CHAUVET DJ ILS Command Lighting Controller - Full Features & Setup
Posted on: 17th November 2023
Today we are looking at the CHAUVET DJ ILS Command controller.
ILS stands for Integrated Wireless System and it allows users of pretty much any skill level to create coordinated wireless light shows at the push of a button.
The ILS ecosystem is made up of a growing number of compatible products including effects lights, moving heads, wash fixtures and various other lighting types.
Previously with ILS, the GigBAR Move PLUS ILS fixture was the brains behind the ILS ecosystem, this served its purpose however as you can imagine, there was limited control.
The ILS command enables you to connect to all ILS fixtures, without the need for the GigBAR, all through one master hub. This means, you now have the ability to instruct moving heads, wash lights, strobe lights, lasers and any other ILS-related fixture with the push of a pre-programmed button.
Setting up the Lights
Whether you’re playing a wedding, nightclub or a local gig, the ILS controller is there for a quick and efficient set-up.
Setting up the ILS ecosystem couldn’t be easier, simply set the D-Fi channel on the Command using the x encoder wheel, we’ll set it to 16.
Next, we’ll go to the GigBAR and change the D-Fi channel to match with the command and also set it to 16, once set we just need to put the GigBAR into Slave mode and then they should both be connected.
The GigBAR features an internal D-Fi transceiver so there are no extras needed to connect this to the command. However, if you’re looking at adding other types of ILS fixtures into your scene, you’ll have to daisy chain with DMX cables or, for the ultimate wireless setup, the D-Fi USB transceiver.
To connect this dongle to the system all you need to do is set the channel using the switches on the side, because we are using channel 16, we just need to flick number 5 down.
Once set simply plug it into the back of your fixture via the USB port, set the fixture to ILS mode and then everything’s good to go! You’re ready to enjoy unlimited wireless creativity with your ILS Command.
Buttons
Taking a closer look at the controller we have the backlit buttons; these control the functionality of the different fixture types. All buttons on the controller are backlit and can have their brightness increased and decreased allowing for complete control even in the darkest environments. You can choose to have a fixture on or off or you can manipulate each of the functions to create the desired look for your show. CHAUVET has been able to extract all the information previously used in the GigBAR and turn it into command buttons.
Presets
The main feature of the ILS Command is the ability to save lighting presets. This means you can set up your lights before a show and, with a click of a button, the programme will play your previously saved presets. This gives you the freedom to customise your display to each venue without the hassle of setting up on the day. Don’t worry, you can always override the preset for a new one after every show.
To save a preset all you have to do is create a scene you like and then hold down one of your preset buttons. You even have the ability to name your preset too, so you can easily identify which preset does what.
As well as being able to save and recall six different looks, the ILS command also comes with a follow spot, X and Y parameters for the moving heads, nine master commands to control the colour of your fixtures, pre-programmed speed and sound-sensitive master strobe… and tons more.
Other Features
In the middle of the controller, you have the master colour pads which allows you to simply change the colour of your fixtures with a push of a button.
At the top of the unit, you have your X & Y encoders which allow you to navigate through your settings and also adjust the X and Y parameters of the moving head fixtures.
We also have the faders, here you can control the movement speed of the fixtures, the sound sensitivity of the sound-to-light function, the strobe speed and the brightness of your fixtures with the master dimmer.
We also have a Follow Spot button which triggers a single moving head to be a followspot in a specific section. This can be perfect in situations like first dances at weddings, so you can follow the action precisely.
Next, we have the Blinder function which turns all lights in the set-up to white whilst you’re holding the button down. Freeze does exactly what it says on the tin and freezes all fixtures as they are, which is great for moments like speeches or just as a build-up effect. And finally, there’s Black-Out, which turns off all the lights.
Connections
Moving around the back of the unit the controller comes with a USB port. This is so you can easily back up, restore and update your controller with new software as it comes out via USB rather than continuously replacing fixtures.
Another notable mention of the ILS command is its built-in audio connector which gives better sound accuracy to your fixtures and allows you to synchronise your light show to the music, effortlessly.
So that just about covers the main features of CHAUVET DJ’s ILS command controller. If you’d like to know more, click the link below or contact our helpful sales team.
