Pr 512 Dmx Lighting Control System

Transcript

PR 512 DMX LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM Getting start manual PR Lighting Ltd. Yingbin Road Dashi Panyu Guangzhou 511430, China www.pr-lighting.com Getting start manual 1 TRADEMARKS PR is a trademark of PR LIGHTING LTD.. WINDOWS is a trademark of the MICROSOFT CORPORATION. FOREWORD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY REPRODUCTION OR DISPLAY OF THIS GUIDE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN EXPRESS CONSENT IS ILLEGAL. THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. WE DO NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERRORS IN THIS GUIDE AND ANY CONSEQUENTIAL HARM SUCH ERRORS MAY CAUSE. Copyright (C) Digital Art System 1989-2004 2 Getting start manual Contents Preface ............................................................................................................ 5 Package contents and installation..................................................................... 6 How to install the DMX 512 interface ....................................................... 8 How to install the software. ...................................................................... 11 Step-by-step manual. ........................................................................................ 13 Software basic principles. .......................................................................... 14 Software screens. ...................................................................................... 15 Creating a new page.................................................................................. 17 Buttons....................................................................................................... 25 "Scenes" buttons. ............................................................................... 26 "Switchs" buttons ................................................................................ 28 Drag & Drop........................................................................................ 29 "Cycles" buttons.................................................................................. 30 How to program a "scene" or a "switch"..................................................... 31 The "Editor" screen............................................................................. 33 How to use the "Editor"....................................................................... 34 How to use "On/off" mode .................................................................. 36 How to use the "Dimmer" mode.......................................................... 37 How to use “EasyTime” ? ................................................................... 38 How to use "Easy Time" for movements? .......................................... 40 Other tools in "EasyTime"................................................................... 42 "EasyStep".......................................................................................... 43 “Racks” ............................................................................................... 46 Programming a “Cycle”. ............................................................................. 47 Record a “Cycle”................................................................................ 48 Playing back “Cycle”. .......................................................................... 49 Modifying a “Cycle”. ............................................................................ 50 "Pages".. .................................................................................................... 52 What is a "Page" used for?................................................................. 53 Saving and opening a “Page”. ............................................................ 54 "Page" settings ................................................................................... 55 "General" tab ............................................................................... 56 "Channels" tab............................................................................. 57 "Buttons" tab................................................................................ 58 "Synchro" tab............................................................................... 59 “Triggering" tab............................................................................ 60 Getting start manual 3 Groups …. ................................................................................................ 61 Presentation of groups........................................................................ 61 How to program groups ...................................................................... 62 How to use groups in both main and editor screens ........................... 63 Easy View software ........................................................................................... 65 Presentation of Easy View ......................................................................... 65 Creating a new stage ................................................................................. 66 Stage settings ............................................................................................ 66 Stage size and color ........................................................................... 67 Simple object editor ............................................................................ 68 Objects settings .................................................................................. 69 Insert and remove an object ............................................................... 72 Rendering options ...................................................................................... 74 Easy Stand Alone software ............................................................................... 76 Step 1 – Settings channels ........................................................................ 77 Step 2 – Creating scenes .......................................................................... 79 Step 3 – Using the software in live mode with a computer......................... 81 Step 4 – Stand Alone mode ....................................................................... 82 Commands summary ........................................................................................ 84 Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 86 Connecting the USB-DMX512 interface ............................................................ 87 4 Getting start manual To those who read manuals reluctantly and those who never read any... Welcome. If you belong to those people who are familiar with and keen on, software systems and/or computerized light-controllers, then you must be very similar to us... If you have an eager inquiring mind and if you wish to rapidly create some "effects" then, once again, you are very similar to us, you would probably rather enjoy discovering up-to-date software functions and potentialities than read a thick instructions-manual. Thank you for selecting Suite 2004 package. Since the original "Daslight" versions were released on the market, we have constantly been working to electronically improve our products and software programs. This product is sold in more than 40 countries and over several thousands items have been sold so far. We have been investing much time and energy to equip our software with a most accessible, easy-to-use interface. However, under its cover, there is an extremely powerful runtime software that is capable of running 5120 light-fixtures or DMX channels. It also allows you to pilot numerous exclusive and/or simultaneous scenes, to control fade-racks, to change colors and/or to pilot moving lights. We are confident that much satisfaction will be derived from this product. Should any of our products fail to bring you full satisfaction, please let us know about your possible problems or remarks. By being constantly attentive to our users we have been able to upgrade the quality of our products. Any suggestion or experimental comment will be welcome to significantly improve our product-range. Warning Reading this manual and programming this software require some general knowledge of PC-type computers. In particular, it is necessary that such notions as "software", "files", "folder", "save", "desktop browsing" should be acquired. This new version optimizes the potentials of an up-to-date PC. It also uses such notions as "multiple-windows", "drag &drop", "dialog-boxes", "instant help" and so forth… To sum up, good command of Windows interface is desirable if not essential to fully optimize the multiple potentials offered. Likewise, reading this guide-book and programming require good command and handling of light-fixtures, faders, moving lights and more generally of light-equipment. Lastly, this guide only introduces the basic functions of the software. Consult our on-line guide for further detailed information about the advanced software features. Getting start manual 5 Contents and installation This package contains : • "step-by-step" manual, • CDROM, • USB-DMX512 interface. To be fully operational, this package should be used with a PC having the following features: • Laptop or desktop computer with USB port. • Windows ME, XP or any up-to-date version. • 800x600 screen resolution (1024x768 recommended) • 256Mb Memory • Clock frequency: 800 Mhz (1 Ghz recommended) • an 32Mb RAM video card to use the "EasyView" software The software is made available in accordance with user's requirements and comes out in several versions with various interface models. In order to meet all possible situations for instant working-order guaranteed, two installations have been made distinct : Step one : Installing the DMX 512 interface. Step two : installing the software. In both cases installation is carried out via Windows interface and should be easy to complete… DMX 512 INTERFACE The USB-style interface is a small translucent box which is connected to your PC's USB port (see photo below). The software uses the DMX512 protocol to control lighting equipment. This protocol is universal, which is a bonus. Interfaces have a 3-pin XLR-type connector. If your equipment uses a 5-pin XLR connector, it will be necessary to replace the 3 pin connector or purchase an XLR3/XLR5 adaptor. Make sure the connection is properly made (pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2…) when building your own adaptor cable. 6 Getting start manual REMARKS The USB/DMX interface is specifically equipped with a memory which allows it to work in Stand Alone mode in case of PC-failure or restricted use. In Stand Alone mode the USB/DMX is equipped with a connector which allows it to be externally-powered (9.0Vdc). In Stand Alone mode, the interface can recall up to 255 scenes which will be called back in numerical order by pressing the "Previous" or "Next" buttons on the top of the interface box. To program the Stand Alone mode, Easy Stand Alone software is necessary and should be installed from the CDrom. Even though it is easy to use, its own instruction booklet has been enclosed within. Please read carefully the following preventive measures carefully: 1. Place a DMX insulator between interface and DMX fixtures (e.g. Botex DD2) in order to protect them both from any interference and from overvoltage. 2. We advise you to have an available spare RS485 driver IC. This is an 8 pin electronic IC component that has been set inside the interface box for the purpose of "driving" the DMX512 line. It is available under several references ISL83483IP, MAX3483CPA, SP3483EP, SP3481, SP3485 3. Create stand alone scenes in order to lessen the impact of any potential computer breakdown. In this case connect interface via an external power supply. 4. As with any other DMX controller, keep aside an independent backup system, as this is the only way to be on the safe side when faced with any type of problem. 5. Save all scene programs and keep aside a CD-Rom software version: restoring the whole show only takes a few minutes!! Getting start manual 7 How to install the USB-DMX512 interface OVERVIEW The USB standard defines a new type of serial-communication as well as a new type of connector. This standard was introduced in 1997 and has been spreading ever since 1999. It offers many advantages in comparison with former standards. For instance, it allows devices to be directly powered via the USB port as well the simultaneous use of several devices at once. Plug and play is also made possible. The USB-DMX interface is a world's first innovation. It thoroughly respects the USB protocol specification and DMX512 for output. It is directly powered via the USB port and controls all 512 potential channels of a DMX line. If the 512 channels are not sufficient, the software can run upto 10 USB interfaces simultaneously, i.e. 5,120 channels altogether. If simultaneous use of several interfaces is made, a USB hub is a necessary and normally obtainable from any distributor. USB INSTALLATION The USB interface is set and ready to use. When using one for the first time, it is necessary that the USB drivers should be installed. Actually, when first installing them, the files required to use the interface will be installed inside your PC, whether using a laptop or a desktop computer. In order to install USB interface, just connect it to your PC even if it is switched on. Your computer will automatically detect any new device and you will be prompted to load a driver for it (via a Window wizard). 8 Getting start manual If you use Windows XP, you will find this type of wizard: Then insert the CDrom into your PC and click on Next. Windows will find the appropriate driver. Although Microsoft does not numerically register this driver, there is no risk of incompatibility. Click "Next" and carry on the driver installation. Getting start manual 9 That's it, you are away ! Your USB-DMX is now operational! If this window does not appear or if any other problem arises, which is very unlikely to happen, please contact your retailer. 10 Getting start manual How to install the software In this chapter, you will find step-by-step guidance to install the software. First step : insert the CDrom. The "CD-Rom setup" dialog-box automatically appears on the screen. Before setting up your 2004 software on your computer, whatever its operating system, the DAS-OCX software should be installed first. To do so, just click on the OCX icon so as to start the installation. Once DAS-OCX installation is complete, you can initiate the 2004 software installation. DAS OCX is not a software program as such and cannot be installed. Just consider it as a "plug-in" device, which allows the use of Microsoft Active-X technology features of the software (i.e. sound analysis, ...). Now you can install 2004 software: Click on 2004-icon to start software installation. A wizard will prompt you to proceed as follows: • Language selection: English by default is suggested by the wizard. • Selection of installation-folder: By default "C:\SL2004 is suggested. Getting start manual 11 Once installation has been completed, you can easily start the software by clicking on the Windows"Start" button. On launching the application, you can see the following screen. If the interface has been properly installed, its reference can be found back: “1SL512FC” here, for instance. Otherwise, the software will work in demo-mode. You will still be able to call this screen back later by clicking on “ About…” in the menu. 12 Getting start manual Step-by-step manual This step-by-step manual has been written especially for you. It describes the main functions and presents the specific features of our product and will be used as a step-by-step guide when implementing the system for the first time. Our goal was to write out a most concise, efficient and clear guide-book, keeping in mind what would be most useful to the new user. This manual is not an exhaustive description of this software's potentials. It has been designed for you to have all the pre-requisites to implement your creations in light-control. We have selected the main functions and features in order to grant you some autonomy. (i.e. so as not to have one hand on the key-board and the other flipping through the instructions-manual). All functions, parameter-settings and specific commands are described in the reference-manual. Thanks to this hand-book, we truly hope you will quickly become proficient in the use of the software. Enjoy your reading! Getting start manual 13 Software basic principles The Software uses its own innovating principles which may seem surprising when used for the first time. These basic elements have enabled us to make a powerful and universal product. One of the basic principles is to split the user (playback) interface from the programming interface. The User-interface can be simplified to the extreme by being visualized as a full-screen page with a number of buttons which are to be activated in sequence (with the mouse or a touch-sensitive screen). The installer, the programmer and the user may very well be the same person but implementing light-effects distinctly requires a 3-stage process. It is logical to disassociate the programming-process from the playback use. Programming lighting effects prior to installation is essential ! At show-time, obviously it is too late to install fixtures or to decide on what should be done next… The software makes use of utilizes this methodology and you will find a number of tools available at each stage. To designate a light-sequence during a show, we shall use the term "Light-conduct". Note: The different light-effects will remain modifiable while conducting the light-system (within the limits set by the programmer). As the user-interface is easy to use, this manual is mainly intended for light-effect programmers. 14 Getting start manual Software screen When used for the first time, the software can be visualized as a button grid. Utilizing the icons in the toolbar, the screen can be divided in several areas: Displays window to visualize "Pages " Displays window to visualize "Cycles" Displays window to visualize "Outputs" Displays the "Groups" toolbar Allows visualization of window between two "Fade" scenes Starts "Easy View" program Starts "Easy Show" software Starts "Easy Multimedia" program Starts "ScanLibrary" editor Getting start manual 15 These windows can be moved into a re-sizeable and/or hidden floating window. Such notions as "pages" and "cycles" will be defined later, but first of all, let's have a look at the main area, that is the button grid. Activation of these buttons will allow you to conduct your lighting-control. Some of them are gray, blank and will remain un-activated until they are assigned a specific mode. You can make a "page" visible or not, but it does not mean that the page is activated (or not). It only means that you can make a page visible as a window or keep it activated but not displayed. In the "Pages" window, visible pages are written in bold. To make a page visible or not, you must go to the "Page" menu and click on "Allows this page to be used in multi-page mode". 16 Getting start manual Creating a new page "ScanLibrary Wizard" or "How to use your moving lights in a few minutes!". If you wish to control moving lights, a very powerful software-tool called the "ScanLibrary Wizard" should be used. This tool requires no specific knowledge of this software. In a few minutes, you will be able to install and even use your moving lights thanks to pre-programmed scenes automatically generated by the wizard. In practical terms, if you finish setting up your fixtures at 10.15 pm, you should be able to start your concert or your party by 10.20 pm! Select "New Page" from the "Page" menu (or click on the first icon of the toolbar). The ScanLibrary wizard will then allow you to create a new page. Getting start manual 17 To get started you have to select the type of page you wish to create: whether you want to use moving or conventional lights. In this example let us choose moving lights. Click on the "Explore" button to access to the moving lights library. 18 Getting start manual Now the appropriate library is selected. The wizard specifies: type of fixture, number of channels and resolution. Now click "Next" to continue on ... Getting start manual 19 Enter the DMX starting-address of the first fixture and the number of fixtures. By doing so, the software will calculate the DMX starting-address of the next fixtures. A specific shortcut is assigned to each of them. This short cut - thanks to the mouse (by keeping the assigned key pressed down) - allows control of the X/Y channels of your fixtures. Several shortcuts may be activated simultaneously. Make sure your light fixtures are switched on and that the X/Y settings are at half level (50%). 20 Getting start manual If not, click on "No" and the following dialog-box appears: If light-beam shutters are closed, select the "open" preset in order to visualize their amplitude. Similar presets can be created in order to switch on a lamp or open out an iris... Once this step is over, click on "OK" to go back to standard procedure. Getting start manual 21 Now, we can choose to limit the highest X/Y amplitude of the fixtures. For the time being, leave it on "No" position. If needed, those parameters can be easily changed once the page has been created. Pre-programmed scenes and switches are part of the advanced software features. Thanks to them your fixtures can be used without any previous setting. We advise you to click "yes” to activate them in your new page. 22 Getting start manual This dialog-box enables you to choose and test the pre-programmed "scenes" you wish to include in your page. To do so, just de-check the unwanted effects. To test a scene, you must select it from the list. You can modify pre-programmed scenes speed. Then, it is possible to customize their moving-area on your stage by selecting “Customize area”. In the same way, choose the switches you wish to use in your page. Each switch corresponds to a preset. Select a channel for your fixture from the fixture library (left section in the dialog-box) and choose among the pre-programmed switches to be created on the right hand side of the box. Getting start manual 23 There you are! To close in, just give a name to this new page. By default it will bear its fixture-library name. 24 Getting start manual Buttons Blank buttons are all identical, yet they can be programmed in a similar way. Only the way they are used will make them specific according to which family you will dedicate them. Buttons either belong to "Scene", "Switch" or "Cycle" feature families. Watch cautiously the way each of these family buttons may be used in order to get an optimized and proper use of your 2004 software. To each specific family feature corresponds a color: Yellow for "scene" buttons, red for "Switch" ones and blue for "Cycle" ones. Once designated as a "scene" button (yellow), it still may be converted into a "switch" button (red) and vice-versa. Size, appearance, layout and number of buttons may also be modified (see advanced software features). One of the latest evolutions of the software consists in the ability to assign a "fader" facility to a "scene" or "switch" button. According to the way it has been programmed, this "fader" may be assigned either to the speed of an EasyTime movement ("speed" facility) or to the intensity of a beam angle ("dimmer" facility). Find more information about "fader" in the advanced software features section. Getting start manual 25 "Scene" buttons A new scene may be created from 3 different states: • • • an empty button (all channels are switched on 0) a button equal to INIT (channels will be set the way they are in the INIT scene) a button corresponding to the channels as they currently are. You will be able to include the contents of the current scene as well as those of the activated switches. You are also able to include manual settings coming from the OUTPUT window. The "scene" buttons belong to an exclusive type (one button at a time). Activating a "scene" button automatically releases the previous button of the same type. Use the "scene" buttons in order to create lighting environment or control a group of fixtures. Since a group of fixtures cannot be off and on simultaneously, the latest command has precedence and cancels the previous ones. Once programmed as a "scene", the button turns yellow. Let us take a chaser for example: Several chasers cannot logically be initiated simultaneously on a whole set of fixtures. On the contrary, it is logical that each chaser should follow one another. Generally speaking, "scene" buttons will enable you to control sets of traditional or, for more sophisticated effects such as moving or light environment, intelligent lighting. 26 Getting start manual Once again, keep in mind that you have at your disposal an unlimited number of "scenes", "switches" or "cycles". Your work is then optimized without having to pay attention to the amount of buttons available on the "lighting-desk". Fade in/fade out between two scenes may be activated by clicking "Parameters..." in the "button" menu then by reaching "scene" tab in the dialog box. Now choose the appropriate fading time. 2004 software default presets are 5 sec fade in/fade out. Fading time may be modified from the "scene-fade toolbar" within the "Window" menu. This allows you to directly reach your scene fading time without opening the "Settings..." dialog box. N.B.: Fading cannot be assigned to channels programmed by means of "on/off" feature. For example, you have made a scene1 with channel 1 at 100% and you want to fade to scene2 (channel 2 at 100%). You must program scene2 with channel 1 at 0% (fader function) and not with “off” mode. In this case, channel 1 would go to 0% without doing a fade. Getting start manual 27 "Switch" buttons A new "Switch" button may be empty or include the actual channels of the current page. Imagine that "Color Red" and "Gobo Star" switches are activated while the new switch is being created; it would then take into account the settings of both of these activated switches. The "Switch" buttons can be used simultaneously and comprise a click "activates/deactivates" click. Indeed, several of them can be activated at once and you just have to click so as to toggle from active to inactive position and vice versa. They could be compared to contact breakers wired up in parallel. If several "Switch" buttons are activated simultaneously and control the same DMX channel (or several of them) the last one to be triggered takes precedence and releases the others. You will find more detailed information about switch-priorities in the "advanced software features" chapter of the guide. Once programmed as "Switch", the button turns red Switching only one fixture does not necessarily imply that all the others are switched off. That is why it makes sense to activate a "Switch" button which will produce no effect on others buttons. They will also be used to control single fixtures or such additional equipment as smoke-machines, effect-producing projectors, ambiance-lighting, fans and so forth. 28 Getting start manual Drag & Drop Drag & drop Windows advanced facility may be very convenient in 2004 software. To use this function, right-click so as to "drag" the button you wish to duplicate, then move cursor towards the place of destination while keeping right click pressed. Now release right click and "drop" dragged button. • duplicate a button within an another one Channel levels set in the source button - a button that cannot be switched off - are duplicated and copied to the recipient button channel level. This process follows an LTP logic: channel levels of the recipient-button are replaced by the source-button level. • duplicate a button in an vacant space This action can be equated to duplicating the source button. • copy a button to another page To do so, reach the "page" dialog box. Proceed as if you wished to duplicate a button within the same page. Now release right click within the "page" area so as to paste or copy it to another page. The opposite operation may also be done: copy the page-list towards the user's screen. When right click is released, select either "copy to this page" or "move to this page". While duplicating a button to another page, make sure that the recipient-page uses the same channels as those contained in the source-button page. • move a button within a page (special position mode). Page buttons can be moved within a page by "dragging & dropping" them in an empty space. It is also possible to move an empty space just like any button. Getting start manual 29 "Cycle" buttons When moving lights are being used, some sequences may seem very complex due to the number of different channels to be taken into account and the quick changes to be made. For successful lighting make sure to carefully program effects and pay special attention to the following instruction: split complex actions into a sequence of more simple actions. A "Cycle" button enables you to chain those simple actions in order to form a complex sequence. A "Cycle" acts like a robot pressing buttons for you in the right order and according to preset timings. Once programmed as "cycle" the button turns blue Imagine that to your favourite track, you would like to have scans sweeping across the dance-floor from right to left, then from foreground to background, then from right to left, then again from foreground to background and so on and so forth... Of course you can program the whole sequence into one single time-sheet only. It will take a considerable amount of time but you will make it ... Now, how will you manage to change the sequence duration? Will you start all over again? Somehow you will try to change the rhythm, even though the beams are no longer tuned up to the beat... Actually, the best way is to program two distinct scenes: one for the moves from right to left and a second one for back and forth moves. Each of them will be programmed in a very short time. Then you will just have to press a "Cycle" button to trigger off a sequence that alternately combines both scenes. 30 Getting start manual How to program a "Scene" or a "Switch" Now that we have defined the role of different buttons, let's turn to important matters. To program a button, just click it (1) then select "Edit" (2) (from the button-menu). An icon from the tool-bar or shortcut keys can also be used. Now you can access the programming-window for your button called the "Editor". The "Editor" features a number of tools. Tool-types and features vary in accordance with product-version. The "First Class" version offers more functionality and therefore more tools than the "Economy Class" version. These tools work as independent racks you can access by clicking tabs in the upper part of the Editor. Getting start manual 31 NB: "Blind" or "Live" Editing? • If a button is activated on the page (button is pressed) edition is in "Live" mode. Then, you can master the fixtures. In such a situation, the edition icon is displayed as a "Green Light". • If you wish to modify any programming in "Blind" mode, the button should not be activated on the page. (button released) In such a mode, the Editor icon is displayed as a "Red Light". • Shift-Click enables you to select a button without actually activating it if you wish to start editing immediately in "Blind" mode. (Shift-Click means Keeping shift key pressed while clicking on the button) Transition from "Live" to "Blind" or inversely can be carried out directly from the Editor by clicking "Live --> Blind" or "Blind --> Live" • 32 Getting start manual The "Editor" screen In the upper part of "Editor" you will find a number of modules which you can use. The "EasyTime" module is the most important one and is the best tool to control your channels in step time. It is displayed first and should be mastered first for convenience. The other racks available in the "First Class" version make it possible for example to program chasers, to create a "follow spot" or to use "MIDI" functions for instance. The lower part of the "Editor" displayed as a horizontal-scrolling window, you will find all the channels accessible on the active page, (i.e. the page which the button comes from). These channels are those allocated (and assigned) in the patch of this page… Therefore, it is no use trying to find "Cyberlight" channels when editing a scene from page "Mac500". In extreme cases, it can be said that a page can store from one channel up to a maximum 2048! Each channel is therefore represented as a fader whose position adjusts the DMX value. Above the fader, there are three indicators. For instance, the largest area will directly show you the active gobo or the color being used in the shape of a mini-icon. Getting start manual 33 How to use the "Editor" To use the "Editor", select the mode (1) then assign it to the leds of the channels you wish to program (2). There you are! (3). Each channel displays a specific icon which clearly shows its programming-type. The following icons may be found: "ON" mode "OFF" mode "DIMMER" mode "EASY STEP" with fade mode "EASY STEP" without fade mode "EASY TIME" mode The "EasyTime"function is only available from the "EasyTime" tab, and the "EasyStep" function only from the "EasyStep" tab. 34 Getting start manual On/Off mode It is used to program a channel in set "On" mode as long as the scene is activated. "On" mode is activated (set position: 100%) by clicking left-clicking. "Off" mode is activated (set position: 0%) by clicking right-clicking. Dimmer mode It is used to program a channel by setting its DMX value as long the scene is activated. By default this value is on a minimum 0% level but may be modified. For instance, to program several channels on 50%, the easiest way is to set Dimmer-mode on 50% then to click on the leds of the channels. EasyStep mode The Easy Step rack allows to create simple steps scenes. These steps can fade or not between each of them. To use the rack, you must select the appropriate function (fade or not) and then link it up to the outputs. Using fade and wait time is really simple; you only have to setup both of them in the appropriate control. EasyTime mode It is used to program a sequence of steps for a channel which will play automatically once the button has been activated. The EasyTime module enables you to program (and visualize) each step for all the channels programmed in "EasyTime" mode. Copy/Paste mode It is used to copy one or more channels from other channels. For instance, if you have carefully set a color-type or a stroboscope-value, you just have to copy then to apply it to other fixtures. N.B.: • • • You can assign channels one by one or else assign a whole series in one operation by "dragging & dropping" channel-leds. "On/Off" modes and "faders" make it possible to program set positions. To program variable intensity, position, colour or focus on the button it is essential to assign "EasyTime" mode and to use the "EasyTime" rack. To assign the modes available within the racks, proceed in a similar way. First select what you wish to assign then click the channel led(s). Getting start manual 35 How to use "On/Off" mode By default, when programming a "Scene" or a "Switch" for the first time, all the channels are in "off" mode. A channel in "On" mode is very similar to a channel in 100% "Dimmer" mode. Likewise, a channel in "Off" mode is very similar to a channel in 0% "Dimmer", but not entirely so... In the event of a fade between two "Scenes", intensity of channels in "On" and "Off" mode will change abruptly whereas other channels will gradually adjust to the new preset value. In the case of a "Switch", channels in "Off" mode will be ignored and will therefore remain unchanged. Ex: if you want to create a magnificent rocket-takeoff effect for a show or on a dance-floor, it is easy: just use channels in "On" mode to activate DMX-controlled smoke-generator(s) and DMX-operated fans while activating dimmers to intensify light to symbolize flames (via a fade). The whole process will be programmed on a "Scene" called "Take off"... Summary: On mode Off mode 36 Getting start manual In a "Scene" In a "Switch" The channel is immediately switched on The channel is on 100% 100% (no transfer) The channel is immediately switched on The channel is ignored 0% (no transfer) How to use "Dimmer" mode "Dimmer" mode enables you to program a static / motionless light scene, as opposed to "EasyTime" mode. In the particular case of a "Scene" set in "fade" mode, the channels will gradually go up to their value according to fade in/out time as indicated in button-transfer parameters. NB: • A "Scene" in "transfer" mode can be recognized by a small icon • The fade-out scene • The new fade-in scene Summary of "Dimmer" & "On/Off" modes: Summary: "Dimmer" mode "On" mode "Off" mode In a "Scene" The channel is adjusted to appropriate level with a possible transfer (fade) The channel is immediately switched on 100% (no transfer) The channel is immediately switched on 0% (no transfer) Getting start manual In a "Switch" The channel is adjusted to appropriate level The channel is on 100% The channel is ignored 37 How to use "EasyTime" "EasyTime" is a tool which enables you to control channels in time. Each channel is programmed independently. "EasyTime" has been designed for maximum ease and convenience when programming "Scenes" and "Switches". "EasyTime" is similar to an Excel-sheet displaying all the values of each channel in time. Channels are shown on a horizontal axis and elapsing time on a vertical axis. This grid is called the "time sheet". Therefore, "Time sheet" therefore globally represents the progress made by all the channels on a specific page from the corresponding "Scene" or "Switch" activation onwards. Even though each "Scene" or "Switch" has access to the "Editor" and therefore to "EasyTime", it is essential to know that each button has its own "time sheet". Each line refers to a specific moment, since the button was activated. To activate a period of time, i.e. to be able to visualize what will happen at some point, just move (yellow) edit line to appropriate time-cell. Each column in a time-sheet represents a channel. As soon as a "Scene" or a "Switch" has been activated, the time-sheet associated with this button will be read from line 000'00'00 to the final line containing information. To program a time-sheet with fade effects, you may program all cells in sequence but to make things easier, this software includes very efficient tools such as "Fade" or "Cut/Copy/Insert" modes. 38 Getting start manual Now a little training... Things will go smoothly once the channel has been set in "EasyTime" mode as was done for "On" or "Dimmer" modes. Just click "EasyTime" mode to pilot all the channels required in "EasyTime" mode (click and drag leds). Now just scroll the time-sheet to time-indication. To set value, just move the fader. The value will be displayed in the cell concerned, i.e. at the channel column concerned. You must move the cursor to the line corresponding on the total expected time for your scene before to setup your channels with EasyTime function. For example: for a 10s scene, we move the cursor (yellow line) to the 00m10s00 line and then we affect EasyTime function on selected channels. In case there are blank cells in between the latest time programmed and current time, you will be prompted to answer the following questions: • Prolong previous value up to current time? • Gradually move from previous value to new value? • Assign new value from latest cell programmed onwards? Type: Click on an Easy Time column figure to open the following menu: This menu allows to change the way steps are linked together. "Linking" may be set according to tempo or programmed on step-by-step mode. Getting start manual 39 How to use "EasyTime" for movements If you use moving lights, this software contains extremely quick basic functions to create sophisticated vectorial motion-effects. The first interesting figure you may wish to create is a circle. To do so, right-click anywhere in X/Y area then select "Generate a Circle" from menu. A circle will then automatically appear and EasyTime will display green cells including X/Y values as referential points. By default, a circle is drawn from 4 points. To move any of these, several methods can be used: • Adjust the X/Y channels with one of the faders. Yet, this method is not very convenient. • Press the shortcut key while moving the mouse. • Click on the point and move it with the mouse. As you can see, moving a point is carried out in real time on the fixture! Secondly, you will notice that the best curve has been made by the software from these points in real time. 40 Getting start manual To add or delete a point, several methods can be used : • Select the cells corresponding to the referential point (2,or 4 cells if the fixture has micro-steps) then use "Cut,Copy or Insert" from toolbar. • Click right on the point and select "Cut","Copy" or "Insert " from menu. There are 3 different types of vectorial movements : • Curve (e.g. a Circle) • Line (e.g. a triangle) • Positions (going straight away from one point to another) These settings are carried out on the "Properties" windows where many other functions are available (setting size in real time, selecting time-scale, saving and opening shape-files) NB : • • A channel operated by a vectorial movement in EasyTime can be identified by green cells whereas red cells indicate that the channel is in "non vectorial" mode In one button, each fixture can only be assigned one type of vectorial movement (curve, line or positions). However, channels can be converted into "non vectorial" mode, then any cells can be modified. Getting start manual 41 Other tools in "EasyTime" To acquire good command of EasyTime, you will have to discover the role played by a few tools which will be great help to program your time-sheets, more specifically "Fade, Play and Loop". Even though these functions are self defined, we have tried to take special care of each of them. That is why an itemized description seemed necessary. The “Fade” function The "Fade" function makes it possible to create a fade-effect in between 2 cells by computing intermediate values. It can only be used with cells in "Not vectorial" mode (red cells). To use the "Fade" function, first select a block of vertical cells, then click on "Fade" function. You will then have an alternative : • "linear" fade in between the 1st and last cell : intermediate cells are totally re-computed. • "fragmented" fade in between each cell : intermediate cells are taken into account ; this process re-computes as many intermediate fades as necessary to adjust to the number of lines. NB : A fade can apply to several channels in one go ! Just select cells from several columns. The “Play” function The "Play" button can be used at any time to visualize or stop programming in process. When you edit a button after clicking it, the "Play" mode is necessarily active since the button itself is active... When editing a pre-selected button without any prior shift-click, the "Play" mode is necessarily inactive since the button itself is inactive... NB : It is essential to stop the "Play" mode to modify the "EasyTime" time-sheet. The “Loop” function If "Loop" mode is activated, a "time-sheet" will be played over and over again. If "Loop" mode is off, it will just be played once and each channel will remain unchanged and set on the latest value specified in the "time-sheet". NB: • • • If "EasyTime" programming time is the same for all the channels, (they all end up in the same line) then the loops will be identically recurrent; if at some point in the time-sheet, two channels have a similar value, then two hours (and a few minutes or seconds) later, they will have this value again simultaneously ; channels are always synchronized. If "EasyTime" programming time is different for all the channels (not all of them end up in the same line) then they will not recur simultaneously ; each channel will work independently ; each channel behaves as if it had its own loop and stands totally de-synchronized. This function is extremely powerful, if de-synchronized channels are used you will get seemingly-random combinations which are ideal if you wish to brightly illuminate light garlands, a ceiling or a solo on the drums. 42 Getting start manual "EasyStep" The Easy Step rack allows to create simple steps scenes. These steps can fade or not between each of them. To use the rack, you must select the appropriate function (fade or not) and then link it up to the outputs. "EASY STEP" function with fade "EASY STEP" function without fade Getting start manual 43 You might have to create a scene fading between two positions of beam and keep the color changing quickly between each step. To do so, you must use the "EasyStep with fade" function on Pan/Tilt channels and "EasyStep without fade" function on color channels for example. Like with "EasyTime", we can find a movement area for each fixture. It helps us to create a shape rapidly but we can not use pre-programmed shapes (circle, polygon...) unlike with "EasyTime". Each step can be moved individually with the mouse. A step can be selected by clicking on the corresponding point (shape area) or directly from the list of steps. 44 Getting start manual Each step has its own wait and fade time. Using fade and wait time is really simple, you only have to setup both of them in the appropriate control (see bellow). Various function are available : copy, cut, paste and insert a step. You can also choose to make your scene loop or not as well as scannerized your step to make then work with Easy Time. Getting start manual 45 "Racks" The 2004 software advanced features for "Scene" and "Switches" editing - called "racks" enable the creation of a wide range of effects in no time : • • • • • • • • CHASER: enables you to work out an adjustable speed chaser with a maximum of 16 channels. SEQUENCER: Choose among a large range of preset sequences assignable to up to 16 channels. X-FADER: enables to make a fading (from 2 to 16 channels) with speed and fade adjustment from one channel to another. SOUND TO LIGHT: allows to control light according to sound (treble, medium, bass). LIVE CONTROL: channels are piloted with mouse or joystick and the sequence may be recorded. FOLLOW SPOT: synchronizes slave with master fixture movements (very handy when using follow spot with several lights). DMX input: makes it possible to control channels with an external DMX controller. MIDI : allows to control channels with external MIDI controller. These features are available in the "First Class" software only, except the DMX input which requires a DMX input interface. 46 Getting start manual Programming a "Cycle" Considering you have managed to read this manual so far, you have now acquired some skill in programming your own light-effects. You know that this software works with buttons, under each of which there is a time-sheet that can be programmed individually. The "Scene" buttons are exclusive (only one type can be activated at a time) whereas the "Switch" buttons are simultaneous. Now you are therefore able to program lamp-lighting, motions, scans, static lighting and much more... Theoretically-speaking, you can even program a whole show by just using one button! Even though it is not the best way, it is possible but it comes up to building up a wall with one big single brick instead of laying smaller ones. It is advisable to use a maximum of buttons so as to split complex actions into a sequence of simpler ones. The "ONE action -> ONE button" principle should be kept in mind ! Of course, you may wish to save a sequence of actions such as PAR fading on the back wall, beams focusing on the middle of the stage, a change in gobos or colors. It is easy : just use a "Cycle". Getting start manual 47 Record a "Cycle" A cycle can be recorded immediately in real time. All you have to do is click on "New Cycle", to name it and record it. While recording, a cycle memorizes the button activated and duration in between two (button)-activations. Once the last button has been activated, do not forget to stop recording-process. 48 Getting start manual Playing back a "Cycle" Unbelievably enough, to play back a "Cycle", all you have to do is click on the corresponding button. A "Cycle" can record any button-triggering such as "Scene", "Switch" but also another "Cycle". Programming a "Cycle"-sequence is therefore made possible. These software-potentialities are virtually unlimited unlike, of course, your PC's hardware and memory are limited. Getting start manual 49 Modifying a "Cycle" Once they have been saved, cycles can still be modified, which is convenient to adjust effects. For instance, you may very well let your inspiration pervade and guide you while listening to a CD-track and create your effects immediately. It will be possible to modify timing sequentially later in order to synchronize your effects and tune them to the music-beat. To change timing, simply modify it in the cycle-window. "Cut/Copy/Paste" functions are available from the tool-bar. If you wish to insert a new button, switch back to record mode (red indicator) then click the button selected. 50 Getting start manual If this button is on a different page, then look it up in the page-window. Getting start manual 51 "Pages" This software meets your requirements, now you can create several "Pages" in case you fear you might be short of buttons! Each "Page" works as an independent control-desk. A "Page" can therefore be created for each type of fixtures (moving lights, conventional lighting...) or for each area (dance-floors, outdoor-sites, restaurants...) The fact "Pages" are independent is a vital function but sometimes you may find it necessary to synchronize them. To do so: • Use similar key shortcuts on several buttons (I-key for all INIT scenes, C-key for all CIRCLE scenes...) • Build a "Cycle" per page and assign it the same trigger setting. • Build one general "Cycle" incorporating buttons from all "Pages". 52 Getting start manual What is a "Page" used for ? Each page has its own buttons as well as its own patch and fixtures! Therefore, you can use one page for "X-heads" and another one to program and pilot "Y-scans". Each group of fixtures seems to have its own control-desk! You do not have to rack your brains or to make notes on each page! Only the channels concerned are accessible. There is no risk of mishandling any of the channels while operating others. Ex: If you use Mac 500s, Cyberlights, Golden Scans and Color Spot 575s... create 4 separate pages. Thanks to the wizard, this will take you about 10 minutes. By activating the page concerned, you will obtain a whole sequence of ready-to-use effects fitting the apparatus-type .of the page concerned. Getting start manual 53 Saving and opening a "Page" Once programmed, your new page should be saved. To save a Page, use the "Save archive..." feature in the "Page" menu. The software creates one archive file (.SPA) per new page To open a page, just select "Open archive..." from the "Page" menu. N.B. : The archive files (.SPA) standard files are simply compressed in ZIP format. Each page can be saved and opened individually. Although a session can be saved as a whole (comprising many pages), you can still choose to use one or several pages from one session, and pages from other sessions... Controlling groups of moving-lights becomes very easy. Although it may not seem so at first, it is one of the most powerful functions in this software. If you take our advice (using one page per type of fixture), then you can call a page containing a similar configuration within another session. Can you see the point ? Well, just imagine how handy it is if you are a provider who lets ready-to-use trusses, for instance, or if you have to regularly modify your installation... All you have to do is prepare pages: "3 x Mac500 (floor)", "1 Cyberlight (ceiling), 4 GoldenScans (above dance-floor) to set up a whole control-desk in next to no time ! If you rent or install fixtures according to preset groups or modules, open the corresponding pages, then create an additional page for PARs to create an atmosphere, and once you have checked the assignment of your moving-lights and faders: you are ready ! 54 Getting start manual "Page" settings Parameters of the current page may directly be reached from the "page" menu of the software. Just click "Settings...". Parameters may also be reached by right-clicking when cursor is placed in the software "list of pages" section as shown hereunder. Right-click on the page concerned, then select "Settings..." form the menu displayed on the screen. Getting start manual 55 "General" tab In the "General" tab, you can rename the "Page" and change its number of presets. If you wish to simultaneously use two 512 channels-interfaces, offsetting the outputs towards the second interface is made possible. By default, the offset will equal 0 and channel 1 will be patched to output 1. 56 Getting start manual "Channels" tab The "Channels" tab enables you to change the parameters of any fixtures of the page (whether it is traditional or intelligent). The following parameters can be modified : • Name of fixture • Color of beam by default (Easy View) • SPEED (allows to use “SPEED” faders with this channel), FADE (allows to program a fade with this channel) and DIMMER (allows to use “DIMMER” faders with this channel) functions • Advanced shortcuts settings • X/Y settings • Patch... "Channels" tab also makes it possible to add or delete a fixture at any time. Getting start manual 57 "Buttons" tab You can modify both size and font(s) of your page buttons by using the Buttons tab. 58 Getting start manual "Synchro" tab The "Synchro" tab allows you to activate - or not - the various synchronization modes that are at your disposal in the "First Class" version : • AUDIO (available if "Audio Analysis" tool is running) • TIME CODE (MTC) IN and OUT Getting start manual 59 "Triggering" tab Here we can setup external triggering of several 2004 software features : • Keyboard • DMX Input (requires DMX-in option) • MIDI notes • Ports (internal connector) We can setup a particular triggering mode for each feature (cycles, dimmer, speed...) to make them easy to use in "Live".. For example, we can trigger the "DIMMER" function which DMX channel number 1. 60 Getting start manual Presentation of groups Thanks to this new tool, it is now possible to create groups of fixtures in a single page. Programming time will be significantly reduced as well as access time to the various functions of each fixture for a LIVE use. Fixture groups can also be programmed for a better user-friendliness. For example, two groups of fixtures have been created in the following case : stage left and stage right. A special effect (colour, gobo, movement...) is then attributed to each group in no time at all. The first stage is then to program groups. You will see how to proceed in the next chapter. Getting start manual 61 How to program groups Group programming is run from the below window. To have access to it, you should first go in the page parameters and then click on group tab. Just remember that the page parameters are accessed through the "Page" menu from the 2004 software version. To create, suppress or change a group, you should click on the right mouse button in the white area above so that the following menu appears on the screen : You will then be able to create a new group, rename it or destroy it and also allocate it a keyboard shortcut to make it even easier to use later on. 62 Getting start manual How to use groups in both main and editor screens The choice is yours to display or not the "Group" toolbar on the main screen. If you choose to do so, all you have to do is select "Groups" in the "Window" menu of the 2004 software version or click on the following button in the standard toolbar: You can also choose to display or not the "Groups" toolbar in the Editor screen: click on "Display" menu and then "Groups" toolbar... • Main screen mode There are three different modes existing for using groups. You can switch from one mode to the other by resorting to the two buttons below. If these two buttons are released, you will have access to the third mode (default mode). Default Mode Any group using will be effective for the selected button (scenes or switches). For example, if the "Color red switch) is pressed and that the "stage left" group is activated, only fixtures belonging to this group will be allocated the red color. In similar case, the "group" function will be only applied to this one and only action. The "group" function will be applied from now on to each new action until complete release of the button. A button (scene or switch) to which the group function is applied will immediately take on the following aspect: The button font becomes blue and a small "G" appears at the bottom. Getting start manual 63 • Editor mode Here, only the two previous modes are present. Before using the group function, you should first select one of the two options. Once you have pressed the selected button, you only have to run the programming on one of the fixtures. The same programming will be allocated to the whole set of fixtures belonging to the same group. One fixture belonging the selected group can be visualized by the following way: 64 Getting start manual Presentation of Easy View Easy View software provides a 3D real-time visualization of a stage. It makes it possible to follow light movements, colors as well as the main effects available in the latest intelligent lights (iris, strobe, dimmer, shutter...). The beam of any traditional fixture (PAR...) may also be visualized . With Easy View, you can insert objects such as trusses or pieces of furniture from a library and re-construct your stage or disco environment in a most realistic way. N.B. : The more carefully you build up the associated libraries of fixtures, the better result you will get about their actual 3D representation. Getting start manual 65 Creating a new stage With Easy View 2004 software, load and save as many different stage settings as you wish. This allows you to store stage dimensions and furniture layout of furniture in order to find them rapidly for further use. Easy View does not save fixture-location. You will find the fixture settings in the corresponding page in 2004 software. But there, objects have to be set again for any new stage-construction. As a result, it is preferable to create new pages for any new stage setting so as to keep objects laid out. Stage settings Stage settings may be reached by clicking on the button hereunder. You can find it either on the toolbar or by clicking on "Stage" "Stage settings..." in the menu. 66 Getting start manual Stage size and color Color and dimensions of stage (width, height and depth) can be defined within this menu. To change color, remove "x" from the "default" checkbox, then select color from the following window : If suitable color cannot be found, click "other" to get a wider selection. Getting start manual 67 Simple objects editor This new tool enables you to create your own objects and reuse them later on: 4 different types of objects can be created: • • • • Cube Sphere Cylinder Torus You can modify dimensions and then save them under the Microsoft X format. The "Flat" option enables you to add 2 cm in height and to quickly create a rectangular or circular screen in shape and reuse it over and over again in your future stages. 68 Getting start manual Objects settings In this window, objects and fixtures can be shifted individually or in a group using the multi-selection mode. There are six different settings available: three movements on the X, Y, Z axis (width, height and depth of the stage) and also three rotating movements around these very axis. Thus, objects can be positioned as they actually are on your stage. The object colour and transparency can also be modified by pressing the allocated buttons. Once an object is selected, it can be spotted on the stage thanks to its reference colour : RED. However, if the object is red, it should be represented by a different colour at the selection stage. Since all fixtures are different their design, it may occur that the PAN and TILT movements are inverted compared with reality. Though, this problem can be solved by selecting the following options : "Invert Pan" or "Invert Tilt". Getting start manual 69 It is now possible to gather objects and /or fixtures together or even duplicate a single object or a group of objects. To do so, a simple mouse click in the above list is enough to make the following menu appear on the screen : Similarly, you can move a file as well as one (or several) objects by pressing the "drag&drop" button or using the "Cut" function followed by the "Paste" function. Renaming an object is as simple: first you select the object in the list with a right mouse click and then you select the "Rename" function in the scroll menu. Once the above dialogue box has appeared on your screen, you just have to assign a new name for your object (or group of objects). By resorting to the "Duplicate" function, you can edit in and quickly position one or several objects. For example, let us imagine that you have designed a set of truss elements in circle and that you would like to carry out the same layout at 4 meters on the left... What should you do? Well, the "Duplicate" function enables you to reinsert the whole set of objects and to move them proportionallly in order to get a similar layout. 70 Getting start manual Yet, you can select your first group of objects (referred to as "circle 1") and by a simple mouse click, make the following "Duplicate" menu appear on the screen: Duplicated objects will then be moved from their original position according to the offsets specified beforehand. Finally, you can modify from now on the size of the objects previously inserted on your stage. This is very easy to do: you just have to specify the new dimensions required in the "Length", "Width" and "Depth" boxes. Getting start manual 71 Insert and remove an object Easy View gives opportunity to insert objects from a library. Trusses, furniture and sound system can be found there. Objects may be removed from stage at any time. In order to reach this library, you need to open the following window : The library on the left displays the available objects to be inserted. Once selected, the object automatically appears in the visualization window in the center of the dialog box. The object selected may be previewed before it is inserted as shown below : 72 Getting start manual Once the object is found, just click on the following button in order to carry out insertion within stage. Now define object location by reaching "objects settings" tab. In order to remove an object from your stage, select it from the right-hand side list called "objects in my stage", then delete it by clicking on the hereunder button below : Getting start manual 73 Rendering options Easy View allows modifying rendering options so as match computer performances. Rendering quality and program fluidity actually depend on computer performances, especially as far as the graphic card is concerned. If computer performances are limited, fluidity may be increased by changing some optional specifications. In order to reach those parameters, click "Performances" button in the toolbar. Several options are available: • Size: This parameter enables to automatically reduce the size of Easy View window when rendering level reaches the "critical render percentage". Option is operational when "Auto" is selected, disable by selecting "Normal" mode. • Timer: Timer is the software's clock. When Easy View runs with exact timer, the other applications and more specifically the control software process might be greatly slowed down. As a result, exact timer option has to be avoided with a low capacity computer. When "Auto" mode is selected, the critical render percentage defines whether timer has to toggle on exact or normal mode in order to optimize the system economy. 74 Getting start manual • Fixture: This option gives offers to either enable or disable the fixture graphic representation. Of course beam angle is not affected by this option. "Auto" mode allows or not the fixture graphic representation according to the "critical render percentage" too. • Object: The type of object to be graphically represented can be chosen. Select "advanced" facility and set value by means of slide cursor. According to selected value, objects may be visualized or not according to their complexity level (increasing from left to right) and depending on the computer's capacity. If "Auto" mode is selected, the software will define which objects are about to be visualized or not according to the selected rendering level. Critical render percentage: This value corresponds to the saturation point in the software. It means the higher the value, the more computer calculation may be borne. The higher computing performance is, the higher level of rendering your computer may withstand. Information about critical percentage rendering of your computer can be found in the "Statistics" tab within the "performances" dialog-box. Getting start manual 75 Easy Stand Alone software The lighting control software designed for easy basic applications. This software has been designed for users mainly seeking complete ease of use and elaborated so as to offer absolute congeniality. Its Stand Alone mode will captivate even those who would rather not use any computer. Owing to its ease of use combined with a highly-competitive price, it offers a wide range of advantages, thus opening a gateway to manifold applications... 76 Getting start manual Step 1 - Setting channels With a few clicks of the mouse button, you can set your traditional lighting channels as well as your scans, heads... The software uses the PR512 ScanLibrary (a library of SSL-type fixtures) which is currently the best choice you can make and a guarantee of evolution over the next few years. The ScanLibrary editor is included and allows you to create your own library in just a matter of minutes. 1. Click here to insert new intelligent moving lights. (SCAN, LYRE, CHANGER,...). After selecting the moving light required from our library, a dialog-box will show up and you will be prompted to enter the following pieces of information: • start DMX address of moving lights. • number of moving lights. • keyboard shortcuts used to move lighting (pan-tilt). By default, the software offers the keys available in keyboard-order, i.e. Q W E R T Y .... • index-number. By default, the software prompts "1", which means that the first light will be assigned number 1, the second one number 2, and so forth… 2. Click here to insert conventional lights. (PAR, STROB,...). Then a dialog-box will be displayed. Please enter: • start DMX address of your conventional lights. • number of channels. • name to be assigned to them (e.g.: PAR). • index number. By default, the box is empty, and then the moving lights will remain un-numbered. If you enter "1" for instance, you will get PAR1, PAR2, PAR3... Getting start manual 77 3. Access to intelligent moving light-channels. Click here to display channels. 4. De-activation of "fade" mode. By default, the software activates the "fade" mode on all the channels. A check-box enables you to de-activate it. Prior to the setting, please select the channel required. 5. Keyboard-shortcuts to set channel-levels. You may wish to assign keys to channels so as to be able to set levels by simultaneously moving the mouse and pressing the key. It is even possible to assign the same one key to several channels or different keys to the one same channel. To sum up, it enables you to set some channels separately, in clusters or as a whole. 6. Setting Pan/Tilt mode on intelligent fixtures. If you notice that a moving light and the mouse are inverted, you may invert the "Pan" channel, invert the "Tilt" channel or even invert "Pan/Tilt". To do so, please remember to select the intelligent light required first. 78 Getting start manual Step 2 - Creating scenes Creating scenes can be carried out without teasing your brains! In each scene, the software enables you to program a number of steps. Each of them has a fade time and a waiting time which can be set. By creating several steps in sequence, you will then build a dynamic scene and even be able to set the number of loops and go to the next scene automatically. Structure of a "show" • A show can include up to 255 scenes. • Each scene can include up to 1,000 steps. • Each step is provided with fade time and wait time which can vary from 0 to 43 minutes (accuracy: 4 hundredths of a second). Of course, the number of shows is unlimited: all you have to do is save each "show" into a specific document (Myshow.dlm, Show23.dlm…) Creating scenes Each scene includes a number of steps which will fade in sequentially. Each step represents a cue on all the channels which fade time and wait time are associated with. For instance: • if you wish your lights to move triangularly, you will have to use 3 steps and clearly specify fade time for each step. • if you wish to create a static scene, only one step is necessary. Getting start manual 79 1. Scene-area In this area, a list displays the whole of your scenes. In the toolbar, in button-order, you can: • create a new scene • copy a scene • delete a scene • rename a scene • import a scene from software 2000 • assign a keyboard key or an external port to a specific scene • change a scene position • play a scene in real time By default, scenes always loop. You may specify a definite number of loops, in which case decide on whether you wish to go on to the next scene automatically or not. 2. Step-area In this area, a list displays all the steps available in the scene you have selected. The functions to be found in the toolbar are as follows: • create new step • copy current step • paste on new step • delete step 3. Channel-area Various methods can be used to set channel-levels: • drag channel-fader with the mouse. • if the channel has been assigned a keyboard shortcut, press key and move the mouse. • if the channel has presets (e.g. : gobos, colors...), right-click on channel name to make a selection from a menu. • set several channels simultaneously by pressing "Set levels" button. • use copy/paste functions in step area. 80 Getting start manual Step 3 - Using the software in live mode with a computer If you wish to control your lights via a computer, then you can trigger off scenes with the mouse or the keyboard while visualizing the channels. At any time, you may decide to manually control some channels (either in HTP or LTP) by directly operating the corresponding cursors. 1.Button-area Each button represents a "scene" which can be activated with the mouse. If the button is pressed, then the scene is activated. Each button is also used to visualize the number of loops and various triggerings (keyboard key or port input). 2."Previous" and "Next" functions By clicking here, you can trigger the previous or next scene in accordance with the order made into the editor. 3. "PLAY CYCLE" function By clicking here, you can activate "Cycle" mode which enables you to automatically go from a scene to the next one. Of course, this mode can only apply on "go automatically to next scene" scenes. 4. AUTO/LTP/HTP functions By clicking here, you may manually control the different channels. 3 modes can be used: • AUTO: the channel works automatically on the current scene. The manual cursor is de-activated. • LTP: the channel is in "Latest Takes Priority" mode; the level is that of the cursor. The current scene has no effect on the channel. • HTP: the channel is in "Highest Takes Priority " mode, the level is at its highest between cursor-level and current scene level. Getting start manual 81 Step 4 - Stand Alone mode If you would rather control your lights without any computer, in a few seconds you will be able to store your scenes into the box to activate Stand Alone mode. Starting scenes can then be carried out in sequential access by using "previous" and "next" on the box or via the internal connector which triggers off up to 255 scenes in direct access. 1. By clicking here, it is now possible to write scenes into the memory of the box. If you wish to test in Stand Alone mode without quitting the software, it is necessary to uncheck the box labeled "Do not go in Stand Alone now". The number of channels available in Stand Alone mode is limited to 248. 2. By clicking here, you can delete box-memory, Stand Alone mode will then reset all the channels to ZERO. If you wish to de-activate Stand Alone mode, click the button and press CTRL key simultaneously. 82 Getting start manual 255 scenes in Stand Alone in 170g! Thanks to the latest Firmware (software included in the box) it is now possible to trigger off 255 scenes either sequentially by pressing the "previous" and “next" buttons or directly via the internal connector. Due to its very competitive price and its remarkable performances and mini-size, our product ideally qualifies in all types of small or large-scale settings: stores, restaurants, hotels, clubs, architectural lighting, parks or exhibitions... Here is a simplified connecting figuration of the internal connector which enables you to activate scenes via external buttons or via a binary address-system. Direct access to 255 scenes Getting start manual 83 Commands summary User's screen FEATURES Creating a new page Open archive Save archive Freeze channel Short channel level setting Enable a manual fading Activate or de-activate fixtures 3D representation (Easy View) SPEED (-) (master) SPEED (+) (master) DIMMER (-) (master) DIMMER (+) (master) Master SPEED reset Master DIMMER reset Select button Delete button Button settings Edit Change display (buttons activation) Delete shortcut Implement new shortcut Assign a MIDI shortcut (display MIDI activation) Assign a PORT shortcut (display PORT activation) Assign a PORT shortcut Assign a DMX shortcut (display DMX activation) Move a button (if enabled on "button" toolbar) SPEED (-) (of selected button) SPEED (+) (of selected button) DIMMER (-) (of selected button) DIMMER (+) (of selected button) 84 Getting start manual EQUIVALENT MENUS "Page" "New page" "Page" "Open archive..." "Page" "Save archive..." "Page" "'Live' Page toolbar" "Freeze" "Page" "'Live' Page toolbar" "Set levels" "Page" "'Live' Page toolbar" "Manual fading" "Page" "'Live' Page toolbar" "Show fixtures in Easy View" 'Live' button toolbar 'Live' button toolbar 'Live' button toolbar 'Live' button toolbar "Button" "Delete" "Button" "Settings..." "Button" "Edit" SHORTCUTS Alt+N Alt+O Alt+S F12 F11 F10 F9 F3 F4 F1 F2 F1+F2 F3+F4 Shift+click Alt+D Alt+P Alt+E ou Ctrl+click ESC Ctrl+Del Ctrl+key Ctrl+Note MIDI Ctrl+Port Ctrl+NumPad Ctrl+DMX Shift+ right click 'Live' button toolbar 'Live' button toolbar F7 F8 'Live' button toolbar F5 'Live' button toolbar F6 Move user's screen towards right Move user's screen towards left Display a scroll menu RIGHT (pointer) LEFT (pointer) "Button" Shift+ right click Editor screen FEATURES Close and save Close without saving Channel-level display in DMX value Channel-level display in % No channel-level display Visualize right hand part of the channel-list Visualize left hand part of the channels list Display preset-list EQUIVALENT MENUS SHORTCUTS Alt+S Alt+Q Ctrl+D Ctrl+P Ctrl+N RIGHT (pointer) LEFT (pointer) Right click on channel name Shift+click Adjust several similar type of channels to the same value (ex : Pan, Shutter,...) Cycles FEATURES GO forward GO backward Toggle a relative time between minimum and maximum (if cycle in PLAY mode) Saving relative time in LIVE mode (if cycle in PLAY mode) Select next recording (if cycle in STOP mode) Select previous recording (if cycle in STOP mode) Getting start manual EQUIVALENT MENUS SHORTCUTS Page Down Page Up END END DOWN (pointer) UP (pointer) 85 Troubleshooting SYMPTOMS • CAUSES Software cannot read USB interface REMEDIES USB cable is not connected properly or USB Check cable connection or use another USB port port is faulty "Intelligent USB DMX Interface" is not See section "How to install mentioned in list of devices : driver is not USB-DMX 512 interface" installed Interface is off Select "USB" position on power supply or connect via an external power supply box breakdown: Yellow leds are switched on but red led does not Switch contact your retailer flash • System respond does not Receivers do not detect DMX, yet DMX signal Check DMX wire and if output is operational possible test another DMX receiver DMX red led flashes, but DMX signal output is Replace the 8 pin-chip set in not operational the interface box. (ADM485JN, SP485, 75176…) Channel-level is frozen in "OUT 1 PAGE" De-activate "freeze" mode in visualization window the "'live' page" toolbar (F11 shortcut) Channel-levels visualized in "OUT 1 PAGE" Check buttons program. Pay seem incorrect also attention to the activated "switches" and "dimmer" Channel-levels visualized within "OUT 1 PAGE" Check channel patch ("Page" seem correct but those of "DMX OUT" do not "Parameters"). Also see that seem so no other page interferes with the same outputs • Channels do not take the fading time scheduled between 2 scenes into account 86 Getting start manual Fading is not allowed on this channel Allow fading on these channels in the "channels" tab of the Page parameters Channel is set by means of "on/off" facility Set channel with "dimmer" feature, although setting corresponds to 0% Connecting the USB-DMX512 interface The inverter located near the connectors gives you the choice of powering the interface with the USB connector of the computer or through an external power supply (9V DC, + in the center). In all cases, the software can recognize the card only if the interface is powered (LED on) and the USb driver is installed. XLR Connector Pin Assignment Pin1: DMX OUT GROUND Pin2: DMX OUT DATA Pin3: DMX OUT DATA + External Connector Pin Assignment Pin 1: Port 8 Pin 2: Ground Pin 3: Port 7 Pin 4: Port 6 Pin 5: Port 5 Pin 6: Port 4 Pin 7: Port 3 Pin 8: Port 2 Pin 9: Port 1 Pin 10: + 3,3V This external connector is used to link the 8 input-ports. Role played by the Leds • The yellow Led indicate that the interface is properly-powered. • The red Led situated by the "DMX" logo blinks to indicate that the DMX signal is being sent. No blinking corresponds to interface-failure. • The green Led by the "USB" logo should blink rapidly when the interface is controlled by a software. In stand alone mode, this green led blinks several times to indicate active scene number. N.B.: Use of the latest electronic technologies is made by the USB-DMX interface which contains an embedded software called "Firmware". This software can be updated easily via a basic program. To do so, start "Firmware.exe" program from the same drawer as "Stand Alone" software. Please make sure you have the latest version of Firmware in your USB-DMX interface. Getting start manual 87