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Theatrelight NEBULA Quick Operation

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Press the Back key to reach the top menu—the LCD shows "Theatrelight NZ". Softkeys are shown in italics eg: "setup".
SETTING DMX START ADDRESS AND LOCKING THE KEYS
If the Nebula is set to DMX Start mode, the current Start channel shows on the top menu page. To change the start
address:
1.
From the top menu, press Menu three times to arrive at the DMX Start Address menu.
5
2.
Press Up
or Down
3.
Press Back to return to the top menu: the screen shows "Changes saved to flash memory".
4.
To lock the keypad, hold
SETTING DMX FAIL MODE
To set the DMX Fail Mode to either "Fade to Black" or "Hold DMX levels" :
1.
While in the DMX Start Address Menu above, press "fail" (Menu) to enter the DMX Fail mode menu.
2.
Use the arrow keys
3.
Press "times" (Menu) to enter the DMX Fade Delay/Time menu: use the arrow keys to edit the times.
4.
Press Back to return to the top menu: the screen shows "Changes saved to flash memory".
SETTING DIMMER PARAMETERS
To set Test, Min, Max, Non-Dim, Off levels, Curve, Proportional levels, or Softstart time for each dimmer:
1.
From the top menu, press Menu twice, select "Dimmer Settings", press "setup" (Menu).
2.
Use the arrow keys to select the parameter to adjust, then press "setup" (Menu).
3.
Use the arrow keys to select the dimmer and adjust parameters, with softkeys "flash" and "all".
4.
Press Back to return to the top menu: the screen shows "Changes saved to flash memory".
RESETTING ALL NEBULA PARAMETERS
To reset all Nebula parameters:
1.
From the top menu, press Menu twice, select "Dimmer Settings", press "setup" (Menu).
2.
Use the arrow keys to select "Reset Commands" (line 9), press "setup" (Menu).
3.
Select "Reset Dimmers + DMX", press "select" (Menu), press "OK" (Menu).
4.
The screen shows "Resetting all Dimmer and DMX parameters", then resets to the top menu.
NEBULA QUICK OPERATION
6
to adjust the DMX address. Press Left
3
4
5
+
+
for 2 seconds. To unlock the keypad, hold
5
6
/
to select the mode, then press "on" (
3
4
or Right
to adjust tens and hundreds.
3
4
+
+
4
) to set the mode On.
6
for 8 seconds.

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Summary of Contents for Theatrelight NEBULA

  • Page 1 Press the Back key to reach the top menu—the LCD shows “Theatrelight NZ”. Softkeys are shown in italics eg: “setup”. SETTING DMX START ADDRESS AND LOCKING THE KEYS If the Nebula is set to DMX Start mode, the current Start channel shows on the top menu page. To change the start address: From the top menu, press Menu three times to arrive at the DMX Start Address menu.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Testing the fan Resetting Nebula default parameters Displaying scenes playback levels NEBULA PARAMETERS..........10 Displaying remote control data DIMMER INSTALLATION..........12 NEBULA STAGE SCENES OPERATION ....... 20 Supply transformer Setting local scenes on/off Dimmer supply cabling Setting remote scenes on/off Dimmer load cabling...
  • Page 3 Editing the current show cue Theatrelight Wallplates Setting show start and end scenes Wallplate electronics Setting show titles Remote controlled scenes Setting show or chase type Remote controlled shows REMOTE SCENE AND SHOW CONTROL......30 MAINTENANCE .............33 Communication SPECIFICATIONS............34 RS-485 transceiver DIMENSIONS..............36...

  • Page 5: Nebula Introduction

    The wide input voltage and frequency range afforded by Theatrelight’s in-house designed switch- mode power supply allows the Nebula to work on any voltage from 90 volts AC to 265 Volts AC, and on any frequency from 45 to 65 Hertz, making it suitable for use in any country.

  • Page 6: Front Panel Legend

    Remote LED indicates the remote keypads are active (with appropriate software). Simple keyboard and easy to understand menu system allow quick setup of all Nebula functions and parameters. A B C LEDs indicate presence of mains power on each phase...

  • Page 7: Nebula Overview

    KEYS The Nebula is operated by a small keypad of 6 keys. The key operation is designed to be simple and to allow the operator fast and easy access to all dimmer functions. The Menu key steps down through the menu tree, while the Back key steps back.

  • Page 8: Cooling

    POWER SUPPLY The Nebula is designed to be supplied with power mains of 90 to 265 volts AC, 1, 2 or 3 phase and Neutral, 45 to 65 Hz. Do not use the Nebula on a 3 Phase Delta connection (ie with no Neutral wire). Each Nebula must be properly earthed.

  • Page 9: Remote Control

    DMX universe systems. DMX Disable DMX Start or Patch modes may be switched on or off. If both are off the Nebula then ignores all DMX control levels. DMX Fail Modes The Nebula provides two options in case the DMX signal fails, or the DMX signal is turned off, as for example when the control panel is turned off at the end of a show.
  • Page 10 Neon: This curve is suited to dimming neon discharge tubes fitted with pulse ballasts. The flicker apparent at low dim levels can be controlled by setting the Off level (see below). Linear Power: This dimmer curve outputs linear RMS power against DMX level for use when the Nebula is used to control heating elements in ovens etc.
  • Page 11 If this facility is not required, then Non-Dim channels should have their softstart times set to zero. Note that an initial softstart time of 2 seconds is applied to all channels after the Nebula is powered on (excepting Non-Dim channels).

  • Page 12: Dimmer Settings Priority

    NEBULA OPERATION DIMMER SETTINGS PRIORITY The dimmer settings described above are processed in a fixed priority. Levels are processed and passed to the dimmers in the following order of increasing priority: 1/ The DMX control level (or the Fail DMX control level) and the Scenes or Preset levels (if fitted) for that dimmer are mixed on an HTP (Highest Takes Precedence) basis.

  • Page 13: Levels Display

    This display is of use in setting up wallplates and installing remote computer control of Nebula dimmers. RESETTING NEBULA DEFAULT PARAMETERS All Nebula parameters may be reset to default values. These default values are described in the next section.

  • Page 14: Nebula Parameters

    NEBULA OPERATION NEBULA PARAMETERS The range and values after Reset of the different parameters of the Nebula are described below. All parameters are held in permanent flash memory. DMX START SETTINGS Range After Reset Notes DMX Start Mode On/Off, 1-4096...
  • Page 15 NEBULA OPERATION SCENES SETTINGS Range After Reset Notes Local Scenes On/Off If On, turns off Shows Remote Scenes On/Off If On, turns off Shows Area ID Sets scenes/shows area match Report ID 1-250 For use with report software Scenes number range...

  • Page 16: Dimmer Installation

    NEBULA OPERATION DIMMER INSTALLATION The Nebula like all SCR dimmer packs is an inherent generator of EMI (electro-magnetic Interference) and requires careful installation following good wiring and earthing practice. The potential for power problems with a dimmer installation increases with the number of dimmers. Involving professional assistance with proven experience is highly recommended, as correcting problems later can be very expensive.

  • Page 17: Dmx-512 Installation

    DMX512 splitters re-shape and buffer the received DMX. Isolated splitters also help to prevent issues caused by earth loops and heavy loading. Electronic splitters may be cascaded. Theatrelight DMX Splitters are available as an 8 channel 19 inch, 1 U rack mounting configuration, or as a 4 channel stand-alone portable version...

  • Page 18: Nebula Dimmer Operation

    The examples below assume a start from the top menu level—pressing the Back key several times always goes to top menu: the screen shows “Theatrelight NZ”, together with the model, number of channels, the software version, and the current DMX Start number. If the keys are locked, the LCD will show “Keys Locked”.

  • Page 19: Setting Dmx Fail Mode Times

    NEBULA OPERATION SETTING DMX FAIL MODE TIMES To set the DMX Fail Mode times: While In the Fail Mode Menu above, press “times” (Menu). Press Left or Right to select the Delay or Fade times, then press Up or Down to set the time.

  • Page 20: Setting Dimmer Maximum Levels

    NEBULA OPERATION SETTING DIMMER MAXIMUM LEVELS To set Maximum levels for each dimmer: From the top menu, press Menu twice, select “Dimmer Settings”, press Menu. Select “Max levels setup”, press Menu. Press Left or Right to select the dimmer, Up or Down to adjust the level.

  • Page 21: Setting Proportional Levels

    NEBULA OPERATION Dimmer curves available are In = Incandescent, ND = Non-Dim, TV =Television/Film colour temp control, Fl, Ne = Fluorescent, Neon discharge tubes, LP = Linear Power, LA = Linear Phase Angle. SETTING PROPORTIONAL LEVELS To set Proportional levels for each dimmer: From the top menu, press Menu twice, select “Dimmer Settings”, press Menu.

  • Page 22: Displaying Final Dimmer Levels

    NEBULA OPERATION The display will remain set, and restore after power up. Or else press Back to reach the top menu. DISPLAYING FINAL DIMMER LEVELS To display the final dimmer levels for each dimmer: From the top menu, press Menu once, select “Final Dimmer levels”, press Menu.

  • Page 23: Testing The Fan

    The display will remain set, and restore after power up. Or else press Back to reach the top menu. § Note that any changes made to Nebula parameters, or the current menu level will be saved automatically 10 minutes after the last key press.

  • Page 24: Nebula Stage Scenes Operation

    NEBULA OPERATION NEBULA STAGE SCENES OPERATION Every Nebula fitted with Stage Scenes software has 64 Scenes (each of 3, 6 or 12 dimmer levels according to model). Each scene has the following attributes: · An up fade time from Instant to 30 minutes ·...

  • Page 25: Setting Local Scenes On/Off

    Press Back until you reach the top menu: the screen shows “Changes saved to flash memory”. SETTING UP AREA ID AND REPORT ID To set Remote Scenes area ID (for use with other Nebulas and with Theatrelight Wallplate controllers), and Report ID (for use with Theatrelight Reporting software) for each dimmer pack: From the top menu, press Menu twice.

  • Page 26: Setting Scenes Labels

    NEBULA OPERATION Hold Left , then press Right (“0 F”) to toggle the level On or Off. Press “All” (Left key) with Up or Down to adjust all levels of the scene. With the cursor over “dmx” press Up to load current DMX values to the Scene (the “dmx” letters change to “DMX”...

  • Page 27: Playing Back Scenes

    The new scene is faded in at its fade-times—the progress of the fade is displayed in the LCD. If the Remote LED is lit, the Nebula issues a “Go to Scene/Area” command on the data network to other matching area Nebulas (indicated by the Remote LED flashing).

  • Page 28: Nebula Stage Shows Operation

    NEBULA STAGE SHOWS OPERATION Every Nebula fitted with Stage Scenes software has an auto Show facility which uses the 64 scenes as cue states of an auto-sequencing Show or Chase. A Show runs through its cues until the End scene when it stops, whereas a Chase does an auto-restart on reaching the End scene.

  • Page 29: Setting Local Shows On/Off

    Press Back until you reach the top menu: the screen shows “Changes saved to flash memory”. SETTING REMOTE SHOWS ON/OFF To set Remote Shows playback on or off (for use with other Nebulas and Theatrelight Wallplate controllers): From the top menu, press Menu twice.

  • Page 30: Changing The Current Show Number

    Local Show playback is set to the Cue 1 of the new show at Pause, and if the Remote LED is lit, the Nebula issues a “Start Show/Area” command on the data network to other matching area Nebulas (indicated by the Remote LED flashing).

  • Page 31: Editing The Current Show Cue

    NEBULA OPERATION The new cue is faded in at the fade-times for that scene, and the show is set to ‘Play”. If the Remote LED is lit, the Nebula issues a “Go to Show Scene/Area” command on the data network to other matching area Nebulas (indicated by the Remote LED flashing).

  • Page 32: Setting Show Titles

    SETTING SHOW OR CHASE TYPE The Nebula can play two sequence types: a Show or a Chase. A Show runs through its cues until the End scene when it stops, whereas a Chase does an auto-restart on reaching the End scene. Both Shows and Chases may be set to use Time Proportional or Constant Slope fades, while Chases may also be set to be auto-reversing.
  • Page 33 NEBULA OPERATION Press Left while the cursor is over the Start Scene number: the cursor jumps to the start of the Show title. The Menu key flashes “show/chs” —press the Menu key to cycle the Show/Chase through the types from the list below.

  • Page 34: Remote Scene And Show Control

    POWER SUPPLY A 12 volt supply is carried over the Cat 5 data cable to supply remote Wallplates where used. Each Nebula has a 12 volt, 200 mill-amp constant current source, allowing every Nebula to drive up to 100 Wallplates. Normal Wallplate power requirements is 12 volts, with a total load of just 1.5ma per Wallplate (one LED on).

  • Page 35: Theatrelight Wallplates

    REMOTE CONTROLLED SCENES To link a number of Nebulas together for remote control of scenes over a large number of dimmers, each Nebula must be connected to the common data cable. Then each Nebula must be set up as follows Each Nebula must be set with Local Scenes and Remote Scenes set On.

  • Page 36: Remote Controlled Shows

    REMOTE CONTROLLED SHOWS To link a number of Nebulas together for a synchronised show or chase over a large number of dimmers, each Nebula must be connected to the common data cable. Then each Nebula must be set up as follows Each Nebula must be set with Local Shows and Remote Shows set On.

  • Page 37: Maintenance

    NEBULA OPERATION MAINTENANCE To keep your Nebula working well take note of these points: § Keep the dimmer pack in a clean air environment: dust is detrimental to electronic insulation and fan life. § Ventilate dimmer cabinets and dimmer rooms adequately: heat is detrimental to electronic components.

  • Page 38: Specifications

    MCBs 6KA rated MCBs provide full overload and short-circuit protection of power devices. FILTERING Iron powder toroidal chokes for linear current rise and minimum EMI. Theatrelight can provide filtering to customer standard on request. COOLING Long life low voltage speed controlled fan. Fan speed is proportional to temperature.
  • Page 39 DMX-512 splitters can be supplied by Theatrelight for larger installations. The splitter re-shapes and buffers the received DMX and drives a number of isolated floating DMX transmitters. Splitters may be cascaded. Theatrelight DMX Splitters are available in an 8 channel 19 inch, 1 U rack mounting configuration, or as a 4 channel stand-alone portable version.

  • Page 40: Dimensions

    NEBULA OPERATION DIMENSIONS...

  • Page 41: Glossary Of Theatre Lighting Terms

    NEBULA OPERATION GLOSSARY OF THEATRE LIGHTING TERMS ADD MODE Mode in which pressing a channel Flash key adds the channel to the other lighting. ANALOGUE A smooth changing voltage (as opposed to digital) BLACKOUT All lights out on stage. BLIND Not showing on stage.
  • Page 42 Silicon Controlled Rectifier. A unidirectional power switch used in dimmers SEQUENCE A repetitive pattern of lighting changes. SHOW A performance. In Theatrelight control panels, a Scenemaster which stores a sequence of cues. SOFTSTART A minimum fade up time programmed into a dimmer to enhance lamp life. SOLO MODE Another name for Kill mode.

  • Page 43: Index

    NEBULA OPERATION INDEX Area ID number............21 Maximum levels ............16 Calibrating voltage ............. 18 Minimum levels............15 Chase type ..............28 Non-dim levels............16 Chases edting............25 Off levels ..............16 Chases playback............25 Phase LEDs ..............3 Control connections............ 35 Playing scenes ............

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