Page 1 Table of Contents expression show control system User manual January 1992 Copyright Electronic Theatre Controls 1992 E T C intends this do cument, w het her pr in ted or electr oni c, to be pr ovided in it s en tir ety.
Page 2 (up to a to return the goods prepaid to ETC at maximum of 18 months from delivery) their factory or authorized service its products will be free from defects in center.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ........................1 Expression Show Control System features ............2 PSC features ....................2 RSC features ....................2 Using this manual ....................3 Text conventions ....................4 Customer service ....................4 Chapter 2 Hardware and installation ..................
Page 4 Entering system settings ..................22 Setting default full level ................23 Setting default up and down fade times ............23 Setting default fader clear times ..............24 Chapter 4 Basic operations ......................25 Lesson 1: Using the digitizer ................26 Programming regions ...................
Page 5 Viewing recorded SMPTE events ..............62 Viewing SMPTE events with the digitizer and internal clock ....62 Viewing SMPTE events manually with the digitizer ....... 62 Viewing SMPTE events without the digitizer ......... 63 Downloading a SMPTE program to the Remote Show Controller (RSC) ..64 Uploading a SMPTE program from the Remote Show Controller (RSC) ..
Page 6 Lesson 7: Working with macros ............... 100 Creating or modifying a macro ..............101 Running a macro ..................103 Putting a macro on hold ................103 Cancelling a macro ..................103 Seleting a macro ..................103 Sample macros ................... 104 Chapter 6 Printer options and disk management...
Page 7 Diagnostic system clear ..................143 Dim ........................144 Dimmer profiles ....................145 Effects keys ...................... 148 Enter ........................149 Except ....................... 150 Fader display ..................... 152 Flash ........................153 Full ........................154 Go ........................155 Grand Master ....................156 Group ........................ 157 Group Hold ......................
Page 8 Index ..........................194 Appendix A Connector information ................... i Appendix B Error messages ....................... v Appendix C dip switch settings .................... vii Appendix D Specifications ......................ix Schematics ........................xiii...
Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction
The Expression Show Control System (ESCS) allows you to program and run complex, automated lighting effects controlled by SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) time code received by the system. An ESCS consists of at least one Programmable Show Controller (PSC) and may also include any number of Remote Show Controllers (RSCs) .
Page 10: Expression Show Control System Features
Expression Show Control System Expression Show Control System features The components of the ESCS are the Programmable Show Controller (PSC) and the Remote Show Controller (RSC) PSC features The PSC provides the following features: • 200 control channels • Proportional control channel softpatch that accommodates up to 512 dimmers •...
Page 11: Using This Manual
System overview, manual conventions and customer Introduction support. Chapter 2 Instructions for installing the components of the Hardware and Expression Show Control System, including monitor and Installation Designer’s Worksheet digitizer. Chapter 3 Instructions for entering system settings that you are Entering softpatch...
Page 12: Text Conventions
Expression Show Control System Text conventions In this manual, keys and buttons are indicated by square brackets such as, [Enter] . System messages are printed in boldface, such as Select channel . References to other sections of the manual are printed in italics, such as Chapter 1, Introduction.
Page 13: Hardware And Installation
The Programmable Show Controller (PSC) is a modified ETC Expression control console configured with a Designer’s Worksheet digitizer tablet in place of the Expression keyboard, and four, rather than two, faders. The system enables you to use SMPTE time code to control cues and other effects.
Page 14: Programmable Show Controller (Psc)
Note: The PSC supports both an RGB color monitor and a monochrome monitor. If you choose to use only one monitor, ETC strongly recommends that you use a color monitor to best take advantage of the information displayed in the PSC’s...
Page 15: Front Panel
Chapter 2 Hardware and installation Front panel expres sion show control program serial data SMPTE SMPTE fault FUSE power power MANUAL PRESS PAUSE STEP M636 M637 M638 M639 M640 Back panel MIDI Parallel printer CRT DISPLAY color monochrome thru PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH...
Page 16: Setting Up The Psc, Monitor And Designer's Worksheet Digitizer
Expression Show Control System Setting up the PSC, monitor and Designer’s Worksheet digitizer This section includes installation instructions for the PSC unit, monitor and Designer’s Worksheet digitizer. If you need additional technical information on the Designer’s Worksheet, refer to the documentation you received with it.
Page 17: Installing Two Monitors
Chapter 2 Hardware and installation Place a printed template sheet under the clear plastic flap on the digitizer. Set the voltage selection switch to match your electrical outlet . In the US, set the voltage switch to 110 . 10. Set the three sets of DIP switches on the digitizer as indicated in the chart below.
Page 18: Entering System Configuration
Expression Show Control System Entering system configuration When you install the PSC , you must set two system configuration options: monitor type and boot option selection . The PSC retains these settings unless you change them, you perform a diagnostic system clear, or the memory is corrupted.
Page 19: Connecting To Dimmers
Chapter 2 Hardware and installation Connecting to dimmers The PSC allows you to control up to 512 DMX512 dimmers. To connect dim- mers insert the dimmer cable in the connector labeled DMX1. Dimmer cable pinout information is contained in Appendix A, Connector information. Connecting parallel printer The PSC supports an optional parallel printer .
Page 20: Remote Show Controller (Rsc)
Expression Show Control System Remote Show Controller The RSC is a self-contained show control unit that runs a wide range of lighting effects in response to SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engi- neers) time code. It does not offer a programming interface and does not support peripheral equipment such as monitors or printers.
Page 21: Maintenance Panel
Show Control System to the first recorded SMPTE event. Manual appears in the LCD display to indicate that the Expression Show Control System is in manual mode . Then press [Step] to play back the first recorded SMPTE event.
Page 22: Indicator Leds
Expression Show Control System Indicator LEDs The LEDs provide you with status information. Condition/indication Serial data ....Not used SMPTE ...... Blinks green when SMPTE code is being received SMPTE fault ....Solid red when a fault is detected in incoming SMPTE data CPU ......
Page 23: Entering Softpatch And System Settings
chapter three entering softpatch and system settings Before you begin creating cues for a show, you should first create your soft- patch. The softpatch assigns individual dimmers to control channels. You can use a default one-to-one softpatch setup or you can assign groups of dimmers to channels.
Page 24: Entering Softpatch
Expression Show Control System Entering softpatch The system accommodates up to 512 dimmers in 200 channels. Softpatch gives you complete flexibility in assigning dimmers to control channels in any order. Softpatch also allows you to proportionally assign levels to individual dimmers to balance a wash or to ensure that a specific lamp cannot be brought above a specific level .
Page 25: Creating Custom Softpatch
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Creating custom softpatch The following sections include information about creating a custom softpatch. • Using channel zero • Entering numbers of channels and dimmers • Patching dimmers to channels Using channel zero Channel zero works as a holding area for unused dimmers . Dimmers assigned to channel zero are listed at the end of the channel list under “—”.
Page 26: Patching Dimmers To Channels
Expression Show Control System Patching dimmers to channels Each dimmer can only be patched to one channel at a time . Follow the steps below to create a custom softpatch. Press [Patch] . PSC displays the following screen. Select dimmers to assign to a single channel .
Page 27: Additional Patching Features
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Additional patching features The following patching features are described below: • Proportional patching • Dimmer profiles • Capturing channels in softpatch • Unpatching individual dimmers Proportional patching The PSC lets you proportionally inhibit individual dimmer levels from the soft- patch screen .
Page 28: Dimmer Profiles
Expression Show Control System Dimmer profiles Dimmer profiles allow you to select a specific output curve for a dimmer over the range of a fade . This can compensate for nonlinear light outputs from certain types of fixtures or incorporate a preferred response in a fade . If you do not select a dimmer profile, the PSC defaults to a linear output .
Page 29: Capturing Channels In Softpatch
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Capturing channels in softpatch The PSC lets you select and capture channels without returning to Stage mode. This allows you to bring channels up on stage to view the proportional settings of dimmers assigned to a channel while you set them . To select channels from the softpatch screen, follow these steps: Press [Patch].
Page 30: Entering System Settings
Expression Show Control System Entering system settings These system settings are discussed on the following pages: • Default full level • Default up and down fade times • Default fader clear time To display the System Settings menu, follow these steps: Press [Set Up].
Page 31: Setting Default Full Level
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings Setting default full level The default full setting is the level the PSC enters for selected channels when you press [Full] . [Full] is set originally at 100 percent, and is reset to 100 percent after a diagnostic system clear.
Page 32: Setting Default Fader Clear Times
Expression Show Control System Setting default fader clear times The default fader clear time is the length of time required for a fader [Clear] to fade out channels from the faders. A diagnostic system clear resets [Clear] fade time to zero; channels fade out immediately when clear time is zero.
Page 33: Chapter 4 Basic Operations
chapter four basic operations This chapter includes five short lessons on working with the PSC’s basic fea- tures . When you complete the lessons, you will have a short sample show to run . Each lesson is described briefly below. •...
Page 34: Lesson 1: Using The Digitizer
Expression Show Control System Lesson 1 Using the digitizer To use the digitizer, touch the specified area of the digitizer template with the stylus . Use the level control strip (bar to right side of grid area) to set captured channel levels by dragging the pen along the strip.
Page 35: Programming Regions
Chapter 4 Basic operations Programming regions Before you begin programming, design your worksheet regions by drawing them on the worksheet tablet provided . Place your drawing under the clear plastic cover sheet, and you’re ready to start . To create new or edit existing regions and macros, follow these steps: Turn the PSC on, then turn the digitizer on .
Page 36: Deleting Regions
Expression Show Control System Use the arrow keys as described below to edit macros, if necessary. Left and right arrows Move highlight to left or right . Up arrow Inserts keystroke before highlighted keystroke. Down arrow Deletes highlighted keystroke. Note: You can also use [Del] to delete the highlighted keystroke.
Page 37: Lesson 2: Display, Channel And Record Modes
Chapter 4 Basic operations Lesson 2 Display, channel and record modes This lesson describes display and channel modes and record functions available with the PSC. Display modes show channel and level settings for cues, groups and faders . Channel mode indicates how channels respond when they are in different situations.
Page 38: Stage, Blind And Fader Screens
Expression Show Control System Stage, Blind and Fader screens Stage, Blind and Fader screens look very similar . The Stage mode screen is illustrated below to familiarize you with the screen format. ∏ ∂ ∑ π ∫ Ω ∂ Grand Master setting The Grand Master setting displays the master intensity level .
Page 39 Chapter 4 Basic operations Fader windows Fader windows display fade time information for cues loaded in the faders. The window displays the cue number, a running clock of the fade, and the percent- age of the fade time that has run . Cue sheet The cue sheet lists up to nine stored cues.
Page 40: Channel Modes
Expression Show Control System Channel modes Channels may be in any of the following modes . Each mode responds differently to your commands. Captured channels Captured channels are channels that you have selected and are live on stage. They remain live until you press [Rel] to release them . Captured channels override all other channel settings.
Page 41: Record Functions
Chapter 4 Basic operations Record functions The PSC has three record functions: Record, Update and Track . Record saves all channels as they appear on the screen (what you see is what you get) in the cue or group you specify. Normally when you record a cue or group in Stage, the PSC records the current look in its entirety.
Page 42: Lesson 3 Working With Cues
Expression Show Control System Lesson 3 Working with cues When working with the PSC , a cue is a look you have created and recorded, and can replay in a timed fader . After you select channels and set their intensity levels, you can store the look as a cue .
Page 43: Cue 1: Creating A Cue In Stage
Chapter 4 Basic operations Cue 1: Creating a cue in Stage Follow these steps to create a cue in Stage mode: Press [Stage] . The PSC displays the Stage mode screen . Once you are in Stage, you have live control of channels . The PSC automatically prompts you to enter a channel number.
Page 44: Cue 2: Creating A Cue In Blind
Expression Show Control System Cue 2: Creating a cue in Blind Follow these steps to create a cue in Blind mode, for a range of channels, using [Full] . The PSC automatically enters 00 for channels you used in cue 1 to indicate that they will downfade in cue 2.
Page 45: Cue 3: Modifying Up And Down Fade Times
Chapter 4 Basic operations Cue 3: Modifying up and down fade times You may also want to modify cue up and down fade times . When you create a cue, the PSC assumes you want to use the default fade times . However, you can easily change fade times using [Time] .
Page 46 Expression Show Control System Cue 3 keystrokes If you did not press [Rel] after you saved the last cue, channels 1 through 15 should still be selected on the Blind mode screen. Action [Chan] Indicates next number entered will be a channel.
Page 47: Cue 4: Linking Cues
Chapter 4 Basic operations Cue 4: Linking cues The PSC lets you link cues to create a sequence that runs automatically . You can link a string of cues, or you can create a loop to produce a chase . You can also link cues to macros .
Page 48 Expression Show Control System Cue 4 keystrokes Action [Blind] Displays Blind mode screen. [Chan] Indicates that you are going to enter channel numbers. [5] [1] Selects channel 51. [Thru] Indicates that you want to enter a range of channels. [7] [5] Marks end of range of channels at 75.
Page 49: Cue 5: Creating A Cue Using Solo
Chapter 4 Basic operations Cue 5: Creating a cue using Solo Often you will create cues by adding to, subtracting from and modifying previ- ously recorded cues . [Solo] lets you select a subset of displayed channels and delete all others . Press [Chan] to indicate that the next number entered will be a channel number.
Page 50 Expression Show Control System Cue 5 keystrokes Assuming you are still in Blind and have cue 4 displayed, follow these steps to create a cue using [Solo]: Action [Chan] Indicates that the next number entered will be a channel num- ber.
Page 51: Inserting Cues
1 slightly and insert it between cues 1 and 2 . You can number cues with a one-digit decimal . Therefore, you can insert up to nine cues between one and two (1.1, 1.2, etc.) . To modify and insert a cue, follow these steps: Press [Blind] .
Page 52: Deleting Cues
Expression Show Control System Deleting cues Follow these steps to delete a cue from a show. Press [Blind] . You cannot delete cues from live modes. Enter cue number you want to delete. Press [Clear]. To delete just the current cue, press [Rec].
Page 53: Copying Cues
Chapter 4 Basic operations Copying cues Once you have created a cue, you may copy it and give it a new number. This can be helpful if you want to create a cue based on one you have already re- corded.
Page 54: Lesson 4 Playing Back Cues
Expression Show Control System Lesson 4 Playing back cues The PSC has four sets of timed faders that play back recorded cues . You can play back cues one at a time through a single fader, or you can play back a different cue in each fader at the same time.
Page 55: Playing Back Cues
Chapter 4 Basic operations Playing back cues To play back the cues you created in Lesson 3, follow these steps: Press [Stage] to display Stage mode. Press [Cue] to indicate that you want to select a cue. Enter the cue number you want to play back . To play back cues you recorded from Lesson 3, press [1] [.] [1].
Page 56: Playing Back An Unselected Cue
Expression Show Control System Playing back an unselected cue To play back a cue other than the selected (highlighted) cue on the cue sheet, follow these steps: Press [Cue]. Enter the cue number you want to play next. Press [Go].
Page 57: Update Cue
Chapter 4 Basic operations Update cue The preceding steps allow you to record the entire live look into the modified cue. To add only selected channels to the cue, use the Update cue feature. Press [Stage]. Press [Cue], and enter cue number. Press [Go] to play back cue.
Page 58: Playing Back The Previous Cue
Expression Show Control System Playing back the previous cue The [Back] key replays the most recently played cue, regardless of the order in which the cues were recorded in the cue sheet. It then plays subsequent cues in reverse numerical order. For example, if you play cues one, two, three, twenty- two, and sixteen, then press [Back], cue sixteen will fade into cue twenty-two.
Page 59: Lesson 5: Saving Your Show On Disk
Chapter 4 Basic operations Lesson 5 Saving your show on disk You should always make at least one back up copy (if not two) of each show you are working on . Back up copies are stored on standard 3.5-inch, double-sided, double-density computer disks .
Page 60: Formatting Disks
Expression Show Control System Formatting disks You must format disks in an PSC before you can record shows on them . The PSC cannot record shows on unformatted disks or disks that are formatted in a personal computer . Warning: Formatting a disk erases all information recorded on disk. It does not affect the current show in the PSC.
Page 61: Recording A Show On Disk
Chapter 4 Basic operations Recording a show on disk To record a show from the PSC memory to a disk follow these steps: Insert a formatted disk in disk drive. Press [Set Up] . Select 1, Record show on disk, and press [Enter] . The PSC displays the screen illustrated below: If either show is currently recorded on disk, the screen displays the message, Recorded and the date the show was recorded .
Page 62: Verifying A Show On Disk
. If it recurs, try a new disk. The message Configurations differ, cannot verify indicates one of the following: show on disk was saved on a different type of ETC console or different software version; show on disk has different system settings (such as softpatch, numbers of dimmers and channels) than show in the PSC .
Page 63: Lesson 6: Working With Smpte
Chapter 4 Basic operations Lesson 6 Working with SMPTE The PSC allows you to create and run shows controlled automatically by SMPTE time code. Shows consist of a series of lighting cues programmed to play back at specified times. These times are expressed in SMPTE notation. A SMPTE program consists of up to 500 individual SMPTE events and a Reset time.
Page 64: Creating Smpte Programs
Expression Show Control System Creating SMPTE programs The PSC allows you to create SMPTE programs in the SMPTE edit mode, or in Learn mode. SMPTE Edit Follow these steps to create a SMPTE program from the SMPTE edit screen: Record the cue(s) you want to include in the program.
Page 65 Chapter 4 Basic operations Press [At] again to set a fade rate for the cue assigned to the AB fader. Enter a fade rate from 0 to 99, or press [Full] (100 percent). A fade rate of 0 stops the fade. A fade rate of 100 is instant (no fade time). With fade rate set at 50, cue runs at its recorded rate.
Page 66: Learn Mode
Expression Show Control System Learn mode In Learn mode, you can record SMPTE events in Stage mode. Learn mode allows you to record a SMPTE event live without concerning yourself with SMPTE time. Warning: If you use Learn to assign a cue to fader in which a cue already exists, the previously recorded cue will be overwritten by the new cue.
Page 67: Editing Smpte Programs
Chapter 4 Basic operations Editing SMPTE programs Once you have created a SMPTE program, you can easily make changes. In the SMPTE edit display, you can use the four arrow keys to move the highlight around in the display screen. Pressing the left or right arrow key moves the highlight horizontally.
Page 68: Smpte Block Edit
Expression Show Control System SMPTE block edit Block Edit allows you to select a block of SMPTE events, then manipulate the block in three ways: Move, Copy or Delete. Move Allows you to move the selected block of SMPTE events from one time slot to another.
Page 69: Deleting All Smpte Events
Chapter 4 Basic operations Deleting all SMPTE events The Clear SMPTE Time Programs menu option on the Setup display allows you to delete all recorded SMPTE events. Follow these steps to delete all recorded SMPTE events: Press [Setup]. Select 16, Clear SMPTE Time Programs, and press [Enter]. Press [Enter] again to proceed, or press [Clear] to cancel the operation.
Page 70: Viewing Recorded Smpte Events
Expression Show Control System Viewing recorded SMPTE events The ESCS allows you to view recorded SMPTE events in several ways. If you are using the PSC with a digitizer, you may use the digitizer, or the Maintenance panel. If you are using an RSC (or a PSC without a digitizer) you are limited to using only the Maintenance panel.
Page 71: Viewing Smpte Events Without The Digitizer
Chapter 4 Basic operations Viewing SMPTE events without the digitizer Press [Manual] on the Maintenance panel to interrupt the input of SMPTE time code and reset the ESCS to the first recorded SMPTE event. Manual appears in the SMPTE window to indicate that the ESCS is in Manual mode. Press [Pause] to interrupt the input of SMPTE time code without resetting the ESCS to the first recorded SMPTE event.
Page 72: Downloading A Smpte Program To The Remote Show Controller (Rsc)
Expression Show Control System Downloading a SMPTE program to the Remote Show Controller (RSC) In order to run a SMPTE program on a Remote Show Controller (RSC) , you must first record the show on a PSC , then download the completed show to the RSC .
Page 73: Advanced Techniques
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques chapter five advanced techniques The lessons in this chapter explain advanced features that allow you to use the PSC more efficiently and to create more complex lighting effects . Before you start the lessons you should know how to create and play back cues . Chapter 4, Basic operations includes lessons on these tasks.
Page 74 Expression Show Control System Multipart cues A multipart cue is a cue that consists of two or more parts. Each part is, in effect, an individual cue with its own levels and upfade and downfade times. A multipart cue allows you to simultaneously run and control up to four discrete looks through one multipart cue.
Page 75: Lesson 1: Working With Multipart Cues
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Lesson 1 Working with multipart cues A multipart cue consists of from two to four parts, each of which is essentially an independent cue. A multipart cue allows you to control the levels and timing of more than one group of channels at a time. Each part of a multipart cue may consist of any number of channels, but a channel may only be included in one part of a given multipart cue.
Page 76: Creating A Multipart Cue
Expression Show Control System Creating a multipart cue Follow these steps to create a multipart cue: Press [Stage]. The PSC displays the Stage mode screen and prompts you to enter a channel number. Enter channel number(s) for the first part.
Page 77: Editing A Multipart Cue
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Editing a multipart cue Once you have created a multipart cue, you can add or delete channels from the parts, change channel levels, or change fade and wait times. Adding, deleting and modifying channels Follow these steps to make changes to a multipart cue: Press [Blind].
Page 78: Modifying Fade And Wait Times
Expression Show Control System Modifying fade and wait times If you do not assign fade and wait times to a part, the PSC automatically assigns it the default fade times. No wait time will be recorded. Follow these steps to assign fade and wait times to parts in a multipart cue: Press [Blind].
Page 79: Converting A Standard Cue To A Multipart Cue
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Converting a standard cue to a multipart cue If you have already created a single-part cue, the PSC allows you to reconfigure it as a multipart cue. You can convert a standard cue to a multipart cue in either Stage or Blind mode.
Page 80: Lesson 2: Track Record Function
Expression Show Control System Lesson 2 Track record function The track record function records the levels currently displayed on the screen in a cue, and allows you to create tracks into subsequent cues . A track is created by a channel whose level does not change through a series of consecutive cues .
Page 81: Using Record To Create Tracks
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Using record to create tracks In Stage mode, the following keystrokes create the five cues illustrated below . Each cue adds channels to the previous cue . The example uses Record to record the cues . Cue 1 [Chan] [1] [Full] [Rec] [1] [Enter] Cue 2 [Chan] [2] [Full] [Rec] [2] [Enter] Cue 3 [Chan] [3] [Full] [Rec] [3] [Enter]...
Page 82: Recording Modified Cues
Expression Show Control System Recording modified cues The difference between Record and Track is apparent when you modify a cue or insert a new cue between two existing cues . Record and Track produce different results. The following keys were pressed to release captured channels and play back cue 1.
Page 83 Chapter 5 Advanced techniques If you change the level in the beginning or middle of a track, you may want the change to continue through the remainder of the original track . To track the level modification we just recorded in the example above use [Track] instead of [Rec] to record channel one as on the previous page.
Page 84: Inserting Cues
Expression Show Control System Inserting cues If you insert a cue in this sequence, Record and track produce different results . Record saves changes only in the cue you insert; track saves the changes you make and tracks them through the following cues .
Page 85 Chapter 5 Advanced techniques When you insert a cue with [Track], new channels track through the cues after it until the PSC encounters a cue with a level previously recorded for that channel. Pressing [Track] (rather than [Rec] as in the previous example) then [1] [.] [1] [Enter] to insert and record the same cue 1.1 as above produces the results illustrated in Figure 5 .
Page 86: Blackout Cues And Tracking
Expression Show Control System Blackout cues and tracking Sometimes you may add a channel to a sequence of cues that has not used that channel yet . For example, you may want to add a channel to all cues in a scene .
Page 87 Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Now when we track channel 5 through the sequence, cue 5 acts as a roadblock for the track . The result is illustrated in Figure 7. Cue 1 Cue 1.1 Cue 2 Cue 3 Cue 4 Cue 5 Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3...
Page 88: Lesson 3 Track Sheet
Expression Show Control System Lesson 3 Track Sheet Tracked channels are channels whose levels do not change from one cue to the next . The Track Sheet allows you to display one channel’s settings for all recorded cues . At a glance you can see which cues have tracking levels for that particular channel .
Page 89 Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Track Sheet description ∂ Grand Master setting The Grand Master setting displays the master dimmer intensity level. With it you can control the maximum level of all channels . The Grand Master overrides all other settings . ∑...
Page 90: Working With Track Sheet
Expression Show Control System Working with Track Sheet With the Track Sheet you can track one channel at a time through any group of cues at any level, including zero . Track Sheet is useful when you want to track a channel through blackout cues, or when you want to complete a broken track .
Page 91: Lesson 4: Using Group
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Lesson 4 Using Group If you have combinations of channels you use often to create looks, you can save time by using [Group] to record them at proportional levels. Once it is recorded, a group can be combined with other channels to create cues, other groups or effects.
Page 92: Modifying Groups
Expression Show Control System Modifying groups The PSC allows you to modify groups in Blind or Stage modes though the process is different for each. Modifying groups in Blind Follow these steps to modify a group in Blind: Press [Blind] .
Page 93: Modifying Groups Using Update
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Modifying groups using Update Update allows you to modify a group in Stage mode by adding to, or modifying, only those live channels you specifically select. Unselected live channels will not be included in the group. The levels of channels already included in the group, but not selected, are not affected.
Page 94: Deleting Groups
Expression Show Control System Deleting groups To delete a group in Blind, follow these steps: Press [Blind]. Press [Group] to indicate that you are entering a group. Enter the group number you want to delete. Press [Enter] Press [Clear] [Enter] to delete the group.
Page 95: Copying Groups
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Copying groups Once you have created a group, you may copy it and give it a number. This can be helpful if you want to create a group based on one you have already recorded. Follow these steps to copy a group: Press [Blind] or [Stage].
Page 96: Using Groups To Modify Cues In Blind
Expression Show Control System Using groups to modify cues in Blind When you modify a cue using a group in Blind, follow these steps: Press [Blind] . The PSC prompts you for a cue number. Enter cue number to display the cue you want to modify.
Page 97: Lesson 5: Working With Effects
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Lesson 5 Working with effects The effects feature lets you create special lighting effects such as lightning, strobes and chases . Each effect can contain up to 10 steps . Each step can include up to 10 channels, high and low intensity level limits for those channels, and a fade or delay time between steps.
Page 98: Creating An Effect
Expression Show Control System Creating an effect To create an effect follow these steps: Press [Blind] . You must be in Blind to create an effect. Press [Type] to display the fade type menu . Select 3, Effect . The PSC displays the following screen.
Page 99 Chapter 5 Advanced techniques 12. Enter a duration time of between one frame and 99:59 minutes. (Entering zero assigns an infinite duration time. If duration is set to zero, the effect runs until you clear it from the fader.) Duration time is the length of time the effect runs after pressing [Go].
Page 100 Expression Show Control System Effects keystrokes Action [Blind] Displays Blind mode screen. [Type] Displays cue type menu. Selects effects cue type. [Chan] Indicates next number entered will be a channel number. [1] [Thru] Selects channels 1 through 10. [1] [0] [Enter] Assigns channel 1 to step one.
Page 101: Inserting And Deleting Steps
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Inserting and deleting steps To insert a step, select the step after which you want a new step inserted, and press [Step/Part] . To delete a step, select it, and press [Clear]. Editing steps To edit effects steps, follow these steps: Press [Step/Part], and enter the step number you want to edit.
Page 102: Effects Shortcuts
Expression Show Control System Effects shortcuts The PSC assumes you want to organize channels in a pattern . Therefore, you can enter the numbers of steps and channel numbers you want and create all your steps at once. To create all your steps at once, press [Step/Part] [1] [Thru] and then enter the total number of steps you want .
Page 103: Lesson 6: Working With Subroutines
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Lesson 6 Working with subroutines A subroutine is a cue that controls the playback of a series of existing cues . The subroutine feature lets you change fade rates for the subroutine without chang- ing rates in the original cues . You can use subroutines and effects to create similar looks .
Page 104: Creating Subroutines
Expression Show Control System Creating subroutines Each subroutine can hold up to 24 steps . Each step lists a cue or a style . The Jump-to-cue option essentially lets you increase the number of steps indefinitely until you exceed 400 cues total.
Page 105 Chapter 5 Advanced techniques 1 - Loop . Runs through preceding cues and then returns to first cue . Enter the number of times you want the loop to return to the top of the cue list . If you enter 5, the sequence will play 6 times . Enter 0 for a continuous loop.
Page 106: Deleting A Step
Expression Show Control System Deleting a step Press [Step/Part], and enter the step number . Then press [Clear] . The PSC deletes the selected step and renumbers the remaining steps. Inserting a step Press [Step/Part], and enter the step number where you want to insert the new step .
Page 107 Chapter 5 Advanced techniques [5] [Enter] Enters 5 second upfade time. [Enter] Accepts 5 second downfade time. [Enter] Accepts 00 second delay time. [Enter] Displays style menu. Selects loop. Indicates to return to start of loop twice. Subroutine makes three runs through steps. [Enter] Enters the style.
Page 108: Lesson 7 Working With Macros
Expression Show Control System Lesson 7 Working with macros A macro works like a redial button on a telephone . You can store a series of keystrokes and later replay it with a simple keystroke . Macros simplify complex tasks that you perform often . For example, you might program a macro to simplify the process of performing a channel check .
Page 109: Creating Or Modifying A Macro
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Creating or modifying a macro Follow these steps to create a macro: Plan your macro by determining exactly what keystrokes you want to include . You might want to do this by running through the task and writing down each keystroke.
Page 110 Expression Show Control System Use the arrow keys as described below to edit macro, if necessary. Left and right arrows Moves highlight to left or right . Up arrow Inserts keystroke before highlighted keystroke. [Del] Deletes highlighted keystroke. Macro wait To program a pause in the macro, press [Macro wait] .
Page 111: Running A Macro
Chapter 5 Advanced techniques Running a macro To run macros one through seven, press the appropriate macro key . For ex- ample, to run macro one, press [M1]. To run macros number eight and higher, press [M*], the number of the macro, and [Enter] .
Page 112: Sample Macros
Expression Show Control System Sample macros Channel check At 00 + Full This macro brings each channel up to full for a channel check . Before you begin, you’ll probably want to bring up at least one channel for working light, then clear all other channels from stage .
Page 113: Printer Options And Disk Management
chapter six printer options and disk management Using print and disk options includes instructions for using PSC’s print and disk options . Each of the following reports is explained and illustrated on the following pages. • Cues • Cue sheet •...
Page 114: Print Options
Expression Show Control System Print options Before you begin printing, verify that your printer is installed correctly and that it is turned on . For instructions on installing printer, see page 11. Fades in progress pause when reports are printing.
Page 115: Cues
Chapter 6 Printer options and disk management Cues The cue report prints each cue on a separate page . From the Print Options Menu, select 2, and press [Enter] . Enter the first cue number you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all recorded cues . Press [Enter] . If you are select- ing a range of cues to print, the PSC prompts you for the last cue number to print .
Page 116: Cue Sheet
Expression Show Control System Cue sheet The Cue sheet report lists all recorded cues . From the Print Options Menu, select 7, and press [Enter] . Enter the first cue number you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print the entire cue sheet . Press [Enter] . If you are selecting a range of cues to print, the PSC prompts you for the last cue number to print .
Page 117: Designer's Worksheet
Chapter 6 Printer options and disk management Designer’s Worksheet Since Worksheet regions are specialized macros, when you select the Print Designer’s Worksheet option, the PSC prints all macros and worksheet regions . From the Print Options Menu, select 9, and press [Enter] . Enter the first region you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all regions .
Page 118: Groups
Expression Show Control System Groups The Group report prints each recorded group on a separate page . From the Print Options Menu, select 3, and press [Enter] . Enter the first group number you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all recorded groups . Press [Enter] . If you are selecting a range of groups to print, the PSC prompts you for the last group number to print .
Page 119: Macros
Chapter 6 Printer options and disk management Macros The Macro Buttons report lists all recorded macros . It also prints Designer’s Worksheet regions since they are specialized macros. From the Print Options Menu, select 10, and press [Enter] . Enter the first macro you want to print, or enter 0 if you want to print all macros .
Page 120: Real Time Programs
Expression Show Control System Real time programs From the Print Options Menu, select 8, and press [Enter] . The PSC prints a report of all recorded real time programs on one sheet. EXPRESSION LIGHTING PARADE CONTROLLER ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS,INC. CLOCK...
Page 121: Smpte
Chapter 6 Printer options and disk management SMPTE The SMPTE report lists all recorded SMPTE events, showing the SMPTE time and the cue to fader assignment. From the Print Options Menu, select 4 and press [Enter]. The PSC prints a report of all SMPTE events. EXPRESSION LIGHTING PARADE CONTROLLER ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS,INC.
Page 122: Softpatch
Expression Show Control System Softpatch The softpatch report lists current dimmer-to-channel patches . When you select the Print Softpatch option the PSC sends the report to the printer immediately . No options are available for this report . From the Print Options Menu, select 6 and press [Enter] .
Page 123: Stage Display
Chapter 6 Printer options and disk management Stage display The Stage display report prints channel settings as they currently appear on Stage . When you select the Print Stage Display option, the PSC sends the report to the printer immediately . No options are available for this report . From the Print Options Menu, select 1, and press [Enter] .
Page 124: Disk Management
Expression Show Control System Disk management The PSC’s disk drive lets you save up to two shows per standard 3.5-inch computer disk. We recommend that you make two back-up copies of each show on separate disks and that you keep them in different locations . If your disk were damaged, a back-up disk stored at home could save you hours of work.
Page 125: Recording A Show On Disk
Chapter 6 Printer options and disk management Recording a show on disk We recommend that you keep two backup copies of each show on a disk . Keep disks in a dry, safe place . When using the record option, any fades being executed are interrupted during the record operation;...
Page 126 Expression Show Control System Erase show on disk If you want to erase a show from a disk, use the Erase show from disk option . Once a show is erased from a disk you cannot retrieve it . When using the erase option, any fades being executed are interrupted; fades resume when erase is complete .
Page 127: Reading A Show From Disk
Chapter 6 Printer options and disk management Reading a show from disk When you read a show from a disk and load it into memory, the new show overwrites the current show in the PSC. Therefore, if you want to keep the current show, follow the instructions on the previous page to record current show before you read a new show from disk.
Page 128: Verify Show On Disk
The message Configurations differ, cannot verify indi- cates one the following: • Show on disk was saved on a different type of ETC console or a different software version. • Show on disk has different system settings (such as softpatch,...
Page 129: Chapter 7 Accessories
This chapter includes instructions for working with the following PSC optional accessories: Remote Focus Unit (RFU) • • Real Time Clock For accessory installation instructions, see Chapter 2, Installation. For purchase information, please contact your local dealer or ETC.
Page 130: Remote Focus Unit (Rfu)
Expression Show Control System Remote Focus Unit (RFU) The Remote Focus Unit (RFU) is a small, portable control panel you can use from a remote location, such as in the house, on your studio set or from backstage . You can use an RFU with or without a remote monitor.
Page 131: Real Time Clock
The Real Time Clock also displays the current time under the display mode label and date-stamps shows when you record them on disk. You can record up to 10 real time programs in Expression Show Control System. This section includes instructions for creating real time programs and setting the Real Time Clock.
Page 132 Expression Show Control System Setting Real Time Clock Follow these steps to set Real Time Clock : Press [Set Up] . Select 10, Set Real Time Clock , and press [Enter] . At Current Time prompt, enter time in military format . For example, enter 8:00 a.m.
Page 133: Chapter 8 Reference
This reference section lists all Expression Show Control System (ESCS) keys, features and menu options in alphabetical order. Listings include a description of the feature and instructions for using it. For more instructions on using the ESCS to create shows, you may find the tutorials in Chaopter 4, Basic operations helpful.
Page 134: And
Expression Show Control System [And] allows you to select a set of channels, cues, dimmers, or steps that has a break in the numerical sequence. You can then enter an intensity level for the set. For example, you can select channels 1 and 7 and 9.
Page 135 1 to 10 (for example, 1 = 10 percent, 2 = 20 percent, etc.) enter a one-digit level and press [Enter]. Hint: It is not necessary to use [At] before pressing [Full] or before moving the fader wheel.
Page 136: Back
Expression Show Control System Back [Back] lets you replay previously played cues. The back key replays the most recently played cue, regardless of the order in which the cues were recorded in the cue sheet. It then plays subsequent cues in reverse numerical order. For example, if you play cues one, two, three, twenty-two, and sixteen, then press [Back], cue sixteen will fade into cue twenty-two.
Page 137: Black Out
Chapter 8 Reference Black out [Black out] forces all channels to a zero intensity level. All dimmers immediately black out. The PSC displays the message Black out in flashing letters when Black out is active. To restore channel settings, press [Black out] again. All stage fixtures remain off until you release the black out.
Page 138: Blind
Expression Show Control System Blind Blind is a display mode that allows you to create, preview or edit cues, groups and effects without affecting live fixtures. If you want live control of dimmers, use Stage mode. When you press [Blind], the PSC displays the following screen: While in Blind mode there are two other screens you can display, namely the Subroutines and Effects screens.
Page 139: Captured Channels
Chapter 8 Reference Captured channels Captured channels are channels that you have selected and that are live on stage. They remain live until you press [Rel] to release them. Captured chan- nels override all other channel settings except the Grand Master. For ex- ample, if a channel is in a fader at 100 percent and you capture it and set it to 50 percent, the PSC reads the 50 percent setting.
Page 140: Chan
Expression Show Control System Chan [Chan] allows you to select channels in all display modes. Pressing [Chan] indicates that the next number entered will be a channel number. Once channels are selected, you have immediate keyboard control over channel levels. You can use [Full], [At], [+], [-], or the level control strip to set desired levels.
Page 141: Clear
Chapter 8 Reference Clear [Clear]’s primary function is to delete cues and tracks. Occasionally an error message may prompt you to press [Clear]. You can also use [Clear] to reset an incorrect level to zero. To do so, select channels, and press [At] [Clear]. Deleting a cue or group To delete a cue or group, follow these steps: Press [Blind].
Page 142 Expression Show Control System Resetting channels to zero To set channels to zero, follow these steps: Select channels. Press [At]. Press [Clear]. Examples [Blind] [Cue] [1] [Clear] [Rec] deletes cue 1. [Blind] [2] [Chan] [1] [At] [0] [0] [Track] [Enter] deletes channel one from cue 2 and remaining track.
Page 143: Clear Faders
Chapter 8 Reference Clear faders The [Clear] keys next to faders clear all information from faders. The default fader clear time is zero; therefore channels that have been loaded to the faders clear immediately. To change default fader clear time, follow these steps: Press [Set Up].
Page 144: Clear Show From Memory
Expression Show Control System Clear show from memory The Clear show from memory option on the Set Up menu clears all cues, effects, subroutines, groups, and real-time programs from memory. It does not clear macros, regions, softpatch, or system settings. To use the option, follow these steps: Press [Set Up].
Page 145: Clear Smpte Time Programs
Chapter 8 Reference Clear SMPTE time programs The Clear SMPTE time programs Set Up menu option allows you to delete all recorded SMPTE events. Individual cues are not deleted, only removed from their SMPTE fader assignment. To delete all SMPTE events, follow these steps: Press [Set Up].
Page 146: Clock Disable
Expression Show Control System Clock disable [Clock Disable] stops the PSC’s internal clock. Fades in progress when you press [Clock Disable] finish, but no subsequent SMPTE events will play back until you press [Clock Disable] again. Press [Clock Disable] again to resume the program.
Page 147: Cue
Chapter 8 Reference [Cue] allows you to select a cue to display in Blind mode, play back in Stage mode or modify from Track Sheet. Pressing [cue] indicates that the next number entered will be a cue number. Displaying cues in Blind To display a cue in Blind mode, follow these steps: Press [Blind].
Page 148 Expression Show Control System Selecting cues in Track Sheet To select cues while in Track Sheet, follow these steps: Press [Track Sheet]. Press [Cue]. Enter cue numbers and [And] or [Thru] to enter a group Example [Track Sheet] [Cue] [1] [Thru] [5] selects cues 1 through 5 from the Track Sheet.
Page 149: Delay Time
Chapter 8 Reference Delay time To change the delay time for linked cues or cues linked to macros, follow these steps: Press [Cue], and enter the first cue in the link. Press [Link] twice. Enter the delay time in minutes and seconds (00:00) or seconds and frames (00.00).
Page 150: Delete
Expression Show Control System Delete In SMPTE Edit mode, [Delete] allows you to delete either entire SMPTE events, or individual cues within an event. Deleting a SMPTE event Follow these steps to delete an entire SMPTE event: Press [SMPTE Edit].
Page 151: Diagnostic System Clear
Warning: When you initiate a diagnostic system clear, all show data stored in the Expression Show Control System is lost. Save the current show on disk if you do not want to permanently lose it.
Page 152: Dim
Expression Show Control System [Dim] allows you to select a specific dimmer or a group of dimmers. The two times when you need to select dimmers are when you are creating your soft- patch or when you want to unpatch a single dimmer. For more information about creating a softpatch, see Entering softpatch and system settings on page 16.
Page 153: Dimmer Profiles
Chapter 8 Reference Dimmer profiles Dimmer profiles allow you to select a specific output curve for a dimmer over the range of a fade. This can compensate for nonlinear light outputs from certain types of fixtures or incorporate a preferred response in a fade. If you do not select a dimmer profile, the console defaults to a linear output.
Page 154 Expression Show Control System Dimmer profile graphs...
Page 155 Chapter 8 Reference...
Page 156: Effects Keys
Because effects are special kinds of cues they are included in the Expression Show Control System’s 400 cue total. Detailed instructions for working with effects are included in Chapter 5, Ad- vanced techniques .
Page 157: Enter
Chapter 8 Reference Enter [Enter] functions as an enter key does on most computer keyboards. It indicates that you have finished entering a number or have completed an operation. The operator prompt line indicates when you should use this key.
Page 158: Except
Expression Show Control System Except [Except] allows you to exclude a subset from active channels when you are recording a cue or group. You can also use [Except] to exclude a subset of the current selected channels from direct keyboard control.
Page 159 Chapter 8 Reference Selecting channels, cues or dimmers with [Except] When you are selecting channels for a look, cues in the Track Sheet, or dimmers on the patch screen, use [Except] to exclude a subset of the items (channels, cues or dimmers) already selected. Follow these steps to exclude items: When items are selected, press [Except].
Page 160: Fader Display
This allows you to modify a cue that has played back in one fader and record it without also recording the output from another fader. When you press [Fader], the Expression Show Control System displays channels in the fader you looked at last. The operator prompt line displays the message, Select fader number.
Page 161: Flash
Chapter 8 Reference Flash [Flash] forces selected channels to a level of either zero or full depending on their level when you press [Flash]. If selected channels are set at a level from one to 50 percent, press [Flash] to force them to full. If selected channels are set a a level from 51 percent to full, press [Flash] to force them to zero.
Page 162: Full
Expression Show Control System Full [Full] enters full intensity for all selected channels. [Full] works in all display modes. When you use [Full], you do not have to press [At]. You can change the level [Full] enters by changing its default value. For example, you could change the default full level to 85;...
Page 163 Chapter 8 Reference The [Go] keys initiate the playback of cues. When you press a [Go] key, the cue highlighted on the cue sheet begins by playing back in the corresponding fader. If you have pressed [Hold] to interrupt the playback of a cue, press [Go] to resume the fade.
Page 164: Grand Master
Expression Show Control System Grand Master The Grand Master overrides all other channel level settings except [Black out]. Normally the Grand Master is set at 10 (100 percent) so that all channels operate at 100 percent of their set levels. When the Grand Master is set at a level less than 10, channel outputs equal current settings multiplied by the percentage level at which the Grand Master is set.
Page 165: Group
[Group] allows you to store groups of channels at proportional levels. When you select a group, the Expression Show Control System selects its channels. If you then press [At] and enter a level, the console enters a percentage of the group’s recorded levels.
Page 166: Group Hold
Expression Show Control System Group Hold [Group Hold] allows you to load cues, groups or effects to two or more faders, then start playback of everything loaded to faders simultaneously. Example [Group Hold] [Cue] [1] A/B [Go] [Cue] [2] C/D [Go] [Cue] [3] E/F [Go] [Group Hold] loads cues 1, 2 and 3 to the A/B, C/D and E/F faders respectively, then starts all three cues at the same time.
Page 167: Help
[Help] provides a brief explanation of the function of a specified key. To display help screens: Press [Help]. Press any key on the console. The Expression Show Control System displays a description of the key you pressed. Note: Help screens are not available for menu options.
Page 168: Hold
Expression Show Control System Hold [Hold] stops the playback of the cue in the fader above the key. To resume the playback, press [Go]. To cancel the playback, leaving channel levels as set, press [Hold] again. The faders hold current levels until you play another cue or clear the fader.
Page 169: Insert Time
Chapter 8 Reference Insert time [Insert time] allows you to insert a new SMPTE event between two existing SMPTE events. To insert a new SMPTE event, use the arrow keys to select a SMPTE event. Then press [Insert time]. A new SMPTE event will be inserted one frame after the SMPTE event prior to the one you have selected.
Page 170: Internal Clock Mode
Expression Show Control System Internal clock mode During normal operation, the ESCS processor continuously compares incoming SMPTE time code with time data from its own internal clock. If the ESCS detects variations of plus or minus two seconds, it will automatically adjust the execution of cues to resynchronize itself with the SMPTE time code it is receiv- ing.
Page 171: Learn
Chapter 8 Reference Learn Learn allows you to record SMPTE events live rather than in SMPTE edit mode. Press [Learn] once to enter Learn mode. Press [Cue]; then the desired cue number. Press [Enter] at the point in the SMPTE event at which you want to record the cue.
Page 172: Level Control Strip
Expression Show Control System Level control strip The level control strip works like the fader wheel on Expression -line control consoles. It gives you incremental, proportional control of selected channels’ intensity levels. When selected channels are displayed on your screen, drag the stylus down the strip to decrease selected channel levels, or drag it up to increase the levels.
Page 173: Link
If you do not specify a delay time, the Expression Show Control System assigns a default delay time. The default delay is equal to the total running time of the cue to which you are linking the cue or macro.
Page 174 Expression Show Control System Deleting links To delete link information from a cue, follow these steps: In either Stage or Blind, press [Cue]. Enter the number of the first linked cue and press [Link]. Press [Clear] [Enter]. Example [Cue] [1] [Link] [Clear] [Enter] clears link information from cue 1.
Page 175: Macros
Chapter 8 Reference Macros Macros allow you to store a sequence of keystrokes and play them back by starting the sequence with just one keystroke. For example, you may want to check each of your channels by bringing each up for a couple of seconds.
Page 176: Maintenance Panel
Show Control System to the first recorded SMPTE event. Manual appears in the LCD display to indicate that the Expression Show Control System is in manual mode . Press [Step] to run the first recorded SMPTE event. Press [Step] once to run each subsequent SMPTE event.
Page 177 SMPTE fault ....Solid red when a fault is detected in incoming SMPTE data CPU ......Blinks green when Expression Show Control System processor is on Power ......Solid green when Expression Show Control System is receiving power Program ..... Not used...
Page 178: Manual
[Manual] allows you to interrupt the input of SMPTE time code and reset the Expression Show Control System to the first recorded SMPTE event. Manual appears in the SMPTE window to indicate the Expression Show Control System is in Manual mode. Press [Step] to run the first recorded SMPTE event. To run a SMPTE event other than the first, press [Time], enter the SMPTE time of the desired event, and press [Enter].
Page 179: Minus
Chapter 8 Reference Minus (-) The minus key [-] decreases the value of a highlighted number by one. The value could be a channel number, a cue number, a level setting, or any other type of number that is highlighted on the screen. The plus key [+] increases the value of a highlighted number by one.
Page 180: Page Up/Page Down
Expression Show Control System Page Up/Page Down In SMPTE Edit mode the Programmable Show Controller displays up to 22 SMPTE events at once. To view additional SMPTE events, press [Page Up] or [Page Down] to move up or down through the list.
Page 181: Patch
Chapter 8 Reference Patch [Patch] displays the softpatch set up screen. The softpatch set up screen allows you to assign dimmers to channels. The softpatch screen is illustrated below. For complete instructions on softpatching, see Entering softpatch on page 16.
Page 182: Pause
Pause [Pause] allows you to interrupt the input of SMPTE time code without resetting the Expression Show Control System to the first recorded SMPTE event. Pause appears in the SMPTE window to indicate that the Expression Show Control System is in Pause mode. Press [Step] to run the next recorded SMPTE event.
Page 183: Plus
Chapter 8 Reference Plus The plus key [+] increases the value of a highlighted number by one. The value could be a channel number, a cue number, a level setting, or any other type of number that is highlighted on the screen. The minus key [-] decreases the value of a highlighted number by one.
Page 184: Rec
When you record a cue using [Rec], levels are re- corded only in the specified cue. To save a look, press [Rec], The Expression Show Control System assumes that you want to save the look to a cue. To record a look: Press [Rec].
Page 185: Rel
When you press [Rel], the Expression Show Control System first releases captured channels that are under direct keyboard control (selected channels). If you press [Rel] again, the Expression Show Control System releases all remain- ing captured channels. Captured channel levels always take precedence over other controls. For ex- ample, assume a channel is included in a cue that sets it at 75 percent.
Page 186: Reset (Smpte)
A SMPTE program consists of a series of SMPTE events that run in a repeating loop. The reset time tells the Expression Show Control System when to return to the first SMPTE event and restart the sequence. You can record reset time from any display mode, but you will most likely do so when you are in SMPTE edit.
Page 187: Set Up
Chapter 8 Reference Set Up [Set Up] displays the Set Up menu, which is illustrated below. The Set Up menu provides access to disk options, System Settings menu, print options, clear cues option, real-time clock option, macro options, and clearing SMPTE programs.
Page 188: Smpte
Expression Show Control System SMPTE The SMPTE editing display allows you to create SMPTE events by assigning cues to faders at specified times. Follow these steps to enter the SMPTE editing display: Press [Edit SMPTE]. Enter the first SMPTE time, or press the down arrow to highlight the first recorded SMPTE time.
Page 189: Solo
Chapter 8 Reference Solo [Solo] lets you select a channel or a group of channels and suppress all others to a level of zero. [Solo] is useful for selecting part of a look currently displayed on your screen (in any mode) and recording only that portion. You may also want to use [Solo] to isolate a subset of a live look to readjust or refocus those channels without the other channels interfering.
Page 190: Stage
Expression Show Control System Stage Stage mode gives you live control of all channels. The Stage mode screen displays the final output level for all channels. The levels displayed in Stage take into account cues loaded in faders, captured channels and Grand Master setting.
Page 191: Step (Smpte)
Chapter 8 Reference Step (SMPTE) [Step] allows you to run SMPTE events in either Manual or Pause mode. Press [Manual], then [Step] to interrupt SMPTE time code input, reset to the first recorded SMPTE event and then run the first event. Each time you press [Step], the next consecutive SMPTE event runs.
Page 192: Step/Part
Expression Show Control System Step/Part [Step/Part] has several different functions in programming shows. In working with subroutines and effects, [Step/Part] allows you to select steps for editing. In working with multipart cues, [Step/Part] allows you to specify individual parts of multipart cues.
Page 193: System Settings
Chapter 8 Reference System Settings The System Settings menu includes options for setting default values, softpatch customizing options, system configuration options, and access to the Designer’s Worksheet options menu. The chart below indicates where each menu option is described in this manual. To display the System Settings menu, follow these steps: Press [Set Up].
Page 194: Thru
Expression Show Control System Thru [Thru] allows you to select a range of channels or cues. You can then enter an intensity level for the entire range ot one time. For example, you can select channels 1 through 10. You can also use [Thru] in conjunction with [And] to select a set such as 1 through 10 and 15 through 20.
Page 195: Time
Chapter 8 Reference Time When you are recording or modifying cues, [Time] lets you modify cue upfade, downfade and wait times. To modify fade and wait times, follow these steps: Press [Cue] and enter the cue number you want to modify. Press [Time].
Page 196: Time (Smpte)
SMPTE time code input. Example [Pause] [Time] [0] [1] [0] [5] [0] [0] [.] [1] [2] [Enter] selects the SMPTE event recorded at 01:05:00.12 (one hour, five minutes, zero seconds, and 12 frames). [Time] [Enter] resets the Expression Show Control System’s internal clock.
Page 197: Timed Faders
Chapter 8 Reference Timed faders The Expression Show Control System’s four faders allow you to play back recorded cues. Each fader operates independently of the others. You can play back cues in all four faders at the same time. Follow these steps to play back a recorded cue in a fader: Press [Stage].
Page 198: Track
Expression Show Control System Track The [Track] feature provides a simple method of tracking channels through several cues. Tracked channels are channels in which an intensity level setting is unchanged from the previous cue. Complete description and instructions on using the [Track] feature begin on page...
Page 199: Track Sheet
Chapter 8 Reference Track Sheet [Track Sheet] displays the Track Sheet display. While in Track Sheet, if you have recorded more cues than can be displayed on the screen, press [Track Sheet] again to display a second screen of cues. Track Sheet displays level settings of one channel for all recorded cues.
Page 200: Type
Expression Show Control System Type [Type] displays the fade type options described below. The menu that appears in Stage omits the effect and subroutine options. In subroutines, another fade type (Plusfade) is also available. To select a cue fade type in Stage, Blind or Fader modes, press [Type] and enter an option number.
Page 201: Update
Chapter 8 Reference Update In Stage mode, [Update] allows you to modify or add channel levels to a re- corded cue, cue part or group, without recording the entire stage look. Follow these steps to use [Update] to modify a cue: Press [Stage] to display Stage mode.
Page 202 index Cues 107 blackout 78 Accessories converting regular to multipart 67 Real Time Clock 123 copying 45 Remote Focus Unit 122 creating 34 Allfade 78 in Blind 36 And 125 in Stage 35 At 126 creating using Solo 41 deleting 44 go to 48 Back 50, 127 inserting between cues 43...
Page 203 Espression Show Control System Editing SMPTE programs 59 Jump to cue 95 Effects 66, 89 bounce 89 inserting steps in 93 Keypad prompt window 30, 81 loop 89 random 89 ripple 89 Learn 58, 162 styles 89 Level control strip 163 Effects keys 147 Link 164 Enter 148...
Page 204 Index Playing back the previous cue 50 SMPTE editing screen 56 Plus 174 viewing events 62 Plusfade 97 SMPTE (continued) Print options 106 working with 55 cue sheet 108 SMPTE Edit 56 cues 107 SMPTE override controls 167 digitizer 109 SMPTE programs 113 groups 110 block editing 60...
Page 205 appendix a connector information Designer’s Worksheet digitizer connector and pinout Console connector Printer connector DB9 femtle DB25 male Signal Pin 2 ...... Data in ..... 2 (from digitizer) 3 ...... Data out ... 3 (to digitizer) 5 ...... ground ..... 7 8 ......
Page 206 Expression Show Control System Monitor connectors Color RGB monitor connector Connector DB-9 male Pinout 1 ..Common (AC ground) 2 ..Common 3 ..Red 4 ..Green 5 ..Blue 6 ..Intensity 7 ..not connected 8 ..Horizontal sync 9 ..
Page 207 Appendix A Connector information Remote Go connector Console connector DB25 female Remote unit connector type depends on unit used. Function 1 ..- AB Hold 2 ..- AB Go 3 ..- AB Back 4 ..- Cue 1 5 ..
Page 208 Expression Show Control System RFU connector and pinout Connector XLR 6-pin female. Pinout 1 ..Data (+) (to RFU) 2 ..Data (-) 3 ..Data (+) (from RFU) 4 ..Data (-) 5 ..Common (AC ground) 6 ..+12 VDC (fused, 2 A)
Page 209 The show you are trying to verify is either 1) configured with different system settings such as numbers of channels or dimmers, or 2) it was saved from an earlier version of ETC software or a different type of ETC control console. Drive error The PSC cannot record to or read from disk because of a disk or drive error .
Page 210 Expression Show Control System Verify failed Show recorded on disk is different from the show in the PSC ’s memory . If you just recorded show to disk, rerecord it . If you get the same error message after the second recording, record show on a new disk.
Page 211 Switches in the down position are off; switches in the up position are on . The PSC and RSC do not use DIP switches A1, A2, and A5 . DIP switch B8 must be Off when you start the system. Messages ETC messages ARRI messages CRT AC line frequency 60 Hz...
Page 212 Expression Show Control System MIDI Interface Enabled Disabled System boot Enable system boot...
Page 213 appendix d specifications Programmable Show Controller (PSC) Interfaces • Digital output to up to 512 DMX512 outputs (two output connectors allow output signal to be split) • SMPTE interface • Parallel printer interface • RS-232C serial port • Remote Focus Unit Cue capacity •...
Page 214 Expression Show Control System Playback controls • Four autofaders • .03 second to 99:59 programmable fade times • Cross fades • Pile-on fades • Split time fades • User selectable default fade times • Eight-part cues • Back function •...
Page 215 Appendix D Specifications Effects package • Subroutines • Canned effects Level control strip • Proportional intensity control of channels or groups Size and weight • 17.5"W x 3.5"H x 16"D • 14 lbs. 5 oz.
Page 216 Expression Show Control System Remote Show Controller (RSC) Interfaces • Digital output to up to 512 DMX512 outputs (two output connectors allow output signal to be split) • SMPTE interface Display functions • Maintenance panel with LCD display Cue capacity •...

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ETC Expression Show Control System Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Hardware and Installation

Chapter 3 Entering Softpatch and System Settings

Chapter 4 Basic Operations

Chapter 5 Advanced Techniques

Chapter 6 Printer Options and Disk Management

Chapter 7 Accessories

Chapter 8 Reference

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Summary of Contents for ETC Expression Show Control System