Show Control Software

I want to use the VSC sliders just as you would a normal dmx manual controller.
1.) Is it possible to control fixture channels without the timeline running?
2.) If yes how do I set it up?
3.) If not what are the VSC sliders for?
4.) Will I need to get a cheap controller that works with VM software?
5.) If the VSC sliders don't control the fixtures, than what are they for?

Thanks, WittStudio

Here are some answers:
Questions 1-3 & 5: Use the channel routing feature to control fixtures channels at any time (timeline running or not) using MIDI, DMX or joystick input. Select the proper channel merge mode for channels that are controlled simultaneously by both channel routing and a running timeline.

Question 4: A cheap controller is nice, but you can do all the controlling you need with the cue buttons and the VCS sliders.

Hi, I've used VM successfully using the timeline method, but want to start using the VCS sliders.
I cant seem to get them to function. Could you please explain the channel routing/merge in more detail, or a video tutorial would be great, thanks, Steve

We definitely need a video for that. It's pretty straigh forward though. Bring-up the Channel Routing window (Devices->Setup Channel Routing) and hit F1 for help. If that still doesn't help, let me know.

Don