Problem
When using the command line to change light intensity, lights unexpectedly strobe after hitting enter, requiring you to manually adjust the strobe shutter back down in fixture control mode.
Solution
The issue occurs when using incorrect command syntax that inadvertently activates parameter filters.
Incorrect Syntax
Correct Syntax
Why This Happens
Blackout Lighting Console assumes intensity by default when you use the basic "at" command, so you don't need to specify "INTENSITY" explicitly.
When you include "INTENSITY" in your command, you're actually invoking the INTENSITY filter, which contains multiple parameters:
Dimmer/intensity parameter
Shutter strobe parameter
This means the command 101 INTENSITY at 50 affects both the intensity and strobe settings, causing the unwanted strobe effect at 50%.
Understanding Parameter Filters
Parameter filters are designed for more complex operations involving multiple parameters. They group related lighting parameters together:
INTENSITY filter: Contains dimmer/intensity and shutter parameters
COLOR filter: Contains color-related parameters
FOCUS filter: Contains pan/tilt parameters
And more...
Useful Filter Applications
Parameter filters are particularly helpful for copying specific parameter groups:
This command copies only the color parameters from fixture 101 to fixture 201, ignoring intensity, position, and other parameters.
Best Practices
For basic intensity changes: Use the simple syntax
[fixture] at [value]For parameter-specific operations: Use filters when you need to work with grouped parameters
For copying operations: Leverage filters to copy only the parameters you need. Or don't use filters to copy all parameters