Deciding to Migrate
Designer 2 is a completely new platform from our previous version of Designer and therefore using it requires both hardware and Designer project files to go through a migration process to convert them to the new platform. We encourage all new projects to use Designer 2 from the start but what about completed projects and projects currently underway in 1.11.5? Should you migrate? We have answers!
Completed Projects
Migrating completed and functioning Pharos systems is optional. While Designer 2 brings lots of new additions to a Pharos system, many of those benefits are in the process of using Designer to put your system together. Migration should only be considered if your project would benefit from a new feature not achievable in the previous Designer software.
Be aware that some older versions of our controllers cannot migrate forward. See the release notes in the software for the specifics. Also note that Designer 2 uses a new and more powerful custom web interface API. Projects utilizing a custom web interface will need to make modifications post migration to their interface to adapt it to the new API.
Projects in Progress
Yes, migration is a great idea and the new tools Designer 2 offers will immediately start saving you time and help you better organize and program your system. If your system intends to use Remote Access, Custom Web Interfaces, Pharos Installation Manager or Pharos Dynamic Media Manager be aware that each of these tools have changed the way they operate with Designer 2.
You may need to make some extra adjustments in addition to migrating. For example, remote access requirements have changed to allow a richer set of features in Designer 2. Therefore, some settings for accessing the controllers over the Internet have changed. If you have questions, please contact Pharos support for assistance.
Firmware Migration Tool: This new utility application can discover any Pharos hardware connected to a network. It then allows the easy firmware migration of any compatible hardware forward to Designer 2 or back to Designer 1.x.
Project Migration Tool: This new tool will allow you to convert a Designer 1.x “.pdp” file format to the new Designer 2 “.pd2″ format. Your plan, fixture layout, patch, timelines, triggers, scripts all migrate into a Designer 2 project file.
Visit our Software Downloads page on our website to download both Designer 2 migration utilities.