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APPENDIX A - Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the difference between regions, layers, maps and sets?
The Martin Lighting Director software has the following hierarchy:
•
Regions are rectangular areas defined in the map editor using the "Region tool".
•
Layers are regions that have been assigned a particular media relation and
behaviour that is common to all of them. A layer is made up of up to a maximum
of 32 rectangular regions.
•
Maps are groups of layers that can be saved together to facilitate grouping media
behaviour. Maps can be saved, edited, and be loaded and enabled by remote
control. A map is made up of a maximum of eight layers.
•
Sets are groups of maps that can be saved together to facilitate grouping media
behaviour for a whole show. Sets are only used while in real-time mode. A set is
made up of a maximum of four maps.
Why do I hear "clicking" noises?
•
MLD operates at ultrasonic frequencies ranging from 19.5 to 22 KHz, just beyond
the normal hearing range. Occasionally, a person with exceptional hearing range
can hear these frequencies, particularly if they are close to the speakers. The MLD
is programmed to minimize the pulse's effect by modulating the intensity of the
pulses according to the sound level of the environment.
Should I be worried about radio interference?
•
No. MLD trackers are normal wireless microphones adapted to detect ultrasound.
As with most wireless equipment, take care to avoid radio interference by
selecting trackers that operate at different frequencies or channels than other
existing equipment. If you would like the trackers to use a specific frequency most
wireless microphones can be modified to become an MLD tracker. So far, both
UHF and VHF systems have been adapted successfully, from manufacturers such
as Samson, Shure, Senheiser and Vega. Contact your Martin dealer for details or
check www.martin.dk/mld/
What is the maximum area I can cover with one MLD system?
•
Theoretically the MLD can work over huge areas. However, the bigger the area
being tracked the less sampling frequency will be produced by the system and the
"slower" will be the apparent followspot tracking. You can use the sampling rate
formula given in chapter 8 to determine the maximum sampling frequency for a
particular volume. For example, for an area measuring 30 x 20 metres (at a 9 m
speaker height) the MLD will only produce 8 updates per second, which is enough
for static light control such as cues, automated light focusing for tours and MIDI
triggering, but not acceptable for automated followspot functionality. A sampling
frequency around 15 tends to be acceptable for automated followspots, so for
example an area of 17 x 10 metres (at a 7 m speaker height) is possible.
How can I increase the range of the tracking?
•
Soon you will be able to multiplex several MLD systems so that you can track very
large areas at an optimum sampling frequency. As a rule of thumb you may need
one MLD system per every 100 square metres. In the meantime, you may use two
or more systems if and only if they are separated by a wall (or by a considerable
MLD manual 1.1
Page 87
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