# Playing Audio with RDCartSlots

## Overview

RDCartSlots is a Rivendell module designed for use in fast-paced live or "live-assist" environments, with facilities for quickly locating carts and getting them on the air.

The RDCartSlots Main Window

RDCartSlots can be configured to display one or more slots, each of which can be thought of as an independent audio player. In its default `Cart Deck` mode, a slot behaves much like a traditional analog "cart deck"; with the ability for the user to load and play carts from the Rivendell library. `Breakaway` mode allows the slot to be used for automated play-out and replacement of upstream content by means of the "Execute Breakaway" [`DX`] RML.

## Setting the Slot Options

The options for a particular slot, including its mode, can be set by touch its `Options` button, bringing up the Edit Slot Options dialog.

The Edit Slot Options Dialog

The slot mode is set by selecting either `Cart Deck` or `Breakaway` from the `Slot Mode:` dropdown box.

### Cart Deck Slot Options

When set for `Cart Deck` mode, the following additional options are available:

`Play Mode`

  When set to `Full Cart`, the slot will play audio from the Start marker to the End Marker of cuts (as set in RDLibrary).

  When set to `Hook`, the slot will play audio from the HookStart marker to the HookEnd marker of cuts.

`At Playout End`

  When set to `Unload Slot`, the slot will automatically unload when play-out reaches its end.

  When set to `Recue to Start`, the slot will retain the previously loaded cart when play-out reaches its end. Touching the numbered start button will cause play-out to be repeated.

  When set to `Restart Playout (Loop>`, the the slot will retain the previously loaded cart and automatally repeat play-out from the begining when play-out reaches its end.

## Operation in Cart Deck Mode

When set to be in `Cart Deck` mode, an empty slot can be loaded by touching the `Load` button, bringing up the Select Cart dialog.

The Select Cart Dialog

To load a cart, touch the desired cart on the list (using the filter tools as necessary) and then touch the `OK` button. To load a file directly, touch the `Load From File` button and select the desired audio file. Touching `Cancel` will abandon the load operation.

After loading a cart or file, the `Load` button will change to say `Unload`. Touching this button will now cause the slot to be unloaded.

To start play-out of a loaded slot, touch its numbered button at the left-hand end. The button will turn RED and the play-out will start. Touching the button while the play-out is active will stop the play-out and cause the loaded cart to be re-cued to its start.

## Operation in Breakaway Mode

When set to be in `Breakaway` mode, an empty slot can be loaded by touching the `Load` button, bringing up the Rivendell Services dialog.

The Rivendell Services Dialog

Touch the desired Rivendell service on ths list, then touch the `OK` button.