode (highest priority). This means that Unison is in control. Next, due to a timed event or other macro, Unison changes Zones to be in Pile-On mode at piority 10.
Expectation & Cause:
The expectation is the Net2 Node input and Unison DMX piles on (highest takes precedence), however, this doesn't really happen if the Node's DMX input doesn't change. It will only pile-on for channels on the Node input that have changed, since the ETC Net2 protocol only transmits level changes, and not continuous updates. If the Unison levels go to the same priority as the Node levels, the Node knows it can start transmitting levels, but does not transmit a full frame with its current levels, since nothing on the input has changed.
For example: If the Node levels sit at 50%, and Unison levels are at 10% when the zones change from Replace to Pile-On, the output will remain at 10% until a Node level is changed.
Workaround:
- Write a cue on the external control system that touches/wiggles all channels once, starting the cue about 10 seconds after the Unison modes have switched to Pile-On.
- Write the Unison Macro in a way that the zone's mode changes from Replace, to Pass Though (gives the Nodes full control), and then Pile-On. This caused a forced transmit from the Net2 Nodes.
- Investigate if you actually need Pile-On, or if you can simply switch between Replace and Pass Through modes.
