ETC Expression 2.0 User Manual

Table of Contents i
expression
Lighting control system
Version 2.0
User manual
4030M1006 • Revised 3/99 Copyright Electronic Theatre Controls 1991, 1999
Limited warranty
Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) warrants to the original owner or retail customer that for a period of one year from date of delivery of a portable system or energization of a perma­nently installed system (up to a maximum of 18 months from delivery) its products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. Warranty is limited to 90 days for rental equipment.
Warranty does not cover any product or part of a product subject to accident, negligence, alteration, abuse or misuse or any accessories or parts not supplied by ETC. Warranty does not cover “consumable” parts such as fuses, lamps, color media or components warranted directly to the owner by the original manufacturer. ETC’s warranty does not extend to items not manufac­tured by us. Freight terms on warranty repairs are FOB ETC factory or desig­nated repair facility. Collect shipments or freight allowances will not be accepted.
ETC’s sole responsibility under this warranty shall be to repair or replace at ETC’s option such parts as shall be determined to be defective on ETC’s inspection. ETC will not assume any responsibility for any labor expended or materials used to repair any equipment without ETC’s prior written authoriza­tion. ETC shall not be responsible for any incidental, general or consequential damages, damages to property, damages for loss of use, time, profits or income, or any other damages.
The owner’s obligations during the warranty period under this warranty are to notify ETC at ETC’s address within one week of any suspected defect, and to return the goods prepaid to ETC at their factory or authorized service center. THIS WARRANTY IS CONTINGENT ON THE CUSTOMER’S FULL AND TIMELY COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS OF PAYMENT SET FORTH IN THE “TERMS AND CONDITIONS”. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRAN­TIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND OF OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES ON OUR PART. THE OWNER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS WERE MADE TO HIM OR RELIED UPON HIM WITH RESPECT TO THE QUALITY AND FUNCTION OF THE GOODS SOLD.
This written warranty is intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms thereof. Prior dealings or trade usage shall not be relevant to modify, explain or vary this warranty. Acceptance of, or acquiescing in, a course of performance under this warranty shall not modify the meaning of this agreement even though either party has knowledge of the perform­ance and a chance to object.
table of contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
Expression
Using this manual................................................................................1 - 3
Text conventions ................................................................................. 1 - 5
Pile-on convention ............................................................................... 1 - 5
Getting help.........................................................................................1 - 6
Customer service ................................................................................1 - 6
Chapter 2 Installation
␣ ................................................................................................... 2 - 1
Expression
Installing your console and monitor ....................................................2 - 3
Installing two monitors .................................................................2 - 4
Monitor connectors and pinouts ................................................... 2 - 5
Entering system configuration ............................................................ 2 - 6
Installing dimmers ............................................................................... 2 - 8
Digital outputs DMX512, ETC/LMI, D192 dimmers.....................2 - 8
Analog wire-per-dimmer output (optional) ....................................2 - 8
Analog wire-per-dimmer input (optional).......................................2 - 9
AMX192 analog multiplex (optional) .............................................2 - 9
Installing printer.................................................................................2 - 10
Parallel printers ...........................................................................2 - 11
Serial printers .............................................................................. 2 - 12
Installing Designer’s Worksheet ....................................................... 2 - 13
Installing Remote Focus Unit ............................................................2 - 16
Installing Redundant Tracking Backup ..............................................2 - 17
Installing the alphanumeric keyboard ................................................ 2 - 18
Installing Infrared Remote Focus Unit...............................................2 - 19
Installing Remote Submasters and Macros ...................................... 2 - 20
␣ ...............................................................................................1 - 1
features ............................................................................1 - 2
back panel.........................................................................2 - 2
Monochrome monitors (RS-170) ............................................ 2 - 5
Color RGB monitors ............................................................... 2 - 5
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings
Entering softpatch ............................................................................... 3 - 2
Entering one-to-one softpatch ......................................................3 - 3
Creating custom softpatch ........................................................... 3 - 4
Using channel zero .................................................................3 - 4
Entering numbers of channels and dimmers ......................... 3 - 5
Patching dimmers to channels ...............................................3 - 6
Additional patching features .........................................................3 - 8
Proportional patching .............................................................3 - 8
Dimmer profiles .....................................................................3 - 9
Resetting factory dimmer profiles
and all dimmers to default setting........................................ 3 - 10
Capturing channels in softpatch ...........................................3 - 10
Unpatching individual dimmers ............................................3 - 11
Softpatching to a Strand CD80 dimmer rack ........................ 3 - 12
Entering system settings .................................................................. 3 - 13
Setting default full level........................................................ 3 - 14
Setting default up and down fade times ..............................3 - 14
Setting default fader clear times ..........................................3 - 15
Enable/disable bump switches ............................................. 3 - 15
Enable/disable Flexichannel ................................................. 3 - 16
␣ ............. 3 - 1
Chapter 4 Learning the basics
Lesson 1: Display, channel and record modes....................................4 - 2
Display modes ..............................................................................4 - 2
Stage, Blind and Fader screens.............................................. 4 - 4
Channel modes ............................................................................. 4 - 6
Captured channels .................................................................4 - 6
Selected channels ..................................................................4 - 6
Recorded channels.................................................................4 - 7
Moving channels ....................................................................4 - 7
Tracked channels ...................................................................4 - 7
Record functions...........................................................................4 - 8
␣ .......................................................................... 4 - 1
Table of Contents iii
Lesson 2: Working with cues..............................................................4 - 9
Creating cues .............................................................................. 4 - 10
Cue 1: Creating a cue in Stage ............................................ 4 - 11
Cue 2: Creating a cue in Blind .............................................4 - 13
Cue 3: Modifying up and down fade times .........................4 - 15
Cue 4: Linking cues ............................................................. 4 - 17
Cue 5: Creating a cue using Solo ........................................ 4 - 19
Inserting cues .............................................................................4 - 21
Deleting cues .............................................................................. 4 - 22
Viewing cues .............................................................................. 4 - 23
Copying cues .............................................................................4 - 24
Lesson 3: Playing back cues ............................................................. 4 - 25
Selecting cues ............................................................................ 4 - 26
Timed faders and LED displays .................................................. 4 - 26
Playing cues back ....................................................................... 4 - 27
Go to a different cue ................................................................... 4 - 28
Controlling fades manually..........................................................4 - 29
Level override.......................................................................4 - 30
Proportional rate override ..................................................... 4 - 30
Selecting fader operating mode ...........................................4 - 31
Manual control of linked cues .............................................. 4 - 31
Modifying cues on stage ............................................................ 4 - 32
Update cue ................................................................................. 4 - 33
Back key ..................................................................................... 4 - 34
Clearing fader pairs .....................................................................4 - 35
Lesson 4: Working with submasters ................................................4 - 36
Submaster pages ........................................................................ 4 - 38
Creating pile-on submasters .......................................................4 - 39
Recording submaster on a different page .................................. 4 - 40
Adding fade times to submasters...............................................4 - 41
Controlling submaster fades manually........................................4 - 42
Modifying pile-on submasters .................................................... 4 - 42
Creating inhibitive submasters ................................................... 4 - 43
Recording inhibitive submasters on a different page ................. 4 - 45
Modifying inhibitive submasters ................................................. 4 - 45
Using Update to modify submasters ..........................................4 - 46
Copying submasters ...................................................................4 - 46
Deleting submasters...................................................................4 - 47
Submaster sheet ........................................................................ 4 - 48
Lesson 5: Saving your show on disk ................................................. 4 - 49
Naming shows ............................................................................ 4 - 49
Formatting disks .........................................................................4 - 50
Recording a show on disk...........................................................4 - 51
Verifying a show on disk ............................................................. 4 - 52
Chapter 5 Learning advanced techniques
Lesson 1: Working with multipart cues ..............................................5 - 3
Wait times in multipart cues ......................................................... 5 - 3
Creating a multipart cue................................................................5 - 4
Converting a standard cue to a multipart cue ...............................5 - 6
Editing a multipart cue ..................................................................5 - 7
Lesson 2: Track record function .......................................................... 5 - 9
Using record to create tracks......................................................5 - 10
Recording modified cues ............................................................5 - 11
Inserting cues .............................................................................5 - 13
Blackout cues and tracking .........................................................5 - 15
Lesson 3: Track Sheet.......................................................................5 - 17
Track Sheet screen .....................................................................5 - 17
Track sheet description...............................................................5 - 18
Working with Track Sheet .......................................................... 5 - 19
Lesson 4: Using Group......................................................................5 - 21
Creating groups .......................................................................... 5 - 22
Displaying groups on stage.........................................................5 - 22
Modifying groups ........................................................................ 5 - 23
Modifying groups in Blind .................................................... 5 - 23
Modifying groups in Stage ................................................... 5 - 24
Modifying groups using Update ...........................................5 - 24
Deleting groups .......................................................................... 5 - 25
Copying groups ........................................................................... 5 - 26
Using groups to modify cues or submasters in Blind .................5 - 27
Using Group Sheet to display groups .........................................5 - 28
␣ ......................................... 5 - 1
Table of Contents v
Lesson 5 : Working with effects .......................................................5 - 29
Creating an effect .......................................................................5 - 30
Inserting and deleting steps ....................................................... 5 - 34
Editing steps ...............................................................................5 - 34
Effects shortcuts ........................................................................ 5 - 35
Lesson 6: Working with subroutines ................................................5 - 36
Styles ..........................................................................................5 - 36
Creating subroutines...................................................................5 - 37
Deleting a step............................................................................5 - 40
Inserting a step ...........................................................................5 - 40
Lesson 7: Working with autoloads .................................................... 5 - 43
Recording autoloads from Stage ................................................ 5 - 44
Recording, previewing and modifying
autoloads from Blind ................................................................... 5 - 45
Playing back autoloads................................................................5 - 46
Lesson 8: Working with macros .......................................................5 - 47
Creating or modifying a macro....................................................5 - 48
Using submasters in macros ......................................................5 - 50
Running a macro ......................................................................... 5 - 50
Putting a macro on hold .............................................................. 5 - 50
Cancelling a macro......................................................................5 - 51
Deleting a macro.........................................................................5 - 51
Sample macros ...........................................................................5 - 52
Chapter 6 Using print and disk options
Print options ........................................................................................6 - 2
Cues..............................................................................................6 - 3
Cue sheet ..................................................................................... 6 - 4
Designer’s Worksheet ..................................................................6 - 5
Groups ..........................................................................................6 - 6
Group Sheet..................................................................................6 - 7
Macros .......................................................................................... 6 - 8
Real time programs ...................................................................... 6 - 9
Softpatch ....................................................................................6 - 10
Stage display...............................................................................6 - 11
Submasters.................................................................................6 - 12
Submaster Sheet ........................................................................6 - 13
Track Sheet ................................................................................. 6 - 14
␣ ..............................................6 - 1
Disk management .............................................................................6 - 15
Storing disks ...............................................................................6 - 16
Formatting disks .........................................................................6 - 16
Recording a show on disk...........................................................6 - 17
Reading a show from disk ..........................................................6 - 18
Verify show on disk .................................................................... 6 - 19
Erase show from disk .................................................................6 - 20
Chapter 7 Accessories
Alphanumeric keyboard.......................................................................7 - 2
Naming cues, submasters and groups .........................................7 - 3
Naming shows .............................................................................. 7 - 4
Designer’s Worksheet ........................................................................7 - 5
Using the digitizer .........................................................................7 - 6
Programming regions ................................................................... 7 - 7
Deleting regions............................................................................7 - 9
Infrared Remote Focus Unit (IRFU) ................................................... 7 - 10
Remote Focus Unit (RFU) ................................................................. 7 - 12
MIDI .................................................................................................. 7 - 14
Interfacing with MIDI .................................................................. 7 - 15
Message formats........................................................................7 - 16
Message definitions ................................................................... 7 - 17
Real Time Clock ................................................................................7 - 18
Creating or editing real time programs .......................................7 - 18
Setting Real Time Clock..............................................................7 - 20
Serial Button Protocol .......................................................................7 - 21
Redundant Tracking Backup..............................................................7 - 22
Remote Submasters and Remote Macros........................................7 - 24
Chapter 8 Reference
␣ ......................................................................................................8 - 1
And ...................................................................................................... 8 - 2
At.........................................................................................................8 - 3
Autoload ..............................................................................................8 - 4
Back ....................................................................................................8 - 5
Black out .............................................................................................8 - 6
Blind .................................................................................................... 8 - 7
Bump switches ................................................................................... 8 - 8
Captured channels ...........................................................................8 - 10
␣ ................................................................................................7 - 1
Table of Contents vii
Chan ..................................................................................................8 - 11
Clear ..................................................................................................8 - 13
Clear fader ......................................................................................... 8 - 15
Clear show from memory ................................................................. 8 - 16
Cue .................................................................................................... 8 - 17
Delay time .........................................................................................8 - 20
Diagnostic system clear ....................................................................8 - 21
Dim....................................................................................................8 - 22
Dimmer profiles ................................................................................8 - 23
Effects keys ......................................................................................8 - 26
Enter..................................................................................................8 - 27
Except ............................................................................................... 8 - 28
Expand ..............................................................................................8 - 31
Fader display ..................................................................................... 8 - 32
Fader wheel ......................................................................................8 - 33
Flash .................................................................................................. 8 - 34
Flexichannel ......................................................................................8 - 35
Full.....................................................................................................8 - 36
Go......................................................................................................8 - 37
Grand Master .................................................................................... 8 - 38
Group ................................................................................................8 - 39
Group Sheet ......................................................................................8 - 41
Help ................................................................................................... 8 - 42
Hold ................................................................................................... 8 - 43
Infinite wait times .............................................................................8 - 44
Inhibitive submasters ........................................................................8 - 45
Link....................................................................................................8 - 46
Macros .............................................................................................. 8 - 48
Minus (-) ............................................................................................ 8 - 49
Page .................................................................................................. 8 - 50
Patch ................................................................................................. 8 - 52
Plus (+) ..............................................................................................8 - 53
Potentiometers (Pots) ....................................................................... 8 - 54
Power ................................................................................................ 8 - 55
Rec ....................................................................................................8 - 56
Record ............................................................................................... 8 - 57
Rel .....................................................................................................8 - 58
Setup ................................................................................................. 8 - 59
Solo ................................................................................................... 8 - 60
Stage .................................................................................................8 - 62
Step/Part ...........................................................................................8 - 63
Sub ....................................................................................................8 - 64
Submaster Sheet ..............................................................................8 - 65
System Settings Menu .....................................................................8 - 66
System setting options ..................................................................... 8 - 67
Thru ...................................................................................................8 - 68
Time .................................................................................................. 8 - 69
Timed fader pairs ..............................................................................8 - 70
Track..................................................................................................8 - 72
Track Sheet ....................................................................................... 8 - 73
Type ..................................................................................................8 - 74
Update...............................................................................................8 - 75
Appendix A DIP switch settings
␣ ␣ ........................................................................ A - 1
Appendix B Error messages
␣ ␣ ␣ ................................................................................... B - 1
Appendix C Specifications
Index
␣ ...................................................................................................................... I - 1
␣ ␣ ␣ ...................................................................................... C - 1
Appendix D Keyboard illustration
␣ ␣ ................................................................... D - 1
Chapter 1 Introduction 1 - 1
chapter 1 introduction
Welcome to ETC’s hopes you are as pleased with its performance as your audiences are with yours. This chapter includes information to orient you to the console and the manual. It includes the following sections:
Expression
Using this manual
Text conventions
Pile-on convention
Getting help
Customer support
Expression.
features
ETC is excited about
Expression
and
Expression features
Expression
24 manual faders that control programmed submasters.
Two pages of submaster memories, each of which can hold up to 24 recorded submasters.
250 control channels.
Proportional control channel softpatch that accommodates up to 512 dimmers (or 1,024 if you have the optional second DMX512 connector).
400 cue capacity per show.
Disk drive used to store shows on 3.5-inch disks.
Two independent, timed fader pairs used to play back recorded cues.
Multipart cues, macros, subroutines, and effects to help automate complex tasks and key sequences.
Support for optional features: Designer’s Worksheet, Remote Focus Unit, MIDI, Real Time Clock, Serial Button Protocol, Redundant Tracking Mode, Infrared Remote Focus Unit, and Remote Submas­ters and Macros.
includes the following features:
Optional expanded memory allows these additional features:
Alphanumeric keyboard capability.
Flexichannel display option.
Group sheet.
Submaster sheet.
Expanded macro capacity.
Chapter 1 Introduction 1 - 3
Using this manual
This manual provides instructions for accessories. The following chapters are included:
Chapter 1 Expression Introduction
Chapter 2 Installation
Chapter 3 Entering
conventions, getting help, and customer support.
Instructions for installing and optional accessories.
Instructions for entering system settings that you are likely to change before using
softpatch and Expression system settings
Chapter 4 Learning the basics
Chapter 5
beginning a new show.
Tutorial on working with cues and submasters, includes an overview of display, channel and control modes.
Tutorial on working with more advanced
Learning advanced Expression techniques
Chapter 6
track record function, Track Sheet, groups, autoloads, effects, subroutines, and macros.
Instructions on using printer and disk options.
Expression’s
capabilities, console and manual
for the first time or before
features including: multipart cues,
Using print and disk options
features and optional
Expression
, monitor
Chapter 7 Accessories
Chapter 8 Reference
Appendix A DIP switch settings
Instructions on using accessories.
Description of console keys and menu options listed in alphabetical order.
List of
Expression
Expression's
DIP switch settings.
optional
Appendix B Error messages
Appendix C Specifications
Appendix D Keyboard illustration.
List of
Expression
error messages and an
explanation of each.
Technical specifications for console.
Pull-out illustration of
Expression
Expression
keyboard.
Chapter 1 Introduction 1 - 5
Text conventions
In this manual, console keys are indicated by square brackets, such as [Enter]. System messages are printed in boldface, such as Select
channel. References to other sections of the manual are printed in italic,
such as
Chapter 1, Introduction.
Pile-on convention
Expression
to determine levels for channels that are acted on by several outputs
Expression
sets that channel to the highest of these
For example, assume a channel is included in a submaster. If a channel is also included in a cue that has played back and is in a fader,
sion
sets the channel at the greater of the two settings.
The two exceptions to captured by the keyboard or wheel and inhibitive submasters
Captured channel settings override submaster and fader pair outputs When you release captured channels, they return to their pile-on level
The other exception to pile-on convention, inhibitive submasters, limit output levels from other submasters and timed fader pairs. Inhibitive submasters do not affect captured channel levels.
uses a pile-on convention rather than last-action convention
.
reads all output levels it receives for a specific channel and
.
Expres-
Expression’s
pile-on convention are channels
.
.
.
Getting help
Help screens are available for all screens:
1. Press [Help].
2. Press any key on the console the key you pressed. Help screens are not available for menu options.
Customer service
If you have problems with your console, please follow these steps:
1. Refer to the manual for instructions
2. If you do not find the answer in the manual, call your local dealer or ETC for customer service. Please have the following information available before you call:
Console model and serial number (located on back panel)
Software version (displayed on boot screen)
Options installed
Dimmer installation type
Expression
. Expression
.
keys. To display help
displays a description of
To reach Electronic Theatre Controls' customer service department, call 608/831-4116 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Standard Time. For emergency service after hours and weekends, call 608/831-4773. Your call will be answered electronically and automatically forwarded to a service representative who will contact you as soon as possible.
Address all correspondence about
Electronic Theatre Controls Customer Service Department 3030 Laura Lane Middleton, WI 53562
Expression
to:
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 1
chapter 2 installation
This chapter includes set up instructions that you need to install
sion
and any optional accessories
system settings
that you will probably update before you begin a new show.
This chapter includes the following installation procedures:
Installing your
Entering system configuration
Installing dimmers
Installing printer
Installing Designer’s Worksheet
Installing Remote Focus Unit (RFU)
Installing MIDI
Installing Redundant Tracking Backup
Installing Infrared Remote Focus Unit (IRFU)
Installing Remote Submasters and Macros
Installing alphanumeric keyboard
An illustration of page. Operating instruction for optional accessories are included in
Chapter 7, Accessories
includes instructions for entering the software settings
Expression
Expression’s
.
. Chapter 3, Entering softpatch and
console and monitor
back panel is included on the next
Expres-
Expression back panel
MIDI
input output
Alpha keyboard
Printers
parallel serial
AMX192 outputs
1-192 193-384
RFU/ DWS
DIP switches
DMX512 outputs
1-512 513-1024
Monitors
color monochrome
Fuse
5A 3AG
AC
input output
Analog dimmer
outputs
97-128
97-128
1-32
1-32
129-160
129-160
33-64
33-64
161-192
161-192
65-96
65-96
Analog channel
inputs
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 3
Installing your console and monitor
This section includes installation instructions for tor and pinout specifications for the monitor. Follow these steps to install your
1. Place console on a hard, stable, flat surface with at least 6 inches of space behind it for ventilation and cable clearance. Console should be at least 6 feet away from dimmers and high-current AC lines.
Caution: Do not leave the console in a road case tray or on a soft surface. This will inhibit proper ventilation.
2. Verify that your dimmer connector pinout is correct. Pinouts for several dimmer types are listed on pages 2 - 8 through 2 - 9. If your dimmer type is not listed, contact your dealer or ETC.
Caution: Your dimmer control common must be compatible with console control common; they must either be the same level, or the dimmer control common must float. Verify compatibility with your dealer if you are not sure.
3. Insert the key into the power switch, and turn it to the Off position.
4. Insert the female end of the power cord in the connector labeled Power in on the console's back panel.
Expression
:
Expression
and connec-
5. Insert the male end of the console power cord in a grounded 120 VAC outlet. For 220 VAC operation, consult ETC.
6. Insert the female end of the monitor power cord in the monitor connector, and the male end of the monitor power cord in the console connector labeled Power out
.
7. Insert the video cable in the monitor. Connect the other end of cable in the appropriate console connector listed below.
Digital RGB color monitors DB-9 connector Digital grayscale monitors DB-9 connector Composite monochrome monitors BNC connector
8. Turn console and monitor power switches to their On positions.
Expression
enabled on your console.
performs a series of self-tests and displays the options
Installing two monitors
You may want to install two monitors at the same time, one next to the console and one at a remote location. Install one monitor using the color video connector, and the other using the monochrome video connector
The color monitor should be located next to the console because the length of the color cable is limited to about 10 feet. The monochrome cable (RG59U) can be as long as 150 feet. Therefore, use the mono­chrome monitor at the remote location
When you install both a monochrome and a color monitor, select mono­chrome monitor from the System Settings Menu as described on page 2 - 6.
.
.
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 5
Monitor connectors and pinouts
Monochrome monitors (RS-170)
Console connector
BNC female
Pinout
Center Video Shield Common
Color RGB monitors
Console connector
DB-9 male
Pinout
1 Common (AC ground) 2 Common 3 Red 4 Green 5 Blue 6 Intensity 7nc 8 Horizontal sync 9 Vertical sync
Entering system configuration
When you install your options to set: monitor selection and boot option selection
Expression
diagnostic system clear, or the memory is corrupted.
retains these settings until you change them, you perform a
Monitor selection
To configure your system for the type of monitor you have, follow these steps:
1. Press [Set Up] to display the Set Up Menu.
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 11, Color/monochrome monitor, and press [Enter]
4. Select either 0 for a monochrome or grayscale monitor, or 1 for a color monitor.
5. Press [Enter].
Note: Some monitors may not be compatible with the console or may need special adjustment. If the picture breaks up, rolls or is not fully shown, check with your dealer for compatibility.
Expression
, you have two system configuration
.
.
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 7
Boot option selection
Two system boot options are available, fast and full boot. The full boot performs a series of hardware tests. If the tests find any hardware problems, option skips the hardware test and therefore boots faster
Expression
displays a message indicating so. The fast boot
.
Both boot options test the memory that holds show information
sion
displays a message during either boot option if it detects that the
memory has been corrupted.
You will probably want to run the console with the fast boot option for convenience. However, you should select the full boot option periodi­cally to run the console’s hardware tests.
The boot option you select will perform tests the next time you turn console on. To select a boot option, follow these steps:
1. Press [Set Up] to display the Set Up Menu.
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 12, Full/fast boot test, and press [Enter].
4. Enter 0 for full boot test or 1 for fast boot test. Then press [Enter].
. Expres-
Installing dimmers
To install dimmers, determine which of the following connectors are appropriate. Then insert dimmer cables in appropriate connectors Dimmer connectors are illustrated on page 2 - 2.
Caution: Your dimmer control common must be compatible with console control common; they must either be the same level, or the dimmer control common must float.
Digital outputs DMX512, ETC/LMI, D192 dimmers
Connector
XLR 5-pin female 512 digital multiplex dimmers
Pinout
1 Common 2 Data (-) (DMX512, ETC/LMI, D192) 3 Data (+) (DM 512, ETC/LMI, D192) 4 Clock (+) (ETC/LMI only) 5 Clock (-) (ETC/LMI only)
.
Caution: If you do not use the ETC/LMI protocol, do not connect wires to pins four and five.
Analog wire-per-dimmer output (optional)
Connector
Centronics D36 female 3 connectors per 96 output card 6 connectors maximum, 192 dimmers
Pinout
Connector one Pins 1-32 = dimmers 1-32 Connector two Pins 1-32 = dimmers 33-64 Connector three Pins 1-32 = dimmers 65-96 Connector four Pins 1-32 = dimmers 97-128 Connector five Pins 1-32 = dimmers 129-160 Connector six Pins 1-32 = dimmers 161-192
All connectors Pins 33-36 = common (Earth ground)
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 9
Analog wire-per-dimmer input (optional)
Connector
Centronics D36 male 3 connectors per 96 input card 6 connectors maximum, 192 dimmers
Pinout
Connector one Pins 1-32 = dimmers 1-32 Connector two Pins 1-32 = dimmers 33-64 Connector three Pins 1-32 = dimmers 65-96 Connector four Pins 1-32 = dimmers 97-128 Connector five Pins 1-32 = dimmers 129-160 Connector six Pins 1-32 = dimmers 161-192
All connectors Pins 33-36 = common (Earth ground)
AMX192 analog multiplex (optional)
Connector
XLR 4-pin male 192 dimmer outputs per connector 384 outputs maximum, 2 connectors
Pinout
1 Common (Earth ground) 2 Clock (+) 3 Analog data 4 Clock (-)
Note: You can configure console for Strand CD80 Dimmer I and Dimmer II cabling convention. Contact an authorized dealer or ETC.
Installing printer
Expression
are described in connector specifications are on the next page. Follow these steps to install printer:
1. Parallel printers: Insert parallel printer cable into connector labeled Parallel on the back panel of the console.
Serial printers: Insert serial printer cable into connector labeled Serial on the back panel of the console. Set printer protocol at 1200 baud, 8 data bits, 2 stop bits, no parity.
2. Insert opposite end of printer cable into printer.
3. With the console on, press [Set Up]
4. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
5. Select 10, Serial/Parallel Printer, and press [Enter]
6. Enter 0 to select serial printer or 1 to select parallel printer, and press [Enter].
7. Turn printer power switch on, and verify that printer is on line.
supports both serial and parallel printers. Printer functions
Chapter 6, Using print and disk options.
.
Pinout and
.
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 11
Printer connectors and pinouts
Parallel printer and Centronics interface adaptor
Console connector Printer connector
DB25F Centronics D36
Pinout _______Signal ______ Pinout
1 ____________ STRB ________ 1 2 ____________ D0 ___________ 2 3 ____________ D1 ___________ 3 4 ____________ D2 ___________ 4 5 ____________ D3 ___________ 5 6 ____________ D4 ___________ 6 7 ____________ D5 ___________ 7 8 ____________ D6 ___________ 8 9 ____________ D7 ___________ 9 10 ___________ ACK__________ 10 11, 12, 13 ____ not used ______ 11,12,18 14 to 25 nc 13 to 17, 19 to 36
Serial printers
Console connector Printer connector
DB9F DB25M
Pinout Signal Pinout
2 ____________ Data in _______2 (from printer) 3 ____________ Data out ______ 3 (to printer) 5 ____________ ground _______7 8 ____________ CTS* _________20
Console connector pins 1, 4, 6, 7, and 9 are not used. Printer connector pins 1, 4 through 6, 8 through 19, and 21 are not used.
* Clear to send (CTS) signal allows printer to interrupt the flow of data when printer’s buffer is filled. Console only transmits data to printer when this line is held low (-12 VDC).
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 13
Installing Designer’s Worksheet
Designer’s Worksheet is one of the remote units available for use with
Expression.
more information. Designer’s Worksheet operation instructions begin on page 7 - 5.
Follow these steps to install your Designer’s Worksheet:
1. Insert the 6-pin XLR connector of the Designer's Worksheet cable assembly into
2. Insert the plug end of the pointing device (pen or stylus) in the worksheet connector labeled Pen/Cursor
3. Attach the pen holder to the upper left or right hand corner of the worksheet by removing the protective paper from the base and pressing the adhesive to the tablet.
4. Place one printed template sheet under the clear plastic flap on the digitizer.
Refer to Kurta digitizer tablet documentation if you need
Expression
’s connector labeled DWS/RFU.
.
5. Set the voltage selection switch to match your electrical outlet. In the US, set the voltage switch to 110
6. Insert the power cord into the back of the worksheet and into a grounded 120V AC outlet
Note: Additional pads of Designer’s Worksheet templates are available from your dealer or ETC.
.
.
7. Set the three sets of DIP switches on the worksheet as indicated in the chart below.
Switch A
12345678 Off Off On On On On On Off
Switch B
12345678 Off On Off On Off Off On On
Switch C
12345678 On On Off Off Off Off On Off
8. Turn the worksheet power on by pressing the on/off switch. The LED labeled Indicator is lit when power is on. If LED blinks four times after you turn the power on, the interface cable is not con­nected correctly.
9.
Expression
properly installed and turned on
displays the message DWS ON when the worksheet is
.
10. Press [Set Up], and select 6, System Settings
11. Select 17, Designer’s Worksheet Options
.
. Expression
displays
Designer’s Worksheet Options Menu, illustrated on the next page.
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 15
12. Select one of the displayed options. Options three through six are available only if your console has an expanded memory board. Expanded memory increases the number of available macros and regions from 125 to 640.
Installing Remote Focus Unit
The Remote Focus Unit (RFU) allows you to set channels levels, check dimmers or run cues from remote locations.
To install Remote Focus Unit, follow these steps:
1. Verify that RFU power switch is turned Off.
2. Insert the RFU cable into the connector on the back of the console labeled, RFU/DWS.
3. Turn RFU power switch to On RFU On, when RFU is properly installed and turned on.
RFU connector and pinout
Console connector
XLR 6-pin female
Pinout
1 Data (+) (to RFU) 2 Data (-) 3 Data (+) (from RFU) 4 Data (-) 5 Common (AC ground) 6 +12 VDC (fused, 2 A)
. Expression
displays the message,
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 17
Installing Redundant Tracking Backup
1. Configure both consoles for parallel printers:
a) Press [Set Up]. b) Select 6, System settings and press [Enter]. c) Select 10, Serial/parallel printer, and press [Enter]. d) Select 1, Parallel, and press [Enter].
2. Reset DIP switches on both consoles according to the chart below:
Both consoles B4 On Master console B5 Off Slave (backup) console B5 On
Note: Expression reads DIP switch settings when you turn it on. You must turn power off and back on for console to recognize new settings.
3. Connect consoles with an RS-232 cable (Belden 9503 or equivalent) that is not longer than 50 feet. Use console connectors labeled Serial.
Cable pinout
DB9F ___________ DB9F 2 ______________ 3 3 ______________ 2 5 ______________ 5
Pins 1, 6, 7, and 9 are not connected. Pins 4 and 8 are tied together at each end but are not connected through cable.
Installing the alphanumeric keyboard
The alphanumeric keyboard is available only when an expanded memory card is installed. You can use the keyboard to assign alphanumeric names to cues, submasters, groups, and shows.
You can use a standard PC XT/AT compatible, manually switchable, alphanumeric keyboard with the expanded memory option. The key­board can be used only in its XT-compatible mode. ETC recommends the Datacomp Electronics model DFK121A08 and Unitek K-155 keyboards. Although you may be able to use keyboards from other manufacturers, ETC does not guarantee the results.
Follow these steps to install the alphanumeric keyboard:
1. Be sure the selector switch is set to the
2. Insert the keyboard cable into the connector labeled Keyboard on the
Expression
Note: Console must be off when keyboard is plugged in.
back panel.
Keyboard connector and pinout
Console connector
DIN 5-pin female
Keyboard pinout
1 Clock 2 Data 3 Reset 4 Ground 5 +5V DC
XT
position.
Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 19
Installing Infrared Remote Focus Unit
The Infrared Remote Focus Unit (IRFU) allows you to set channel levels, check dimmers, or run cues from remote locations in your studio or theatre. The IRFU consists of two components; a receiver and a trans­mitter. The receiver is connected to the console with a standard multi­conductor cable. The transmitter is a hand-held, wireless unit that sends infrared control signals to the receiving unit. To enable the IRFU in
Expression,
To install the infrared remote control unit, follow these steps:
1. Verify that the receiver unit is properly connected to the console and that battery in transmitter is good. (See infrared remote documenta­tion for correct connection procedure.)
2. Press [Set Up}.
3. Select 6, System settings, and press [Enter].
4. Select 15, Enable/disable infrared control, and press [Enter].
ETC must modify the console at the factory.
5. Enter 0 to enable infrared controller, and press [Enter].
6. Press any key on the transmitter unit to turn power on. (Transmitter power automatically shuts off three minutes after last key press.)
Infrared Remote Focus Unit pinout
Console connector
DIN 5-pin female
Pinout
1 Ground 2 PPM data 3 +12V 4 WSI data 5 Charge current
Installing Remote Submasters and Macros
Remote Submasters and Remote Macros are custom-installed ETC products. To enable Remote Submasters and Macros, ETC must modify the console at the factory.
Follow these steps to begin remote operation:
1. Verify that all control cables are properly connected. Check connec­tions at rear of main control console, wall plug connections and connections at all remote panels.
2. Press [Set Up].
3. Select 6, System settings, and press [Enter].
4. Select 13, Enable/disable remote submasters, and press [Enter].
5. Enter 0 to enable or 1 to disable, and press [Enter].
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 1
chapter 3 entering softpatch and system settings
Before you begin creating cues for a show you should first create your softpatch. The softpatch assigns individual dimmers to control channel numbers. You can use a default one-to-one softpatch setup, or you can assign groups of dimmers to channels. The softpatch screen lets you proportionally patch dimmers to channels.
System settings also allow you to indicate default up and down fade times, default fader clear times, enable and disable bump switches, and the level that the [Full] key enters for selected channels.
This chapter includes the following system setting instructions:
Entering softpatch
Setting default full level
Setting default up and down fade times
Setting default fader clear times
Enabling and disabling bump switches
Entering softpatch
Expression
optional second DMX512 connector) in 250 channels. Softpatch gives you complete flexibility in assigning dimmers to control channels in any order
Softpatch also allows you to proportionately assign levels to individual dimmers to balance a wash or ensure that a specific lamp cannot be brought above a specific level. For instructions see page 3 - 8.
In addition, you can select from 10 dimmer profiles for each individual dimmer. Dimmer profiles allow you to select a nonlinear output curve for dimmers. For instructions on selecting dimmer profiles see page 3 - 9.
You will find instructions on the following pages for one-to-one soft­patch, customized softpatch and additional softpatch features.
If you are patching dimmers in a Strand CD80 dimmer rack, see page 3 - 12 for special instructions.
accommodates up to 512 dimmers (or 1,024 if you have the
.
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 3
Entering one-to-one softpatch
If you have the same number of dimmers and channels, you may want to use a one-to-one softpatch. A one-to-one patch assigns dimmer one to channel one, dimmer two to channel two, and so on. If you have more dimmers than channels, the default setting assigns the first extra dimmer to channel one, the second extra dimmer to channel two, and so on.
To use
1. Press [Set Up].
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 4, Customize Channels, and press [Enter]
4. Enter the total number of required channels, up to 250, and press
5. Select 7, Customize Dimmers, and press [Enter]
6. Enter the total number of required dimmers, up to 512*, and press
7. Select 8, Default softpatch, and press [Enter]
8. Press [Rec] to assign the default softpatch settings. Or, press [Clear]
9. See instructions in this chapter titled
Expression’s
default softpatch setting follow these steps:
.
[Enter].
.
[Enter]
.
.
to cancel the operation.
Proportional patching
instructions on inhibiting individual dimmer levels within a channel.
for
Note: For instructions on performing a dimmer check from the patch screen (without returning to Stage mode), see the section titled
ing channels in softpatch
later in this chapter.
Captur-
*Or 1,024 dimmers if you have the optional second DMX512 connector.
Creating custom softpatch
The following sections include information about creating a custom softpatch.
Using channel zero
Entering numbers of channels and dimmers
Patching dimmers to channels
Hint: If you use the same softpatch for several shows, create the softpatch, and record it on a disk before you record any cues. Label the disk
Standard patch.
patch
show into the console, then begin writing cues to avoid reentering
the patch.
Using channel zero
Channel zero works as a holding area for unused dimmers. Channels assigned to channel zero are listed at the end of channel list under “—”. These dimmers are not assigned to any channel, but remain on the softpatch screen.
When you start your next show, read the
Standard
To assign dimmers to channel zero, enter dimmer numbers, press [Chan], then [0] [Enter].
Hint: You may choose to begin softpatching by assigning all dimmers to channel zero. Then select dimmers or dimmer groups from channel zero and reassign them to other channels. This lets you start with a clean softpatch screen. You can then display all unused dimmers by selecting channel 0.
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 5
Entering numbers of channels and dimmers
You may want to enter the number of available channels and dimmers before you begin custom patching. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Press [Set Up].
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 4, Customize Channels, and press [Enter]
4. Enter the total number of required channels, up to 250, and press [Enter].
5. Select 7, Customize Dimmers, and press [Enter]
6. Enter the total number of required dimmers, up to 512*, and press [Enter]
.
*Or 1,024 dimmers if you have the optional second DMX512 connector.
.
.
Patching dimmers to channels
Each dimmer can only be patched to one channel at a time. Follow the steps below to create a custom softpatch.
1. Press [Patch]
. Expression
displays the following screen.
2. Select dimmers to assign to a single channel
To select a single dimmer: a) Enter the dimmer number. b) Press [Enter].
.
To select a range of consecutive dimmers: a) Enter beginning dimmer number. b) Press [Thru]. c) Enter the ending dimmer number. d) Press [Enter].
To select a discontinuous set of dimmers: a) Enter dimmer number. b) Press [And]. c) Enter additional dimmer numbers, pressing [And] between each. d) Press [Enter] after you have selected all desired channels.
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 7
Shortcut: Combine [And] and [Thru] commands to select any combi­nation of dimmers. For example, press [1] [Thru] [5] [And] [1][0] [Thru] [2][0] to select one through five and 10 through 20.
3. Enter the channel number to which you want to assign selected dimmers; then press [Enter].
4. To patch remaining dimmers, repeat steps two and three.
5. See instructions in this chapter titled instructions on inhibiting individual dimmers.
Proportional patching
for
Additional patching features
The following patching features are described below:
Proportional patching
Dimmer profiles
Capturing channels in softpatch
Unpatching individual dimmers
Softpatching to Strand CD80 dimmer rack
Proportional patching
Expression
the softpatch screen. You may want to inhibit an individual dimmer to balance the wash in a channel or to limit a particular lamp. Dimmers default to a full level setting unless you inhibit them.
To inhibit individual dimmers levels, follow these steps:
1. If Softpatch screen is not displayed, press [Patch].
2. Press [Dim] to indicate that next number entered will be a dimmer.
3. Enter desired dimmer number, or select a group of dimmers by using [And] and [Thru] in conjunction with dimmer numbers.
4. Press [At], and enter desired intensity level for dimmer
As long as dimmers are selected (highlighted on monochrome monitor or displayed in yellow on a color monitor) you can adjust their levels with [+] and [-].
Dimmer intensity levels set in softpatch function at full level on all other screens. For example, if you enter a level of 60 for a dimmer on the softpatch screen, when you set that channel to full in a cue or submas­ter, the dimmer will output at 60 percent.
lets you proportionally inhibit individual dimmer levels from
.
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 9
Dimmer profiles
Dimmer profiles allow you to select a specific output curve for a dimmer over the range of a fade. This can compensate for nonlinear light outputs from certain types of fixtures or incorporate a preferred response in a fade. If you do not select a dimmer profile, the console defaults to a linear output
To select a dimmer profile for a specific dimmer, follow these steps:
1. Press [Patch].
2. Press [Dim], and enter dimmer number or a range of dimmer numbers using [And] and [Thru].
3. Press [Type].
4. Enter profile number. Profile numbers are listed on menu at the bottom of the softpatch screen. Each is also described below. For illustrations of dimmer profiles, see page 8 - 24.
0 - Linear 1 - IES square 2 - Slow bottom 3 - Fast bottom 4 - Slow top 5 - Fast top 6 - Full at 1%* 7 - Preheat 5% 8 - Preheat 10% 9 - Hot patch
.
†¶
†¶
‡¶
* Dimmer intensity jumps from 0% to 100% at 1%
output.
Dimmer at 5% or 10% whenever console power is on.
Dimmer intensity increases when output exceeds 5% or 10%. ‡ Dimmer at full whenever console power is on. ¶ Affected by [Black Out] but not by Grand Master.
Resetting factory dimmer profiles and all dimmers to default setting
The Default Dimmer Profiles option on the System Settings Menu allows you to reset all dimmers to the default (linear) profile and the dimmer profiles to the original factory settings.
1. Press [Set Up].
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 9, Default dimmer profiles, and press [Enter].
Capturing channels in softpatch
Expression
Stage mode so you can bring channels up on stage to view the propor­tional settings of dimmers assigned to a channel while you set them. To select channels from the softpatch screen, follow these steps:
1. Press [Patch].
2. Press [Chan].
3. Enter channel number, or select a range of channels.
4. Press [Full] to set channel level at 100 percent, or press [At] and enter a level setting.
5. Press [Rel] to release channel(s).
lets you select and capture channels without returning to
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 11
Unpatching individual dimmers
[Dim] lets you select a single dimmer and bring it up independent of other dimmers softpatched to the same channel. This is called unpatching a dimmer. If a channel has more than one dimmer softpatched to it, you may want to unpatch a single dimmer to check individual fixtures, to turn on a work light, or to focus a single dimmer from the channel. You must be in Stage mode to unpatch a dimmer.
To unpatch a dimmer, follow these steps:
1. Determine which dimmer you want to unpatch. You may want to display the softpatch screen to display the current dimmer to channel patching. To display the softpatch screen, press [Patch]
.
2. Press [Stage]
3. Press [Dim]
4. Enter the dimmer number you want to unpatch. Unpatching does not affect the level that other dimmers in the channel are set at. If you want all other dimmers in the channel off, set the channel at zero.
5. To set the unpatched dimmer at full intensity, press [Enter]. Or, to set the unpatched dimmer at less than full, press [At], and enter a two-digit level; then press [Enter].
6. Press [Dim] [Clear] to restore dimmer to patch. You can perform most other console tasks with dimmer unpatched, then restore the patch at any time. Entering the softpatch screen also restores patch.
.
.
Note: When you unpatch a dimmer and set it to full intensity, the output is 100 percent of the potential output, not 100 percent of the level at which it is softpatched.
Hint: To perform a dimmer check from Stage, press [Dim] [1] [Enter]. Then use [+] and [-] to step through remaining dimmers for dimmer check.
Softpatching to a Strand CD80 dimmer rack
Strand CD80 dimmer racks have 48 dimmer slots. Each dimmer slot holds either two 2.4 kw dimmers or one 6 kw or 12 kw dimmer. The console requires that you include all 96 possible dimmer numbers per rack in the softpatch
Refer to the charts below to determine dimmer numbers for each slot on each rack. When patching 6 kw or 12 kw dimmers, enter the slot’s odd dimmer number under the desired channel number. Enter the slot’s even dimmer number under channel 0
For example, to patch a 6 kw dimmer into the last dimmer slot on the first rack, enter dimmer 95 in the desired channel number and dimmer 96 in channel 0.
.
.
1234567891011
12
1314151617181920212223
24
2526272829303132333435
36
3738394041424344454647
48
4950515253545556575859
60
6162636465666768697071
72
7374757677787980818283
84
8586878889909192939495
96
979899
100
109
111
110
112
121
123
122
124
133
135
134
136
145
147
146
148
157
159
158
160
169
171
170
172
181
183
182
184
101 102
113 114
125 126
137 138
149 150
161 162
173 174
185 186
103 104
115 116
127 128
139 140
151 152
163 164
175 176
187 188
105 106
117 118
129 130
141 142
153 154
165 166
177 178
189 190
107 108
119 120
131 132
143 144
155 156
167 168
179 180
191 192
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 13
Entering system settings
These system settings are discussed on the following pages:
Default full level
Default up and down fade times
Default fader clear time
Enable/disable bumpswitches
To display the System Settings Menu, follow these steps:
1. Press [Set Up].
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter]. The system setting menu is illustrated below.
Setting default full level
The default full setting is the level channels when you press [Full]. [Full] is set originally at 100 percent, and is reset to 100 percent after a diagnostic system clear.
When you set the default full level below 100 percent, you can still set channels above the [Full] level setting by using [At], [+], [-], or the fader wheel. To set [Full] at a level other than 100 percent, follow these steps:
1. Press [Set Up]
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 1, Default Full Level, and press [Enter].
4. Either enter a two-digit intensity level, or press [Full] to set level at 100 percent.
.
Expression
enters for selected
Note: When you set dimmer levels on the softpatch screen, [Full] enters 100 percent regardless of the default full level setting.
Setting default up and down fade times
Expression
you specifically change them. A diagnostic system clear resets the defaults to five seconds. To customize default fade times, follow these steps:
automatically enters default up and down fade times unless
1. Press [Set Up].
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 2, Default Up/Down Times, and press [Enter].
4. Enter upfade time in minutes and seconds or as a fraction of a second in decimal format, then press [enter]. Fade times can be from .1 second to 99:59 minutes
5. Enter downfade time in minutes and seconds or as a fraction of a second in decimal format, then press [Enter]. Fade times can be any length of time from .1 second to 99:59 minutes
.
.
Chapter 3 Entering softpatch and system settings 3 - 15
Setting default fader clear times
The default fader clear time is the length of time required for a fader pair [Clear] to fade out channels from the faders. A diagnostic system clear resets [Clear] fade time to zero; channels black out immediately when clear time is zero.
To change the fader clear time, follow these steps:
1. Press [Set Up].
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 3, Default Fader Clear Time, and press [Enter].
4. Enter fader clear time in minutes and seconds or as a fraction of a second in decimal format. Fade times can be any length of time from .1 second to 99:59 minutes
5. Press [Enter].
.
Enable/disable bump switches
Bump switches are momentary switches that flash submasters to their full recorded levels or initiate a timed submaster. You may disable bump switches to eliminate the possibility of accidentally bringing up un­wanted channels
When bump switches are disabled, submaster slide pots function normally. To enable or disable bump switches, follow these steps:
1. Press [Set Up].
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 14, Enable/disable bump switches, and press [Enter].
4. Select 0 to enable or 1 to disable bump switches.
5. Press [Enter].
.
Enable/disable Flexichannel
Flexichannel is an optional display mode that displays only selected channels and channels that are recorded in a cue, submaster, group, or effect.
To enable or disable Flexichannel, follow these steps:
1. Press [Set Up].
2. Select 6, System Settings, and press [Enter].
3. Select 18, Enable/disable Flexichannel, and press [Enter].
4. Select 0 to enable or 1 to disable bump switches.
5. Press [Enter].
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 1
chapter 4 learning the basics
This chapter includes lessons on working with features: cues and submasters. When you complete the lessons, you will have a short sample show to run. Each lesson is described briefly below.
Lesson 1 describes display and channel modes and record functions.
Lesson 2 includes instructions for creating several cues using several different methods.
Lesson 3 includes instructions for playing back cues and submasters.
Lesson 4 includes instructions for creating submasters using several different methods.
Lesson 5 includes instructions for saving your work on disk.
If these lessons seem too elementary for you, but you want some guidance on advanced features, read
techniques.
keystrokes and menu options, see
For an alphabetical listing and explanation of all features,
Chapter 5, Learning advanced
Chapter 8, Reference.
Expression’s
basic
Lesson 1 Display, channel and record modes
This lesson describes display and channel modes and record functions available in for cues, submasters, groups and fader pairs. Channel modes indicate how channels respond when they are in different situations.
Expression's functions
Display modes
You can work in any of four different modes to create and modify cues, groups and submasters: Stage, Blind, Fader, or Track Sheet. The first three modes have very similar screens; the Stage screen is illustrated and described on the next page. The Track Sheet screen is illustrated and described on page 5 - 17.
Expression.
record functions create cues differently. See
on page 4 - 8 for more information.
Display modes show channel and level settings
Record
Stage
Stage mode controls live channels. This mode allows you to adjust lighting levels and save a look as a cue, group or submaster when you are satisfied with the look on stage.
Blind
Blind mode allows you to work on cues, groups or submasters without affecting the stage lights. Blind mode is useful when you know ahead of time what channels and levels you want for most of your cues and submasters. Blind also lets you jump ahead of the stage action and make changes to recorded cues, groups or submasters without affecting live stage lighting.
Fader
Fader mode lets you make live adjustments to channels that are in one fader pair while another cue is currently running in the other. For ex­ample, if you have a cyclorama cue in one fader and a stage cue in the other, Fader mode lets you modify the stage cue live and record changes without capturing the cyclorama cue. Fader mode is not in­cluded in this tutorial, but it is described in
Chapter 8, Reference
.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 3
Track Sheet
Track Sheet displays a specific channel’s level settings in all recorded cues. This display is useful when you need to add or modify a single channel in several cues. Track is a blind mode; it does not give you live control of channels. Track Sheet mode is included in
ing advanced techniques.
You can modify existing cues, but you cannot
Chapter 5, Learn-
create cues in Track Sheet.
Flexichannel
Flexichannel is a feature of
Expression’s
expanded memory option. It is
available only when expanded memory is installed.
When the Flexichannel mode is enabled,
Expression’s
monitor displays only selected channels, and channels that are part of a recorded cue, submaster, group, or effect; other channels do not appear on the display screen. This simplifies console operation by eliminating unused channels from the display screen. Once you have selected a channel,the only way to remove it from the display is to repeat the procedure for enabling Flexichannel. See
Chapter 8, Reference,
page
8 - 35 for information on enabling and using Flexichannel.
Stage, Blind and Fader screens
Stage, Blind and Fader screens look very similar. The Stage mode screen is illustrated below to familiarize you with the screen format
.
Grand master setting
The grand master setting displays the master intensity level. With it you can proportionally inhibit the level of all channels. The grand master overrides all other settings.
Mode label
This field displays the current mode, either Stage, Blind or Fader.
Keypad prompt window
This window indicates how the console will interpret the next number you enter from the keypad. For example, if you press [Chan], the keypad prompt window displays the message Channel, indicating that the console will read the next number you enter as a channel number.
Channel display
The channel display lists available channels and their current levels. If you have a color monitor,
Expression
color codes level displays to
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 5
provide additional information about channels. For example, in Blind mode tracked channels are green. See the section page 4 - 6 for further description.
Note: In Flexichannel display mode, only selected channels and channels that are part of a recorded cue, submaster, group, or effect are dis­played; other channels do not appear on the display screen. Channels are displayed in vertical columns rather than in horizontal rows. The Flexichannel display is a feature of Expression’s expanded memory option. See Chapter 8, Reference, Flexichannel for more information.
Cue/submaster description line
The cue/submaster description line displays information about the currently selected cue, group or submaster. The summary includes cue, group or submaster number, up and down fade times, wait and delay times, fade or submaster type, and link information, if applicable.
Fader windows
Fader windows display fade time information for cues loaded in fader pairs. The window displays the cue number, a running clock of the fade, and the percentage of the fade time that has run
Cue sheet
The cue sheet lists up to nine stored cues. Each cue listing includes fade, wait and delay times, and cue name and link information.
Channel modes
.
on
Operator prompt line
The operator prompt line displays messages to guide you through
Expression
displays the message, Select channel numbers. If you are having problems, look here for information or help.
Page display
The page display indicates which submaster page is currently loaded. If any submasters from the previously loaded page are still active, the message Page 2 loading is displayed. The message changes to Page 2 loaded when all submasters are loaded from the new page.
Submaster window
The submaster window displays the current level settings for submas­ters. On a color monitor, pile-on submasters are displayed in green, and inhibitive submasters are displayed in red
operations. For example, when you press [Chan], this line
.
Channel modes
Channels may be in any of the following modes. Each mode responds differently to your commands.
Captured channels
Captured channels are channels that you have selected and are live on stage. They remain live until you press [Rel] to release them. Captured channels override all other channel settings. For example, if a chan­nel is in a fader at 100 percent and you capture it and set it to 50 per­cent,
Expression
channel.
You can capture channels while in either Stage or Fader mode, but not Blind or Track Sheet modes since they are not live captured channels in red and yellow on a color monitor. Red channels are captured; yellow channels are captured
reads the 50 percent setting from the captured
. Expression
and
selected (see below).
displays
Selected channels
Selected channels are channels that you have immediate keyboard control over. You can modify selected channels with [Full], [At], [+], [-], or the fader wheel. Selected channels are highlighted on a monochrome monitor and are displayed in yellow on a color monitor. You can select channels in all display modes
Selected, captured
keyboard control. Channels can be modes. You can select channels in Blind, but they won’t be captured since Blind mode is not live.
.
channels are live channels that are under immediate
selected and captured
only in live
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 7
Recorded channels
Recorded channels are channel levels that have been recorded in a cue, group or submaster. In live modes (Stage and Fader), recorded levels appear on the screen only when they are in a fader pair or in an active submaster. On a color monitor in Stage mode, recorded levels are displayed in blue. Recorded channels may be either moving or tracked in Blind mode (see below).
Moving channels
Moving channels are channel levels that change from one cue to the next. In Blind mode on a color monitor, moving channels are displayed in blue. On a monochrome monitor, they are not displayed differently than tracked channels.
Tracked channels
A tracked channel is a channel whose level is unchanged from the preceding cue. On a color monitor, tracked channels are displayed in green in Blind mode and on Track Sheet. Tracked channels are not distinguished in Stage mode.
Record functions
Expression
channels as they appear on the screen (what you see is what you get) in the cue, group or submaster you specify. When you use Record to record a cue, levels are recorded in only the cue you specify.
Track is a record function that works only for cues. It allows you to build a new cue from the previous cue’s channel settings. Tracked channels are channels whose levels do not change from one cue to the next. A
track
Track also allows you to add tracked channels through existing cues. For example, if you have created all cues for a scene, and then decide to add a new channel or group of channels to all cues, Track lets you do so with one short record command. To do the same thing with Record would require you to add the channels to each cue individually.
We use the standard Record function for all cues in this chapter. Instruc­tions for using the Track function are included in
has two record functions Record and Track. Record saves all
often runs through several cues for the length of a scene or an act.
Chapter 5, Learning
advanced techniques.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 9
Lesson 2 Working with cues
Now that you have an orientation to the channel display screens, you’re ready to create cues. If you are not sitting at the console but want to refer to the keyboard, see
Appendix D
for an illustration.
When working with recorded, and can replay in a timed fader pair. After you select channels and set their intensity levels, you can store the look as a cue. You can save up to 400 cues per show in shows. If your performance runs over 400 cues, you can read a second show from disk during a break, or between cues. See information about recording shows on disk
This lesson includes instructions and examples for creating cues using several different methods. When you have completed the lesson, you will have five cues recorded. You will also know how to modify and delete cues.
Naming cues with expanded memory
If you have installed the expanded memory option, you can use a standard PC XT compatible, alphanumeric keyboard to assign alphanu­meric names to cues, groups and submasters. The alphanumeric key­board is an optional feature available with memory option and is available only when expanded memory is in­stalled. See page 7 - 3 for more information on using the alphanumeric keyboard to name cues.
Expression
, a
cue
is a look you have created and
Expression.
Each disk can hold two
.
Expression’s
Lesson 5
expanded
for more
Creating cues
Five cues are included in the following instructions. The first few are simple; the rest use more complicated features. This lesson includes the following sections:
Cue 1, Creating a cue in Stage
Cue 2, Creating a cue in Blind
Cue 3, Modifying up and down fade times
Cue 4, Linking cues
Cue 5, Creating a cue using Solo
Deleting cues
Viewing cues
There are several methods you can use to create any one look with
Expression.
what information is already stored in the console.
If you have several cues already stored, you may want to use the look from one cue and add to it to create another. In another circumstance, you may want to enter all channel levels from scratch.
Deciding how to create a look depends on your situation and
If you are in the middle of a tech rehearsal you will probably want to use Stage mode so you can see your adjustments live. If you have a good idea of how you want cues to look, you may want to record the show in Blind ahead of time.
The following instructions include general instructions with numbered steps. Then there are specific keystroke sequences to create sample cues.
There are several ways you can go about creating any one look. The following instructions give examples of how you cue. Experiment and add as much as you want to each
We assume that when you start this tutorial there are no cues stored in the console. To erase the current show from the console, follow this key sequence: [Set Up] [6] [Enter] [1][6] [Enter] [Enter].
could
generate each
.
Before you clear the console, make sure that the show currently in the console memory is saved on disk. When you clear the console, all show information is erased.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 11
Cue 1: Creating a cue in Stage
Follow these steps to create a cue in Stage mode:
1. Press [Stage]
you are in Stage, you have live control of channels automatically prompts you to enter a channel number.
2. Enter channel number(s) with numeric keypad.
3. Set intensity level by pressing [At] and entering a two-digit level,
moving the fader wheel, or pressing [+] and [-].
4. Press [Rec] to indicate that you want to record the cue.
5. Enter cue number with numeric keypad.
6. Press [Enter] to record cue
prompt.
7. Press [Rel] to release captured channels.
. Expression
displays the Stage mode screen. Once
. Expression
. Expression
returns to the Enter channel
Cue 1 keystrokes:
Key Action
[Stage] Displays Stage mode.
[1] Selects channel 1.
[At] Indicates next number entered will be an intensity
level.
[7][5] Enters intensity level of 75 percent.
[Rec] Indicates that you want to record cue.
[1] Enters cue number.
[Enter] Records cue.
[Rel] Releases captured channels.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 13
Cue 2: Creating a cue in Blind
Follow these steps to create a cue in Blind mode, for a range of chan­nels, using [Full] used in cue 1 to indicate that they will downfade in cue 2.
. Expression
automatically enters 00 for channels you
1. Press [Blind] have live control of channels in Blind prompts you to enter cue number.
2. Enter cue number you want to record or display.
3. Press [Chan] to indicate that the next number entered will be a channel number.
4. Enter channel number to mark start of a range of channels.
5. Press [Thru] to indicate you are entering a range of channels.
6. Enter channel number to mark end of range. Selected channels are highlighted or displayed in yellow.
7. Press [Full] to set channels at full intensity level.
8. Press [Rec] to indicate that you want to record the cue
9. Press [Enter].
. Expression
displays Blind mode screen. You do not
. Expression
automatically
.
Note: When using [Full], you do not have to press [At] first.
Cue 2 keystrokes:
Key Action
[Blind] Displays Blind mode screen.
[2] Selects cue 2.
[Chan] Indicates that the next number entered will be a
channel.
[1] Selects channel 1.
[Thru] Indicates you are going to enter a range.
Note: If you are entering a range of channels in Flexichannel mode, you must press [Thru] [Thru] to indicate a range.
[1][5] Marks end of range. Channels 1 through 15 are
selected.
[Full] Enters full intensity level for selected channels.
[Rec] Indicates you want to record the cue.
[Enter] Records cue.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 15
Cue 3: Modifying up and down fade times
You may also want to modify cue up and down fade times. When you create a cue, times. However, you can easily change fade times using [Time]. See page 3 - 15 for instructions on changing default fade times.
1. Press [Blind] if the Blind mode screen is not already displayed.
2. Add channels using numeric keypad and [And] or [Thru]; then enter intensity levels.
3. Press [Rec] to indicate that you want to record the cue.
4. Enter cue number, and press [Enter].
Expression
assumes you want to use the default fade
5. Press [Time]
6. Enter upfade time between .1 and 99:59. You can enter time either in minutes and seconds or a fraction of a second in decimal format For example, all of the following are acceptable: .2, 00:12, 5.5, 5:30.
7. Press [Enter]
8. Enter downfade time, if different from upfade time. Enter a time between .1 and 99:59. If you do not enter a time, assumes you want the same downfade time as upfade time
9. Press [Enter]
10. Enter wait time. Wait time is the length of time after upfade before the downfade starts. If you do not enter a wait time,
Expression
Note: If you modify fade times
.
.
.
assumes you want a wait time of zero.
after
you record the cue, you do not
Expression
beginning
.
the
have to rerecord the cue. Fade and wait times are automatically added to cue information.
11. Press [Enter].
.
Cue 3 keystrokes:
If you did not press [Rel] after you saved the last cue, channels 1 through 15 should still be selected on the Blind mode screen.
Key Action
[Chan] Indicates next number entered will be a channel.
[2][6] Marks beginning of range.
[Thru] Indicates that you are entering a range.
Note: If you are entering a range of channels in Flexichannel mode, you must press [Thru] [Thru] to indicate a range.
[5][0] Marks end of range.
[Full] Enters full intensity for selected channels.
[Rec] Indicates you want to record cue.
[3] Enters cue number.
[Enter] Records cue.
[Time] Indicates that you want to change fade times.
[1][0] Enters ten second upfade time.
[Enter] Enters upfade time and prompts you for downfade time.
[Enter] Enters same fade time as for upfade.
[.5] Enters half-second wait time
[Enter] Records time settings.
.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 17
Cue 4: Linking cues
Expression
cally. You can link a string of cues, or you can create a loop to produce a chase. You can also link cues to macros. For more information on linking cues to macros, see page 8 - 46 in
1. Create and record a cue using techniques described for cues 1 through 3.
2. Press [Link].
3. Enter cue number to which you want to link current cue. You can enter either a cue number that exists already or one you are going to create. Press [Enter].
On the cue description line, the number of the linked cue and LK appears. This information is also added to the cue sheet.
4. Enter delay time in minutes and seconds or as a fraction of a second in decimal form. Delay times may be between .1 second and 99:59.
The delay time is the length of time between the start of the first cue and the start of the cue it is linked to. For example, if the delay time for the link is 10 seconds, the second cue upfade starts 10 seconds after the first cue’s upfade begins.
lets you link cues to create a sequence that runs automati-
Chapter 8, Reference
.
Expression
time of the first cue. That way, the cues run back to back. The total running time of a cue is the longer of either the upfade time or sum of the wait and downfade times
To change the delay time for a cue that is already linked, press [Link] twice, enter delay time, and press [Enter].
enters a default delay time that equals the total running
.
Note: If you are entering link information for existing cues, you do not have to rerecord the cue.
Cue 4 keystrokes:
Key Action
[Blind] Displays Blind mode screen.
[Chan] Indicates that you are going to enter channel numbers.
[5][1] Selects channel 51.
[Thru] Indicates that you want to enter a range of channels.
Note: If you are entering a range of channels in Flexichannel mode, you must press [Thru] [Thru] to indicate a range.
[7][5] Marks end of range of channels at 75.
[Full] Sets captured channels at full intensity.
[Rec] Indicates you want to record the cue.
[4] Enters cue number.
[Enter] Records cue.
[Link] Indicates that you are going to link another cue to cue 4.
[5] Selects cue 5 to link cue 4. Note that in this example we
have not created the link-to cue yet.
[Enter] Enters cue link information.
[1][0] Sets delay time to 10 seconds.
[Enter] Enters delay time.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 19
Cue 5: Creating a cue using Solo
Often you will create cues by adding to, subtracting from and modifying previously recorded cues. [Solo] lets you select a subset of displayed channels and delete all others
1. Press [Chan] to indicate that the next number entered will be a channel number.
2. Enter channel number to mark the beginning of the subset to select.
3. Press [And] or [Thru] to indicate you are selecting a range of chan­nels.
4. Enter another channel number with numeric keypad to mark the end of the range.
.
5. Press [Solo]
6. Move the fader wheel, press [At], [+] and [-], or use [At] and numeric keypad to set desired level.
7. Press [Rec] to indicate that you want to record the cue.
8. Enter cue number with numeric keypad.
9. Press [Enter] to record cue.
. Expression
deletes all unselected channels.
Cue 5 keystrokes:
Assuming you are still in Blind and have cue 4 displayed, follow these steps to create a cue using [Solo]:
Key Action
[Chan] Indicates that the next number entered will be a channel
number.
[6][0] Marks the beginning of the subset.
Note: If you are entering a range of channels in Flexichannel mode, you must press [Thru] [Thru] to indicate a range.
[Thru] Indicates you are selecting a range of consecutive
channels.
[6][5] Marks the end of the range.
[Solo] Deletes all unselected channels (all channels except 60
through 65).
Fader wheel Sets desired level. or [At], [+] and [-], [At] and numeric keypad
[Rec] Indicates that you want to record the cue
[5] Enters cue number.
[Enter] Records cue.
.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 21
Inserting cues
You may want to insert a cue between recorded cues. For example, you may want to modify cue 1 slightly and insert it between cues 1 and 2 You can number cues with a one-digit decimal. Therefore, you can insert up to nine cues between one and two (1.1, 1.2, etc.). To modify and insert a cue, follow these steps:
.
1. Press [Blind] number.
2. Enter cue number you want to modify.
3. Make modifications.
4. Press [Rec].
5. Enter cue number with a decimal to insert it between cues. If you do not enter a new cue number, you will overwrite the existing cue.
6. Press [Enter].
. Expression
Insert cue keystrokes:
Key Action
[Blind] Displays Blind mode screen.
[1] Displays cue 1.
[Chan] [1][0] Modifies cue. [Thru] [1][5], fader wheel
automatically prompts you for a cue
[Rec] Indicates you want to record cue.
[1] [.] [1] Enters cue number 1.1.
[Enter] Records and inserts cue 1.1 between cues 1 and 2.
Deleting cues
Follow these steps to delete a cue from a show.
1. Press [Blind]. You cannot delete cues from live modes.
2. Enter cue number you want to delete.
3. Press [Clear].
4. To delete just the current cue, press [Rec].
To delete the current cue and any channels that track from that cue, press [Track]
5. Press [Enter].
.
For more information on tracking, see
techniques
.
Deleting cue keystrokes:
Key Action
[Blind] Displays Blind mode.
[Cue] Indicates next number entered will be a cue.
[1] Displays cue 1 on Blind mode screen.
[Clear] Indicates you want to delete cue.
[Rec] Indicates that you want to delete just this cue, not the
tracks.
[Enter] Deletes cue 1.
Chapter 5, Learning advanced
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 23
Viewing cues
Once you have created a few cues, you may want to look at them. You can view stored cues in two ways, live in Stage mode, or just on the
screen in Blind mode.
To view cues live, you must select the cue and play it back in a fader, see
Lesson 3: Playing back cues
To view a cue just on the screen, select Blind mode and enter the cue number you want. To view a different cue, press [Cue] and the new cue number that you want to see
In Blind mode you can also use [+] and [-] to move through recorded cues, and cue parts, one at a time. Press [Cue]; thereafter [+] displays the next cue or part, and [-] displays the previous cue or part.
for instructions.
.
Copying cues
Once you have created a cue, you may copy it and give it a new number. This can be helpful if you want to create a cue based on one you have already recorded. You can copy cues in Stage or Blind modes.
Follow these steps to copy a cue:
1. Press [Blind] or [Stage]. You can copy a cue in either mode.
2. If you are working in Blind mode, press [Cue], then enter the num­ber of the cue you want to copy. Or, if you are working in Stage mode, press [Cue], enter the number of the cue you want to copy, then press [Go].
3. In either Stage or Blind, once the cue is displayed, press [Rec] [Cue], the number of the new cue, and [Enter]. The new cue will be recorded; the original cue will not be affected.
Copying cue keystrokes:
Key Action
[Blind] or [Stage] Selects operating mode.
[Cue] [1] or Displays selected cue. [Cue] [1][Go]
[Rec] [Cue] [2] Copies Cue 1 and Cue 2.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 25
Lesson 3 Playing back cues
Now that you have some cues, you’re probably anxious to play them back
. Expression
corded cues. The left fader in each pair (faders A and C) controls upfades. The right fader in each pair (B and D) controls downfades.
You can playback cues one at a time through a single fader pair, or you can playback a different cue in each fader pair at the same time.
You can also play a cue in one pair, leave it there, and then play another cue in the second fader pair. This is one way to put two looks on stage at the same time.
For example, you may want to play a 10 minute sunset cyc cue in one fader pair while you play several cues during the same period downstage in the other fader pair.
This lesson includes the following sections:
has two sets of timed fader pairs that playback re-
Selecting cues
Timed fader pair and LED displays
Playing back cues
Go to a different cue
Controlling fades manually
Back key
Selecting cues
There are three ways a cue can be selected to playback on stage:
1) when a cue is playing,
2) you select a cue manually; or 3) linked cues. You must be in Stage mode to select cues to playback.
Expression
automatically selects the next cue;
Expression
automatically selects
When one cue is playing, consecutive cue to play next. To play the next cue, press either [Go] key If you are working in Stage mode, you see the cue running on the monitor. You can also run cues from Blind by pressing [Go].
To select a cue out of sequence, press [Cue], and enter the cue number Then press either [Go] to start playing the cue.
Linked cues begin playing automatically. When you play a string of linked cues, or a chase loop, you only need to start the first cue.
Expression
Timed faders and LED displays
Each fader has a strip of LEDs next to it. When running a timed crossfade cue, the lit LEDs indicate how much of the cue has run. This is displayed as a percentage. For example, when the LED’s are at 5, 50 percent of the cue has run.
In default operation, In level override faders control the percentage of completion of the fade, and can be used to take manual control of fades. Alternatively, you may choose to use the faders in proportional rate override. In this mode the faders control the rate of the fade, with the A and C faders controlling the upfade rate and the B and D faders controlling the downfade rate.
Expression’s
assumes that you want the next
.
.
faders function in level override mode.
For information on taking manual control of fades, see the section titled
Controlling fades manually
later in this lesson.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 27
Playing cues back
To playback the cues you created in Lesson 2, follow these steps:
1. Press [Stage] to display Stage mode.
2. Press [Cue] to indicate that you want to select a cue.
3. Enter the cue number you want to playback. To playback cues you recorded from Lesson 2, press [1][.][1].
4. Press either [Go] key. Cue 1.1 begins want to play cue 2 next.
5. Press [Go] to start cue 2.
If you press [Go] before a cue finishes playing, the previous cue stops, and the new cue begins from the levels at which the previous cue was interrupted.
. Expression
assumes that you
Go to a different cue
To playback a cue other than the selected (highlighted) cue on the cue sheet, follow these steps:
1. Press [Cue].
2. Enter the cue number you want to play next.
3. Press [Go].
Hint: If you want to force a cue to its recorded levels immediately, without waiting for the recorded fade times, when fade starts, pull faders down to meet lit LEDs, then push them to 10 (100 percent).
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 29
Controlling fades manually
Expression
playbacks with the AB and CD fader pairs: level override and proportional rate override.
In both fader modes, setting faders at 10 before pressing [Go] plays cues back as recorded; setting faders at 0 before you press [Go] gives you manual control of fade from the beginning of cue. In level override mode, if you start a cue and want to take manual control, slide faders down to meet the lit LEDs proportional rate override mode, you must move the faders below 5 to take manual control.
provides two fader modes to take manual control of cue
. Expression
gives you control of the fades. In
Hint: If you start a cue, and the performers skip ahead to the next cue, you have two options for speeding up to the next cue. If you do not need the current cue to reach its full intensity level settings, press [Go] to interrupt the current cue and begin the next one. However, if you need the current cue to reach its full level settings, push the slides down to the lit LEDs and then back up to 10 immediately. Then press [Go] to start the next cue.
Level override
Level override is you can use the faders to take manual control of fade levels. When you take manual control, the movement of the faders controls the comple­tion of the fade.
When you move the faders to a point lower than 10 in level override mode, the cue runs until it reaches the fader level setting. You can set the level before you start the cue running, or move the faders once the fade starts. The fade stops when it reaches the level at which the faders are set, and you then have manual control of fade rates. For example, if you set faders at 8, the cue will play back to 80 percent of its recorded levels.
Expression’s
Proportional rate override
If you prefer, you can select proportional rate override from the System Settings Menu. In proportional rate override, the position of the faders determines the the upfade rate; the right fader controls downfade rate.
The fader setting determines the percentage of the recorded rate at which the cue plays back. To take manual control of the fade rate, move the faders to a point below 5, then move the faders to the desired position. The percentage is determined by the level at which the faders are set. Setting a fader at 0 stops the fade; setting it at 5 sets the fade rate at 100 percent of the recorded rate. If you set a fader at 10, the fade is instantaneous. You can set the level before you start the cue running, or move the faders once the fade starts.
rate
at which a fade progresses. The left fader controls
default operating mode. In level override,
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 31
Selecting fader operating mode
Follow these steps to select the desired fader mode:
1. Press [Setup].
2. Select 6, System Settings Menu, and press [Enter].
3. Select 6, Level/Proportional Rate Override, and press [Enter].
4. Press [0] to select level override mode, or press [1] to select propor­tional rate override mode.
Manual control of linked cues
When you play back linked cues, the left fader in each fader pair controls intensity levels; the right fader controls the playback rate. When you begin a linked cue sequence with the right fader at 10, it back at the recorded rate. The LED strip on the right fader indicates that playback is at recorded rate by holding at 5. To take manual control of the playback rate, move the fader down to 5, then move it up or down to adjust rate. Moving the fader control to 10 makes playback instanta­neous; moving it to 0 stops playback.
Expression
plays
If right fader is set at anything other than 10 when you start the autoload, the linked cues or effects playback at the rate set on the fader.
Modifying cues on stage
To modify and record a cue on stage, follow these steps:
1. Press [Stage].
2. Press [Cue], and enter cue number.
3. Press [Go] to playback cue.
4. Push faders down and back up to avoid fade times.
5. Modify cue.
6. Press [Rec].
7. To rerecord as same cue, press [Enter].
To record as a new cue, enter new cue number, and press [Enter].
8. Release captured channels.
Note: If you rerecord as same cue, modifications are reflected in fader. If you record the cue with a new number, modifications are not reflected in the fader; you may want to run cue through fader before you release channels if you don’t want to lose the look from stage.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 33
Update cue
The preceding steps allow you to record the entire on stage look into the modified cue. To add only cue feature.
1. Press [Stage].
2. Press [Cue], and enter cue number.
3. Press [Go] to playback cue.
4. Push faders down and back up to avoid fade times.
5. Add channels and set levels, or modify levels of existing channels.
6. Press [Update] [Cue] [Enter] to update the existing cue, or [Update] [Cue] a new cue number, and [Enter] to record the updated cue as a new cue.
7. To rerecord as same cue, press [Enter].
selected
channels to the cue, use the Update
To record as a new cue, enter new cue number, and press [Enter].
8. Release captured channels.
Back key
The back key replays the most recently played cue, regardless of the order in which the cues were recorded in the cue sheet. It then plays subsequent cues in reverse numerical order. For example, if you play cues one, two, three, twenty-two, and sixteen, then press [Back], cue sixteen will fade into cue twenty-two. If you press [Back] again, cue twenty-one will play, not cue three.
Cues are played back using the fade and wait times recorded with the cue.
Back allows you to play back cues loaded in either fader pair. If you are using only one fader pair, you need only press [Back] to replay the previous cue. If you have cues loaded into both fader pairs, you must press [Back] then the [Go] button below the desired fader pair. If you play cues one, two and three in the AB fader pair and cues six, seven and eight in the CD fader pair, pressing [Back] then the AB [Go] plays back cue two; pressing [Back] then the CD [Go] plays back cue seven.
Note: Each time you press [Back], Expression resets the cue sheet. The cue replayed with Back becomes the first cue in the cue sheet. If you then press [Go] without first pressing [Back], the next numerical cue plays.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 35
Clearing fader pairs
Each timed fader pair is equipped with a blue [Clear] key. To clear a cue from the fader pair, press the appropriate [Clear] key. Faders will clear immediately unless you have reset the default fader clear time. For instructions on changing fader clear time, see page 3 - 15.
Lesson 4 Working with submasters
Expression
submaster is a set of channels recorded at levels to create a look. The submaster pot gives you manual control for the recorded look. You cannot play submasters back through autofader pairs. Submasters allow you to save looks that you use often. You can use submasters as building blocks when you create cues or other submasters. For example, you might create a different submaster for each cyclorama wash; another submaster might include practicals. Or, you might choose to create a series of submasters for each area of your set
Each submaster consists of a slide control and a bump switch. The slide control allows you to bring the submaster look up manually The bump switch allows you to flash the submaster to its full recorded level or to begin its programmed fade time, if any.
When a slide pot is set at 0, the submaster is at zero percent of its recorded level. To increase submaster level, push pot up. When pot is set at 10, submaster is at 100 percent of recorded level
Expression
outputs (timed playback faders and other submasters) include the same channel, the highest output level overrides all others. However, captured channels and inhibitive submasters override pile-on submaster levels.
Any specific channel may be included in as many pile-on submasters as you choose.
is equipped with 24 submaster potentiometers, or
.
.
.
submasters are pile-on submasters. That is, if several
pots.
A
Half of
inhibitive
the channels recorded in it inhibitive submasters.
Expression’s
submasters. Inhibitive submasters limit the intensity level for
submasters can be recorded as either pile-on or
.
See page 4 - 43 for more information on
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 37
Naming submasters with expanded memory
If you have installed the expanded memory option, you can use a standard PC XT compatible, alphanumeric keyboard to assign names to submasters. See page 7 - 3 for more information on using the alphanu­meric keyboard to name submasters.
This lesson includes the following sections:
Submaster pages
Creating pile-on submasters
Recording submasters on a different page
Adding fade times to submasters
Controlling submaster fades manually
Modifying pile-on submasters
Creating inhibitive submasters
Recording inhibitive submasters on a different page
Modifying inhibitive submasters
Using Update to modify submasters
Copying submasters
Deleting submasters
Submaster sheet
After creating cues in Lesson 2, you should be well acquainted with several methods for creating looks on stage. In this lesson, we won’t trouble you with reading instructions on selecting channels and setting levels since you already know how to do that. Instead, we’ll concentrate on how creating submasters is different from creating cues.
Submaster pages
Expression
of recorded submasters, one in each pot. This doubles the number of recorded submasters available.
Expression
the Page Display window to indicate which page is currently active. To switch pages, press [Page]; enter the page number you want, and press [Enter].
The message indicates the new page number and displays the message Loading instead of Loaded
When you load a new page, any submasters set at a level above zero remain on stage until you pull them down to zero. This prevents the stage from going black when you switch pages. Submasters remaining from the previous page are indicated by flashing bump switch LEDs
Submasters on the new page are not loaded into pots until you pull them down to zero. The message Loading remains on the screen until all submasters on the new page are loaded
has two
displays the message Page 1 Loaded (or Page 2 Loaded) in
pages
of submasters. Each page can hold a full set
.
.
.
Note: When you read a new show into the console from a disk, the console loads the same page number that was loaded from the previous show.
If any submasters are on stage when you read a new show into the console, they will remain on stage until you pull pots down to zero. Submaster LEDs flash to indicate that the associated submaster levels are not from the currently loaded page.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 39
Creating pile-on submasters
Creating a submaster is as easy as creating a cue. You can create submasters in Stage or Blind mode. To create a submaster, follow these steps:
1. Select channel and level settings as you did for cues. See
Creating cues
from other submasters or cues by bringing up a recorded look, then modifying as you desire.
2. Press [Rec], and press the bump switch where you want to record the submaster.
Or, press [Rec] [Sub], then enter a submaster number, and press [Enter].
3. Press [Rel] to release captured channels.
4. Push the submaster pot up. The channels you recorded come up at the proportionate levels you recorded.
if you need a review. You can use channel settings
Lesson 2,
Recording submaster on a different page
You may record a submaster to a page other than the one currently loaded or loading. For example, if you have page one loaded, you can create a look on stage and record it to page two if you wish. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Create a look on the screen.
2. Press [Rec].
3. Press [Page].
4. Enter the page number on which you want to record submaster.
5. Press the bump switch of the submaster in which you want to record the look.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 41
Adding fade times to submasters
Bump switches let you add upfade, downfade and wait times to sub­masters. When you record fade times for a submaster, you can play the recorded fade with the bump switch or retain manual control with the sliding fader.
You can add fade times to a submaster from any mode. To add fade times to an existing submaster, follow these steps:
1. Press [Sub] to indicate that you are selecting a submaster.
2. Enter the submaster number to which you want to add fade times.
3. Press [Time]
4. Enter upfade time in minutes and seconds or as a fraction of a second as a decimal, and press [Enter]. Upfade time cannot exceed two minutes.
5. Enter wait time, and press [Enter]. Wait time is the length of time the submaster holds a look before starting to downfade
To enter an infinite wait time, press [-]. If you record a submaster with an infinite wait time, the submaster will not fade out until you press the bump switch again.
If you do not enter a wait time, upfade runs as long as you press the bump switch; the downfade begins when you release it. Therefore, when you haven’t recorded a wait time, and if you don’t hold the bump switch for the duration of the fade time, channels do not reach their full recorded levels
Also, if you press the bump switch and hold it beyond the length of the upfade time, the downfade does not begin until you let the switch up.
Note: The upfade, versus a cue wait time that begins at the
.
.
wait
time for a submaster begins at the
.
end
of the
start
of the upfade.
6. Enter downfade time in minutes, seconds or as a fraction of a second as a decimal. Downfade cannot exceed two minutes.
7. Press the bump switch to start submaster upfade. The submaster runs as described above.
Controlling submaster fades manually
When a timed submaster pot is set at zero and you press the bump switch, recorded fade times playback as you recorded them. However, you can take manual control over fades, much as you can for cue fades.
You can increase the upfade rate by pushing the pot ahead of the programmed fade rate. You can force the downfade to start early by pressing the bump switch, but you cannot change the fade time.
Once a timed submaster is running, pressing the bump switch changes the direction of the fade. For example, if half of the upfade is complete, pressing the bump switch starts the downfade from 50 percent. If a downfade is running, pressing the bump switch begins an upfade again from the current level.
Hint: You cannot cancel a timed submaster once it’s started. However, you can force the channel levels to zero with the following key se­quence. Press [Group] [Sub] and the number of the running submaster. Then press [Inhib Sub] and any available inhibitive submaster bump switch. This puts all channels included in the running submaster in an inhibitive submaster. Pull inhibitive submaster level to zero.
Modifying pile-on submasters
To modify a recorded pile-on submaster, follow these steps:
1. Press [Blind] to display Blind mode.
2. Press [Sub] and the number of the submaster you want to modify.
3. To add or change channels: Select channel numbers and set desired levels.
To change all channels proportionately: Press [Group], [Sub] and enter the submaster number you are modifying. This selects all channels at current levels. Move the fader wheel to proportionately modify levels.
To delete channels:
Select channels and press [Clear] to set them to 00
4. Press [Rec] [Enter].
.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 43
Creating inhibitive submasters
Inhibitive submasters allow you to limit the intensity level for a group of channels. When an inhibitive submaster pot is on 10 (100 percent), the channels are not inhibited. As you pull the pot down, the channels’ levels are limited to the percentage to which you set the submaster
For example, assume you select channels 1 through 15 for an inhibitive submaster. As long as the submaster is set at 10 (100 percent), chan­nels 1 through 15 are not affected. When you pull the submaster down to 5 (50 percent), channels 1 through 15 are limited to 50 percent of any other output settings.
Each channel can be included in only one inhibitive submaster. If you assign a channel to an inhibitive submaster that is already included in another, submaster that you most recently recorded.
Expression
removes it from the first one, and adds it to the
.
Inhibitive submasters affect timed fader pairs and other submasters Captured channels are not affected by inhibitive submasters, but cues playing back through timed fader pairs are.
.
Remember, leave inhibitive submasters at 10 (100 percent) unless you want to inhibit channels. Otherwise channels may be missing from your cues. If you seem to be missing some channels, check your inhibitive subs!
You can record submasters 13 through 24 either as pile-on or inhibitive. A lit red LED in the bump switch indicates that an inhibitive submaster is recorded
Follow these steps to create an inhibitive submaster:
1. Press either [Stage] or [Blind]
2. Press [Chan] to indicate that next number entered will be a channel.
3. Enter the channel numbers you want to include in the submaster
.
.
using the numeric keypad, [And] and [Thru]
.
Expression
saves only selected channels when you record an inhibitive submaster (on a color monitor, selected channels are displayed in yellow). If unselected channels are also displayed, they will not be included in the submaster
.
4. Press [Rec] [Sub] [-] to indicate that you want to save selected channels in an inhibitive submaster
.
5. Press the bump switch of the submaster you want to record
Red LED in a bump switch indicates that you have recorded an inhibitive submaster
.
.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 45
Recording inhibitive submasters on a different page
You may record an inhibitive submaster to a page other than the one currently loaded or loading. For example, if you have page one loaded, you can create an inhibitive submaster and record it to page two. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Select the desired channels.
2. Press [Rec].
3. Press [Sub] [-].
4. Press [Page].
5. Enter the page number on which you want to record the inhibitive submaster.
6. Press the bump switch of the submaster you want to record as an inhibitive submaster.
Modifying inhibitive submasters
You can not use the [Update] key to modify inhibitive submasters. To modify an inhibitive submaster, follow these steps:
1. Press [Blind].
2. Press [Sub], and enter the submaster number.
Note: If you press [Rec] [Enter], Expression deletes the submaster.
3. Select the channels you want to add or remove from the submaster.
4. Press [Rec] [Sub] [-] and the submaster bump switch to add the selected channels. Or, press [Clear] [Rec] [Sub] [-] and the submas­ter bump switch to delete them.
Using Update to modify submasters
In Stage mode, [Update] allows you to modify, or add channel levels to, a recorded submaster without recording the entire stage look to the submaster you are modifying
Follow these steps to update a submaster:
1. Press [Stage] to display Stage mode.
2. Select and set desired levels of the channels you want to add to the submaster.
3. Press [Update] [ Sub], and enter the number or press the bump button of the submaster you want to update.
.
Copying submasters
You may want to copy a submaster or use submasters as building blocks for new submasters. To copy a look from one submaster to another in Stage, follow these steps:
1. Press [Stage].
2. Set submaster pot(s) that you want to copy at desired level.
3. Make any additional adjustments you want, such as selecting channels to add, playing back cues through fader pairs, bringing up other submasters, or selecting groups.
4. Press [Rec].
5. Press [Page], and enter the page number onto which you want to copy the submaster, if it is not the currently loaded page.
6. Enter new submaster number, and press [Enter]. Or, press the submaster bump switch.
Chapter 4 Learning the basics 4 - 47
Deleting submasters
You must be in Blind to delete individual submasters. To delete all submasters and all other show information, you can use the Set Up Menu option
To delete submasters, follow these steps:
Diagnostic system clear.
It is described on page 8 - 21.
1. Press [Blind] and then [Sub]
2. Enter submaster number you want to delete.
3. Press [Clear]
4. Press [Rec] to delete the submaster or [Clear] to cancel the action.
.
.
Submaster sheet
Submaster sheet is a feature of
Expression’s
expanded memory option.
It is available only when expanded memory is installed.
Submaster sheet allows you to view submasters on the display screen. All 24 submaster pots per page are represented on the submaster sheet. Submasters with recorded levels are displayed in green; those with no recorded levels are displayed in blue. Inhibitive submasters are displayed in red. If a submaster is recorded with specified upfade and downfade times, the times are displayed. Alphanumeric names are also displayed if this option is installed.
The submaster sheet lists all 24 submasters. Page one and two are displayed separately.
Follow these steps to display submaster sheet:
1. Press [Blind] [Sub] [Page] to display submaster sheet, page one.
2. Press [Page] to toggle between submaster page one and page two.
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