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Martin Xciter User Manual

Hands-on lighting control
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Summary of Contents for Martin Xciter

  • Page 1 Xciter user manual...
  • Page 2 Martin Profession AS shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 5. Fixture Library ..................23 5.1 Create a new fixture definition....................23 5.2 Edit existing fixture definition....................24 5.3 Remove fixture definition......................24 Chapter 6. The Xciter philosophy................27 6.1 Xciter show elements ....................... 27 6.1.1 Cue list ..........................27 6.1.2 Cue ..........................28 6.1.3 Sequence ........................
  • Page 4 7.5.2 Channel status indicators ....................34 7.5.3 The active and inactive layer of the programmer ............35 7.6 Clearing channels ........................36 7.7 Scene/sequence editor ......................36 7.7.1 Insert and add scenes ..................... 37 7.7.2 Modify scene and fade time..................... 37 7.7.3 Preview sequence ......................
  • Page 5 16.3 Library manager ........................68 16.3.1 Add a fixture definition....................68 16.3.2 Update main processor ....................68 16.3.3 Update Xciter library...................... 69 16.3.4 Export to lib ........................69 16.4 Backup / Restore ........................69 Chapter 17. Specifications - Xciter ................ 71...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1. Introduction

    With Xciter you can control up to 20 fixtures, each up to 48 channels - max of 512 channels (soon to control up to 40 fixtures with a software upgrade). Up to 160 cues containing 4 sequences can run simultaneously.

  • Page 8: Safety Precautions

    Cue Scene Playback Sequence 1.2 Safety precautions The Xciter is not for domestic use. Use the device only as described. Do not expose the device to rain or moisture. Make sure the device is properly grounded. Do not operate the device with the cover removed.

  • Page 9: Chapter 2. Installation

    50-60 Hz line in mono thru 2.1 Power connection The Xciter does not need a mains adapter. It takes main supply directly into the IEC mains connector in the following ranges: • 90V – 260V AC • 50Hz – 60Hz...

  • Page 10: Devices

    2.5 I²C expansion Use this connector to attach accessories to the console. As you can see, the I²C expansion port is the same as MIDI. Connecting MIDI to this port will not damage the console. Martin Xciter user manual...
  • Page 11 Installation Warning: Use Martin accessories only. DO NOT connect other devices, as this may damage the console. Martin Xciter user manual...

  • Page 13: Chapter 3. Basics

    The intro screens will appear on LCD1 and LCD2. 3.2 Power off The Xciter’s power off is safeguarded by a 2 second delay. Meaning you have to hold the ON button for at least 2 seconds. Hold [ON] 2 seconds to power off.

  • Page 15: Chapter 4. Patch

    Example: Use SMF1 to set the value of dimmer 1 to 128. 4.2 Fixtures Each fixture type has its own set of control channels, which are predefined in a fixture definition. Xciter’s internal library can hold up to 1000 fixture definitions.

  • Page 16: Patch An Unpatched Fixture Number

    Thanks to the interactive features and intuitive user interface, you will find it easy to patch fixtures without overlapping. Press {Fixture Patch} in the patch menu. The Xciter asks you to select a fixture number. When you select a fixture number, there are two possibilities. Either the fixture number is empty (unpatched) or occupied (already patched).

  • Page 17: Edit A Patched Fixture Number

    [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel. When you specify a start address, Xciter will check if there is enough space behind that address to place the fixture. If not, the console reports this and suggests the start address of the next available space. Press [ENT] to accept the suggested number, [ESC] to decline.

  • Page 18: Clear Patch Data

    [CLEAR] and MATRIX 1-10 to input a new number. When you specify a start address, Xciter will check if there is enough space behind that address to place the fixture. If not, the console reports this and suggests the start address of the next available space. Press [ENT] to accept the suggested number, [ESC] to decline.

  • Page 19: Create Or Edit Dimmer Labels

    Xciter permits up to 20 dimmer devices. A single device can contain up to 255 dimmer control channels. If you compare fixtures and dimmers, you will conclude that most of the differences lie in the control channels: •...

  • Page 20: Create Or Edit Dimmer Devices

    DA stands for Direct Access. You have 4 DA buttons on the console. The DA patch allows you to program a static scene behind each DA button. Xciter will warn you if you have used channels that are occupied by other devices but it allows you to patch them over.
  • Page 21 The toggle function is disabled by default. 3. Press the soft key to the right of the DA scene you wish to edit. Example: Smk. Xciter shows a dialog on LCD2 that looks a lot like the programmer. [000] [000]...

  • Page 23: Chapter 5. Fixture Library

    Fixture Library Chapter 5. Fixture Library The Xciter is delivered with a library that holds many commonly used fixtures. The console needs this fixture library to access the internal control channels (dimmer, shutter, color wheels, gobo wheels, effect wheels, pan, tilt…) of fixtures. The library can hold a maximum of 1000 fixture definitions. You can also add, remove and edit fixture definitions.

  • Page 24: Edit Existing Fixture Definition

    2. Press [EDIT] to edit the selected fixture definition. Use the same procedure as described in 5.1 to edit the definition. Xciter will not allow you to edit critical parameters of a fixture definition if this definition is used in the patch. 5.3 Remove fixture definition First you have to locate the definition in the category and manufacturer subfolders.
  • Page 25 2. Press [CLEAR] to remove the selected fixture definition. Xciter will ask for a confirmation. Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel. Xciter will not allow you to delete a fixture definition if this definition is used in the patch. Martin Xciter user manual...

  • Page 27: Chapter 6. The Xciter Philosophy

    ‘Wait for go’ function: The Xciter will only launch the next cue if the user presses the next button. • ‘Loop’ function: The Xciter will run one cue or a group of cues for a number of times. After that it will proceed to the cues outside the loop.

  • Page 28: Cue

    6.1.3 Sequence The Xciter can hold as many sequences as the memory allows. This depends mainly on the content (number of steps and number of active channels). A sequence can contain up to 99 steps. Steps are essentially the same as cue scenes; you can add scene time, fade time and effects to them. But they are not directly accessible like cue scenes.

  • Page 29: Cue Scene

    The cue scene represents a look on the stage. The Xciter only stores active channels by default. You can add a scene time and fade time to the cue scene. The Xciter will use these timing parameters to fade between cues when you call them manually on the console or automatically in a cue list.

  • Page 30: Playback

    DMX device. If you have a large amount of playbacks, Xciter lets you order them in 160 banks of 6. Use them to override certain fixtures when you are running your show. Example: You have your fixtures doing some stuff on the dance floor.
  • Page 31 10 into manual mode. Now you put PAN and TILT values on layers 5 and 6. These layers have a higher priority, thus you override the PAN and TILT values of the cue scene. Martin Xciter user manual...

  • Page 33: Chapter 7. Program Features

    Press [DIM] to select dimmers (generic lights). 2. Use MAXTRIX to select/deselect devices one by one. Xciter keeps the order of selection. Later in this manual you will learn that Xciter also stores this order in groups. 7.2 Device range selection Instead of selecting each device separately you can also select a range.

  • Page 34: Fixture Information

    Only the active channels in a scene have the potential to change the DMX output. Whether an active channel will actually change the DMX output, depends on process priority. When you store a scene, Xciter only saves active channels. 7.5.2 Channel status indicators With the indicators it is very easy to see the status of all control channels.

  • Page 35: The Active And Inactive Layer Of The Programmer

    7.5.3 The active and inactive layer of the programmer When you adjust a control channel in the programmer, Xciter puts that value in the active and inactive layer of the programmer. The active layer has got a higher priority than the inactive layer. Xciter will only store active channels of the active layer.

  • Page 36: Clearing Channels

    Pr eview FT : 0.1s The basic functions you need to create a scene: • Input name • Insert scenes before current • Add scenes behind last • Modify scene and fade time • Preview sequence Martin Xciter user manual...

  • Page 37: Insert And Add Scenes

    3. Use ARROW to scroll though your scenes. As you scroll through existing scenes, Xciter will also load them in the programmer, thus they will be visible on stage. Lit number keys indicate devices that are participating in the current scene.

  • Page 38: Preview Sequence

    When you start from scratch, the Xciter uses default timing (ST = 0.1 sec, FT = 0.0 sec). 1. Press {ST: x.x S} to change the scene time.

  • Page 39: Lamp Procedures

    Use [CLEAR] and MATRIX to enter a new generator ID. Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel and return to the previous generator ID. The Xciter permits you to put an effect on any control channel. You have up to 255 effect generators at your disposal.

  • Page 40: Copy / Paste

    1. Create a scene in the programmer. 2. Press {copy} in the advanced dialog. Xciter copies the content of the current scene into the clipboard. You can use the scene on the clipboard in any situation where you use the programmer.

  • Page 41: Chapter 8. Store Menu

    8.1 Store as new sequence All scenes that are present in the editor will be put into a sequence and stored to memory. Xciter prompts you to give a name. Sequences are kept in a large list. You can add them to a cue in cue (run) mode.
  • Page 42 The letter keys work in the same way as the mobile phone dial keys. Press the same button multiple times to scroll through the letters, marked on the button label. 2. Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel. Martin Xciter user manual...

  • Page 43: Chapter 9. Edit Menu

    Press the soft key next to the cue scene to select it. 3. Press [EDIT] to edit the cue scene. Xciter will take a clone of the cue scene and place it in the scene editor. Press [CLEAR] to delete the cue scene. Xciter will ask for confirmation.
  • Page 44 There are 8 pages of 20 presets, giving you a total of 160 pan/tilt presets. 3. Press [ENT] to confirm the selection, [ESC] to cancel. Xciter loads the channel values of the selected preset into the programmer for editing. Martin Xciter user manual...

  • Page 45: Chapter 10. Quick Edit

    2. Go to the advanced cue basic dialog (see run mode features). 3. Hold [EDIT]; press the soft key next to the cue scene (top left); release [EDIT]. Xciter takes a clone of the cue scene and puts it in the scene / sequence editor. 10.3 Quick edit sequence 1.

  • Page 47: Chapter 11. Run Mode Features

    The following processes are running as a result of cue1 followed by cue2: • SEQ1 is running on layer A. • SEQ2 is running on layer B. • SEQ4 is running on layer D. • CS2 is running on the cue scene level. Martin Xciter user manual...

  • Page 48: Transparency Disabled

    • CS1 starts running on the cue scene level. Launch cue2: • Xciter kills the sequence and cue scene processes that were started with cue 1. • SEQ2 starts running on layer B. • SEQ4 starts running on layer D.

  • Page 49: Basic Cue (Run Mode) Dialog

    A, above the dimmer sequence with effect that starts running on layer B. Because layer A has a higher priority than B, you will not see the dimmer with effect. Therefore we suggest you use the same principle as most people use in the Martin CASE console. •...

  • Page 50: Internal Trigger

    11.2.2.3 Audio trigger When you choose the audio trigger, the sequence will react to beats from the four band audio filter. Xciter shows the audio trigger dialog. In this dialog you can configure the number of beats before an actual sequence trigger occurs and the audio bands on which to trigger.

  • Page 51: Extended Cue (Run Mode) Dialog

    Add or replace the cue scene. Xciter stores sequences and cues to a large internal list (see Xciter philosophy). You need to assign them to cue buttons and playback faders in run mode. The extended cue dialog is built for this purpose.

  • Page 52: Remove Elements From Cue

    Example: If you launch a cue for some slow music, you need an override playback to do something on the mirror ball. You can assign a playback bank to that cue. When you launch the cue, Xciter jumps to the bank that you have linked to it.

  • Page 53: Audio Settings

    4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have set all audio bands. 5. Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel. Xciter returns to the advanced dialog. 11.4 Store run mode settings Press [STORE] in the basic or advanced dialog to store the current run mode settings. The following settings are stored: •...

  • Page 54: Playback Controls

    Run mode features 11.5 Playback controls When you are in cue (run mode), Xciter shows playback controls on LCD2. Playback controls involve the following: • SMF 1-6 • SMB 1-6 • SCR2 • LCD2 XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX The first things that jump to the eye are the labels.

  • Page 55: Extended Cue List Dialog

    2. Use ARROW or SCR1 to select a cue in the list, where you want to add or insert a new cue. Press [ENT] to confirm the selection, [ESC] to cancel. Xciter returns to the extended dialog. 3. Repeat steps 1-2 until you have added the cues you want to have in the list.

  • Page 56: Add X-Block

    At a certain point you will encounter the word ‘END’ in the list. That word is always present in the list. If you add cues behind this word, Xciter will run through them when you deselect the cue list (exit cue list mode or select another cue list).

  • Page 57: Wait For Go

    Use [CLEAR] and MATRIX 1-10 to input a new value. 4. Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel. When you confirm, Xciter shows the cue list and puts it in single step mode. 5. Use ARROW or SCR1 to select a cue in the list where the loop starts.

  • Page 59: Chapter 12. Instant Manipulation Features

    The first fader on the left controls the master intensity. Use it to manipulate the relative intensity of fixtures and generic dimmers. For those fixtures that do not have a dimmer, Xciter has the shutter close value (see library). This value is sent to those particular fixtures, when you pull the master intensity below 3%.

  • Page 61: Chapter 13. Auto Run

    Chapter 13. Auto run When auto run is enabled, Xciter will run a certain cue or cue list after startup. With the auto run comes the additional auto strike option. When enabled, the auto strike function strikes all fixtures with a lamp on procedure after startup, before it starts running the cue or cue list.

  • Page 63: Chapter 14. User Mode

    You cannot change show data. [Edit] and [Store] are disabled. Example: Even if you are the Xciter programmer, you can safely operate the console in this mode. Example: Your resident DJ knows the controller well and you want him to get the best out of it.

  • Page 64: From Other To Programmer

    User mode Once you have selected a user mode, Xciter will jump back to the intro screens and switch to that mode. 14.2.2 From other to programmer In a user mode other than programmer Xciter will ask for the programmer password when you try to enter the setup menu.

  • Page 65: Chapter 15. Interface Configuration

    Mast er /Sl ave 15.1 DMX timings The standard DMX refresh rate of the Xciter is 33 Hz. Some fixtures may not work at this rate. In that case, you need to lower the refresh rate. 1. Press {DMX} in the interface menu...

  • Page 66: Master/Slave Configuration

    Use [Clear] and MATRIX to input a new number. Press [ENT] to keep the new value, [ESC] to return to the previous one. If you select a DMX address that is occupied by a fixture or dimmer, Xciter reports this and asks you to select another address.

  • Page 67: Chapter 16. Pc Software

    16.2.1 Update IO processor 1. Press ‘update IO processor’. 2. Select the b6-file that you wish to upload to the Xciter. You can find firmware updates on the Martin support site. The software reports an error if you have selected an invalid file.

  • Page 68: Update Main Processor

    16.2.2 Update main processor 1. Press ‘update main processor’. 2. Select the bin-file that you wish to upload to the Xciter. You can find firmware updates on the Martin support site. The software reports an error if you have selected an invalid file.

  • Page 69: Update Xciter Library

    2. Start the BR (Backup / Restore) application. 3. If Xciter is not detected, the software reports this and dims the update button. Press ‘Rescan’ if you want the software to scan for Xciter again. If the software keeps giving an error message, contact the nearest Martin dealer for advice.

  • Page 71: Chapter 17. Specifications - Xciter

    Chapter 17. Specifications - Xciter Dimensions Length x width x height: 483 x 265 x 120mm (19 x 10.4 x 4.7 in.) Weight: 4.65 kg (10.3 lbs) Power supply Operating range: 85-265V AC, 50–60Hz Maximum power: 15W Processing power High-end Infineon micro-controller at 40MHz...
  • Page 72 Export / import show, library via USB link to PC Included items User manual 5 meter (16 ft.) 3-pin XLR cable XLR termination plug 3-wire 1.5 meter (5 ft.) IEC mains cable Ordering information Xciter ctrl; 90-260V, 50-60Hz: P/N 90736000 Martin Xciter user manual...

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