Contents
Introduction
Are you a lighting designer trying to get your JDC1 strobe to do that amazing burst effect in grandMA3? You’ve probably noticed that finding the “burst” function isn’t as straightforward as it was in grandMA2. It can be a real headache when you’re setting up for a show and the if you’re pulling your hair out because the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 issue is stopping your workflow, take a deep breath. The reason you can’t find the burst effect where you expect it to be. You’re not alone in this frustration. Many lighting pros have found themselves scratching their heads, wondering why this popular feature seems to have vanished. The good news is that the burst effect is still possible, it just works a little differently now. This guide will walk you through exactly how to find and use it, so you can get back to creating stunning light shows.
When moving to a new software version like grandMA3, it’s common to find that some features have been moved, renamed, or changed. The software developers often redesign things to make the system more powerful or flexible in the long run. The way the JDC1 strobe is controlled is a perfect example of this. In grandMA2, the burst effect was a simple, ready-made function. In grandMA3, the control is more detailed, giving you more creative freedom but requiring a different approach. This can be confusing at first, especially when you’re used to the old way. Think of it like upgrading your phone; the new model can do more, but you have to learn where the new buttons and settings are.
This change is part of a larger shift in how grandMA3 handles complex fixtures. The software now uses a system called “Fixture Personalities,” which breaks down a fixture’s functions into individual attributes. Instead of having one channel for “effects,” you now have separate controls for things like duration, rate, and the specific effect type. This new method is more powerful because it lets you combine different attributes to create unique looks that weren’t possible before. For lighting designers who love to push creative boundaries, this is a fantastic development. It allows for a level of customization that can make your shows truly stand out.
In this guide, we’ll break down the process step-by-step. We will cover why the JDC Burst 1 is not in grandMA3’s usual spot and show you exactly how to achieve the same powerful effect. We’ll look at the new fixture profile, explore the specific DMX channels you need to use, and provide simple, practical examples. By the end, you will feel confident controlling your JDC1 strobes in grandMA3. You’ll understand the “why” behind the change and have the “how” to make it work for your designs. Let’s get started and master this essential effect together, turning a point of frustration into a new skill in your lighting toolkit.
Why Can’t I Find the Burst Effect in grandMA3?
If you’re pulling your hair out because the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 issue is stopping your workflow, take a deep breath. The reason you can’t find the burst effect is due to a fundamental change in how grandMA3 handles fixture profiles compared to its predecessor, grandMA2. In the older software, many fixtures had pre-built macros or “virtual channels” for popular effects like a strobe burst. This made it quick and easy to get a standard effect. You could select the fixture, find the “burst” attribute, and you were good to go. It was simple, but also somewhat limited. You got the effect the manufacturer decided to program, with limited options to tweak it.
MA Lighting, the company behind grandMA, decided to give designers more granular control with grandMA3. Instead of pre-packaged effects, the new software breaks down fixture functions into their most basic components. This is part of the move towards the GDTF (General Device Type Format) standard, which aims to make fixture profiles more detailed and universal across different platforms. For the JDC1, this means the single “burst” channel has been replaced by several different DMX channels that you combine to create the effect. This new approach offers incredible flexibility. You can now define the exact duration, speed, and timing of the burst, creating custom looks that were not possible before.
Think of it like cooking. In grandMA2, the burst effect was like a microwave meal—fast and easy, but you couldn’t change the ingredients. In grandMA3, it’s like being given all the raw ingredients and a recipe. It takes a bit more effort to put it all together, but you can adjust the spices, change the cooking time, and create a dish that is uniquely yours. This change reflects a broader trend in professional lighting design towards more personalized and complex shows. While it presents a learning curve, mastering this new method will ultimately make you a more versatile and skilled programmer. The feeling of “my JDC Burst 1 is not in grandMA3” is just the first step toward unlocking a more powerful way of working.
Understanding the New JDC1 Fixture Profile in grandMA3
To solve the “JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3” problem, you first need to understand the new fixture profile for the JDC1. When you patch a JDC1 in grandMA3, you’ll notice it has different modes and a lot more attributes than you might remember from grandMA2. The most common mode for full control is Mode 4, which uses 23 DMX channels. In this mode, the functions that create the burst effect are split across several channels, primarily the “Effect” channel and the “Effect Rate” or “Duration” channels. This separation is the key to creating the burst.
The main channel you’ll work with is the Strobe/Shutter channel. This channel controls the basic strobe function, including opening and closing the shutter and setting the strobe rate. However, to get the burst effect, you need to use it in combination with the Macro or Effect channel. In the JDC1’s DMX chart for Mode 4, you’ll find a specific channel dedicated to macros. On this channel, different DMX values will trigger different pre-programmed patterns, including various burst types. For instance, a DMX value of 100 might trigger a short burst, while a value of 105 might trigger a longer one.
It’s essential to have the DMX chart for your JDC1 handy. You can usually find this on the GLP website or in the fixture’s manual. This chart is your roadmap. It tells you exactly what each DMX channel and value does. When you’re faced with the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 issue, referring to the DMX chart will show you that the functionality isn’t gone; it’s just been reassigned. By selecting the correct DMX value on the macro channel, you tell the fixture to enter its burst mode. Then, you can use other channels, like the strobe rate channel, to fine-tune the effect. This modular approach is powerful once you get the hang of it.
Step-by-Step: Creating a Burst Effect in grandMA3
Let’s walk through the exact steps to create a burst effect with your JDC1. This practical guide will resolve the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 confusion once and for all. We’ll assume you have your JDC1 fixtures patched in grandMA3, likely in Mode 4 (23 channels) for full control.
First, select the JDC1 fixtures you want to control. Once selected, open your Fixture sheet or programmer. You need to find two key attributes: Strobe Mode (or a similarly named macro channel) and Strobe Rate (or duration). In the JDC1 profile, the “Strobe Mode” attribute is where you’ll select the type of effect you want. Scroll through the options for this attribute. You will see choices like “Open,” “Strobe,” “Pulse,” and, importantly, options for different burst effects, often labeled “Burst” or “Ramp.”
Second, set the Strobe Mode attribute to one of the burst options. Let’s say you choose the “Random Burst” option. At this point, the fixture is now ready to perform a burst effect, but it won’t do anything until you give it a rate or duration. This is the part that often trips people up. In grandMA2, setting the burst effect was often a one-step process. In grandMA3, it’s two steps. You’ve told the fixture what to do (burst), and now you need to tell it how to do it.
Third, adjust the Strobe Rate or Shutter attribute. Once the “Strobe Mode” is set to a burst type, this second attribute now controls the speed or length of the bursts. As you increase the value of the “Strobe Rate” attribute, you will see your JDC1s start to flash in the burst pattern you selected. You can play with this value to get the exact timing you want for your show. For example, a low value might create slow, dramatic bursts, while a high value will create a rapid, energetic effect. By separating these controls, grandMA3 lets you create dynamic looks by, for instance, creating a phaser that changes the burst rate over time. So, the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 issue is really just about learning this new two-step process.
Using Macros to Simplify the Process
If manually adjusting two separate attributes every time you want a burst effect feels a bit slow, don’t worry. This is where macros come in handy. Macros are a powerful feature in grandMA3 that let you record a sequence of commands and play them back with a single button press. You can create a macro that sets up the JDC1 burst effect for you, making your workflow much faster and more efficient. This is a great way to deal with the “JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3” situation by creating your own one-touch solution.
To create a macro, first perform the actions you want to record. In this case, you would select your JDC1 fixtures. Then, set the “Strobe Mode” attribute to your desired burst effect. After that, set the “Strobe Rate” attribute to a starting value that you like. Now, with these commands in your programmer, you can store them as a macro. Open the Macro Pool, find an empty macro slot, and press Store Macro. You can then give the macro a name, like “JDC Burst On.”
You can make your macros even more powerful. For example, you could create a second macro called “JDC Burst Off” that returns the strobe attributes to their default state (e.g., “Strobe Mode” to “Open”). This gives you a simple on/off control for the effect. You can also create several different macros for different types of bursts one for a short, punchy burst and another for a long, pulsing one. By organizing these macros in your layout view, you can build a custom control surface for your JDC1s, making it feel just as easy as it was in grandMA2, but with the added flexibility of the new system. This turns the problem of the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 into an opportunity to customize your console to your exact needs.
Building a Preset for the JDC1 Burst
Another excellent way to manage the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 workflow is by using presets. Presets are used to store specific values for fixture attributes, and they are essential for organized and efficient programming. While macros execute a series of commands, presets store a “look.” You can create a preset that contains all the attribute settings needed for your JDC1 burst effect. This allows you to recall the effect instantly and apply it to any sequence or cue.
Here’s how to build a preset for the burst effect. First, select your group of JDC1 fixtures. In your programmer, adjust the attributes to create the burst effect you want. As we discussed, this means setting the “Strobe Mode” to a burst type and then setting the “Strobe Rate” to your desired speed. Once you have the look you want, you can store it. Open your Preset Pool for the “Shutter” or “Strobe” feature. Find an empty slot, and press Store Preset [slot number]. It’s a good practice to label your preset clearly, for example, “JDC Fast Burst.”
The power of presets is that they can be selective. When you store the preset, you can choose to only include the “Strobe Mode” and “Strobe Rate” attributes. This is called creating a “selective preset.” This means that when you apply the preset, it will only affect those specific attributes, leaving other attributes like color and position untouched. This is incredibly useful for live busking or for quickly adding a strobe effect to an existing scene. By building a library of different burst presets (e.g., slow, medium, fast, random), you can easily access a variety of effects. This method effectively solves the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 issue by creating a library of reusable effects at your fingertips.
The Role of Phasers in a JDC1 Burst
Phasers are one of the most powerful new features in grandMA3, and they open up a world of possibilities for your JDC1 burst effects. A phaser is essentially an advanced effects engine that allows you to create complex, multi-step patterns for any attribute. Instead of a simple, repetitive burst, you can use a phaser to make the burst speed up, slow down, or follow a custom waveform. This takes your lighting design to a whole new level and is a big reason why the old, simple burst effect was replaced. This is where you can see the benefit of the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 change.
To create a phaser with a burst effect, start by creating your basic burst look using the “Strobe Mode” and “Strobe Rate” attributes. Now, instead of just setting a static value for the “Strobe Rate,” you can apply a phaser to it. Go to the “Phaser” tab in your programmer or select the attribute and use the encoder wheel to create a phaser. You can choose a pre-built waveform, like a sine wave or a ramp, to modulate the strobe rate. For example, applying a “Ramp Up” phaser to the “Strobe Rate” will cause the bursts to get progressively faster.
You can also create custom phasers to get the exact effect you want. Imagine creating a phaser that makes the JDC1s burst quickly, then pause, then burst slowly. This kind of detailed control is perfect for matching the dynamics of a song or creating a specific mood. You can also apply a phaser across a group of fixtures with an offset, so the burst effect ripples through your lighting rig. This level of dynamic control is simply not possible with the old, single-channel burst effect. Understanding phasers is key to unlocking the full potential of grandMA3 and fixtures like the JDC1.
Integrating the JDC1 Burst into Your Cues
Once you’ve mastered creating the JDC1 burst effect using presets or the programmer, the next step is to integrate it into your show’s cues. Storing the effect in a cue is straightforward, but there are a few tips to ensure it behaves exactly as you expect. This is the final step in overcoming the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 hurdle and using the effect professionally in your programming.
When programming a cue, you’ll create the burst effect in your programmer just as we’ve discussed. Select your JDC1s, set the “Strobe Mode” to a burst type, and adjust the “Strobe Rate.” Once you are happy with the look, you can store it into a new cue by pressing Store Cue [cue number]. When you run that cue, the JDC1s will start bursting. However, it’s important to think about what happens in the next cue. If you don’t explicitly tell the strobes to stop, they will continue bursting.
To stop the effect, you need to program a “stop” command in the following cue. To do this, select your JDC1s, and in the programmer, set the “Strobe Mode” attribute back to “Open” or “Closed.” Then, store this into your next cue. This is known as “tracking,” and it’s a fundamental concept in lighting programming. What you program in one cue will track forward until you make a change. By creating a specific “stop” cue, you have precise control over when the burst effect ends. This is crucial for creating tight, professional-looking shows. Forgetting this step is a common mistake for those new to the grandMA3 workflow.
Creative Ideas for JDC1 Burst Effects
Now that you know how to technically solve the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 problem, let’s explore some creative ways to use this effect in your designs. The granular control offered by grandMA3 allows for much more than just a simple flash. You can use the JDC1’s unique features, like its pixel plate and tilt function, in combination with the burst effect to create truly stunning looks.
One popular idea is to create a “pixel burst.” The JDC1’s LED plate is made up of individual pixels that can be controlled separately. You can create a burst effect that only uses a few of these pixels, creating a more subtle and textured look. For example, you could have a thin line of pixels bursting while the rest of the fixture is a solid color. You can achieve this by using the fixture’s individual pixel attributes in combination with the strobe mode settings. This adds a layer of depth to your lighting and can be a beautiful effect for slower, more atmospheric moments in a show.
Another creative approach is to combine the burst effect with the fixture’s tilt movement. Imagine your JDC1s are tilted down towards the stage. You can create a phaser that slowly tilts the fixtures up while the burst effect is active. This can create a dramatic build-up of energy, perfect for a song’s chorus or a big drop. You can also apply a swing or wave phaser to the tilt attribute, making the beams of light sweep across the audience while they are bursting. This dynamic movement combined with the strobe effect is incredibly powerful and engaging for the audience. These are the kinds of advanced looks that the new grandMA3 system is designed to facilitate.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As you get used to the new workflow for the JDC1 burst, you might run into a few common issues. Being aware of these potential pitfalls will help you troubleshoot quickly and avoid frustration. The main reason people struggle is that the process is different from what they are used to, leading to the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 confusion.
One of the most frequent mistakes is forgetting the two-step process. A user will often set the “Strobe Mode” to a burst type and then wonder why nothing is happening. They have forgotten the crucial second step: adjusting the “Strobe Rate” or “Shutter” attribute to activate the effect. Always remember that you have to tell the fixture what to do and how to do it. If your strobes aren’t firing, the first thing you should check is that both of these attributes have active values in your programmer.
Another common problem is related to fixture modes. The JDC1 has several different DMX modes, and not all of them offer the same level of control. If you are in a simpler mode, like Mode 1 (9 channels), you may not have access to the advanced burst parameters. For full control, you typically need to be in Mode 4 (23 channels) or a similar extended mode. If you can’t find the “Strobe Mode” or “Effect” attributes, check your patch to make sure you have the fixtures patched in the correct mode. This simple check can save you a lot of time and confusion.
Finally, a programmer can sometimes get “stuck” with old values. If you’ve been playing around with different effects and something isn’t working right, it’s always a good idea to clear your programmer completely. Use the Clear button to ensure you are starting from a clean slate. This prevents old attribute values from interfering with the new look you are trying to create. A clean programmer ensures that what you see is what you get. By keeping these common issues in mind, you can program more confidently and efficiently.
The Future of Fixture Control with GDTF
The changes you see with the JDC1 profile in grandMA3 are part of a much bigger industry trend: the adoption of the General Device Type Format (GDTF). GDTF is a project, supported by MA Lighting, Robe, and Vectorworks, to create a new, open standard for describing lighting fixtures. The goal is to have one universal file format that works across all consoles, visualizers, and CAD software. This will make the process of patching and programming much smoother and more consistent for everyone. The initial headache of the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 is a small side effect of this hugely beneficial evolution.
In the past, every console manufacturer had its own way of creating fixture profiles. This meant that a fixture might behave differently on a grandMA console compared to an Avolites or a High End Systems console. This created a lot of extra work for designers and programmers. With GDTF, the fixture manufacturer themselves creates the profile, ensuring that it is accurate and complete. The GDTF file contains incredibly detailed information about the fixture, including its DMX footprint, physical dimensions, and how all its attributes work together.
This move to a more detailed, standardized format is why functions like the JDC1 burst are now broken down into smaller components. The GDTF philosophy is to describe what the fixture can do at the most fundamental level, giving the programmer maximum flexibility. While this requires a slight change in mindset, the long-term benefits are enormous. It means more powerful control, more consistent behavior across platforms, and less time spent trying to figure out why a fixture isn’t working as expected. As more manufacturers adopt GDTF, the entire industry will become more streamlined and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was the JDC1 burst effect changed in grandMA3?
The change was made to give lighting designers more detailed and flexible control over the fixture. Instead of a single, pre-programmed effect, grandMA3 breaks the function down into separate attributes like “Strobe Mode” and “Strobe Rate.” This allows you to create custom burst effects and combine them with other features like phasers.
2. What is the quickest way to get a JDC1 burst effect in a live show?
The quickest way is to create a preset. Program the burst look you want in your programmer by setting the “Strobe Mode” and “Strobe Rate.” Then, store this as a selective preset in your “Shutter” preset pool. This allows you to apply the burst effect with a single tap, without affecting other attributes like color or position.
3. Can I make the JDC1 burst sync with the beat of the music?
Yes, absolutely. You can use the “Speed” or “Rate” masters to control the speed of your strobe effects. By tapping the “Go” button of a Speed master in time with the music, you can sync the burst rate to the BPM of the track. You can also use sound input via a MIDI connection to drive the effect automatically.
4. Do other fixtures have this same issue in grandMA3?
Yes, this change is not specific to the JDC1. Many modern, complex fixtures are being profiled in grandMA3 using this more granular, attribute-based approach. This is part of the move towards the GDTF standard, which prioritizes flexibility and detailed control over simple, pre-packaged effects.
5. Where can I find the DMX chart for the JDC1?
You can find the official DMX chart for the JDC1 on the GLP (German Light Products) website in the support or downloads section for the product. The DMX chart is an essential tool that shows you what each DMX channel and value does, which is crucial for understanding the new fixture profile.
6. What if the burst effect is still not working after following these steps?
If you’ve followed the steps and the effect is still not working, double-check a few things. First, ensure your fixtures are patched in the correct DMX mode (e.g., Mode 4 for full control). Second, make sure you have cleared your programmer of any conflicting values. Third, check that the fixture’s global shutter or strobe settings are not overriding your commands.
Your Newfound Expertise in grandMA3
The journey from being frustrated that the JDC Burst 1 not in grandMA3 is missing to mastering the new workflow is a rewarding one. It represents a key step in leveling up your skills as a lighting programmer. What at first seems like a complication is actually an invitation to be more creative and precise with your designs. By understanding that the burst effect is now a combination of attributes, you unlock the ability to craft unique looks that were simply not possible with the old system. You can now build intricate phasers, create dynamic presets, and integrate complex strobe sequences into your cues with confidence.
Embrace this change as an opportunity. Take the time to build a library of your favorite burst presets. Experiment with macros to speed up your programming. Dive into the world of phasers to add dynamic movement and energy to your strobe effects. The more you play with these new tools, the more intuitive they will become. Soon, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this level of control. The skills you develop in mastering the JDC1 in grandMA3 will apply to many other fixtures as the industry continues to adopt the GDTF standard.
