Position Scaling
Position Scale is how Spikemark determines the turntable has moved the desired distance. If the position scale is incorrect or if there is slippage on the encoder, the positioning will not be accurate.
Position is calculated by setting the number of encoder counts per degree - or unit of measure. Generally turntables are set to degrees. Spikemark calculates the position scale when a Revolver is added to a show file and is based on math, not the real world. For instance, is your 20’ turntable actually 20’? Basically, the stock scaling is a great place to start, but be ready to adjust it for your installation.
Stock Scaling
The quickest way to get started with position scaling is to add a turntable to your show from the Machine Library:
Click on the Machine Library
Drag the Revolver v2 to the axis list
Enter the diameter of your turntable in feet and select 5K ppr or 10k ppr for the encoder resolution.
if your Revolver was built before 2019 it likely has the 10K encoder
Click the double chevron to close the Machine Library
Check out this cool GIF of the process:
Once you have the Revolver added to the show you can check the scaling and encoder engagement by manually moving the turntable.
Put match marks on the turntable and the surround or some other fixed point.
Reset the position to 0 degrees
Manually jog the turntable CW until Spikemark displays 360 degrees
Check the match marks
if they are aligned you are ready to write a cue!
If they are not aligned, you will need to run the position scale wizard
Manual Scaling
Spikemark includes the position scale wizard to figure out the position scaling.
Manually align the match marks on the turntable and the surround
With the Revolver selected, click on the position hyperlink to open the position scale wizard
Click Reset Position
Manually jog the turntable 4 revolutions (the more the better) CW, aligning the match marks
Enter the distance (in degrees) traveled
Click “Use New Scale” button.
Test motion by manually jogging the turntable back 1 revolution to line up the match marks or by writing a cue. If your positioning is accurate, you’re done.
If the positioning is not acceptable, it’s time to dig deeper into the encoder and scaling.
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