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Pearl DLC-C003 Operator's Manual

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Pearl 2010
DLC-C003
Instruction for use
Operator's Manual
Page 1 of 163

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Summary of Contents for Pearl DLC-C003

  • Page 1 Pearl 2010 DLC-C003 Instruction for use Operator’s Manual Page 1 of 163...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    11. ADVANCED FEATURES 12. INTRODUCTION TO INTELLIGENT LIGHTING 13. INTRODUCTION TO DORTRON’S CONSOLES 14. CHANGES IN THE LATEST DLC-C003 SOFTWARE R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L C O N T E N T S...

  • Page 3: Welcome To The Dlc-C003

    O N E INTRODUCTION Welcome to the DLC-C003 This manual is designed to help you get the most out of your DLC-C003 console. We have divided it into two sections. • This first section is a tutorial which gives you a step by step guide of how to carry out the most common functions of the DLC-C003.
  • Page 4 Finding your way about on the DLC-C003 The DLC-C003 might initially appear to have an alarming number of sliders and buttons on it, but don’t be scared of it. The main controls are: • The Preset Faders are used to control individual dimmer channels and fixture intensities.
  • Page 5 this: A [Chase Parameters] • The Numeric keypad and other control buttons are used to enter values and change controls on the console. • The Fixture Page buttons are below the keypad, which select 4 pages for the Preset Faders. •...
  • Page 6 The DLC-C003 simulator You can download a free DLC-C003 simulator from the DORTRON’s website, which runs on a PC. This allows you to work on the DLC-C003 even when you haven’t got the real console with you. You can patch the desk, and program shows using the DORTRON’s Visualiser, then save...

  • Page 7: Patching

    In Run mode the Flash and Swop buttons function as flash buttons. You also need to tell the DLC-C003 what type of fixture is allocated to each handle. When you have entered this information, the DLC-C003 can tell you what DMX addresses to set on your fixtures and dimmers to match the settings it is using.

  • Page 8: Patching Dimmers

    Turn the key to “Program” to prepare for programming. The DLC-C003 is now pristine and new, with all options set to default, and all memories empty, ready for you to start your show. Patching dimmers Each dimmer channel you want to use has to be allocated to one of the handles.
  • Page 9 Press the Swop button for the handle you want to use (this patches the first dimmer) Using the numeric keypad, enter the DMX address of the next dimmer channel to be patched (the DLC-C003 will have automatically increased the address by 1) Press the Swop button again...

  • Page 10: Patching Moving Light Fixtures

    DMX channels rather than just one. However, the principle is still the same. The DLC-C003 has personality files for most lighting fixtures in the known universe, and these are stored internally in the console. If you...
  • Page 11 The DLC-C003 will ask “Use preset palettes?”. Press A [Yes]. (This is explained later) The DLC-C003 will offer you the first free DMX address (on the top line of the display). You can change this using the numeric keypad if you want the fixture at a different address.

  • Page 12: Patch Utilities

    DMX channels to use while you’re patching, but then you need to make sure yourself that nothing overlaps. The DLC-C003 can tell you the DMX address it is using for each fixture, and in some cases can show you how to set the dip switches on the fixture.
  • Page 13 Saving the contents of the DLC-C003 to disk The DLC-C003 has a built in floppy disk drive which allows you to save everything you have done. You should get into the habit of saving your show regularly to guard against that unexpected moment when the worst happens.
  • Page 14 31-36. Press Exit twice to leave Patch mode. Finally set your dimmer pack’s DMX address to match the DLC-C003 (if you are not sure of the address, press View then D [Fixture patch], then use the Down Arrow button to scroll to show Handle 31;...

  • Page 15: Controlling Dimmers And Fixtures

    Controlling dimmer channels is simple – you just push up the fader of the handle where the dimmer is patched. Dimmers work just like a normal “preset” lighting desk on the DLC-C003. If you want to turn on lots of dimmer channels at the same time, you can also “select” the dimmers and use the Dimmer attribute button and control wheels as described below.
  • Page 16 If you’ve got several units of one fixture type, you often want to select them all at the same time. To yplid lots of swop-button-pressing, the DLC-C003 allows you to put fixtures or dimmer channels into groups, which you can then use to select all the fixtures just by typing the...

  • Page 17: Fan Mode

    If you’ve set a nice colour on one of your fixtures, and you want to copy it to all the other fixtures of the same type, the DLC-C003’s Align function can do that. You can also use it to make all pan and tilt positions the same for a range of units or to make dimmer levels the same.
  • Page 18 Fanning out a range of fixtures Select the range of fixtures you want to fan Select the attribute to fan (pan, tilt, colour etc) Press the Fan button (one of the blue command buttons) Set the amount of fan using the wheels The display shows which attribute is being controlled by each wheel Press the Fan button again to exit Fan mode when you’ve finished You will be able to see the effect of fan mode best if you have a row of...

  • Page 19: Palettes

    The DLC-C003 has pages of preset values, called “palettes”, which allow you to do this. The DLC-C003 loads 10 colours, 10 gobos and 10 pre-programmed positions when you patch a fixture (unless you tell it not to when it asks “Use preset palettes?”).
  • Page 20 G [Pages]. Press Exit when you have finished with palettes, as other functions don’t work while in Palette Select mode You can also apply palettes 1-30 by pressing the grey Palette/Flash buttons below the preset faders. While you hold the button, the top line of the display shows the legend for the attribute (White, Green etc).
  • Page 21 So to create a shared palette, you press Clear then select and modify only one fixture. If you change more than one fixture, the DLC-C003 creates an “individual” palette which stores a different value for each fixture. This is normally used for positioning palettes, and sometimes for image focusing.
  • Page 22 Enter. The position only (because the Tilt/Pan button was selected) will be stored in palette 21. Page 22 of 163...

  • Page 23: Shapes

    • coarse and fine spread The DLC-C003, in common with other DORTRON’s consoles, has a shape generator (sometimes known as an Effects Generator on other consoles). This allows you to quickly create exciting light shows using lots of movement and changes, with the minimum of programming.
  • Page 24 Enter the Shape Generator menu by pressing Softkey G (from the main menu). Press A [Playback a shape] Press A [Circle 1] to select a circle shape The shape will be applied to all selected fixtures. There are a wide range of different shapes available in the list, use Softkeys F and G to look through the different pages.
  • Page 25 How a shape works across multiple fixtures Shapes get more interesting (and look more impressive) when you apply them to multiple fixtures. The DLC-C003 lets you set how a shape is spread across several fixtures. In the case of a circle, this can vary from all fixtures moving identically...

  • Page 26: Memories

    What are HTP and LTP channels? If two or more memories are turned on together, or if you fade out a memory, the DLC-C003 needs to know how to output the levels from the memories. To make this work, the DLC-C003 treats channels which control intensity differently from other moving light control channels.
  • Page 27 HTP, and everything else is LTP. How the DLC-C003 works when programming When you start setting dimmers and moving fixtures, the DLC-C003 remembers what you have changed. Fixtures and dimmers you have changed are stored in “the programmer” which is a special area of memory.

  • Page 28: Changing Playback Pages

    In addition to the simple but effective technique of writing the memory name on the roller, if you’re using a VDU screen the DLC-C003 allows you to enter a legend for each memory and also for each page.

  • Page 29: Copying A Memory

    screen shows you what you are typing. Press Enter to save the label. You can label another memory by pressing another Swop button, or finish by pressing Exit. You can also label the playback pages, palette pages and palette entries using the other softkeys.

  • Page 30: The Include Function

    Press Memory. Press the playback swop button for the memory you are editing to save the changes. The DLC-C003 will warn you “A memory already exists on playback!” Press A [Merge memory]. The changes you have made are saved into the memory. None of the other information in the memory is affected.
  • Page 31 So if you change the pan position, the DLC- C003 will also record the tilt, colour, gobo, iris, and so on. However, the DLC-C003 also has a more selective mode of operation where it only records the changed attributes. You can choose the mode by holding down the Ypl button and pressing Softkey C.
  • Page 32 to have some memories “recorded by fixture” which turn on the fixtures in a known state, then have some colour memories to modify just the colour, or some gobo memories to set the gobo, or other attributes. 6.13 Using shapes in memories As you would expect, any shapes you have set up will be saved as part of the memory.

  • Page 33: Chases

    Chases can run automatically, or by pressing a “Go” button. If you are using the DLC-C003 for theatrical lighting, you can use a chase to store cues for a show. The DLC-C003 also has a dedicated theatrical lighting mode which has a section of its own.
  • Page 34 Press Clear, set up the lighting for the second step, then press Swop again to save step 2. When you have saved as many steps as you want, press Clear, then press Exit or Softkey F to finish. If you don’t press Clear at the end of programming, the settings for the last step will remain in the programmer and will override the chase when you turn it on, so you won’t see the chase properly.

  • Page 35: Editing A Chase Using Unfold

    Exit. Editing a chase using Unfold The DLC-C003 has a powerful chase editing system. The Unfold button places each step of a chase on one of the playback faders, allowing you to examine and edit each step individually as if it was a normal memory.

  • Page 36: Deleting A Chase

    Press the Go button to go on to the next cue. You can also set a text label for each cue. The DLC-C003 will show you the label for the current cue and the next one coming up. The reference manual tells you more details about this.
  • Page 37 in Program mode to set up the chase for sound activation. Sound activating chases In Program mode, turn on the chase to “connect” it. Press A [Chase Parameters] Press E [Sound to light] to select Sound to Light Low, Medium or High Turn the key to Run mode.

  • Page 38: Theatre Stack

    Jumping to a cue • Running the show Theatre mode makes the DLC-C003 behave like a standard theatrical console, allowing you to program your whole show as a sequence of cues, and play it back just by pressing the Go button. Playback faders 12-15 become dedicated cue masters.
  • Page 39 It’s best to use whole numbers for cues. Then if you need to insert a cue between two existing cues, you can use a fractional number in between. The DLC-C003 will automatically increase the cue number by 1 every time you record a cue.

  • Page 40: Running The Show

    [Set Times] to show the options. This will set the times for the current cue. You can also use the “Live Time” and “Next Time” buttons (to the right of the wheels) to set the times for the current and next cues. See page 107 for details of times.

  • Page 41: The Graphics Tablet

    The graphics tablet is an accessory to the DLC-C003. On “Touring” versions of the DLC-C003 it is fitted to the right of the console in the flight case. It allows you to use a pen to select fixtures, groups, colours, and position the fixtures by simply drawing with the pen.
  • Page 42 You can control the position of the fixture by drawing on the Stage area of the tablet. You can “train” the DLC-C003 so that it knows how all the lights are set up. Then when you point at the stage area of the tablet, all the lights will point at the same place on the stage.

  • Page 43: Running Your Show

    C [Lock Desk] then Enter. The display will show the code. Press Enter to lock it. All buttons and faders are now ignored. Re-enter the code to unlock the console. If you repower or reset the DLC-C003, the lock is cancelled. It’s just to discourage tampering. 10.3 Run modes...
  • Page 44 This is sometimes called “busking”. You can create instant variations by recalling palette values to modify your existing programs. The DLC-C003 can fade to the palette values for added effect. You need to be in Takeover Run mode to do any of this .

  • Page 45: Master Faders

    you can produce a much wider range of effects than if all your memories set all the attributes. However, for this to work well you need to make sure you know what attribute is going to be affected by each memory, as if you turn on two “colour only”...

  • Page 46: Advanced Features

    MIDI - The DLC-C003 has a very comprehensive MIDI control system • Script files - You can tell the DLC-C003 how to run a show from a list of instructions which you can enter or record in real time. This is described in chapter 10 of the reference manual.

  • Page 47: Introduction To Intelligent Lighting

    C H A P T E R T W E L V E 12. Introduction to intelligent lighting This section is for those who have not used intelligent lighting much before, who are put off by dip switches, lights that move unexpectedly and strange digital control systems that fly down microphone cables.
  • Page 48 The DMX specification says that you should not run more than 32 fixtures from one DMX line unless the fixtures are buffered or optically isolated. Either use several DMX lines (the DLC-C003 has four) or use a DMX repeater unit. In practice, most fixtures do not...

  • Page 49: Introduction To Dortron's Consoles

    13. Introduction to DORTRON’s consoles If you have used intelligent lighting before, this section explains the thinking behind how DORTRON’s consoles work and tells you what everything is called. 13.1 Operating the console The console has three main modes, set using the keyswitch; these are Program (used for programming a show, allows everything to be changed), Run (used when running a show, allows limited user override but no changes to programming) and System (used for...
  • Page 50 When you save a memory or chase, the console only saves settings you have changed using the wheels (it does not save the current output state). Whenever you change a fixture using the wheels and attribute buttons, your changes are stored in a special memory called the Programmer.

  • Page 51: Changes In The Latest Dlc-C003 Software

    F O U R T E E N 14. Changes in the latest DLC-C003 software If you are used to using the DORTRON’s DLC-C003 console, this section gives you a quick rundown of the differences between the DLC-C003 you know and love and the new version of software. There are some exciting new features.

  • Page 52: Other Features

    14.5 Legends You can enter legends for memories, chases, groups, roller pages, palette pages and palette entries. Memory and chase legends are shown on the VDU screen, the other legends are used on both the VDU screen and the on-board LCD display. 14.6 Sound to light Any chase can be triggered by low, mid or high frequency sound from the audio input (previously this was fixed to chases 1 2 and 3).
  • Page 53 R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L C O N T E N T S SETTING UP THE CONSOLE 1.1 Connecting up 1.1.1 Connecting mains power 1.1.2 Connecting DMX lines 1.1.3 Connecting MIDI devices 1.1.4 Connecting audio 1.1.5...
  • Page 54 5.3 Advanced options 5.3.1 Shape options 5.3.2 Updating the shape file MEMORIES 6.1 Create 6.1.1 How the DLC-C003 works when programming 6.1.2 Creating a memory 6.1.3 Recording the stage using Snapshots 6.1.4 Using shapes in memories 6.1.5 Viewing the programmer contents 6.2 Playback...
  • Page 55 7.2 Playback 7.2.1 Running a chase 7.2.2 Connecting a chase to the controls 7.2.3 Setting speed, crossfade and direction 7.2.4 Manually controlling the chase steps 7.2.5 Viewing chase steps 7.3 Edit 103 7.3.1 Adding more steps to the end of a chase 7.3.2 Editing a chase using Unfold 7.3.3...
  • Page 56 9.1.6 Recalling palette entries (focuses) 9.1.7 Storing palette entries (focuses) 9.1.8 Programming functions on the tablet 9.1.9 Tablet status on the VDU monitor 9.2 Advanced options 9.2.1 Extending the tablet cable 10. RUNNING THE SHOW 10.1 Playback 10.1.1 Run modes 10.1.2 Master faders 10.1.3...
  • Page 57 Hardware WIPEALL mode 13.1.6 Audio gain links 13.2 MIDI functions 13.2.1 What a MIDI command looks like 13.2.2 MIDI commands used by the DLC-C003 13.2.3 MIDI Time Code 13.2.4 MIDI Problems 13.3 The stage remote (riggers remote) 14. THE PERSONALITY FILE SYSTEM 14.1...

  • Page 58: Setting Up The Console

    The DLC-C003 can output DMX down 4 separate lines. When you patch a dimmer or fixture you can tell the DLC-C003 which DMX line it is on. The lines are identified by the letters A,B,C,D. Normally A comes out of output 1, B comes from 2, C from 3, and D from 4, but just to add to the fun you can swap this round if you want (see Patching, section 2).

  • Page 59: Connecting Audio

    Visualiser to the MIDI ports. Reset button: allows you to restart the DLC-C003 if something funny happens to it. The DLC-C003 will come back to the same place it was in when you pressed Reset, but all playbacks will be turned off. The memory is not affected.

  • Page 60: Operating Modes

    1.2.2 The disk drive The DLC-C003 has a 1.44MB floppy disk drive which is used to load and save shows, personality files and system software. The standard PC disk format is used, so you can transfer data to and from your PC. You...
  • Page 61 • The Preset Faders control individual dimmer channels and fixture intensities. The 2 buttons below the faders select and flash fixtures. Each fader and buttons is called a “Handle”. • The Mode select keyswitch sets the operating mode of the console;...

  • Page 62: View Screens

    1.2.3 View screens The DLC-C003 can display a wide range of different information screens on its inbuilt LCD and on the external VDU screen. LCD views Message area Softkey functions •...
  • Page 63 Roller page and Graphics tablet Main display area Playback legends segment status Chase number and Chase progress Wheel functions and step numbers bargraph values • Stage Intensities: Press View then Softkey A. Shows the intensity of each handle/fader (the numbers shown are handle numbers not DMX channel numbers) •...

  • Page 64: Patching

    You can either patch the DMX channels on your console to match your lighting rig, or set up the console first and then set the lighting rig to match. The DLC-C003 must be in Program mode before you can patch. Create 2.1.1...
  • Page 65 Press Patch, then A [Dimmer] 2> On the top line of the display, the DLC-C003 shows the DMX address it is going to patch at. You can change this by typing a new address on the numeric keypad. You can also use softkey E [Select a DMX line] to patch onto one of the other 3 DMX output lines.
  • Page 66 The DLC-C003 uses a “personality” system to control fixtures. There is a personality file in the DLC-C003 for most types of fixture, which tells it what attributes are available and how to control them. If the DLC- C003 does not have the personality for your fixture, you can download a wide range of personalities from the DORTRON’s website onto floppy...

  • Page 67: Checking The Patching

    Checking the patching Having set the DLC-C003, you need to ensure that your lighting rig is set up to match the DLC-C003 by going round your rig to set the DMX addresses. You can display the DMX settings on the DLC-C003 like this.

  • Page 68: Changing The Dmx Address Of A Fixture

    can do it at any time. Edit 2.2.1 Changing the DMX address of a fixture You can re-patch a fixture to a different DMX address or a different DMX output line. All programming is kept. 1> Press Patch (if you’re not already in Patch mode). 2>...

  • Page 69: Advanced Options

    2.4.1 Patch Utilities The DLC-C003 allows several options to be set for each fixture or dimmer when it is being patched. The Patch Options menu is accessed by pressing F [Patch Utilities] while you are in patch mode. Set the options before you start programming, because memories will play back differently when the options are on.

  • Page 70: Controlling Dimmers And Fixtures

    D: Set DMX lines - The DLC-C003 has 4 DMX output lines, this option lets you set which connectors they come out of. You can output the same DMX line from more than one connector if you want to. The console shows the current settings of the DMX outputs on the VDU screen.

  • Page 71: Changing Attributes Of The Selected Fixtures

    DLC-C003. The attributes available depend on the fixture type. Dimmer channels only have a dimmer attribute. The DLC-C003 can control up to 40 attributes per fixture. Each attribute button controls two attributes, one on the left wheel and one on the right wheel.

  • Page 72: Selecting Attributes From The Softkeys

    If you move the wheel slowly, the fixture moves in its smallest increment. (This replaces the 16-bit mode found on older DLC-C003 software). You can change the acceleration response of the wheels by holding down YPL and pressing 2 (see page 133 for details).

  • Page 73: Stepping Through Selected Fixtures One At A Time

    3.1.5 Stepping through selected fixtures one at a time If you have selected a range of fixtures, or a group, the DLC-C003 has functions to step through the selected fixtures one at a time. This can make it easier to program a range of fixtures because you don’t have to select each one manually.

  • Page 74: The Align And Flip Functions

    3.1.6 The Align and Flip functions The Align function allows you to copy an attribute from one fixture to others. This can be useful if you want to set a row of scans to have the same tilt position, or if you want to copy a colour from one fixture onto other fixtures.

  • Page 75: Entering Intensity Levels As Numbers

    don’t want to, and wondering why none of your fixtures are coming on. • To cancel all reductions, put all faders to zero, then press the Reduce Fixture Intensity button and put all faders to full, then press the button again to end. •...
  • Page 76 You can also directly enter values for fixture attributes. This can be useful for programming palette values from a fixture data sheet. 1> Select the fixtures to be set by pressing the Swop buttons 2> Select the attribute to be set using the Attribute buttons 3>...

  • Page 77: The Ml Menu And Tracking

    Option E “Record group” is used to group fixtures for easy selection as described in section 3.1.4 on page 72. Option F allows you to turn the DLC-C003’s 3D stage tracking mode off or on. You can also do this from the graphics tablet (see page 118).

  • Page 78: Training The Console For Tracking Mode

    3.2.2 Training the console for Tracking mode The DLC-C003 can learn the layout of the stage and lights rig you are using. This enables it to calculate where it needs to point each light so that they all hit the same place on the stage. This is called Tracking mode and it is a very powerful feature of the DLC-C003.

  • Page 79: Palettes

    LCD display softkeys. Also, when you patch a fixture, the DLC-C003 loads 10 preset positions, 10 colours and 10 gobos into the palette for that fixture. This allows you to recall specific colours and gobos without having to find them using the wheels.

  • Page 80: Storing A Palette

    available so you don’t need to mix them up. 4.1.4 Storing a palette This is how you save a palette value: 1> Press Clear to clear the programmer. 2> Select the fixtures for which you want to store palette values. Select one fixture only to record a shared palette entry.

  • Page 81: Palette Pages

    Dimmer attribute button will recall everything stored in the palette (the LEDs on the buttons show you which attributes are active) 3> Press the Focus button, then the palette page you want if the pages are displayed, then press the softkey for the palette entry you want (or Softkeys F and G go up and down the list).

  • Page 82: Setting A Palette To Fixtures In A Memory (Filtered Palette)

    Alternatively, if you are happy for palette legends to be the same for all fixtures, you can set the fixture type to “All”. The DLC-C003 will then leave the type set to “All” no matter what fixtures you select. Legends saved with the fixture type set to “All”...

  • Page 83: Viewing The Contents Of A Palette

    4> Find the entry you want to name using F [More] and G [Back] to move through the pages 5> Press the softkey for the entry you want to change. 6> Type the legend using the external Qwerty keyboard and press Enter to save.

  • Page 84: Palette Options

    If you select fixture type “All”, then generic palette legends will be shown (legends saved for the “All” fixture type), and the DLC-C003 will not change the fixture type.

  • Page 85: Shapes

    In addition to beam position shapes, there are a large number of other shapes available in the DLC-C003. The shapes are defined for a particular attribute such as colour, dimmer, focus and so on. Some shapes will not work with some fixtures;...

  • Page 86: Spreading A Shape Across Multiple Fixtures

    Spreading a shape across multiple fixtures To get the maximum impact from a shape, apply it to several fixtures. The DLC-C003 has some powerful “Spread” functions which determine how the shape is spread out across the fixtures. This can vary from all fixtures moving identically (Coarse spread =...

  • Page 87: Relative And Absolute Shapes

    • The order in which you selected the fixtures before assigning the shape determines how the shapes are applied; the “first” fixture is the one you select first and the “last” fixture is the one you select last. • If you select the fixtures using a group, the order in which you selected the fixtures when recording the group is used.

  • Page 88: Shape Options

    1> Press the swop button of the playback you want to set the parameters for 2> The DLC-C003 displays the current settings in the main LCD window. 3> A [Toggle Size] sets the Size to Static or Timed 4>...

  • Page 89: Updating The Shape File

    Updating the shape file If DORTRON’s release an updated shape file, you will need to load it into the DLC-C003. The shape file SG.DAT can be found on any personality disk, which you can download from the DORTRON’s website (see page 143). Insert the floppy disk into the drive, turn the key to System, press G [Utilities] then E [Load shape file].

  • Page 90: Memories

    Memory, in which you can store a “look” you have created using your lights. The DLC-C003 has 450 playbacks, in 30 pages of 15, which can be used to store memories or chases (sequences of “looks”). Chases are covered in the next chapter.

  • Page 91: Creating A Memory

    Fixture function does not place any values in the programmer either. 6.1.2 Creating a memory The DLC-C003 has 30 pages of 15 memories. The roller allows you to select 10 pages, and the buttons to the left of the roller allow 3 different rollers. 1>...

  • Page 92: Recording The Stage Using Snapshots

    You can later retrieve the snapshots and copy them into memories. The DLC-C003 can store up to 50 snapshots. They are listed by time and date, so if you write down the time when you store one, you will be able to identify them later.

  • Page 93: Viewing The Programmer Contents

    DMX value set from the wheels. Playback 6.2.1 HTP and LTP channels The DLC-C003 can treat control channels in two ways: • Dimmer or intensity channels work on the principle of “highest takes precedence” (HTP). If an HTP channel is turned on at different levels in several memories, the highest level will be output.
  • Page 94 (You can set the value this happens at using the User settings menu). The fixture personality file tells the DLC-C003 which channels of a fixture are HTP and which are LTP. Normally, only dimmer attributes are HTP, and everything else is LTP. If a fixture does not have an intensity control channel, the Gobo channel is defined as HTP to make sure the fixture blacks out when a memory is turned off.
  • Page 95 4> Press Memory. 5> Press the Swop button for the memory you are editing. 6> The DLC-C003 will display “A memory already exists on playback!” 7> Press A [Merge memory] to amend the existing memory. Unchanged information is not affected.

  • Page 96: The "Off" Button

    attributes will be included) 4> Playbacks containing memories will be flashing 5> Press the playback Swop button for the memory you want to include. Press Enter. The selected attributes of the selected fixtures will be loaded into the programmer. 6> Repeat from 2 to include other attributes from the same fixtures, or repeat from 1 to include other fixtures.

  • Page 97: Viewing A Memory

    6.4.1 Copying a memory Copying a memory is very simple on the DLC-C003. You can either create a linked copy (if you change a linked memory, all others linked to it will change too) or a “photocopy”, which is a completely new and independent copy of the memory.
  • Page 98 2> If you want to copy to a different page, move the Roller to the new page. 3> Press the Swop button of the playback where you want to store the copy. Release both buttons. • To create a Photocopy, press the blue Photocopy button before pressing the playback Flash button •...

  • Page 99: Recording In Blind Mode

    Advanced options 6.7.1 Recording in Blind mode The DLC-C003 has a useful function called “Blind mode”, which allows you to program memories without altering the output of the console. The contents of the Programmer are saved on entering Blind mode, and restored when you leave Blind mode.

  • Page 100: Chases

    As well as being used to store static memories, the playback faders on the DLC-C003 can also be used to store chases (sequences of static memories). Create 7.1.1...
  • Page 101 If the same shape is saved in subsequent steps it will continue from step to step, if not it will stop at the end of the step time. (The DLC-C003 considers the shape to be the same if you didn’t press Clear after the previous step, and didn’t change the speed, size or spread of the shape from the previous step;...

  • Page 102: Connecting A Chase To The Controls

    Master at zero. There are many options you can set to determine the way the chase runs and these are described in the rest of this chapter. 7.2.2 Connecting a chase to the controls When you run a chase, the playback controls are automatically connected to it.

  • Page 103: Viewing Chase Steps

    7.3.2 Editing a chase using Unfold The DLC-C003 has a powerful chase editing system. The Unfold button places each step of a chase on one of the playback faders as if each step was a memory, allowing you to turn on and edit each step individually.

  • Page 104: Editing A Chase Which Is Running

    (-) or on (down arrow). 1> Press Unfold (one of the blue command buttons), then the Swop button of the chase to be edited 2> The first 15 steps of the chase are loaded into playback faders 1- 15. The display shows details about the steps. 3>...

  • Page 105: Deleting A Step From A Chase

    2> Press the Live Time button to set the times for the current step, or the Next Time button for the next step. The Live and Next step numbers are shown on the display. 3> Use softkeys A-G to set the times you want (see page 98 for description of the times) 4>...

  • Page 106: Speed And Crossfade Controlled By Wheels

    Timing 7.6.1 Speed and crossfade controlled by wheels The speed and crossfade of the most recently turned on chase is controlled by the wheels. You can “connect” the wheels to a different chase by pressing the Connect button and then the Swop button of the chase you want to connect.

  • Page 107: Setting Times And Links For Individual Steps

    seconds, type 20..10.5 (the display will show 20:10.5). 7.6.3 Setting times and links for individual steps You can set the fade in and fade out times independently for each step/cue. Chase steps with individual times are called Complex steps, if they use the global settings they are called Simple steps.

  • Page 108: Chase Options

    “L” is the live step. 7.6.5 Sound activation of chases The DLC-C003 can use bass, mid or treble frequencies from its audio input to trigger chases. You can select whether the chase will step on low frequencies, mid frequencies or high frequencies.
  • Page 109 random order) - press to change the mode. Turn off random mode when editing a chase, or you won’t know which step you are going to get next. D [Stop on final step] - makes the chase stop on the final step. If the final step is a blackout, the chase will appear to turn itself off, so you can just press Go whenever you want to make it happen again E [Sound to light] –...

  • Page 110: Theatre Stack

    Theatre mode allows you to use the DLC-C003 like a standard theatrical console, where you program your show as a sequence of cues, then run the show just by pressing the Go button at the appropriate moment.

  • Page 111: Running A Chase Or Memory With A Cue (Autoload)

    D [Record programmer] to just record what you have changed in step 3. 6> If there are no steps, the DLC-C003 will ask for the number of the first step. Type 1 and press Enter. 7>...
  • Page 112 3> Press the Swop button of the playback to be turned on (or off). The playback will turn on when the cue runs and will remain turned on until a Fade Down autoload turns it off. • Each cue can have only one autoload, either a fade up or a fade down.

  • Page 113: Displaying The Cue Timings

    cue starts to fade out C [Fade In] - Time to fade in D [Fade Out] - Time to fade out E [LTP Fade] - Time for the LTP (movement) channels to fade over F [LTP Wait] - Delay before the LTP channels start to move •...

  • Page 114: Running A Theatrical Show

    Playback 8.3.1 Running a theatrical show If you have just been editing, you may need to type 1 then F [Cut to Live] to set the console to cue 1. You should also turn the key to “Run” to make sure you can’t accidentally change anything. The LCD display shows the Out HTP fade In HTP fade...

  • Page 115: Editing A Cue

    Edit 8.4.1 Editing a cue You can edit a cue you have saved as follows: 1> Press Clear. 2> Ensure the Dimmer attribute is selected. 3> Press Include (above the numeric keypad) 4> Press E [Include Theatre Stack Step] 5> Type the step number to be edited and press Enter.
  • Page 116 The options are: A [Renumber] – Renumbers all cues to whole numbers. B [Assign a fade up autoload] – Assigns a memory or chase which will be automatically loaded and run when the fade-in for the cue starts. C [Assign a fade down autoload] – Allows you to turn off a memory or chase when the cue starts.

  • Page 117: The Graphics Tablet

    Spare overlays are available from DORTRON’s. The DLC-C003 will behave as if you are pressing buttons on it in the normal way, so the LEDs and the display will change as you use the tablet.

  • Page 118: Changing The Position Of The Fixtures

    You will see the fixture Swop button on the DLC-C003 light up as if you’d pressed it. The first 60 fixtures which are patched are available on the tablet. You can select a group in a similar way. Press the pen onto one of the Group pads marked on the overlay.

  • Page 119: Programming Functions On The Tablet

    Locate Fixture, Flip, Select All, Clear (programmer), Off, Record Memory etc. These have the same functions as pressing the appropriate button on the DLC-C003. You can create a group using the tablet, just select the fixtures you want in the group, press the pen on the Record Group pad, then on the group pad where you want to save the group.
  • Page 120 You can extend the tablet cable either with a 25-pin D straight through cable, or an RJ45 extension cable if the tablet is fitted with an RJ45 connector. An DORTRON’s Riggers Remote cable can be used if modified so that pin 25 is connected straight through.

  • Page 121: Running The Show

    The Flash buttons on the handles recall palette values (but unless you are used to the DLC-C003, it is easier to use the dedicated Palette buttons). The faders still control the intensity of the dimmers and fixtures.
  • Page 122 If you have not had as much programming time as you would have liked, you might need to make up some additional effects during the show. Fortunately the DLC-C003 is designed with this in mind and there are lots of features to spice up your life. You need to be in Takeover Run mode to do this stuff.

  • Page 123: Two-Preset Mode

    10.1.4 Two-preset mode You can use the top and bottom preset faders to control dimmers patched on the 1-30 faders in a standard “two preset” mode, using the A and B Masters as preset masters. In this mode, fader 31 controls the same dimmer as fader 1, fader 32 controls the same as fader 2, and so on.

  • Page 124: Automated Playback (Script Files)

    The script file is simply a list of instructions to the DLC-C003 which specify actions at certain times. The easiest way to make a script file is to get the DLC-C003 to record your actions as you do them, but you can also enter commands individually.

  • Page 125: What Is Recorded In The Script File

    Run mode to actually use it. 11.2.1 Selecting a script file for testing The DLC-C003 can play and record script files numbered 1 to 99. 1> If you are not in Script File Programming mode, turn the key to System and press D [Script file programming].

  • Page 126: Using Script Files In Run Mode

    11.2.3 Using Script files in Run mode When the DLC-C003 is in Run mode, a special set of Script file options are available. You can run a script file and operate the console manually at the same time.

  • Page 127: The Script File Edit Display

    Select the script file you want to change using the up and down arrows. The current script file is highlighted. Option B [Toggle Loop mode] changes the Loop setting of the current script file. Loop resets the timer to zero when the file finishes (this only works when using the internal timer).

  • Page 128: Inserting A Step Into The Script File

    E [Theatre Stack GO]: sets this step to trigger the Go button on the theatre stack. 11.3.3 Inserting a step into the script file Use the arrow keys to select the position for the new step. Press B [Insert before step x] or C [Insert after step x] to insert the new step.

  • Page 129: Changing The Start Timecode For The Whole Script File

    • All consecutive steps marked “<” are now part of a group. • Also, other consecutive steps you haven’t marked automatically become a different group. For example, if you’ve got a file with 30 steps and you mark steps 1-10 as a group, steps 11-30 will become another group.

  • Page 130: Deleting A Script File

    B [Record script file] - This option lets you create a new script file as described in section 11.1.1. If there is already a script file, the DLC-C003 will check you want to overwrite it (if not, select No and use option C below to work on another file).
  • Page 131 Autorun turned on using option C will run when the DLC- C003 is turned on • B [Toggle Loop mode] - Changes the Loop setting of the current script file. Loop resets the timer to zero when the file finishes. Only works with the internal timer. •...

  • Page 132: Setup

    The options are: 1. Normal Run / Take Over - Sets the Run mode of the DLC-C003. This option can also be set by pressing Softkey A while in Run mode. See page 121 for details of Run mode.

  • Page 133: Setting The Wheel Acceleration

    0-15, so add 1 to the DLC-C003 display to get the actual channel. 16. Use 720K / 1.4Mb disks – Sets which type of disk the DLC-C003 expects. The DLC-C003 uses this setting to work out if your show will fit on a single disk, or if it needs to span multiple disks.

  • Page 134: User Functions

    12.2.2 Disk functions Press the Disk button to display the disk menu. The options are: A [Load show from disk] - The DLC-C003 displays the name of the show on the disk. This is shown on the VDU screen only. Press Enter to load it or Exit to cancel.
  • Page 135 G [Load visualiser CSV file] – You can load a CSV file from DORTRON’s Visualiser which contains the patch information from the Visualiser setup, which will patch the console to match the Visualiser. Page 135 of 163...

  • Page 136: Other Features

    The Utility menu is accessed by turning the key to System, then pressing G [Utilities]. A [Set clock] - The DLC-C003 has a built-in real time clock. It uses this to record snapshot times and disk backups, so it’s important to have the correct time and date set on it.
  • Page 137 Do make sure you have plenty of time to complete these operations. Do not attempt to upgrade the operating system or make other fundamental changes just before showtime! A [Run YPLS2] - YPLS2 is the low-level operating system of the console.

  • Page 138: Ypls2 Functions

    YPLS. You will need to enter a code to discourage anyone who gets here by accident, the code is 68340.The options are: A. Start the system - restarts the DLC-C003 operating system and returns the console to normal.

  • Page 139: Hardware Wipeall Mode

    • The show in the DLC-C003 will be lost during the upgrade. Save the show before upgrading, and reload it afterwards, if you want to keep it. • You can also enter YPLS mode by holding down the 21 and 30 Flash buttons while powering up the DLC-C003.

  • Page 140: Audio Gain Links

    The MIDI mode is set on the User Settings menu to be MIDI master (outputs MIDI when you turn on playbacks), MIDI slave (responds to MIDI) or MIDI disabled. The MIDI channel the DLC-C003 will respond to is also set on this menu (note that you need to add 1 to the number displayed by the DLC-C003 to get the actual MIDI channel number).

  • Page 141: Midi Time Code

    13.2.2 MIDI commands used by the DLC-C003 The DLC-C003 uses standard MIDI commands. The usual name for these is given in italics. All commands are given in hexadecimal notation ($9n), where ‘n’ is the MIDI channel number. So a note on command for MIDI channel 3 for example would be $92.

  • Page 142: The Stage Remote (Riggers Remote)

    VDU screen. Turn the key to Run to finish. 13.3 The stage remote (riggers remote) The DLC-C003 can be used with the optional DORTRON’s Stage Remote. This is a small hand-held controller which connects to the console by a 25 pin serial cable.

  • Page 143: The Personality File System

    You can also use this page to request a personality for a fixture if one doesn’t already exist, and to report problems with personalities. If you frequently use a fixture which isn’t in the DLC-C003’s internal fixture cache, you can build it into the cache so you don’t have to mess with floppy disks.

  • Page 144: Personality File Keyword Order

    .D2 files are for the Diamond II & Diamond III. Files with the extension .R20 can only be used with Sapphire 2048, Azure 2048 and DLC-C003 2048/2048 control desks. These files have additional fields for the enhanced functionality provided within these desks.

  • Page 145: Fixture Switch Settings

    For example a TYPE-LINE can look like:- TYPE 1 8 M Setting the device to:- 8 channels used patched from 512 downwards and the next line sets a device for 10 channels and patched from 001 to TYPE 1 10 D 14.2.6 Fixture switch settings This allows the desk to display the exact switch settings required to configure a fixture for a given DMX address and to ensure it is set in...
  • Page 146 (d/20) : dmx/20 giving fixture number : isolates lower 4 bits : reverses the 4 bits ; 9. Second variable passed is (d/20)/16 (d/20) : dmx/20 giving the fixture number : isolates the upper 4 bits. ;DEVICEADDRESS "Handle %2d"h "Fixture %11s"n "DMX %03d"d ""...

  • Page 147: The Dmx/Preset Layout

    instrument. 170 is the maximum pan movement. 110 is the maximum tilt movement. 14.2.8 The DMX/Preset Layout The DMX/PRESET LAYOUT will appear in the following format:- A B C D E F G H I J K L ; comment A B C D E F G H I J K L;...

  • Page 148: Text Field

    14.2.9 The Preset Focus (Palette) table Tables on the DLC-C003 are for default Palettes which are automatically loaded when an instrument is patched. Two key lines are required for tables, the definition line and the data line.
  • Page 149 double quotes. When focus button number defines which palette entry will be used, numbers 1..200 indicate the entry button number. Where channel level(s) are the actual level output to the instrument. This is must be in hexadecimal notation. If no value is required (the entry is OFF) a -1 (minus one) should be placed in the field.

  • Page 150: Range Tables

    Date Description 26-05-94 Salzedo created 10-08-94 Anwar revised dmx slots 07-09-94 J.B.Toby revised for DLC-C003 use/relocation of channels 11-11-94 J.B.Toby revised to match PerManML 22-05-96 S. Anwar Pan/Tilt channel identification & Resolution inserted 04-03-96 S. Anwar Revised for DLC-C003 96 ;----------------------------------------------------------------------------...
  • Page 151 |_______ maximum tilt movement (in degrees) |___________ maximum pan movement (in degrees) |_______________ 1 means moving mirror, 2 means moving head ;---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ; Patching Information. (Upto 10 lines allowed) ; Upto 10 lines of 159 chars are allowed including formulae ;...
  • Page 152 ; Text to be displayed when the Instrument is selected for Patching TEXT Cyberlight Mode 1 Bank Faders Bottom --------------------- 1 Dimmer 2 Iris Shutter 3 Tilt 4 Colour 1 -- 5 Focus Zoom 6 Gobo 1 Gobo 2 7 Frost 8 M-speed Gobo spd 9 Effect...
  • Page 153 MEND Page 153 of 163...

  • Page 154: Glossary Of Terms

    15. Glossary of terms 4D TRACK The unique DORTRON’s moving light Tracking system available using the Graphics Tablet. ABSOLUTE Mode for colours and positions on the Graphics Tablet in which the output of the Fixture corresponds directly with the position of the stylus on the Tablet. See NUDGE.
  • Page 155 These steps are called SIMPLE STEPS. See INDIVIDUAL STEP TIMES, COMPLEX STEP, SIMPLE STEP. GRAPHICS TABLET Optional input device for the DLC-C003 that controls Dimmers and Fixtures by means of clicking a Stylus or a Puck on an electronic slate. GROUP A GROUP is a pre-programmed collection of Fixtures that can be selected with a single button press.
  • Page 156 INCLUDE A means of transferring the contents of a Memory or Chase Step into the Programmer. INDIVIDUAL STEP TIMES Times programmed into one individual Chase Step from the TIMES menu. These steps are called COMPLEX STEPS. See GLOBAL CHASE TIMES, SIMPLE STEP, COMPLEX STEP.
  • Page 157 NUDGE Mode for colours and positions on the Graphics Tablet in which the output of the Fixture changes relative to the movement of the stylus on the Tablet. See ABSOLUTE. PALETTE A term used to describe a referenced pre-defined state for an Attribute that can be recalled whenever required during programming.
  • Page 158 See also FLASH. SYSTEM Desk mode allowing access to the operating software of the DLC-C003. SYSTEM SOFTWARE The software which runs the DLC-C003. Abbreviation for Timecode. In the DLC-C003, this is always MIDI Timecode. TRACKING A mode in which Moving Lights can move around an area all pointing at the same spot.

  • Page 159: Index

    16. Index Pages in the Tutorial section have numbers below 100. Pages in the Reference manual have numbers above 100. editing current step · 162 editing using unfold · 38, 161 inserting a step · 162 jumping back a step · 160, 163 linking or unlinking steps ·...
  • Page 160 fan button · 17, 130 Find fixture · 123 finding a lost fixture · 123 delatch fixtures button (graphics fine spread · 26, 142 tablet) · 178 fixture page buttons · 3, 7, 113, 117, delete button · 31, 39, 155 deleting a chase ·...
  • Page 161 including DMX from DMX in memory socket · 153 applying palette to fixtures in · 49, 181 copying · 31, 154 individual palettes · 21, 135 deleting · 31, 155 input step (theatre mode) · 169 editing · 32, 151 inserting a chase step ·...
  • Page 162 recalling by number · 130 recording in Blind mode · 156 recalling on graphics tablet · 47, 176 recording in real time · 184 recording · 20 recording the whole stage removing attribute from (Off) · 154 (snapshot) · 149 shared and individual ·...
  • Page 163 · 34, 149 tablet · 177 shared palettes · 21, 135 Tracking On · 133 simple/complex chase steps · 163 training the DLC-C003 for Snap Back button · 160 tracking · 132 snapshot function · 149 turning attributes off · 153 software upgrade, loading ·...

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