Using drop-down lists on Panels to control Routing

Scope

This document applies to Pathfinder Core PRO only. It contains the steps and explanation required to build a panel using a List Selector to control a route to some pre-defined destination.

Description

In our example, we have a panel that controls the output of a node that then feeds an Analog mixer at a news Desk.  It includes a meter that shows the audio level routed to the node output and a selector list of sources the news editor picks from.  We use a Pathfinder Virtual Router to define the node output and what sources the user can choose from.

You could point this panel at the main Pathfinder router, but even in small systems, there could be hundreds of available sources.  The virutal router makes it easier to find what you are looking for.  

This Virtual Router is unique in the function of the panel.  That is to say that the News Mixer Virtual router contains all sources and destinations for all the News Mixers.  You might have a separate Virtual Router for Production rooms. Or one for engineering to use as an  air chain monitor selector. Each has its list of sources. Add a source to the News Mixer Virtual Router, and the router's panels will get an updated list.  There is no need to make a list for each panel.

Configuration

Build the Virtual Router

Virtual routers are well-defined in the Pathfinder manuals so that we won’t cover that here.  The name of your router is not critical, but knowing the router number is.  Here you can see my router, which is called My Router, and it’s router #3

It has eight sources  that two News Mixer positions can select.

Build the panel

This is not a graphic design tutorial, but using the controls in the Panel Designer, you can make the panel look any way you want.  The panel size, color scheme, position of components, etc., are this way because I created them that way.

For example, labels, list selectors, and meters all look like this without some customization.

The controls used in this example are a gradient meter (you could use a segmented meter) and a List Selector. Drag them to your new panel and position them as desired.

Configure the Meter

The meter is the one component on this panel that will reference the  main Axia Audio router.  Virtual routers can not supply metering data.

1. Click on the Meter to select it (a magenta box will show you what is selected)

2. Click the IO property in the property section on the right.

3. Find the destination for this panel.  In our example, it is Destination 5 on node 114-0 called News Mixer 1

4. Click to select your destination (line will turn yellow)

   

5. Click Select

6. Click Save to save your work on the panel