Summary of Contents for VXCO Lighting Systems DMXCreator512MK2
- Page 1 User Manual VXCO Lighting Systems Switzerland Email: info@dmxcreator.com Homepage: http://www.dmxcreator.com...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
The Fader Panel ........................24 8.2.3 The Plan / Multiplan ........................25 8.2.4 The V/T-Editor ........................... 26 8.2.5 The Track-Editor ........................31 8.2.6 The Fixture Group Window ....................... 34 8.2.7 The Sequence List ........................35 Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 3: Revisions
V6.46 Support for 2’048 channels, new design… V2.1 09.02.11 V6.50 Added DMXCreator128 V2.2 24.08.13 V6.61 New features like TouchPanel, Plan settings and more V2.3 29.11.15 V6.95 Added new features and details Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 4: Introduction
“Help” menu and load the file dmxcreator.key from the corresponding folder. on your installation CD or our homepage. CD-ROM: Directory ...:\DMXCreator Software\Software\Language patches On the internet: http://www.dmxcreator.com Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 5: The Concept
The DMXCreator128 is upgreadeable to 512 output channels. Please visit our homepage www.dmxcreator.com to get more information on how to proceed. 2. DMXCreator512MK2: LPT interface, 512 channels of output, 512 channels of input, autonome (stand alone) mode with keyboard control, external power supply (included in... - Page 6 USB-port or through external power supply (included in shipment for some countries). Switch for USB or external power supply SD card holder USB 2.0 connector PS-2 connector for keyboard Midi IN connector Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 7 DMX512 data (No standard microphone cables!). Close each data line using a 120 Ohm line terminator (connect terminator to the DMX-output of the last fixture in the line). Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 8: Installation
1 x USB (A to B) cable 1 x CD_ROM 1 Power supply (AC or DC, 9-12V, 700mA. polarity is insignificant), may not be included in some countries 1 x Printed manual 1 x SD-Card min. 512MB Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 9: Supported Operating Systems
1. Do not run other applications simultaneously to DMXCreator 2. Disable any Windows power save faction! 3. Un-install interfering printer drivers or printer management software (only DMXCreator512MK2) 4. Connect the interface directly to the PC whenever possible. Avoid intermediate devices like Zip drives on the parallel port (DMXCreator512MK2), or USB Hubs. -
Page 10: Installation Of Software
Bios setup of your PC (at boot time). If your Printer port mode is not in this mode, you may encounter problems if using the DMX-input or downloading a Show into the interface box for standalone mode. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 11: Working With The Dmxcreator
DMXCreator1024 or DMXCreator1024+ Interface. 5. Choose LPT if you have connected the DMXCreator512MK2. 6. Click on the „test“ button. 7. If the connection to the interface is ok, a message containing the interface type and firmware version is displayed. You are now ready to start programming your first show! -
Page 12: The Software Structure
DMX-setup, Sequences, Scenes, Cues, Play Lists, emulator settings etc. The following items are optionally stored into a Show file (see settings menue): - The plan image (background picture) - The fixture panel files Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 13: Sequence
A selection of Sequences from the Multi Sequence Player can be saved and called up as a Cue. Cues can be stored and recalled via hotkey, in the Cue List, via MIDI or via DMX-In. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 14: The Master-Mode
Note: The Master Mode has to be chosen before selecting the fixtures into Master. It’s not possible to change the current Master Mode while fixtures are selected in Master. Check also chapter 9.7 “The [Fixtures] menu“ Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 15: Dmx-Setup
The new fixture panels will be available for addressing after restarting the DMXCreator software. Any number of fixture panels is available on the product CD-ROM, or on our website at http://www.dmxcreator.com Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 16: Changing The Dmx Starting Address
2. Point to the fixture with the mouse cursor, either in the left-hand field, or on the right-hand setup field, click the right button, and choose “remove fixture” Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 17: Setting Of Dmx-Address On The Fixtures
When this option is enabled, the fixture icons on the Plan are arranged automatically with fixed spacing. Icons can be moved manually after. 7.8 Exit the DMX-setup Click the “Close” button in order to leave the DMX-Setup. You will now be taken to the working surface Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 18: Working Surface
The main window is where you will “create” your Show. It consists out of three main areas Transport-bar Plan Panel 8.1 Transport-bar The Transport-bar field is the main control window for Scenes and Sequences. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 19: Elements In Detail
Switch on/off the DMX output (if available) Switch on/off the DMX input Name of current Sequence (choose by clicking on arrow button) Number of this Sequence within Show Create new Sequence delete current Sequence Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 20: The Trigger Modes
Current time between Scenes - can be adjusted directly here or into “Tempo-Track Editor” The time between Scenes can be varied from Scene to Scene using Tempo-Track Mode. See also “The V/T Editor” Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 21: The Fade-Modes
The Fade time can be adjusted by pressing the plus- or minus-buttons, or by entering the desired Fade time directly in to the display. Fade-Mode symbol Fade time for all Scenes Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 22: The Scene Tool
“INSERT” pastes the saved (copied) Scene to current location. “Replace” replaces the Scene in current location with the saved Scene. Insert and Replace will only appear once a Scnene has been loaded into the memory with “Copy” Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 23: The Plan
90 degrees at a time. After placing the icons in the desired spots, you can now lock them in place, by using the “lock icons” function in the “settings” menu. This is to prevent unwanted displacement of the icons whilst programming your Show Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 24: The Dmx-Monitor
The DMX-Monitor is used to illustrate the decimal DMX-values (0-255) of a chosen fixture (green highlight). Starting direct entering of DMX-value address To enter a DMX- channel directly, click on its corresponding field 8.2.2 The Fader Panel Selected fixture one Fader per DMX-channel fine tuning Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 25: The Plan / Multiplan
You can now add fixture icons to different layers by clicking on the desired icon with the right mouse button, and selecting “Place on page”. The next Plan (A-P) you choose will be the destination for the icon. To move multiple icons simultaneously, use the “Master” or “Group” functions. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 26: The V/T-Editor
[Edit Fade Time] Enables you to adjust the Fade time between Scenes using either the pen or ruler tool. Scene / Fade time of the current Scene Pen tool Ruler tool Scene scale Value cursor position Standard cursor Fade time (pink) Scene time (green) Time scale Zoom in/out Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... - Page 27 DMX-Values. Not like on some other controllers, an Effect will be applied always to a Sequence, that means the final look of the Effect is depending on how many Scenes the Sequences consists. Every step of the generated Effect may be edited manually using this technology. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 28 Wave Generator “Half Wave“ Identical attribute selection as with Sinus Wave Generator, however, only the positive or negative half wave is represented, depending on the selected amplitude and offset of the wave. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 29 The generated fan is static and may be applied to pan/tilt on single Scenes only. However, if you create a Sequence with different Fan-Scenes, you will get a great looking Show prepared in just some seconds. Two samples: Pan Spread Tilt Spread Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 30 Note: To get a perfect spread or join effect, it’s necessary to mount the scanners with ascending DMX addresses order. Example with 6 similar fixtures: No. of channels per fixture: 5 Mount from left to right: fixture with address 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, 26 Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 31: The Track-Editor
If you wish to adjust one or more positions manually, select the positions by pointing and dragging with the mouse. The selected area will be indicated in blue, and can subsequently be moved using the mouse. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... - Page 32 The Circle Tool enables you to create circles, figures eight etc. within the Pan/Tilt field. Stretch circle for ellipsoide form Size of figure as percentage of total area Number of circles generated (2 = figure 8 etc) Apply to current Sequence Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 33 8.2.5.5 The Line Tool The Line Tool sets all position in a straight line. Apply to Sequence You can adjust the line using the scaling and rotation tools or change each position manually. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 34: The Fixture Group Window
All text fields of the fixture icons will appear in red. Open the Fixture-Group window, and press the “+” –button to create a group out of the selected fixtures. Delete Group Add Group Switch Master Off Selected Group Fixtures within Group Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 35: The Sequence List
Point on one of the buttons, press „CTRL and pull with pressed left mouse button to the best size (up to full screen) 3. [Define Custom Color] Each sequence button may have its own color for better recognition. Chose your color from the color picker. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 36: The Multisequence Player
The separate “Players” 1-32 can be renamed, for example corresponding to its attribute. In order to rename a player, right click on the number of the player, and enter the new name in the field that appears. Rename Player Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 37: The Cue-List
(using the right projection angle). The representation of Gobos has been left out in view of keeping system requirements low, and because of the complexity of creating fixture panels. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... - Page 38 Predefined views: use menu buttons [Front], [Right] and [Top] for the corresponding views. Automatic rotation: press this button to enable automatic rotation of the room. It is not possible to adjust the rotation speed. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 39 Use Mouse: You may save the current 3D view as image file (JPG) by double clicking on the 3D screen. To get a higher resolution picture, resize the window of the 3D Emulator. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 40 The file has to be saved in the \3dobj\ folder. The following sample file is included with the software installation, and may be changed using the applicable software. The name of the file must be „room.jpg“. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 41 To keep the processing power low, the objects are shown half transparent. Please note, that lot of complex objects needs more processing power of your system Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 42 [Save]) If you wish to install the same setup on a different computer, you must copy the show file as well as the 3D-file. Normally, the 3D files can be found here: C:\Programs\DMXCreator Timeline\3dobj Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 43: The Matrix Editor
It is possible to have different types of fixtures in the matrix (i.e. RGB-LED floodlight and CMY-wash light). For best results it is advisable to use fixtures of the same type. Opens the Matrix Editor Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... - Page 44 Assigned fixtures can be deleted from the matrix using the right-hand mouse button, or moved within the matrix using drag & drop. Preset- Preview Speed Presets: Parameters Generate Sequence Preview Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 45 Step Editor. Just select the desired color, and click on the target pixel in the matrix on the right. In order to select the color of a pixel on the color wheel, just right-click on the pixel Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 46: The Multimedia Timeline Editor
Hold down the Shift-key in order to select several sequences at once, and to adjust them. Press „Play“ to start your multimedia show. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... - Page 47 View – [Show Waveform Audio]: displays the waveform of the audio track (Not all files can be shown here. This depends on the used Codec) View – [Show Scenes in Sequences]: represents the single scenes inside the sequence bar with lines. (only when image size is large enough) Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 48 Events – [Insert Marker]: Inserts a marker to which the time indicator jumps when the skip-key is pushed. Hint: all events are inserted at the current position of the time indicator. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 49: The Fixture Panel
16bit movement control. If you choose a higher resolution, the fixture moves slower and positioning of the fixture’s beam is easier. Note: The movement resolution is merely for manual use while programming, and has no bearing on the programmed fixture speed. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 50: The B/D/Z Buttons
D-Button: Recalls the predefined default values for the fixture (i.e. no color, shutter open, dimmer 100%, no gobo inserted). The default values are stored into the panel file. Z-Button: Puts all fixture channels to zero (0%). Use this function to start programming groups for Multisequence mode. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 51: The Menus
<next Scene> [Previous] <previous Scene> [Fill Sequence from Button] <Copies the chosen value in the panel to all Scenes in the Sequence> [Refresh] <Reverse the last change in the current Scene> Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 52: The Operation Menu
Show DMX-input data Add to current Sequence DMX recording is only available on the DMXCreator512MK2, DMXCreator1024 and DMXCreator1024+ interfaces. In order to receive DMX data from DMX-input, DMX-input must be enabled (see 8.1.1 “Elements in Detail) Please note, that recording of dmx data starts only if there is a change in DMX-input values [Play in Background] <edit Show while it is operating in the background>... -
Page 53: The Settings Menu
Enable audio Bass detector Filter ON/OFF and trigger On/Off filter depth Sound source selection Trigger delay Automatic volume adjustment Enable FFT Input volume Detection threshold analyzer (see below) FFT analyzer view: Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... - Page 54 [Use this bar for Audio Bit Detector] <uses bar for Scene trigger (Tempo of Sequence must be set to “Ext. Sync” )> [Send this bar to Physical Master] <sets the bar to the corresponding Physical Master> Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 55 Octave Transpose function in the MIDI settings in order to have the first key correspond to first Sequence. Note: The MIDI-input on the DMXCreator1024+ interface has no relation to the described MIDI functions above. It is only usable in Stand Alone Mode. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 56 DMXCreator512Basic DMXCreator1024 DMXCreator1024+ The DMXCreator512MK2 is not supported for this feature. For example: You own 1 DMXCrator1024 interface (i.e. for DMX OUT 1 and 2), and 2 DMXCreator512Basic interfaces (1 for DMX OUT 3, the other for DMX OUT 4). The Mapping window allows you to choose which Interface should be used for which DMX output universe.
- Page 57 Hint: If “Trough“ is enabled, the DMX output of the DMXCreator is disabled. This function is only possible with interfaces that have DMX input (DMXCreator512MK2, 1024, 1024+) Remote Control Using this feature gives the possibility to control software functions from an external DMX source (i.e. DMX- Desk or other controller).
- Page 58 The following adjustments can be made in the window below: Enable at start DMXCreator Enable / Enable / disable Server disable log Log window Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 59 The supplementary software “DMXClient.exe“ is the remote control through which a separate computer can have access to the host computer via Ethernet/internet. If you would like to write your own remote control application, you can request the needed control commands from VXCO Lighting Systems free of charge. (info@dmxcreator.com).
- Page 60 (xxx.dsp). This is very convenient if you move a show from one computer to another. [Confirmation] Select this option if you would like to get confirmation messages for deleting items like scenes, sequences, cues, groups and play lists Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 61: Physical Master
Check the following chapter to enable DMX input to Physical Master Look 9.5.2.3 Hardware Assigning the DMX-input to the Physical Master See the menu called “Settings” under “Hardware”7 Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... - Page 62 Clear all assignments Start channel of fixtures Magenta 6 = Channel is Yellow 4 = Channels is assigned to „Dimmer“- assigned to Physical Master fader #.6 Master fader #4 Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 63 Switch bank New preset / delete preset Next Scene previous Scene Send preset to current Scene Update all preset / Scenes Close window Fixtures without List of fixtures Pan/Tilt field Focus-Slider pan/tilt/focus Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 64 To configure a layout, just click on the DMXCreator logo in the left upper corner of the window. Caption: Enter the name of your club or company or any other information that should be visible on top of the Touch Panel Window Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 65 #1 by clicking into the coloumn on the left side of the sequences selection window pictured below. Proceed the same way for all other areas you like to use. The name of the player corresponds to the entered name in the multisequence selection list (Cue / Sequence) Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 66 It’s possible to password protect this function using the standard “Access” function of DMXCreator. In the menu above you are able to choose your own windows font, size, maximum number of horizontal buttons on the screen and the minimum button width. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 67 Should you wish to restrict access to the DMXCreator, you can create a password, which only gives full access those that posess it. Levels: 1. Setup (L): The user is restricted from changing the DMX setup. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 68 If the “Visible” icon (eye) is crossed over, the password remains invisible while being entered. If no password is entered, the access to all functions is unrestricted. Should you lose or forget your password, please contact info@dmxcreator.com Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 69: The View Menu
<öffnet den V/T-Editor> Siehe auch „Der V/T-Editor“ 9.9 The Help Menu [Help] open the Help Menu [Search for Help On...] search in Help [How to use Help] [About] About the DMXCreator, Software Version Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... -
Page 70: Stand Alone Mode
DMXCreator Manual 10 S TAND LONE The DMXCreator512MK2 and 1024+ includes a special „stand alone mode“. The built in memory is able to run a Show without any PC connected. Some sample applications: - Shop window lighting - Small clubs... - Page 71 Should you receive the message “Programming impossible”, you have created more than 8000 (or 2000 on elder Interfaces) Scenes. The DMXCreator512MK2 interface has a 32 Mbit Flash-Memory allowing for a maximum capacity of 8000 Scenes per upload (2000 Scenes memory on elder interfaces).
- Page 72 Sequence once. -Stand Alone Mode using a PC-Keyboard: The DMXCreator512MK2 has a PS-2 port for connecting a regular PC-keyboard. Within the Stand Alone Mode, the keyboard can be used to select Sequences, change speed rates (+/-), blackout and starting/stopping Sequences.
- Page 73 Shift & - and = (or ‚ and ^ ) Manual Trigger for sequences programmed in manual mode: Taste ~ Alt & 1 to 0: Choice of shows 1-10 on SD card Stop second running sequence : Shift & Backspace Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 74 Interface. Once you have programmed the desired sequences and tested them, please proceed to the following menu: - Settings, Synch and Hardware Standalone: Press “Programming“, after which the following window opens: Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 75 - To save the Show directly to the SD-card, press “Save to Card” - When the copying process is completed, you can check the Stand Alone Show in beforehand by pressing “Go Stand Alone” Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 76 ! IMPORTANT: Never connect voltage carrying switches (contact closures) to the pins of the D- Sub connector! This can lead to the destruction of the entire interface! Such defects are NOT covered under warranty! Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 77 Up to 16 switches can be connected as follows: 10 14 11 15 12 16 red numbers correspond to the pin-number on the D-Sub connector. blue numbers corresponds to the Sequence that is triggered by the switch Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 78 [Calculate Show]: Calculates the required memory capacity on the SD card for the currently open show. Calculations for large shows can take from a few seconds to several minutes. This is necessary before saving the show on either the hard disk or SD card. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 79 Subdirectories on the SD-card are ignored. Show files are only played from the main directory. DMXCreator Showfiles (file extension xxx.d1k) cannot be saved directly to an SD-Card. Stand Alone Mode only works with xxx.d1s files. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 80: The Panel Designer
Now you see a control window on the left side, and the panel in progress on the right side. The panel you are creating looks exactly like the finished panel in the software. Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016... - Page 81 Container. Pan/Tilt Field: This field is for fixtures that have pan and tilt ability. First, enter the channels for pan and tilt (fine). Next, the following specifications can be made: Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
- Page 82 (must be the same as for fixture), and press the Test button. Test all the components in the panel to the right. 14. Save the panel and exit the “Panel Designer” Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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Page 83: Troubleshooting
12.1 Support information and Hotline If you have questions regarding the DMXCreator, please contact your local Dealer first, or write an e-mail to the following address: info@dmxcreator.com DMXCreator Development Team © 2016 Doc. V2.3 VXCO Lighting Systems © 1998 - 2016...
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