MMS (1973 - 1980)
Strand
MMSModular Memory System with 80, 120, 240, 360, 480 channels.
MMS was the first mass produced memory control and jumped two hurdles in a single stride: it took full advantage of low-priced integrated circuit technology, and dispensed with a rocker switch per channel in favour of a calculator style keypad and wheel, to control up to 480 channels.
The system consisted of self-contained function modules (which could be chosen by the purchaser) linked by a common buss, used singly or in multiples for facilties required.
Channel control was by a dedicated numerical keyboard including (the now common) THRU, @ and the first use of a digital fader wheel.
The Mimic module gave above-zero indication for each multiple of 120 channels.
Used Ferrite Core memory.
First in 1973 was for the Birmingham Hippodrome, and the last was in 1979.
A total of 208 MMS desks were sold.
The desk was replaced by the Galaxy (1980) and later the Gemini (1984) systems.
Overview:
The Modular Memory System consists of a number of modules, each providing complementary or alternative operational facilities, which all plug into a common digital data link. For 80 up to 360 control channels, with only two module types repeating for each multiple of 120, or less, channels. Virtually any operational facility required to suit the particular needs of each theatre or studio can be incorporated by selection from the many types of module that are now available; these include manual and/or sophisticated timed crossfades, cue-insert, group control, remote control, library storage, and print-out/type-in. All desks include fast, random-access high -density core storage and the Strand fader wheel for match-less intensity modification.
Active or preview mimic display can be either above-zero indication, or a colour and/or monochrome video display showing precise intensity levels.
Colour: Aircraft Grey-Green
Related Venues:
Related Shows
Story: MMS at the Westminster TheatreMemories from an anonymous technician.
I don't remember being "blown away" at the time by the MMS as it was the first board I had ever worked on. Later I realised just how clever it was. We were very proud at the Westminster that it was our board that was on all the promotional material for the MMS. We had both the manual playback and the rate playback, the pin matrix back-up and both the LED and video mimic so the board was a very clever and versatile bit of kit. The board was very reliable and I can only recall one time when it crashed on me. This was down to something being a bit strange in the power supply so the board got hotter and hotter. The show continued with myself and the deputy chief pulling cards out alternatively, waving them in front of a big fan and then when slightly cooler swapping them for another card out of the desk and repeating the process.
I was told of another time that there was a problem. This was when someone thought an air-ioniser would be a good thing in the control room to help lear the smokey atmosphere. This was 1978 when it was mandatory to smoke as a west end electrician "so you can see the beams when focussing". You can imagine that the control room air was therefore pretty rank by today's standards. The air-ioniser, I am told, seriously upset the memory core, made a sunset through the french windows look like the entrance of the wicked witch in panto and was rapidly thrown out of the control room again.
See also:
Documents
First MMS Installation - Birmingham Hippodrome (Bill Wardroper at the desk)
(1973)
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[828kb JPEG]
From Alan Luxford Collection
First MMS Installation - Birmingham Hippodrome (Bill Wardroper at the desk)
(1973)
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[777kb JPEG]
From Alan Luxford Collection
Advert: MMS (from Theatre Crafts, January/Feb 1975)
(1975)
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[860kb JPEG]
From Strand Archive
Photo: MMS Installation in Usti Theater, Czech Republic
(1975)
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[371kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang Congress Hall complex exterior
(1975)
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[268kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS desk with venue staff and Bob Hartley.
(1975)
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[166kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS Installation with a watchful eye from the Leader
(1975)
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[171kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS Installation with protective covers
(1975)
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[178kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Advert: MMS (from Theatre Crafts, March/April 1975)
(March 1975)
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
[1Mb JPEG]
From Strand Archive
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