Using The Com Port - Elation SHOW DESIGNER 2CF User Manual

USING THE COM PORT

The RS-232 COM port can be used to connect to a personal computer in order to do memory
backups and to load fixture profiles. You will need a serial lap link cable sometimes referred to as a
null modem cable available at a computer specialty store. A standard RS-232 cable will not work.
Connect the 9 pin RS-232 port on Show Designer 2 to one of the COM ports on your PC. Some
COM ports use a 25-pin connector, and some use a 9 pin. Most lap link cables come with both
types of connectors. Most laptops don't have COM ports, so you will need to use a USB to RS-232
adapter also available from a computer specialty store.
Elation offers a program that you can download called "SD Backup" that is designed to handle
communication between a PC and the Show Designer lighting controllers. After you have installed
the SD Backup program, follow the directions on the help file included with the program.
MEMORY BACKUP USING THE COM PORT
From the SD Backup program's help, follow the instructions for "Receive File". Next, go to the menu
selection on the Show Designer 2 "save memory file to COM port" and press the "enter" switch. The
display will read, "Press enter to send memory file". Press "enter" to start the transmission from
Show Designer 2. An encoded copy of the entire memory will be transmitted to your PC. The time
needed to send the memory file will vary depending on the amount of memory used.
MEMORY RESTORE USING THE COM PORT
To copy a memory file from your PC back to Show Designer 2CF, first go to the menu selection in
Show Designer 2CF "load memory file from COM port". Press "enter", and the display will read,
"Waiting for file from COM port". Show Designer 2CF is now ready to receive the file from your PC.
From the SD Backup program, follow the instructions for "Send File". The Show Designer 2CF
display will read "receiving file" as it is being sent. After the file has been sent, Show Designer 2CF
will restart and show its startup display. If any errors have been detected, Show Designer 2CF will
prompt you to retry. Check your connections and try again. The length of time it takes to update the
memory will vary depending on the amount of memory used.
LOAD FIXTURE PROFILE
From the SD Backup program, follow the instructions for "Send File". On the Show Designer 2CF,
go to the menu "Load fixture profile from COM port". The message "Ready to receive fixture profile,
press enter to cancel" will appear on the display. Send the file from the SD Backup program to the
Show Designer 2CF. A confirmation message will be displayed after the file is received. The Show
Designer 2CF will wait indefinitely until you send the file or until you press the "enter" switch to
cancel.
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