ETC Element User Manual

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Lighting Control Console

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User Manual

Version 2.1.0

Product information and specifications subject to change.

Part Number:4330M1210-2.1.0 Rev A

Released: 2013-12

ETC®, Eos™,Eos Ti™, Gio®,Ion®, Element™, Emphasis®, Expression®, Insight™, Imagine™, Focus™, Express™, Unison

, Obsession® II, ETCNet2™, EDMX™, Revolution® and Sensor+®, are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

ETC permits the reproduction of materials in this manual only for non-commercial purposes. All other rights are reserved by ETC.

ETC intends this document, whether printed or electronic, to be provided in its entirety.

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Welcome to Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Using this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Online Element User Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Help from ETC Technical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Other Reference Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

On Screen Prompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Help System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Important Lighting Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Power Up the Console. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Power Down the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Getting the Lights On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Setting Levels Via Channel Faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Setting Levels Via the Control Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Recording a Lighting Look . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Recording a Submaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Element Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Console Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Control Keypad Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Littlites

Cleaning Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Outputting DMX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Console Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Output Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Channel Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Cues and Cue List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Record Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Chapter 3

System Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

The Central Information Area (CIA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Collapse/Expand the CIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Lock the CIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Command Line Prompt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Favorite CIA Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Locking the Facepanel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Using Softkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Context Sensitive Softkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Changing Softkey Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Using the Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Virtual Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Using Direct Selects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Direct Selects in Flexi Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Clear Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Display Control and Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Opening and Closing Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Selecting Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Moving Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Scrolling within a Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Expanding Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Show File Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

[Data] Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

[Label] Key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Using Flexichannel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Chapter 4

Using [Format] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Zooming Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Managing Show Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Create a New Show File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Open an Existing Show File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Selective Partial Show Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Merging Show Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Printing a Show File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Saving the Current Show File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Using Quick Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Using Save As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Importing Show Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Exporting a Show File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Importing Custom Gobo Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Imported Media and Partial Show Open/Merge. . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Deleting a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

File Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Backup Show Archive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

2 Element User Manual

Chapter 5

Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Opening Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Desk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Chapter 6

Patch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

About Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Patching Conventional Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Patching By Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Range Patching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

[At] [Next] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Patching By Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Flexichannel Views in Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Using Output Address vs Port/Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

[Dimmer/Address] [n] [/] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Creating multi-part and compound channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Replace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Patching Scrollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Using the Scroller Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Using the Picker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Using the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Calibrating a Scroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Patching Moving Lights, LEDs, and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Using {Offset} in Patch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Display Pages in Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

{Patch} Display and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Using Device List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Dimmer List for CEM+, CEM3, FDX 2000, and FDX 3000 . . . .71

RDM Device List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Patching Discovered Dimmers and RDM Devices . . . . . . . . . .75

Errors and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Detaching Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Dimmer Doubling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Moving and Copying Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Swapping Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Unpatch a Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Deleting Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Clearing the Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Update Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Fixture Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Creating a New Fixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Copying a Fixture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Merging Custom Fixtures into a New Show File . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Importing a Custom Fixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Snap Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Chapter 7

Basic Manual Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Using Channel Faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Selecting Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Select Channels From the Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Using Groups as a Channel Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Deselecting Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Setting Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Level Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Select Last . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

- Select Manual or Select Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Using +% and -% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Channel Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Remainder Dim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Rem Dim / . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Sneak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Channel Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Address at Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Address Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Chapter 8

Flash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Moving Light Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Storing and Using Submasters . . . . . . . . . . 97

About Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Recording a Submaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Submaster Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Additive, Inhibitive, or Effectsub. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Proportional vs. Intensity Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

HTP vs. LTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Exclusive Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Independent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Shield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Submaster Background State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Submaster {Restore} Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Updating a Submaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Labeling a Submaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Deleting a Submaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

4 Element User Manual

Paging Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Using Bump Button Timing With Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Controlling Subfades Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Controlling Submasters from the Command Line . . . . . . . . . .103

Submaster List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Editing Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Chapter 9

Working with the Cue List . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Basic Cueing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Cue Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Recording Cues in Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Using Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Using Record Only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Selective Storing Cues using [Record] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Using [Cue Only / Track] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Move Fade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Setting Cue Level Timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

[Time][/] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Delay Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Assigning Cue Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Clearing Cue Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Flags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Preheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Using the Execute List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Modifying Cues Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Using [At] [Enter] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Using Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Using Record Only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Selective Storing Cues using [Record] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

[Update] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Chapter 10

Recording and Editing Cues from Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

From the Cue Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Deleting Cues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

In Track Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

In Cue Only Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Using the Cue List Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Open the Cue List Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Cue Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Auto-Block Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Using Groups and Intensity Palettes. . . . . 129

Recording Groups Live. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Ordered Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Subgroups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Editing and Updating Groups in Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Selecting Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Deleting Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Group List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Open the Group List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Ordered View and Numeric View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Editing Groups from the Group List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Recording Intensity Palettes Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Using Intensity Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Applying Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Recalling Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Cue Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Introduction to Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Playback Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Selected Cue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Live / Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Out-of-Sequence Cues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Go To Cue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Loading a Cue with Temporary Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Playback Fader Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Go and Stop/Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

[Go To Cue] [0] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

[Go To Cue] [Out] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Manual Master Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Using Moving Lights and Palettes. . . . . . . 145

Moving Light Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

ML Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Using the Color Picker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Adjusting Parameters Using + and - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

AutoMark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

About Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Palette Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Intensity Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Focus Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Color Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Beam Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Storing Palettes Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Storing Palettes with [Record] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

6 Element User Manual

Storing Palettes with Record Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Using Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Applying Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Recalling Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Editing Palettes Live. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Rerecord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Editing Palettes in Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Editing in Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Editing Palettes in Spreadsheet View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Deleting Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Chapter 13

Creating and Using Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

About Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

The Effect List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Effects Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Beats Per Minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

Effect Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Step Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Program a Step Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Absolute Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Program an Absolute Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Multiple Intensity HTP Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Relative Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Focus Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Color Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Linear Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Define a Pattern Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

Program a New Relative Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

Apply an Existing Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Recording an Effect in a Cue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Editing Effects Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Stop an Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Deleting an Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Chapter 14

Effects on Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Recording an Effect to a Submaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Running an Effect from a Submaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Delaying Effects in Cues and Submasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176

Using About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

About [About] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178

[About] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

About System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

About Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

About Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

About Cue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186

About IFCB Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186

About Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186

About Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186

About Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Advanced Manual Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Using [Copy To] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

Using [Recall From] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Using Move To . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Using {Make Absolute} . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Using [Undo]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

Using Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Using Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

Park Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

Parked Values in Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

Scaled Parked Values in Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Parked Addresses in Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Park Values from the Park Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

Multipart Cues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

About Multipart Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198

Chapter 18

Record a Multipart Cue in Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198

Creating a New Multipart Cue in Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198

Setting Multipart Cue Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

Using Update in Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

Storing a Multipart Cue in Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

Changing a Single Part Cue to a Multipart Cue. . . . . . . . . . . .200

Creating Multiple Cue Parts in a Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

Changing a Multipart Cue to a Standard Cue . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

Deleting a Part from a Multipart Cue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

Storing and Using Curves. . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

About Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202

Creating and Editing Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

Creating a Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

Editing Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204

Applying a Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

To Channels In Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

To Cues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

To Scroller Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

Delete a Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

8 Element User Manual

Chapter 19

Storing and Using Macros. . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

About Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208

Store a Macro from Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208

Using the [Learn] key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208

Macro Editor Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210

Macro Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211

Create a New Macro in the Macro Editor Display . . . . . . . . . .212

Edit an Existing Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213

Recall a Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214

Stop a Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214

Delete a Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214

Chapter 20

Appendix A

Using Magic Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

About Magic Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216

Magic Sheet Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217

Magic Sheet List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218

Display Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218

Navigating a Magic Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219

Creating and Editing Magic Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221

Quick Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221

Layout Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222

Magic Sheet Object Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224

MS Object Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229

Address Object Color. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231

Editing Objects on the Magic Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231

Examples of Magic Sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Important Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

Important Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Record Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Cue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Move Instruction and Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Manual Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Tracking vs. Cue Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

Move Fade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

HTP vs. LTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

Syntax Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237

Parameters and Parameter Categories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238

Live and Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238

Appendix B

Element Configuration Utility. . . . . . . . . . . 239

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

What the Utility Does . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

Element Configuration Utility Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

General Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245

Maintenance and Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Local I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

RFR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

Display Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

Indicators in the Live/Blind Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257

Indicators in the Playback Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261

Indicators in the Fader Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262

Facepanel Shortcuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Facepanel and Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Mirror Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

Configuring a Client PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

Remote Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

Remotes Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269

Phone Remote. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269

Remote Focus Remote (RFR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270

iRFR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280

aRFR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280

10 Element User Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the Element User Manual. This guide is a basic resource for users of the Element control system. Additional resources available to you are listed in this introduction.

Note:

For information on using show control with your system, see the Eos Family Show Control User Guide, which is available for download at www.etcconnect.com

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Welcome to Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

• Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

• Register Your Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

• Online Element User Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

• Help from ETC Technical Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

• Other Reference Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Introduction 1

Welcome to Element

Thank you for purchasing your Element from ETC! This introduction to Element will list all the various helpful tools available to you. In addition to this User Manual, Element also has video tutorials, an online user forum dedicated completely to Element, and support from ETC Technical Services. When using Element, you are never alone. Please take a moment to learn more about the tools available to you.

Using this Manual

In order to be specific about where features and commands are found, the following naming and text conventions will be used:

• Facepanel buttons are indicated in bold [brackets]. For example, [Live] or [Enter]. Optional keys are indicated in <angle brackets>, for example, <Cue> or <Sub>.

• Browser menus, menu items, and commands you must perform are indicated in bold text. For example: In the File menu, click Open. Or: Press [Record] [Enter].

• Alphanumeric keyboard buttons are indicated in all CAPS. For example, TAB or CTRL.

• Keys which are intended to be pressed or held simultaneously are indicated with the “and” symbol. For example, [Shift] & [+].

• Softkeys and clickable buttons in the Central Information Area (CIA) are indicated in bold {braces}. A note about <More SK> (more softkeys): this command is always indicated as optional, and is only indicated once in an instruction regardless of how many pages of softkeys exist. This is because there is no way to predict what softkey page you are on at any given time. Press <More Softkeys> until you find the required command.

• References to other parts of the manual are indicated in italics. When viewing this manual electronically, click on the reference to jump to that section of the manual.

Note:

CAUTION:

WARNING:

Please email comments about this manual to: TechComm@etcconnect.com

Notes are helpful hints and information that is supplemental to the main text.

A Caution statement indicates situations where there may be undefined or unwanted consequences of an action, potential for data loss or an equipment problem.

A Warning statement indicates situations where damage may occur, people may be harmed, or there are serious or dangerous consequences of an action.

2 Element User Manual

Register Your Element

Registering your Element system with ETC ensures that you will be notified of software and library updates, as well as any product advisories.

To register your console, you will need to enroll in “My ETC,” a personalized ETC Web site that provides a more direct path of communication between you and ETC.

Online Element User Forums

You are encouraged to visit and participate in the ETC Element User Forum, accessible from the ETC web site (www.etcconnect.com users where you can read about other users’ experiences, suggestions, and questions regarding the product as well as submit your own.

To register for the ETC Element User Forum:

Step 1: Go to ETC’s community web site (www.etcconnect.com/community

page to the online community will open.

Step 2: You may register for the forum using the “register” link in the introduction or by

clicking the “join” link in the upper right corner of the page.

Step 3: Follow the registration instructions provided by the community page.

). This gives you access to an online community of Element

). An introduction

Introduction 3

Help from ETC Technical Services

If you are having difficulties, your most convenient resources are the references given in this user manual. To search more widely, try the ETC Web site at www.etcconnect.com resources is sufficient, contact ETC Technical Services directly at one of the offices identified below. Emergency service is available from all ETC offices outside of normal business hours.

When calling for assistance, please have the following information handy:

• Console model and serial number (located on right side panel)

• Dimmer manufacturer and installation type

• Other components in your system (Unison

, other control devices, etc.)

Americas United Kingdom

Electronic Theatre Controls Inc. Electronic Theatre Controls Ltd. Technical Services Department Technical Services Department 3031 Pleasant View Road 26-28 Victoria Industrial Estate Middleton, WI 53562 Victoria Road, 800-775-4382 (USA, toll-free) London W3 6UU England +1-608 831-4116 +44 (0)20 8896 1000

service@etcconnect.com

service@etceurope.com

Asia Germany

Electronic Theatre Controls Asia, Ltd. Electronic Theatre Controls GmbH Technical Services Department Technical Services Department Room 1801, 18/F Ohmstrasse 3 Tower 1, Phase 1 Enterprise Square 83607 Holzkirchen, Germany 9 Sheung Yuet Road +49 (80 24) 47 00-0 Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong techserv-hoki@etcconnect.com +852 2799 1220

service@etcasia.com

. If none of these

4 Element User Manual

Other Reference Materials

On Screen Prompts

Element provides on screen prompts located above the command line to aid with programming. These context-sensitive prompts will give instructions and options based on the current display and key hits.

Help System

A help system is also contained within Element. To access help, press and hold [Help] and press any key to see:

• the name of the key

• a description of what the key enables you to do

• syntax examples for using the key (if applicable)

Note:

Help is included on most tangible action buttons on your Element console. This includes most softkeys and clickable buttons as well as the traditional keys on the keypad.

As with hard keys, the “press and hold [Help]” action can be also used with softkeys and clickable buttons.

Important Lighting Concepts

In addition to Element’s video tutorials, ETC also has a video explaining the important lighting concepts of tracking and preset. If you are new to lighting consoles, it is highly recommended that you take a few moments and view the Bobblehead Fred video, Why Did My Console Do That, http:/

/youtu.be/apOIpRtzKg0.

Additional lighting concepts are also explained in this User Manual, please see Important Concepts,

page 235 to learn more.

Periodic Table of Element

The Periodic Table of Element is a handy reference guide for the various concepts and components of Element. Please visit the Periodic Table of Element, http://www.etcconnect.com/minisite/

Element/index.html.

Introduction 5

6 Element User Manual

Chapter 1

Quick Start

This chapter will walk you through the steps of quickly getting started with Element.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

• Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

• Getting the Lights On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

• Recording a Lighting Look . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

1 Quick Start 7

Getting Started

Power button

Level wheel

Control keypad

Blackout and Grandmaster

Faders and bump buttons

Fader Position Switch

This chapter will quickly get you started with using Element. Later chapters will go into further detail of topics touched upon here.

Hardware

Power Up the Console

Step 1: Attach the appropriate power cable to the IEC connector on the rear of the console.

For a diagram of the rear of the console, See “Console Geography” on page 12.

Step 2: Press the power switch (I is “on”) under the IEC connector on the rear panel to turn

power on. This will provide power to all internal electronics.

Step 3: Press the power button, located in the top left corner of the console, above the USB

port. The button LED will illuminate blue to indicate the console is running. The console will boot up into the Element environment. Element is now ready for use.

Power Down the Console

Step 1: In the browser menu select Power Off Device. To bring up the browser menu, press

[Displays] twice. A dialogue box opens asking you to confirm.

Step 2: Confirm this command by pressing [Select] or clicking with a mouse the {OK} button

in the dialog box. The console will power down.

-Or-

Step 1: Press the power button, located on the face panel. A dialogue box opens asking you

to confirm.

Step 2: Confirm this command by pressing {OK} in the dialog box or by pressing the power

button again. The console will power down.

Note:

For additional information on setting up Element’s hardware, please see the Element Setup Guide.

Note:

8 Element User Manual

Element will display an improper shutdown message on the next power up if the console was not powered down from the browser menu or welcome screen.

Getting the Lights On

When Element first boots up, it will default to a 1-to-1 patch. See About Patch, page 52 for more information. Since Element starts off patched, you can begin bringing up levels immediately.

Setting Levels Via Channel Faders

For more in depth information on using Element’s channel faders, see Using Channel Faders, page

88.

Step 1: Check to make sure the Fader Position Switch is set to Channel 1-40. The first two

rows of faders will then control channels 1-40. 1-20 will be controlled by the first bank

and 21-40 by the second bank. Step 2: Make sure Element is displaying in Live. Press [Live]. Step 3: Check to make sure the Grandmaster is at 100%. The top of Element’s display will

show Grandmaster #% in red if the Grandmaster is below 100%. Step 4: Check to make sure the Blackout key is not lit. It is located directly above the

Grandmaster. Step 5: You can now raise one or more channel faders to control channels 1-40.

Note:

Step 6: Lower the faders as needed to fade out channel levels.

Use the Fader Position Switch to change the channels the faders will control. The first 120 channels can be controlled via the faders. Channel 121 and above must be controlled from the keypad.

Setting Levels Via the Control Keypad

For more information about the control keypad, see Selecting Channels, page 89.

Step 1: Make sure Element is displaying in Live. Press [Live]. Step 2: Check to make sure the Grandmaster is at 100%. The top of Element’s display will

show Grandmaster #% in red if the Grandmaster is below 100%. Step 3: Check to make sure the Blackout key is not lit. It is located directly above the

Grandmaster. Step 4: You can now set levels from the keypad. Here are some examples of the syntax

needed:

• [5] [Full] [Enter] - sets channel 5 to 100% or Full.

• [1] [Thru] [1] [0] [At] [7] [5] [Enter] - selects a range of channels 1 through 10 and sets their level to 75%.

• [2] [+] [7] [At] [2] <0> [Enter] - selects channels 2 and 7 and sets their levels at 20%.

• [5] [0] [Thru] [7] [0] [-] [6] [0] [At] [5] <0> [Enter] - selects channels 50 through 70, except 60, and sets their levels to 50%.

Note:

[Enter] must be used at the end of the command to terminate the command line. Levels will not be set until the command line has been terminated.

1 Quick Start 9

Step 5: To remove a channel’s level, you can either use the command [At] [Enter], or you can

use [Sneak] [Enter]. If you have not recorded any lighting looks yet, [At] [Enter] removes the manual value and sets to out. This will provide a manual 0 for the channel. If you store from this state, you will be storing a move to zero in the cue or submaster you stored. [Sneak] [Enter] removes the manual level and sets to the background state. If there is no cue or submaster in the background, the level will be set to its home value, resulting in a null state.

• [1] [0] [At] [Enter] - sets the level of channel 10 to 0%.

• [Sneak] [Enter] - fades out all manual levels.

• [5] [Sneak] [Enter] - fades out the manual level for channel 5.

• [1] [Thru] [1] [0] [At] [Enter] - sets the levels for channels 1 through 10 to 0%.

• [2] [0] [Thru] [2] [5] [Sneak] [Enter] - fades out the levels for channels 20 through

25.

Recording a Lighting Look

Submasters and cues are two ways that you can record looks to be able to recall them. This quick start will only cover recording submasters.

Recording a Submaster

For more information about submasters, see Storing and Using Submasters, page 97.

Step 1: Set the channel levels that you want in your look using the channel faders and/or

keypad.

Step 2: Switch the Fader Position Switch to Submaster mode.

Note:

Step 3: Press [Record] then the bump button of the submaster you wish to record. This

Step 4: You can either leave that look up and build upon it or use [Sneak] [Enter] to fade out

If you would like to record looks to be able to play them back using Element’s [Go] button, please see Basic Cueing, page 106.

If you have an Element 60 console, the third bank of faders are always in submaster mode.

action will terminate the command line so there is no need to hit [Enter]. You can also record a submaster using the following syntax, [Record] [Sub] [#] [Enter], in case you don’t want to jump to submaster mode on the faders.

the manual levels.

10 Element User Manual

Chapter 2

Element Overview

Inside this chapter you will find a general overview of your Element.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Console Geography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

• Control Keypad Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

• Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

• Cleaning Element. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

• Outputting DMX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

• Console Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

2 Element Overview 11

Console Geography

Power button

USB port

Level wheel

Control keypad

Playback controls

Blackout and Grandmaster

Faders and bump buttons

Fader Position Switch

VGA port

DVI video ports

IEC receptacle

MIDI Out and In

Hard power switch

Ethernet port

DMX ports 1 and 2

USB ports

Remote trigger port

Phone remote port

Below is a diagram of Element with references made to specific areas of use. The terms and names for each area and interface are used throughout this manual.

Note:

12 Element User Manual

Element can support up to 2 monitors, either 2 DVI monitors or 1 VGA and 1 DVI. For monitor configuration, please See “External Monitor Arrangement” on

page 243.

Control Keypad Layout

Shift

Display

Softkeys

Navigation

Special function controls

Record targets and related commands

Numeric Keypad and modifiers

The control keypad area is divided into several sections including record targets, numeric keypad with modifiers, display, softkeys, navigation, and special function controls.

Display and navigation keys are used for quick access to common displays, format, paging, and navigation within displays.

The load button is located above the fader pair and is used to load the specified cue.

2 Element Overview 13

Terminology

Power Button

The power button on the front of the desk is used to power up or power down. A separate power switch, located in the rear panel, can be used to disconnect power from the desk’s internal components.

WARNING:

Before servicing Element, you must switch off the power on the rear panel and disconnect the power cord completely.

USB Ports

One USB port is provided on the front of the console to connect any USB storage device. Additional USB ports on the rear panel of the console can be used to connect peripherals such as an alphanumeric keyboard, pointing device, or touchscreen control for external monitors.

CAUTION:

The USB ports cannot be used for charging devices like cell phones.

Level Wheel

Adjusts intensity for selected channels. It also provides scrolling and zoom functions in various modes.

IEEE Ethernet 802.3 Ethernet Port

Ethernet port for connection to a network switch, network gateways, and accessory devices.

Littlites

You may connect a Littlite to the side of your Element.

Littlite XLR 3-Pin Female Connector

Dimming Littlites

Attached desk lamps can be dimmed either with the desk lamp control knob on the side of the console, or from the software.

Desk lamp controls are found in Setup >Desk >Brightness Settings. The {Desk Lamp} slider has a range of 0% (dimmest) to 100% (brightest). The default setting is 0%. The console will set the desk lamp to this setting on startup of the application. See “{Brightness Settings}” on page 49.

The desk lamps can also be controlled by holding down [Displays] and rolling the level wheel.

14 Element User Manual

Cleaning Element

Should the exterior of your Element require cleaning, you may gently wipe it with a dampened (not dripping), non-abrasive paper towel or soft cloth.

If this does not clean the console sufficiently, you may apply some window cleaner (containing ammonia is fine) to the cloth and repeat the process until clean.

Outputting DMX

In order to output levels from Element, you can either use the DMX ports on the back of the console, or to output over a network, you may connect a Net3 gateway or Net2 node. If your devices receive Net3 or ETCNet2 directly, no gateway or node is required.

Element has two DMX ports. To output, connect one 5 pin XLR cable per port. The first port will default to outputting the first universe of DMX, addresses 1-512, and the second port to the second universe, outputting addresses 513-1024. See Local DMX Outputs, page 255 for information on reconfiguring the DMX ports.

Nodes and gateways will function with Element out of the box without previous configuration. However if custom configuration is required, you will need to use either NCE (Network Configuration Editor) or GCE (Gateway Configuration Editor). GCE is installed on Element by default and can be accessed in ECU>Settings>Maintenance>Gateway Configuration Editor (GCE). NCE can be installed on the console or a Windows

For more information on Net3 gateways or Net2 nodes, see the product literature that accompanied the hardware or download it from our website at www.etcconnect.com.

PC for configuration.

2 Element Overview 15

Console Capacities

Output Parameters

• 1,024 Outputs (DMX channels)

Channel Counts

• 250 or 500 Channels (any number from 1 to 99,999)

Cues and Cue List

• Up to 10,000 cues

• 1 Active Playback

• 1 Cue List

Record Targets

• 1,000 Groups

• 1,000 x 4 Palettes (Intensity, Focus, Color and Beam)

• 1,000 Curves

• 1,000 Effects

• 1,000 Macros

Faders

• 1 Grandmaster with Blackout

• 1 Master Playback, with Go and Stop/Back

• 40 or 60 Faders with bump buttons

• a maximum of 300 configurable submasters

• 120 channel faders

16 Element User Manual

Chapter 3

System Basics

This chapter will discuss using the basic Element displays. For more display information, see

Display Conventions, page 257.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• The Central Information Area (CIA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

• Using Softkeys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

• Using the Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

• Display Control and Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

• Using [Format] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

3 System Basics 17

The Central Information Area (CIA)

Browser

Double arrows CIA show/hide

CIA lock (shown unlocked)

Command Line Prompt

Softkeys

Command Line

Favorite

The Central Information Area (CIA) is displayed on the lower portion of the screen.

Browser

The browser is the interface for numerous functions including saving a show, opening a show, changing settings, viewing record target lists, opening displays and many other functions. Press [Displays] twice to display the browser.

Collapse/Expand the CIA

It is possible to collapse the CIA from view. You can collapse the CIA by pressing [Displays] or by clicking the double arrow icon on the right side above the CIA. The CIA will collapse from view, exposing a larger viewing area of whatever display is visible above the CIA.

To expand the CIA into view again, press [Displays] or click the double arrow at the bottom of the screen. The CIA will reopen.

Lock the CIA

You can lock the CIA in place to prevent it from being collapsed.

To lock the CIA, click on the lock icon above the browser. The double arrow above the CIA will disappear and the lock will “lock” the CIA to hold it in place.

To unlock the CIA, click the lock again and the double arrows will reappear.

Command Line Prompt

Directly above the command line, you will see red text that will prompt you for an action. The prompts will change between different displays and actions, and are useful information to aid you in programming.

Favorite CIA Display

You can select a favorite default display for the CIA that will show when [Displays] is pressed. The standard default display for the CIA is the Browser.

The favorite display will show a gold star icon at the top of the CIA by the double arrows & lock. Displays that can be selected as a favorite, but are currently not, will show a grey star at the top of

18 Element User Manual

the CIA. Click on the grey star to make that display your favorite. That display will now be the new default display for the CIA. Displays that show up in the CIA but can not be the default display will not show the star icon.

The following displays can be set as the favorite CIA default:

• About

• Browser (default)

• Color Picker

•Virtual Keypad

• ML Controls

• Effects Status

• Direct Selects

Locking the Facepanel

It is possible to lock out the facepanel, which prevents any actions from the command line or CIA. To lock out the facepanel, press [Shift] & [Escape]. To unlock the facepanel, press [Shift] & [Escape] again.

Using Softkeys

Some of the features and displays in Element are accessible from the softkeys, which are located in the bottom right area of the CIA. Those softkeys correspond to buttons [S1] - [S6] and [More SK].

Pressing the [Displays] button accesses the following softkeys:

• Effect Status

• Color Picker

•Patch

• Setup

•Browser

•Magic Sheet

• Command History

•Curves

• Show Control

Context Sensitive Softkeys

Softkeys are context sensitive and will change depending on the active display, the current command line, the active record target, and so on.

Changing Softkey Pages

When there are more relative softkeys than the six available buttons, the LED in the [More SK] button will light. Press [More SK] to view the additional softkeys.

Using the Browser

To use the browser, you must first draw focus to it by pressing the [Displays] key. If the browser is not visible, double pressing [Displays] will always bring up the browser.

When focus is on the browser, the window border highlights in gold. The scroll lock LED illuminates red and the paging keys will now control selection in the browser.

3 System Basics 19

• Use the page arrow keys to move the selection bar up and down the list. You can also use the

Menu arrows

Opened menu

Sub menus

Scroll bar

Selection bar

level wheel to scroll through the list.

• When the bar highlights the desired menu, press [Page

• Continue pressing [Page

• Scroll to the item you wish to open using [Page may also click the item you wish to open and then press [Select]. You can also use the level wheel to scroll in the browser.

• If you wish to close a submenu scroll to that item and press [Page

• To draw focus to the browser at any time, press the [Displays] key.

• Additional presses of [Displays] will minimize or restore the CIA.

] to open submenus.

] or [Page ] and then press [Select]. You

] to open the menu.

].

Displays

Several displays can be opened right from the browser. Each display will open as a new tab, except for Mirror Mode, which will open in the CIA. The following displays are available under Browser>Displays:

• Split Channel View See page 31

• Magic Sheet Display See page 217

• Patch See page 53

• Park Display See page 194

• Show Control Display See page 45

• Mirror Mode See page 265

Virtual Keyboard

It is possible to open a virtual keyboard in the CIA which mimics the hard keys found on the actual Element keypad. This virtual keyboard is accessible from the browser.

20 Element User Manual

To open the Virtual Keyboard on a monitor:

Step 1: Go to Browser>Virtual Controls>Virtual Keyboard. A window will open in the CIA

displaying your monitor placement options for the keyboard.

Step 2: Click the placement option in which you want the keyboard to appear.

Using Direct Selects

Direct selects allow access to a number of controls. If there are more items than can be viewed at once, you may view subsequent pages by using the page buttons ({Page direct selects.

Opening Direct Selects

Element gives you the option of opening direct select modules on the monitors. There are two options for opening the direct select modules, which are Fit to Screen and Classic Layout. Fit to Screen is designed for wide format displays, and Classic Layout is a fixed layout, which will always display 20 direct selects across the screen.

To open the direct selects on a monitor:

Step 1: Go to Browser>Virtual Controls> Direct Select Module (Fit to Screen) or Direct

Select Module (Classic Layout). A window will open in the CIA displaying your

monitor placement options for the module.

Step 2: Click the placement option in which you want the module to appear.

To close the direct selects on a monitor:

Step 1: Go to Browser>Virtual Controls>Close Module. The placement screen will appear

again in the CIA.

Step 2: Click the placement of the module you wish to close. The module will be removed.

}, {Page }) by the

For information on populating direct selects see Organizing the Direct Selects.

Organizing the Direct Selects

You have considerable flexibility in how you organize the direct selects. They may be arranged to display one of several different types of data.

To choose which information to view:

Step 1: Click the {Select} button for any block of direct selects. You will be offered the

following choices to view: Channels, Groups, Intensity Palettes, Focus Palettes, Color Palettes, Beam Palettes, Macros, Effects, and Magic Sheets.

Step 2: Click the button for the data you wish to view and the associated direct selects will

populate with any recorded information of that type. If there is no recorded information of that type the block of buttons will remain empty but will populate with data of that type as associated record targets are stored.

Step 3: You may also click {Select} again, without choosing any option, to return to the

previous state.

You can increase/decrease the size of any set of direct selects by pressing the {20/50} or {40/100} button.

You may also press the {Expand} button (located beneath the {Select} button) to expand a set of direct selects to full screen. Press {Expand} again to return the set to its previous size and mapping. Century and Millennium buttons will display when direct selects are in expand mode.

When the direct selects are opened on a tab, two sets of direct selects will be displayed.

3 System Basics 21

Selecting Channels with Direct Selects

Off

Show Flexi is Off

Show Flexi is On

Channel direct selects are highlighted when selected. Channel selection is generally an additive process, if channels 1-5 are selected, pressing {Channel 6} adds channel 6 to the selection, leaving channels 1-5 also selected. Pressing {Channel 6} again will deselect the channel.

If you have labeled channels in patch, those labels will be displayed above the channel number when viewing channels in the direct selects.

It is possible to double hit a channel button. This selects that channel and deselects any previously selected channels.

• {Channel 1} - adds channel 1 to currently selected channels, if not currently selected.

• {Channel 1} {Channel 10} - adds channels 1 and 10 to currently selected channels.

• {Channel 1} {Channel 1} - selects channel 1, deselects all other channels.

• {Page

} - pages direct selects down by one page.

} - pages direct selects up by one page.

Selecting Other Controls with Direct Selects

Selecting other controls, such as palettes, effects, macros, and magic sheets, will terminate the command line. To post a control to the command line without terminating it, hold down [Shift] while pressing the direct select.

Direct Selects in Flexi Mode

Direct selects can be placed into a flexi mode, which will remove empty tiles. When {Select} is pressed, the {Show Flexi} button will display.

Note:

A single empty direct select tile may remain if the adjacent direct select tiles are not sequential. This is to allow an easy way to insert a new direct select between the existing ones.

22 Element User Manual

Clear Functions

You can access the various clear options from the browser by selecting {Clear} from the main browser menu. The clear functions window will open in the CIA.

From this menu you can select one of the available clear options by clicking on the desired button in the CIA. Element will ask you for a confirmation before performing the selected clear. For {Clear Targets}, Element will allow you to choose which record targets you want to clear.

From the {Clear Targets} screen you can select which record targets you wish to clear. The buttons at the center of the CIA represent all of the record targets that you can choose to clear. By default all components are selected (gray) and will be cleared. To withhold any targets from being cleared, simply deselect them in the CIA by clicking the respective button.

To reselect all targets, click the {Reset} button and all buttons will return to gray (selected). To stop the process, click the {Cancel} button.

When you have selected or deselected all of the record targets you require, click {OK}.

After clearing, the CIA will return to the browser. If you want to perform additional clear functions, you must select {Clear} from the browser again.

To exit the clear functions screen without clearing, press the [Displays] key at any time or select a clear button and then select {Cancel} from the confirmation screen.

Reset System vs Clear Show

Using {Reset System} will open a new show file and reset the Setup options to their defaults. Using {Clear Show} will only open a new show file.

Reset Patch vs Clear Patch

Using {Reset Patch} will clear your patch and set it to a 1-to-1 patch. Using {Clear Patch} will only clear out the patch.

3 System Basics 23

Display Control and Navigation

Opening and Closing Displays

Tabs are shown at the bottom of the displays.The live/ blind display will always open as tab 1. The playback status display will always open as tab 2. Neither of these displays can be closed.

Other displays are numbered as they are opened. Tab numbering is useful for navigating to views.

Displays can be opened and closed in different ways, depending on the display. Many displays are accessible from Element’s keypad, while other displays are accessible from the browser and softkeys. List views of record targets can be quickly accessed by double pressing the record target button, such as [Sub] [Sub] will display the submaster list.

From the hardkeys

Several displays are opened directly from buttons on Element’s keypad. Those displays are [Live], [Blind], [Patch], [Setup], [Park], [Displays], and [ML Control]. You can open list views of any

record target by double-pressing the key for the desired record target

From the browser

Open and navigate the browser as described in Using the Browser, page 19. When you open a new display (such as the group list), it will open on the primary display. If the display does not open to a monitor (such as setup or the browser) it will open in the CIA. Some displays are available from the softkeys when the [Displays] button is pressed.

Again, any time you wish to return to the browser, simply press [Displays] twice.

Closing Displays

To close any tab display, select the display by using the [Tab] key or other means of navigation. When the desired display is active, press [Escape] to close it.

To close a display in the CIA, press the [Displays] key and the browser will reappear.

To close all displays except for the live/blind display and the playback status display (tabs 1 and 2), press [Shift] & [Tab].

Selecting Displays

When a display is selected, the screen is highlighted in a gold border and the display name (such as “1. Live Channel”) will be in gold as well. When a display is not selected, there is no border and the tab name is gray.

If a display is already open, it can be selected in the following ways:

•Press [Tab] to change focus from the currently selected tab to the tab immediately to the right. If no tabs are to the right, the selection moves to the first tab on the left of all available monitors.

• Press [Tab] & [n], where “n” represents the tab number of the desired tab.

•Press [Live] or [Blind] to automatically bring live/blind into focus. If you have opened the split channel display (which is also a live/blind view), pressing [Shift] + [Live] / [Blind] toggles between tab 1 (live/blind) and the split channel display. See “Split Channel Display” on

page 31.

• Double press a record target button (such as [Submaster]) to either open the associated display or select it if it is already open.

24 Element User Manual

Moving Displays

To move the active display from one monitor to another, press and hold the [Tab] key and use the page arrow keys to move the display in the direction of the desired screen. One press of the left or right page keys will move the display to the next screen in that direction. To move it back, press the opposite arrow key.

Scrolling within a Display

By default the page keys will advance/retreat a display by one page per press. However, to scroll through displays you may press the [Scroll Lock] key on the keypad. The LED on the button illuminates red when in scroll lock mode.

Scroll lock is a toggle state. When scroll lock is first pressed:

• [Page

] - scrolls table, spreadsheet and channel views down,

] - scrolls table, spreadsheet and channel views up,

] - scrolls table and spreadsheet views right,

] - scrolls table and spreadsheet views left.

Expanding Displays

[Expand] allows a display to be viewed across multiple monitors.

To expand a display to an adjacent monitor, press [Expand] & [Page

[Expand] & [Page

To collapse an expanded view, press [Expand] & [Page

] if in either view.

] if in table views or [Expand] & [Page

] if in table views or

] if in summary views.

Show File Indicator

When a show file has been modified but not saved yet, an asterisk (*) will display beside the show file name at the top of the displays. See

Saving the Current Show File, page 40 for more information on saving.

[Data] Key

Pressing and holding [Data] allows you to view the values behind any referenced or marked data. [Data] exposes the next lower reference level. So if you view a palette reference and press [Data],

the absolute data will be displayed instead.

You can lock this mode by pressing [Shift] & [Data]. When in display reference values mode, “Data Latched” will display in the upper left of the live display. To exit this mode, press [Shift] & [Data] again.

[Data] can also be used to change the address views in patch. See “Using Output Address vs Port/

Offset” on page 56.

[Label] Key

[Shift] & [Label] can be used to toggle the display between showing the palette number or its label. To see the labels by default, you will need to enable Show Reference Labels in Setup. See “Show

Reference Label” on page 48.

3 System Basics 25

Using Flexichannel

Flexichannel (use of the [Flexi] key) allows you to view only channels meeting a certain criteria in the live/blind display, therefore removing unwanted data from view. Flexichannel has several available states which include allowing you to view:

• All channels

• All patched channels

• Manual channels

• All show channels (any channels that have data stored in a cue or submaster)

• Active channels (channels with intensity above zero or a move instruction)

• Selected channels

• View channels

In flexi mode, any selected channels (including the last channel selection) are always included in the view. Gaps in channel numbers are indicated by a vertical line between the channels where a gap in numbering occurs.

To change flexi modes in the live/blind display, press [Flexi] to cycle through the views listed above. When [Flexi] is held down, the softkeys change to represent all of the available flexi states. You can select the desired flexi view from those keys.

[Next/Last] can be used to select the next or last channel in the current flexi mode.

[Thru] can be used to view only channels in the current flexi mode (except for selected channels

mode) as long as either the first or last channel in the [Thru] range is included in the current flexi mode. To include channels not in the current flexi mode, [Thru] [Thru] can be used.

View Channels

You may select specific channels to appear in another flexichannel state called “View Channels”. This state does not exist until you select channels to view. After view channels is activated, it will appear in the rotation of flexichannel states when [Flexi] is pressed.

To select channels to view:

Step 1: Select channels on the command line (do not press [Enter]). Step 2: Press and hold [Flexi].

Step 3: Press {View Chans}. The “View Channels” flexi state will be created and the

channels you selected will be visible in it.

The channels you selected will be visible in this flexi state until you select other channels and press {View Chans} again. At any time, you can access the last channels you defined for this state by pressing [Flexi] until this state is visible.

To redefine the selected channels in the state, simply follow the steps above again.

26 Element User Manual

Using [Format]

Fixture type

Parameter data

Some displays have multiple formats. When the display is first opened, it opens in its default view. The default view for Live/Blind is table view. Pressing [Format] will toggle between table, summary, and, if in Blind, spreadsheet views.

Live and Blind share formatting. When you change from one format to another format, you are always working with the same format until you change it. The exception to this is spreadsheet, which is only available in blind. If you are working in blind spreadsheet, when you return to live you will be working with the table or summary view, based on which one you were last using.

Table View

Table view is available in live or blind. If devices other than dimmers are patched, table view displays the fixture type associated with channels and details about each channel’s category parameter levels.

In live, table view displays all active channel data being output from Element. In blind, it will display all data for a single record target (cue, palette, submaster).

In the table view, a slight space is provided between fixture types, giving a clear delineation between them. The name of the fixture type is displayed at the top of the section for that fixture.

and

3 System Basics 27

Summary View

Channel numbers

Intensity data

F, C, B data

Deleted channel

Unpatched channel

The summary view displays the largest number of channels of any of the formats. Below you can see channels 1-80 are shown. This format is best used to see large numbers of channels’ intensity data or parameter category data. Individual non-intensity parameters are not visible in this view.

Zooming Displays

You may zoom the table and summary view to display more or less channels. To do this, press and hold the [Format] button and scroll the Level Wheel to alter the number of channels visible. Scrolling the wheel up zooms in. Scrolling the wheel down zooms out. Zooming this display when it is in 100 channel mode is not supported. A mouse can also be used to control zooming by holding down the left button while using the scroll wheel.

28 Element User Manual

Spreadsheet (Blind Only)

Channel number

Cue numbers

Parameters

Spreadsheet format is available only in blind mode. It is useful for viewing and editing channel data and trends for multiple cues, submasters, or palettes at one time. Cues and other record targets are displayed on the vertical axis and channel data is visible on the horizontal axis. See “Recording and

Editing Cues from Blind” on page 122.

To toggle between viewing just the intensity information and other parameters, press [Shift] & [Format].

3 System Basics 29

Playback Status Display

The playback status display allows you to view a range of cues in the cue list and all the cue attributes for those cues.

Holding down [Time], while a cue is fading, will display the cue category times counting down in the cue list display area. The default action is to show the total time not the countdown. To always show the countdown, a {PSD Time Countdown} option is available in Setup, see {Displays}, page 48. When the {PSD Time Countdown} is enabled, the cue times will countdown as a cue is fading. In the PSD, timing will individually turn gold when that timing has completed. To see the total time, hold down the [Time] key. {PSD Time Countdown} is “disabled” by default.

An optional command line for the playback status display is available. The optional command line must be enabled to use. See {Displays}, page 48.

To hide a column in the playback status display, hold down [Escape] and click on the column you want to hide. Press [Shift] + [Select] to display all hidden columns.

For more information about the playback status display, see Indicators in the Playback Status

Display, page 261.

30 Element User Manual

Split Channel Display

The split channel display shows channels at the top and the playback status display at the bottom. This display is opened by going to Browser>Displays>Split Channel. It will open up as a new tab.

3 System Basics 31

32 Element User Manual

Chapter 4

Managing Show Files

This chapter explains how to create, open, and save your show files. Each of these operations are accomplished through the browser area.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Create a New Show File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

• Open an Existing Show File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

• Merging Show Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

• Printing a Show File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

• Saving the Current Show File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

• Using Quick Save. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

• Using Save As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

• Importing Show Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

• Exporting a Show File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

• Deleting a File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

• File Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

4 Managing Show Files 33

Create a New Show File

To create a new show file, navigate within the browser to: File> New> and press [Select].

You will be prompted for confirmation that you want to create a new show. Any unsaved show data will be lost. Press [Select] or click {OK} to confirm or {Cancel} to discontinue the operation.

In Element, a new show file defaults to a 1-to-1 patch. Clicking {Patch 1to1} will deselect the option and result in a blank patch.

Open an Existing Show File

Names of show files may appear in the browser list in normal text or in bold text. Files in normal text indicate that there is only one show file stored by that name.

Bold show names indicate that there are several versions of the show file stored under that name, the bold one being the most recent. To access the most recent show file, simply select the bold name. You can use [Page in the browser. Select the desired show from the expanded list.

To open an existing Element show file, navigate within the browser to: File> Open> and press [Select].

] from the bold name to expand a list of previous versions beneath it

Element provides you with multiple locations to retrieve an Element show file (.esf) including:

• Show File Archive - This is the default storage location for show files when a show file is created and saved. Older versions of the show file will be listed under the most current version. This allows you the ability to open the latest version or an earlier version of a show file if desired.

• File server - if one is connected. When there is no file server connected, it will not display in the browser. See “Network Drives” on page 253.

• USB storage device - When a USB device is connected and an Element show file (.esf) is available on the device, you will notice the USB device’s name and drive letter are displayed in white text and expandable.

Open the desired location:

• To open a show file from the Show File Archive, navigate within the browser to: File> Open> Show File Archive and press [Select].

• To open a show file from the file server, navigate within the browser to: File > Open> Name of File Server> and press [Select].

• To open a show file from a USB device, navigate within the browser to: File> Open> Name of Drive and press [Select].

34 Element User Manual

Select the specific show file

• Navigate within the specified storage location and select the show file you wish to open, press [Select].

• If the selected show has multiple time stamps and you wish to load an older version, navigate to the desired revision under the show file heading and press [Select].

This will open the partial show loading screen in the CIA.

From this screen you can select which components of the show file you wish to load. The buttons at the center of the CIA represent all of the show components that you can choose to load. By default all components are selected (gray) and will be loaded. To withhold any show components from loading, simply deselect them in the CIA by clicking the respective button.

Note:

CAUTION:

To reselect all show components, click the {Reset} button and all buttons will return to gray (selected). To stop the show load process, click the {Cancel} button.

When you have selected or deselected all of the show components you require, press [Select] or click {OK}.

Element loads the selected show to the console.

Note:

You will need a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen to deselect options.

On a partial show open, if any record targets are not opened, any existing data of other types will be cleared from the console.To merge show data, merge should be used. See “Merging Show Files” on page 37.

If the loaded show file exceeds the console’s output capacity, an advisory will display in the CIA. You will need to dismiss the advisory by pressing {Ok} before continuing. To see the capacity of the console, press [About]. See [About], page

179 for more information.

4 Managing Show Files 35

Selective Partial Show Opening

Selected Show Components

If you select the {Advanced} button in the partial show opening screen, you will have the opportunity to load partial components from the show file and be able to specify the desired location of those partial components in the new show file.

For example, you could specify only cues 5-10 and load them as cues 20-25 in the new show. You could also specify only specific palettes, effects, and so on. To see the complete list of show components, press the {Advanced} key in the partial show loading screen.

As you specify components, they are added to a table in the CIA. In the table, fields with a dark background may be edited, fields with a light gray background do not apply to that component. For each component in the list, you can specify the desired range by clicking in the proper area in the table and entering numbers from the keypad. The columns in the table are:

• List - The list you are taking data from (such as a cue list).

• List Target - The list you are adding the data to.

• Start - The first in a range of components (such as a range of cues).

• End - The last in a range of components.

• Target - The desired location of the components in the new show file (for ranges, this will be the location in the new show of the first component in the range, the others will follow in order).

Partial Patch Opening

You have the option to selectively open partial patch information or fixtures into a show file by selecting the {Advanced} button in the partial show opening screen.

Note:

You can specify the desired range by selecting the proper area in the table and entering numbers from the keypad. The columns in the table that relate to patch are:

• Start - The first in a range of components.

• End - The last in a range of components.

• Target - The desired location of the components in the new show file (for ranges, this

It is important to remember that on a partial patch open, if any record targets are not opened, any existing data of that type will be cleared from the console. To keep that data, merge should be used.

will be the location in the new show of the first component in the range, the others will follow in order).

36 Element User Manual

Merging Show Files

Selected Show Components

Element supports the merging of Eos Family (.esf) show files.

Note:

You have the option of merging .esf show files from the Show File Archive, a File Server (if connected), or a USB device.

To merge a show file, navigate within the Browser to: File> Merge>. Navigate to the desired storage location and press [Select]. When using merge, Element displays only the available files. Navigate to the specific file and press [Select].

This will open the merge screen in the CIA. From this screen you can choose which aspects of the show file you want to merge. By default all aspects are unselected (black). Selected show aspects will appear in gray.

If you select the {Advanced} button in the merge show loading screen, you will have the opportunity to load partial components from the show file and be able to specify the desired location of those partial components in the current show file.

For example, you could specify only cues 5-10 and load them as cues 20-25 in the cue list in the current show. You could also specify only specific palettes, effects, and so on. To see the complete list of show components, press the {Advanced} key in the merge show loading screen.

Merging show files is different from opening show files. When you do a partial open of show components, untouched record targets are cleared. When you do a merge, those record targets remain.

As you specify components, they are added to a table in the CIA. In the table, fields with a dark background may be edited, fields with a light gray background do not apply to that component. For each component in the list, you can specify the desired range by pressing the proper area in the table and entering numbers from the keypad. The columns in the table are:

• List - The list you are taking data from (such as a cue list).

• List Target - The list you are adding the data to.

• Start - The first in a range of components (such as a range of cues).

• End - The last in a range of components.

• Target - The desired location of the components in the new show file (for ranges, this

Note:

4 Managing Show Files 37

will be the location in the new show of the first component in the range, the others will follow in order).

Element only supports a single cue list. Cue list targets besides 1 will not work.

To merge only partial components:

Step 1: From the browser, navigate to the desired show file (see Open the desired location:,

page 34).

Step 2: When the merge show load screen appears, press the {Advanced} button. The

partial components selection screen will appear in the CIA.

Step 3: Select the show components that you wish to merge by pressing on their respective

buttons on the left side of the CIA. The components will appear in the list to the right as you select them.

Step 4: Press any fields for which you want to enter specific numbers. The field (if editable)

will highlight in gold.

Step 5: Enter the numbers using the keypad to specify the desired cues/groups/effects and so

on.

Step 6: Press {OK} to load the components to the current show.

Partial Patch Merging

You have the option to selectively merge partial patch information into a show file by selecting the {Advanced} button in the partial show merge screen.

You can specify the desired range by selecting the proper area in the table and entering numbers from the keypad. The columns in the table that relate to patch are:

• Start - The first in a range of components.

• End - The last in a range of components.

• Target - The desired location of the components in the new show file (for ranges, this will be the location in the new show of the first component in the range, the others will follow in order).

Printing a Show File

Element provides you with the ability to save a show file or aspects from a show file to a PDF file for printing. Element has three locations to save the PDF files including the Show File Archive, the File Server (if connected), or a USB device (if connected). Saving the PDF file to a USB storage device, allows you to then print the PDF from a personal computer. Printing directly from Element is not supported. To save a PDF of an Element show file, navigate within the browser to: File> Print> and press [Select].

You can select the page orientation and paper type in Setup >Desk >PDF File Settings.

This will open the printing screen in the CIA. From this screen you can choose which aspects of the show file you want to save to PDF. By default all aspects are selected (gray) and will be saved. To

38 Element User Manual

withhold any show aspects from printing, simply deselect them in the CIA by clicking the respective

Selected Show Component

button. Deselected show aspects will appear in black.

Three buttons that will impact the overall PDF are {Tracked Levels}, {Color Printout}, and {Summary View}.

• {Tracked Levels} - will display all tracked levels when selected.

• {Color Printout} - will display the values in color to match the way they are displayed on the console when selected. When deselected, the values will appear in grayscale.

• {Summary View} - will display the same information as the summary view display. See

“Summary View” on page 28.

To reselect all show aspects, press the {Reset} touchbutton and all buttons will return to gray (selected). To stop the show file from being saved to a PDF and return to the browser, press the {Cancel} button. When you have selected/deselected all of the show aspects you require, press the {Ok} button to create the PDF file.

You can also choose to print specific portions of show aspects. To select this information, press the {Advanced} button. The touchbuttons at the center of the CIA will again represent all of the show aspects that you can choose. By default all aspects will be deselected (black).

As you select aspects, they will be added to the table in the CIA. For each component in the list, you can specify the desired range by pressing the proper area in the table and entering numbers from the keypad. The columns in the table are:

• List - The list you are taking data from (such as a cue list).

• Start - The first in a range of components (such as a range of cues).

• End - The last in a range of components.

To deselect all show aspects, press the {Reset} touchbutton and all buttons will return to black (deselected).

To return to the main print screen, press the {Advanced} button. To stop the show file from being saved to a PDF file and return to the browser, press the {Cancel} button. If you are ready to save the file, press the {Ok} button. You will be prompted to name the file.

The PDF will have the show name, date and time it was created, and date and times for when the show file was last saved. It also gives the Element software version information. If multiple aspects

4 Managing Show Files 39

were selected to save to the file, there will be hyperlinks at the top of the PDF so you can quickly jump to a section.

Saving the Current Show File

When a show file has been modified but not saved yet, an asterisk (*) will display beside the show file name at the top of the displays.

To save the current show data, navigate within the browser to: File> Save> and press [Select].

The Show File Archive is the default storage location for show files when they are saved. The new time stamp located beneath the show file name on the CIA indicates that the show file has been saved.

All previous saves are stored in the Show File Archive with the time stamp following the file name.

Note:

When saving a show file for the first time, Element will provide the name “Show File” and will attach a time/date stamp to the name. To change the name, use a mouse and the on-screen keyboard, or an attached USB keyboard. Pressing [Label] will clear out the current show file name.

Using Quick Save

To save the current show data to the hard drive without having to navigate to the browser, hold down [Shift] & [Update].

Using Save As

To save an existing Element show file to a different location or with a different name, navigate within the browser to: File> Save As> and press [Select].

Element provides you with three locations to save an Element show file (.esf) including the Show File Archive, the File Server (if connected) or a USB device (if connected).

Navigate to the desired storage location and press [Select]. When using “Save As” to save the show file to a specific location, the alphanumeric keypad will display on the CIA. Name the show file and press [Enter]. The show file will be saved in the specified location with the show file name you entered with a time stamp suffix.

Pressing [Label] or [Delete] on the console, or DELETE on an alphanumeric keyboard will remove the default show label when doing a Save As.

Importing Show Files

Element supports the import of standard USITT ASCII, and Lightwright® text files.

40 Element User Manual

Note:

Element supports ASCII show file import from a number of other control consoles, including the Obsession, Expression, Emphasis, and Congo product lines, as well as the Strand 300 Series. Please note that all show files must be saved in an ASCII format prior to importing them into Element.

CAUTION:

You have the option of importing standard USITT ASCII (.asc) or Lightwright data (.txt or .asc) from the Show File Archive, a File Server (if connected), or a USB device.

To import a show file, navigate within the Browser to: File> Import> (Type of file to import) and press [Select]. If you are importing an USITT ASCII file, you will have two options, Import as Library Fixtures or Import As Custom Fixtures. Import as Library Fixtures will allow Element to try to match the fixtures in the file with fixtures in the Element library. Import as Custom Fixtures will bring the fixtures in as they are in the file. It is recommended to use Import as Custom Fixtures.

Navigate to the desired storage location and press [Select]. When using import, Element displays only the available files. Navigate to the specific file and press [Select].

The way data is stored and used is often different between different desks. Imported data may not playback exactly the same between desks. Not all data (such as effects and macros) may be imported. This varies by product.

Exporting a Show File

Export your Element show file to a standard USITT ASCII, .csv, Focus Track, or Fast Focus Pro show file using the export feature.

To export your Element show file in ASCII format, navigate within the browser to: File> Export> USITT ASCII and press [Select]

You have the option of exporting your show file in ASCII format to the Show File Archive, to a File Server (if connected), or to a USB device.

Navigate to the desired storage location and press [Select]. The alphanumeric keypad will display on the CIA. Name the show file and press [Enter]. The file will be saved in the specified location with the file name you entered with a “.asc” file extension.

You can export Element show files as a .csv format by navigating within the browser to: File> Export> CSV and select the location for the export, the Show File Archive, a File Server (if connected), or to a USB device.

Files can also be exported as in a Focus Track or Fast Focus Pro format by going to File> Export> Fast Focus Pro or Focus Track and select the location for the export, the Show File Archive, a File Server (if connected), or to a USB device.

Importing Custom Gobo Images

Custom gobo images can be imported by going to File> Import> Gobo Images and selecting an image file or folder. If a folder is selected, all image files within the folder will be imported. All standard image files are supported with the exception of .svg files.

Imported gobo images can be deleted by going into File> Import> Gobo Images> Imported Gobos, selecting the image, and pressing [Delete] [Enter].

4 Managing Show Files 41

Imported Media and Partial Show Open/Merge

A tile for {Media}, which includes imported gobo and magic sheet images, is in the Partial Show Opening and Merge displays.

Note:

Media will be included by default when you select Patch, Fixtures, or Magic Sheets.

Deleting a File

Element provides you with the ability to delete show files from the Show File Archive and the File Server from within the browser.

To Delete a Show File

Navigate within the browser to: File> Open and press [Select]. Navigate to the desired show file and press [Delete]. Press [Enter] to confirm or any other key to abort the deletion process.

To Delete a Folder

The folder must first be empty.

Navigate within the Browser to: File> Open and press [Select]. Navigate to the desired folder and press [Delete]. Press [Enter] to confirm or any other key to abort the deletion process.

File Manager

Element has a file manager, which provides a way to manage show files. See “File Manager” on

page 252.

Backup Show Archive

You can use the Backup Show Archive option to backup the most current version of each show file or every version of each file to a USB drive or file server. See “Backup Show Archive” on page 252.

42 Element User Manual

Chapter 5

Setup

This chapter discusses Element’s system settings that you can change to meet your preferences.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Opening Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

• Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

• Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

5 Setup 43

Opening Setup

There are two ways to open the setup screen. You can either press the [Setup] hardkey or press [Displays] and then press the {Setup} softkey.

The CIA will display the setup screen and the softkeys will change. Element will default to displaying show settings, however if you change the view, Element will remember the view you were in when you return to setup.

The setup displays are:

•Show

•Desk

Note:

To select buttons in the show and desk displays, you can either use a mouse or the arrow keys on Element along with the {Properties} softkey. {Properties} will allow you to scroll through the fields and pressing [Select] will choose a field. Pressing [Select] again will toggle options, such as ‘Enabled’ and ‘Disabled”. Some fields require data from the keypad and then [Enter]. Selecting {Properties} again will return the scroll ability to the buttons on the left of the CIA.

Show

When you select the {Show} softkey, the CIA will display the following buttons:

• Show Settings

• Cue Settings

• Show Control

Show Settings

Click {Show Settings} to enter this category.

Seven fields will be available to you: {Num of Channels}, {Dim. Dbl. Offset}, {Allow HS Fades}, {Mark Time}, {Startup Macro}, and {Shutdown Macro}.

{Num of Channels}

You may use this field to set the number of channels in your Element up to 10,000. However, you are limited to only patch up to the number of channels that are available from your system, either 250 or 500 depending on the channel count for your Element. Enter the number of channels for your system using the keypad. This is useful for controlling paging. This entry must be confirmed with the [Enter] key.

{Dim. Dbl. Offset}

This allows you to set the address offset for dimmer doubling. The default for this is 20000, to match the Net2 standard offset, including Sensor dimming software. For dimmer doubling over Local DMX, this value should be set to 256.

{Allow HS Fades}

Hue and saturation (HS) color data normally fades in native space. Enabling {Allow HS Fades} will make HS data fade in HS space.

{Mark Time}

This field allows you to set the time that non-intensity mark instructions will use. When {Mark Time} is disabled, which is the default, mark instructions will use cue timing.

{Startup Macro}

This field allows you to set up a startup macro that will trigger after the console initialization has completed.

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{Shutdown Macro}

This field allows you to set up a shutdown macro that will trigger at power off, not when exiting the application.

{Cue Settings}

Click {Cue Settings} to enter this category.

You will be able to set the cue default times for intensity up and down.

{Show Control}

For more information on using show control with your system, see the Eos Family Show Control User Guide, which is available for download at www.etcconnect.com

{SMPTE Time Code Rx}

This touchbutton is used to control whether your console can receive SMPTE time code. Choosing “Disabled” will disable all time code lists that have a SMPTE source. The default for this setting is “Enabled”.

{MIDI Time Code Rx}

As above, but for MIDI Time Code instead of SMPTE. The default for this setting is “Enabled”.

{Resync Frames}

This touchbutton allows you to configure how many frames need to be synced before timecode starts running. Frames can be from 1-30. Default is 2 frames.

{MSC Receive}

This touchbutton toggles the setting for receiving MIDI Show Control from an external source between “Enabled” and “Disabled”. The default setting is “Disabled”.

{MSC Receive Channel}

Also known as a “Device ID” this setting configures the MIDI channel for the console to receive MIDI Show Control information. Only MSC data with the same device ID will be received. A device

ID can be from 0-126, or if set to 127, Eos Ti, Gio, Ion, or Element will receive MSC data from all IDs (All Call). Eos cannot be set as an All Call receiver. For example:

• {MSC Receive Channel} [5] [0] [Enter]

{ACN - MIDI Rx ID(s)}

This setting allows you to specify the MIDI Show Control data that your console will receive when transmitted over the Architecture for Control Network (ACN). When set, the console will respond to MSC data from any gateway that has its “ACN MIDI Rx ID” set to the same number. ACN MIDI Rx ID can be from 1-32. ID ranges may be used. When using the local MIDI ports on Eos Ti, Gio, Ion, or Element, this setting needs to match the MIDI Rx Group ID in the ECU>{Settings}>{Local I/

O}>Show Control Gateway>Group IDs.For example:

• {ACN MIDI Rx ID} [2] [5] [Enter]

• {ACN MIDI Rx ID} [1] [Thru] [1][0] [Enter]

{MSC Transmit}

This setting, when enabled, allows the console to send MSC messages for actions taken on the console, such as cue actions, macros firing, and submaster bumps. The default setting is “Disabled”.

{MSC Transmit Channel}

Also know as “Device ID” this setting allows you to establish the device ID with which your console will transmit MIDI Show Control information. A device ID can be from 0-126, or if set to 127, Eos, Eos Ti, Gio, Ion, or Element will transmit MSC data to all IDs (All Call). For example:

5 Setup 45

• {MSC Transmit Channel} [5] [0] [Enter]

{ACN - MIDI Tx ID}

This setting allows you to specify the ID number of MIDI Show Control data that the console transmits over an Architecture for Control Network (ACN). When set, the console will transmit MSC data to any gateway that has its “ACN MIDI Tx ID” set to the same number. ACN MIDI Tx ID can be from 1-32. When using the local MIDI ports on Gio, Ion, or Element, this setting needs to match the MIDI Tx Group ID in the ECU>{Settings}>{Local I/O}>Show Control Gateway>Group IDs. For example:

• {ACN MIDI Tx ID} [2][5] [Enter]

{String MIDI TX}

When enabled, this setting will cause the console to send serial strings instead of a MIDI Show Control message when certain actions happen at the console.

{MIDI Cue List}

MIDI Cue List specifies the cue list that the console will use to send MSC data. If left blank and MSC Tx is enabled, all cue lists will generate MSC events. Otherwise, only the particular list (or lists) selected will fire MSC events.

{Analog Inputs}

This is a master setting for receiving analog inputs from a Net3 I/O Gateway or the local analog ports on a Gio, Ion, or Element. When disabled it will turn off all analog input for all event lists. Default is “Enabled”.

{Relay Outputs}

This is a master setting for triggering external relays from a Net3 I/O Gateway or the local ports on a Gio, Ion, or Element. When disabled it will turn off all external relays for all event lists. The default is “Enabled”.

{String RX}

This setting will enable receiving strings on all Serial RX formats.

{String RX Group IDs}

This button is for setting up which Serial Port Group ID (from I/O Gateway settings in GCE) the console will listen to. This only affects serial traffic from I/O gateways, not network UDP messages or ACN strings. Group IDs are from 1-32. Remember group IDs relate to the number set in the gateway. It can be set to listen to multiple group IDs by using [Thru] and [+].

{String RX Port}

This setting specifies the UDP port that the console will listen to for receiving strings.

{String TX}

This settings will enable sending strings on all Serial TX formats.

{String TX Group IDs}

This button is for setting up which Serial Port Group ID (from I/O Gateway settings in GCE) the console will send to. This only affects serial traffic to I/O gateways, not network UDP messages or ACN strings.Group IDs are from 1-32. Remember group IDs relate to the number set in the gateway. It can be set to send to multiple group IDs by using [Thru] and [+].

{String TX Port}

Setting for the UDP destination port that the console will send strings.

{String TX IP Address}

Sets the destination IP address that the console will send strings.

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Desk

When you select the {Desk} softkey, the CIA will display the following buttons:

• Record Defaults

• Manual Control

• Face Panel

• Face Panel Keypad

• Displays

• PDF File Settings

• Brightness Settings

•RFR Settings

• Trackball Settings

{Record Defaults}

This screen enables you to change general record defaults.

Auto Playback

When enabled, this feature automatically plays back cues as they are stored and releases manual control. This field is a toggle state between “Enabled” and “Disabled”. When auto playback is “Disabled”, all manual levels are maintained and cues must be loaded and executed on the split fader. The default is “Enabled”.

Track

This field allows you to switch between tracking and cue only modes (see Tracking vs. Cue Only,

page 236). The default is “Tracking”.

Record Confirm

This setting allows you to enable or disable the confirm action when storing over a previously recorded target. The default is “Enabled”.

Delete Confirm

This field allows you to enable or disable a required confirmation before any delete command is executed. The default is “Enabled”.

{Manual Control}

This desk setting button gives you access to Element’s manual control settings.

Manual Time

In this section you may change the default times for manual changes to occur in live. Times can be set for Intensity Up and Intensity Down.

Manual Control

This section allows you to specify the values for certain buttons and settings used in manual control. To change any value, click the appropriate button in the CIA and use the keypad to enter a new value.

Preserve Blind Cue - This enables the console to display the last selected cue in blind when you return to blind. The default is disabled.

Level - This sets the default for Level (which is accessed in Element by double pressing [At]). Any value between 0-100 may be entered. The default is 100.

Plus% - This sets the level for the +% (which is accessed in Element by pressing [Shift] & [+]), which will increase the selected channel by the set percentage. Any value between 0-

5 Setup 47

100 may be entered. The default is 10%.

Minus% - This sets the level for -% (which is accessed by pressing [Shift] & [-]), which will decrease the selected channel by the set percentage. Any value between 0-100 may be entered. The default is 10%.

Rem Dim Level - This allows you to set the level for all Remainder Dim commands. The default is 0.

Default Times

In this section you may change the default times for sneak commands, back time, and go to cue time. The default for these is 5 seconds, except for back time, which uses a default of 1 second.

Under default times, you can also set a value for timing disable. When a fader is set to timing disable mode, cues will use this time set in Setup.

{Face Panel}

In this section you may change the sounds settings as well as adjusting the increment and acceleration effect of the level wheel.

{Face Panel Keypad}

Auto Repeat

This setting allows you to adjust the auto repeat settings (delay and speed) for the facepanel keypad.

Blackout

You can disable the [Blackout] hardkey here. By default, blackout is “Enabled”.

Grandmaster

You can disable the Grandmaster. By default the Grandmaster is “Enabled”.

Spacebar [Go]

You can enable the spacebar on an external keyboard as the hotkey for [Go]. By default, it is “Disabled”.

Hide Mouse

With hide mouse enabled, if the mouse is left idle for 10 seconds, the cursor will go away. Once the mouse is used again, the cursor will return. By default, this is “Disabled”.

{Displays}

This desk setting button gives you access to the Element display settings.

High Contrast Display

This button toggles the setting between “Enabled” and “Disabled”. When enabled, high-contrast brightens the magenta used to show tracked values.

The default setting for this is “Enabled”.

Show Reference Label

This button toggles the setting between “Enabled” and “Disabled”. When enabled, referenced record targets (such as palettes) with labels will have their labels displayed in the live/blind display rather than their target type and number. [Shift] & [Label] can be used to temporally toggle between views.

The default setting for this is “Disabled”.

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Group Chans By 5

You can turn off/on the grouping of channels in groups of 5 in the live summary view from this field.

The default for this setting is “Enabled.

100 Channel Display

This setting can be used to display 100 channels at a time in the live summary view. You can select to have this option “Disabled”, display the channels in 4 rows of 25 (4x25), or 5 rows of 20 (5x20), depending on the dimensions of your displays. The default for this setting is “Disabled.”

Cmd Line on PSD

This setting can be used to display an optional command line on the Playback Status Display. The default for this setting is “Disabled”.

PSD Time Countdown

In the Playback Status Display (PSD), holding down [Time], while a cue is fading, will display the cue times counting down in the cue list display area. The default action is to show the total time not the countdown. When the {PSD Time Countdown} is enabled, the cue times will countdown as a cue is fading. In the PSD, timing will individually turn gold when that timing has completed. To see the total time, hold down the [Time] key. {PSD Time Countdown} is “disabled” by default.

{PDF File Settings}

This screen allows you to select the orientation and paper type for PDF files.

{Brightness Settings}

This screen allows you to adjust the brightness of attached desk lamps. The {Desk Lamp} fader has a range of 0% (dimmest level) to 100% (brightest level).

{RFR Settings}

This screen is for allowing Net3 RFR, iRFR, and aRFR connections. The default setting is “Enabled”. For more information see RFR, page 256 and Remote Focus Remote (RFR), page 270.

5 Setup 49

{Trackball Settings}

This screen allows you to make adjustments to a trackball.

{Trackball Tick Freq.}

This fader adjusts the trackball tick frequency. The default is 200 ticks.

{Trackball Acc. Fctr}

This fader adjusts the trackball acceleration factor. The default is 800 zip.

{Swap Pan/Tilt}

This touchbutton swaps the directions for Pan and Tilt on a trackball. The default for Pan and Tilt is X and Y, respectively. When this button is enabled, Pan and Tilt will be Y and X.

{Reverse Pan}

This touchbutton reverses the direction of Pan.

{Reverse Tilt}

This touchbutton reverses the direction of Tilt.

{Reset}

This button resets all five trackball settings back to their default.

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Chapter 6

Patch

The Patch is used to associate a channel with addresses and device types. Once a channel is patched to an address or addresses, and the output is connected to a device (for example a dimmer, moving light, or accessory), the channel will then control that device.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• About Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

• Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

• Patching Conventional Fixtures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

• Patching Scrollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

• Using the Scroller Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

• Calibrating a Scroller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

• Patching Moving Lights, LEDs, and Accessories. . . . . . . . .65

• Display Pages in Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

• Using Device List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

• Dimmer Doubling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

• Moving and Copying Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

• Swapping Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

• Unpatch a Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

• Deleting Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

• Clearing the Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

• Update Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

• Fixture Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

6 Patch 51

About Patch

Selected to create a 1-to-1 Patch Will not create a 1-to-1 Patch

Element treats fixtures and channels as one and the same, meaning each fixture is assigned a single control channel number. Individual parameters of that fixture, such as intensity, pan, tilt, zoom, or iris are also associated with that same channel number but as additional lines of channel information.

You are required to enter only the simplest data to patch a device and begin programming your show, such as the channel number, the device type (if needed), and address. When you provide more information in the patch, you will have more detailed control and improved function during operation.

One or more devices may be patched to a single channel. For example you may want to patch a group of dimmers to the same channel. In addition you may patch multiple devices to the same channel for building a compound or accessorized fixtures. For example a Source Four scroller and a gobo changer may be patched to a single channel. This is referred to as a compound channel.

When you open a new show file, Element creates a 1-to-1 patch. This means that the patch will automatically have channel 1 patched to address 1, channel 2 to address 2, and so on up to the maximum channel count of your console.

with a color

Depending on your situation, you may need to create a custom patch, which associates certain addresses with certain channels.

Note:

52 Element User Manual

You can open or merge patch data from other show files, see Partial Patch

Opening, page 36 and Partial Patch Merging, page 38 for more information.

Displays

To begin patching your show, you must first open the patch display. To open the patch display, press [Patch] or press [Displays] and then {Patch}.

The patch display will open on an available external monitor and the CIA will display patch controls.

From within the patch display, you can open the Device List to use RDM to patch any RDM compatible devices. For more information about Device List, see Using Device List, page 71.

The patch screen will display the following information if available:

• Channel - the patched channel number. In patch by address mode, channel will appear blank if not currently patched.

• Address - the patched output address. In patch by channel mode, address will appear blank if not currently patched. Pressing [Data] toggles the display from showing address as patched by the user, output address, and the port/offset. See “Using Output Address vs Port/Offset” on

page 56.

• Type - device or dimmer type that is patched.

• Label - displays the assigned label of the channel or address. See Labeling, page 54.

• Interface - displays which interfaces will be used for the device. See {Interface} in {Patch}

Display and Settings, page 67.

• Output - displays the current live intensity level. Value is displayed as 0-255, with 255 being full.

Status in the Patch Display

Status flags will display on the far left of the patch display to advise you when a channel or address requires your attention.

A red “!” or yellow “?” will display when there is a warning or error from an RDM, CEM+, CEM3, or ACN device. See “Errors and Warnings” on page 75.

6 Patch 53

Patching Conventional Fixtures

Patch By Channel

For patching fixtures, there are two different patch modes: patch by channel and patch by address. Element defaults to patch by channel mode. Pressing [Format] while in the patch display will toggle the mode between patch by channel and patch by address.

Note:

When working with conventional devices, you can patch in either mode easily. When working with compound channels or multiple parameter devices, it is recommended to work in patch by channel.

Patching By Channel

In patch by channel mode, [2] [0] [At] [1] [Enter] patches channel 20 to address 1. Pressing [At] will post address to the command line while patching by channel.

Additional examples of patch by channel:

• [5] [At] [1][0][0] [Enter] - patches channel 5 to address 100.

• [2][0][3] [At] [1][2] [Enter] - patches channel 203 to address 12.

Range Patching

Range patching using the [Thru] key allows you to quickly patch a group of channels. [1][Thru][2][0] [At] [1] [0] [Enter] patches channels 1 through 20 to addresses 10 through 29.

You can also use the [+] and [-] keys. [1] [+] [4] [+] [8] [At] [1] [Enter] patches channel 1 to address 1, channel 4 to 2, and channel 8 to 3.

Note:

Range patching only works with channels. If you try to range patch addresses, parts for the channel will be created. See “Creating multi-part and compound

channels” on page 57.

Labeling

To label a channel or address, press the [Label] key with the channel or address selected on the command line. You can use the virtual alphanumeric keyboard or an external keyboard to enter the desired label text.

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[At] [Next]

Patch By Address

[At] [Next] [Enter] finds the next available address range large enough to accommodate the selected device.

Examples of [At] [Next]:

• [At] [2] [/] [Next] [Enter] - finds the next available address range on universe 2. See “Using

Output Address vs Port/Offset” on page 56.

• [At] [7] [7] [7] [Next] [Enter] - finds the next available address after 777.

• [At] [/] [9] [Enter] - patches address 9 on the same universe that was last used.

Patching By Address

Pressing [Format] while in the patch display will toggle the mode between patch by channel and patch by address.

[2] [0] [At] [1] [Enter] patches address 20 to channel 1. Pressing [At] will post channel to the command line while patching by address.

Additional examples of patch by address:

• [5] [At] [1][0][0] [Enter] - patches address 5 to channel 100.

• [2][0][3] [At] [1][2] [Enter] - patches address 203 to channel 12.

Note:

An address can not be assigned to multiple channels, but a channel can have multiple addresses assigned to it.

If, at any point, you try to patch an address that is already in use, Element will post an advisory to indicate this, preventing you from duplicating addresses in your patch.

6 Patch 55

Flexichannel Views in Patch

Output Address View Port/Offset View

In patch by channel mode, [Flexi] can be used to view only those channels that are currently patched. In patch by address mode, [Flexi] can be used to view only those addresses that are currently patched. By pressing [Flexi], you can toggle the view between patched channels/ addresses, selected channels, and all channels/addresses.

Holding down [Flexi] will display the following softkeys:

• {Flexi All} - displays all the channels or addresses depending on which view is used.

• {Patch} - displays only the patched channels or addresses.

• {Selected} - displays any selected channels or addresses.

• {View Channels} - displays those channels selected for the View Channels flexichannel state. See “View Channels” on page 26.

Using Output Address vs Port/Offset

The output address is the DMX or network DMX (often called EDMX) address. Examples of output addresses are 510, 1, and 1024.

Port/offset refers to the DMX universe or port and the offset of the address. For example, since a single DMX port can transmit 512 addresses (known as a “universe”), the port/offset for address 515 would look like 2/3 because address 515 is the 3rd address of universe 2.

An example of patching by port/offset in patch by address mode is [2][/][1][0] [At] [2][0] [Enter], which patches universe 2 address 10, or 522, to channel 20.

Note:

The default view for patch by address will be how the patch was originally entered (either output address or port/offset).

Pressing the [Data] key will move between showing the patch as it was originally entered, then the EDMX values, and last the port/offset. When in a view other than the default, the current mode will be displayed in the upper left corner of the patch display.

[Dimmer/Address] [n] [/]

The syntax [Dimmer/Address] [n] [/] or [At] [n] [/] can be used to select a full universe in patch.

• [channel list] [At] [n] [/] [Enter] - changes the addresses of all the selected channels to a new universe while using the same offset.

• [Dimmer/Address][2] [/] [Copy To] [Copy To] <Address> [3] [/] [Enter] - moves all channels with addresses in universe 2 to the same offsets in universe 3.

• [Dimmer/Address] [n] [/] {Unpatch} - unpatches all patched addresses in the selected universe.

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Creating multi-part and compound channels

A multi-part channel is any channel that has more than one dimmer patched to it. A compound channel has multiple profiles patched to it that make up one channel, an example would be a dimmer with a scroller and auto-yoke. By default, Element will add a part if you are trying to patch to a channel that has already been assigned an address.

To patch a multi-part channel in address format:

• [5] [1] [3] [At] [8] [Enter]

Assuming channel 8 was previously patched to an address, this will create a part 2 and address it at 513.

To patch a multi-part channel in channel format:

• [9] [At] [5] [4] [0] [Enter]

Assuming that channel 9 is already patched to an address, this will create a part 2 and address it at 540.

• [8] [Part] [2] [At] [5] [1] [3] [Enter]

This will create a part 2 for channel 8 and address it at 513. If you wish to patch by address while in the channel view, press:

• [Dimmer/Address] [5] [1] [3] [At] [8] [Enter]

This will perform the same action as the previous example, assuming channel 8 was previously patched to an address.

To select multiple parts for editing:

• [1] [Part] [1] [Thru] [5]

This is useful for deleting or assigning new addresses to existing parts.

To patch a compound channel in channel format:

• [1] [Part] [2] [At] [5] {Type} <scroller profile>

Creates a part 2 for channel 1 and assigns it the selected scroller profile. See {Patch}

Display and Settings, page 67 for more information on using {Type}.

Replace

By default, if you patch an address to a channel that is already patched, Element will create a new part for the new address. If you want to replace the current address with the new, use {Replace}:

• [n] {Replace} [n] [Enter] - replaces the address in part 1 of the selected channel.

• [1] [Part] [3] {Replace} [5] [Enter] - replaces the address of part 3 with a new address of 5.

6 Patch 57

Patching Scrollers

Note:

To patch a scroller, you will want to first create a part to the channel you will be using. See “Creating

multi-part and compound channels” on page 57.

Select the part of the channel you wish to patch the scroller. [3] [Part] [2] [Enter] selects part 2 of channel 3.

Click the {Type} button in the CIA.

Press {Manfctr} from the CIA to display the fixture library. The two columns on the left are pagable and show manufacturer names. Use the arrow buttons to scroll the list of manufacturers. Selecting a manufacturer repaints the device columns with all devices from that manufacturer that are available for patching.

Scroll through the device list and make your selection. After the selection is made, the fixture or device type will be placed on the command line after the channel number and displayed in the box beneath the {Type} button.

Patching a scroller requires a mouse or touchscreen.

Note:

Click the {Attributes} softkey, and then click on {Scroller} to assign a scroller.

The Scroller/Wheel picker will display in the CIA. You can either select one of the default scrollers or you can create your own scroller. See Using the Scroller Editor, page 59 and Calibrating a

Scroller, page 64 for more information.

Notice the two softkeys {Favorites} and {Manfctr} located beneath the CIA.

{Favorites} provides you with the option of showing only the library of fixtures or devices that are already patched in the show and your favorites. {Manfctr} shows all fixtures or devices available in the library sorted by manufacturer.

For more information on {Favorites}, see Patching Moving Lights, LEDs, and

Accessories, page 65.

58 Element User Manual

Using the Scroller Editor

Select the scroll or wheel type.

The scroller and wheel picker allows you to choose a specific scroll, color wheel, gobo wheel, or effect wheel from standard manufacturers and associate them with fixtures. You may also create customized scrolls or wheels using the editor to match custom devices installed in your fixture.

Note:

Scrollers and wheels can be created before being patched. All attributes will be available.

Using the Picker

Default color and pattern media for the selected fixture, as determined in the fixture library, is displayed in the {Attributes} page. Only the media attribute that is available for the selected fixture will display.

In the sample image below, the selected channel (1) is a Source Four scroller. If the selected channel included a color wheel and two gobo wheels, each device would be represented in the display with a button.

Revolution with a color

The picker displays on the left half of the CIA when you select the specific attribute ({Scroller}, {Color Wheel}, {Gobo Wheel}, or {Effect Wheel}). The picker displayed is specific to the selected attribute (the scroll picker will display when {Scroller} is clicked, the color wheel picker will display when {Color Wheel} is clicked, and so on).

6 Patch 59

The picker displays buttons for the standard scroll or wheel type of the selected channel. The default selection is the wheel as shipped from the manufacturer (derived from the fixture library). Displayed to the left of the standard scroll or wheel selection is a list of each color or gobo as they are installed in the selected device (frame by frame). When the color or pattern image is available, it will display next to the frame name.

In the previous image, {ETC Scroll} is the default scroll for the selected ETC Source Four Revolution. The list of gel colors as they are installed in the scroll are displayed to the left with a color chip for easy reference. Selecting any other type, such as {Martin Scroll}, redraws the frame list to match.

The softkeys displayed beneath the picker are {Clear}, {New}, {Copy}, {Edit}, and {Delete}.

• {Clear} - clears the selection type from the selected channel in the picker.

• {New} - creates a new scroll or wheel and provides additional softkeys to enable the Editor. See Using the Editor below.

• {Copy} - makes a copy of the currently selected scroll or wheel type, which can then be edited using the editor. See Using the Editor below.

• {Edit} - used to edit an existing scroll or wheel.

• {Delete} - used to remove the selected frame only from a scroll or wheel that you have created.

Using the Editor

The editor is used to create new or edit copied scrolls and wheels. While in the picker display, you can create a new scroll or wheel by pressing the {New} softkey or make a copy of an existing scroll or wheel by selecting the source, then pressing the {Copy} softkey. Press [Label] to name the scroll or wheel.

The editor does not limit how many frames you can add to the scroll or wheel for the selected fixtures. Keep in mind that any fixture has its own limitations. For example, a Source Four Revolution color scroller is limited to 24 frames. If you have created a custom color scroll with 30 frames, the Source Four Revolution will only provide you access to the first 24 frames that you created. This applies to wheels as well.

When using the editor, the following softkeys are available for use:

• {Insert} - inserts a new frame above the selected frame.

• {Delete} - removes the selected frame.

• {Edit} - changes the selected frame.

• {Done} - completes the editing process

Note:

It is possible to import custom gobo images. See Importing Custom Gobo Images,

page 41 for more information. To use a custom gobo image, select {Gobo} and

then {Custom}.

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Creating a new scroll or wheel

Manufacturer

list

Manufacturer

catalog

Cataloged media

(sorted numerically)

The media selection includes the following softkeys:

• {Gel}, {Color}, {Gobo}, and {Effect} - each will display available media selections as they are cataloged by the associated scroll or wheel manufacturers.

• {Open} - places the frame in Open White.

• {Cancel} - cancels the media selection and returns to the frame editor.

When you create a new scroll or wheel, {New Wheel x} appears in the wheel list as the selected button. The frame list will be empty with only “New” displayed in frame 1.

You can label the new wheel by pressing the [Label] and typing the desired label on the virtual keyboard and pressing {Enter}.

To select a color or pattern for the specific frame in the scroll or wheel, select the “NEW” text. The available gel, color, gobo and effect media selections will be displayed.

When a manufacturer is selected from the list, the catalog selection changes to display only the selected manufacturer’s offerings. When a specific catalog is selected, the media will display in the last three columns of the editor.

When you make a media selection, the display returns to the new wheel frame list where additional frames can be added to the scroll or wheel (using the {New} frame button) or you can click in the next frame area to add more frames.

Note:

6 Patch 61

An {Invert} softkey will display when creating or copying a wheel or scroller. {Invert} is used to reverse the order of frames.

Editing a copy of a scroll or wheel

The media selection includes the following softkeys:

• {Gel}, {Color}, {Gobo}, and {Effect} - each will display available media selections as they are cataloged by the associated scroll or wheel manufacturers.

• {Open} - places the frame in Open White.

• {Cancel} - cancels the media selection and returns to the frame editor.

Manufacturer

List

Manufacturer

catalog

Cataloged media

(sorted numerically)

If a copy has been made of an existing scroll or wheel, the copied scroll or wheel will display as {New Wheel x} before the standard manufacturer offerings. The frame list will include an exact duplicate of the copied selection.

To make a change to a frame you must first select the frame then press {Edit} to display the media selection. Or you can insert a new frame above a selected frame using the {Insert} softkey.

For example, to insert a new frame in between existing frames 2 and 3, select frame 3 and press the {Insert} key. The media selection will display.

When you make a media selection, the display returns to the new wheel frame list where additional frames can be edited in the scroll or wheel.

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Scroller Calibration Column

Values in grey are default data, and the values in blue are calibrated data.

Calibration can also be done from the scroller calibration column.

The calibration information, that is displayed, is the DMX address that puts the frame into its center position. Information in the calibration column can be manually edited by clicking on it and typing in a new DMX address.

Note:

Pressing the softkey {Clear Calib} will clear out the calibration data for the whole scroller wheel, returning it to the default data.

Scroller wheels and their calibration data can be copied to other channels.

• [1] {Copy Scroller} [2] [Enter] - copies the scroller and calibration data from channel 1 to channel 2.

Scrollers that have calibrated data will display a “~” after their name.

Calibration data will only be applied to scroller wheels that are assigned to a channel. Data will not be displayed when viewing a wheel with an empty command line.

Calibration data can be returned to its default by clicking on the data and pressing [Clear]. If you are entering in new data and hit [Clear], the data will return to the default and not any previously calibrated data.

The {Calibrate} button will now only appear on scroller

parameters that are currently not at the center of a frame.

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Calibrating a Scroller

Scroller Encoder

Frame Picker

You can calibrate the center point of any frame in a scroller using the calibrate feature. This will ensure that color scroll frames will be centered over the aperture of the fixture when you advance a color scroll frame-by-frame. You can do this using the ML Controls display. See “ML Control” on

page 146..

Note:

To calibrate a scroller:

Step 1: In the Live display, select the scroller channel. Step 2: Use the [ML Controls] key to open the ML Controls display.

Step 3: To begin calibrating, click on the {Scroller::} button. The scroller encoder will be

Step 4: Use the scroller encoder to adjust the centerpoint of a frame. It is recommended that

Step 5: When the frame is centered, click {Calibrate}. Step 6: Repeat for any remaining frames that need to be calibrated.

It is recommended that you calibrate your scroller frames starting with the last frame and working backward to the first frame. This will help ensure a complete and accurate calibration.

Calibration may need to be performed when you initially patch a scroller and may need to be adjusted through the course of operation as spring tension changes in a color scroller.

• The color category will display automatically with the Hue and Saturation encoders and a frame picker.

displayed.

you start with the last frame in the scroll.

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Patching Moving Lights, LEDs, and Accessories

The process of patching moving lights requires more detail than patching a dimmer. Specific information is required for more advanced control of the features offered by moving lights.

It is recommended that when patching moving lights, LEDs, and accessories that you work in patch by channel mode.

Note:

After you have entered the channel number, click {Type}. You will then select a device type from the fixture library.

Scroll through the device list and make your selection. If a fixture has multiple modes or types, it will display in blue text. Clicking on its name will open a list of available modes. After the selection is made, the fixture or device type will be placed on the command line after the channel number and displayed in the box beneath the {Type} button

Notice the three softkeys {Favorites}, {Manfctr}, and {Add Favorite} located beneath the CIA.

• {Favorites} provides you with the option of showing only the library of fixtures or devices that are already patched in the show and your favorites.

• {Manfctr} shows all fixtures or devices available in the library sorted by manufacturer.

• {Add Favorite} will add a fixture or device to your favorites list. If you want to delete a fixture or device from the favorites list, click {Edit} while in the favorites display. Select the device you wish to remove and click {Delete}.

Patching moving lights, LEDs, and accessories require a mouse or touchscreen.

Press [At] and then enter a starting address for the selected channel or group of channels.

To select a device interface (optional), click {Interface}. See “Output Protocols” on page 247.

Click the {Attributes} softkey to set detailed moving light attributes. The following buttons may be available on this page depending on the device selected: {Invert Pan} and {Invert Tilt}, {Swap}, {Scroller}, {Gobo Wheel}, {Color Wheel}, {Preheat}, {Proportion}, and {Curve}. See

“Attributes” on page 68.

If your moving light includes parameters such as a color scroller or gobo wheel and you have custom gels or non-standard patterns installed, use the Scroller/Wheel Picker and Editor to modify the device patched. The more specific your patch data (including accurate colors and patterns), the more detailed programming and operating will be.

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Using {Offset} in Patch

Using the {Offset} feature in patch allows you to force a numerical offset between the starting address of channels in patch or for offsetting your channel selection. This feature is useful when you have configurable devices in your show, such as a Source Four Revolution, which has option slots for additional addresses (scrollers, indexing pattern wheels, and so on), or when you want to start your addresses at some known multiplier.

• [1] [Thru] [5] {Type} {Source Four Revolution} [At] [1] {Offset} [3] [1] [Enter] - fixtures will be patched with a patch address offset of 31 channels, allowing you to have additional space within the patch for a given fixture type regardless of configuration or personality.

• [1] [Thru] [2] [0] {Offset} [2] {Type} {VL1000} [At] [1] {Offset} [2] [0] [Enter]- selects every other channel in the list and patches them with an offset of 20 addresses.

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Display Pages in Patch

Softkeys available for use while in patch include {Patch}, {Attributes}, and {Database}. Pressing any of these softkeys opens a paged view of the patch display and redraws the CIA to an expanded view of fields related to the selected page.

When creating and editing your patch, page through each of these softkeys individually to enter more specific data about your selected device.

{Patch} Display and Settings

When in the patch display, Element defaults to this page. It provides access to data input fields that you may use to define devices in your lighting system.

• {Channel} - In the patch display, all channels are displayed in numerical order. When multiple devices are patched to the same channel, the channel number is only displayed in the first row, additional devices are indicated with part extensions (example P2) on the next row of the table.

• Select the channel number using the control keypad or the direct selects.

• {Type} - Element defaults to patching dimmers. To specify a specific device type for the selected channel, press the {Type} button from the CIA.

• The two columns on the left side of the CIA are pagable and show manufacturer names. The four columns to the right of the manufacturer’s list are pagable devices that are available from the selected manufacturer for patching.

• Selecting a specific manufacturer repaints the display with all devices that are

available from that manufacturer. After you select a device, the device type appears in the command line, in the {Type} box in the CIA, and in the “Type” field for that channel in the patch display.

• {Label} - An optional user-defined label. You can use the [Label] key to display the virtual PC keyboard on the CIA. Pressing {Label} or [Label], after a label has already been assigned, will display the label on the command line for editing purposes. Pressing [Label] [Label] will delete the text.

• [1] [At] [5] [Label] <S4 house right> [Enter] - patches channel 1 to address 5 and labels the channel “S4 house right”.

• {Address} - A required entry field for any device. You may use the [At] or [Dimmer/Address] key rather than the {Address} button.

• Use the keypad to define the starting address for the device or a port and offset value.

Note:

• You may enter a start address without defining an end address. Element will draw this

Press and hold the [Data] key to show the complimentary value. For example if you have entered address value 514, the complimentary value would be port and offset 2/2. See “Using Output Address vs Port/Offset” on page 56.

information from the library data. If you wish to leave a larger output gap than required

6 Patch 67

by the library, use [Offset]. See Using {Offset} in Patch, page 66.

• If you specify a start address that conflicts with other channels already patched, the conflicting channels will be unpatched after a confirmation from the user.

• {Interface} - An optional field used to specify what network interfaces should be used for the output. When the field is left blank, the default data output is used as selected in the {Network} section of the ECU. For more information about setting defaults, see Output

Protocols, page 247. The interface options available are Default, ACN, EDMX, ArtNet, Avab

UDP, and DMX, depending on what has been enabled in the {Network} section of the ECU for the console. If the output is the default, as drawn from the settings in the ECU, this field will be blank.

• {Flash} - will bring a channel or address to full, and then every other second the level will move to 15%. That will hold for 1 second, and then the level will return to full. The channel or address will keep flashing until the command line is cleared.

Attributes

The {Attributes} area of patch provides you with optional fields for additional information and details relating to your patched fixtures.

The {Attributes} settings that apply to conventional fixtures are {Preheat}, {Proportion}, {Curve},

{LD Flags}, and {GM Exempt}. Additional settings that apply to moving lights and accessories are {Fan Curve}, {Invert Tilt}, {Invert Pan}, and {Swap P/T}.

When the selected device includes a color scroller, a {Scroller} button will be displayed in the CIA, and when the selected device includes a color wheel, a gobo wheel, or an effect wheel, {Color Wheel}, {Gobo Wheel}, or {Effect Wheel} buttons will appear.

With a channel selected, click the desired attribute button and use the keypad to set the attribute value.

• {Preheat} -This field allows you to specify an intensity value to preheat incandescent filaments. When a preheat flag is applied to a cue, any channels that are fading from zero to an active intensity and have been assigned a preheat value in patch will preheat in the immediately preceding cue.

• [1] {Preheat} [0] [3] [Enter] - channel 1 is assigned a patched preheat value of 3%.

The preheat flag is applied to a cue as an attribute when the cue is recorded. See “Preheat”

on page 117.

• {Proportion} - An attribute to set a modifier for the intensity of the device. If the patch limit is set at 90% (for example), the actual output will always be 10% lower than the specified intensity parameter, as impacted by the various playbacks or submasters. This value is set numerically in a range of 0% to 200%.

• [1] {Attributes} {Proportion} [1] [2] [5] [Enter] -applies a 125% proportion to channel

• [1] {Attributes} {Proportion} [Enter] - removes the applied proportion from channel 1.

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• {Curve} - Used to assign a curve to an address in patch. In patch, curve is applied to intensity parameters only. For more information on curves, See “Storing and Using Curves” on

page 201.

From channel view:

• [1] {Curve} [4] [Enter] - applies curve 4 to the intensity parameter of channel 1.

• [2] [Part] [3] {Curve} [3] [Enter] - applies curve 3 to the intensity assigned to channel 2, part 3.

From address view:

• [3] {Curve} [3] [Enter] - assigns curve 3 to address 3.

• [3] [/] [2] {Curve} [4] [Enter] - assigned curve 4 to universe 3, address 2.

• {Fan Curve} - Used to assign a curve to the scroller fan parameter, which allows for the output of the fan to be controlled by the intensity of the channel.

Note:

• {LD Flags} - This field allows channels to contribute to live and dark move flags in the playback status display. Disabling will prohibit those channel moves from contributing to the live and dark move flags. This is enabled by default.

• {GM Exempt} - Used to exempt the intensity of a channel from grandmaster, blackout, rem dim, and go to cue 0 operations.

• {Invert} - A moving light attribute used to invert the output of pan, tilt, or both. Select either the {Invert Tilt} or the {Invert Pan} button on the CIA.

• [2] {Attributes} {Invert Pan} - inverts the output of the pan parameter.

• {Swap P/T} - A moving light attribute used to exchange pan and tilt levels. Select the {Swap} button on the CIA.

• [2] {Attributes} {Swap P/T} - swaps the pan and tilt parameters for channel 2.

• {Scroller} - An attribute used to change the scroll loaded in a scroller or moving light. Select the {Scroller} button on the CIA to display the scroller picker and the scrolls available for your device. See “Using the Picker” on page 59.

• [2] {Attributes} {Scroller} - opens the scroller picker in the CIA for scroll selection for

• {Gobo Wheel} - An attribute used to change the gobo wheel loaded in a moving light. Select the {Gobo Wheel} button on the CIA to display the wheel picker with gobo options available for your device. See “Using the Picker” on page 59.

• [3] {Attributes} {Gobo Wheel} - selects channel 3 and opens the wheel picker in the

• {Color Wheel} - An attribute used to change the color wheel loaded in a moving light. Select the {Color Wheel} button on the CIA to display the wheel picker with the options available for your device. See “Using the Picker” on page 59.

• [4] {Attributes} {Color Wheel} - selects channel 4 and opens the wheel picker in the

• {Effect Wheel} - An attribute used to change the effect wheel loaded in a moving light. Select the

{Effect Wheel} button on the CIA to display the wheel picker with effect options available

for your device. See “Using the Picker” on page 59.

• [5] {Attributes} {Effect Wheel} - selects channel 5 and opens the wheel picker in the

When {Curve} or {Fan Curve} is pressed, a list of the available curves will be displayed. Clicking on an available curve will assign it.

channel 2.

CIA for gobo wheel selection.

CIA for color wheel selection.

CIA for effect wheel selection.

6 Patch 69

Database

Note:

The {Database} page provides you with additional fields for entering information. These fields include {Notes} and {Text 1} through {Text 4}. Clicking on {Text 1} through {Text 4} will open up a display for selection of keywords. It will display keywords that were already created as well as showing an option for creating new keywords. Clicking on {New Keyword} will display an alphanumeric keyboard for entering in a new keyword.

• {Text} - Text fields are used to provide up to four keywords about any channel or group of channels. These fields can be anything that you think is important about a channel, such as its location (FOH), an attribute of it (wash, spot) or other characteristics of the channel (such as gel R80). You may use the virtual PC keyboard in the CIA, or an external keyboard, to provide up to 30 characters of key words about the device.

• [5] {Database} {Text 1} < FOH right> [Enter] - adds text to channel 5.

Database is used with the query feature, which is not available on Element. However since show files are compatible between the Eos Family consoles, the database is available on Element.

• {Notes} - Provides you the ability to attach a text note to a channel or group of channels. Select the {Notes} button on the CIA to display the virtual PC keyboard. You may type a label or any length of note regarding your channel in this space.

• [5] {Database} {Notes} <this fixture is a backup to channel 15 for front of house right / new lamp installed on 10/4/06> [Enter] - adds a note to channel 5.

Deleting Keywords from the Database

Keywords can be deleted from any of the four text fields in the database. To delete a keyword from the entire database, you would use the following syntax:

• [Delete] {Text1} <orange> [Enter] [Enter]

This will delete orange anywhere it was used in any text field of any channel.

To just delete a keyword from a specific channel, you would use the following syntax:

• [1] {Text1} [Enter]

That would delete the text from channel 1's first text field only. If you wanted to delete the second text field, you would select {Text2} and so on.

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Using Device List

The Device List is used to discover, configure, and monitor compatible Remote Device Management (RDM) and network devices. RDM allows for bi-directional communication between a RDM compatible device, such as a lighting fixture, and your desk.

Two lists, dimmer and RDM, make up the device list.

The dimmer list is the area of patch that handles setting up dimmer feedback from CEM+, CEM3, and FDX 2000. You can also do some configuration of dimmers from this list.

The RDM List is the area of patch that handles RDM feedback with devices. You can also do some configuration of devices from this list. Once RDM compatible devices have been patched, they keep communicating with the desk to allow you to know when things like blown lamps happen or if a device goes offline for some reason.See “RDM Device List” on page 73.

The Device List displays all discovered devices during the current session and all devices that have been stored in the show file.

Note:

Desks only support RDM devices that are connected through an external ACN gateway. Supported gateways are the ETC Net3 4 or 2 port Gateways. Gateways need to be running version 5.1 or newer.

Dimmer List for CEM+, CEM3, FDX 2000, and FDX 3000

Note:

To use the Dimmer Feedback area of the Device List, you must first enable feedback. In the network tab of the ECU, when using CEM+ or CEM3, make sure {Sensor Feedback} is enabled, or when using FDX 2000 or FDX 3000, make sure that {FDX} is enabled. The default setting is disabled for both. See “Interface Protocols” on page 248.

Open the Dimmer Feedback display while in the patch display by pressing {Device List}> {Dimmers}. When the dimmer list is opened, the dimmers will be displayed in Patch by Address mode

For Dimmer Feedback, these software versions are required: CEM+ v3.0 and newer, CEM3 v1.0 and newer, and FDX v3.4.0 and earlier

6 Patch 71

Element will display the following information that it receives from the dimmers:

•Address

• Channel

• Label

• System

•Rack

•Lug

• Properties

• Module Type

• Firing Mode

• Control Mode

•Curve

• Loads

• Recorded Loads

Note:

System numbers, rack numbers, and group numbers need to be unique for Element to properly recognize them. For CEM+, dimmers also need to be patched to different sACN addresses.

With a dimmer or dimmers selected, you can edit various dimmer settings in the property view, which will display in the CIA. Items with a caret (>) are editable. When multiple dimmers are selected together for editing, an “*” will show for data that is different between the selected dimmers.

FDX dimmers will not display data for the following:

• Recorded Load

• Actual Load

• Rack Dimmer Source

• Threshold

• Scale Minimum

• Preheat Enable

• Preheat Timing

•AF Enable

Note:

When dimmers are discovered, they are not automatically attached to patched channels in Element; you must attach a dimmer to a channel. See “Patching

Discovered Dimmers and RDM Devices” on page 75.

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RDM Device List

RDM Activity Indicator

Before you can start using the RDM Device List, you must first enable {RDM} in the network tab of the ECU. By default RDM is disabled. See “Interface Protocols” on page 248. RDM must also be enabled on the DMX ports of the Gateway. The Gateway needs to be running version 5.1 or newer.

Open the RDM Device List while in the patch display by pressing {Device List}> {RDM}.

You will need to make sure that {Device Discovery} is enabled.

{Device Discovery} is disabled by default. The {Device Discovery} option will not display if {RDM} is disabled in the ECU.

Note:

When the RDM device list is opened, the devices will be displayed in Patch by Address mode. At the top of the list is a RDM indicator. This indicator shows incoming and outgoing RDM traffic.

Element will display the following information that it receives from the RDM devices:

• Address (a part will be added if multiple devices are discovered with the same address)

• Channel

• Label

• Manufacturer

• Model

•Footprint

Element will also display what personality from the Element library the device matches in the Element Type column. This information will not display until you first select the device. Once the device has been selected for the first time, Element will extract the type information from the device and display it.

{Device Discovery} will automatically disable when you leave the patch display.

The following messages may display in the Element Type column:

• No RDM Data Available - no model specific RDM data has been extracted from the device.

• Extracting RDM Commands - currently getting the command data from the device.

• Extracting RDM Fixture -currently getting the data required to create a fixture definition for the device.

• Extracting RDM Sensors - currently getting the sensor definitions from the device.

• Offline - no model specific RDM data has been extracted from the device and it is now offline.

6 Patch 73

With a device or devices selected, you can edit various device settings in the property view, which will display in the CIA. Items with a caret (>) are editable. When multiple devices are selected together for editing, an “*” will show for data that is different between the selected devices.

The following buttons will also display in the property view:

• {Device Properties} - opens the properties list for the selected RDM device.

• {Sensors} - displays if the selected device has sensors. Pressing {Sensors} will open the sensors list.

• {Lamp Controls} - displays if the selected device has lamp controls.Pressing {Lamp Controls} will open the lamp controls list.

• {Ignore Errors} - when enabled, errors messages will not display in the live/blind displays. They will still display in about and the properties display in patch.

• {Reload RDM Data} - deletes the fixture data from the desk and reloads it from the device.

• {Flash} - triggers the identity function of the RDM device. The identity function may defer between different manufacturers' devices. For example, Wybron scrollers identify by wiggling their gel back and forth.

• {!} or {?} - displays if selected device has errors. Pressing {!}/{?} will open the error list.

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Patching Discovered Dimmers and RDM Devices

About

About Errors

Live

Patch

Click to see errors.

When dimmers/devices are discovered, they are not automatically attached to any patched channels in Element. If you want the benefits of dimmer or RDM feedback, you must attach a dimmer or device to a channel.

If you patch a dimmer/device's address to a channel, while in the device list display, the dimmer/ device will be automatically attached to that channel. However, if you patch outside of the device list, you will need to {Attach} the device to the channel

Note:

<Chan> [X] {Attach} or <Address> [X] {Attach} will link that channel/address in patch and the dimmers/devices at that address.

When a channel number is attached to a dimmer/device, by patching it or using {Attach}, the channel’s fixture type is changed to the dimmer or device fixture type.

The advantages of attaching a dimmer to a channel are:

• The desk warns you when a channel’s attached dimmer has an error or is offline.

• Items that are attached between patch and the device list will display a caret (>) beside their channel/address in patch.

The advantages of attaching a device to a channel are:

• Its fixture type is copied to the channel.

• The desk warns you when a channel’s attached device is offline or has an error.

• The device will always appear in the device list display, even if the device is offline.

Items that are attached between patch and the device list will display a caret (>) beside their channel/address in patch.

If the dimmer/device's address is not yet used in the patch, it is easiest to patch the address to a channel in the dimmer list or device list screen.

Errors and Warnings

One of the advantages of using dimmer and RDM feedback is error and warning reporting. If something happens with a patched and attached dimmer/ device, you will be notified in live, patch, and about.

The notifications you can see are:

• A red “!” means that the dimmer/ device has errors, such as overtemp, breaker trip, and lamp out.

6 Patch 75

• Yellow “?” means that the dimmer/ device has a warning message.Warning messages can include:

• Multiple devices’ addresses overlap

• Multiple devices of different devices at this address

• Patched fixture type mismatch

• Patched fixture address mismatch

• Offline

Detaching Devices

Pressing {Attach} twice will post the {Detach} command.

<Chan> [X] {Attach} {Attach} or <Address> [X] {Attach} {Attach} will remove the link between

that channel/address and the device at that address.

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Dimmer Doubling

You can patch channels in Element to accommodate for dimmer doubling with Sensor dimmer racks. This is done using the softkeys available in patch ({No Dim Dbl}, {A}, and {B}).

For Example:

Let’s assume you patch 96 channels of dimmers to addresses 1-96.

• [1] [Thru] [9] [6] [At] [1] [Enter]

Now you wish to dimmer double 1-12 of your Sensor rack and you want these to be channels 97-108. To patch this, press:

• [9] [7] [Thru] [1] [0] [8] [At] [1] {B} [Enter]

Channels 97-108 are patched to address 1-12 B, while channels 1-12 are now patched to address 1-12 A.

To remove the dimmer doubling from these addresses, you must first press [Format] to enter Address mode and then press:

• [1] [Thru] [1] [2] {NoDimDbl} [Enter]

Addresses 1-12 have been returned to single dimmer modes and channels 97-108 are now deleted.

By default, doubled dimmers start with an offset DMX address value of 20000. Therefore, in the above example, address 1B (channel 97) is actually controlled by DMX address 20001. Address 2B is actually controlled by DMX address 20002 and so on. This offset matches the default offset in CEM+/CEM3 when configuring your Sensor dimmer rack for dimmer doubling. To change the default offset value, see {Dim. Dbl. Offset}, page 44.

Moving and Copying Channels

Channels and their data can be moved from one location to another within patch. Channel data can be copied between different channels. You can also move the channel data from one channel to a different one.

• [1] [Copy To] [Copy To] [7] [Enter]

The second press of the [Copy To] key changes the command into a “Move To”.

This syntax will move the patch information for channel 1 to the patch for channel 3. All data in the show file that was stored at channel 1 is also move to channel 3.

To copy a channel to another location within patch:

• [1] [Copy To] [2] [Enter]

To copy a channel to another location within patch and all record targets in the show:

• [1] [Copy To] [2] {Plus Show} [Enter]

To copy a channel to another location with all record targets in the show but not the patch data:

• [1] [Copy To] [2] {Only Show} [Enter]

To copy on the notes and keyword fields from one channel to another:

• [1] [Copy To] [2] {Only Text} [Enter]

Note:

Move To always impact the entire show.

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Swapping Channels

Channels can be swapped for each other in patch:

• [1] {Swap} [2] [Enter]

This syntax will replace channel 1's address with channel 2's and vice versa in patch.

The following options are available with {Swap}:

• {Swap} - swaps only the patched address

• {Swap} {Plus Show} - swaps all show and patch data

• {Swap} {Only Show} - swaps only the show data and not patch data

• {Swap} {Plus Patch} - swaps addresses and patch data but not show data

Unpatch a Channel

To unpatch a channel while in patch you can press:

• [n] {Unpatch} [Enter]

The {Unpatch} softkey, will reset all the properties of the channel to the default. This includes removing the device type if specified.

To retain all the elements of the channel, besides the address, you would instead use:

• [n] [At] [0] [Enter]

Using [At] [0] will allow unpatched channels to still be manipulated and have data stored for them, but they do not output any information (as they are unpatched).

Deleting Channels

It is possible to delete channels in patch. Deleting channels is different from unpatching in that deleted channels cannot be manipulated or have parameter data stored for them. When deleted, the channel numbers will still be visible in the live/blind display, but the channel outline, containing the parameters and level information, will be removed from the display.

For Example:

To delete channels from patch by channel in the patch display, press:

• [6] [Thru] [1] [0] [Delete] [Enter] [Enter]

-or-

• [Delete] [1] [Thru] [1] [0] [Enter] [Enter]

CAUTION:

If a channel with programmed data is deleted, the recorded data will be lost.

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Clearing the Patch

You can clear the patch entirely by accessing the clear functions from the browser. Select {Clear} from the main browser menu. The clear functions window will open in the CIA.

To clear the patch, select {Clear Patch}. To reset the patch to 1-to-1, select {Reset Patch}. A confirmation is required before the patch will be cleared or reset.

To exit the clear functions screen without clearing, press the [Displays] key at any time or select a clear button and then select {Cancel} from the confirmation screen.

Update Library

When a new library is installed on Element (for example, included in a software update), changes in library data will not automatically update your show files. This is to prevent library changes from affecting a functional show file.

Using the {Fixtures} softkey in patch will open up the list of fixtures used in the current show file. In this view, you will be able to tell which fixtures in the currently loaded show file differ from the console’s fixture library. For fixtures that have a library update, the {Update Lib} softkey will display in white, and for fixtures that don’t have an update, the {Update Lib} softkey will be greyed out.

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Fixture Editor

Element provides you with the ability to create your own fixture type within patch and store it with your show file. You can name the fixture, assign all necessary parameters, define the address and operational range of those parameters, and set lamp controls.

The fixture creator is accessible from patch. Once a fixture has been created, it is stored in the show file. It is not added to the fixture library.

To open the fixture editor:

Step 1: Press [Patch] to open the patch display. Step 2: Press {Fixtures}. This will open a list displaying those same fixtures that are currently

patched and/or commonly used. This is the fixture creator.

Creating a New Fixture

New fixtures are created from the fixture creator list in the CIA (see above).

To create a new fixture, click {New}. A new fixture will be added to the fixture list.

Name New Fixture

Once the new fixture appears in the list, it is recommended that you name the fixture you are about to create.

To name a fixture in the creator list:

Step 1: Press [Page Step 2: Click {Type}. The virtual PC keyboard will open in the CIA. Step 3: Enter the desired name for the new fixture on the virtual (or attached alphanumeric)

keyboard.

Step 4: Press [Enter]. The name will appear in the “Type/Label” column for the new fixture.

Add parameters

After naming the fixture, you can specify which parameters the new fixture contains.

] to arrow down to the new fixture.

80 Element User Manual

To add parameters to a new fixture:

Step 1: Use the [Page] keys to select the new fixture from the fixture list. Step 2: Click {Edit}. That fixture will open in a new display in the CIA.

Step 3: Determine the total number of parameters that your fixture has. Do not count 16-bit

channels as two channels, this will be done in a later step.

Step 4: Click {New} to add parameter slots. Repeat this step until you have as many slots as

are required by the number determined in step 3.

Note:

Step 5: Use the [Page] keys to navigate to any parameter slots that you wish to alter the

Step 6: When you have selected a slot, click {Parameters}. The CIA will display buttons

The buttons on the left side of the CIA can be used to speed your search. You may click them to see only parameters that fall into the specific categories of {Intensity}, {Focus}, {Color}, {Image}, {Form}, {Shutter}, or {Control}. {All} returns you to the complete list of parameters.

When {New} is clicked, the parameter slot will appear in the list with a default name in the “Parameter” column. You may disregard these default parameters as you will redefine the designations in a later step.

default parameter designations.

representing all of the available parameters. The parameters are listed in alphabetical order.

a: Click the {>>} and {<<} buttons to scroll through the available parameters.

b: Use the parameter category buttons on the left of the CIA to expedite

searching for a particular parameter.

6 Patch 81

Step 7: Click the button for the desired parameter in the CIA. Step 8: Repeat steps 3-5 until you have entered all of the required parameters for the new

fixture.

If you are missing a parameter slot: at any point you can use the [Page] keys and {Insert}, to insert a parameter slot above the selected one.

If you want to remove a parameter: you can use the [Page] keys and {Delete}, to remove

a parameter from the list.

Define parameter channels

Once you have added and specified all of the parameters for the new fixture, you can now define the address requirements, size, and ranges for each of them.

To define the size (8-bit or 16-bit) of any parameter:

Step 1: Use the [Page] keys to navigate to any parameter that you wish to alter the size. The

system defaults to 8-bit for any new parameter.

Step 2: When selected, click {Size}. This will toggle the parameter from 8-bit to 16-bit. If 16-

bit is selected, the system automatically applies a value in the “LDMX” column. This value can be altered (see below).

To define the DMX address of any parameter:

You can alter the default DMX address assigned to any parameter in the list. This is not the actual address that will be used when patched, but rather it is the order of address for the parameter relative to the other parameters in the fixture.

Step 1: Use the [Page] keys to navigate to the “DMX” column of the desired parameter. Step 2: Enter the desired address using the keypad.

CAUTION:

To define the LDMX address of any 16-bit channel:

LDMX or “low-DMX” is the DMX address for the second half of any 16-bit channel. If used in Coarse/Fine determination. The DMX channel defines the “Coarse” adjustment and the LDMX defines the “Fine” adjustment.

Step 1: Use the [Page] keys to navigate to the “LDMX” column of the desired parameter. Step 2: Enter the desired address using the keypad.

To alter the Home settings for any parameter:

You can define the value for any parameter’s “home” value.

Step 1: Use the [Page] keys to navigate to the “Home” column of the desired parameter. Step 2: Enter the desired home value (0-255) using the keypad.

Be careful not to duplicate any address in the DMX order of parameters in the new fixture. Element does not prevent you from duplicating addresses.

Range editing a parameter

You can enter the operational ranges for specific slots within any specific parameter (such as color scroller, color wheel, gobo wheel, and so on).

For example, if the parameter were “Gobo Wheel”, and the fixture included a four-slot gobo wheel, you can use ranges to determine the minimum or maximum values for each of those slots. You can also label the slots and define the minimum or maximum values that will appear in the channel display for that parameter.

82 Element User Manual

To define the range values for any parameter:

Step 1: Use the [Page] keys to navigate to the parameter that you want to add ranges to. Step 2: Click {Ranges}. The range list will open. Step 3: Determine the total number of slots required by the parameter. Be sure to include

“open” slots when needed.

Step 4: Click {New} to add ranges. Repeat this step until you have as many slots as are

required by the number determined in step 3.

Step 5: Use the [Page] keys to select the range and field you wish to edit. Fields are:

• Min - enter the minimum value (0-255) for the range slot you are defining.

• Max - enter the maximum value (0-255) for the range slot.

• User Min - enter the value that will be displayed to users (for example, what will be displayed in the live summary view) when the slot is at its minimum value. Value can range from -9999 to 65535.

• User Max - enter the value that will be displayed to users when the slot is at its maximum value. Value can range from -9999 to 65535.

Step 6: Click {Label} to add a label to any range slots. These will appear in the encoder LCD

when the related parameter is displayed for the new fixture.

Step 7: Click {Done} when you have finished editing the ranges.

Lamp Controls

You can also add any needed lamp controls.

To add lamp controls:

Step 1: Use the [Page] keys to select the new fixture from the fixture list. Step 2: Click {Edit}. That fixture will open in a new display in the CIA. Step 3: Determine the total number of lamp controls your fixture has.

Step 4: Click {New} to add control slots. Repeat this step until you have as many slots as are

required by the number determined in step 3. Step 5: Use the [Page] keys to navigate to any control slot that you wish to name. Step 6: When you have selected a slot, click {Ctrl Label}. The virtual keyboard will open for

you to name the control slot. Step 7: Click {Enter} when you have finished labeling the control or {Esc} to return to the

main lamp controls display. Step 8: Repeat steps 5-8 for each slot created in step 4.

If you are missing a control slot: at any point you can use the [Page] keys and {Insert}, to insert a slot above the selected one.

If you want to remove a lamp control: you can use the [Page] keys and {Delete}, to remove a lamp control from the list.

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To add steps to a lamp control:

Step 1: Use the [Page] keys to navigate to a control slot. Step 2: Click {Steps} to add steps. The steps list will open.

Step 3: Determine the total number of steps required for the control. Step 4: Click {New} to add steps. Repeat this step until you have as many steps as are

required by the number determined in step 3. Step 5: Use the [Page] keys to select the step. Step 6: Use the {Hold} or {Time} keys to assign a time to the step. Times are entered in

seconds. Step 7: Use the {Level} key to assign a level to the step. The levels list will open.

Step 8: Determine the total number of levels required for the step. Step 9: Click {New} to add levels. Repeat this step until you have the number of levels

required by the number determined in step 8. Step 10: Assign a DMX number by clicking {DMX Number} or {All Offsets}. Step 11: Assign a DMX level value by clicking {DMX Level}. Step 12: Click {Return} when you have finished editing the levels. Step 13: Click {Return} when you have finished editing the steps.

Copying a Fixture

It is possible to copy an existing fixture and then edit its parameters. In the fixture editor, there is a {Copy} button. Pressing {Copy} when a library fixture is selected will create a copy of that fixture and will assign it a new name. This new fixture can then be edited.

Merging Custom Fixtures into a New Show File

Custom fixtures are saved with your show file and not in the fixture library. If you want to use custom fixtures in a different show file, you will need to use the advanced merge function while in the new show file.

For more information, see Partial Patch Merging, page 38

Importing a Custom Fixture

You can import custom fixtures from an ASCII show file, see Importing Show Files, page 40.

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Snap Parameters

Certain parameters may not want to be subjected to cue timing. Those parameters can be set to snap. By default, Element will snap the parameters listed in the following table:

Beam FX Index/

Speed

Camera IR

Image

Clip Directory File Object Directory Strobe

Color Effect File Type Object File Sync Source

Color Index Front/Rear

Color Mix Generator Page Texture

Control Generic Control Position Blink Timeline

Copy Mod Image

Cue Internal Media

Dimmer Curve Library Select Transition Speed

Edge Blend

Profile

Effect File Mode Shape Library Transition Type

Effect Library MSpeed Shutter

Enable Negative Shutter Strobe

Mechanism

Output

Projection

Movement Speed

Frame

Macro Shape Transition Time

Command

Projector Input Timeline Position

Relay Tracking Object

Te xt

In the [About] channel patch screen, the snap column shows which parameters for that channel are currently set to snap.

If you wish to disable any of the default snap parameters or enable snap for parameters that are not by default enabled, you will need to first create a copy of the fixture profile. In the fixture editor for the copied profile, change the parameter settings via the Snap Enable/Disable column.

Note:

You will need to patch your fixtures to their new fixture type if you change which parameters are to snap or not.

6 Patch 85

86 Element User Manual

Chapter 7

Basic Manual Control

Element provides a variety of ways to select and command control channels. This chapter identifies the many basic ways you can select channels and manipulate show data within Element.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Using Channel Faders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

• Selecting Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

• Setting Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

• Select Last . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

• Using +% and -% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

• Remainder Dim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

• Sneak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

• Channel Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

• Address at Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

• Address Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

• Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

• Moving Light Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

7 Basic Manual Control 87

Using Channel Faders

Intensity data

One way to bring up channel levels with Element is using the channel faders. The fader position switch is used to select between channels 1-40, channels 41-80, or channels 81-120. Element will ship with the fader position switch in channels 1-40 mode.

With the fader position switch in channels 1-40 mode, channel 1 will be controlled by the leftmost fader in the first bank of faders. Channel 40 will be controlled by the rightmost fader in the second bank. When the fader position switch is in channels 41-80 mode, channel 41 will be controlled by the leftmost fader in the first bank of faders. Channel 80 will be controlled by the rightmost fader in the second bank.

Note:

Raising a channel fader will bring up the corresponding channel’s level. This will be reflected on Element’s live display. The channel intensity level will appear in red to indicate the level is being set manually.

Element’s fader status display will also show the channel’s level. For more information, See “Indicators in the Fader

Status Display” on page 262.

Element’s channel faders are LTP or Latest-TakesPrecedence, which means that you can take control of a channel simply by moving the fader to

match the current output level. Channel faders, like the keypad and level wheel, can then take levels above or below the current playback level. See HTP vs. LTP, page 236.

Holding down [Shift] while moving the channel faders, will allow them to move without changing the channel levels. This is helpful when you have used your channel faders to record a cue. This allows you to restore your faders to zero, while leaving the cue values on stage. If you don’t do this, the LTP behavior will drive the channels toward zero.

If you have an Element 60 console, the third bank of faders are always in submaster mode.

Channel faders will only control the first 120 channels. Channels 121 and above must be controlled via the keypad. See “Selecting Channels” on page 89.

88 Element User Manual

ETC Element User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction

Welcome to Element

Using this Manual

Register Your Element

Online Element User Forums

Help from ETC Technical Services

Other Reference Materials

On Screen Prompts

Help System

Important Lighting Concepts

Quick Start

Getting Started

Hardware

Power Up the Console

Power Down the Console

Getting the Lights On

Setting Levels Via Channel Faders

Setting Levels Via the Control Keypad

Recording a Lighting Look

Recording a Submaster

Element Overview

Console Geography

Control Keypad Layout

Terminology

Cleaning Element

Outputting DMX

Console Capacities

Output Parameters

Channel Counts

Cues and Cue List

Record Targets

Faders

System Basics

The Central Information Area (CIA)

Browser

Command Line Prompt

Collapse/Expand the CIA

Lock the CIA

Favorite CIA Display

Locking the Facepanel

Using Softkeys

Context Sensitive Softkeys

Changing Softkey Pages

Using the Browser

Displays

Virtual Keyboard

Using Direct Selects

Direct Selects in Flexi Mode

Clear Functions

Display Control and Navigation

Opening and Closing Displays

Selecting Displays

Moving Displays

Scrolling within a Display

Expanding Displays

Show File Indicator

[Data] Key

[Label] Key

Using Flexichannel

Using [Format]

Zooming Displays

Managing Show Files

Create a New Show File

Open an Existing Show File

Selective Partial Show Opening

Merging Show Files

Printing a Show File

Saving the Current Show File

Using Quick Save

Using Save As

Importing Show Files

Exporting a Show File

Importing Custom Gobo Images

Imported Media and Partial Show Open/Merge

Deleting a File

File Manager