GEAR HEADS
KINESYS VECTOR CONSOLE
Following its eagerly-anticipated debut at Prolight + Sound 2019, Kinesys Managing Director and Founder, Dave Weatherhead, talks to TPi about the company’s brand new Vector Console.
When did development for the Vector Console begin? The concept development started in May 2018 with first prototypes built and run in late August 2018. We showed off one of the prototypes at LDI in Las Vegas in November 2018 - it was a very soft launch, used primarily to gauge interest in the market and to gather feedback from existing clients.
Everything an automation engineer needs to run and program a show is at their fingertips, with dedicated key access to core features such as cues, grouping and channel setup. In addition to individual playback controls like go and pause there are jog wheels that provide flexible rate and speed adjustment as well as a 2-axis joystick. They can even choose between using the touchscreen display or the more conventional mouse, trackpad and keyboard setup.
What are the primary mechanics and conventions of the Vector Console? Vector is conventionally installed on a PC/laptop and, typically, used with the Kinesys Vector Keypad accessory. The Vector Console integrates the necessary computer hardware in to a single ergonomically designed package with in-built 15.6-inch touchscreen display, keyboard and an extended backlit control surface dedicated to Vector functionality. Additional displays may be connected if needed but, essentially, the console is ready to run straight out of the flightcase.
Are there any additions to the software’s core functionality? We’ve extended the user management system to allow individual user logins. We have also added to the core of the Vector software to allow realtime cue speed adjustment and joystick operation for manual operation. The console surface can also be used to control a backup computer or laptop even in the unlikely event of an issue with the console’s internal PC.
What benefits does the hardware bring to the pre-existing software? Ultimately, it’s all about ease of use and convenience for the operator and programmer, with the software running on a built-in dedicated PC.
What are the safety and security elements of the console? A hardware DMH and e-stop achieve a SIL3 rating when used in conjunction with Kinesys Mentor series safety controllers - which is absolutely vital 94
