Page 1 Table of Contents expression Lighting control system Version 2.0 User manual 4030M1006 • Revised 3/99 Copyright Electronic Theatre Controls 1991, 1999...
Page 2: Limited Warranty
(up to a to return the goods prepaid to ETC at maximum of 18 months from delivery) their factory or authorized service its products will be free from defects in center.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Color RGB monitors ............... 2 - 5 Entering system configuration ............2 - 6 Installing dimmers ................2 - 8 Digital outputs DMX512, ETC/LMI, D192 dimmers ..... 2 - 8 Analog wire-per-dimmer output (optional) ........2 - 8 Analog wire-per-dimmer input (optional) ........2 - 9 AMX192 analog multiplex (optional) ..........
Page 4 Expression 2.0 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings ..... 3 - 1 Entering softpatch ................3 - 2 Entering one-to-one softpatch ............3 - 3 Creating custom softpatch ............3 - 4 Using channel zero ..............3 - 4 Entering numbers of channels and dimmers ......
Page 5 Table of Contents Lesson 2: Working with cues .............. 4 - 9 Creating cues ................4 - 10 Cue 1: Creating a cue in Stage ..........4 - 11 Cue 2: Creating a cue in Blind ..........4 - 13 Cue 3: Modifying up and down fade times ......
Page 6 Expression 2.0 Lesson 5: Saving your show on disk ..........4 - 49 Naming shows ................4 - 49 Formatting disks ................. 4 - 50 Recording a show on disk ............4 - 51 Verifying a show on disk ............. 4 - 52...
Page 7 Table of Contents Lesson 5 : Working with effects ............5 - 29 Creating an effect ............... 5 - 30 Inserting and deleting steps ............5 - 34 Editing steps ................5 - 34 Effects shortcuts ................ 5 - 35 Lesson 6: Working with subroutines ..........
Page 8 Expression 2.0 Disk management ................6 - 15 Storing disks ................6 - 16 Formatting disks ................. 6 - 16 Recording a show on disk ............6 - 17 Reading a show from disk ............6 - 18 Verify show on disk ..............6 - 19 Erase show from disk ..............
Page 9 Table of Contents Chan ....................8 - 11 Clear ....................8 - 13 Clear fader ..................8 - 15 Clear show from memory ..............8 - 16 Cue ....................8 - 17 Delay time ..................8 - 20 Diagnostic system clear ..............8 - 21 Dim ....................
Page 10 Expression 2.0 System setting options ..............8 - 67 Thru ....................8 - 68 Time ....................8 - 69 Timed fader pairs ................8 - 70 Track ....................8 - 72 Track Sheet ..................8 - 73 Type ....................8 - 74 Update ....................
Page 11: Chapter 1 Introduction
1 - 1 chapter 1 introduction Welcome to ETC’s Expression. ETC is excited about Expression and hopes you are as pleased with its performance as your audiences are with yours . This chapter includes information to orient you to the console and the manual .
Page 12: Expression Features
1 - 2 Expression 2.0 Expression features Expression includes the following features: • 24 manual faders that control programmed submasters. • Two pages of submaster memories, each of which can hold up to 24 recorded submasters. • 250 control channels.
Page 13: Using This Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction 1 - 3 Using this manual This manual provides instructions for Expression’s features and optional accessories . The following chapters are included: Chapter 1 Expression capabilities, console and manual Introduction conventions, getting help, and customer support. Chapter 2 Instructions for installing Expression , monitor Installation and optional accessories.
Page 14: Appendix B Error Messages
1 - 4 Expression 2.0 Appendix B List of Expression error messages and an Error messages explanation of each. Appendix C Technical specifications for Expression Specifications console. Appendix D Pull-out illustration of Expression keyboard. Keyboard illustration.
Page 15: Text Conventions
Chapter 1 Introduction 1 - 5 Text conventions In this manual, console keys are indicated by square brackets, such as [Enter] . System messages are printed in boldface, such as Select channel . References to other sections of the manual are printed in italic, such as Chapter 1, Introduction.
Page 16: Getting Help
If you have problems with your console, please follow these steps: 1. Refer to the manual for instructions . 2. If you do not find the answer in the manual, call your local dealer or ETC for customer service . Please have the following information available before you call: •...
Page 17: Chapter 2 Installation
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 1 chapter 2 installation This chapter includes set up instructions that you need to install Expres- sion and any optional accessories . Chapter 3, Entering softpatch and system settings includes instructions for entering the software settings that you will probably update before you begin a new show.
Page 18: Expression Back Panel
2 - 2 Expression 2.0 Expression back panel Alpha MIDI AMX192 Fuse Analog Analog RFU/ DMX512 keyboard outputs channel input outputs 5A 3AG dimmer output 1-192 outputs inputs 1-512 193-384 513-1024 97-128 129-160 161-192 97-128 129-160 161-192 33-64 65-96 1-32...
Page 19: Installing Your Console And Monitor
2. Verify that your dimmer connector pinout is correct . Pinouts for several dimmer types are listed on pages 2 - 8 through 2 - 9 . If your dimmer type is not listed, contact your dealer or ETC. Caution: Your dimmer control common must be compatible with console control common;...
Page 20: Installing Two Monitors
2 - 4 Expression 2.0 7. Insert the video cable in the monitor . Connect the other end of cable in the appropriate console connector listed below. Digital RGB color monitors DB-9 connector Digital grayscale monitors DB-9 connector Composite monochrome monitors BNC connector 8.
Page 21: Monitor Connectors And Pinouts
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 5 Monitor connectors and pinouts Monochrome monitors (RS-170) Console connector BNC female Pinout Center Video Shield Common Color RGB monitors Console connector DB-9 male Pinout 1 Common (AC ground) 2 Common 3 Red 4 Green 5 Blue 6 Intensity 7 nc...
Page 22: Entering System Configuration
2 - 6 Expression 2.0 Entering system configuration When you install your Expression , you have two system configuration options to set: monitor selection and boot option selection . Expression retains these settings until you change them, you perform a diagnostic system clear, or the memory is corrupted.
Page 23 Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 7 Boot option selection Two system boot options are available, fast and full boot . The full boot performs a series of hardware tests . If the tests find any hardware problems, Expression displays a message indicating so . The fast boot option skips the hardware test and therefore boots faster .
Page 24: Installing Dimmers
3 Data (+) (DM 512, ETC/LMI, D192) 4 Clock (+) (ETC/LMI only) 5 Clock (-) (ETC/LMI only) Caution: If you do not use the ETC/LMI protocol, do not connect wires to pins four and five. Analog wire-per-dimmer output (optional) Connector...
Page 25: Analog Wire-Per-Dimmer Input (Optional)
192 dimmer outputs per connector 384 outputs maximum, 2 connectors Pinout Common (Earth ground) Clock (+) Analog data Clock (-) Note: You can configure console for Strand CD80 Dimmer I and Dimmer II cabling convention. Contact an authorized dealer or ETC.
Page 26: Installing Printer
2 - 10 Expression 2.0 Installing printer Expression supports both serial and parallel printers . Printer functions are described in Chapter 6, Using print and disk options. Pinout and connector specifications are on the next page . Follow these steps to install printer: 1.
Page 27: Parallel Printers
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 11 Printer connectors and pinouts Parallel printer and Centronics interface adaptor Console connector Printer connector DB25F Centronics D36 Pinout _______ Signal ______Pinout 1 ____________ STRB ________ 1 2 ____________ D0 ___________ 2 3 ____________ D1 ___________ 3 4 ____________ D2 ___________ 4 5 ____________ D3 ___________ 5 6 ____________ D4 ___________ 6...
Page 28: Serial Printers
2 - 12 Expression 2.0 Serial printers Console connector Printer connector DB9F DB25M Pinout Signal Pinout 2 ____________ Data in _______2 (from printer) 3 ____________ Data out ______3 (to printer) 5 ____________ ground _______7 8 ____________ CTS* _________20 Console connector pins 1, 4, 6, 7, and 9 are not used.
Page 29: Installing Designer's Worksheet
US, set the voltage switch to 110 . 6. Insert the power cord into the back of the worksheet and into a grounded 120V AC outlet . Note: Additional pads of Designer’s Worksheet templates are available from your dealer or ETC.
Page 30 2 - 14 Expression 2.0 7. Set the three sets of DIP switches on the worksheet as indicated in the chart below. Switch A Off Off Switch B Off On Switch C On On 8. Turn the worksheet power on by pressing the on/off switch . The LED labeled Indicator is lit when power is on .
Page 31 Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 15 12. Select one of the displayed options. Options three through six are available only if your console has an expanded memory board. Expanded memory increases the number of available macros and regions from 125 to 640.
Page 32: Installing Remote Focus Unit
2 - 16 Expression 2.0 Installing Remote Focus Unit The Remote Focus Unit (RFU) allows you to set channels levels, check dimmers or run cues from remote locations. To install Remote Focus Unit, follow these steps: 1. Verify that RFU power switch is turned Off.
Page 33: Installing Redundant Tracking Backup
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 17 Installing Redundant Tracking Backup 1. Configure both consoles for parallel printers: a) Press [Set Up]. b) Select 6, System settings and press [Enter]. c) Select 10, Serial/parallel printer, and press [Enter]. d) Select 1, Parallel, and press [Enter]. 2.
Page 34: Installing The Alphanumeric Keyboard
You can use a standard PC XT/AT compatible, manually switchable, alphanumeric keyboard with the expanded memory option. The key- board can be used only in its XT-compatible mode. ETC recommends the Datacomp Electronics model DFK121A08 and Unitek K-155 keyboards. Although you may be able to use keyboards from other manufacturers, ETC does not guarantee the results.
Page 35: Installing Infrared Remote Focus Unit
The transmitter is a hand-held, wireless unit that sends infrared control signals to the receiving unit. To enable the IRFU in Expression, ETC must modify the console at the factory. To install the infrared remote control unit, follow these steps: 1.
Page 36: Installing Remote Submasters And Macros
Installing Remote Submasters and Macros Remote Submasters and Remote Macros are custom-installed ETC products. To enable Remote Submasters and Macros, ETC must modify the console at the factory. Follow these steps to begin remote operation: 1. Verify that all control cables are properly connected. Check connec- tions at rear of main control console, wall plug connections and connections at all remote panels.
Page 37: Entering Softpatch And System Settings
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 1 chapter 3 entering softpatch and system settings Before you begin creating cues for a show you should first create your softpatch . The softpatch assigns individual dimmers to control channel numbers .
Page 38: Entering Softpatch
3 - 2 Expression 2.0 Entering softpatch Expression accommodates up to 512 dimmers (or 1,024 if you have the optional second DMX512 connector) in 250 channels . Softpatch gives you complete flexibility in assigning dimmers to control channels in any order .
Page 39: Entering One-To-One Softpatch
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 3 Entering one-to-one softpatch If you have the same number of dimmers and channels, you may want to use a one-to-one softpatch . A one-to-one patch assigns dimmer one to channel one, dimmer two to channel two, and so on . If you have more dimmers than channels, the default setting assigns the first extra dimmer to channel one, the second extra dimmer to channel two, and so To use Expression’s default softpatch setting follow these steps:...
Page 40: Creating Custom Softpatch
3 - 4 Expression 2.0 Creating custom softpatch The following sections include information about creating a custom softpatch. • Using channel zero • Entering numbers of channels and dimmers • Patching dimmers to channels Hint: If you use the same softpatch for several shows, create the softpatch, and record it on a disk before you record any cues .
Page 41: Entering Numbers Of Channels And Dimmers
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 5 Entering numbers of channels and dimmers You may want to enter the number of available channels and dimmers before you begin custom patching . To do so, follow these steps: 1.
Page 42: Patching Dimmers To Channels
3 - 6 Expression 2.0 Patching dimmers to channels Each dimmer can only be patched to one channel at a time . Follow the steps below to create a custom softpatch. 1. Press [Patch] . Expression displays the following screen.
Page 43 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 7 Shortcut: Combine [And] and [Thru] commands to select any combi- nation of dimmers. For example, press [1] [Thru] [5] [And] [1][0] [Thru] [2][0] to select one through five and 10 through 20. 3.
Page 44: Additional Patching Features
3 - 8 Expression 2.0 Additional patching features The following patching features are described below: • Proportional patching • Dimmer profiles • Capturing channels in softpatch • Unpatching individual dimmers • Softpatching to Strand CD80 dimmer rack Proportional patching Expression lets you proportionally inhibit individual dimmer levels from the softpatch screen .
Page 45: Dimmer Profiles
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 9 Dimmer profiles Dimmer profiles allow you to select a specific output curve for a dimmer over the range of a fade . This can compensate for nonlinear light outputs from certain types of fixtures or incorporate a preferred response in a fade .
Page 46: Resetting Factory Dimmer Profiles And All Dimmers To Default Setting
3 - 10 Expression 2.0 Resetting factory dimmer profiles and all dimmers to default setting The Default Dimmer Profiles option on the System Settings Menu allows you to reset all dimmers to the default (linear) profile and the dimmer profiles to the original factory settings.
Page 47: Unpatching Individual Dimmers
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 11 Unpatching individual dimmers [Dim] lets you select a single dimmer and bring it up independent of other dimmers softpatched to the same channel . This is called unpatching a dimmer . If a channel has more than one dimmer softpatched to it, you may want to unpatch a single dimmer to check individual fixtures, to turn on a work light, or to focus a single dimmer from the channel .
Page 48: Softpatching To A Strand Cd80 Dimmer Rack
3 - 12 Expression 2.0 Softpatching to a Strand CD80 dimmer rack Strand CD80 dimmer racks have 48 dimmer slots . Each dimmer slot holds either two 2.4 kw dimmers or one 6 kw or 12 kw dimmer . The console requires that you include all 96 possible dimmer numbers per rack in the softpatch .
Page 49: Entering System Settings
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 13 Entering system settings These system settings are discussed on the following pages: • Default full level • Default up and down fade times • Default fader clear time • Enable/disable bumpswitches To display the System Settings Menu, follow these steps: 1.
Page 50: Setting Default Full Level
3 - 14 Expression 2.0 Setting default full level The default full setting is the level Expression enters for selected channels when you press [Full] . [Full] is set originally at 100 percent, and is reset to 100 percent after a diagnostic system clear.
Page 51: Setting Default Fader Clear Times
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 15 Setting default fader clear times The default fader clear time is the length of time required for a fader pair [Clear] to fade out channels from the faders. A diagnostic system clear resets [Clear] fade time to zero;...
Page 52: Enable/Disable Flexichannel
3 - 16 Expression 2.0 Enable/disable Flexichannel Flexichannel is an optional display mode that displays only selected channels and channels that are recorded in a cue, submaster, group, or effect. To enable or disable Flexichannel, follow these steps: 1. Press [Set Up].
Page 53: Chapter 4 Learning The Basics
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 1 chapter 4 learning the basics This chapter includes lessons on working with Expression’s basic features: cues and submasters . When you complete the lessons, you will have a short sample show to run . Each lesson is described briefly below.
Page 54: Display Modes
4 - 2 Expression 2.0 Lesson 1 Display, channel and record modes This lesson describes display and channel modes and record functions available in Expression. Display modes show channel and level settings for cues, submasters, groups and fader pairs . Channel modes indicate how channels respond when they are in different situations.
Page 55 Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 3 Track Sheet Track Sheet displays a specific channel’s level settings in all recorded cues . This display is useful when you need to add or modify a single channel in several cues . Track is a blind mode; it does not give you live control of channels .
Page 56: Stage, Blind And Fader Screens
4 - 4 Expression 2.0 Stage, Blind and Fader screens Stage, Blind and Fader screens look very similar . The Stage mode screen is illustrated below to familiarize you with the screen format . Grand master setting The grand master setting displays the master intensity level . With it you can proportionally inhibit the level of all channels .
Page 57 Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 5 provide additional information about channels . For example, in Blind mode tracked channels are green . See the section Channel modes on page 4 - 6 for further description. Note: In Flexichannel display mode, only selected channels and channels that are part of a recorded cue, submaster, group, or effect are dis- played;...
Page 58: Channel Modes
4 - 6 Expression 2.0 Channel modes Channels may be in any of the following modes . Each mode responds differently to your commands. Captured channels Captured channels are channels that you have selected and are live on stage . They remain live until you press [Rel] to release them . Captured channels override all other channel settings.
Page 59: Recorded Channels
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 7 Recorded channels Recorded channels are channel levels that have been recorded in a cue, group or submaster . In live modes (Stage and Fader), recorded levels appear on the screen only when they are in a fader pair or in an active submaster .
Page 60: Record Functions
4 - 8 Expression 2.0 Record functions Expression has two record functions Record and Track . Record saves all channels as they appear on the screen (what you see is what you get) in the cue, group or submaster you specify . When you use Record to record a cue, levels are recorded in only the cue you specify.
Page 61: Lesson 2: Working With Cues
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 9 Lesson 2 Working with cues Now that you have an orientation to the channel display screens, you’re ready to create cues . If you are not sitting at the console but want to refer to the keyboard, see Appendix D for an illustration.
Page 62: Creating Cues
4 - 10 Expression 2.0 Creating cues Five cues are included in the following instructions . The first few are simple; the rest use more complicated features . This lesson includes the following sections: • Cue 1, Creating a cue in Stage •...
Page 63: Cue 1: Creating A Cue In Stage
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 11 Cue 1: Creating a cue in Stage Follow these steps to create a cue in Stage mode: 1. Press [Stage] . Expression displays the Stage mode screen . Once you are in Stage, you have live control of channels . Expression automatically prompts you to enter a channel number.
Page 64 4 - 12 Expression 2.0 Cue 1 keystrokes: Action [Stage] Displays Stage mode. Selects channel 1. [At] Indicates next number entered will be an intensity level. [7][5] Enters intensity level of 75 percent. [Rec] Indicates that you want to record cue.
Page 65: Cue 2: Creating A Cue In Blind
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 13 Cue 2: Creating a cue in Blind Follow these steps to create a cue in Blind mode, for a range of chan- nels, using [Full] . Expression automatically enters 00 for channels you used in cue 1 to indicate that they will downfade in cue 2.
Page 66 4 - 14 Expression 2.0 Cue 2 keystrokes: Action [Blind] Displays Blind mode screen. Selects cue 2. [Chan] Indicates that the next number entered will be a channel. Selects channel 1. [Thru] Indicates you are going to enter a range.
Page 67: Cue 3: Modifying Up And Down Fade Times
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 15 Cue 3: Modifying up and down fade times You may also want to modify cue up and down fade times . When you create a cue, Expression assumes you want to use the default fade times .
Page 68 4 - 16 Expression 2.0 Cue 3 keystrokes: If you did not press [Rel] after you saved the last cue, channels 1 through 15 should still be selected on the Blind mode screen. Action [Chan] Indicates next number entered will be a channel.
Page 69: Cue 4: Linking Cues
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 17 Cue 4: Linking cues Expression lets you link cues to create a sequence that runs automati- cally . You can link a string of cues, or you can create a loop to produce a chase .
Page 70 4 - 18 Expression 2.0 Cue 4 keystrokes: Action [Blind] Displays Blind mode screen. [Chan] Indicates that you are going to enter channel numbers. [5][1] Selects channel 51. [Thru] Indicates that you want to enter a range of channels. Note: If you are entering a range of channels in Flexichannel mode, you must press [Thru] [Thru] to indicate a range.
Page 71: Cue 5: Creating A Cue Using Solo
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 19 Cue 5: Creating a cue using Solo Often you will create cues by adding to, subtracting from and modifying previously recorded cues . [Solo] lets you select a subset of displayed channels and delete all others . 1.
Page 72 4 - 20 Expression 2.0 Cue 5 keystrokes: Assuming you are still in Blind and have cue 4 displayed, follow these steps to create a cue using [Solo]: Action [Chan] Indicates that the next number entered will be a channel number.
Page 73: Inserting Cues
1 slightly and insert it between cues 1 and 2 . You can number cues with a one-digit decimal . Therefore, you can insert up to nine cues between one and two (1.1, 1.2, etc.) . To modify and insert a cue, follow these steps: 1.
Page 74: Deleting Cues
4 - 22 Expression 2.0 Deleting cues Follow these steps to delete a cue from a show. 1. Press [Blind] . You cannot delete cues from live modes. 2. Enter cue number you want to delete. 3. Press [Clear]. 4. To delete just the current cue, press [Rec].
Page 75: Viewing Cues
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 23 Viewing cues Once you have created a few cues, you may want to look at them . You can view stored cues in two ways, live in Stage mode, or just on the screen in Blind mode.
Page 76: Copying Cues
4 - 24 Expression 2.0 Copying cues Once you have created a cue, you may copy it and give it a new number. This can be helpful if you want to create a cue based on one you have already recorded. You can copy cues in Stage or Blind modes.
Page 77: Lesson 3: Playing Back Cues
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 25 Lesson 3 Playing back cues Now that you have some cues, you’re probably anxious to play them back . Expression has two sets of timed fader pairs that playback re- corded cues . The left fader in each pair (faders A and C) controls upfades.
Page 78: Selecting Cues
4 - 26 Expression 2.0 Selecting cues There are three ways a cue can be selected to playback on stage: 1) when a cue is playing, Expression automatically selects the next cue; 2) you select a cue manually; or 3) Expression automatically selects linked cues .
Page 79: Playing Cues Back
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 27 Playing cues back To playback the cues you created in Lesson 2, follow these steps: 1. Press [Stage] to display Stage mode. 2. Press [Cue] to indicate that you want to select a cue. 3.
Page 80: Go To A Different Cue
4 - 28 Expression 2.0 Go to a different cue To playback a cue other than the selected (highlighted) cue on the cue sheet, follow these steps: 1. Press [Cue]. 2. Enter the cue number you want to play next.
Page 81: Controlling Fades Manually
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 29 Controlling fades manually Expression provides two fader modes to take manual control of cue playbacks with the AB and CD fader pairs: level override and proportional rate override. In both fader modes, setting faders at 10 before pressing [Go] plays cues back as recorded;...
Page 82: Level Override
4 - 30 Expression 2.0 Level override Level override is Expression’s default operating mode. In level override, you can use the faders to take manual control of fade levels. When you take manual control, the movement of the faders controls the comple- tion of the fade.
Page 83: Selecting Fader Operating Mode
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 31 Selecting fader operating mode Follow these steps to select the desired fader mode: 1. Press [Setup]. 2. Select 6, System Settings Menu, and press [Enter]. 3. Select 6, Level/Proportional Rate Override, and press [Enter]. 4.
Page 84: Modifying Cues On Stage
4 - 32 Expression 2.0 Modifying cues on stage To modify and record a cue on stage, follow these steps: 1. Press [Stage]. 2. Press [Cue], and enter cue number. 3. Press [Go] to playback cue. 4. Push faders down and back up to avoid fade times.
Page 85: Update Cue
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 33 Update cue The preceding steps allow you to record the entire on stage look into the modified cue. To add only selected channels to the cue, use the Update cue feature. 1. Press [Stage]. 2.
Page 86: Back Key
4 - 34 Expression 2.0 Back key The back key replays the most recently played cue, regardless of the order in which the cues were recorded in the cue sheet. It then plays subsequent cues in reverse numerical order. For example, if you play cues one, two, three, twenty-two, and sixteen, then press [Back], cue sixteen will fade into cue twenty-two.
Page 87: Clearing Fader Pairs
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 35 Clearing fader pairs Each timed fader pair is equipped with a blue [Clear] key . To clear a cue from the fader pair, press the appropriate [Clear] key . Faders will clear immediately unless you have reset the default fader clear time .
Page 88: Lesson 4: Working With Submasters
4 - 36 Expression 2.0 Lesson 4 Working with submasters Expression is equipped with 24 submaster potentiometers, or pots. A submaster is a set of channels recorded at levels to create a look. The submaster pot gives you manual control for the recorded look. You cannot play submasters back through autofader pairs.
Page 89 Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 37 Naming submasters with expanded memory If you have installed the expanded memory option, you can use a standard PC XT compatible, alphanumeric keyboard to assign names to submasters. See page 7 - 3 for more information on using the alphanu- meric keyboard to name submasters.
Page 90: Submaster Pages
4 - 38 Expression 2.0 Submaster pages Expression has two pages of submasters . Each page can hold a full set of recorded submasters, one in each pot . This doubles the number of recorded submasters available. Expression displays the message Page 1 Loaded (or Page 2 Loaded) in the Page Display window to indicate which page is currently active .
Page 91: Creating Pile-On Submasters
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 39 Creating pile-on submasters Creating a submaster is as easy as creating a cue . You can create submasters in Stage or Blind mode . To create a submaster, follow these steps: 1. Select channel and level settings as you did for cues . See Lesson 2, Creating cues if you need a review .
Page 92: Recording Submaster On A Different Page
4 - 40 Expression 2.0 Recording submaster on a different page You may record a submaster to a page other than the one currently loaded or loading . For example, if you have page one loaded, you can create a look on stage and record it to page two if you wish . To do so, follow these steps: 1.
Page 93: Adding Fade Times To Submasters
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 41 Adding fade times to submasters Bump switches let you add upfade, downfade and wait times to sub- masters . When you record fade times for a submaster, you can play the recorded fade with the bump switch or retain manual control with the sliding fader.
Page 94: Controlling Submaster Fades Manually
4 - 42 Expression 2.0 Controlling submaster fades manually When a timed submaster pot is set at zero and you press the bump switch, recorded fade times playback as you recorded them . However, you can take manual control over fades, much as you can for cue fades.
Page 95: Creating Inhibitive Submasters
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 43 Creating inhibitive submasters Inhibitive submasters allow you to limit the intensity level for a group of channels . When an inhibitive submaster pot is on 10 (100 percent), the channels are not inhibited . As you pull the pot down, the channels’ levels are limited to the percentage to which you set the submaster .
Page 96 4 - 44 Expression 2.0 Expression saves only selected channels when you record an inhibitive submaster (on a color monitor, selected channels are displayed in yellow) . If unselected channels are also displayed, they will not be included in the submaster .
Page 97: Recording Inhibitive Submasters On A Different Page
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 45 Recording inhibitive submasters on a different page You may record an inhibitive submaster to a page other than the one currently loaded or loading. For example, if you have page one loaded, you can create an inhibitive submaster and record it to page two.
Page 98: Using Update To Modify Submasters
4 - 46 Expression 2.0 Using Update to modify submasters In Stage mode, [Update] allows you to modify, or add channel levels to, a recorded submaster without recording the entire stage look to the submaster you are modifying . Follow these steps to update a submaster: 1.
Page 99: Deleting Submasters
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 47 Deleting submasters You must be in Blind to delete individual submasters . To delete all submasters and all other show information, you can use the Set Up Menu option Diagnostic system clear. It is described on page 8 - 21. To delete submasters, follow these steps: 1.
Page 100: Submaster Sheet
4 - 48 Expression 2.0 Submaster sheet Submaster sheet is a feature of Expression’s expanded memory option. It is available only when expanded memory is installed. Submaster sheet allows you to view submasters on the display screen. All 24 submaster pots per page are represented on the submaster sheet.
Page 101: Naming Shows
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 49 Lesson 5 Saving your show on disk You should always make at least one back up copy (if not two) of each show you are working on . Back up copies are stored on standard 3.5- inch, double-sided, double-density, computer disks .
Page 102: Formatting Disks
4 - 50 Expression 2.0 Formatting disks You must format disks in a console before you can record shows on them . Expression cannot record shows on unformatted disks or disks that are formatted in a personal computer . Each disk can hold two shows.
Page 103: Recording A Show On Disk
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 51 Recording a show on disk To record a show from the console memory to a disk follow these steps: 1. Insert a formatted disk in disk drive. 2. Press [Set Up] . 3.
Page 104: Verifying A Show On Disk
. If it recurs, try a new disk. The message Configurations differ, cannot verify indicates one of the following: show on disk was saved on a different type of ETC console or different software version; show on disk has different system settings (such as softpatch, numbers of dimmers and channels) than show in console.
Page 105: Learning Advanced Techniques
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 1 chapter 5 learning advanced techniques The lessons in this chapter address advanced features that allow you to use Expression more efficiently and to create more complex lighting effects . Before you start the lessons you should know how to create and play back cues and submasters and how to take manual control of timed fades .
Page 106 5 - 2 Expression 2.0 Track record function Track is a record function that allows you to modify recorded cues and designate new levels for the displayed cue only or to track them forward until a different level is encountered.
Page 107: Wait Times In Multipart Cues
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 3 Lesson 1 Working with multipart cues A multipart cue is a cue that consists of up to eight parts, each of which is essentially an independent cue. A multipart cue allows you to control the levels and timing of more than one group of channels at a time.
Page 108: Creating A Multipart Cue
5 - 4 Expression 2.0 Creating a multipart cue Follow these steps to create a multipart cue: 1. Press [Stage]. Expression displays the Stage mode screen and prompts you to enter a channel number. 2. Enter channel number(s) for the first part with numeric keypad.
Page 109 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 5 10. Enter upfade wait time. Upfade wait time is the length of time after the multipart cue starts before the upfade. If you do not enter an upfade wait time, Expression assumes you want an upfade wait time of zero.
Page 110: Converting A Standard Cue To A Multipart Cue
5 - 6 Expression 2.0 Converting a standard cue to a multipart cue If you have already created a single-part cue, Expression allows you to reconfigure it as a multipart cue. You can convert a standard cue to a multipart cue in either Stage or Blind mode.
Page 111: Editing A Multipart Cue
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 7 Editing a multipart cue Once you have created a multipart cue, you can add or delete channels from the parts, change channel levels, or change fade and wait times. Adding, deleting and modifying channels Follow these steps to make changes to a multipart cue: 1.
Page 112 5 - 8 Expression 2.0 Modifying fade and wait times If you do not assign fade and wait times to a part, Expression automati- cally assigns five second upfade and downfade times to it. No wait time will be recorded. Follow these steps to assign fade and wait times to parts in a multipart cue: 1.
Page 113: Lesson 2: Track Record Function
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 9 Lesson 2 Track record function The Track record function records the levels currently displayed on the screen in a cue, and allows you to create tracks into subsequent cues . A track is created by a channel whose level does not change through a series of consecutive cues .
Page 114: Using Record To Create Tracks
5 - 10 Expression 2.0 Using record to create tracks In Stage mode, the following keystrokes create the five cues illustrated below . Each cue adds channels to the previous cue . The example uses Record to record the cues .
Page 115: Recording Modified Cues
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 11 Recording modified cues The difference between Record and Track is apparent when you modify a cue or insert a new cue between two existing cues . Record and Track produce different results. The following keys were pressed to release captured channels and play back cue 1 .
Page 116 5 - 12 Expression 2.0 If you change the level in the beginning or middle of a track, you may want the change to continue through the remainder of the original track . To track the level modification we just recorded in the example above use [Track] instead of [Rec] to record channel one as on the previous page.
Page 117: Inserting Cues
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 13 Inserting cues If you insert a cue in this sequence, Record and Track produce different results . Record saves changes only in the cue you insert; Track saves the changes you make and tracks them through the following cues . The following keys were pressed to release captured channels and play back cue 1 .
Page 118 5 - 14 Expression 2.0 When you insert a cue with [Track] new channels track through the cues after it until Expression encounters a cue with a level previously re- corded for that channel. Pressing [Track] (rather than [Rec] as in the previous example) then [1][.][1] [Enter] to insert and record the same cue 1.1 as above produces...
Page 119: Blackout Cues And Tracking
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 15 Blackout cues and tracking Sometimes you may add a channel to a sequence of cues that has not used that channel yet . For example, you may want to add a channel to all cues in a scene .
Page 120 5 - 16 Expression 2.0 If cue 5 is an allfade, Expression records all unused channels at 00 percent . In the example below, an allfade enters 00 in channel 5, cue 5 . When you track a channel through the sequence, the new channel will not track through the blackout cue.
Page 121: Track Sheet Screen
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 17 Lesson 3 Track Sheet Tracked channels are channels whose levels do not change from one cue to the next . The Track Sheet allows you to display one channel’s settings for all recorded cues . At a glance you can see which cues have tracking levels for that particular channel .
Page 122: Track Sheet Description
5 - 18 Expression 2.0 Track sheet description Grand Master setting The Grand Master setting displays the master dimmer intensity level . With it you can control the maximum level of all channels . The Grand Master overrides all other settings .
Page 123: Working With Track Sheet
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 19 Working with Track Sheet With the Track Sheet you can track one channel at a time through any group of cues at any level, including zero . Track Sheet is useful when you want to track a channel through blackout cues, or when you want to complete a broken track .
Page 124 5 - 20 Expression 2.0 Track Sheet keystrokes: Action [Track Sheet] Displays Track Sheet. Selects channel five. [Cue] Indicates that you are going to enter cue numbers. [2] [Thru] [5] Selects cues two through five. [At] Indicates that you are going to enter intensity level.
Page 125: Lesson 4: Using Group
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 21 Lesson 4 Using Group If you have combinations of channels you use often to create looks, you can save time by using [Group] to record them at a proportional levels. Once it is recorded, a group can be combined with other channels to create cues, submasters or effects.
Page 126: Creating Groups
5 - 22 Expression 2.0 Creating groups You can create groups in Stage, Blind and Fader modes . To create a group, follow these steps: 1. Select channels . You can use any of the following to select chan- nels: recorded submasters; recorded cues, [Chan], [And] and [Thru], other groups.
Page 127: Modifying Groups
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 23 Modifying groups Expression allows you to modify groups in Blind or Stage modes though the process is different. Modifying groups in Blind Follow these steps to modify a group in Blind: 1. Press [Blind] . 2.
Page 128: Modifying Groups In Stage
5 - 24 Expression 2.0 Modifying groups in Stage To add the look on stage to a group in Stage follow these steps: 1. Press [Stage]. 2. Press [Group] to indicate that you are entering a group. 3. Enter the group number you want to modify.
Page 129: Deleting Groups
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 25 Deleting groups To delete a group in Blind, follow these steps: 1. Press [Blind]. 2. Press [Group] to indicate that you are entering a group. 3. Enter the group number you want to delete. 4.
Page 130: Copying Groups
5 - 26 Expression 2.0 Copying groups Once you have created a group, you may copy it and give it a name. This can be helpful if you want to create a group based on one you have already recorded. You can copy groups in Stage or Blind modes.
Page 131: Using Groups To Modify Cues Or Submasters In Blind
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 27 Using groups to modify cues or submasters in Blind When you modify a cue or a submaster using a group in Blind, follow these steps: 1. Press [Blind] . Expression prompts you for a cue number. 2.
Page 132: Using Group Sheet To Display Groups
5 - 28 Expression 2.0 Using Group Sheet to display groups Group Sheet is an expanded memory option. It allows you to list all recorded groups on screen. If you have named groups using the optional alphanumeric feature, group displays the names.
Page 133: Lesson 5 : Working With Effects
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 29 Lesson 5 Working with effects The effects feature lets you create special lighting effects such as lightning, strobes and chases . Each effect can contain up to 10 steps . Each step can include up to 10 channels, high and low intensity level limits for those channels, and a fade or delay time between steps.
Page 134: Creating An Effect
5 - 30 Expression 2.0 Creating an effect To create an effect follow these steps: 1. Press [Blind] . You must be in Blind to create an effect. 2. Press [Type] to display the fade type menu . 3. Select 3, Effect . Expression displays the following screen.
Page 135 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 31 7. Enter a delay or fade time between 00:00 and 99:59 . This is the length of time before the effect moves to the next step . You can enter time either in minutes and seconds or as fraction of a second in decimal format .
Page 136 5 - 32 Expression 2.0 Negative When you select negative, instead of flashing channels to their high level to create an effect, channels remain at their high levels and flash to their low level to create the effect. Alternate This modifier alternates playing the steps back in standard and negative modes .
Page 137 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 33 Effects keystrokes: Action [Blind] Displays Blind mode screen. [Type] Displays Cue Type Menu. Selects effects cue type. [Chan] Indicates next number entered will be a channel number. [1] [Thru] Selects channels one through 10. [1] [0] [Enter] Assigns channel one to step one.
Page 138: Inserting And Deleting Steps
5 - 34 Expression 2.0 Inserting and deleting steps To insert a step, select the step after which you want a new step inserted, and press [Step/Part] . To delete a step, select it and press [Clear]. Editing steps To edit effects steps,follow these steps: 1.
Page 139: Effects Shortcuts
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 35 Effects shortcuts Expression assumes you want to organize channels in a pattern . There- fore, you can enter the numbers of steps and channel numbers you want, and create all your steps at once. To create all your steps at once, press [Step/Part] [1] [Thru], and then enter the total number of steps you want .
Page 140: Styles
5 - 36 Expression 2.0 Lesson 6 Working with subroutines A subroutine is a cue that controls the playback of a series of existing cues . The subroutine feature lets you change fade rates for the subrou- tine without changing rates in the original cues .
Page 141: Creating Subroutines
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 37 Creating subroutines Each subroutine can hold up to 24 steps . Each step lists a cue or a style . The jump-to-cue option essentially lets you increase the number of steps indefinitely until you exceed 400 cues total. To create a subroutine follow these steps: 1.
Page 142 5 - 38 Expression 2.0 6. Press [Cue Select] . The following line appears at the top of the screen. CUE CROSSFADE TO 100% UP 00:00 DOWN 00:00 DELAY 00:00 7. Enter cue number you want for step one and press [Enter]. Cursor moves to Upfade field.
Page 143 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 39 13. Complete entering all cue steps and style steps as described above and using the following editing keys: [Step/Part] Selects steps numbers . Selected steps are highlighted on a monochrome monitor or displayed in yellow on a color monitor.
Page 144: Deleting A Step
5 - 40 Expression 2.0 Deleting a step Press [Step/Part], and enter the step number . Then press [Clear] . Expres- sion deletes the selected step and renumbers the remaining steps. Inserting a step Press [Step/Part], and enter the step number where you want to insert the new step .
Page 145 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 41 Subroutine keystrokes: Action [Blind] Displays Blind mode screen. [Cue] Selects cue number. Enters cue number. [Type] Displays fade type menu. Select subroutine fade type. [Cue Select] Indicates next number entered will be cue number. [1] [Enter] Enters cue 1.
Page 146 5 - 42 Expression 2.0 [Enter] Accepts 5 second downfade time. [Enter] Accepts 00 second delay time. [Enter] Displays style menu. Selects loop. Indicates to return to start of loop twice . Subroutine makes three runs through steps. [Enter] Enters the style.
Page 147: Lesson 7: Working With Autoloads
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 43 Lesson 7 Working with autoloads The autoload feature lets you load and playback cues in both fader pairs simultaneously . You can record any type of cue in an autoload . For example, you might want to run a regular crossfade cue in one fader and an effects cue in the other.
Page 148: Recording Autoloads From Stage
5 - 44 Expression 2.0 Recording autoloads from Stage To record an autoload from Stage follow these steps: 1. Press [Stage]. 2. Press [Cue], and enter one of the cue numbers you want to record in the autoload. 3. Press the AB fader [Go] to start the first cue.
Page 149: Recording, Previewing And Modifying Autoloads From Blind
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 45 Recording, previewing and modifying autoloads from Blind To record autoloads from the Blind mode screen, follow these steps: 1. Press [Blind] and [Autoload] . Expression displays the screen illus- trated below. 2. Enter autoload number you want to create or modify, and press [Enter] .
Page 150: Playing Back Autoloads
5 - 46 Expression 2.0 5. To modify playback rate, press [Time] . Enter a number between zero and 100 to indicate playback rate: zero stops the sequence, 50 plays it back at the recorded rate, and 100 flashes through cues or steps instantaneously.
Page 151: Lesson 8: Working With Macros
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 47 Lesson 8 Working with macros A macro works like a redial button on a telephone . You can store a series of keystrokes and later replay it with a simple keystroke . Macros simplify complex tasks that you perform often .
Page 152: Creating Or Modifying A Macro
5 - 48 Expression 2.0 Creating or modifying a macro Follow these steps to create a macro: 1. Plan your macro by determining exactly what keystrokes you want to include . You might want to do this by running through the task and writing down each keystroke.
Page 153 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 49 Left and right arrows Moves highlight to left or right . Up arrow Inserts keystroke before highlighted keystroke. Down arrow Deletes highlighted keystroke. Macro wait To program a pause in the macro, press [Macro wait] . Expression displays Macro-wait 00:00 .
Page 154: Using Submasters In Macros
5 - 50 Expression 2.0 Using submasters in macros You can enter a submaster bump switch in a macro to function in three different ways: to act as a normal bump switch; to fade a submaster to full, regardless of its current condition; or to fade a submaster out, regardless of its current condition .
Page 155: Cancelling A Macro
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5 - 51 Cancelling a macro To cancel a running macro, press the macro key again, or press [Macro wait] twice. Deleting a macro To delete a macro follow these steps: 1. Press [Setup]. 2. Select 11, Clear macro buttons, and press [Enter]. 3.
Page 156: Sample Macros
5 - 52 Expression 2.0 Sample macros Channel check At 00 + Full This macro brings each channel up to full for a channel check . Before you begin, you’ll probably want to bring up at least one channel for working light, then clear all other channels from stage .
Page 157: Using Print And Disk Options
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 1 chapter 6 using print and disk options This chapter includes instructions for using Expression’s print and disk options . Each of the following reports is explained and illustrated on the following pages.
Page 158: Print Options
6 - 2 Expression 2.0 Print options Before you begin printing, verify that your printer is installed correctly and that it is turned on . For instructions on installing printers, see Chapter 2, Installation . Fades in progress pause when reports are printing.
Page 159: Cues
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 3 Cues The cue report prints each cue on a separate page . From the Print Options Menu, select 2, and press [Enter] . Enter the first cue number you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all recorded cues . Press [Enter] .
Page 160: Cue Sheet
6 - 4 Expression 2.0 Cue sheet The cue sheet report lists all recorded cues . From the Print Options Menu, select 7, and press [Enter] . Enter the first cue number you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print the entire cue sheet . Press [Enter] .
Page 161: Designer's Worksheet
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 5 Designer’s Worksheet Since Worksheet regions are specialized macros, when you select the Print Designer’s Worksheet option, Expression prints all macros and worksheet regions . From the Print Options Menu, select 9, and press [Enter] . Enter the first region you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all regions .
Page 162: Groups
6 - 6 Expression 2.0 Groups The group report prints each recorded group on a separate page . From the Print Options Menu, select 3, and press [Enter] . Enter the first group number you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all recorded groups .
Page 163: Group Sheet
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 7 Group Sheet Group Sheet is a feature of Expression’s expanded memory option. Expression will only the print group sheet report when the expanded memory option is installed. The group sheet report lists all recorded groups. If you have named the groups using the optional alphanumeric keyboard, the group name is also included in the printout.
Page 164: Macros
6 - 8 Expression 2.0 Macros The macro buttons report lists all recorded macros . It also prints Designer’s Worksheet regions since they are specialized macros. From the Print Options Menu, select 10, and press [Enter] . Enter the first macro you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all macros .
Page 165: Real Time Programs
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 9 Real time programs From the Print Options Menu, select 8, and press [Enter] . Expression prints a report of all recorded real time programs on one sheet. EXPRESSION LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS,INC.
Page 166: Softpatch
6 - 10 Expression 2.0 Softpatch The softpatch report lists current dimmer-to-channel patches . When you select the Print Softpatch option Expression sends the report to the printer immediately . No options are available for this report . From the Print Options Menu, select 6, and press [Enter] .
Page 167: Stage Display
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 11 Stage display The Stage display report prints channel settings as they currently appear on Stage . When you select the Print Stage Display option, Expression sends the report to the printer immediately . No options are available for this report .
Page 168: Submasters
6 - 12 Expression 2.0 Submasters The submaster report prints each submaster on a separate page . From the Print Options Menu, select 4, and press [Enter] . Enter the first submaster number you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all recorded submasters .
Page 169: Submaster Sheet
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 13 Submaster Sheet Submaster Sheet is a feature of Expression's expanded memory option. Expression will only print the submaster sheet report if the expanded memory option is installed. The submaster sheet report prints all 48 submasters (24 in each of two pages).
Page 170: Track Sheet
6 - 14 Expression 2.0 Track Sheet The Track Sheet report lists all level settings for a specific channel in all recorded cues . From the Print Options Menu, select 5, and press [Enter] . Enter desired channel number, and press [Enter] . Expression sends report to the printer.
Page 171: Disk Management
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 15 Disk management Expression’s disk drive lets you save up to two shows per standard 3.5- inch computer disk .* This allows you to work on more than one show at a time or to use more than 400 cues for your production by loading a second show into memory after the first 400 cues .
Page 172: Storing Disks
Formatting disks Before you can use a disk in an Expression , you must format it on an ETC console. Disks formatted on a standard personal computer do not work in Expression. To format a disk, follow these steps: Warning: Formatting a disk erases all information recorded on it. For- matting does not affect show in console.
Page 173: Recording A Show On Disk
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 17 Recording a show on disk We recommend that you keep at least one backup copy of each show on a disk . Keep disks in a dry, safe place . When using the record option, any fades being executed are interrupted during the record operation;...
Page 174: Reading A Show From Disk
6 - 18 Expression 2.0 Reading a show from disk When you read a show from a disk and load it into memory, the new show overwrites the current show in the board . Therefore, if you want to keep the current show, follow the instructions on the previous page to record current show before you read a new show from disk.
Page 175: Verify Show On Disk
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options 6 - 19 Verify show on disk The Verify show on disk option compares a show that is recorded on disk with the show in memory . Expression indicates if the shows are identical or not .
Page 176: Erase Show From Disk
The message Configurations differ, cannot verify indicates one the following: • Show on disk was saved on a different type of ETC console or a different software version. • Show on disk has different system settings (such as softpatch, numbers of dimmers and channels) than show in console.
Page 177: Chapter 7 Accessories
Remote Focus Unit (RFU) • MIDI • Real Time Clock • Serial Button Protocol • Redundant Tracking Backup • Remote Submasters and Macros For accessory installation instructions, see Chapter 2, Installation. For purchase information, please contact your local dealer or ETC.
Page 178: Alphanumeric Keyboard
The alphanumeric keyboard allows you to assign names to cues, sub- masters, groups and shows. It is available only when expanded memory is installed. Call ETC or your local dealer to add the expanded memory option to your console. Once you have installed the expanded memory option, you can install a standard PC XT/AT compatible, manually switchable, alphanumeric keyboard.
Page 179: Naming Cues, Submasters And Groups
Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 3 Naming cues, submasters and groups You can use the alphanumeric keyboard to assign names to cues, submasters and groups. Names can consist of letters, numbers or the symbols: #, %, &, *, (, ), +, ‘, -, [, ], / as well as the comma and period. Follow these steps to name a cue or submaster: 1.
Page 180: Naming Shows
7 - 4 Expression 2.0 Naming shows You can use the alphanumeric keyboard to name the show currently loaded in the console. The names you give shows can consist of letters, numbers or the symbols: #, %, &, *, (, ), +, ‘, -, [, ], / as well as the comma and period.
Page 181: Designer's Worksheet
Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 5 Designer’s Worksheet Designer’s Worksheet gives you control of the console from any remote location such as in the house, on the set, or backstage . The Designer’s Worksheet is a digitizer tablet that emulates the console face panel in addition to providing user definable regions .
Page 182: Using The Digitizer
7 - 6 Expression 2.0 Using the digitizer To use the digitizer to control console keys, touch the corresponding button on the worksheet with the stylus . To use submaster pots or the fader wheel, drag the stylus along the corresponding control strip.
Page 183: Programming Regions
Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 7 Programming regions Before you begin programming, design your worksheet regions by drawing them on the worksheet tablet provided . Place your drawing under the clear plastic cover sheet, and you’re ready to start . To create new or edit existing regions and macros, follow these steps: 1.
Page 184 7 - 8 Expression 2.0 6. To create a new region or to change an existing region, trace the area you want to define for that macro number . To keep an existing region, touch [Enter]. Expression displays a highlighted R next to the macro number to indicate that a region is defined for it.
Page 185: Deleting Regions
Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 9 Deleting regions To delete a region, follow these steps: 1. Press [Setup] to display the Set Up Menu. 2. Select 12, Designer's Workspace, and press [Enter]. 3. To clear a range of regions, enter the first region number you want to clear, and press [Enter] .
Page 186: Infrared Remote Focus Unit (Irfu)
225 feet (75 yards). With it you can play back cues and macros, and access dimmers, channels, groups, and cues. The IRFU can also be wired to the main control console.To enable the IRFU in Expression, ETC must modify the console at the factory. On/Tx Back...
Page 187 Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 11 Connector for hard wire connection to receiving unit. Pressing any key on the infrared controller automatically turns power on. Once you have turned the unit on, if no key is pressed after three minutes, the power shuts off. The unit is powered by a nine-volt, size PP3 battery.
Page 188: Remote Focus Unit (Rfu)
7 - 12 Expression 2.0 Remote Focus Unit (RFU) The Remote Focus Unit (RFU) is a small, portable control panel you can use from a remote location, such as in the house, on your studio set or from backstage . You can use an RFU with or without a remote monitor.
Page 189 Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 13 For RFU installation instructions see Chapter 2, Installation. RFU must be turned Off before you install it . For instruction on installing a remote monitor, see Installing two monitors on page 2 - 4. To operate your installed RFU, move power switch to On .
Page 190: Midi
. The MIDI protocol can operate cues, macros and submaster bump switches. ETC assumes that MIDI users have a working knowledge of MIDI . This section provides MIDI interface information, message formats and message definitions . If you need more technical information about MIDI, contact ETC.
Page 191: Interfacing With Midi
Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 15 Interfacing with MIDI Follow these steps to connect MIDI equipment to Expression : 1. Turn console power off. 2. Insert standard MIDI cable into the connector on the back of the console labeled MIDI In . Warning: Do not insert MIDI cable into connector labeled Keyboard;...
Page 192: Message Formats
7 - 16 Expression 2.0 Message formats The following table lists MIDI message formats used to control Expression. All numbers are in Hex format. Note off message format <8n><kk><vv> Note off status MIDI channel number (0-7) Key number (0-7F) Note off velocity (0-7F) Note on message format <9n><kk><vv>...
Page 193: Message Definitions
Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 17 Message definitions Submaster bump switch execution C5 - B5 Submasters 1 - 12 C6 - B6 Submasters 13 - 24 Note: C5 = MIDI note #60 or middle C. Cue execution in AB fader pair Next cue Program change 0 Cues 1 - 127...
Page 194: Real Time Clock
7 - 18 Expression 2.0 Real Time Clock The Real Time Clock option allows you to program cues to playback in real time . That is, you can program a cue to playback automatically at any time of day on any day of the week . For example, you might program the work lights to come on for a choir rehearsal on stage between 7 p.m.
Page 195 Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 19 3. Select a program number, and press [Enter] . 4. Enter the cue number you want program to bring up, and press [Enter] . 5. Enter the time you want cue to playback . Enter time in military format .
Page 196: Setting Real Time Clock
7 - 20 Expression 2.0 Setting Real Time Clock Follow these steps to set Real Time Clock: 1. Press [Set Up] . 2. Select 10, Set real time clock, and press [Enter] . Expression displays the following screen. 3. At Current Time prompt, enter time in military format . For example, enter 8:00 a.m.
Page 197: Serial Button Protocol
Expression. In effect, the protocol lets you push all the console buttons from the host device. Serial Button Protocol can be used in architectural applications or any computerized lighting control system. For more information about the protocol, contact ETC.
Page 198: Redundant Tracking Backup
7 - 22 Expression 2.0 Redundant Tracking Backup Redundant Tracking Backup allows you to connect two Expression consoles, one as the master console and the other as the slave (backup) . The slave console mimics all key presses from the master .
Page 199 Chapter 7 Accessories 7 - 23 3. Insert disks into both consoles. The show you load into consoles must be identical and must be recorde on the disks as the same show number as either show one or show two. 4.
Page 200: Remote Submasters And Remote Macros
7 - 24 Expression 2.0 Remote Submasters and Remote Macros Remote submasters and macros are small, portable control consoles that control submasters and macros from locations up to 1000 feet from your main control console. You can have up to four remote control stations;...
Page 201: Chapter 8 Reference
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 1 chapter 8 reference This reference chapter lists all Expression keys, features and menu options in alphabetical order . Listings include a description of the feature and instructions for using it. For more instructions on using Expression to create shows, you may find the tutorials in Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 helpful .
Page 202: And
8 - 2 Expression 2.0 [And] allows you to select a set of channels, cues, dimmers, or steps that has a break in the numerical sequence . You can then enter an intensity level for the set . For example, you can select channels 1 and 7 and 9.
Page 203 3. Enter a two-digit intensity level setting for selected channels . Or, if you prefer to enter levels on a scale of 1 to 10 (for example, 1 = 10 percent, 2 = 20 percent, etc.) enter a one-digit level, and press [Enter].
Page 204: Autoload
8 - 4 Expression 2.0 Autoload The autoload feature lets you load both fader pairs simultaneously . You can record any cues in an autoload . For example, you might want to run a regular crossfade cue in one fader and an effects cue in the other.
Page 205: Back
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 5 Back [Back] lets you replay previously played cues. This is a handy feature for bows or similar situations. The back key replays the most recently played cue, regardless of the order in which the cues were recorded in the cue sheet. It then plays subsequent cues in reverse numerical order.
Page 206: Black Out
8 - 6 Expression 2.0 Black out [Black out] forces all channels to a zero intensity level . All dimmers immediately black out . Expression displays the message Black out in flashing letters when Black out is active. To restore channel settings, press [Black out] again .
Page 207: Blind
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 7 Blind Blind is a display mode that allows you to create, preview or edit cues, submasters, and effects without affecting live fixtures . If you want live control of dimmers, use Stage mode. When you press [Blind], Expression displays the following screen: While in Blind mode there are three other screens that you can display, the Autoload, Subroutines and Effects screens .
Page 208: Bump Switches
8 - 8 Expression 2.0 Bump switches Bump switches push untimed submasters to 100 percent immediately and hold them at that level for as long as you press the bump switch . If the submaster has timed fades, pressing the bump switch initiates the upfade .
Page 209 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 9 Recording submaster using bump switches You may also use bump switches to indicate the submaster in which you want to record a current look . To record a pile-on submaster using a bump switch, follow these steps: 1.
Page 210: Captured Channels
8 - 10 Expression 2.0 Captured channels Captured channels are channels that you have selected and that are live on stage . They remain live until you press [Rel] to release them . Cap- tured channels override all other channel settings except the Grand Master.
Page 211: Chan
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 11 Chan [Chan] allows you to select channels in all display modes . Pressing [Chan], indicates that the next number entered will be a channel number . Once channels are selected, you have immediate keyboard control over channel levels .
Page 212 8 - 12 Expression 2.0 Selecting channels in Track Sheet Track Sheet displays level settings of one channel for all recorded cues . When you select the Track Sheet display, Expression prompts you to enter the channel number you want to display . To change the channel displayed: 1.
Page 213: Clear
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 13 Clear The gray [Clear]’s primary function is to delete cues and tracks and clear submasters . You can also delete channel tracks using [Clear] . Occasion- ally an error message may prompt you to press [Clear]. You can also use [Clear] to clear an incorrect level setting and reset it to zero .
Page 214 8 - 14 Expression 2.0 Clearing channel to extend a track [Clear] allows you to clear levels from selected channels in a cue, so that levels from the previous cue will be pulled into the displayed cue . If the...
Page 215: Clear Fader
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 15 Clear fader The blue [Clear] keys next to fader pairs clear all cue information from faders . The default fader clear time is zero; therefore channels fade immediately . To change fader clear time, follow these steps: 1.
Page 216: Clear Show From Memory
8 - 16 Expression 2.0 Clear show from memory The Clear show from memory option on the Set Up Menu clears all cues, submasters, effects, subroutines, groups, autoloads, and real-time programs from memory . It does not clear macros, regions, softpatch or system settings .
Page 217: Cue
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 17 [Cue] allows you to select a cue to display in Blind mode or to playback in Stage mode or to modify from Track Sheet . Pressing [Cue] indicates that the next number entered will be a cue number . Displaying cues in Blind To display in Blind mode, follow these steps: 1.
Page 218 8 - 18 Expression 2.0 Selecting cues in Stage To select a cue to playback in Stage, follow these steps: 1. Press [Stage]. 2. Press [Cue]. 3. Enter cue number you want to playback next . Expression moves the cue you enter to the top of the cue sheet and highlights it.
Page 219 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 19 Selecting cues in Track Sheet To select cues while in Track Sheet, follow these steps: 1. Press [Cue]. 2. Enter cue numbers and [And] or [Thru] to enter a group of cues. Example [Track Sheet] [Cue] [1] [Thru] [5] selects cues 1 through 5 from the Track Sheet.
Page 220: Delay Time
8 - 20 Expression 2.0 Delay time To change the delay time for linked cues or cues linked to macros, follow these steps: 1. Press [Cue], and enter the first cue in the link . 2. Press [Link] twice .
Page 221: Diagnostic System Clear
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 21 Diagnostic system clear The Diagnostic system clear option erases all cues, groups, submasters, autoloads, macros, and real-time programs, and it resets all system settings to their factory default settings. Warning: When you initiate a diagnostic system clear, all show data stored in Expression is lost.
Page 222: Dim
8 - 22 Expression 2.0 [Dim] allows you to select a specific dimmer or a group of dimmers . The two times when you need to select dimmers are for softpatching and for unpatching single dimmers . For more information about softpatching, see Chapter 3, Entering softpatch and system settings.
Page 223: Dimmer Profiles
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 23 Dimmer profiles Dimmer profiles allow you to select a specific output curve for a dimmer over the range of a fade . This can compensate for nonlinear light outputs from certain types of fixtures or incorporate a preferred response in a fade .
Page 224 8 - 24 Expression 2.0 Dimmer profile graphs Linear IES square Slow bottom Percent fade complete Fast bottom Slow top Percent fade complete...
Page 225 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 25 Fast top Full at 1% Percent fade complete Preheat 5% Preheat 10% Hot patch Percent fade complete...
Page 226: Effects Keys
8 - 26 Expression 2.0 Effects keys Effects are cues that include a series of steps . The effect plays back the steps to produce one of the special effects described below. Each effect can hold up to 10 steps, each with up to 10 channels . Steps list channels, the high and low intensity level limits for those channels, and the fade or wait time for those channels .
Page 227: Enter
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 27 Enter [Enter] functions as an Enter key does on most computer keyboards . It indicates that you have finished entering a number or have completed an operation . The operator prompt line indicates when you should use this key.
Page 228: Except
8 - 28 Expression 2.0 Except [Except] allows you to exclude a subset from active channels when you are recording a cue, group or submaster . You can also use [Except] to exclude a subset of the current selected channels from direct keyboard control.
Page 229 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 29 • Enter cues or groups by pressing [Cue] or [Group] and entering the cue or group number . To enter more than one cue or group, press [And] between numbers. 6. Press [Enter] to record the look. Examples [Rec] [Cue] [2] [3] [Except], bump switch 1, bump switch 4, bump switch 7 [Enter] records the current look as cue 23 except for channels included...
Page 230 8 - 30 Expression 2.0 Selecting channels, cues or dimmers with [Except] When you are selecting channels for a look, cues in the Track Sheet, or dimmers on the patch screen, use [Except] to exclude a subset of the items (channels, cues or dimmers) already selected . Follow these steps to exclude items.
Page 231: Expand
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 31 Expand [Expand] allows you to toggle between 125-channel display and 250- channel display in Stage, Blind and Fader modes . To expand the standard 125 Expression channel display screen, press [Expand] . To return screen to 125-channel display, press [Expand] again.
Page 232: Fader Display
8 - 32 Expression 2.0 Fader display [Fader] displays the Fader mode screen . Fader mode displays captured channels and channels currently in either one or both fader pairs . Like Stage, Fader mode is live . You can select and capture channels and make live adjustments to them .
Page 233: Fader Wheel
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 33 Fader wheel The fader wheel gives you incremental, proportional control of selected channels’ intensity levels . When selected channels are displayed on your screen, regardless of what mode Expression is in, you can move the fader wheel to adjust level settings.
Page 234: Flash
8 - 34 Expression 2.0 Flash [Flash] pushes selected channels to a level of either zero or full depend- ing on their level when you press [Flash] . If selected channels are set at a level from one to 50 percent, press [Flash] to flash them to full . If selected channels are set at a level from 51 percent to full, press [Flash] to flash them to zero .
Page 235: Flexichannel
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 35 Flexichannel When Flexichannel mode is enabled, Expression displays only selected channels and channels that are part of a recorded cue, submaster, group, or effect; channels not used in the current show do not appear on the display screen.
Page 236: Full
8 - 36 Expression 2.0 Full [Full] enters full intensity for all selected channels . [Full] works in all display modes . When you use [Full], you do not have to press [At]. You can change the level [Full] enters by changing the default setting .
Page 237 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 37 The [Go] keys initiate the playback of cues . When you press a [Go] key, the cue highlighted on the cue sheet begins playing back in the fader pair . If you have pressed [Hold] to interrupt the playback of a cue, press [Go] to resume the fade.
Page 238: Grand Master
8 - 38 Expression 2.0 Grand Master The Grand Master pot overrides all other channel level settings except [Black out] . Normally the Grand Master is set at 10 (100 percent) so that all channels operate at 100 percent of their set levels . When the Grand...
Page 239: Group
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 39 Group [Group] allows you to store groups of channels at proportional levels . When you select a group, Expression selects its channels . If you then press [At] and enter a level, the console enters at percentage of the group’s recorded levels .
Page 240 8 - 40 Expression 2.0 Naming groups Expression's expanded memory features an optional alphanumeric keyboard option. With the keyboard, you can name cues, submasters, groups, and shows. Follow these steps to use the keyboard to assign a name to a group: 1.
Page 241: Group Sheet
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 41 Group Sheet Group Sheet is a feature of Expression’s expanded memory option. It is available only when expanded memory is installed. The group sheet allows you to display all recorded groups on screen. To display Group Sheet, press [Blind] [Group] [Page].
Page 242: Help
8 - 42 Expression 2.0 Help [Help] provides a brief explanation for all key functions . To display help screens: 1. Press [Help]. 2. Press any key on the console . Expression displays a description of the key you pressed.
Page 243: Hold
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 43 Hold [Hold] stops the playback of the cue in the fader pair above the key . To resume the playback, press [Go] . To cancel the playback, press [Hold] again . The faders hold current levels until you play another cue or clear the fader pair.
Page 244: Infinite Wait Times
8 - 44 Expression 2.0 Infinite wait times Expression lets you enter an infinite wait time on submasters . An infinite wait time holds a timed submaster for an indefinite period of time . To start the downfade, press bump switch again.
Page 245: Inhibitive Submasters
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 45 Inhibitive submasters Inhibitive submasters are submasters that include a set of channels whose levels you can limit to a specific level. Inhibitive submasters work similarly to the Grand Master, but for a limited number of channels. When an inhibitive submaster is set at 10 (100 percent), no channels are affected by it .
Page 246: Link
8 - 46 Expression 2.0 Link [Link] joins two or more recorded cues to one another so that they playback automatically in the sequence you link them . Each cue in the link counts as one cue in the 400 cue limit.
Page 247 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 47 Example [Cue] [1] [Link] [2] [Enter] [5] [Enter] links cue 1 to cue 2 with a five second delay time between the cues. [Cue] [1] [Link] [Link] [6] changes the delay time to six seconds. Deleting links To delete link information from a cue, follow these steps: 1.
Page 248: Macros
8 - 48 Expression 2.0 Macros Macros allow you to store a sequence of keystrokes and play them back by starting the sequence with just one keystroke. For example, you may want to check each of your channels by bringing each up for a couple of seconds .
Page 249: Minus
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 49 Minus (-) The minus key [-] decreases the value of a highlighted number by one . The value could be a channel number, a cue number, a level setting, or any other type of number that is highlighted on the screen . The plus key [+] increases the value of a highlighted number by one.
Page 250 8 - 50 Expression 2.0 Page Page has two functions: one is to select submaster pages; the other is to display the Submaster and Group Sheets. Submaster pages Expression has two pages of submasters . Each page stores a complete set of recorded submasters .
Page 251 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 51 4. Press the submaster bump switch in which you want to record look. Shortcut: To load the other page, press [Page] [+] [Enter]. Hint: If you use both pages of submasters, you may want to record the following macros: [Rec] [Page] [1], and [Rec] [Page] [2].
Page 252: Patch
8 - 52 Expression 2.0 Patch [Patch] displays the softpatch setup screen . The softpatch setup screen allows you to assign dimmers to channel numbers . The softpatch screen is illustrated below . For complete instructions on softpatching, see Chapter 3, Entering softpatch and system settings .
Page 253: Plus (+)
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 53 Plus (+) The plus key [+] increases the value of a highlighted number by one . The value could be a channel number, a cue number, a level setting, or any other type of number that is highlighted on the screen . The minus key [-] decreases the value of a highlighted number by one.
Page 254: Potentiometers (Pots)
8 - 54 Expression 2.0 Potentiometers (Pots) Potentiometers, commonly referred to as pots , are sliding fader controls. The AB and CD fader pairs and the Grand Master are potentiometers . These pots have special functions on Expression and are described in separate sections of this chapter, Timed fader pairs and Grand Master .
Page 255: Power
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 55 Power The power switch is key operated . Both keys shipped with your console work in the power switch . To turn the console on, insert the key, and turn it to the ON position . To turn the console off, insert the key, and turn it to the OFF position.
Page 256: Rec
8 - 56 Expression 2.0 [Rec] indicates that you want to save a look that is currently on stage or on the screen as a cue, group, submaster, or autoload . When you record a cue using [Rec], levels are recorded only in the specified cue.
Page 257: Record
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 57 Record The key switch labeled Record lets you disable the record function . When the switch is set at On you can record all show information as described in this manual . When switch is in the Lock position, all play- back functions work, but you cannot change or record show information from the show in memory.
Page 258: Rel
8 - 58 Expression 2.0 [Rel] releases captured channels . Captured channels are live channels that you have selected in Stage or Fader modes . Captured channels may or may not be under direct control of the keyboard. When you press [Rel], Expression first releases captured channels that are under direct keyboard control (selected channels) .
Page 259: Setup
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 59 Setup [Setup] displays the Setup Menu, which is illustrated below . The Setup Menu provides access to disk options, System Settings Menu, print options, clear cues option, real-time clock option, macro options and Designer’s Worksheet options. Each of these features is described in detail elsewhere in this manual .
Page 260: Solo
8 - 60 Expression 2.0 Solo [Solo] lets you select a channel or a group of channels and suppress all others to a level of zero . [Solo] is useful for selecting part of a look currently displayed on your screen (in any mode) and recording only that portion.
Page 261 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 61 Using [Solo] in Blind or Track Sheet 1. Select a subset of the current channels displayed . 2. Press [Solo] . All unselected channel levels are removed from the screen. 3. You can now save the selected channels as a cue, group or submas- ter .
Page 262: Stage
8 - 62 Expression 2.0 Stage Stage mode gives you live control of all channels . The Stage mode screen displays the final output level for all channels . The levels dis- played in Stage take into account recorded submaster levels, pile-on submaster settings, inhibitive submasters settings, cues loaded in fader pairs, captured channels, and grand master setting .
Page 263: Step/Part
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 63 Step/Part The Step/Part key is used in editing subroutines and effects, and in creating and editing mulitpart cues. For information on using Step/Part to edit effects, see page 5 - 34. For information on using Step/Part to edit subroutines, see page 5 - 40.
Page 264: Sub
8 - 64 Expression 2.0 Pressing [Sub] indicates that the next number entered will be a submas- ter number . You may want to select a submaster to display it in Blind, or you might use [Sub] when you save a look in a submaster .
Page 265: Submaster Sheet
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 65 Submaster Sheet The Submaster Sheet lists all submasters. Page one and two are dis- played separately. Press [Blind] [Sub] [Page] to display Submaster Sheet. Press [Page] to toggle between Submaster Sheet for page one and page two. All 24 submaster pots per page are represented in the Submaster Sheet.
Page 266: System Settings Menu
8 - 66 Expression 2.0 System Settings Menu The System Settings Menu includes options for setting default values, softpatch customizing options, system configuration options, and access to the Designer’s Worksheet options menu . The chart on the next page indicates where each menu option is described in this manual.
Page 267: System Setting Options
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 67 System setting options Default full level Chapter 3, Entering softpatch and system settings, page 3 - 14. Chapter 3, Entering softpatch and system settings, Default up/down fade times page 3 - 14. Default fader clear time Chapter 3, Entering softpatch and system settings, page 3 - 15.
Page 268: Thru
8 - 68 Expression 2.0 Thru [Thru] allows you to select a range of channels or cues . You can then enter an intensity level for the entire range at one time . For example, you can select channels 1 through 10.
Page 269: Time
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 69 Time [Time] lets you modify the upfade, downfade and wait times for indi- vidual cues and submasters . To modify fade and wait times, follow these steps: 1. Press [Cue] or [Sub], and enter the cue or submaster number you want to modify.
Page 270: Timed Fader Pairs
8 - 70 Expression 2.0 Timed fader pairs The AB and CD fader pairs are timed faders through which you can play back recorded cues. The two fader pairs are independent of each other. You can playback cues in both fader pairs at the same time. The fader pairs operate in two different modes: level override and proportional rate override.
Page 271 Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 71 Fader pair function for linked cues, effects, subroutines, and autoloads When you playback linked cues, effects, subroutines, or autoloads containing linked cues, the left fader controls intensity levels . The right fader controls the playback rate . When you begin the cue fade, Expres- sion plays it back at the recorded rate;...
Page 272: Track
8 - 72 Expression 2.0 Track The [Track] feature provides a simple method of tracking channels through several cues . Tracked channels are channels in which an inten- sity level setting is unchanged from the previous cue . Complete description and instructions on using the [Track] feature...
Page 273: Track Sheet
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 73 Track Sheet [Track Sheet] displays the Track Sheet mode screen . While in Track Sheet, press [Track Sheet] again to display a second screen of cues, if any . Track Sheet displays level settings of one channel for all recorded cues .
Page 274: Type
8 - 74 Expression 2.0 Type [Type] displays the fade type options described below . The menu that appears in Stage omits the effect and subroutine options. In subroutines, another fade type (plusfade) is also available. To select a cue fade type in Stage, Blind or Fader modes, press [Type], and enter an option number .
Page 275: Update
Chapter 8 Reference 8 - 75 Update In Stage mode, [Update] allows you to modify, or add channel levels to, a recorded cue or cue part, submaster or group without recording the entire stage look . Follow these steps to use [Update] to modify a cue. 1.
Page 276: Appendix Adip Switch Settings
Switches in the down position are off; switches in the up position are on . Expression does not use DIP switches A1, A2, and A5 . DIP switch B8 must be Off for the system to boot. Messages ETC messages ARRI messages CRT AC line frequency 60 Hz...
Page 277 A- 2 Expression 2.0 Analog dimmer outputs 96 wire per dimmer outputs 192 wire per dimmer outputs Strand 192 AMX192 Multiplex outputs On Strand 384 AMX192 Multiplex outputs On Digital dimmer outputs DMX 512 output ETC/LMI output Colortran D192 output* *Remove jumper R and install jumper S.
Page 278: Appendix B Error Messages
The show you are trying to verify was either 1) configured with different system settings such as numbers of channels or dimmers, or 2) saved from an earlier version of ETC software or a different type of ETC console. Console configured without a face panel Indicates that console does not detect an operational face panel .
Page 279 Expression 2.0 Error found in dynamic RAM Indicates hardware error in dynamic memory chip . Please note chip number indicated by the messages and call ETC field service at (608) 831-4116. Error found in EPROM check sums Indicates that an EPROM has been corrupted . Console may fail to operate correctly .
Page 280 Normally, you can press [Clear] and continue using console without any problems . Console memory is not affected when message is displayed. If this message occurs frequently, your main console power supply might be out of adjustment . Please call ETC field service if this message occurs often.
Page 281 B - 4 Expression 2.0 You can disable this message by setting DIP switch B6 in the down position . For more information about DIP switch settings, see Appendix A, DIP switch settings . Optional feature not installed on this system The option you selected is not installed on this console .
Page 282: Appendix C Specifications
Specifications C - 1 appendix c specifications Internal interfaces • Input options • Up to 192 0-10V DC analog inputs for readback from manual consoles • 0-28V DC also available • Analog output options • Up to 192 0-10V DC dimmer outputs •...
Page 283 C - 2 Expression 2.0 Cue capacity • 400 cues per show • 2 shows per disk • 250 control channels • Proportional softpatching of up to 1,024 DMX512 dimmers • Multipart cues • 10 selectable dimmer profiles Display functions •...
Page 284 Specifications C - 3 • 24 submaster potentiometers • 2 pages of 24 recorded submaster looks • Fully overlapping channel assignments • Proportional channel levels • Bump switch on all 24 submasters • Recordable fade and wait times 12 submasters programmable for inhibitive operation •...
Page 285 C - 4 Expression 2.0 Macro function • 125 macro selections for the programming of up to 32 button sequences each (640 macro are available with expanded memory) • Optional memory expansion card to allow for 640 macros Effects packages •...
Page 286: Index
Index Index Accessories Channel modes 4-2, 4-6 alphanumeric keyboard 7-2 Channel zero 3-4 Designer’s Worksheet 7-5 Channels MIDI 7-14 customizing 3-5 Real Time Clock 7-18 selecting 8-11 Redundant Tracking Backup 7-22 Clear 8-13 Remote Focus Unit 7-12 Clear faders 4-35, 8-15 Serial Button Protocol 7-21 Clear show from memory 8-16 Allfade 5-15, 8-74...
Page 287 Expression 2.0 Cues (continued...) Displaying multipart 5-3 groups 5-28 creating 5-3 submasters 4-48 definition 5-3 wait times 5-3 Effects 5-2, 5-29, 8-74 naming 7-3, 8-19 bounce 5-29, 8-26 numbering 8-19 inserting steps 5-34 playing back 4-25, 4-27 keys 8-26 selecting 4-26...
Page 288 Index level override 8-70 Designer’s Worksheet 2-13 manual 4-29 dimmers 2-8 proportional rate override 8-70 Infrared Remote Focus Unit 2-18 using to run monitor 2-3 autoloads 8-71 printer 2-10 effects 8-71 Redundant Tracking Backup 2-17 linked cues 8-71 Remote Focus Unit 2-16 subroutines 8-71 remote macros 2-20 Features 1-2...
Page 289 Expression 2.0 Multipart cues (continued...) Cue Sheet 6-4 converting regular cues to 5-6 cues 6-3 creating 5-4 Designer’s Worksheet 6-5 definition 5-3 Group Sheet 6-7 editing groups 6-6 channels 5-7 macros 6-8 fade and wait times 5-7 Real Time Programs 6-9...
Page 290 Index Remote submasters 7-24 pages of 4-38 installing 2-20 record 4-39 pinout 2-20 record to a different page 4-40 Subroutines 5-36 creating 5-37 Save show 4-51 deleting step 5-40 Selected channels 4-6 inserting step 5-40 Selecting cues 4-26 playing back 8-71 Serial Button Protocol 7-21 plusfade 8-74 Serial printer 2-10...

ETC Expression 2.0 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Appendix A DIP Switch Settings

Appendix B Error Messages

Chapter 2 Installation

Chapter 3 Entering Softpatch and System Settings

Chapter 4 Learning the Basics

Chapter 5 Learning Advanced Techniques

Chapter 6 Using Print and Disk Options

Chapter 7 Accessories

Chapter 8 Reference

Appendix Adip Switch Settings

Appendix B Error Messages

Appendix C Specifications

Index

Quick Links

Need help?

Questions and answers

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Summary of Contents for ETC Expression 2.0