Manual for DMX-120 Controller Box and Software
What actually is DMX512?
DMX is short for "Digital Multiplex" and is a digital data transmission standard for dimmers, scanners, and their controllers. The number 512 means that this standard may control up to 512 channels. The present version of DMX512 was defined by the United States Institute For Theatre Technology Inc. (USITT) in April 1990. This standard for controlling dimmers, scanners, and other stage equipment has been accepted at international level.
Contrary to conventional dimming systems which need at least a two-core cable for each control channel, the transmission of the DMX data only requires a three-core cable for up to 512 channels. The length of the cable may extend up to 1200 m because the data will be transferred in the RS-485 format (balanced data transmission). The data are transmitted serially with a speed of 250,000 bits per second. Each data package has a resolution of eight bits (255 steps). All DMX receiver units are series-connected via a three-core or five-core XLR cable (DMX IN - DMX OUT). Each unit has its own adjustable addresses which can be selected via DIP switches in most cases so that the DMX receivers can filter their specific data from the data package. If e.g. a four-channel dimmer pack has the start address 40, the first 39 channels and the channels 44 to 255 are ignored by the receiver unit. Only the data of channel 40 to channel 43 will be accepted. Standard DMX controllers are DMX mixers with sliders, MIDI to DMX converters and DMX software for personal computers with DMX converter (printer port to DMX, USB to DMX, and special slot cards).
Examples for DMX control functions:
- brightness control of dimmers
- switching on and off of lamps
- horizontal and vertical movements of scanner beams
- colour control of scanners
- gobo control of scanners
- control of fog machines
- and many other functions
With the DMX converter, MONACOR INTERNATIONAL offers the user a low-budget, but very convenient solution for DMX controls. The supplied software in English and German allows a variety of individual settings of the control functions. They are described in detail further below.
- PC as from Pentium 90 processor, 10MB free hard disk memory, 16MB RAM, parallel printer port
- mouse
- CD-ROM drive
- operating system as from Windows 95
1.1.2 Software Installation
Place the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive of your PC and start the file "SETUP.EXE". The SETUP assistant is started and prepares the files for installation on your PC. Now the "Welcome window" appears on the screen. Click on the "Continue" button. Enter your user information in the corresponding text fields and then click on "Continue". For installing the programme in another directory than "C:\Programs\MONACORINTERNATIONAL\DMX-120\", please activate in the next window the button "Search" and select the desired directory for the installation of DMX-120. In the following window you are requested to select the programme folder for the task bar. Confirm with "Continue" or enter another name for the desired programme folder. The present settings are displayed once again, confirm with "Continue" in this case as well. Now the programme files are installed on your PC. Click on "End" in the last window. The programme is now installed.
After installing the software, the DMX-120 converter box can be connected to the LPT port of your PC. The connection cable each with a 25- pole Sub-D plug and a 25-pole Sub-D jack is required (included in DMX-120 package). First switch off your PC and then connect the 25-pole plug to the printer port. Connect the Sub-D jack to the corresponding plug of the DMX-120 converter box and connect the supplied power supply unit to the mains and the DC plug to the jack of the converter provided for this purpose.
1.3 Connecting DMX receiver units
DMX units like scanners, dimmers, etc. should only be connected or switched on after setting the DMX converter into operation so that the receiver and decoder units of the DMX units recognize the converter. The end units are connected to the converter via a 3-pole or 5-pole cable (connect the plug to the converter, the jack to the DMX end unit). The DMX output of an end unit can in each case be connected to the DMX input of another DMX unit. Before you switch on the DMX end units now, the addresses of the units have to be assigned. Usually the unit addresses are set via DIP Switches (mouse keyboard) at the end unit. In most cases the settings are binary.
Example: A scanner has 4 functions (X/Y movement, colour selection, and gobo selection) and its start address will be at channel 13. For this purpose the DIP switch at the DMX unit must have the following settings: switch 1,3 and 4 to "ON", all other switches remain in the "OFF" position. For this unit the addresses 13 to 16 are assigned. Of course another connected DMX unit can use the same addresses. Then e.g. two scanners are controlled in parallel. It is more useful to assign different start addresses to the scanners and to control the parallel operation per software programme. In the example the next free start address would be channel 17. Up to 32 end units as a maximum can be connected to a DMX converter. For further 32 units a so-called "bus repeater" must be inserted. Such a bus repeater is nothing else than an additional amplifier for DMX signals. However, observe that the DMX-120 controller can drive up to 120 channels. This means that e.g. 120 x 1-channel units (with bus repeater), 60 x 2-channel units and 30 x 4-channel units can be controlled (or of course a combination of these and other multi-channel units).
Warning: Before starting the programme, be sure that no printer is connected to or switched on at the used LPT port. The control signals to the DMX converter box are not compatible with printer control signals. A connected printer may react in an uncontrolled way. We cannot be held liable for possible damage to connected printers!
Start DMX-120 from the Windows start task bar. An info window is opened for a few moments, then the window "Main Mixer" is displayed. The programmme immediately sends DMX signals to the converter, so do not be surprised if the scanners connected to the box move to their start position first.
The main mixer is equipped with 12 faders for the first 12 channels and one master fader. To have access to further channels, the levels can be switched with the command fields 1-12, 13-24,… and 109-120. The numbers describe the channels available in each case on the selected level. A "flash button" placed below the faders is provided for each channel and lettered with the respective channel number. If a level is switched, the channel numbers of the flash buttons change correspondingly. Above the faders there are small number labels which indicate the respective DMX output value of a channel from 0 to 255. The command fields "DMX Start/Freeze", "Automatic On", "Automatic Off", "Invert Channel", and "Create Scenes" are placed above. These functions will be described in the next few chapters. The button "C-Reset" serves for resetting the DMX output to a defined output position. The button "BO" (Black Out) sets all channels to zero which are provided for this purpose. Finally there are two small signal fields on left side of the main mixer: The upper signal field "Send" flashes when DMX signals are sent. The lower signal field "Auto" serves as an indicator for the automatic loop function.
Back
The value of a fader can be changed in several ways. The most convenient way is the control with the mouse pointer. Move the mouse pointer to the desired fader button, press the left mouse button and keep it pressed. Then move it with the button to the target position of the fader. The exact output value can be seen in the text field above the fader.
A fader control by the keyboard is also possible. Select the desired fader with the TAB key. The current TAB position is surrounded by a dotted frame. The current fader number is also displayed in the lower status bar. The value of the fader can now be changed with the arrow keys in the one-step mode, or in the ten-step mode by the keys "Page Up/Page Down".
With the key "Pos1" the fader is moved to its maximum position, and with the key "End" to its minimum position.
Each fader or each channel can be assigned to a name or a description (e.g. function of the channel). This fader description is displayed each time as a small yellow text field as soon as the mouse pointer is moved over the fader. A fader description can only be made in the main mixer so that only one description is assigned to each channel. The fader to be described is first selected with the left mouse key. With the right mouse key the input window for the description text is opened. After entering the text, confirm with "OK". The fader names are saved with "Save Scenes".
The master fader only has an influence on certain faders or channels. It is useful that a light scene is constantly controlled with dimmers from dark to bright via the master fader. However, in most cases it is desired to control a scanner independent of the master so that the gobo disc will not stop between two gobos. Therefore, only such faders are influenced by the master, the flash button of which has a red marking. To mark a momentary flash button, keep the CTRL button pressed, go with the mouse pointer to the desired button and click on it with the left mouse button. The colour of the channel number on the flash button becomes red. Now the output value of this channel depends on the master fader position. The blue column in the fader changes its length depending on the channel fader and the master fader. The text display above the channel fader serves as an indication for the DMX output value. The position of the fader button is maintained.
The master function can be cancelled the same way as described above.
The flash buttons below the faders have several functions:
-1. The flash function, i.e. the corresponding fader receives its maximum value when actuating this button. If the button is released, the fader goes back to its previous value.
-2. Description of the master function. As already described above under 2.1.2, the numbers of the buttons can get a red marking to activate the master function for this channel.
-3. Synchronous function: in certain cases a synchronous control of two or several channels is desired, e.g. the gobos of several scanners for parallel operation. The buttons of the desired channels get a blue marking. Keep the Alt button pressed, go with the mouse pointer to the desired button and click on it with the left mouse button. The colour of the channel number on the flash button becomes blue. Repeat this procedure for all channels to be controlled synchronously. All "blue" channels now get the value of the last activated (blue) fader. If the flash button of such a channel is pressed, all "blue" faders get the maximum value and then go back to the common original value. To deactivate the synchronous function of a channel, repeat the procedure just described.
Note: The master function and the synchronous function operate on several levels at the same time, i.e. the markings of one fader are also valid on an invisible level.
On the main desk always 12 channel faders and one master fader can be seen. To have access to further channels or faders, the levels can be changed with the command fields 1-12, 13-24, … and 109-120. The numbers designate the channels respectively available on the selected level. When switching, the fader positions of the other levels are maintained. The respectively active level is marked by the red lettering of the corresponding command field.
The DMX output is stopped with the button "C-RESET" and the coverter box is resetted. The LPT output port is set to a defined output condition. To reactivate the DMX output, the button "DMX Start" must be activated.
When activating this button, all channels which have the master function are set to zero. All channels with red marked flash buttons are concerned. As long as Black Out is activated, the button flashes as a check. Press the BO button again to deactivate the Black Out function.
2.1.7 DMX Start/DMX Freeze
The DMX output is switched on and off with this button. The LPT output port remains at "DMX Freeze" in the current output status. The converter box will send further his last reached commands.The upper LED (Send) above the level buttons serves as an indicator for the transmitting status. In case of DMX Start it flashes, in case of DMX Freeze it remains white.
With this software it is possible to create up to 500 scenes per sequence. Separately from the sequence, the scenes can be saved as a block in a file and be called again. Under the menu item "Program/Create Sequence" the scenes can optionally be created in any desired order and frequency for a sequence. In DMX-120 there are four new Sequence tables. With this sequence tables it is possible to create four independent sequences with the scenes. Then the created sequences can run automatically (all with independent timers). With Automatic On Sequence A will be started.
The automatic run of a Sequence A is interrupted. With "Automatic On" the Sequence A is continued in case the scene is stopped.
With this button the output value of a channel can easily be inverted. If e.g. the polarity of a control voltage for a dimmer pack is reversed, it is not necessary to climb into the lamp stand to change the polarity. This function is an important feature for scanners as well. If two scanners operate in parallel, it is very easy to reverse e.g. the sense of rotation of a scanner so that they can now be controlled in opposite directions. After activating the button, an input window appears to enter the channel to be inverted. Even multiple inputs like "5-9" or "1,4,6,8" are possible. After inverting the channels again, the original condition is obtained again.
For adjustments of the faders (no matter whether for dimmers or scanners) which are always recurring, there is the possibility to name and to save the created scenes. For a scene block, up to 500 different scenes can be saved. For each created scene the fade time and the dwell time in milliseconds (ms) are separately requested and saved (in the RAM first). To create a scene, the relevant faders for a DMX unit must be set to the desired value. Above each fader, which value has changed, the value labed turned its color from black to pink. This means, that these faders belong to a scene, which will be created possibly afterwards. All other faders (which value labels are black) don’t belong to the scene. REMARK: Only faders and their values, which value labels have pink color, will be saved in a scene.
Example: A dimmer pack with four channels has the start adress 1. In the first scene all lamps shall be full on. For that the faders of channel 1 to 4 must be set to the value of 255. The value labels of channel 1 to 4 should turn their color from black to pink. If not, the user must click with the left mouse button on the value label. With this mouse click the fader assignment for the scene can be set or reset. To set a range of faders for the fader assignment for the scene, the user has to click with the right mouse button between two value labels. In the first input box the first fader number of the assignment must be entered, in the second input box the last relevant fader number. In this case the user must enter ‘1’ and ‘4’. With a mouse click on the button ‘Create Scene’ (or in the menu ‘Program Create Scene’) the scene is saved into the RAM of the PC. The user is asked for the scene number, the fade time , the dwell time and the description or name for the scene. After that, the created scene appears on the table of the scene desk. For the second scene only the lamps of channel 2 and 3 shall be full on. Channel 1 and 4 shall have 50% of value. For that set the fader 1 and 4 to a value of 128. Press ‘Create Scene’ and enter the asked values. Then Scene 2 appears on the table of the scene desk. – Now we have a scanner with 5 channels and the start adress 13. For the next scene only the scanner shall change its values. To do that, all other fader assignments have to be reset. There are two ways to reset the assignments. First way: a click with the left mouse button on each relevant value label. Second way: A click with the right mouse button on one of the value labels. In this case, all fader assignments for scenes are reset. After that the values for the scanner must be set. First change the level of the main mixer to ’13-24’. Then set all desired values for the next scene (channel 13 to 17). If the value labels above the faders don’t turn their colors to pink, click with the right mouse button between two value labels and enter ‘13’ and ‘24’. Then create scene 3.
It will be advisable to save the adjusted scenes under the menu item ‘Program/Save Scene ‘ in one block (500 scenes max.) under any desired name so that the adjusted scenes will not get lost when switching off the computer. The scene files for DMX-120 have the extension ".sce".
A scene saved in the RAM can either be activated under the menu item "Program/Call Scene" or be called in the window "Scene Desk" via the corresponding scene button. Another very easy way to call a scene is to press the button ‘s’ on the keyboard and enter the desired scene. The scene desk is described in detail further below. A scene block saved on the hard disk can be loaded under ‘Program/Load Scenes’ or ‘Program/Load additional Scenes’ in the RAM.
To delete a single scene the Scene Desk window has to be opened. Select the desired scene with the mouse and press the 'Del' key. After confirming the question to delete this scene, it will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
If the user wants to delete all scenes, the Scene Desk window has to be opened again. First one of the scenes must be selected. Then the keys 'Shift' and 'Del' have to be pressed simultanoulsly. After confirming the question to delete all scenes, they will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
To delete only selected scenes on the table of the Scene Desk, first a doubleclick is desired on the table. Then all scenes to delete have to be selected (by keyboard or mouse). Press the 'Del' key and after confirming the question to delete all selected scenes, they will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
The scene desk will be found under "Window/Scene Desk" in the menu. In this window it is possible to call a saved scene immediately by pressing the button or to select names from a list and to change over to the new scene with the adjusted fade time with the button "Start". If the option "Automatic" is selected in the menu under "Options/Changing Scenes", the marked scene in the list is automatically changed by a dobble click with the left mouse button with the adjusted fade time. The start button cannot be seen with this option. For the manual start, the option "With Confirmation" in the menu "Option/Changing Scenes" has to be adjusted.
A single mouse click with the left mouse button on a scene name will open a window with a list of all faders, which are assigned for this scene. So it is very simple to see, which faders are affected by a scene.
The fader next to the list of scenes serves as time fader for the fade time. It allows to change the fade times of the faders marked in the list at any time. But be careful, the new fade times are also immediately inserted in the RAM. The previous fade time is overwritten. If the option field ‘Individual fade time’ is marked, the time fader changes the fade time for the marked scene. If the option field ‘General fade time’ is marked, the time fader sets the fade time of all scenes. The individual fade times are stored in the memory and they are available again, if the option field ‘Individual fade time’ is marked .
By clicking with the right mouse button on the lettering "Fade Time", the minimum and maximum fade times of the fader can be entered.
To delete a single scene the Scene Desk window has to be opened. Select the desired scene with the mouse and press the 'Del' key. After confirming the question to delete this scene, it will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
To delete selected scenes on the table of the Scene Desk, first a doubleclick is desired on the table. Then all scenes to delete have to be selected (by keyboard or mouse). Press the 'Del' key and after confirming the question to delete all selected scenes, they will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
If the user wants to delete all scenes, the Scene Desk window has to be opened again. First one of the scenes must be selected. Then the keys 'Shift' and 'Del' have to be pressed simultanoulsly. After confirming the question to delete all scenes, they will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
2.2.3 Function keys and scenes
In the scene desk window the 12 function keys of then keyboard can be assigned with the most importent scenes. Press the 'Shift' key and the desired function key simultanoulsly. Enter the number of the desired scene in the following input box. After that, the user may recall a scene (with fade time) by pressing a function key.
2.2.4 Sequence table a-d
For creating a sequence, DMX-120 has now 4 independent sequence tables (a-d). They will be found under the menu item ‘Window/Sequence table a(b,c,d)’. There are two ways to insert a scene in one of the sequence tables. The first is to type the desired scene number directly in the field ‘Scene Number’. When leaving the field with ENTER or the ARROW DOWN KEY, all other fields of the row will automatically be filled with the scene name, the fade time and the dwell time. The other way to insert a scene is first to open the Scene Desk, and then to click with the left mouse button on the desired scene, drag it to the Sequence table on the desired row (by pressing the left mouse button) and drop it there. All fields of the row will be filled with the data of the scene automatically. The fade time and the dwell time can be changed manually. Every Sequence table can contain a maximum of 500 scenes.
To delete a single scene of the Sequence table, the user has to mark the row of the scene and must press the ‘DEL’ key on the keyboard. The row will be deleted and all following rows will move one step upwards.
To insert a scene between two existing scenes, the user must select the row, where the scene shall be inserted and then press the ‘INS’ key on the keyboard. A new empty row will be inserted and the user can insert a scene as discribed above.
To start a sequence for automatic run the user must press the button ‘Sequence A(B,C,D) Start’. The fade time and the dwell time of the sequence table is used. It is possible, to run all sequences of the four sequence tables simultaneously. If two sequence tables affects the same faders, allways the last change of the fader value will be accepted. The sequence cab be stopped with the same key, as to start it.
In the sequence tables too a single scene can be called by a mouse click. First the desired scene must be selected, then the right mouse button must be pressed. Then the scene is called without fade time.
The trackball window belongs to the main desk regarding the functions. In this window the two-dimensional movement of a trackball is simulated. The X and Y movements of the yellow ball can be assigned to two different faders or channels. Click on the window with the right mouse button. An input field appears in which the channel assignment for the X direction is entered first, and after confirmation with "OK", the channel assignment for the Y direction. Also an abbreviated input is possible by separating the numbers for the channels of the X and Y directions by a comma (example: 3,4). If the channels are assigned, the corresponding faders move synchronously to the movement of the ball. For this purpose go with the mouse cross to the yellow trackball, press and hold the left mouse button and move the ball to the desired point. Thus, the X and Y movements of a scanner can be controlled in an optimum way. As a check, the assigned faders with their current values are indicated in a status line in the trackball window.
The position of the trackball is automatically updated as soon as the value of an assigned fader in the main desk (or also in the group desk) is changed.
Ten group windows were integrated in the DMX control programs. In each group window there is the possibility to combine up to 20 faders independent in the sequence. For instance, a group with five four-channel scanners or four five-channel dimmer packs can be built up. In addition, each group has a trackball area. If you click with the right mouse button on the window, a pull-down menu is opened in which the following functions can be adjusted:
- Group Description: in this place the name or the description of the group is requested.
- Channel Assignment: in the input field "channel assignment" the desired channels are entered separated by a comma. After the confirmation with "OK", the faders (up to a number of 20) are created in the entered order next to the trackball area with the corresponding flash buttons and the value labels.
- Trackball Assignment: in the group desk as well as in the main desk, the trackball can be assigned to two faders. However, only faders can be selected which also exist in the group.
- Background Colour: for better distinction of the groups with their trackball fields, there is the possibility to change the background colour of the trackball field. The colour is selected in the "Windows-colours-dialogue-window".
- Fader Assignment to Scene: With this function it is very simple to assign all faders of the group to build a scene (Assign all Faders) or delete the assignments of all faders of the group (Delete Assignments).
- Trackball Area Visible: if only dimmers or dimmer packs are compiled in one group, a trackball field for the X-Y control does not make any sense. For better survey it is therefore possible to switch the trackball field on and off with this option. The functions and dependences of the faders and flash buttons correspond to those in the main desk. In the main desk the flash buttons can be marked in red or blue colour as well. Each group window has its own status line, in which the channel assignment and the position values of the trackball field can be read.
The functions of the flash buttons beneath the faders are the same as in the main mixer.
The personal settings are saved in this menu item in the file "DMX120.INI" so that they do not have to be repeated with each new start of the programme. The contents of this INI file is requested when restarting the programme and the programme is started with these parameters. The following settings are saved:
Font type and style, size and position of all windows, the language selection, the communication port, the current sequence with all scenes, the function key settings from the scene desk and the default file directory.
Under this item the group settings of all four groups are saved. The group description, the number and order of the channels, fader names, position of the groups on the screen, assignment of the trackball, background colour of the trackball field, and visibility of the trackball field will be saved in a file. The group files for DMX-120 have the extension ".gpf".
The saved group settings can be reloaded under this menu item. After loading, the groups are immediately built up and are available. It is also possible to load a DMX-60 group file. In the open file dialog box the file type ‘DMX-60 Group File’ has to be selected then. But in DMX-60 group files there are only four groups available.
In many cases the current path for the files to be opened or saved is given by Windows. It is not always desired to save and load the scene files, sequence files, and group files under "C:\Own Directory". Enter the desired path of your files under "Default Directory". Then select "Saving Start Settings" for operating the programme with this directory also in future sessions.
The programme is ended by calling this function and all programme windows are closed.
As a standard, the programme is started in German language. If the English version is desired, it can be selected in this place. All texts are immediately displayed in English. Save the setting so that the programme will continue to start in the English version.
With "DMX Freeze" the DMX output at the printer port is stopped, with "DMX Start" it is restarted. The fader settings are maintained. An automatic sequence run continues but it is not passed on (in case of DMX Freeze).
For direct calling of a scene, enter the scene number and confirm with "OK". A much easier way to call a scene is to press the ‘s’ key on the keyboard and enter the scene number and confirm with "OK".
It is possible to save the adjusted scenes in one block (500 scenes max.) under any desired name under this menu item so that the adjusted scenes will not get lost when switching off the computer. The scene files of DMX-120 have the extension ".sce".
A scene block consisting of max.500 scenes is loaded.. Attention: Existing scenes will be overwritten!
2.5.4.4.1 Load additional Scenes
If existing scenes shall not be overwritten, the user must load scenes with this menu item. The loaded scenes are added to the existing scenes on the scene desk.
For the campatibility to DMX-60 this item still keeps in the menu. In this menu item the order of the scenes for the automatic run for sequence table A is defined. In the input field any desired number of combinations of the scenes in any desired order and frequency can be entered. The numbers are separated by a comma. Also combinations like "1,2,2,1,3,10,10,10, 10,1" are allowed. The input is limited to 255 signs (including commas). After the input of the scene order the scene time has to be defined. It is entered in milliseconds and applies to all scenes. The scene combination can be changed during an automatic run. The changes are immediately taken over when closing the input fields. See also point
Under this menu item a sequence from one of the four sequence tables A to D can be saved independently from each other. The number of sequences is only limited by the hard disk capacity. The saved sequences for DMX-120 have the file extension ".squ". If the block of scenes, which are placed in the sequence, are not yet saved, the user will be now ask to do that.
A saved sequence can be loaded into one of the four sequence tables A to D. Only one sequence can be present in each sequence table at a time. When loading a sequence the current sequence in the table is overwritten. The scenes, which belong to the sequence are added to the list on the scene desk. We have integrated an item to load also DMX-60 sequences. In the open file dialog box the file type ‘DMX-60 Sequence’ has to be selected then. DMX-60 sequences are always loaded to sequence table A.
2.5.4.8 Automatic On
The automatic run of a sequence in sequence table A is started. The parameters can also be changed during the automatic run. The sequences of sequence table A-D can be started and stopped with the button ‘Sequence A(B,C,D) Start’.
The automatic programme run of the scenes in sequence table A will be stopped.
If the option "Automatic" is selected in this menu item, the scene marked in the list of the scene desk is automatically changed with the adjusted fade time. The start button is not visible with this option. For the manual start the option "With Confirmation" in the menu "Options/Changing Scenes" must be adjusted for the manual start.
The main desk is enlarged by 10% with every clicking on this point. All faders and buttons are enlarged as well. Individual zooming of the main desk is reached by going with the mouse pointer to the lower right margin of the desk, keeping the left mouse button pressed and adjusting the desired size with the mouse. In this case all faders and buttons are zoomed as well. Group windows can also be zoomed this way.
In this case the main desk is reduced by 10%. Individual zooming of the main desk is reached by going with the mouse pointer to the lower right margin of the desk, keeping the left mouse button pressed, and adjusting the desired size with the mouse. All faders and buttons are zoomed as well. Group windows can also be zoomed this way.
When zooming a window in the programme, the letter sizes cannot be matched in an optimum way in most cases. With the font type selection it is also possible to change the font size and the font style in addition to all fonts available under Windows. The changes of the font type and style influence all windows and their elements like faders, buttons, and indicating elements. The headlines of the windows are not influenced. They are directly controlled by Windows and can be adjusted in the system control under "Display/Settings/Further Options".
If the personal computer has more than one parallel printer interface, it is possible to define the communication port for the DMX control with this option. It is possible to select between printer port1 (LPT1) with the start address $378 and the printer port2 (LPT2) with the start address $278. The selected port has to be saved under "File/Save Settings" to be available for the next pogramme start.
Please take care that no printer is present at the selected port. A destruction by the DMX signals is not probable but due to the control pulses the printer may react in an uncontrolled way. We cannot be held responsible for possible resulting damage.
The type of presentation of the individual windows is defined under this pull-down menu. The windows may be cascaded or tiled horizontally or tiled vertically. The zoom factor of the windows does not change.
In many cases smaller windows are covered by larger ones. To have an immediate access to them, it is possible to click directly on the window names in this menu. Then the selected window is placed in the foreground.
Under "Help/Manual" the internet explorer is started first and then these operating instructions are displayed.
The item "DMX-120" informs about copyright, author, and current version of the software.
Individual zooming of the main desk is reached by going to the lower right margin of the desk with the mouse pointer, keeping the left mouse button pressed and adjusting the desired size with the mouse. All faders and buttons are zoomed as well. Group windows can also be zoomed this way. The scene desk, the sequence tables and the trackball areas cannot be scaled.
Specifications of the converter box:
- Processor-controlled converter for 120 DMX channels
- Connections:
25-pole Sub-D connection as input
3-pole XLR jack as DMX output
5-pole XLR jack as DMX output
DC jack for the voltage supply
Voltage supply: 9-12V DC or 9-12V AC, 200 mA max.
Dimensions: 115 mm x 103 mm x 37 mm
Weight: 350 g (net)
When using long DMX cables, it is recommended to use a terminator resistor. For this please solder a resistor with a value of 120 Ohms 0,6 Watts between pin 2 and pin 3 of an XLR plug (3 or 5 pole). This XLR plug has to be connected to the DMX output at the last DMX device of an DMX queue. For DMX devices with a switchable terminator resistor this step is not necessary.
Manual for DMX-120 Controller Box and Software
What actually is DMX512?
DMX is short for "Digital Multiplex" and is a digital data transmission standard for dimmers, scanners, and their controllers. The number 512 means that this standard may control up to 512 channels. The present version of DMX512 was defined by the United States Institute For Theatre Technology Inc. (USITT) in April 1990. This standard for controlling dimmers, scanners, and other stage equipment has been accepted at international level.
Contrary to conventional dimming systems which need at least a two-core cable for each control channel, the transmission of the DMX data only requires a three-core cable for up to 512 channels. The length of the cable may extend up to 1200 m because the data will be transferred in the RS-485 format (balanced data transmission). The data are transmitted serially with a speed of 250,000 bits per second. Each data package has a resolution of eight bits (255 steps). All DMX receiver units are series-connected via a three-core or five-core XLR cable (DMX IN - DMX OUT). Each unit has its own adjustable addresses which can be selected via DIP switches in most cases so that the DMX receivers can filter their specific data from the data package. If e.g. a four-channel dimmer pack has the start address 40, the first 39 channels and the channels 44 to 255 are ignored by the receiver unit. Only the data of channel 40 to channel 43 will be accepted. Standard DMX controllers are DMX mixers with sliders, MIDI to DMX converters and DMX software for personal computers with DMX converter (printer port to DMX, USB to DMX, and special slot cards).
Examples for DMX control functions:
- brightness control of dimmers
- switching on and off of lamps
- horizontal and vertical movements of scanner beams
- colour control of scanners
- gobo control of scanners
- control of fog machines
- and many other functions
With the DMX converter, MONACOR INTERNATIONAL offers the user a low-budget, but very convenient solution for DMX controls. The supplied software in English and German allows a variety of individual settings of the control functions. They are described in detail further below.
- PC as from Pentium 90 processor, 10MB free hard disk memory, 16MB RAM, parallel printer port
- mouse
- CD-ROM drive
- operating system as from Windows 95
1.1.2 Software Installation
Place the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive of your PC and start the file "SETUP.EXE". The SETUP assistant is started and prepares the files for installation on your PC. Now the "Welcome window" appears on the screen. Click on the "Continue" button. Enter your user information in the corresponding text fields and then click on "Continue". For installing the programme in another directory than "C:\Programs\MONACORINTERNATIONAL\DMX-120\", please activate in the next window the button "Search" and select the desired directory for the installation of DMX-120. In the following window you are requested to select the programme folder for the task bar. Confirm with "Continue" or enter another name for the desired programme folder. The present settings are displayed once again, confirm with "Continue" in this case as well. Now the programme files are installed on your PC. Click on "End" in the last window. The programme is now installed.
After installing the software, the DMX-120 converter box can be connected to the LPT port of your PC. The connection cable each with a 25- pole Sub-D plug and a 25-pole Sub-D jack is required (included in DMX-120 package). First switch off your PC and then connect the 25-pole plug to the printer port. Connect the Sub-D jack to the corresponding plug of the DMX-120 converter box and connect the supplied power supply unit to the mains and the DC plug to the jack of the converter provided for this purpose.
1.3 Connecting DMX receiver units
DMX units like scanners, dimmers, etc. should only be connected or switched on after setting the DMX converter into operation so that the receiver and decoder units of the DMX units recognize the converter. The end units are connected to the converter via a 3-pole or 5-pole cable (connect the plug to the converter, the jack to the DMX end unit). The DMX output of an end unit can in each case be connected to the DMX input of another DMX unit. Before you switch on the DMX end units now, the addresses of the units have to be assigned. Usually the unit addresses are set via DIP Switches (mouse keyboard) at the end unit. In most cases the settings are binary.
Example: A scanner has 4 functions (X/Y movement, colour selection, and gobo selection) and its start address will be at channel 13. For this purpose the DIP switch at the DMX unit must have the following settings: switch 1,3 and 4 to "ON", all other switches remain in the "OFF" position. For this unit the addresses 13 to 16 are assigned. Of course another connected DMX unit can use the same addresses. Then e.g. two scanners are controlled in parallel. It is more useful to assign different start addresses to the scanners and to control the parallel operation per software programme. In the example the next free start address would be channel 17. Up to 32 end units as a maximum can be connected to a DMX converter. For further 32 units a so-called "bus repeater" must be inserted. Such a bus repeater is nothing else than an additional amplifier for DMX signals. However, observe that the DMX-120 controller can drive up to 120 channels. This means that e.g. 120 x 1-channel units (with bus repeater), 60 x 2-channel units and 30 x 4-channel units can be controlled (or of course a combination of these and other multi-channel units).
Warning: Before starting the programme, be sure that no printer is connected to or switched on at the used LPT port. The control signals to the DMX converter box are not compatible with printer control signals. A connected printer may react in an uncontrolled way. We cannot be held liable for possible damage to connected printers!
Start DMX-120 from the Windows start task bar. An info window is opened for a few moments, then the window "Main Mixer" is displayed. The programmme immediately sends DMX signals to the converter, so do not be surprised if the scanners connected to the box move to their start position first.
The main mixer is equipped with 12 faders for the first 12 channels and one master fader. To have access to further channels, the levels can be switched with the command fields 1-12, 13-24,… and 109-120. The numbers describe the channels available in each case on the selected level. A "flash button" placed below the faders is provided for each channel and lettered with the respective channel number. If a level is switched, the channel numbers of the flash buttons change correspondingly. Above the faders there are small number labels which indicate the respective DMX output value of a channel from 0 to 255. The command fields "DMX Start/Freeze", "Automatic On", "Automatic Off", "Invert Channel", and "Create Scenes" are placed above. These functions will be described in the next few chapters. The button "C-Reset" serves for resetting the DMX output to a defined output position. The button "BO" (Black Out) sets all channels to zero which are provided for this purpose. Finally there are two small signal fields on left side of the main mixer: The upper signal field "Send" flashes when DMX signals are sent. The lower signal field "Auto" serves as an indicator for the automatic loop function.
Back
The value of a fader can be changed in several ways. The most convenient way is the control with the mouse pointer. Move the mouse pointer to the desired fader button, press the left mouse button and keep it pressed. Then move it with the button to the target position of the fader. The exact output value can be seen in the text field above the fader.
A fader control by the keyboard is also possible. Select the desired fader with the TAB key. The current TAB position is surrounded by a dotted frame. The current fader number is also displayed in the lower status bar. The value of the fader can now be changed with the arrow keys in the one-step mode, or in the ten-step mode by the keys "Page Up/Page Down".
With the key "Pos1" the fader is moved to its maximum position, and with the key "End" to its minimum position.
Each fader or each channel can be assigned to a name or a description (e.g. function of the channel). This fader description is displayed each time as a small yellow text field as soon as the mouse pointer is moved over the fader. A fader description can only be made in the main mixer so that only one description is assigned to each channel. The fader to be described is first selected with the left mouse key. With the right mouse key the input window for the description text is opened. After entering the text, confirm with "OK". The fader names are saved with "Save Scenes".
The master fader only has an influence on certain faders or channels. It is useful that a light scene is constantly controlled with dimmers from dark to bright via the master fader. However, in most cases it is desired to control a scanner independent of the master so that the gobo disc will not stop between two gobos. Therefore, only such faders are influenced by the master, the flash button of which has a red marking. To mark a momentary flash button, keep the CTRL button pressed, go with the mouse pointer to the desired button and click on it with the left mouse button. The colour of the channel number on the flash button becomes red. Now the output value of this channel depends on the master fader position. The blue column in the fader changes its length depending on the channel fader and the master fader. The text display above the channel fader serves as an indication for the DMX output value. The position of the fader button is maintained.
The master function can be cancelled the same way as described above.
The flash buttons below the faders have several functions:
-1. The flash function, i.e. the corresponding fader receives its maximum value when actuating this button. If the button is released, the fader goes back to its previous value.
-2. Description of the master function. As already described above under 2.1.2, the numbers of the buttons can get a red marking to activate the master function for this channel.
-3. Synchronous function: in certain cases a synchronous control of two or several channels is desired, e.g. the gobos of several scanners for parallel operation. The buttons of the desired channels get a blue marking. Keep the Alt button pressed, go with the mouse pointer to the desired button and click on it with the left mouse button. The colour of the channel number on the flash button becomes blue. Repeat this procedure for all channels to be controlled synchronously. All "blue" channels now get the value of the last activated (blue) fader. If the flash button of such a channel is pressed, all "blue" faders get the maximum value and then go back to the common original value. To deactivate the synchronous function of a channel, repeat the procedure just described.
Note: The master function and the synchronous function operate on several levels at the same time, i.e. the markings of one fader are also valid on an invisible level.
On the main desk always 12 channel faders and one master fader can be seen. To have access to further channels or faders, the levels can be changed with the command fields 1-12, 13-24, … and 109-120. The numbers designate the channels respectively available on the selected level. When switching, the fader positions of the other levels are maintained. The respectively active level is marked by the red lettering of the corresponding command field.
The DMX output is stopped with the button "C-RESET" and the coverter box is resetted. The LPT output port is set to a defined output condition. To reactivate the DMX output, the button "DMX Start" must be activated.
When activating this button, all channels which have the master function are set to zero. All channels with red marked flash buttons are concerned. As long as Black Out is activated, the button flashes as a check. Press the BO button again to deactivate the Black Out function.
2.1.7 DMX Start/DMX Freeze
The DMX output is switched on and off with this button. The LPT output port remains at "DMX Freeze" in the current output status. The converter box will send further his last reached commands.The upper LED (Send) above the level buttons serves as an indicator for the transmitting status. In case of DMX Start it flashes, in case of DMX Freeze it remains white.
With this software it is possible to create up to 500 scenes per sequence. Separately from the sequence, the scenes can be saved as a block in a file and be called again. Under the menu item "Program/Create Sequence" the scenes can optionally be created in any desired order and frequency for a sequence. In DMX-120 there are four new Sequence tables. With this sequence tables it is possible to create four independent sequences with the scenes. Then the created sequences can run automatically (all with independent timers). With Automatic On Sequence A will be started.
The automatic run of a Sequence A is interrupted. With "Automatic On" the Sequence A is continued in case the scene is stopped.
With this button the output value of a channel can easily be inverted. If e.g. the polarity of a control voltage for a dimmer pack is reversed, it is not necessary to climb into the lamp stand to change the polarity. This function is an important feature for scanners as well. If two scanners operate in parallel, it is very easy to reverse e.g. the sense of rotation of a scanner so that they can now be controlled in opposite directions. After activating the button, an input window appears to enter the channel to be inverted. Even multiple inputs like "5-9" or "1,4,6,8" are possible. After inverting the channels again, the original condition is obtained again.
For adjustments of the faders (no matter whether for dimmers or scanners) which are always recurring, there is the possibility to name and to save the created scenes. For a scene block, up to 500 different scenes can be saved. For each created scene the fade time and the dwell time in milliseconds (ms) are separately requested and saved (in the RAM first). To create a scene, the relevant faders for a DMX unit must be set to the desired value. Above each fader, which value has changed, the value labed turned its color from black to pink. This means, that these faders belong to a scene, which will be created possibly afterwards. All other faders (which value labels are black) don’t belong to the scene. REMARK: Only faders and their values, which value labels have pink color, will be saved in a scene.
Example: A dimmer pack with four channels has the start adress 1. In the first scene all lamps shall be full on. For that the faders of channel 1 to 4 must be set to the value of 255. The value labels of channel 1 to 4 should turn their color from black to pink. If not, the user must click with the left mouse button on the value label. With this mouse click the fader assignment for the scene can be set or reset. To set a range of faders for the fader assignment for the scene, the user has to click with the right mouse button between two value labels. In the first input box the first fader number of the assignment must be entered, in the second input box the last relevant fader number. In this case the user must enter ‘1’ and ‘4’. With a mouse click on the button ‘Create Scene’ (or in the menu ‘Program Create Scene’) the scene is saved into the RAM of the PC. The user is asked for the scene number, the fade time , the dwell time and the description or name for the scene. After that, the created scene appears on the table of the scene desk. For the second scene only the lamps of channel 2 and 3 shall be full on. Channel 1 and 4 shall have 50% of value. For that set the fader 1 and 4 to a value of 128. Press ‘Create Scene’ and enter the asked values. Then Scene 2 appears on the table of the scene desk. – Now we have a scanner with 5 channels and the start adress 13. For the next scene only the scanner shall change its values. To do that, all other fader assignments have to be reset. There are two ways to reset the assignments. First way: a click with the left mouse button on each relevant value label. Second way: A click with the right mouse button on one of the value labels. In this case, all fader assignments for scenes are reset. After that the values for the scanner must be set. First change the level of the main mixer to ’13-24’. Then set all desired values for the next scene (channel 13 to 17). If the value labels above the faders don’t turn their colors to pink, click with the right mouse button between two value labels and enter ‘13’ and ‘24’. Then create scene 3.
It will be advisable to save the adjusted scenes under the menu item ‘Program/Save Scene ‘ in one block (500 scenes max.) under any desired name so that the adjusted scenes will not get lost when switching off the computer. The scene files for DMX-120 have the extension ".sce".
A scene saved in the RAM can either be activated under the menu item "Program/Call Scene" or be called in the window "Scene Desk" via the corresponding scene button. Another very easy way to call a scene is to press the button ‘s’ on the keyboard and enter the desired scene. The scene desk is described in detail further below. A scene block saved on the hard disk can be loaded under ‘Program/Load Scenes’ or ‘Program/Load additional Scenes’ in the RAM.
To delete a single scene the Scene Desk window has to be opened. Select the desired scene with the mouse and press the 'Del' key. After confirming the question to delete this scene, it will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
If the user wants to delete all scenes, the Scene Desk window has to be opened again. First one of the scenes must be selected. Then the keys 'Shift' and 'Del' have to be pressed simultanoulsly. After confirming the question to delete all scenes, they will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
To delete only selected scenes on the table of the Scene Desk, first a doubleclick is desired on the table. Then all scenes to delete have to be selected (by keyboard or mouse). Press the 'Del' key and after confirming the question to delete all selected scenes, they will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
The scene desk will be found under "Window/Scene Desk" in the menu. In this window it is possible to call a saved scene immediately by pressing the button or to select names from a list and to change over to the new scene with the adjusted fade time with the button "Start". If the option "Automatic" is selected in the menu under "Options/Changing Scenes", the marked scene in the list is automatically changed by a dobble click with the left mouse button with the adjusted fade time. The start button cannot be seen with this option. For the manual start, the option "With Confirmation" in the menu "Option/Changing Scenes" has to be adjusted.
A single mouse click with the left mouse button on a scene name will open a window with a list of all faders, which are assigned for this scene. So it is very simple to see, which faders are affected by a scene.
The fader next to the list of scenes serves as time fader for the fade time. It allows to change the fade times of the faders marked in the list at any time. But be careful, the new fade times are also immediately inserted in the RAM. The previous fade time is overwritten. If the option field ‘Individual fade time’ is marked, the time fader changes the fade time for the marked scene. If the option field ‘General fade time’ is marked, the time fader sets the fade time of all scenes. The individual fade times are stored in the memory and they are available again, if the option field ‘Individual fade time’ is marked .
By clicking with the right mouse button on the lettering "Fade Time", the minimum and maximum fade times of the fader can be entered.
To delete a single scene the Scene Desk window has to be opened. Select the desired scene with the mouse and press the 'Del' key. After confirming the question to delete this scene, it will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
To delete selected scenes on the table of the Scene Desk, first a doubleclick is desired on the table. Then all scenes to delete have to be selected (by keyboard or mouse). Press the 'Del' key and after confirming the question to delete all selected scenes, they will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
If the user wants to delete all scenes, the Scene Desk window has to be opened again. First one of the scenes must be selected. Then the keys 'Shift' and 'Del' have to be pressed simultanoulsly. After confirming the question to delete all scenes, they will be removed from the list box and from the memory.
2.2.3 Function keys and scenes
In the scene desk window the 12 function keys of then keyboard can be assigned with the most importent scenes. Press the 'Shift' key and the desired function key simultanoulsly. Enter the number of the desired scene in the following input box. After that, the user may recall a scene (with fade time) by pressing a function key.
2.2.4 Sequence table a-d
For creating a sequence, DMX-120 has now 4 independent sequence tables (a-d). They will be found under the menu item ‘Window/Sequence table a(b,c,d)’. There are two ways to insert a scene in one of the sequence tables. The first is to type the desired scene number directly in the field ‘Scene Number’. When leaving the field with ENTER or the ARROW DOWN KEY, all other fields of the row will automatically be filled with the scene name, the fade time and the dwell time. The other way to insert a scene is first to open the Scene Desk, and then to click with the left mouse button on the desired scene, drag it to the Sequence table on the desired row (by pressing the left mouse button) and drop it there. All fields of the row will be filled with the data of the scene automatically. The fade time and the dwell time can be changed manually. Every Sequence table can contain a maximum of 500 scenes.
To delete a single scene of the Sequence table, the user has to mark the row of the scene and must press the ‘DEL’ key on the keyboard. The row will be deleted and all following rows will move one step upwards.
To insert a scene between two existing scenes, the user must select the row, where the scene shall be inserted and then press the ‘INS’ key on the keyboard. A new empty row will be inserted and the user can insert a scene as discribed above.
To start a sequence for automatic run the user must press the button ‘Sequence A(B,C,D) Start’. The fade time and the dwell time of the sequence table is used. It is possible, to run all sequences of the four sequence tables simultaneously. If two sequence tables affects the same faders, allways the last change of the fader value will be accepted. The sequence cab be stopped with the same key, as to start it.
In the sequence tables too a single scene can be called by a mouse click. First the desired scene must be selected, then the right mouse button must be pressed. Then the scene is called without fade time.
The trackball window belongs to the main desk regarding the functions. In this window the two-dimensional movement of a trackball is simulated. The X and Y movements of the yellow ball can be assigned to two different faders or channels. Click on the window with the right mouse button. An input field appears in which the channel assignment for the X direction is entered first, and after confirmation with "OK", the channel assignment for the Y direction. Also an abbreviated input is possible by separating the numbers for the channels of the X and Y directions by a comma (example: 3,4). If the channels are assigned, the corresponding faders move synchronously to the movement of the ball. For this purpose go with the mouse cross to the yellow trackball, press and hold the left mouse button and move the ball to the desired point. Thus, the X and Y movements of a scanner can be controlled in an optimum way. As a check, the assigned faders with their current values are indicated in a status line in the trackball window.
The position of the trackball is automatically updated as soon as the value of an assigned fader in the main desk (or also in the group desk) is changed.
Ten group windows were integrated in the DMX control programs. In each group window there is the possibility to combine up to 20 faders independent in the sequence. For instance, a group with five four-channel scanners or four five-channel dimmer packs can be built up. In addition, each group has a trackball area. If you click with the right mouse button on the window, a pull-down menu is opened in which the following functions can be adjusted:
- Group Description: in this place the name or the description of the group is requested.
- Channel Assignment: in the input field "channel assignment" the desired channels are entered separated by a comma. After the confirmation with "OK", the faders (up to a number of 20) are created in the entered order next to the trackball area with the corresponding flash buttons and the value labels.
- Trackball Assignment: in the group desk as well as in the main desk, the trackball can be assigned to two faders. However, only faders can be selected which also exist in the group.
- Background Colour: for better distinction of the groups with their trackball fields, there is the possibility to change the background colour of the trackball field. The colour is selected in the "Windows-colours-dialogue-window".
- Fader Assignment to Scene: With this function it is very simple to assign all faders of the group to build a scene (Assign all Faders) or delete the assignments of all faders of the group (Delete Assignments).
- Trackball Area Visible: if only dimmers or dimmer packs are compiled in one group, a trackball field for the X-Y control does not make any sense. For better survey it is therefore possible to switch the trackball field on and off with this option. The functions and dependences of the faders and flash buttons correspond to those in the main desk. In the main desk the flash buttons can be marked in red or blue colour as well. Each group window has its own status line, in which the channel assignment and the position values of the trackball field can be read.
The functions of the flash buttons beneath the faders are the same as in the main mixer.
The personal settings are saved in this menu item in the file "DMX120.INI" so that they do not have to be repeated with each new start of the programme. The contents of this INI file is requested when restarting the programme and the programme is started with these parameters. The following settings are saved:
Font type and style, size and position of all windows, the language selection, the communication port, the current sequence with all scenes, the function key settings from the scene desk and the default file directory.
Under this item the group settings of all four groups are saved. The group description, the number and order of the channels, fader names, position of the groups on the screen, assignment of the trackball, background colour of the trackball field, and visibility of the trackball field will be saved in a file. The group files for DMX-120 have the extension ".gpf".
The saved group settings can be reloaded under this menu item. After loading, the groups are immediately built up and are available. It is also possible to load a DMX-60 group file. In the open file dialog box the file type ‘DMX-60 Group File’ has to be selected then. But in DMX-60 group files there are only four groups available.
In many cases the current path for the files to be opened or saved is given by Windows. It is not always desired to save and load the scene files, sequence files, and group files under "C:\Own Directory". Enter the desired path of your files under "Default Directory". Then select "Saving Start Settings" for operating the programme with this directory also in future sessions.
The programme is ended by calling this function and all programme windows are closed.
As a standard, the programme is started in German language. If the English version is desired, it can be selected in this place. All texts are immediately displayed in English. Save the setting so that the programme will continue to start in the English version.
With "DMX Freeze" the DMX output at the printer port is stopped, with "DMX Start" it is restarted. The fader settings are maintained. An automatic sequence run continues but it is not passed on (in case of DMX Freeze).
For direct calling of a scene, enter the scene number and confirm with "OK". A much easier way to call a scene is to press the ‘s’ key on the keyboard and enter the scene number and confirm with "OK".
It is possible to save the adjusted scenes in one block (500 scenes max.) under any desired name under this menu item so that the adjusted scenes will not get lost when switching off the computer. The scene files of DMX-120 have the extension ".sce".
A scene block consisting of max.500 scenes is loaded.. Attention: Existing scenes will be overwritten!
2.5.4.4.1 Load additional Scenes
If existing scenes shall not be overwritten, the user must load scenes with this menu item. The loaded scenes are added to the existing scenes on the scene desk.
For the campatibility to DMX-60 this item still keeps in the menu. In this menu item the order of the scenes for the automatic run for sequence table A is defined. In the input field any desired number of combinations of the scenes in any desired order and frequency can be entered. The numbers are separated by a comma. Also combinations like "1,2,2,1,3,10,10,10, 10,1" are allowed. The input is limited to 255 signs (including commas). After the input of the scene order the scene time has to be defined. It is entered in milliseconds and applies to all scenes. The scene combination can be changed during an automatic run. The changes are immediately taken over when closing the input fields. See also point
Under this menu item a sequence from one of the four sequence tables A to D can be saved independently from each other. The number of sequences is only limited by the hard disk capacity. The saved sequences for DMX-120 have the file extension ".squ". If the block of scenes, which are placed in the sequence, are not yet saved, the user will be now ask to do that.
A saved sequence can be loaded into one of the four sequence tables A to D. Only one sequence can be present in each sequence table at a time. When loading a sequence the current sequence in the table is overwritten. The scenes, which belong to the sequence are added to the list on the scene desk. We have integrated an item to load also DMX-60 sequences. In the open file dialog box the file type ‘DMX-60 Sequence’ has to be selected then. DMX-60 sequences are always loaded to sequence table A.
2.5.4.8 Automatic On
The automatic run of a sequence in sequence table A is started. The parameters can also be changed during the automatic run. The sequences of sequence table A-D can be started and stopped with the button ‘Sequence A(B,C,D) Start’.
The automatic programme run of the scenes in sequence table A will be stopped.
If the option "Automatic" is selected in this menu item, the scene marked in the list of the scene desk is automatically changed with the adjusted fade time. The start button is not visible with this option. For the manual start the option "With Confirmation" in the menu "Options/Changing Scenes" must be adjusted for the manual start.
The main desk is enlarged by 10% with every clicking on this point. All faders and buttons are enlarged as well. Individual zooming of the main desk is reached by going with the mouse pointer to the lower right margin of the desk, keeping the left mouse button pressed and adjusting the desired size with the mouse. In this case all faders and buttons are zoomed as well. Group windows can also be zoomed this way.
In this case the main desk is reduced by 10%. Individual zooming of the main desk is reached by going with the mouse pointer to the lower right margin of the desk, keeping the left mouse button pressed, and adjusting the desired size with the mouse. All faders and buttons are zoomed as well. Group windows can also be zoomed this way.
When zooming a window in the programme, the letter sizes cannot be matched in an optimum way in most cases. With the font type selection it is also possible to change the font size and the font style in addition to all fonts available under Windows. The changes of the font type and style influence all windows and their elements like faders, buttons, and indicating elements. The headlines of the windows are not influenced. They are directly controlled by Windows and can be adjusted in the system control under "Display/Settings/Further Options".
If the personal computer has more than one parallel printer interface, it is possible to define the communication port for the DMX control with this option. It is possible to select between printer port1 (LPT1) with the start address $378 and the printer port2 (LPT2) with the start address $278. The selected port has to be saved under "File/Save Settings" to be available for the next pogramme start.
Please take care that no printer is present at the selected port. A destruction by the DMX signals is not probable but due to the control pulses the printer may react in an uncontrolled way. We cannot be held responsible for possible resulting damage.
The type of presentation of the individual windows is defined under this pull-down menu. The windows may be cascaded or tiled horizontally or tiled vertically. The zoom factor of the windows does not change.
In many cases smaller windows are covered by larger ones. To have an immediate access to them, it is possible to click directly on the window names in this menu. Then the selected window is placed in the foreground.
Under "Help/Manual" the internet explorer is started first and then these operating instructions are displayed.
The item "DMX-120" informs about copyright, author, and current version of the software.
Individual zooming of the main desk is reached by going to the lower right margin of the desk with the mouse pointer, keeping the left mouse button pressed and adjusting the desired size with the mouse. All faders and buttons are zoomed as well. Group windows can also be zoomed this way. The scene desk, the sequence tables and the trackball areas cannot be scaled.
Specifications of the converter box:
- Processor-controlled converter for 120 DMX channels
- Connections:
25-pole Sub-D connection as input
3-pole XLR jack as DMX output
5-pole XLR jack as DMX output
DC jack for the voltage supply
Voltage supply: 9-12V DC or 9-12V AC, 200 mA max.
Dimensions: 115 mm x 103 mm x 37 mm
Weight: 350 g (net)
When using long DMX cables, it is recommended to use a terminator resistor. For this please solder a resistor with a value of 120 Ohms 0,6 Watts between pin 2 and pin 3 of an XLR plug (3 or 5 pole). This XLR plug has to be connected to the DMX output at the last DMX device of an DMX queue. For DMX devices with a switchable terminator resistor this step is not necessary.