Light Cue Pro
Hardware and Software Reference Manual
Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, and
the reliability of the Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro. Errors can sometimes go undetected, however. If
you find one, please bring it to our attention so that we can correct it for others. Alcorn McBride
welcomes comments and suggestions on the content and layout of its documentation.
Applications described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Alcorn McBride Inc. assumes no
responsibility or liability for the use of these products, and makes no representation or warranty that
the use of these products for specific applications will be suitable without further testing or
modification. Alcorn McBride products are not intended for use in applications where a malfunction
can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Customers using or selling Alcorn McBride
products for use in such applications do so at their own risk, and agree to fully indemnify Alcorn
McBride for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.
LightCuePro™ is a trademark of Alcorn McBride Inc., all rights reserved.
Copyright 2010 Alcorn McBride, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hardware Design: Jim Carstensen, Joy Burke, Scott Harkless and Steve Alcorn
Firmware Design: Joy Burke, Adam Rosenberg, and Scott Harkless
Mechanical Design: Martin Chaney
Documentation: Joy Burke
Alcorn McBride Inc.
3300 S. Hiawassee, Suite 105
Orlando, Florida 32835
(407) 296-5800
FAX: (407) 296-5801
Internet: http://www.alcorn.com
e-mail: salcorn@alcorn.com
Features 5
Getting Started 6
LightCue Manager Software 6
Connecting the Unit 6
Storage Media 6
Recording 7
Playback 8
Show Controller Connection 8
LightCue Manager Software 9
LightCuePro Connection 9
Cue Names and DMX Files 9
Recording Cues in LightCue Manager 10
Channel Sets 11
Playback Cues in LightCue Manager 13
Monitor DMX Channels 13
Control DMX 14
Input and Button Configuration 15
Settings 16
Front Panel Controls and Indicators 17
Front Panel Menu 17
Buttons 17
LED Indicators 18
LCD Display 18
Rear Panel Controls and Connectors 19
Reset Select Switch 19
Power 19
RS-232C Controller Input 20
DMX Input 21
DMX Output 21
SMPTE Input 21
Parallel Control 22
Parallel Inputs 22
Parallel Outputs 23
Ethernet/Serial/USB Control 24
Table of Contents
Select Cue 25
Play 25
Loop Play 26
Still 26
Still Cue 27
Chase Play 28
Record Now 28
Arm Recording 29
Record with SMPTE 30
Arm Recording with SMPTE 30
Pile-On Cue 31
Pile-On Cue and Loop at end 31
Clear Cue 33
Feedthrough 33
Force Value 34
Force DMX 34
Clear Forces 34
SMPTE Status 34
DMX File Query 35
Reset 35
Pile-On Priority 35
Longitude 35
Latitude 36
Reboot 36
IP address 36
Subnet Mask number 36
Gateway IP Address 37
Date 37
Time 37
User Name 37
PW Get/Set Password 38
DST Enable 38
DST Type 38
Time Zone 38
NTP IP Address 38
NTP Enable 39
Ethernet Port for NTP 39
DHCP Enable 39
HTTP Ethernet Port 39
HTTP WEB Page 40
MIDI Control 40
Start a Cue with SYSEX “GO CUE” 40
Pile on a Cue with "NOTE ON" 40
Clear Cue with "NOTE OFF" 41
Specifications 42
DMX 42
Control Interface 42
Front Panel: 42
Physical 43
Index 44
lighting consoles in permanent show installations, eliminating the
or with parallel inputs to output the DMX data beginning at
pause or skip forward or backward frames as necessary in order to
Welcome
Thanks for purchasing The Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro™.
The Light Cue Pro is intended to replace SMPTE-controlled
need to use an expensive lighting console to run your lighting.
The Light Cue Pro Records 4 Universes of DMX in Real Time.
Either one stream (or cue as it is called in this manual)
synchronized to SMPTE timecode can be played back, or up to
forty cues not synchronized with SMPTE can be simultaneously
“piled-on”. The LightCue Pro comes standard with 100 hours of
storage, but larger capacities are available from the factory.
The Light Cue Pro can be controlled serially, Etherent (UDP),
MIDI
any SMPTE timecode. From this absolute timecode, the DMX
data can be "jam-synched" to the incoming timecode and will
maintain perfect synchronization. The unit will also record and
output DMX in the absence of SMPTE for non-synchronized
applications.
The Light Cue Pro can also 'crossfade' between two 'looks' over a
period of time from one frame to 24 hours. After the crossfade is
complete, the DMX cue can continue from the look that was faded
to.
Up to 40 simultaneous cues can be “piled-on” to one another. The
pile-on can either use the highest values of the 512 channels or the
last cue piled on.
Front panel pushbuttons are provided for manual control.
Features
The Light Cue Pro offers a wide range of features including:
• Records Four Channels in Real Time.
• Records the Output of Any DMX-512 Lighting Board.
• Stores 100 hours of Continuous DMX Data
• Stand-Alone or PC-Driven Operation.
• Parallel Input, Ethernet or RS-232 Serial Control.
• Can “Pile-On” up to 40 simultaneous cues
• Switchable between “live” DMX input and recorded material
• Cue management software included
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 5
Note:
backup to a laptop or desktop PC equipped with a card reader.
ash card is located on the back panel behind a plate which is
screws holding the cover plate and press the eject button located at
Getting Started
This section will teach you how to begin using your Light Cue Pro.
More detailed information is contained in the rest of this manual.
LightCue Manager Software
Free software to control/monitor/edit lighting cues can be
downloaded from our website (www.alcorn.com) under the
"software" page.
This software is the preferred method for recording and playback of
lighting cues.
See the section "LightCue Manager" for more detail on it's use.
Connecting the Unit
SMPTE is only
required if it is
necessary to
synchronize lighting
cues to other SMPTE
equipment.
Storage Media
1. Connect the DMX Out from your Lighting Console to the
DMX In on the rear of the Light Cue Pro.
2. Connect the DMX Out from the Light Cue Pro to the DMX
Input of your Dimmer Rack.
3. Optionally, connect the SMPTE Out from your SMPTE
generator (e.g. Alcorn McBride SMPTE Machine) to the
SMPTE In on the rear of the Light Cue Pro.
The LightCue Pro uses Compact Flash Card media to store DMX
data. The media is included with the unit, and is removable for
The fl
fastened with two screws. To remove the media, remove the
the right side of the socket. When reinstalling the media, be sure
that it is fully seated.
Page 6 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Recording
Note:
panel knob before
playback.
Note:
pressing “Record Now
The Start Time of
the SMPTE can be
adjusted with external
commands or front
The LightCue Pro is capable of recording DMX data with or
without being locked to SMPTE timecode. If you want to have
your DMX playback jam-synced to SMPTE so that it will pause
or skip forward or backward frames as necessary in order to
maintain perfect synchronization with incoming timecode, be
sure to have SMPTE connected and active while recording. The
recording will be time-stamped with the SMPTE timecode
corresponding to the first frame of recorded DMX.
The LightCuePro can ititiate a record using the front panel,
serial, USB or Ethernet commands, OR using the LightCue
Manager software.
The LightCueManager software makes it easy to record multiple
universes, while the front panel is designed primarily for single
universe record.
From the Cue Manger Software (See LightCue Manager
section)
1. Click "Edit" from the top toolbar
2. Type in a Cue Name into the "Record" window
3. Click “Arm Recording”
A change in DMX
values after pressing
“Arm Recording” will
start immediate
recording. Otherwise,
is required.
Or From the Front Panel
1. Press in on the knob to bring up to the Main Menu
2. Select “Record”
”
3. Select the Universe you wish to record
4. Adjust record settings by selecting “Record Config”
5. Press the “Arm Recording” selection
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 7
Note:
Ethernet command
See the
Playback
Playback can
also be accomplished
using a Serial, USB, or
from
a PC or other device.
“Serial/Ethernet/USB
Control” section.
From the Cue Manger Software (See LightCue Manager
section)
1. Click "Edit" from the top toolbar
2. Select the Cue Name or DMX File you wish to play
3. Press “Play Now”
From the Front Panel
1. Press in on the knob to bring up to the Main Menu
2. Select “Play” and press in
3. Select the Universe you wish to play and press in on knob
4. Select the Cue Number by Highlighting the number and
pressing in on the knob to cause the number to blink.
5. Turn the knob as needed to get the appropriate cue number
6. Press the knob again to accept the cue number
7. Highlight and Press the “Play Now”
Show Controller Connection
1. Connect the output port on your Show Controller (e.g. Alcorn
McBride V16Pro, V4Pro) to the Controller Input on the rear of
the Light Cue Pro using serial or ethernet connection.
2. Use the Controller Software (e.g. WinScriptLive) to configure
and operate the Light Cue Pro.
Page 8 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
LightCueManager is
This software is designed for setup, record, playback, and monitor
All functions of the
LightCuePro on your
front panel knob to
LightCue Manager Software
availble for free at
www.alcorn.com
of a LightCuePro. It currently runs on Windows XP, Vista or 7.
The primary screens of the Light Cue Manager Software are:
The "Edit" screen is the primary screen for Record/Playback.
More information regarding each section is described in more
detail in the chapters below.
LightCuePro Connection
software require a
connection.
When the software is first launched, you will be prompted to
connect to a LightCuePro.
Tip: to quickly put the
network, push in on the
select "Network" from
the main menu. Then,
set your ethernet jack to
enable "DHCP".
1. Click "Search" to find a LightCuePro on your network.
2. Hightlight the LightCuePro for connection and click
"Connect."
3. Click "Close" to close the dialog. Your connection is now
complete.
Cue Names and DMX Files
Cue Name: A group of one or more dmx files that were recorded
from multiple universes and may be played back on multiple
universes.
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 9
DMX File: A file containing DMX and timing information for a
single universe.
Cue Names and DMX Files that are present on the compact flash
card are viewable in the "Cue Names" and "DMX Files" windows.
These windows appear in the lower left corner of the "Edit" screen.
Cue Names and DMX File names may be edited in this view.
Play a cue name by selecting the line and clicking "Play."
Remove a cue name by clicking "Delete."
More Cue Names are populated when a new Cue Name is recorded.
(See the "Recording" section in this chapter for more detail)
Recording Cues in LightCue Manager
In LightCue Manager, the "Record" window is present when the
top toolbar is in the "Edit" view.
Page 10 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Individual DMX Files
Note: Non
played back later w
SMPTE; however,
Arm Recording
for change in DMX data
In the image above, Universes 1,2 and 3 will be recorded, with the
may be recorded
without a Cue Name if
the a filename with .dmx
extension is typed in
To record a cue name:
1. Type the desired Cue Name into the "Cue Name" box. This
name will associate all recorded DMX Files for each universe to a
single name.
-SMPTE
recorded cues may be
ith
recording with SMPTE
is recommended for
most accurate playback.
: Waits
Record Now: Starts
recording DMX
immediately
Channel Sets
2. Check "Save SMPTE Start Time" if you would like the cue
files to use the incoming SMPTE timecode as the first frame of
playback. This time may be adjusted later if needed for playback.
3. Check the "Enable" boxes to select which universes and
channels to record.
4. Type in specific channels or click the "..." button to specify a
specific range of channels. "Channel Sets" may be recalled by
pressing "Load" (see Channel Sets section)
5. Click "Arm Recording" or "Record Now" to begin recording
DMX data. (Lights on the Front Panel will turn Amber for
"Armed" or Red for "Recording")
6. Click "Stop" to complete the recording.
Channel Sets are an easy way to recall a certain set of DMX
Channels that are associated with a specific DMX Universe.
These Sets are used both in the "Record" window and in the
"Status" windows.
.
The "Record" window is shown below:
select channels specified in the "Channels" column.
Clicking on the "..." brings up the "Channel Picker" dialog
(below).
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 11
LightCuePro's compact
flash card
yellow.
To Select multiple DMX
Channels, use the
"CTRL" & "SHIFT"
keys along with the
mouse drag
Channel Sets are stored
on the user PC but can
be transfered to the
To save a channel set:
1. Type the desired name into the "Channel Set" box
2. Check the "Enable" boxes to select which universes and
channels to record.
3. Type in specific channels or click the "..." button to specify a
specific range of channels.
4. Click "Save"
To recall a saved channel set:
1. Select the desired name in the "Channel Set" box
2. Click "Load"
Channel Sets can later be recalled to highlight a specific set of
channels on a specific area in the 'Monitor' screen. (shown below)
Change the "Highlight Channel Set" combo in the top right
corner of the screen to cause certain channels to be highlighted in
Page 12 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Playback Cues in LightCue Manager
Files can also be played
Names" or "DMX Files
file on 1 universe only,
File" radio button.
Hint: Go to the menu:
back using the "Cue
window's "Play" button.
To Play an individual
select the "Individual
In LightCue Manager, the "Play" window is present when the top
toolbar is in the "Edit" view and the bottom tab "Play" is clicked.
"
To Play a Cue Name:
1. Type the Cue Name into the "Cue Name or Cue List" box.
2. Select from the following options:
Pile On: Do not stop playing other cues when the new cue is
played. Up to 40 cues may be piled on. (See "Settings" to select
Highest Takes Priority or Last Takes Priority method of pile on)
Loop: Loop cue after cue file finishes playback
Follow SMPTE: Compare incoming timecode with current DMX
File time to determine current look.
SMPTE Start Time: The time of that the first frame of the DMX
File data should start playing back.
Fade-In Time: The amount of time to fade before the Cue Name or
DMX File is played back. Fades from current look to first look in
DMX File.
Monitor DMX Channels
Tools-->Options to
display a DMX channel
value in percent or 0255 value
In LightCue Manager, DMX channels on all 4 universes can be
easily watched from the "Monitor Screen" (shown below).
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 13
See Section on "Channel
Sets
for Record o
Monitoring
Hint: Go to the menu:
Hint: You can use
File for playback.
" for more details
on creating a specific
set of DMX Channels
r
Control DMX
Tools-->Options to
display a DMX channel
value in percent or 0255 value
Channels that match the "Highlight Channel Set" will be
displayed in Yellow.
Channels that are being "Forced" are displayed in Red. To force
a channel, use the "Control DMX" screen or front panel to set a
DMX channel to a specific value.
In LightCue Manager, DMX channels on all 4 universes can be
forced to a specific value using sliders.
sliders combined with
the "Record" screen to
record a certain DMX
Once a slider is moved by a user, a checkbox at the bottom of the
slider will automatically be checked indicating that the user is
forcing the DMX channel to a specific value. The monitoring
screens will now show that channel in red.
To remove the force, uncheck the box at the bottom of the slider.
Page 14 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Input configuration
Hints: You must be
LightCuePro to make
If for any
your LightCuePro
Note: The input
nt
The time of that the first frame of the
Input and Button Configuration
information is stored
in the inputs.cfg file
on the compact flash
card
connected to the
changes.
reason the
screen does not fill,
try changing the
Contact/Voltage
buttons to create an
inputs.cfg file on
In LightCue Manager, options for voltage or contact closure, as well
as which files should play on a button or input, are configurable
from the "Input Config" screen. (shown below) Click on the "Input
Config" on the toolbar to bring up this screen.
To create an action for an input or button:
1. Select the action (Play, Stop, Still) from the "Action" dropdown
list.
2. For the "Play" action, select the Cue Name that you wish to play.
3. Select an other options relating to playback:
Pile On: Do not stop playing other cues when the new cue
is played. Up to 40 cues may be piled on. (See "Settings" to
select Highest Takes Priority or Last Takes Priority method
of pile on)
Loop: Loop cue after cue file finishes playback
Follow SMPTE: Compare incoming timecode with curre
DMX File time to determine current look.
To change the Voltage\Contact closure mode of the input:
SMPTE Start Time:
DMX File data should start playing back.
Fade-In Time: The amount of time to fade before the Cue
Name or DMX File is played back. Fades from current look
to first look in DMX File.
Check the checkbox of the desired input mode on the lower half of
configuration for
voltage/cc may also
be configured from
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 15
the "Input Config" screen in the LightCue Manager.
the front panel
Settings
Settings
front panel or by
button on the toolbar.
verification back into the item box.
Settings
are stored in
the non-volitile
memory (EEPROM)
of the LightCuePro
can also be
changed from the
serial/ethernet
control.
In LightCue Manager, settings for the Ethernet configuration, as
well as real time clock, can be setting by clicking the "Settings"
If you are connected to a LightCuePro, the current settings will fill
in the boxes automatically. If you wish to refresh the settings, click
"Refresh All" to retrieve the current settings from the box.
To change a setting:
1. Type in the field or check the box appropriately
2. Click "Set" next to the item box.
3. The setting changed on the LightCuePro and retrieved for
Important Settings:
Last Takes Priority (Yes or No): when set to "yes", the last cue
"Piled-On" for a specific channel will be the value of that DMX
channel. Otherwise, the highest takes priority (HTP) will be in
effect.
Page 16 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
The Light Cue Pro provides controls that can accommodate a wide variety of installations.
The front panel incorporates a row of twelve (12) pushbuttons that are fully programmable to
control the operation of the unit, six (6) indicator lights, a VFD display, and front panel knob.
Front Panel Menu
Buttons
Pushing in on the font panel knob displays a menu.This menu
contains options for configuring network settings, status
monitoring, button configuration, and playback.
All of the settings on the front panel can also be configured using
the LightCue Manager software (See LightCue Manager Software
for more detail)
System Menu
Firmware, version information and serial number are present on
this screen.
Options:
Last Takes Priority (Yes or No): when set to "yes", the last cue
"Piled-On" for a specific channel will be the value of that DMX
channel. Otherwise, the highest takes priority (HTP) will be in
effect.
The buttons on the front of the LightCue Pro are able to be
programmed to start any Cue Name or to perform another action
(such as record). Using the Front Panel knob, select “Buttons” from
the Main Menu to configure the button’s use. Or, use the
LightCueManager software to easily configure an action for the
buttons.
The buttons function is stored in the "inputs.cfg" file on the
compact flash card.
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 17
LED Indicators
SMPTE: Reading at 30fps
00:01:02:03
SMPTE Time/Mode
Current Operation
SMPTE Status
Frame Rate
1: Stopped
Univer
se
2: Playing
dmx00001.dmx
3: Stopped (FT)
4: Stilled
MyCueName
Cue Name or DMX File
Feedthrough
Two (2) LED indicators on the left side of the front panel:
LED LED Meaning
LTC Steady Green – Linear Time Code
(LTC/SMPTE) is being received
Power Steady Blue – Unit has power
Four (4) status indicators on the right of the front panel correspond
to the 4 Universes of DMX data. The table below shows the LED’s
meaning:
Status (green, yellow or red)
LED Behavior LED Meaning
Steady Green Media is being accessed and DMX data is
being played back.
Flashing Green DMX data is paused or stilled
LCD Display
Steady Yellow DMX data information has been searched
Steady Red Light Cue Pro is recording.
Amber Recording is armed, waiting for DMX
data changes to begin.
Flashing Red Search Error or other command error
The LCD Display will indicate which cue(s) are playing on each
universe.
Page 18 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Rear Panel Controls and
Connectors
The rear panel provides the four (4) DMX input and output
connectors, a SMPTE In connector, MIDI In connector, an RS-232
control port, a Parallel input/output port, a 4 Position select switch
for Reset, a USB port, two (2) Ethernet ports and the power
connector.
Reset Select Switch
This switch, when flipped to the “Up” position next to the word
reset, will restore the factory default settings for IP Address, front
panel buttons, and other non-volitile stored settings.
Power
The power input is a barrel connector with center pin (+) and the
outer rim (-). The Light Cue Pro requires 9.0 VDC at 1 Amp. DO
NOT EXCEED THE SPECIFIED INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE. An
external 115 or 230 VAC power supply is provided with the unit.
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 19
RS-232C Controller Input
This input is a standard DB-9 male RS-232C connector, intended
to be connected to an Alcorn McBride V16/V4 or other controller
using a straight-through (not null-modem) 9-pin cable. The
pinout appears below.
Pin
Function
No
.
1 not used
2 TXD (data from Light Cue
Pro)
3 RXD (data to Light Cue
Pro)
4 not used
5 GND
6 not used
7 not used
8 not used
9 not used
Page 20 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
DMX Input
The DMX input is a standard 5-pin XLR male connector. The
pinout appears below:
DMX Output
Pin
Function
No.
1 Shield
2 - (low)
3 + (high)
4 not used
5 not used
The DMX output is a standard 5-pin XLR female connector. The
pinout appears below.
Pin
Function
No
.
1 Shield
2 - (low)
3 + (high)
4 not used
5 not used
SMPTE Input
The SMPTE input is a standard 3-pin XLR female connector.
Input signal level range is -10 dbu to +4 dbu. Impedance is 600
ohms. The pinout appears below.
Pin
No
.
1 Shield
2 + (high)
3 - (low)
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 21
Function
LightCueManager
Parallel Control
Parallel Inputs
Configuration is done
using the
software.
The Light Cue Pro can be controlled using either contact closures
or voltage inputs on the female DB-37 Control Connector. Up to
12 individual cues can be selected and played, looped, paused, or
stopped.
The configuration is stored on an xml formatted file on the
compact flash card with the name "inputs.cfg."
Voltage or Contact configuration, as well as what cues or cue
names are played, is done via the LightCueManger software.
Pin Connection Pin Connection
1 Input 1 20 Input 1 Return
2 Input 2 21 Input 2 Return
3 Input 3 22 Input 3 Return
4 Input 4 23 Input 4 Return
5 Input 5 24 Input 5 Return
6 Input 6 25 Input 6 Return
7 Input 7 26 Input 7 Return
8 Input 8 27 Input 8 Return
9 Input 9 28 Input 9 Return
10 Input 10 29 Input 10 Return
11 Input 11 30 Input 11 Return
12 Input 12 31 Input 12 Return
13 Input 13 32 Input 13 Return
14 Input 14 33 Input 14 Return
15 Input 15 34 Input 15 Return
16 Input 16 35 Input 16 Return
17 N/C 36 N/C
18 N/C 37 N/C
19 N/C
Parallel inputs should be left disconnected during recording.
Page 22 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Parallel Outputs
Function Pin No’s. Description
Playing Universe 1 1,20 Closed when the unit is playing DMX data
Playing Universe 2 2,21 "
Playing Universe 3 3,22 "
Playing Universe 4 4,23 "
Fault Universe 1 5,24 Closed when the unit detects an invalid file
Fault Universe 1 6,25 "
Fault Universe 1 7,26 "
Fault Universe 1 8,27 "
Two status outputs are provided. They are dry contact closures
rated at 24 VDC and 1 amp max. Their function is described
below.
from a Cue Name on this Universe.
for playback or other error on that Universe.
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 23
pause to maintain
Ethernet/Serial/USB Control
The Light Cue Pro may be controlled using Ethernet using UDP on
port 2639, USB, or serial RS-232 messages via the rear DB-9
Control Connector or the DB-37 Control Connector. The data
format is 9600,N,8,1: 9600 baud, no parity, 8 bits/byte, with one
stop bit. The protocol is ASCII-based, and many commands are
identical to Pioneer Disc protocol. Upper or lower case characters
can be used interchangeably.
The most commonly used serial commands are:
“Jam-sync” means that
the DMX data will jump
ahead, backward, or
synchronization to
incoming SMPTE
timecode.
Command Function
Select Cue Select a cue
Play Play the selected cue.
Loop Play Play the selected cue over and over
Still Stop output and hold the current "look."
Chase Play Play the selected cue and "jam-sync" to
SMPTE
The details of these commands follow. Throughout the table <CR>
means carriage return, a byte with the hexadecimal value 0D. Do
not include the quotes around the command.
Page 24 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Select Cue
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to select the specified cue
number for play. Once this command is sent, the next Play
command causes the specified cue to play from the beginning of
the file. The unit defaults to cue #1 at power-up.
Command Bytes: nnnUuSE<CR>
where nnn is the cue number in ASCII.
u is the universe number – use * for all
Message Response: R<CR>
Examples: Select cue 215 on Universe 1. "215U1SE"<CR>
Select cue 4 on all Universes. "4U*SE"<CR>
Play
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to play a cue. If no cue
number is given, the cue number is used that was specified with the
“Select Cue” command. Bytes are included for crossfade time from
the current look to the first look of the selected cue. This command
is used when no SMPTE synchronization is required.
Command bytes: hhmmssffnnnUuPL<CR>
where hhmmssff is the crossfade time in hours, minutes, seconds,
and frames. (optional).
nnn is the cue number (optional)
u is the universe number – use * for all
Message Response: R<CR>
Examples:
1. Play cue 2 with crossfade time of 00:00:03.15 to Universe 1
"000003152U1PL" <CR>
2. Play with previously searched cue withcrossfade time of
00:01:10.20 to Universe 3
"00011020U3PL" <CR>
3. Play cue 2 to Universe 4 with no crossfade
"2U4PL"<CR>
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 25
Loop Play
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to play the cue specified
by the Select Cue command and loop back to the first look and
continue playing when the end of the cue is reached. Bytes are
included for crossfade time from the current look to the first look of
the selected cue.
Command bytes: hhmmssffnnnUuLP<CR>
hhmmssff - the crossfade time in hours, minutes, seconds, and
frames. (optional)
nnn – the Cue number to play (optional – can use previously
searched cue instead)
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Examples:
1. Loop Play cue 2 on all Universes
"2U*LP"<CR>
2. Loop Play a previously searched cue on Universe 1
"U1LP"<CR>
3. Loop Play with crossfade time of 00:00:10.15 on Universe 2
"00001015U2LP" <CR>
4. Loop Play Cue 12 with crossfade time of 00:01:30.10 on
Universe 3
"0001301012U3LP" <CR>
Still
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to hold the current "look"
of DMX data. Play will resume from where it left off whenever
another Play command is issued unless a Select Cue command is
issued, in which case the selected cue will play from the beginning.
Command bytes: UuST<CR>
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Example: Still all Universes
"U*ST" <CR>
Page 26 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Still Cue
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to hold the specified cue's
"look" of DMX data ONLY on the specified cue number. Play will
resume from where it left off whenever another Play command is
issued for that specific cue number.
Command bytes: nnnUuSC<CR>
where "nnn" is the cue number and
"u" is the universe number ('*' for all)
Message Response: R<CR>
Example: "3U2ST" <CR>
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 27
Chase Play
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to play the cue specified
starting at the SMPTE time specified and “jam-syncing" (following
incoming timecode forward or backwards) from that point in time.
Command bytes: ohomosofhhmmssffnnnUuCP<CR>
ohomosof - the starting SMPTE time of hours, minutes,
seconds, and frames. (optional)
hhmmssff - the crossfade time in hours, minutes,
seconds, and frames. (optional)
nnn – the Cue number to play (optional – can use
previously searched instead)
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Comments: The starting time is the SMPTE frame at which the first frame of
DMX data will be played from after the crossfade has completed.
Examples:
1. Chase play a previously searched cue on Universe 2
"U2CP"<CR>
2. Chase play cue 3 on Universe 1
"3U1CP"<CR>
3. Chase play a previously searched cue with first frame of cue at
Start Time 01:00:03.15 and crossfade time of 00:00:20.00 on
all Universes.
"0100031500002000U*CP" <CR>
2. Chase play a previously searched cue with first frame of cue at
Start Time 02:01:04.10 and crossfade time of 00:01:05.02 on
Universe 1.
"0201041000010502U1CP" <CR>
Record Now
Description: This command is useful for when you want to command the Light
Cue Pro into record mode using a serial controller. Recording
begins as soon as DMX is detected. (ie. No arming or “changedetection” takes place.)
Page 28 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Command bytes: |vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|nnnUuRR<CR>
|vvv…vvv|– the channels to record separated by commas. ie: 1-
512. (optional)
nnn – the Cue number, filename or Cue name to record
u – the Universe number (optional)
Message Response: R<CR>
Examples: Record to cue file dmx00001.dmx from Universe 1:
001U1RR <CR>
Record to cue file dmx00001.dmx from channels 5-8 onUniverse 2:
|5-8|U2RR <CR>
Record channels 1-512 on universe1, no other universes:
|1-512|0|0|0|"myCueName"RR<CR>
Record channels 1-12,81 and 89 on universe2, channel 41 on
universe 3 to cue name "myCueName":
|0|1-12,81,89|41|0|"myCueName"RR<CR>
Arm Recording
Description: This command is useful for when you want to command the Light
Cue Pro into record mode using a serial controller. Recording
begins as soon as a DMX change is detected.
Command bytes: |vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|nnnUuRA<CR>
|vvv…vvv|– the channels to record separated by commas. ie: 1-
512. (optional)
nnn – the Cue number to record
u – the Universe number.
Message Response: R<CR>
Examples: Record to cue file dmx00001.dmx from Universe 1:
001U1RR <CR>
Record to cue file dmx00001.dmx from channels 5-8 onUniverse 2:
|5-8|U2RR <CR>
Record channels 1-512 on universe1, no other universes:
|1-512|0|0|0|"myCueName"RR<CR>
Record channels 1-12,81 and 89 on universe2, channel 41 on
universe 3 to cue name "myCueName":
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 29
|0|1-12,81,89|41|0|"myCueName"RR<CR>
Record with SMPTE
Description: This command is useful for when you want to command the Light
Cue Pro into record mode using a serial controller. Recording
begins as soon as DMX is detected. (ie. No arming or “changedetection” takes place.) The file is timestamped with the values of
the incoming SMPTE timecode.
Command bytes: |vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|nnnUuRS<CR>
|vvv…vvv|– the channels to record separated by commas. ie: 1-
512. (optional)
nnn – the filename, cuename or cue number to record
u – the Universe number.
Message Response: R<CR>
Examples: Record to cue file dmx00001.dmx from Universe 1:
001U1RR <CR>
Record to cue file dmx00001.dmx from channels 5-8 onUniverse 2:
|5-8|U2RR <CR>
Record channels 1-512 on universe1, no other universes:
|1-512|0|0|0|"myCueName"RR<CR>
Record channels 1-12,81 and 89 on universe2, channel 41 on
universe 3 to cue name "myCueName":
|0|1-12,81,89|41|0|"myCueName"RR<CR>
Arm Recording with SMPTE
Description: This command is useful for when you want to command the Light
Cue Pro into record mode using a serial controller. Recording
begins as soon as a DMX change is detected. The file is
timestamped with the values of the incoming SMPTE timecode.
Command bytes: |vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|vvv-vvv|nnnUuRE<CR>
|vvv…vvv|– the channels to record separated by commas. ie: 1-
512. (optional)
u – the Universe number.
Message Response: R<CR>
Examples: Record to cue file dmx00001.dmx from Universe 1:
Page 30 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
001U1RR <CR>
Record to cue file dmx00001.dmx from channels 5-8 onUniverse 2:
|5-8|U2RR <CR>
Record channels 1-512 on universe1, no other universes:
|1-512|0|0|0|"myCueName"RR<CR>
Record channels 1-12,81 and 89 on universe2, channel 41 on
universe 3 to cue name "myCueName":
|0|1-12,81,89|41|0|"myCueName"RR<CR>
Pile-On Cue
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to play a cue
simultaneously with other cues currently playing, like a lighting
console would do when it does a “pile-on” of cues. Up to 6 cues
may be piled-on at one time. Each of the 512 channel values of
each cue that is playing is compared against the corresponding
channel in the other playing cues, and the highest value is output.
Command bytes: nnnUuPO<CR>
nnn – the Cue number to play
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Comments: When the end of a piled-on cue is reached, the last look of the cue
is held and used in the comparison of other piled-on cues, playing
or not.
Example: "001U2PO" <CR> Pile-on cue number 1 on Universe 2
“3U4PO”<CR> Pile-on cue number 3 on Universe 4
Pile-On Cue and Loop at end
Description: This command is the same as the Pile-On Cue command above,
except that when the end of the cue is reached, it loops back to the
first look and continues.
Command bytes: nnnUuLO<CR>
nnn – the Cue number to play
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Example: "001U2LO" <CR> Pile-on cue number 1 and
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 31
loop at end on Universe 2
“3U1LO”<CR> Pile-on cue number 3 and
loop at end on Universe 1
Page 32 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Clear Cue
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to clear a cue which is
currently being piled-on. The cue will be taken out of the
comparison.
Command bytes: nnnUuCL<CR>
nnn – the Cue number to remove
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Example: "001U*CL" <CR> Clear Cue Number 1 from all Universes
“3U1CL”<CR> Clear Cue Number 3 from Universe 1
Feedthrough
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to pass the data from the
input DMX connector to the output, bypassing the data recorded in
the unit. Playback of recorded data will continue if it was in
progress when this command was received, however the data will
not be output.
Command bytes: nUuFT<CR>
If n=1 feedthrough is actvated
If n=0 feedthrough is deactivated
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Comments: "Feedthrough" will display on the main front LCD screen for the
corresponding universe when activated.
Example: "1U*FT" <CR> feedthrough is activated on all Universes
“0U1FT”<CR> feedthrough is deactivated on Universe 1
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 33
Force Value
Description: Force a DMX channel to specified value.
Command bytes: cccvvvUuFV<CR>
ccc - ASCII representation of the channel number 1 to 512.
vvv - ASCII representation of the channel value 000 to 255.
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Example: "255128U*FV" <CR>
forces channel 255 to value 128 on all Universes
Force DMX
Description: Force an entire set of DMX channels to specified value.
Command bytes: nvvv....vvvUuFD<h0D>
n - 0 for first 128 channels, 1 for second 128 channels, 2 for the
third 128 channels, 3 for forth
vvv.....vvvvvv - the ASCII representation of the channel value
000
to 255 listed 128 times.
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Clear Forces
Description: Clear any forces that are in place
Command bytes: UuFC<h0D>
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
SMPTE Status
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to respond with the
current status time and state of the SMPTE interface.
Command bytes: SS<CR>
Message Response: status hh:mm:ss.ff<CR>
Page 34 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
status is either: "Awaiting SMPTE", "Running", "Paused", "Idle"
or "Error"
Example: Running 01:00:20.30 <CR>
DMX File Query
Description: This command causes the Light Cue Pro to respond with the dmx
files currently playing. The word "none" is returned if no cues are
playing.
Command bytes: UuCC<CR>
u – the Universe number.
Message Response: "ccccccc.ccc" , "ccccccc.ccc" <CR>
where "ccccccc.ccc" is the ASCII representation of the file
currently playing on that Universe separated by commas
Example: "dmx00001.dmc","dmx00002.dmc" <CR> Cue numbers
1, & 2 are playing
None<CR> no cues are playing (unit is idle)
Reset
Description: This command causes the LightCue Pro to stop the playback of all
active cues and hold the current look.
Command bytes: UuRJ<CR
u – the Universe number. Use * for all.
Message Response: R<CR>
Pile-On Priority
Description: When set to 1, the LightCue Pro is in "Last Takes Priority" mode.
Regardless of whether the DMX Value is higher or not, the last
piled on value for that channel will be applied.
Command bytes: nPP<CR
n = 1 – Last Takes Priority
n = 0 – Highest Takes Priority
Message Response: R<CR>
Longitude
Description: This command will get or set the longitude coordinates.
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 35
Get command: LN<0D>
Message Response: current value<0D>
Example:
Send Command: LN<0D>
Response: 81.0<0D>
Set command: 81.0LN<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Latitude
Description: This command will get or set the latitude coordinates.
Get command: LA<0D>
Message Response: current value<0D>
Example:
Send Command: LA<0D>
Response: 28.0<0D>
Set command: 28.0LA<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Reboot
Description: This command will perform a hard reboot of the system.
Comments: The V16Pro will reload and run the selected script. The normal
power on response will apply
Command: XX<0D>
Message Response: K<0D> (after reboot complete)
IP address
Description: This command will get or set the selected port IP address. Port A
or B may be selected
Comments: Where xxx is a decimal number in the range of 0 – 255.
Get command: (A or B)IP<0D>
Message Response: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx<0D>
Set command: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx(A or B)IP<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Subnet Mask number
Description: This command will get or set the number used to isolate the subnet.
Comments: xxx is a decimal number in the range of 0 – 255.
Page 36 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Get command: SM<0D>
Message Response: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx<0D>
Set command: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxxSM<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Gateway IP Address
Description: This command will get or set the IP address of the gateway the unit
will connect through.
Comments: xxx is a decimal number in the range of 0 – 255.
Get command: GW<0D>
Message Response: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx<0D>
Set command: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxxGW<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Date
Description: This command will get or set the calendar date.
Comments: mm/dd/yyyy Month/Day/Year.
Get command: DA<0D>
Message Response: mm/dd/yyyy<0D>
Set command: mm/rr/yyyyDA<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Time
Description: This command will get or set the time of day.
Comments: hh:mm:ss Hours/Minutes/Seconds.
Get command: TI<0D>
Message Response: hh:mm:ss<0D>
Set command: hh:mm:ssTI<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
User Name
Description: This command will get or set the user login name.
Comments: The default name is admin.
Get command: US<0D>
Message Response: (current login)<0D>
Set command: (new login)US<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 37
PW Get/Set Password
Description: This command will get or set the password.
Comments: The default password is password.
Get command: PW<0D>
Message Response: password<0D>
Set command: passwordPW<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
DST Enable
Description: This command will get or set the status of the daylight saving time
parameter.
Comments: 0 = Standard Time, 1 = using DST.
Get command: SD<0D>
Message Response: current setting<0D>
Set command: 1SD<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
DST Type
Description: This command will get or set the status of the daylight saving time
Type.
Comments: Example are: 1 = US, 2 = Universal, 3 = Australia, 4 = Europe.
Get command: DT<0D>
Message Response: current setting<0D>
Set command: 1DT<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Time Zone
Description: This command will get or set the Time Zone.
Comments: The time zone 0 is the Greenwich Mean Time GMT. Time zones
going west are given –1 numbers and +1 going east from GMT 0
until the International Date Line is reached. Eastern TZ in the
USA is -5
Get command: TZ<0D>
Message Response: current timezone<0D>
Set command: -5TZ<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
NTP IP Address
Description: This command will get or set the NTP IP address needed to contact
the timeserver.
Get command: NI<0D>
Page 38 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Message Response: (current NTP address)<0D>
Example: Send Command: NI<0D>
Response: ntp.org<0D>
Set command: "NTP IP address"NI<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
NTP Enable
Description: This command will enable or disable the NTP function and will get
the current status.
Comments: 0 = disable, 1 = enable
Get command: NE<0D>
Message Response: (current status)<0D>
Set command: (0 or 1)NE<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
Ethernet Port for NTP
Description: This command will get or set the V16Pro Ethernet port used to
contact the NTP server.
Comments: A = port A, B = port B. The default port is A
Get command: NJ<0D>
Message Response: (current port)<0D>
Set command: (port A or B)NJ<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
DHCP Enable
Description: This command will enable or disable the DHCP function and will
get the current status.
Comments: x is 0 = disable, 1 = enable
p is A = port A, B = port B
Get command: pDH<0D>
Message Response: x<0D>
Set command: xpDH<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
HTTP Ethernet Port
Description: This command will get or set the Ethernet port that will be used in
connecting to the Internet
Comments: p = A/B Ethernet jack locations on the V16Pro
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 39
Get command: HJ<0D>
Message Response: x<0D>
Set command: (A or B)HJ<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
HTTP WEB Page
Description: This command will get or set the default HTTP WEB address.
Comments: The default WEB page is index.html
Get command: HP<0D>
Message Response: (currentwebpage)<0D>
Set command: (myWebPage.html)HP<0D>
Message Response: R<0D>
MIDI Control
The LightCuePro can be controlled with standard "Go Cue",
"NoteOn" and "NoteOff" MIDI commands.
Start a Cue with SYSEX “GO CUE”
The SYSEX “GO CUE” message can be used to start a cue. Here
is the general form:
0xF0 0x7F <Universe Number> 0x02 0x7F 0x01 <data #1> <data
#2> <data #3> 0xF7
The <Universe Number> is starting at 1. So 0x01 will start cues on
Universe 1. Use 0x00 to start on ALL universes.
The <data #1> byte is the ASCII hundreds digit of the sequence
number (sequence index + 1). For example, if you were starting
sequence #104, the <data #1> byte is 0x31 (or “1”).
The <data #2> byte is the ASCII tens digit of the sequence number
(sequence index + 1). For example, if you were starting sequence
#104, the <data #2> byte is 0x30 (or “0”).
The <data #3> byte is the ASCII ones digit of the sequence number
(sequence index + 1). For example, if you were starting sequence
#104, the <data #3> byte is 0x34 (or “4”).
Here is an example to start Cue #4 message sent from an PC
(address 0xFF) to a LightCuePro on All Universes:
0xF0 0x7F 0x00 0x02 0x7F 0x01 0x30 0x30 0x34 0xF7
Pile on a Cue with "NOTE ON"
The NOTE ON message can be used to "Pile On" and play a Cue:
Page 40 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
<universe number + 0x90> <output index + 0x3C> 0x40
The universe number starts at 1. Use 0x00 for ALL universes.
Here is an example “Pile On Cue #1” message sent from an PC
(address 0xFF) to a LightCuePro on Universe 1.
0x91 0x3C 0x40
Clear Cue with "NOTE OFF"
The NOTE OFF message can be used clear (stop) a specific cue
that has been piled on. If this cue number is the only cue, all
playback stops.
<universe number+ 0x80> <output index + 0x3C> 0x40
The universe number starts at 1. Use 0x00 for ALL universes. Here
is an example “Pile On Cue #1” message sent from an PC (address
0xFF) to a LightCuePro on Universe 1.
0x81 0x3C 0x40
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 41
Specifications
DMX
Input: Male 5-Pin XLR
Output: Female 5-Pin XLR
Signal: Fully DMX-512/1990
Recorded Channels: 512 x 4
Control Interface
Serial: RS-232C at 9600 Baud, n 8, 1
Ethernet (UDP): 2 Ethernet Jacks A & B
Parallel Opto-Inputs: 12 Voltage or Contact Inputs:
configurable for Play, Stop,
Still or Loop of any file on any
Universe
Compliant
Front Panel:
Parallel Contact Outputs: 4x Running, 4x Fault
SMPTE Input: Female 3-Pin XLR, transformer
coupled 600 ohm Balanced -10
dbu to +4 dbu
Supported Frame Rates:
24,25,29.97,29.97drop,30
MIDI: MIDI Command Control
Media: CF Media included Rear
accessible, security cover plate
Pushbuttons: 2 configurable for Play, Stop,
Still or Loop of any file on any
Universe
Indicators: Power, SMPTE Lock
LCD Display: 8 lines, 42 characters per line,
backlit
Page 42 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Physical
Power: 115 or 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 30
watts or 12.0 VDC, 3A Max
UL, CSA, CE Class 2 Supply
Provided
Size and Weight: 19” W x 3.5” H x 10.6” D (48.3
cm W x 8.8 cm H x 26.9 cm D)
Environment: 0°C (32°F) to 60°C (140°F),
free air circulation, 0-90%
relative humidity, noncondensing
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 43
Index
Arm Recording, 4, 7, 11, 31
Channel Picker, 11
Channel Set, 14
Channel Sets, 3, 11, 12, 14
Chase Play, 25, 29
Clear Cue, 34
Contact Closure, 20–21
Control DMX, 3, 14
crossfade, 5, 26–29
Cue Names, 9
DMX Files, 3, 9, 10, 11, 13
DMX-512, 43
A
C
D
Feedthrough, 34, 35, 36
forcing, 14
Front Panel Menu, 3, 17
Input Config, 15
LCD Display, 17, 19, 43
LED indicators, 18
LightCue Manager, 3, 6, 9, 17
Loop Play, 25, 27
Monitor, 3, 12, 14
offset, 5
F
I
L
M
O
P
Parallel, 20, 23–24, 43
Page 44 Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010
Parallel Outputs, 24
Pile-On Cue, 32
Pile-On Cue and Loop at end, 32, 36
Play, 37, 38, 39, 40
Playback, 3, 8, 9, 13, 34
protocol, 25
Record, 29, 30, 31
Record Now, 4, 7, 11
Recording Cues, 3, 10
RS-232, 5–17, 25
Save SMPTE Start Time, 11
Select Cue, 25–27
Serial Control, 25, 37
Settings, 3, 13, 15, 16
SMPTE, 5–18, 22, 25–43
Still, 25, 27–43, 27–43
R
S
Alcorn McBride Light Cue Pro User’s Guide • July 15, 2010 Page 45
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