Dove Systems Starport Win User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

StarPort

Virtual Lighting Controller

For Windows USB

OWNER’S MANUAL

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DOVE LIGHTING SYSTEMS INC.\\3563 SUELDO STREET UNIT E

805.541.8292\\805.541.8293

SAN LUIS OBISPO\\ CA 93401

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805.541.8292\\805.541.8293

DOVE LIGHTING SYSTEMS INC.\\3563 SUELDO STREET UNIT E

SAN LUIS OBISPO\\ CA 93401

OWNER’S MANUAL

OWNER’S MANUAL

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:Table of Contents

// INTRODUCTION\\ 00
A General\\ 00
B Receiving your Equipment\\ 00
// SETUP AND CONNECTION\\ 00
A Plugging it in\\ 00
B Control\\ 00
C Dimming\\ 00
D Software\\ 00
// QUICK START\\ 00
A General\\ 00
A Start Program\\ 00
C Create Dimmers/Fixtures\\ 00
D Setting Levels\\ 00
E Record Cues\\ 00
F Setting a fade rate\\ 00
G XY Cue List\\ 00
H Saving Shows\\ 00
//SUBMASTERS\\ 00
//SYSTEM CONFIGURATION\\ 00
//ADVANCED FEATURES\\ 00
//STARPORT FUNCTION BUT TONS\\ 00
//CUE WINDOW & Commands 00
//Incase of Trouble\\ 00
A Troubleshooting\\ 00
B Obtaining Service\\ 00
C Warranty\\ 00
//SCREEN DISPLAY EXAMPLES\\ 00
A Plot Screen\\ 00
B CUE Window\\ 00
C Fixture Window\\ 00
D Submaster display\\ 00
E Preferences\\ 00
//STARPORT CONNECTIONS AND PINOUTS\\ 00

805.541.8292\\805.541.8293

DOVE LIGHTING SYSTEMS INC.\\3563 SUELDO STREET UNIT E

SAN LUIS OBISPO\\ CA 93401

:INTRODUCTION

A// General
The StarPort Memory Control System for PC computers automates the
control of television and theatrical lighting systems. The StarPort
software runs on most windows (98 or later) PCs. Minimum system
requirements are: 64MB memory, 300MHz processor, an open parallel
(printer) port or USB port, CD rom drive, color monitor, and a
Microsoft compatible mouse. The StarPort can accept input from
DMX controllers console but does not require them for operation.
The output is DMX, controlling up to 512 dimmers.

B// Receiving your Equipment
As soon as you have received your equipment, open the boxes and
examine the contents. If any damage is noted, contact the carrier
immediately to file a claim for damages. You can be sure that when the
equipment left the factory it was in good condition, properly packed,
and thoroughly tested. If you find the equipment to be in accordance
with your order and the packing slip and also in good physical
condition you may read on to the section covering SETUP AND
CONNECTION. If, for some reason, the equipment in the carton does
not agree with your order or the packing slip, contact the factory
immediately and we will be happy to help you.

SETUP AND CONNECTION

A// Plugging it In
Control and dimming equipment and computer should be turned off
before installing the StarPort. If a DMX controller is to be used, the
StarPort installs between the manual control console and the
dimmers. The manual control console plugs into the male 5 pin XLR
connector. The dimmers plug into the female XLR. The I/O cable plugs
into the male DB9 connector on the end of the StarPort. Plug the
StarPort into a standard parallel printer port on the back of your PC.
Plug the 12 V DC power supply into the StarPort and an AC outlet.
The StarPort-USB will plug into the USB port on your computer.
It does not require a power supply. The transmit light should start

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to flash, indicating the StarPort is transmitting DMX. See the diagram
on next page.

B. Controller Input
The StarPort can accept up to 512 channels of DMX-512 input as
channels or submasters.

DOVE LIGHTING SYSTEMS INC.\\3563 SUELDO STREET UNIT E

805.541.8292\\805.541.8293

SAN LUIS OBISPO\\ CA 93401

OWNER’S MANUAL

OWNER’S MANUAL

C// Dimming Control
Control output to Dimmers is DMX-512 with up to 512 dimmers being
controlled.

D// Program Software
The program will run from the factory supplied CD Rom. It can be
copied to your hard drive and run from there also. The software runs
under Windows. Upgrades of the software is available on:
www.dovesystems.com.

:QUICK START

A// General
StarPort employs a "point and click" user interface similar to that of
many popular applications for personal computers. To select a
command, roll the mouse to place the cursor on the desired command
and press left mouse button. Dimmer or cues must be selected before
a command option can be performed on them.

B// Start Program
To install and start the program insert the CD rom and follow the
instructions. StarPort allows the user to create a new show or load a
saved show. To start a new show click on "new" then type the name
that you want for your show. To load a saved show, click on the name
then click "open".

C// Create Dimmers/Fixtures
StarPort initializes into the "Plot" screen. Each dimmer is indicated by
the light fixture icon that it controls. More than one fixture may be
assigned to a dimmer channel. The StarPort starts up with no
fixtures assigned. To create your dimmer fixtures, click on "Add Light".
Choose a fixture of the types of light fixtures. Click the fixture on
the screen where it will go in a plot view of the stage. Each left click
of the mouse will place that type of fixture on the screen, and assign
it the next sequential dimmer number. To change the type of fixture,
click twice again on the "Add Light" and choose another fixture
type. When all the dimmer channels that you have are assigned to a
fixture icon and are placed on the screen, then end the session by
clicking once more on "Select Pointer" or "Add Light". To delete a
fixture click on "Delete Tool" then click on top the fixtures to be
deleted. Click again on "Select Pointer" to disable this function.

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DOVE LIGHTING SYSTEMS INC.\\3563 SUELDO STREET UNIT E

805.541.8292\\805.541.8293

SAN LUIS OBISPO\\ CA 93401

D// Setting a Level, Fixture Info
To record fixture information or to set a dimmer level, right click on
fixture, click on "Properties", and fill in the fixture information,
wattage, gel, focus, etc. To set a level, click on "Set tings" then move

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the slide pot with the mouse by holding down left mouse button and
move the slide pot knob, or click on the up/down arrow until the
value you want appears. You may also use a level wheel if your mouse
has one. Then click on "OK". In "Live" mode (the default) the dimmer will
respond on stage. Set each fixture to the level that you want for
your cue. Levels set with mouse or a manual controller appear in
white. Levels may also be set using a manual input.

DOVE LIGHTING SYSTEMS INC.\\3563 SUELDO STREET UNIT E

805.541.8292\\805.541.8293

SAN LUIS OBISPO\\ CA 93401