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Acclaim Lighting 300 series User Manual

Lighting control system
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acclaim
300 series
Lighting control system
Version 2.12
User Manual
November 1993
Copyright 1993 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

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  • Page 1 300 series Lighting control system Version 2.12 User Manual November 1993 Copyright 1993 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    table of contents Chapter 1 Introduction ........................1 Acclaim 300 features..................2 Using this manual..................3 Text conventions..................4 Pile-on convention..................4 Getting help....................4 Customer service ..................5 Chapter 2 Installation ........................7 Acclaim 300 back panel illustration..............8 Installing your console ..................
  • Page 3 Chapter 4 Learning the basics ...................... 39 Lesson 1 Acclaim 300 keyboard .................. 40 LCD Operator Display................42 Lesson 2 Working in two-scene mode ................ 45 Creating scenes ..................46 Manual crossfades ................. 46 Timed crossfades ................... 49 Lesson 3 Working in single-scene mode ..............
  • Page 4 Lesson 2 Working with chases..................78 Chase types................... 79 Creating and recording chases..............80 Running chases ..................82 Modifying chase rate and intensity level..........83 Stopping chases..................84 Editing chases..................85 Editing a step in an existing chase ............89 Using [Beat] to control chase speed............
  • Page 5 Chapter 8 Reference ........................117 [And]......................118 [At]....................... 118 [Beat]......................119 Blackout [B/O] ....................120 Bump buttons....................121 Channel Button Disable [CBD] ..............121 Channel [Chan] .................... 122 Channel sliders..................... 123 [Chase] ......................123 [Clear] ......................124 Cross faders ....................124 [Dim]......................
  • Page 6 Appendix A Specifications ....................... 141 Appendix B Error messages ......................143 Index ..........................145 Console illustration ................. Inside back cover...

  • Page 8: Chapter 1 Introduction

    chapter 1 introduction Welcome to Acclaim 300 from Electronic Theatre Controls. Acclaim 300 combines easy-to-use manual control with sophisticated electronic features. The Acclaim 300 is available in four versions, each with a different channel configuration. • Model AC/312, with 12 control channels in two-scene mode and 24 control channels in single-scene mode •...

  • Page 9: Acclaim 300 Features

    Chapter 1 Introduction Acclaim 300 features Acclaim 300 is a two-scene console that provides the following features: • Independent faders to control timed and manual crossfades • Single- or two-scene operation • Proportional softpatch that accommodates up to 512 dimmers •...

  • Page 10: Using This Manual

    Chapter 1 Introduction Using this manual This manual describes how to use Acclaim 300's features. The following chapters are included: Chapter 1 Acclaim 300 capabilities, User Manual Introduction conventions and customer support. Chapter 2 Instructions for installing Acclaim 300 , Installation monitor and printer.

  • Page 11: Text Conventions

    Chapter 1 Introduction Text conventions In this manual, references to console buttons are enclosed in square brackets, for example [Chase]. Further explanation of the button's function may be enclosed in parentheses after the bracketed word. Slider settings are printed in bold type, e.g., 10. References to other sections of the manual are printed in italics, e.g., Chapter 1, Introduction .

  • Page 12: Customer Service

    Chapter 1 Introduction Customer service 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 Electronic Theatre Controls for customer service. Please have the following information available before you call: •...

  • Page 14: Chapter 2 Installation

    chapter 2 installation This chapter provides installation instructions for the Acclaim 300 , including the following procedures: Installing your Acclaim 300 console • • Connecting dimmers to the Acclaim 300 • Installing optional monochrome monitor • Installing optional parallel printer...

  • Page 15: Acclaim 300 Back Panel Illustration

    Chapter 2 Installation Acclaim 300 back panel illustration...

  • Page 16: Installing Your Console

    Chapter 2 Installation Installing your console To install your Acclaim 300 , follow these steps: 1. Place console on a hard, stable, flat surface with at least six inches of space behind it for ventilation and cable clearance. Console should be at least six feet away from dimmers and high-current AC lines.

  • Page 17: Attaching Dimmers

    Chapter 2 Installation Attaching dimmers The Acclaim 300 back panel has one dimmer output port for DMX512 dimmers. Pinout information is provided below. Digital DMX512 output Connector XLR 5-pin female Pinout Common Data (–) (DMX512) Data (+) (DMX512) No connection No connection...

  • Page 18: Installing Monitor

    Chapter 2 Installation Installing monitor Acclaim 300 supports an optional monochrome monitor. The monitor uses a standard TTL interface via a 9-pin D connector. AC power for the monitor is available through an auxiliary receptacle on the console's back panel labeled AC Out. To install the monochrome monitor, follow these steps: 1.
  • Page 19 Chapter 2 Installation 8. Press [F2] (Console) then press [F1] or [F2] until display reads as below. display LAST NEXT CHANGE 9. Press [F3] (Change) to select On or Off. Selecting On activates the console's monitor interface; selecting Off disables the monitor. 10.
  • Page 20 Chapter 2 Installation Monitor pinout Console connector DB-9 male Pinout Common Not connected Not connected Not connected Not connected Intensity Video Horizontal sync Vertical sync...

  • Page 21: Installing Parallel Printer

    Chapter 2 Installation Installing parallel printer Acclaim 300 supports an optional parallel printer. The printer uses a Centronic interface on a standard 25-pin, D connector. To install the parallel printer, follow these steps: 1. Turn console Off. 2. Insert the printer cable into the connector labeled Parallel printer on the back panel.

  • Page 22: Entering Patch And System Settings

    chapter 3 entering patch and system settings The first steps in using the Acclaim 300 are creating your softpatch and selecting system settings. This chapter includes the following instructions: Acclaim 300's softpatch capability gives you complete flexibility in assigning dimmers to control channels. It allows you to select a default one-to-one softpatch setup, or to create a custom softpatch.

  • Page 23: Getting Help

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Getting Help Press the [Help] button in the Patch keypad to access Acclaim 300's eight softpatch help screens. Help messages are displayed in the LCD Patch Display. Press [Plus] to move forward through screens or [Minus] to return to previous screens.

  • Page 24: Entering Default One-To-One Softpatch

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Entering default one-to-one softpatch The one-to-one softpatch assigns dimmer 1 to channel 1, dimmer 2 to channel 2, and so on. If you have more dimmers than channels, the default setting assigns the first extra dimmer to channel 1, the second extra dimmer to channel 2, and so on.

  • Page 25: Setting Default Output Level

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Setting default output level When you use default softpatch, the default output level assigned to each dimmer is set by the default level assignment. The factory-set default level is 100 percent. Follow these steps to change the default output level.
  • Page 26 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 5. Press [F3] (Change); display reads: Default Level DOWN 6. Press [F1] (Down) or [F2] (Up) to decrease or increase the output level displayed in the upper right hand corner of the display. 7.

  • Page 27: Creating Custom Softpatch

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Creating custom softpatch The following sections deal with creating a custom softpatch. • Using channel zero • Entering numbers of channels and dimmers • Softpatching dimmers to channels Hint: If you use the same softpatch for several shows, create the softpatch, and record it on a diskette before you start recording submasters, memories or chases.

  • Page 28: Entering Numbers Of Dimmers

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Entering numbers of dimmers Before you begin custom softpatching, you should enter the number of dimmers you have. This information is entered using the LCD Operator Display. To enter number of dimmers, follow these steps: 1.

  • Page 29: Using Channel Zero

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Using channel zero Channel zero works as a holding area for dimmers. You may choose to begin softpatching by assigning all dimmers to channel zero, then selecting dimmers or dimmer groups from channel zero, and reassigning them to other channels.

  • Page 30: Patching Dimmers To Channels

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Patching dimmers to channels A dimmer can only be patched to one channel at a time. Follow the steps below to create a custom softpatch. 1. Press [Clear] until LCD Patch Display reads: DIMMER= 2.

  • Page 31: Additional Patching Features

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Additional patching features These softpatch features are described on the following pages: • Proportional patching • Setting individual dimmer outputs • View by dimmer • View by channel...

  • Page 32: Proportional Patching

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Proportional patching Acclaim 300's softpatch lets you proportionally inhibit individual dimmer output levels. Dimmers default to full intensity unless you inhibit them. Proportionally inhibiting the output level of a dimmer limits the intensity level of the dimmer to a level less than 100 percent.

  • Page 33: Using Non-Dim

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Using Non-Dim Non-Dim is a dimmer output option that allows you to use a dimmer or dimmers to operate devices that require power to be turned on and off rather than turned on and then variably controlled. When dimmer output is set at Non-Dim, its output level is held at zero percent until the controlling slider reaches 5.

  • Page 34: Using [Set] And [Out] To Unpatch Individual Dimmers

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Using [Set] and [Out] to unpatch individual dimmers Both [Set] and [Out] allow you to unpatch a specific dimmer and temporarily reset its output to a predetermined default level independent of channel output levels. [Set] is generally used to unpatch and reset a dimmer at a relatively high intensity below 100 percent.
  • Page 35 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Using [Set] Follow these steps to use [Set]: 1. Determine which dimmer you want to unpatch. 2. Press [Clear] until the display reads: DIMMER= 3. Enter desired dimmer number, or use [And] and [Thru] to select a group of dimmers.
  • Page 36 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Changing [Set] default level The default value assigned to [Set] is 95 percent. Follow these steps to change the default value for [Set]: 1. Press [Setup]. Display reads: Setup Utility DISK PRINT CONFIG 2.
  • Page 37 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Using [Out] [Out] lets you unpatch a specific dimmer, and reset its output without affecting the output of other dimmers patched to the same channel. Follow these steps to use [Out]: 1. Determine which dimmer you want to unpatch. 2.
  • Page 38 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Changing [Out] default level The default value assigned to [Out] is 5 percent. Follow these steps to change the default value for [Out]: 1. Press [Setup]. Display reads: Setup Utility DISK PRINT CONFIG 2.

  • Page 39: Saving Patch Pages

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Saving patch pages When you create a softpatch, you do so in the console's internal memory. If you need more than one softpatch setup, you can record additional softpatch configurations in storage units called patch pages. You can store up to eight pages of softpatch information.

  • Page 40: Loading Saved Patch Pages

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Loading saved patch pages When you save a patch you have created, you save it in a patch page. Bringing a patch page from memory to the workspace is called loading the patch page. When you load a patch page, the workspace is updated immediately to reflect the new patch.

  • Page 41: Viewing Softpatch By Channel And By Dimmer

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Viewing softpatch by channel and by dimmer Acclaim 300 allows you to use the LCD Patch Display to view the current patch by either channel or dimmer. The lists of channels or dimmers appear in the LCD Patch Display. View by channel Follow these steps to view the dimmers that are patched to a particular channel.
  • Page 42 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings View by dimmer Follow these steps to view the channel to which a given dimmer is patched. 1. Press [Dim]. Display reads: VIEW CHANNEL= DIMMER= 2. Use the numeric keypad to enter the number of the desired dimmer.

  • Page 43: Console Setup

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Console setup The Acclaim 300 has a variety of user selectable system settings. Two of these settings allow you to set the brightness and contrast of the console's LCD Operator Display to suit your working environment. In addition to changing the appearance of the console's LCD displays, Acclaim 300 system settings enable you to select from a variety of performance enhancements that can improve the processing speed of...

  • Page 44: Console Setup Options

    Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Console setup options The following system settings allow you to customize the appearance of the LCD Operator Display, disable unused features and clear specific portions of the console's active memory. LCD Display backlight This setting changes the backlight intensity for both LCDs.
  • Page 45 Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings This setting enables/disables single-scene mode. Console operates only in two-scene mode when option is turned off. Chase This setting enables/disables [Chase]. Chases can not be created or run when option is turned off. Sequence This setting enables/disables [Seq].

  • Page 46: Learning The Basics

    chapter 4 learning the basics This chapter includes lessons on Acclaim 300's basic features: two- scene operation, single-scene operation, and working with submasters. Each lesson is described briefly below. Lesson 1, Acclaim keyboard describes the Acclaim 300 keyboard, • including LCD displays and console controls. •...

  • Page 47: Acclaim 300 Keyboard

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Lesson 1 Acclaim 300 keyboard This lesson familiarizes you with the Acclaim 300 keyboard, illustrated below. LCD Operator Display Display provides Acclaim 300 console status information and operator prompts for crossfades, channel and dimmer output, page information and chase status.
  • Page 48 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Display provides information and operator prompts for entering softpatch information. Patch The patch buttons enable you to assign specific dimmers to channels and to set the output levels of the channels and dimmers. For more information see page XX. Channel controls Channel controls include channel sliders, channel bump buttons, and [Solo] and [Memory] buttons.

  • Page 49: Lcd Operator Display

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics L CD Operator Display The Acclaim 300 LCD Operator Display is a window located in the center of the console keyboard. Its five display modes help you use the Acclaim 300 by monitoring channel and dimmer output, identifying the purpose of the function buttons and prompting you to enter information in the correct sequence.
  • Page 50 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Channel view Channel view displays the output levels of Acclaim 300 channels. Channels are displayed in groups of six. Press [F3] to display the next six consecutively numbered channels; press [F1] to display the previous six consecutively numbered channels. CHAN LEVEL Dimmer view...
  • Page 51 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Chase view Chase view displays information on the status of an active chase. Chase view consists of two screens, one that displays output level information and one that displays chase rate information. Press [F1] to alternate between the two Chase view screens.

  • Page 52: Lesson

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Lesson 2 Working in two-scene mode A scene is a group of channels set at specific levels to create a look on stage. Acclaim 300's two independently controlled sliders (called cross faders) control channel output. Scene A cross fader controls output of the top row of channel sliders (scene A);...

  • Page 53: Creating Scenes

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Creating scenes The first step in learning to use the Acclaim 300 is to learn to create a look or scene on stage. A scene is a group of channels set at specific levels to create the look you want. The console's control channel sliders allow you to set the output levels of the channels, which in turn control the output of one or more dimmers.
  • Page 54 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Follow these steps to create scenes and run manual crossfades: 1. Set Grandmaster at 10 (100 percent), turn off [B/O] LED, and set Time sliders at 0. Set scene A cross fader at 10 and scene B cross fader at 0.
  • Page 55 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Example Follow this example to create scenes A and B and run a manual crossfade between the two scenes. Before you start, make sure Grandmaster is set at 10 and the [B/O] LED is not lit. Action Effect Set scene A cross faders at 10...

  • Page 56: Timed Crossfades

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Timed crossfades Sometimes you may prefer to change scenes using timed crossfades. Because they are not controlled by physical movement of the cross faders, timed crossfades are generally smoother than manual fades, especially when the fade takes place over a relatively long time. The primary difference between manual and timed cross fades is the role of the cross faders.
  • Page 57 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Follow these steps to run timed crossfades: 1. Make sure the Grandmaster is set at 10 (100 percent) and the [B/O] LED is not lit. Set scene A cross fader at 10 and scene B cross fader at 0.
  • Page 58 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Example Follow this example to create scenes A and B and run a timed crossfade between the two scenes. Before you start, make sure Grandmaster is set at 10 and [B/O] LED is off. Action Effect Set scene A cross fader at 10 Sets scene A output at 100...

  • Page 59: Lesson

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Lesson 3 Working in single-scene mode Acclaim 300's single-scene mode allows you to double the number of available control channels. Instead of the two rows of sliders creating looks for two distinct scenes, both rows control live channels. This doubles the number of channels that can be controlled directly with channel sliders and bump buttons.
  • Page 60 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Follow these steps to create scenes and run manual crossfades: 1. Set Grandmaster at 10 (100 percent), turn off [B/O] LED. Set scene A cross fader at 10. 2. Press [Single]. 3. Create scene by setting channel sliders at desired levels. Note: In single-scene mode, you can use all the console's channel sliders to create the desired look on stage.

  • Page 61: Lesson

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Lesson 4 Working with submasters A submaster is a group of channels recorded at proportional levels and controlled by a submaster slider and bump button. Submasters enable you to save complex looks that you use often and access them easily. You can use submasters as building blocks when you create scenes, memories or other submasters.
  • Page 62 Chapter 4 Learning the basics A submaster bump button is located below each submaster slider. The submaster bump button allows you to force a submaster to its full recorded intensity for as long as you press the button. When a submaster slider is set at 0, the submaster output is set at zero percent of its recorded level.

  • Page 63: Creating And Recording Submasters

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Creating and recording submasters Creating a submaster involves setting channel levels to create a scene, then recording those settings in a submaster slider. All channels that are live when the submaster is recorded become part of the submaster.
  • Page 64 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Example Follow this example to record a submaster. Before you start, make sure Grandmaster is set at 10 and [B/O] LED is not lit. Action Effect Set cross fader A at 10 and Sets scene A outputs at 100 cross fader B at 0.

  • Page 65: Controlling Submasters

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Controlling submasters There are four ways to manually bring a submaster up on stage. You can use a submaster slider, a submaster bump button, a submaster bump button in [Solo] mode, or you can load the submaster to one of the cross faders and use the cross fader to control the submaster.
  • Page 66 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Example First record submasters 1 through 3. If you need a review on creating and recording submasters, see page XX. Before you start, make sure Grandmaster is set at 10 and [B/O] LED is not lit. Action Effect Using a submaster slider...

  • Page 67: Modifying Submasters

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Modifying submasters Follow these steps to change the output levels of channels in an existing submaster. 1. Press [Subs]. Display reads: Record, Select Sub # LOAD SAVE EDIT 2. Press [F3] (Edit), then press the bump button of the submaster that corresponds to the submaster you want to edit.

  • Page 68: Copying Submasters

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Copying submasters You may want to copy a submaster or use submasters as building blocks for new submasters. To copy a look from one submaster to another, follow these steps: 1. Bring up the submaster you want to copy. 2.

  • Page 69: Saving Submaster Pages

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Saving submaster pages When you create and record a submaster, it is saved in the console's workspace (active memory). Up to eight submasters can be stored this way. If you record more than eight submasters, you save them in submaster pages .

  • Page 70: Loading A Submaster Page

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Loading a submaster page When you save submasters you have created, you save them in submaster pages. Bringing a submaster page from the console's memory to the workspace is called loading the submaster page. When you load a submaster page, the active submasters are replaced with submasters from the new page as soon as the new page is loaded to the workspace.
  • Page 71 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Follow these steps to load a submaster page: 1. Press [Subs]. Display reads: To Record, Select Sub # LOAD SAVE EDIT 2. Press [Load] (F1); display reads: To Load, Select Page # QUIT 3. Press a channel bump button to load the submaster page. For example, press bump button 5 to load submaster page number 5.

  • Page 72: Loading Submasters Into Crossfaders

    Chapter 4 Learning the basics Loading submasters into crossfaders Loading a submaster to a cross fader allows you to run a manual or timed crossfade between a submaster loaded in a cross fader and a scene, memory, or submaster that has been loaded into the other. When the submaster is loaded, submaster output can be controlled by either the cross fader or the submaster slider.
  • Page 73 Chapter 4 Learning the basics Follow these steps to load a submaster into a cross fader: 1. Set the cross fader in which you want to load the submaster to 0. 2. Press the [Load] button over the cross fader. Display reads: To Load, Select Mem/Sub QUIT 3.

  • Page 74: Learning Advanced Techniques

    chapter 5 learning advanced techniques The lessons in this chapter address advanced features that allow you to use Acclaim 300 to create more complex lighting effects. Each lesson is described briefly below. Lesson 1, Working with memories describes techniques for •...

  • Page 75: Lesson

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Lesson 1 Working with memories A memory is a group of channels recorded at proportional levels and controlled by a channel slider and bump button. Memories enable you to create and save complex looks and then easily access them. You can use memories to create the look for a scene or a portion of a scene.

  • Page 76: Creating And Recording Memories

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Creating and recording memories Creating a memory involves setting channel levels to create a scene, then recording those settings as a memory. To use the channel sliders to control memories, press the [Memory] button next to the row of channel sliders you want to use.
  • Page 77 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques To create a memory and record it in workspace (active memory), follow these steps: 1. Adjust channel sliders and cross faders to create the desired look on stage. 2. Press [Mem]. Display reads: Record, Select Mem # LOAD SAVE...

  • Page 78: Controlling Memories

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Controlling memories Memories are controlled with the channel sliders and bump buttons. To work with memories using the channel controls, press one of the [Memory] buttons to the right of the scene A and B sliders. You can use both rows to control memory output, use both rows to control channel output, or use one row to control memory output and one to control channel output.
  • Page 79 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Example First, record memories 1 through 3. If you need a review on creating and recording memories, see page XX. Before you start, make sure Grandmaster is set at 10 and [B/O] LED is not lit. Action Effect Press [Memory] next to upper...

  • Page 80: Editing Memories

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Editing memories Follow these steps to change the output levels of channels in an existing memory. 1. Press [Mem]. Display reads: Record, Select Mem# LOAD SAVE EDIT 2. Press [F3] (Edit), then press the channel bump switch that corresponds to the memory you want to edit.

  • Page 81: Copying Memories

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Copying memories You may want to copy a memory to use it as a building block in a new memory. To use an existing memory to create another, follow these steps: 1. Bring up the memory you want to copy (see Controlling memories , above).

  • Page 82: Saving Memory Pages

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Saving memory pages When you create a memory, it is saved in the console's workspace (active memory). To record more memories than your console has channels, save the additional memories in pages. Eight memory pages are available.

  • Page 83: Loading Memory Pages

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Loading memory pages When you save a page of memories you have created, you save them in a memory page. Bringing a memory page from the console's memory to the workspace is called loading the memory page. See page for more information on loading from diskette.

  • Page 84: Loading Memories To Cross Faders

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Loading memories to cross faders Loading a memory to a cross fader allows you to run manual or timed crossfades between the memory and a scene, memory or submaster loaded into the other cross fader. When the memory is loaded, its output can be controlled by the cross fader or the channel slider where the memory is stored.

  • Page 85: Lesson

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Lesson 2 Working with chases A chase is an effect in which a series of channels is brought up in a particular sequence. The sequence continues to run until the chase is disabled. You can use the chase feature to create marquee or runway effects.

  • Page 86: Chase Types

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Chase types Acclaim 300 allows you to select from five chase types: Normal, Pulse, Fade-on/Off, On/fade-off, and Fade. When you turn the Acclaim 300 on, the default chase type is Normal. Press [Type] to select a different chase type. The five chase-type buttons are labeled with the symbols illustrated below.

  • Page 87: Creating And Recording Chases

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Creating and recording chases To create a chase sequence, follow these steps: 1. Press [Chase]. Display reads: Run, Select Chase # LOAD SAVE EDIT 2. Press [F3] to edit. Display reads: Edit, Select Chase # Unused Steps>...
  • Page 88 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5. Press [F1] (Insert), then press a channel bump button, or a series of bump buttons, to add a step to the chase. You can include as many channels in a chase step as you like. When you press bump buttons, the corresponding LEDs light.

  • Page 89: Running Chases

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Running chases Follow these procedures to run a chase: 1. Press [Chase]. Display reads: Run, Select Chase # LOAD SAVE EDIT 2. Press channel bump button that corresponds to the chase you want to run. Display reads: Chase Running If chase 1 has not been recorded, display reads:...

  • Page 90: Modifying Chase Rate And Intensity Level

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Modifying chase rate and intensity level While a chase is running, you can modify its speed using the Rate slider. (You can also use [Beat]. For more information on [Beat], see page XX.) You can modify the intensity of the chase output with the Level slider.

  • Page 91: Stopping Chases

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Stopping chases Once you have started a chase, there are four ways you can stop it. The four methods are described below. • Press Chase [B/O] to set all chase output at zero without affecting other outputs.

  • Page 92: Editing Chases

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Editing chases Once you have created a chase, you can edit it by adding or removing steps, or by adding or subtracting channels from steps that already exist. Adding a step to an existing chase Follow these steps to add a step to an existing chase: 1.
  • Page 93 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 6. Press [F1] (INSERT). Display reads as below. Chase>10 Now>6 End>7 INSERT DELETE QUIT Step 6 has been added after step 5. Total number of steps is increased by one. 7. Press bump buttons of channels you want to assign to the new step.
  • Page 94 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Deleting a step from an existing chase Follow these steps to delete a step from an existing chase: 1. Press [Chase]. Display reads: Run, Select Chase # LOAD SAVE EDIT 2. Press [F3] (Edit); display reads: Edit, Select Chase #...
  • Page 95 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 5. Press [F3] (Ins/Del); display reads: Chase>10 Now>5 End>7 INSERT DELETE QUIT 6. Press [F2] (Delete). Step five LEDs go out, and display reads as below. Chase>10 Now>5 End>6 INSERT DELETE QUIT Step 5 is deleted. Total number of steps is decreased by one. 7.

  • Page 96: Editing A Step In An Existing Chase

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Editing a step in an existing chase Follow these steps to add or delete channels from a step in an existing chase. 1. Press [Chase]. Display reads: Run, Select Chase # LOAD SAVE EDIT 2. Press [F3] (Edit). Display reads: Edit, Select Chase #...

  • Page 97: Using [Beat] To Control Chase Speed

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Using [Beat] to control chase speed [Beat] allows you to set the rate of a chase by pressing the [Beat] button at the approximate rate at which you want the chase to proceed. .i.Chase:Beat Acclaim 300's processor averages the speed of five button presses to determine the rate of the chase.

  • Page 98: Stepping Through Chases

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Stepping through chases Press [Step] to proceed through a chase one step at a time. To step through a chase, follow these steps: 1. Press [Stop] to stop the chase. 2. Press [Step] to flash the next step in the sequence, and again for each subsequent step.

  • Page 99: Deleting Chases

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Deleting chases To delete a chase you must record a new chase over it that contains no channels. To record a chase with no channels, follow these steps: 1. Press [Chase]. Display reads: Run, Select Chase LOAD SAVE EDIT...

  • Page 100: Creating A Chase While A Chase Is Running

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 4. Press [F3] (Ins/Del). Each LED or group of LEDs that correspond to a step in the chase will light one step at a time. Display reads: Chase> Now> End> INSERT DELETE QUIT 5. Press [F2] (Delete) once for each step in the chase. When you press [F2] the LED over each step goes out indicating that the step has been deleted.

  • Page 101: Saving Chase Pages

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Saving chase pages When you create and record a chase, it is saved in the console's workspace (active memory). Up to ten chases can be stored this way. If you record more than ten chases, you must save them in chase pages .

  • Page 102: Loading Chase Pages

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Loading chase pages When you save chases you have created, you save them in chase pages. Bringing a chase page from the console's memory to the workspace is called loading the chase page. When you load a new chase page, the chase page in the workspace is updated immediately.

  • Page 103: Lesson

    Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Lesson 3 Using Sequence [Seq] to load memories and submasters to cross faders Sequence [Seq] allows you to use the cross faders to load consecutively numbered memories or submasters to the cross faders. When you load a memory or submaster into one of the cross faders and press [Seq], the other cross fader is automatically loaded with the next memory or submaster in numerical order.
  • Page 104 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques Loading a series of memories or submasters to cross faders Follow these steps to use Sequence [Seq] to load memories or submasters to cross faders. 1. Set both cross faders to zero. 2. Press the [Load] button over the cross fader where you want to load the first memory.
  • Page 105 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 4. Press [Seq]. The next memory is loaded into scene B cross fader. Display reads: :00|00 :00| M> M> 3|M> M> 4|FL M>3 indicates that memory 3 will be loaded to scene A cross fader after memory 1. M>2 indicates that memory 2 is loaded to the scene B cross fader.
  • Page 106 Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques 8. Repeating steps 4 and 5 loads consecutively numbered memories. All the console's memories will load whether they contain a look or not. After the last memory has been loaded, memory 1 will load again. 9.

  • Page 108: Using Diskette Options

    chapter 6 using diskette options This chapter includes instructions for using Acclaim 300's diskette options. Acclaim 300 is equipped with a 3.5-inch diskette drive on the left side of the console's front panel. It allows you to save backup copies of shows on diskette. Each diskette can hold ten shows.

  • Page 109: Formatting A Diskette

    Chapter 6 Using disk options Formatting a diskette Before you can use a diskette to save your work, you must prepare the diskette for use by formatting it. Acclaim 300 formats disks with MS DOS format and file structure. Because of this, you can use an IBM-compatible computer copy Acclaim 300 disks.
  • Page 110 Chapter 6 Using disk options Formatting complete Then, Disk Drive Utilities LOAD SAVE FORMAT Note: Be patient. Formatting a diskette can take several minutes . 7. Press [Setup] to return to regular operation. LED goes out and display returns to Crossfade view.

  • Page 111: Saving A Show To Diskette

    Chapter 6 Using disk options Saving a show to diskette An Acclaim 300 show consists of eight submaster pages, eight chase pages, eight memory pages, and eight pages of softpatch information. Each show consists of all 32 pages. Acclaim 300 allows you to save up to ten complete shows on each 3.5-inch diskette.
  • Page 112 Chapter 6 Using disk options 4. Use a channel bump button (1 through 8) to assign a number to the show you are saving. Display reads as below. Saving show Show 1 is used here as an example. Display then reverts to: Disk Drive Utilities LOAD SAVE...

  • Page 113: Loading A Show From Diskette

    Chapter 6 Using disk options Loading a show from diskette Follow these steps to load a show to the console from diskette: 1. Press [Setup]. Display reads: Setup Utility DISK PRINT CONFIG 2. Press [F1] (Diskette). Display reads: Disk Drive Utilities LOAD SAVE FORMAT...

  • Page 114: Chapter 7 Using Accessories

    chapter 7 using accessories This chapter includes instructions for working with the following Acclaim 300 optional accessories: • Monochrome monitor • Parallel printer For accessory installation instructions, see Chapter 2, Installation. For purchase information, please contact your local dealer or Electronic Theatre Controls.

  • Page 115: Monochrome Monitor

    Chapter 7 Using Accessories Monochrome monitor Acclaim 300 supports a monochrome monitor. The monitor's five display screens are Stage, Patch, Submaster, Chase, and Memory. Each display is described in the following pages. Stage display Stage display is the default display. It appears when the console is turned on.
  • Page 116 Chapter 7 Using Accessories Stage display description Control channel numbers. Channel output levels. Cross fader status. Lists information about the console's two cross faders. Status of both cross faders are listed. Now> Indicates whether cross fader is in manual control mode or if a submaster or memory is loaded.

  • Page 117: Patch Display

    Chapter 7 Using Accessories Patch display To access the Patch display press [Patch]. Press [Patch] again to leave Patch display and return to Stage display. For instructions on creating softpatch see page XX. Patch display shows dimmer-to-channel assignments, output levels assigned to dimmers in softpatch and current channel output levels.

  • Page 118: Submaster Display

    Chapter 7 Using Accessories Submaster display To access the Submaster display, press [Subs], then [F3] (Edit). Press the bump button for the submaster you want to record or edit. Submaster display shows the channel or channels that are recorded in the desired submaster.

  • Page 119: Chase Display

    Chapter 7 Using Accessories Chase display To access the Chase display, press [Chase], then [F3] (Edit). Then press the bump button for the chase you want to record or edit. Chase display shows the channel or channels that make up the steps in a chase.

  • Page 120: Memory Display

    Chapter 7 Using Accessories Memory display To access the Memory display, press [Mem], then [F3] (Edit). Then press the bump button for the memory you want to record or edit. Memory display shows the channel or channels that are recorded in the desired memory.

  • Page 121: Parallel Printer

    Chapter 7 Using Accessories Parallel printer Acclaim 300's optional parallel printer allows you to print the contents of the console's workspace (active memory), the contents of each of the console's 32 storage pages, console setup options, or complete show information. Print options The output of the six Acclaim 300 print options is described below.

  • Page 122: Printing Show Information

    Chapter 7 Using Accessories Printing show information Follow these steps to print show information. 1. Press [Setup]. Display reads: Setup Utility DISK PRINT CONFIG 2. Press [F2] (Print). Display reads: Print What ? Memories Last Next Continue Memories are used here as an example. Whichever function you printed last will appear when you select print.
  • Page 123 Chapter 7 Using Accessories If you select Patch , Submasters , Memories , or Chase , then press [F3] (Continue), display reads: Print Where ? Page Last Next Continue Page 1 is used here as an example. 5. Press [F1] (Last) and [F2] (Next) until the desired page number is displayed.

  • Page 124: Chapter 8 Reference

    chapter 8 reference This reference chapter lists all Acclaim 300 buttons and features in alphabetical order. Listings include a description of the feature and instructions for using it.

  • Page 125: [And]

    Chapter 8 Reference [And] [And] allows you to select a set of dimmers that has a break in the numerical sequence when you are creating a custom softpatch. You can also use [And] in conjunction with [Thru] to select a group of dimmers that includes both continuous and discontinuous sequences.

  • Page 126: [Beat]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Beat] [Beat] allows you to set the rate of a chase by pressing the [Beat] button at the approximate rate at which you want the chase to proceed. Press [Beat] five times to set the chase rate. The Acclaim 300's processor averages the speed of the first four presses to determine the rate of the chase.

  • Page 127: Blackout [B/O]

    Chapter 8 Reference Blackout [B/O] Acclaim 300 has two [B/O] (blackout) buttons. The Grandmaster [B/O] blacks out all console output. The chase [B/O] blacks out only a running chase. Grandmaster [B/O] The Grandmaster [B/O] blacks out all channel output levels. It is located above the Grandmaster slider.

  • Page 128: Bump Buttons

    Chapter 8 Reference Bump buttons Bump buttons immediately push channels, submasters or memories to 100 percent and hold them at that level for as long as you press the button. Bump buttons are also used to record submasters, memories and chases.

  • Page 129: Channel [Chan]

    Chapter 8 Reference Channel [Chan] Press [Chan] to use the LCD Patch Display to view the current softpatch by listing the dimmers patched to a particular channel. The channel and dimmer numbers are displayed in the LCD Patch Display. One channel at a time may be viewed in this way. Follow these steps to view dimmers patched to a particular channel.

  • Page 130: Channel Sliders

    Chapter 8 Reference Channel sliders Channel sliders control the intensity level of individual channels. To increase an intensity level, push the slider up. As you move the slider from 0 to 10, the intensity increases from zero to 100 percent. The numbers next to a slider indicate the intensity level at which the channel is set.

  • Page 131: [Clear]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Clear] [Clear] deletes the last item entered in the LCD Patch Display. (If a two-digit number was the last thing entered, each press of [Clear] will delete one digit.) Pressing [Clear] more than once continues to delete items until the LCD Patch Display screen reads: DIMMER = Cross faders...

  • Page 132: [Dim]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Dim] [Dim] is used in softpatch operations to specify a dimmer or a group of dimmers. See pages XX, for examples of how [Dim] is used in creating softpatch. [Dim] also allows you to use the LCD Patch Display to view the current softpatch by listing the channels to which a particular dimmer is patched.

  • Page 133: [Enter]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Enter] Press [Enter] to confirm the information specified in the LCD Patch Display, or page to the next numeric value. When you are setting up a customized softpatch, press [Enter] to record a dimmer or group of dimmers, set at a particular output level, in a specified channel.

  • Page 134: Function Buttons

    Chapter 8 Reference Function buttons The buttons labeled [F1], [F2] and [F3] in the center of the Acclaim 300 console are function buttons. Their purpose varies depending on the operation you are performing. The LCD Operator Display immediately above the function buttons identifies their use. Example Press [Setup].

  • Page 135: [Help]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Help] Acclaim 300 has two Help buttons; one provides information on general console operation, the other provides information on using the LCD Patch Display to create a softpatch. Console [Help] Press console [Help] to display information on Acclaim 300 operations in LCD Operator Display.

  • Page 136: Level Slider

    Chapter 8 Reference Level slider The Level slider controls output levels of channels in a chase. If a channel is included in both a scene and a chase, the Level slider setting affects its output only when it is flashed as part of a chase sequence.

  • Page 137: [Memory]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Memory] The [Memory] buttons change the function of channel controls (sliders, bump buttons and [Solo]) from controlling the output of channels to controlling the output of memories. There are two [Memory] buttons, one for each row of channel sliders. The LED next to the button lights when a row of channel sliders is controlling memories.

  • Page 138: [Minus]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Minus] [Minus] decreases the value of a number entered in a field. It is used in four patch operations. When you are assigning an output level to a dimmer in softpatch, press [Minus] to decrease the intensity level. When you are viewing channels, press [Minus] to view the previous channel.

  • Page 139: Power Switch

    Chapter 8 Reference Power switch Acclaim 300 's power switch is a three-position (On, Off and Lock), keyswitch located on the console's front panel. Electronic Theatre Controls recommends that you turn the console power switch to the Off position before you plug or unplug the power cable. Turn key to Lock position to prevent accidental changes to console memory and to prevent unauthorized people from tampering with recorded show information.

  • Page 140: Reverse [Rev]

    Chapter 8 Reference Reverse [Rev] [Rev] allows you to reverse the sequence in which the steps in a chase playback. You can use [Rev] while the chase is running, or you can press [Stop] to stop the chase, then press [Rev] to change its direction.

  • Page 141: [Setup]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Setup] Press [Setup] to access Acclaim 300's setup utilities. The setup utilities include console and patch configuration, and print and diskette operations. Example Press [Setup]. Display reads: Setup Utility DISK PRINT CONFIG Press [F1] (Diskette) to access diskette options. Press [F2] (Print) to access print options.

  • Page 142: Solo]

    Chapter 8 Reference Solo] [Solo] allows you to force the output of a channel, submaster or memory to 100 percent and simultaneously suppress all other similar outputs to zero. When [Solo] is not active, bump buttons still force outputs to 100 percent, but other outputs are not affected. Channel bump buttons in [Solo] affect only the output of other channels;...

  • Page 143: [Step]

    Chapter 8 Reference [Step] [Step] allows you to flash one step at a time in a running chase. Each time you press [Step], the next step in the chase sequence flashes to full. 1. Press [Stop] to stop the chase. 2.

  • Page 144: Submaster Sliders

    Chapter 8 Reference Submaster sliders Acclaim 300 has eight submaster sliders. You can record a submaster in each slider. To record a submaster in a submaster slider, follow these steps: 1. Adjust channel sliders to create the desired scene on stage. 2.

  • Page 145: Submasters [Subs]

    Chapter 8 Reference Submasters [Subs] Pressing [Subs] indicates you will press a submaster bump button to record a sub. After you have used channel and submaster sliders to create the look you want, press [Subs] and then one of the submaster bump buttons. This records the look as a submaster.

  • Page 146: [View]

    Chapter 8 Reference [View] Press [View] to select the display mode of the LCD Operator Display. Press [View] again to scroll through the each of the display options. The five display modes help you use the Acclaim 300 by monitoring channel and dimmer output, identifying the purpose of the function buttons and prompting you to enter information in the correct sequence.

  • Page 148: Specifications

    appendix a specifications Interfaces • DMX512/1990 digital protocol outputs Capacity • Workspace allows you to enter softpatch and system setting information and work with submasters, memories and chases • Workspace may contain up to eight submasters, 24 to 96 memories (depending on console configuration), ten chases (with up to 100 steps total), and one complete softpatch configuration •...
  • Page 149 Appendix A Specifications Display functions • Two LCD displays on the console keyboard • One monochrome TTL monitor (optional) • Stage display • Submaster display • Chase display • Memory display Playback controls • Scene A and B cross faders on 60mm sliders •...

  • Page 150: Appendix B Error Messages

    appendix b error messages The following error messages may appear in the LCD Operator display during Acclaim 300 diskette operations. Follow the recommendations outlined here. If the error condition persists, call Electronic Theatre Controls' Technical Services department at 800/775-4382. (See page for more information.) Cannot read diskette The console is unable to read the diskette in the drive.
  • Page 151 Appendix B Error messages Dir full The diskette in the drive is not an Acclaim 300 diskette. Dup entry The show you are trying to save already exists. Continue save procedure if you want to overwrite the existing show. Diskette full Ten shows have been recorded on the diskette.

  • Page 152: Index

    index saving pages 94 Acclaim 300 accessories 107 stepping through 91, 136 Monitor 108 stopping 84, 136 printer 114 types of 79 And 118 Chase display 112 At 118 Chase view 44 Clear 124 Connecting dimmers 10 B/O 41 Console installation 9 Back panel illustration 8 Console setup 36 Beat 90, 119...
  • Page 153 Index Loading submasters into crossfaders Editing a chase 85 adding a step 85 changing a step 89 deleting a step 87 Memories 68 Editing memories 73 controlling 71 Enter 126 copying 74 creating and recording 69 deleting 74 Features 2 editing 73 Formatting disks 102 loading a memory page 76...
  • Page 154 Index Plus 132 Softpatch 15 Power switch 132 channel zero 22 Print options creating 15, 20 All 114 custom 20 Chase 114 default 17 Memories 114 Help 16 Patch 114 loading saved patch pages 33 Setup 114 Non-Dim 26 Submasters 114 patching dimmers to channels 23 Printer 114 proportional patching 25...
  • Page 155 Index Using diskette options 101 formatting 102 Loading from diskette 106 saving to diskette 104 View 139 View softpatch View by channel 35 View by dimmer 34 Workspace 139...

Table of Contents