Precise analog control for pumps, motors and show effects

With ShowScript 1.0.34 we’re happy to announce a new addition to the drivers section: native support for the ControlByWeb X-417 analog output module. The X-417 is an ethernet based output module with up to five independently configurable analog output channels, making it a great fit when you need reliable, deterministic analog control alongside your show timeline.

Why the X-417?

Many theme-park systems still rely on analog control signals, especially in retrofits and mixed vendor environments. The X-417 provides software-selectable output ranges (0–5V, 0–10V, ±5V, ±10V, 4–20mA) with 16-bit DAC resolution, so you can drive everything from modern VFDs to industrial current-loop devices with smooth transitions and repeatable setpoints.

What this enables in theme park control

Frequency-based water pumps (VFD control)

Using 0–10V or 4–20mA as the speed reference to a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive), you can script pump speed like any other show parameter:

• gentle ramp-ups for pre-show ambience
• timed flow profiles for fountains and water features
• pressure-stabilized effects that “feel” consistent across the day

Motors and conveyors

Analog reference control is common for:

• conveyor speed control (load/unload pacing)
• turntable/rotary platform speed trims
• ventilation fans and blowers for smoke, fog, or cooling

Valves, actuators, and “feel” tuning

When you’re tuning the character of an effect, how fast it moves, how hard it hits, how smoothly it settles, analog outputs shine:

• proportional valves (water / air)
• pneumatic regulators
• servo drives that accept ±10V reference (where applicable)

How it works in ShowScript (high level)

The driver lets you treat each analog channel as a 0–65535 output value internally (clean, deterministic, and easy to animate), while the module output is generated in the engineering range you select (e.g., 0–10V). The X-417 itself supports these output modes and scaling concepts. The visual X417 simulator let you simulate your control code in real-time.

 

Built for modern attraction automation

At EVRST Engineering we focus on scalable, show-friendly automation for the theme park industry, where you often need parallel control, tight timing, and clean integration between effects, audio, motion, and facility systems.

If you’d like an example sequence/template for VFD ramp curves (pump/motor speed profiles) or a ready-made “water feature” demo timeline, tell us what hardware you’re driving (0–10V or 4–20mA) and we’ll tailor it to your setup.