I think if you add 'wait for cue 0' right at the start you will achieve what you are looking for.

I may still be missing something here, but I don't see how this applies to the CNA-150 model. Anyone who has done this with the CNA-150 please post the specific buttons you had to press and in what order to make this work so there is no more confusion.

Just so no one else will use this phrase, there is no button or control on the automation labeled "wait for cue zero". If there is, I must be going blind and the manual doesn't say anything about it. Upon looking at the CNA-200 manual (page 48 of the paper manual/52 of the pdf) there IS something called a "wait cue". I am certain this is what you fellas are talking about, but again that is ONLY on the CNA-200. I am working with CNA-150s here.

Damnit, this theater should have just bought CA21s. How aggravating. Anyone want to buy some CNA-150s?

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The CNA-150 has a built-in 7-second delay for C/O Open and Sound-to-Film (that delay is programmable in "Supervisory"). That's the most common programming I've seen that imitates the functions of most previous automations. Most programs I've seen only use cues 1, 2, 3, etc, with Cue 0 reserved for sync or continuous loop operation.

Make the Sync Loop -0-, which tells the system it is NOT in an interlock group with other projectors. Turn the SYNC switch ON and you will get the operation you want. Until Cue 0 is detected, the only thing that should happen is projector and lamp on. Once Cue 0 is detected then the show start sequence happens with that 7-second delay built in. Sync function is still available by changing the Sync Loop number.

We've replaced a few CA21's, but what happened to them I couldn't tell you. The theatre bought pretty nice automation systems and I think you'll find the 150 does about everything you're looking for. It's the CNA-200 that truly compares to the Australian-made CA21.

Hope that helps you,

Pat

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quote:

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"Make the Sync Loop -0-, which tells the system it is NOT in an interlock group with other projectors. Turn the SYNC switch ON and you will get the operation you want."

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By the way, although I am adamantly against using any of the "cue learn" features on these automations for the potential of disaster when prints or trailers are changed, I do see a potential use for it when running video (since I can't put cues on the tape). Is there an easy way to tell the automation at X time and X time and X time do these commands? I think it is possible to manually type in those times via a computer hookup, but is it possible to do it right on the automation units themselves? (The idea of course is to hit PLAY on the vcr at the same time as hitting START on the automation with the failsafes disabled. In theory this would allow the automation to count down to bring up the house lights and switch back to non-sync and so forth.)

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Remote Volume Control is an option on the CNA-200's, currently not on the 150 or 100. The 150 would be the next to get the capability but the market (such as it is) hasn't required it.

The 150 is a "mid line" package that was designed around Regal Cinemas requirements, though we certainly package them for other customers as well. We were coupling them with a digitally controlled dimmer that was actually a device on the automation's local network. A controller interfaces to power modules (up to four circuits)which handle the lighting load. That (QDC-series) digital dimmer works with either the 150 or 200. Any of the CineNet systems work with standard dimmers.

RE: "Cue Learn". I've found this is a "love it or hate it" feature. While I understand Brad's outlook, I have operators that don't put cues on the film at all -- they run a memorized program full time. They watch the show on the first run, inputting cues where required, and then run "learned" after that. The memorized cue times can always be adjusted if your first cue input is a little off. As long as a good projectionist threads up pretty close to the same place on the countdown leader, the shows run exactly the same each time with no cue tape problems. I have a couple of circuits that do that in SE Asia as well. They have less trouble doing that than remembering to "learn" a new program the first time a new movie runs.

As for a "trade-up" program, something can usually be worked out, depending on the dealer and how old these systems are. Since the system is modular, you'd just be replacing the controller section -- the termination boards that "talk" to the outside world are the same for all the CineNet systems.

Have a great rest-of-the-weekend...

The theater these are in does have the digitally controlled dimmer, which is very convenient for fine tuning light levels. Kudos on that one!

I forget the model of the cue detectors, but they are the standard "stock" failsafes that are usually installed with these automations and according to the staff has NEVER missed a cue. I find it far more time consuming to manually cue the program, and potentially edit it if the cue input isn't done at the correct moment. Plus, if the cue detectors don't miss, who needs it? I am growing quite fond of them because they are factory designed to scan the SDDS tracks of the film for cues, and not in the picture area. Again, kudos for that one too!

Still in regards to the timed cues, can you address my questions on it above? I am going to end up using it with some video shows where the timed cues will be handy.