ETC microVision FX User Manual

microVision

FX

Lighting control system

Version 1.33

User Manual

Copyright 1991-95 Electronic Theatre Controls
4080M1002 Revised June 1995

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

MicroVision FX

Using this manual ............................................................................... 1 - 3

Text conventions ................................................................................ 1 - 4

Pile-on convention .............................................................................. 1 - 4

Getting help ........................................................................................ 1 - 5

Customer service ............................................................................... 1 - 6

Chapter 2
Installation

................................................................................................... 2 - 1

MicroVision FX

Installing your console and monitor .................................................... 2 - 3

Installing two monitors ................................................................. 2 - 4

Monitor connectors and pinouts .................................................. 2 - 5

Connecting dimmers .......................................................................... 2 - 6

Digital outputs (DMX512 and D192)............................................. 2 - 7

AMX192, CD80 analog multiplex output (optional)....................... 2 - 7

Analog wire-per-dimmer output (optional) .................................... 2 - 7

Analog wire-per-dimmer input (optional) ...................................... 2 - 8

Installing printer .................................................................................. 2 - 9

Printer connectors and pinouts .................................................... 2 - 9

Parallel printer .............................................................................. 2 - 9

Installing Infrared Remote Focus Unit (IRFU) ................................... 2 - 10

IRFU receiver unit to console connector and pinout .................. 2 - 12

IRFU transmitter to console connector and pinout..................... 2 - 12

IRFU transmitter to receiver unit connector and pinout ............. 2 - 12

Installing Remote Go ........................................................................ 2 - 13

Remote Go connector and pinout .............................................. 2 - 13

Installing audio input ......................................................................... 2 - 14

Audio connector and pinout ....................................................... 2 - 14

............................................................................................... 1 - 1

features...................................................................... 1 - 2

back panel .................................................................. 2 - 2

iv MicroVision FX

Chapter 3
Entering softpatch and
system settings

Entering softpatch .............................................................................. 3 - 2

Entering numbers of channels and dimmers................................ 3 - 3

Entering one-to-one softpatch ...................................................... 3 - 4

Creating custom softpatch ........................................................... 3 - 5

Using channel zero ................................................................ 3 - 5

Patching dimmers to channels............................................... 3 - 6

Additional patching features ......................................................... 3 - 8

Proportional patching ............................................................. 3 - 8

Capturing channels in softpatch............................................. 3 - 9

Unpatching individual dimmers ............................................ 3 - 10

Softpatching to a Strand CD80 dimmer rack........................ 3 - 11

Entering system settings .................................................................. 3 - 12

Setting default full level .............................................................. 3 - 13

Setting default up and down fade times .................................... 3 - 14

Chapter 4
Tutorial

.............................................................................................................. 4 - 1

Lesson 1: Display, channel and operation modes............................... 4 - 2

Display modes.............................................................................. 4 - 2

Stage and Blind screens ............................................................... 4 - 3

Channel modes ............................................................................ 4 - 5

Record functions .......................................................................... 4 - 7

..................................................................................... 3 - 1

Lesson 2: Working with cues ............................................................. 4 - 8

Cue 1: Creating a cue in Stage .................................................. 4 - 10

Cue 2: Creating a cue in Blind ................................................... 4 - 12

Cue 3: Creating a cue with modified fade times ....................... 4 - 14

Cue 4: Creating linked cues....................................................... 4 - 16

Cue 5: Creating a cue using Rem Dim ...................................... 4 - 18

Inserting cues............................................................................. 4 - 20

Copying cues.............................................................................. 4 - 21

Deleting cues ............................................................................. 4 - 22

Viewing cues .............................................................................. 4 - 23

Table of Contents v

Lesson 3: Playing back cues ............................................................. 4 - 24

Selecting cues ............................................................................ 4 - 25

Timed fader pairs ....................................................................... 4 - 26

Playing back cues ....................................................................... 4 - 26

Go to a different cue .................................................................. 4 - 27

Controlling fades manually ......................................................... 4 - 28

Modifying cues on stage ............................................................ 4 - 29

Back key ..................................................................................... 4 - 30

Clearing fader pairs .................................................................... 4 - 30

Lesson 4: Working with submasters ................................................ 4 - 31

Submaster pages ....................................................................... 4 - 32

Recording a submaster .............................................................. 4 - 33

Recording submaster on a different page .................................. 4 - 34

Modifying submasters ............................................................... 4 - 34

Copying submasters .................................................................. 4 - 35

Deleting submasters .................................................................. 4 - 36

Lesson 5: Creating and working with chases ................................... 4 - 37

Creating a chase......................................................................... 4 - 38

Setting chase output levels ........................................................ 4 - 40

Setting number of submasters in a chase .................................. 4 - 41

Controlling chases with audio input ........................................... 4 - 42

Lesson 6: Saving your show on disk ................................................ 4 - 43

Formatting disks......................................................................... 4 - 44

Recording a show on disk .......................................................... 4 - 45

Reading a show from disk .......................................................... 4 - 46

Lesson 7: Track record function ....................................................... 4 - 47

Using record to create tracks ..................................................... 4 - 48

Recording modified cues............................................................ 4 - 49

Inserting cues............................................................................. 4 - 51

Blackout cues and tracking......................................................... 4 - 53

vi MicroVision FX

Chapter 5
Using print and disk options

Print functions .................................................................................... 5 - 2

Bold printing ................................................................................. 5 - 3

Cue sheet ..................................................................................... 5 - 4

Cues ............................................................................................. 5 - 5

Patch ............................................................................................ 5 - 6

Real time programs ...................................................................... 5 - 7

Stage display ................................................................................ 5 - 8

Submasters .................................................................................. 5 - 9

Disk management ............................................................................ 5 - 10

Storing disks............................................................................... 5 - 11

Formatting disks......................................................................... 5 - 12

Recording a show on disk .......................................................... 5 - 13

Reading a show from disk .......................................................... 5 - 14

Chapter 6
Accessories

Infrared Remote Focus Unit (IRFU) .................................................... 6 - 2

Real Time Clock .................................................................................. 6 - 4

................................................................................................. 6 - 1

Setting Real Time Clock ............................................................... 6 - 5

Creating or editing real time programs ......................................... 6 - 8

Enabling/disabling real time programs ........................................ 6 - 11

Deleting real time programs ....................................................... 6 - 13

............................................... 5 - 1

MIDI.................................................................................................. 6 - 15

Interfacing with MIDI ................................................................. 6 - 16

Message formats ....................................................................... 6 - 17

Message definitions ................................................................... 6 - 18

Remote Go ....................................................................................... 6 - 19

Analog inputs .................................................................................... 6 - 20

Analog outputs ................................................................................. 6 - 21

AMX192 outputs .............................................................................. 6 - 22

Table of Contents vii

Chapter 7
Reference

And ..................................................................................................... 7 - 2

At ........................................................................................................ 7 - 3

Back .................................................................................................... 7 - 4

Black out ............................................................................................. 7 - 5

Blind ................................................................................................... 7 - 6

Bump switches................................................................................... 7 - 7

Captured channels .............................................................................. 7 - 8

Chan ................................................................................................... 7 - 9

Chase controls .................................................................................. 7 - 10

Clear ................................................................................................. 7 - 12

Clear all cues .................................................................................... 7 - 14

Clear all submasters and submaster pages ...................................... 7 - 15

Clear fader pairs................................................................................ 7 - 16

Clear system..................................................................................... 7 - 17

Cue ................................................................................................... 7 - 18

Delay time ........................................................................................ 7 - 20

Diagnostic system clear.................................................................... 7 - 21

Enter ................................................................................................. 7 - 22

Fader wheel ...................................................................................... 7 - 23

Full .................................................................................................... 7 - 24

Go ..................................................................................................... 7 - 25

Grand Master.................................................................................... 7 - 26

Help .................................................................................................. 7 - 27

Hold .................................................................................................. 7 - 28

Link ................................................................................................... 7 - 29

Minus (-)............................................................................................ 7 - 31

Page ................................................................................................. 7 - 32

Patch................................................................................................. 7 - 33

Plus (+) ............................................................................................. 7 - 34

Potentiometers (Pots) ....................................................................... 7 - 35

Power ............................................................................................... 7 - 36

Rate potentiometer .......................................................................... 7 - 37

Record .............................................................................................. 7 - 38

Rel .................................................................................................... 7 - 39

Rem Dim .......................................................................................... 7 - 40

Setup ................................................................................................ 7 - 42

Stage ................................................................................................ 7 - 43

Step .................................................................................................. 7 - 44

Sub ................................................................................................... 7 - 45

System Settings Menu ..................................................................... 7 - 46

....................................................................................................... 7 - 1

viii MicroVision FX

Thru .................................................................................................. 7 - 48

Timed fader pairs .............................................................................. 7 - 49

Track ................................................................................................. 7 - 50

Appendix A
Error messages

...................................................................................... A - 1

Appendix B
Specifications

Index

.......................................................................................................................I - 1

.......................................................................................... B - 1

Interfaces ............................................................................... B - 1

Cue capacity .......................................................................... B - 2

Display functions ................................................................... B - 2

Playback controls ...................................................................B - 2

Keyboard functions ................................................................B - 3

Channel functions ..................................................................B - 3

Fader wheel ...........................................................................B - 3

Chase function ....................................................................... B - 3

Size and weight ..................................................................... B - 3

Keyboard illustration

.............................................................Last page

chapter1
introduction

MicroVision FX

effects using up-to-the-minute theatrical lighting technology. This
chapter includes information to orient you to the console and the
manual. It includes the following sections:

•

MicroVision FX

• Using this manual

• Text conventions

• Pile-on convention

• Getting help

• Customer support

allows you to create a wide range of dramatic, on-stage

features

1 - 2 MicroVision FX

MicroVision FX features

MicroVision FX

• Six manual faders that control programmed submasters

• Five pages of submasters memories

• 125 control channels

• Proportional softpatch that accommodates up to 512 dimmers

• 200 cue capacity per show

• Disk drive that can store up to five shows per 3.5-inch disk

• Two independent, timed, fader pairs used to playback recorded cues

• Chase function

• Support for the following optional accessories: Infrared Remote
Focus Unit, Real Time Clock, parallel printer, and Remote Go

provides the following features:

Chapter 1 Introduction 1 - 3

Using this manual

This manual provides instructions for
optional accessories. The following chapters are included:

Chapter 1 MicroVision FX
Introduction

Chapter 2
Installation

Chapter 3
Entering
softpatch MicroVision FX
and system
settings

Chapter 4
Tutorial

Chapter 5
Using print and
disk options

Chapter 6
Accessories

conventions, getting help, and customer
support.

Instructions for installing monitor and optional
accessories.

Instructions for entering system settings that
you are likely to change before using

beginning a new show.

Tutorial on working with cues and submasters,
including an overview of display and channel
modes.

Instructions on using printer and disk options.

Instructions on using
accessories.

MicroVision FX

capabilities, console and manual

for the first time or before

’s features and

MicroVision FX's

optional

Chapter 7
Reference

Appendix A
Error messages

Appendix B
Specifications

Appendix C
Keyboard
illustration

Description of console keys and menu options
in alphabetical order.

List of
explanation of each.

Technical specifications for
console.

Pull-out illustration of

MicroVision FX

error messages and an

MicroVision FX

MicroVision FX

keyboard.

1 - 4 MicroVision FX

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
italics, such as,

Chapter 1, Introduction

.

Pile-on convention

MicroVision FX

tion to determine levels for channels. Pile-on means that
reads all output levels it receives for a specific channel and sets that
channel to the highest of these levels. For example, a channel included
in a submaster and a cue will output at the higher of the two levels.

The only exceptions to
captured by the keyboard or fader wheel. Captured channel settings
override submaster and fader pair outputs. When you release captured
channels, they return to the level they were set at using pile-on
convention.

uses a pile-on convention rather than last-action conven-

MicroVision FX

MicroVision FX

’s pile-on convention are channels

Chapter 1 Introduction 1 - 5

Getting help

Help screens are available for all
screens:

1. Press [Help].

2. Press any key on the console.
of the key you pressed. Help screens are not available for menu
options.

MicroVision FX

MicroVision FX

keys. To display help

displays a description

1 - 6 MicroVision FX

Customer service

If you have problems with your console, please refer to the manual for
instructions.

If you do not find the answer in the manual, call your local dealer or ETC
Technical Services. Please have the following information available
before you call:

• Console model and serial number

• Software version

• Dimmer installation type

• Dimmer manufacturer

To reach the ETC Techinical Services department, call 800/775-4382
Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Standard
Time. After hours and weekend calls are answered electronically and
forwarded to a service representative.

Address all correspondence about the

Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
Customer Service Department
3030 Laura Lane
Middleton, WI 53562

MicroVision FX

to:

chapter 2
installation

This chapter includes set up instructions that you need to perform when
you install

Entering softpatch and system settings

the software settings that you will probably update before you begin a
new show.

This chapter includes the following installation procedures:

MicroVision FX

and any optional accessories.

includes instructions for entering

Chapter 3,

• Installing your

• Configuring your system

• Connecting dimmers

• Installing printer

• Installing Infrared Remote Focus Unit (IRFU)

• Installing Remote Go

• Connecting audio input

MicroVision FX

console and monitor

2 - 2 MicroVision FX

MicroVision FX back panel

MIDI

out in

Analog Interface

DMX

IR

IR

Remote

Bus

PUSH

512

Printer

AMX

AMX

97-192

1-96

Audio

Serial Port

Remote go

CRT DISPLAY

RGB monochrome

Power in

Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 3

Installing your console and monitor

This section includes installation instructions for
connector and pinout specifications for the monitor. Follow these steps
to install your

1. Place console on a hard, stable, flat surface with at least six inches
of space behind it for ventilation and cable clearance. Console
should be at least six 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 ventilaion.

2. Verify that your dimmer connector pinout is correct for

FX

. Pinouts for several dimmer types are listed on pages 2 - 6 and

2 - 7. 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. Locate the power switch at the back of the console, and turn it to
the Off position.

4. Insert the female end of the console power cord in the connector
labeled Power in on the back panel.

MicroVision FX

:

MicroVision FX

MicroVision

, and

5. Insert the male end of the console power cord in a grounded 120V
AC outlet. For 220V AC 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 a
grounded 120V AC outlet.

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
TTL monochrome monitors DB-9 connector
Composite monochrome monitors BNC connector

2 - 4 MicroVision FX

8. Turn console and monitor power switches to their On positions.

9. Press [Setup].

10. Select 7, System settings, press [Enter].
System Settings Menu.

11. Select 9, Color/monochrome monitor, press [Enter].

MicroVision FX

12. Select the proper setting for your monitor, either 1 for color, or 2 for
TTL or composite monochrome monitor.

displays Color/Monochrome Monitor selection menu.

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 DB9
video connector, and the other using the BNC 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.

MicroVision FX

displays

Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 5

Monitor connectors and pinouts

RGB color or TTL monochrome

Console connector

DB-9 male

Pinout

1 Common (AC ground)
2 Common (AC ground)
3 Red
4 Green
5 Blue
6 Intensity (green)
7 Monochrome video
8 HSync
9 VSync(60Hz)

Composite monochrome (coaxial cable)

Console connector

BNC female

Pinout

Center Video (60Hz)
Shield Common

2 - 6 MicroVision FX

Connecting dimmers

To connect dimmers, first determine which of the following connectors
are appropriate and insert dimmer cables in appropriate connectors.
Then follow the instructions below to select the proper output
protocol(s) from the System Settings Menu. If your console is appropri­ately configured,
control signals simultaneously.

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.

To select the proper output protocols from the System Settings Menu,
follow these steps:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 7, System settings, and press [Enter].

3. Verify that options 6, 7 and 8 indicate the proper dimmer settings for
your system.

MicroVision FX

can output digital, AMX192 and analog

Standard digital output protocols

DMX512 and D192 protocols are standard on
the correct protocol, select 6, Digital protocol, and press [Enter]. Enter
1 to select DMX512, or 2 to select D192.

Optional output protocols

AMX192 and analog are optional output protocols that must be installed
at the factory. For more information, contact ETC.

AMX192

AMX192 is either enabled or disabled at all times. To select the proper
setting for your system, select 7, AMX192, and press [Enter]. Then
select either 1 to enable, or 2 to disable AMX192 dimmers.

Analog outputs

Analog outputs are either enabled or disabled at all times. To select the
proper setting for your system, select 8, Analog outputs, and press
[Enter]. Then select either 1 to enable, or 2 to disable analog outputs.

MicroVision FX

. To select

Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 7

Digital outputs (DMX512 and D192)

Connector

XLR 5-pin female
512 digital multiplex dimmers

Pinout

1 Common
2 Data (-) (DMX512 and D192)
3 Data (+) (DMX512 and D192)
4 Not used
5 Not used

AMX192, CD80 analog multiplex output (optional)

Connector

XLR 4-pin male
(Either one connector for 192 outputs, or two connectors for 384
outputs; 192 outputs per connector)

Pinout

1 Common (Earth ground)
2 Clock (+)
3 Analog data
4 Clock (-)

Note: You can configure MicroVision FX for Strand CD80 Dimmer I and
Dimmer II cabling convention (maximum 192 ouitputs). Contact an
authorized dealer or ETC if you need more information on connecting to
CD80 racks.

Analog wire-per-dimmer output (optional)

Connector

Centronics D-36 female

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

All connectors Pins 33-36 = common (Earth ground)

2 - 8 MicroVision FX

Analog wire-per-dimmer input (optional)*

Connector

Centronics D-36 male

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

All connectors Pins 33-36 = common (Earth ground)

*See page 6 - 16 for more information on optional analog inputs.

Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 9

Installing printer

MicroVision FX

ported. Printer functions are described in

options

Follow these steps to install your printer:

1. Insert parallel printer cable into connector labeled Printer on the

2. Insert opposite end of printer cable into printer.

3. Turn printer power switch on, and verify that printer is on line.

. Pinout and connector specifications are on the next page.

back of the console.

supports parallel printers. Serial printers are not sup-

Printer connectors and pinouts

Parallel printer and Centronics interface adaptor

Console connector Printer connector

DB-25 female Centronics D-36

Pinout Signal

1 _____________STRB
2 _____________D0
3 _____________D1
4 _____________D2
5 _____________D3
6 _____________D4
7 _____________D5
8 _____________D6
9 _____________D7
10 nc
11 ____________ Busy
12, 13 nc
14 ____________ +5
15 ____________ Error
16 nc
17 nc
18 to 25_______Ground

Chapter 5, Using print and disk

2 - 10 MicroVision FX

Installing Infrared Remote
Focus Unit (IRFU)

The Infrared Remote Focus Unit (IRFU) allows you to set channel levels
and record or run cues from remote locations in your studio or theatre.
The IRFU can be used as either a wireless or wired remote control unit.

Used as a wireless remote control, the IRFU consists of two compo­nents; a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is a hand-held,
battery-powered unit that sends infrared control signals to the receiving
unit. The receiving unit is connected to the console via the connector
labeled IRFU on the back panel.

If you want to use the IRFU exclusively as a wired remote control, only
the transmitter is necessary. In this situation, the transmitter unit is
connected directly to the IRFU connector on the back panel. Power is
supplied by the console.

MicroVision FX

remote in some circumstances and a wired remote in others. To do this,
connect the receiver to the IRFU connector on the console's back panel.
When wireless, infrared control is appropriate, use the transmitter in its
wireless configuration. If wireless infrared control is not convenient,
connect the transmitter to the receiver unit by connecting it to the
connector on the receiver unit labeled I.R. Connector.

See following page for pinout information for all IRFU connections.

Whether you intend to connect the IRFU directly to the console, or use it
as a wireless unit, ETC must configure the IRFU interface at the factory.

also allows you to use the IRFU configured as a wireless

Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 11

To install the IRFU on a properly configured

MicroVision FX

console,

follow these steps:

1. Verify that the receiver unit is properly connected to the console and
that battery in transmitter is good.

2. Press [Set Up].

3. Select 9, Options, and press [Enter].

4. Select 1, Remote focus, and press [Enter].

5. Enter 1 to enable, or 2 to disable, and press [Enter].

2 - 12 MicroVision FX

IRFU receiver unit to console connector and pinout

Receiver connector Console connector

DIN 3-pin female DIN 5-pin female

Pin Signal Pin

1 Ground 1
2 PPM data 2
3 +12V 3

Not used 4
Not used 5

IRFU transmitter to console connector and pinout

Transmitter connector Console connector

LEMO series DB 3-pin DIN 5-pin female
FGG.1B.304.CNADxx

Pin Signal Pin

1 Ground 1
2 WSI data 4
3 Charge current 5

Not used 2
Not used 3

IRFU transmitter to receiver unit connector
and pinout

Transmitter connector Receiver connector

LEMO series DB 3-pin DIN 5-pin female
FGG.1B.304.CNADxx

Pin Signal Pin

1 Ground 1
2 WSI data 4
3 Charge current 5

Not used 2
Not used 3

Chapter 2 Installation 2 - 13

Installing Remote Go

A

MicroVision FX

a 25-pin connector on the back panel. The remote unit connects to the

MicroVision FX

tor cable with one twisted pair designated for each switch (Belden 9507
S-R PCV Insulated or Alpha 5477 80 Deg. C 300 V PVC). The cable
connector at the remote unit will vary depending on the unit itself.

Remote Go connector and pinout

Console connector Remote connector

DB-25 female Connector type depends on

Pin Function

1 - AB Hold
2 - AB Go
3 - AB Back
4 - Cue 1
5 - CD Hold
6 - CD Go
7 - Plus
8 not connected
9 not connected
10 Common
11 + 12V DC
12 not connected
13 not connected
14 + AB Hold
15 + AB Go
16 + Back
17 + Cue 1
18 + CD Hold
19 + CD Go
20 + Plus
21 not connected
22 not connected
23 Common
24 + 12V DC
25 not connected

console configured for an optional Remote Go provides

console via a 24 AWG, aluminum-shielded, multi-conduc-

unit

2 - 14 MicroVision FX

Installing audio input

MicroVision FX

audio input. See page 4 - 42 for more information on using audio inputs.
Follow the steps below to connect an audio input:

1. Insert the audio input cable into the connector labeled Audio on the
back panel of the console.

2. Check to be sure that the opposite end is properly terminated to the
audio source.

3. Verify that power is on for both the
source.

4. Start the chase running.

5. Use the rate pot to select Audio.

allows you to create chases and control chase rate with

Audio connector and pinout

Console connector

XLR 3-pin female

Pinout

1 Common
2 Audio in
3nc

MicroVision FX

and the audio

Chapter 3 Entering softpatch 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 display lets you
proportionally patch dimmers to channels.

System settings allow you to set default up and down fade times 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

3 - 2 MicroVision FX

Entering softpatch

MicroVision FX

Softpatch gives you complete flexibility in assigning dimmers to control
channels.

Softpatch also allows you to proportionally patch individual dimmers to
channels to balance a wash or ensure that a specific lamp cannot be
brought above a specific level. For instructions see page 3 - 8.

If you are patching dimmers in a Strand CD80 dimmer rack, see page
3 - 11 for special instructions.

accommodates up to 512 dimmers on 125 channels.

Chapter 3 Entering softpatch 3 - 3

Entering numbers of channels and dimmers

Follow these steps to set the number of dimmers and channels in your
system:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 7, System settings, and press [Enter].

3. Select 1, Number of dimmers, and press [Enter].

4. Enter the total number of available dimmers, up to 512, and press
[Enter].

5. Select 2, Number of channels, and press [Enter].

6. Enter the total number of available channels, up to 125, and press
[Enter].

3 - 4 MicroVision FX

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 7, System settings, and press [Enter].

3. Select 5, Select default softpatch, and press [Enter].

4. Press [Enter] again to accept the default softpatch settings. Or,

MicroVision FX

press [Clear] to cancel the operation.

Note: For instructions on performing a channel check from the
patch screen (without returning to Stage mode), see the section
titled Capturing channels in softpatch later in this chapter.

’s default softpatch setting follow these steps:

Chapter 3 Entering softpatch 3 - 5

Creating custom softpatch

The following sections include information about creating a custom
softpatch.

• Using channel zero

• 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. When you start your next show, read the Standard
patch show into the console, then begin writing cues to avoid
re-entering the patch.

Using channel zero

Channel zero works as a holding area for unused dimmers. Dimmers
assigned to channel zero are listed at the end of channel list under “—”.

To assign dimmers to channel zero, enter dimmer numbers, press
[Chan], then press zero.

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.

3 - 6 MicroVision FX

Patching dimmers to channels

Each dimmer can only be patched into one channel at a time. Follow the
steps below to create a custom softpatch.

1. Press [Patch].

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].

MicroVision FX

displays the following screen.

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 dimmers.

Chapter 3 Entering softpatch 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 1 through 5 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, three and four.

5. See instructions in this chapter titled
instructions on assigning proportional levels to individual dimmers.

Proportional patching

for

3 - 8 MicroVision FX

Additional patching features

The following patching features are described below:

• Proportional patching

• Capturing channels in softpatch

• Unpatching individual dimmers

• Softpatching to Strand CD80 dimmer rack

Proportional patching

MicroVision FX

from 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 dimmer levels, follow these steps:

1. If Softpatch screen is not displayed, press [Patch].

2. Enter desired dimmer number, or select a group of dimmers by
using [And] and [Thru] in conjunction with dimmer numbers.

3. Press [At], and enter desired intensity level for dimmer. As long as
dimmers are selected 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.

Hint: You can save time by assigning dimmers to channels and set
proportional levels in one operation. For example, [Dim] [1] [Enter] [2] [At]
[2][5] patches dimmer 1 to channel 2 at a level of 25 percent.

lets you assign proportional levels to individual dimmers

Chapter 3 Entering softpatch 3 - 9

Capturing channels in softpatch

MicroVision FX

Stage mode so you can bring channels up on stage for a dimmer check
or 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 [Chan].

2. Enter channel number.

3. Press [Full] to set channel level at 100 percent, or press [At] and
enter a level setting.

4. Press [Rel] to release channels.

lets you select and capture channels without returning to

3 - 10 MicroVision FX

Unpatching individual dimmers

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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 an
individual fixture, to turn on a work light, or to focus a single dimmer.
You must be in Stage mode to unpatch a dimmer. Follow these steps to
unpatch a dimmer:

1. Press [Stage].

2. Press [Dim].

3. Enter the dimmer number you want to unpatch. Unpatching does
not affect the level at which other dimmers in the channel are set. If
you want all other dimmers in the channel off, set the channel at
zero first.

4. To set the upatched dimmer at full intensity, press [Enter]. Or, to set
the unpatched dimmer at less than full, press [At], and enter a two­digit level.

5. Press [Dim] [Clear] to restore the dimmer to patch. You can perform
most other console tasks with a dimmer unpatched, then restore
the patch at any time. Entering the softpatch screen also restores
patch.

allows you to select a single dimmer and bring it up

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 the remaining dimmers for
dimmer check.

Chapter 3 Entering softpatch 3 - 11

Softpatching to a Strand CD80 dimmer rack

Strand CD80 dimmer racks have 48 dimmer slots that accept AMX192
protocol. Each dimmer slot holds either two 2.4 kw dimmers or one 6
kw or 12 kw dimmer. When configuring a softpatch using a Strand CD80
rack, all 96 possible dimmer numbers per rack must be included.

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 from 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

3 - 12 MicroVision FX

Entering system settings

These system settings are discussed on the following pages:

• Default full level

• Default up and down fade times

To display the System Settings Menu, follow these steps:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 7, System settings, and press [Enter]. The System Settings
Menu is illustrated below:

Chapter 3 Entering softpatch 3 - 13

Setting default full level

The default full setting is the level
channels when you press [Full]. The default setting for full is 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] 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 7, System settings, and press [Enter].

3. Select 3, Default full level, and press [Enter].

4. Either enter a two-digit intensity level, or press [Full] to set levels at
100 percent.

Note: When you set dimmer levels on the softpatch screen, [Full]
enters 100 percent regardless of the default full level setting.

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enters for selected

3 - 14 MicroVision FX

Setting default up and down fade times

When you record cues,
and down fade times unless you specify different fade times. The
default fade time is five seconds. To customize default fade times,
follow these steps:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 7, System settings, and press [Enter].

3. Select 4, Default fade times, and press [Enter].

4. Enter 1 to set both default up and down fade times, 2 to set upfade
time only, or 3 to set downfade time only.

5. Enter default fade 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.

MicroVision FX

automatically enters default up

chapter 4
tutorial

This chapter includes lessons on working with
features: cues, submasters and chases. Each lesson is described briefly
below.

• Lesson 1 describes display and channel modes and record functions.

• Lesson 2 includes instructions for creating several cues.

• Lesson 3 includes instructions for creating submasters.

• Lesson 4 includes instructions for playing back cues and
submasters.

• Lesson 5 includes instructions on creating and running chases.

• Lesson 6 includes instructions for saving your work on disk.

• Lesson 7 includes information about the Track record function.

For an alphabetical listing and explanation of all features, keystrokes and
menu options, see

Chapter 7, Reference

MicroVision FX

.

’s basic

4 - 2 MicroVision

Lesson 1
Display, channel and
operation modes

This lesson describes display and channel modes and record functions
available in
settings for cues, submasters and fader pairs. Channel modes indicate
how channels respond when they are in different situations.

Display modes

You can work in either of two modes to create and modify cues and
submasters: Stage or Blind. The two modes have very similar screens.
The Stage screen is illustrated and described on the next page.

Stage

Stage mode controls live channels. This mode allows you to adjust lights
and save the look as a cue or submaster.

MicroVision FX

. Display modes show channel and level

FX

Blind

Blind mode allows you to work on cues or submasters without affecting
the stage lights. Blind mode is useful when you know what changes you
would like to make, but do not want to take control of live stage lights.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 3

Stage and Blind screens

Stage and Blind screens look very similar. The Stage mode screen is
illustrated below.

Display mode screen description

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
affects all console output.

Mode label

This field displays the current mode, either Stage or Blind.

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.

4 - 4 MicroVision

Channel display

The channel display lists system channels and their current levels. If you
have a color monitor,
provide additional information about channels. For example, in Blind
mode tracked channels are green. See the section titled
on page 4 - 5 for further description.

MicroVision FX

color codes level displays to

Channel modes

Fader windows

Fader windows display information for loaded cues. The window dis­plays the cue number, a running display of the fade time, and the
percentage of the fade time that has run.

Cue sheet

The cue sheet lists up to seven stored cues, beginning with the next
available cue. Each cue listing includes fade and delay times, and link
information, if applicable. The next cue to run is listed first and is high­lighted, with subsequent recorded cues following.

Operator prompt line

The operator prompt line displays messages to guide you through

MicroVision FX

line displays the message, Select channel numbers. If you are having
problems, look here for information or help.

operations. For example, when you press [Chan], this

Submaster/cue window

In Stage mode, the Submaster/cue window indicates which submasters
are recorded for the currently loaded page. It also indicates if loaded
submasters originated from a different page. When you change submas­ter pages, any submasters set at a nonzero level remain loaded with
previous information until you pull the submaster pot down to zero.

FX

MicroVision FX

than the currently loaded page by displaying and highlighting that page
number under the submaster number. When you are recording a cue,
cue information is displayed in the submaster window.

In Blind, the Submaster/cue window displays information about the
selected cue, including up and down fade times, delay time and link
information.

In Blind mode, the Submaster/cue window also indicates the number of
cues remaining in the cue limit.

indicates that a submaster is recorded in a page other

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 5

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 with the keypad
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,
the captured channel.

You can capture channels only while in Stage or Patch modes. Channels
can not be captured in Blind mode.
channels in red and yellow on a color monitor. Red channels are cap­tured; yellow channels are captured and selected (see below). The
message Captured channels appears next to the mode label when
channels have been captured.

MicroVision FX

reads the 50 percent setting from

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displays captured

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 or displayed in
yellow. You can select channels in all display modes.

Selected channels are live channels that are under immediate keyboard
control. Channels can be selected and captured only in live modes. You
can select channels in Blind, but they won’t be captured since Blind
mode is not live.

4 - 6 MicroVision

Recorded channels

Recorded channels are channel levels that have been recorded in a cue
or submaster. In Stage mode, recorded levels appear on the screen
when they are in a fader pair or in an active submaster. On a color
monitor in Stage mode, recorded levels are displayed in white. 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
white. On a monochrome monitor, they are highlighted.

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. On a monochrome monitor monitor, they are
dimmed.

FX

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 7

Record functions

MicroVision FX

saves all channels as they appear on the screen (what you see is what
you get) in the cue 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 often runs through several cues for the length of a scene or an act.

Track also allows you to add 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.

The Track record function is described in

has two record functions: Record and Track. Record

Lesson 7

in this chapter.

4 - 8 MicroVision

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

A cue is the stored memory of a look you have created and can replay in
a timed fader pair. After you select channels and set their intensity, you
can store the look as a cue. You can save up to 200 cues per show in

MicroVision FX

message telling you how many cues are still available.

You can store shows on standard 3.5-inch disks; each disk can hold five
shows. If your performance includes more than 200 cues, you can read a
second show from disk during a break or between cues. See
for more 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.

. When you record a cue,

Appendix C

for an illustration.

MicroVision FX

displays a

Lesson 6

FX

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 9

Creating cues

Five cues are included in the following instructions. The first few are
simple; the rest are created using 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, Creating a cue with modified fade times

• Cue 4, Creating linked cues

• Cue 5, Creating a cue using Rem Dim

• Deleting cues

• Viewing cues

There are several methods you can use to create any one look with

MicroVision FX

and what information is already stored in the console.

If you already have several cues recorded, you may want to use the look
from one cue and add to it to create another. Other times, you may want
to enter all channel levels from scratch.

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.

. Deciding how to create a look depends on your situation

The text in the following pages includes specific instructions on how to
create cues in
how to create sample cues.

There are several ways you can go about creating any one look. The
following instructions give examples of how you could generate each
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, press
[Set Up]. Then select 6, Clear System, and press [Enter]. Press [Enter]
again to confirm, or press [Clear] to cancel. Before you clear the system,
make sure that the show currently in the console memory is saved on
disk. When you clear the system, all show information is erased.

MicroVision FX

. Specific keystroke sequences show you

4 - 10 MicroVision

Cue 1: Creating a cue in Stage

Once you are in Stage, you have live control of channels. Follow these
steps to create a cue in Stage mode:

FX

1. Press [Stage].
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 [+] or [-].

4. Press [Record] to indicate that you want to record the cue. At this
point,

MicroVision FX

5. Enter cue number with numeric keypad.

6. Press [Enter] to record cue.

7. Press [Rel] to release captured channels.

MicroVision FX

displays the number of cues still available.

displays the Stage mode screen and

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 11

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.

[Record] Indicates that you want to record cue.

[1] Enters cue number.

[Enter] Records cue.

[Rel] Releases captured channels.

4 - 12 MicroVision

Cue 2: Creating a cue in Blind

Follow these steps to create a cue in Blind mode, for a range of chan­nels, using [Full].
you used in cue 1 to indicate that they will fade out in cue 2.

MicroVision FX

automatically enters 00 for channels

FX

1. Press [Blind].
not have live control of channels in Blind.
cally prompts you to enter cue number.

2. Enter cue number you want to display or record.

3. Press [Chan] to indicate that the next number entered will be a
channel number.

4. Enter a channel number.

5. Press [Thru] to indicate you are entering a range of channels.

6. Enter the last channel number in ther range. Selected channels are
highlighted or displayed in yellow.

7. Press [Full] to set channels at full intensity level.

MicroVision FX

displays Blind mode screen. You do

MicroVision FX

automati-

Note: When using [Full], you do not have to press [At] first.

8. Press [Record] to indicate that you want to record the cue.

9. Press [Enter].

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 13

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.

[1][5] Marks end of range. Channels 1 through 15 are

selected.

[Full] Enters full level intensity for selected channels.

[Record] Indicates you want to record the cue.

[Enter] Records cue.

4 - 14 MicroVision

Cue 3: Creating a cue with modified fade times

FX

When you create a cue,
cue. If you prefer, you can modify the fade times using [Time].

MicroVision FX

assigns default fade times to the

Note: Default fade time is factory set at five seconds. For information on
changing default fade times, see page 3 - 14.

To create cue 3 with modified fade times, add channels to the channels
remaining from cue 2.

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 [Time].

4. Enter upfade time between .1 and 99:59. You can enter time either
in minutes and seconds or with a fraction of a second in decimal
format. For example, all of the following are acceptable: .2, 00:12,

5.5, 5:30.

5. Press [Enter].

6. Enter downfade time, if different from upfade time. Enter a time
between .1 and 99:59. If you do not enter a time, MicroVision
assumes you want the same downfade time as upfade time.

7. Press [Enter].

8. Press ]Record] to indicate that you want to record the cue.

9. Enter cue number, and press [Enter].

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 15

Cue 3 keystrokes:

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.

[5][0] Marks end of range.

[Full] Enters full intensity for selected channels.

[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.

[Record] Indicates you want to record cue.

[3] Enters cue number.

[Enter] Records cue.

4 - 16 MicroVision

Cue 4: Creating linked cues

FX

MicroVision FX

matically. You can link a string of cues, or you can create a loop to
produce a chase.

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].

4. Enter delay time in minutes and seconds or with a fraction of a
second in decimal format. For example, all of the following are
acceptable: .2, 00:12, 5.5, 5:30. Delay times may be between .1
second and 99:59 (minutes:seconds).

The delay time is the length of time after the first cue starts before
the cue it is linked to starts. For example, if the delay time for the
link is 10 seconds, the second cue starts 10 seconds after the first
cue begins.

MicroVision FX

running 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 the downfade times.

lets you link cues to create a sequence that runs auto-

enters a default delay time that equals the total

To change the delay time for a cue that is already linked, press [Link]
twice, enter delay time, and press [Enter].

Note: If you are entering link information for existing cues, you do
not have to rerecord the cue.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 17

Cue 4 keystrokes:

Key Action

[Blind] Displays Blind mode screen.

[Chan] Indicates that your are going to enter channel numbers.

[5][1] Selects channel 51.

[Thru] Indicates that you want to enter a range of channels.

[7][5] Marks end of range of channels.

[Full] Sets captured channels at full intensity.

[Record] Indicates you want to record the cue.

[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 to cue 4. (Note that in this example

we have not yet created the link-to cue.

[Link] Enters cue link information.

[1][0] Sets delay time to 10 seconds.

[Enter] Enters delay time.

4 - 18 MicroVision

Cue 5: Creating a cue using Rem Dim

Often you will create cues by adding to, subtracting from or modifying
previously recorded cues. [Rem Dim] lets you select a subset of dis­played channels and delete all others.

Assuming you are still in Blind and have cue 4 displayed, follow these
steps to create a cue using [Rem Dim]:

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.

FX

5. Press [Rem Dim].
level of zero.

6. Move the fader wheel, press [At], [+] and [-], or use [At] and numeric
keypad to set desired level.

7. Press [Record] to indicate that you want to record the cue.

8. Enter cue number with numeric keypad.

9. Press [Enter] to record cue.

MicroVision FX

sets all unselected channels to a

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 19

Cue 5 keystrokes:

Key Action

[Chan] Indicates that the next number entered will be a channel

number.

[6][0] Marks the beginning of the subset.

[Thru] Indicates you are selecting a range of consecutive

channels.

[6][5] Marks the end of the range.

[Rem Dim] Deletes all unselected channels.

Fader wheel Sets desired level.
[At], [+] and [-],
or [At] and
numeric keypad

[Record] Indicates that you want to record the cue.

[5] Enters cue number.

[Enter] Records cue.

4 - 20 MicroVision

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:

FX

1. Press [Blind].
number.

2. Enter cue number you want to modify.

3. Make modifications.

4. Press [Record].

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].

MicroVision FX

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

[Record] 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.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 21

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 mode.

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] [Enter] Copies Cue 1 and records copy as

Cue 2.

4 - 22 MicroVision

Deleting cues

You must be in Blind to delete individual cues. To delete all cues, select

Clear all cues from the Set Up Menu. To clear complete show, select
Clear system from the Set Up Menu.

To delete individual cues, follow these steps:

1. Press [Blind] and then [Cue].

2. Enter cue number you want to delete.

3. Press [Clear].

4. Press [Record] to delete the cue or [Record] then [Clear] to cancel
the action.

To delete all cues from console memory, follow these steps:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 4, Clear all cues, and press [Enter].

FX

3. Press [Enter] to delete all cues from console memory, or press
[Clear] to cancel the action.

To clear entire show from console memory, follow these steps:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 6, Clear system, and press [Enter].

3. Press [Enter] to clear entire show from console memory, or [Clear]
to cancel the action.

Warning: When you initiate Clear system, all show data stored in
MicroVision FX is lost; system settings are not affected. Save the
current show on disk if you do not want to permanently lose all show
information.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 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 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 on the screen only, 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.

Note: When you press [Blind], the last cue run or recorded is displayed.

You can also use [+] and [-] to move through recorded cues one at a time
in Blind. Press [Cue]; thereafter [+] displays the next cue, and [-] displays
the previous cue.

for instructions.

4 - 24 MicroVision

Lesson 3: Playing back cues

Now that you have some cues, you’re probably anxious to play them
back.

MicroVision FX

recorded 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 of the fader pairs at once. This is
one way to put two looks on stage at the same time.

This lesson includes the following sections:

• Selecting cues

• Timed fader pairs

• Playing back cues

• Go to a different cue

• Controlling fades manually

• Back key

has two sets of timed fader pairs that playback

FX

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 25

Selecting cues

There are three ways a cue can be selected to playback on stage:

1) when a cue is playing,

cue; 2) you select cue manually; or 3)
selects linked cues. You must be in Stage mode to select cues to
playback.

MicroVision FX

MicroVision FX

automatically selects the next

automatically

When one cue is playing,
next consecutive cue to play next. To play the next cue, press either one
of the [Go] switches (A/B or C/D). You can press [Go] while you are
viewing the Blind mode screen if the correct cue is already selected on
the cue sheet.

To select a cue out of sequence, press [Cue], and enter the cue number.
Then press either of the [Go] switches to start playing the cue.

Linked cues begin playing automatically. When you play a string of linked
cues, or cues linked together in a chase loop, you only need to start the
first cue.

MicroVision FX

assumes that you want the

4 - 26 MicroVision

Timed fader pairs

FX

When fader controls are set at 10,
you recorded them. For information on taking manual control of fades,
see the section titled

Playing back cues

To play back the cues you created in

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 play back. To play back cues you
recorded from Lesson 2, press [1][.][1].

4. Press either [Go] key. Cue 1.1 begins.
you 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 channels begin fading to the levels determined by the next cue.

MicroVision FX

Controlling fades manually

Lesson 2

, follow these steps:

MicroVision FX

plays fade times as

later in this lesson.

assumes that

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 27

Go to a different cue

To play back 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 pull a cue up immediately, without waiting for the
recorded fade times, when fade starts, pull faders down to zero, then
push them to 10 (100 percent).

4 - 28 MicroVision

Controlling fades manually

FX

MicroVision FX

your show slows down or speeds up, you can take manual control of
fade rates to account for variances in performances.

If faders are set at 10 (100 percent) when you start a cue, cues playback
with recorded fade times.

When you set the faders lower than 10, the cue runs until it reaches the
fader level setting. Fades stop, and you have manual control of fade
progress. To establish manual control of a fade from the beginning of a
cue, set faders at zero before you press [Go].

If you start a cue and the performance runs behind, push the slide faders
down to establish manual control of the fade progress. Now you can
push the faders up or down to finish the cue at a rate appropriate for the
performance.

Hint: If you start a cue, and the performers skip ahead to the next cue,
you can move ahead to the next cue by pressing [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 and then back
up to 10 immediately. Then press [Go] to start the next cue.

allows you to take manual control of cues as they play. If

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 with the right fader at 10,
at the recorded rate. To take control of the playback rate, move the fader
to 50 percent. Then move the fader up or down to adjust rate; 10 is
instantaneous playback through steps or cues, and 0 stops playback.

If right fader is set at anything other than 10 when you start the linked
cues or effects play back at the rate set on the fader.

MicroVision FX

plays it back

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 29

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 override fade times.

5. Modify cue.

6. Press [Record].

7. To rerecord as same cue, press [Enter]. Or, to record as a new cue,
enter new cue number, and press [Enter].

8. Press [Rel] to release captured channels.

Note: If you rerecord as the same cue, the modifications you make
appear on stage immediately.

4 - 30 MicroVision

Back key

After you play a cue, pressing the Back key plays back the cue that
precedes it on the cue sheet.

For example, assume you have recorded cues one, two and three. If you
play cue one and then cue two, pressing [Back] brings up cue one again.
But, if you play cue one and then cue three, pressing [Back] will bring up
cue two because it immediately precedes cue three on the cue sheet.
Pressing [Back] after playing the first cue on the cue sheet fades all
outputs to zero.

[Back] always plays back cues in the AB fader (regardless of which fader
pair you played the cue in originally) and always uses the default fade
times regardless of recorded fade times.

Note: When you use the [Back] key the cue currently loaded in the CD
fader pair is cleared.

Clearing fader pairs

FX

Each timed fader pair is equipped with a Clear key. To clear a cue from a
fader pair, press the appropriate clear key. Faders will clear immediately.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 31

Lesson 4
Working with submasters

Submasters allow you to save looks that you use often. They can be
used 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. In addition,
submasters are the basis for creating chases. See page 4 - 37 for
information about using submasters to create chases.

MicroVision FX

You can record a submaster memory in each pot. The pot allows you to
bring up the submaster look manually. The pot's bump switch allows
you to flash the submaster to its full recorded level.

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, the submaster is at 100 percent of recorded level.

If several outputs (timed playback faders and other submasters) include
the same channel, the highest output level overrides all others. This is
called pile-on logic. However, captured channels override submaster
levels.

Each channel may be included in as many pile-on submasters as you
choose.

This lesson includes the following sections:

• Submaster pages

• Recording a submaster

• Controlling submaster fades manually

• Modifying submasters

• Copying submasters

• Deleting submasters

is equipped with six submaster potentiometers, or

pots

.

After creating cues in
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.

Lesson 2

, you should be well acquainted with

4 - 32 MicroVision

Submaster pages

FX

MicroVision FX

masters in each page. In Stage mode, the Submaster/cue window
indicates which submasters are recorded in the currently loaded page. It
also indicates if active submasters originated from a different page.
When you change submaster pages, any submasters set at a nonzero
level remain loaded with the original look until you pull the submaster
pot down to zero.

MicroVision FX

than the currently loaded page by displaying and highlighting the page
number under the submaster number.

To switch pages, press [Page] and enter the page number you want.

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 the displayed page number on
the Submaster/cue description line.

Submasters from the new page are not loaded into pots until you pull
them down to zero.

has five pages of submasters. You can record six sub-

indicates that a submaster is recorded in a page other

Note: When you read a new show into the console from a disk,
MicroVision FX holds current fader and submaster outputs.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 33

Recording a submaster

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 it as you desire.

2. Press [Record] then [Sub].

3. Enter the submaster number you want to record, and press [Enter].

Or, press [Record] and the submaster bump switch where you want
to record the look.

4. Press [Rel] to release captured channels.

5. Push the submaster pot up. The channels you recorded come up at
the proportional levels you recorded.

if you need a review. You can use channel settings

Lesson 2,

4 - 34 MicroVision

Recording submaster on a different page

You may record a submaster to a page other than the one currently
loaded. 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 [Record].

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.

Modifying submasters

To modify a recorded submaster, follow these steps:

FX

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 proportionally:

Select channels at current levels, then move the fader wheel to
proportionally modify levels.

To delete channels:

Select channels and press [At] [0][0] to set them to 00.

4. Press [Rec] and [Enter].

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 35

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 or bringing up
other submasters.

4. Press [Record].

5. If you want to save the submaster to a page other than the currently
loaded submaster page, press [Page], then enter the page number
onto which you want to copy the submaster.

6. Press [Sub] and enter new submaster number, and press [Enter], or
press the submaster bump switch.

4 - 36 MicroVision

Deleting submasters

You must be in Blind to delete submasters. You can delete all submaster
memories, or the entire show, from the Set Up Menu.

To delete individual submasters, follow these steps:

1. Press [Blind] and then [Sub].

2. Enter submaster number you want to delete.

3. Press [Clear] [Record] to delete the submaster.

To clear all submasters and submaster pages, follow these steps:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 5, Clear all submasters and submaster pages, and press
[Enter].

3. Press [Enter] to delete all recorded submasters.

FX

Or, press [Clear] to cancel the action.

To clear the entire show including all cues, submasters, chases and
softpatch, follow these steps:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 6, Clear system, and press [Enter].

3. Press [Enter] to clear entire show.

Or, press [Clear] to cancel the operation.

Warning: When you initiate Clear system, all show data stored in
MicroVision FX is lost; system settings are not affected. Save the
current show on disk if you do not want to permanently lose all show
information.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 37

Lesson 5
Creating and working with chases

A chase is a lighting effect in which the currently loaded page of sub­masters are flashed in sequence to an output level you determine. If you
load a new submaster page while a chase is running, the submasters
from the new page automatically replace those from the previously
loaded page. The chase continues to run, but with new submasters in
place of the old ones.

MicroVision FX

include in a chase (up to six), and also to control the chase speed and
output levels of the submasters. In addition, you can control the direc­tion of the chase and select either light or dark chase.

In a light chase, the submasters that make up the chase are normally off
(set at zero percent). When the chase is running, the submasters flash
on in sequence. In a dark chase, the submasters that make up the chase
are normally on (set at 100 percent of recorded level). When the chase is
running, the submasters flash off in sequence.

MicroVision FX

chase rate through your

MicroVision FX

chase rate according to the tempo of the music. For more information on
using audio input to control chases, see page 4 - 42.

allows you to determine the number of submasters you

also provides an interface that allows you to control

MicroVision FX's

analyzes the incoming audio signal, and then sets the

audio input connector.

4 - 38 MicroVision

Creating a chase

Each chase step consists of a channel or group of channels recorded as
a submaster. The first step in creating a chase is to record the submas­ters that you want to include in it.

Note: You can create submasters in either Stage or Blind mode.

Follow these steps to create a chase:

1. Press [Stage] and set the switch labeled Light/Dark/Off to Off.

2. Select channel and level settings to create a submaster. (See

Lesson 4, Working with submasters

3. Press [Record] then [Sub].

4. Enter the submaster number you want to record as a chase step,
and press [Enter]. Or, press the corresponding submaster bump
switch.

5. Press [Rel] to release captured channels.

if you need a review.)

FX

6. Repeat this procedure for each submaster you want to include in the
chase. The chase can consist of up to six submasters.

7. Set the switch labeled Forward/Reverse/Bounce to one of the
following settings to select a chase direction:

Forward

In a forward chase, the chase runs in ascending numerical se­quence, for example, from one through six.

Reverse

In a reverse chase, the chase steps run in descending numerical
sequence, for example, from six through one.

Bounce

In a bounce chase, the chase runs alternately in ascending then
descending numerical sequence, for example, from one through six,
then from six through one, then repeat.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 39

8. Set the switch labeled Rate/Both/Audio to one of the following
settings to indicate how you want to control the chase rate:

Rate

If you want to set the rate of the chase manually, set the switch to
Rate, and set the Rate pot to the desired setting. The Rate pot is
marked in increments from 0 to 10. At the 0 setting, the chase
stops; at 10, the chase proceeds at a rate of approximately 15 steps
per second.

Audio

If you want to use a music source to control the chase rate through
your

MicroVision FX's

Audio.

MicroVision FX

audio input connector, set the switch to

analyzes the tempo of the music and sets

the chase rate accordingly. (See page 4 - 42 for more information.)

Both

If you are controlling the chase rate with the Rate pot

and

also want

to use audio control, set the switch to the Both setting. The chase
rate is determined simultaneously by the setting of the Rate pot and
the audio input.

9. Set the switch labeled Light/Dark/Off to either Light or Dark to
start the chase. This starts the chase running and selects one of the
following chase types:

Light chase

In a light chase, the channels that constitute the step flash on, then
turn off again when the next step begins.

Dark chase

In a dark chase, the channels that constitute the step flash off, then
turn on again when the next step begins.

10. To stop the chase, set the switch labeled Light/Dark/Off to Off.

4 - 40 MicroVision

Setting chase output levels

When you record the submasters included in a chase, you assign an
output level to the channels that make up the submaster. After you
record the submasters, you can modify their output level by setting the
level of the potentiometer labeled Effects.

When the Effects pot is set at 10, all chase submasters playback at their
recorded level. When it is set a a level less than 10, the submasters'
output levels equal the current pot setting multiplied by the percentage
level at which the pot is set. For example if submaster levels are re­corded at full (100 percent) and the Effects pot is set at 5, the step will
output at 50 percent of recorded submaster levels.

FX

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 41

Setting number of submasters in a chase

The rotary pot labeled Step allows you to select the number of submas­ters you want to include in a chase. This can be handy if you want to
create a chase that does not require all six submasters, or if you need to
reserve some submasters for other purposes.

For example, to include only submasters one and two in a chase, set the
Step pot to 2; to include submasters one, two, three, and four, set the
pot to 4.

4 - 42 MicroVision

Controlling chases with audio input

FX

The Audio setting on
from an audio source (tape, CD, LP, or live music) to control chase rate.
The processor detects notes in certain low frequencies (usually the bass
drum part) and uses them to set the chase rate.

Follow these steps to use audio input to set chase rate:

1. Create the chase using the techniques described on pages 4 - 37
through 4 - 40.

2. Insert the audio connector into the output labeled Audio on the
console's back panel.

3. Select Audio with the rate pot.

4. Use the switch labeled Light/Dark/Off to start the chase running.

MicroVision FX

's Rate pot allows you to use input

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 43

Lesson 6
Saving your show on disk

You should always make at least one back up copy of each show you are
working on. Back up copies are stored on standard 3.5-inch computer
disks. We suggest that you make back up copies of your work after
every session during which you modify a show.

Backups include system setting information, softpatch, cues, submas­ters, chases, and any other information that you have in the console at
the time you record the show on disk.

To make back up copies of your work requires these steps, (each is
included in this lesson):

• Format a standard double-sided, double-density 3.5-inch disk on the
console

• Record show on formatted disk

More disk information and instructions on reading a show from disk, see

Chapter 5, Using print and disk options

.

4 - 44 MicroVision

Formatting disks

FX

You must format disks on a
record shows on them.
unformatted disks or disks that are formatted on other types of ETC
consoles or personal computers. Each
shows.

MicroVision FX

MicroVision FX

console before you can

cannot record shows on

MicroVision FX

disk can hold five

Warning: Formatting a disk erases all information previously recorded on
it. It does not affect the current show in console.

To format disk, follow these steps:

1. Insert standard double-sided, double-density 3.5-inch computer disk
in disk drive.

2. Press [Set Up].

3. Select 3, Format disk, and press [Enter].

4. Begin formatting by pressing [Enter].

Or, cancel format operation by pressing [Clear].

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 45

Recording a show on disk

To record a show from memory to a disk follow these steps:

1. Insert a formatted disk in disk drive.

2. Press [Set Up].

3. Select 1, Write show to disk, and press [Enter].

If any of the five shows are currently recorded on disk, the screen
displays the message, Recorded, or the date recorded if you have
the Real Time Clock option. If no show is recorded on disk,

MicroVision FX

4. Select a show number (1 through 5), and press [Enter]. If the show
number you select is already recorded, the new show will overwrite
the old show.

displays the message, Not recorded.

4 - 46 MicroVision

Reading a show from disk

When you read a show from a disk and load it into memory, the new
show overwrites the current show in the board. Therefore, if you want
to keep the current show, follow the instructions on the previous page
to record current show before you read a new show from disk.

Current submaster and cue output levels are not affected when you read
a new show into the console from a disk.

Live submasters remain on stage until you pull their pots to zero. Moving
submaster pots up again loads a submaster from the new disk. On a
color monitor, submasters from the previous show are displayed in
green. Once loaded, the new submasters are displayed in yellow.
Loading a new show automatically loads submaster page one from the
new show.

When a new show is read from disk, cues loaded in the fader pairs
remain in the faders until you remove or replace them. Press [Clear] to
remove them, or replace them by loading a new cue.

To read a show from disk into memory, follow these steps:

FX

1. Insert disk in disk drive slot.

2. Press [Set Up].

3. Select 2, Read show from disk, and press [Enter].

MicroVision FX

are not yet recorded on the disk.

4. Select the desired show and press [Enter]. The show you enter will
overwrite the current show in memory.

Or, press [Clear] to cancel the operation.

displays the message Not recorded for shows that

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 47

Lesson 7
Track record function

The Track record function helps you use
and create more complex lighting effects.

Track is a record function that allows you to modify recorded cues and
designate new levels for the displayed cue only or to track them forward
until a different level is encountered.

A track is created by a channel whose level does not change through a
series of consecutive cues. [Track] creates tracks by pulling channel
levels from the previous cue (in Blind mode), or by adding tracks to
existing cues (in either Blind or Stage).

Cue levels are usually set live, working in Stage mode. When you first
record a series of cues, you typically record the first cue of the se­quence. The second cue is built from the first with some of the channels
changing, but many remaining the same. The third cue is built from the
second and so on, until a major change, such as a black out, is recorded.

This procedure results in many channels being set to a level in one cue
and staying at that level for several cues. These tracks develop regard­less of the record function (Record or Track) you use to record the cues.

In Blind mode, channels levels displayed in white on the screen indicate
that the channel has moved to a new level in that cue. This serves as a
blocking level when you create a track. Channel levels displayed in green
indicate that the recorded level is the same as in the previous cue.

MicroVision FX

more efficiently

The following examples demonstrate how Track works and compare it
to Record. The examples include five cues, each with five channels.

When a channel changes level from one cue to the next it is printed in
bold on the following pages; tracked channels are printed in regular print.
This is similar to how Blind mode displays levels on a color monitor—
channels that change intensity are displayed in white; tracked channels
are displayed in green.

4 - 48 MicroVision

Using record to create tracks

In Stage mode, the following keystrokes create the five cues illustrated
below. Each cue adds channels to the previous cue. The example uses
Record to record the cues.

Cue 1 [Chan] [1] [Full] [Record] [1] [Enter]
Cue 2 [Chan] [2] [Full] [Record] [2] [Enter]
Cue 3 [Chan] [3] [Full] [Record] [3] [Enter]
Cue 4 [Chan] [1] [At] [2][5] [4] [Full] [Record] [4] [Enter]
Cue 5 [Chan] [1] [Thru] [4] [At] [0][0] [Record] [5] [Enter]

These keystrokes produce the results illustrated in Figure 1.

Cue 1 Cue 2 Cue 3 Cue 4 Cue 5

Channel 1 FF FF FF 25 00

Channel 2 FF FF FF 00

Channel 3 FF FF 00

FX

Channel 4 FF 00

Channel 5

Figure 1

Notice the horizontal tracks developed by keeping a channel at the same
level through a number of cues. For example, channel 1 tracks from cue
1 to cue 3.

Note that channels remain at set levels while you program the series of
cues because they are captured and have not been released.

Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 49

Recording modified cues

The difference between Record and Track is apparent when you modify
a cue or insert a new cue between two existing cues. Record and Track
produce different results.

The following keys were pressed to release captured channels and play
back cue 1.

[Stage] [Rel] [Rel] Release captured channels.
[Cue] [1] [Go] Play back cue 1.
[Chan] [1] [At] [5][0] Modify channel 1 to 50 percent.

With cue 1 in a fader pair, channel 1 is modified to 50 percent. To
change a channel level that affects only the cue you modify, use
[Record]. Modify the cue; press [Record]; enter the cue number, and
press [Enter]. Only the specified cue is modified.

The results of modifying cue 1 and using [Record] are illustrated in
Figure 2.

Cue 1 Cue 2 Cue 3 Cue 4 Cue 5

Channel 1 50 FF FF 25 00

Channel 2 FF FF FF 00

Channel 3 FF FF 00

Channel 4 FF 00

Channel 5

Figure 2

Note that channel 1 is not affected in cues 2 and 3. Also note that when
you record a modified cue that is in a playback fader pair, the changes
are reflected in the fader. That is, when you release the channels you
have modified, they remain on stage.
If you change the level in the beginning or middle of a track, you may
want the change to continue through the remainder of the original track.

4 - 50 MicroVision

To track the level modification we just recorded in the example above
use [Track] instead of [Record] to record channel one as on the previous
page. Press [Track], enter cue number, and press [Enter]. If you use
[Track] rather than [Record] to record the changes made to the cue
illustrated in Figure 1, the results will be as illustrated in Figure 3 (versus
the results from using [Record] illustrated in Figure 2).

Cue 1 Cue 2 Cue 3 Cue 4 Cue 5

Channel 1 50 FF FF 25 00

Channel 2 FF FF FF 00

Channel 3 FF FF 00

Channel 4 FF 00

Channel 5

Figure 3

The modified level is recorded in the current cue and carries through the
entire track (cues 1 through 3).

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Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 51

Inserting cues

If you insert a cue into this sequence, Record and Track produce differ­ent results. Record saves changes only in the cue you insert; Track
saves the changes you make and tracks them through the following
cues.

The following keys were pressed to release captured channels and play
back cue 1. With cue 1 in a fader pair, channel 4 is added at 50 percent.
The new look is inserted as cue 1.1.

[Stage] [Rel] [Rel] Release captured channels.
[Cue] [1] [Go] Play back cue 1.
[Chan] [4] [At] [5][0] Add channel 4 at 50 percent.
[Record] [1][.][1] [Enter] Inserts new look as cue 1.1.

Figure 4 displays the result inserting the cue using [Record]. Notice the
new channel is not added to the cues that follow it.

Cue 1 Cue 1.1 Cue 2 Cue 3 Cue 4 Cue 5

Channel 1 50 50 FF FF 25 00

Channel 2 FF FF FF 00

Channel 3 FF FF 00

Channel 4 50 00 FF

Channel 5

Figure 4.

Note that
cue 2. This downfades the channel when cue 2 is played.

When you insert a cue with [Track] new channels track through the cues
after it until
recorded for that channel.

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enters a level of 00 percent for channel 4 in

encounters a cue with a level previously

4 - 52 MicroVision

Pressing [Track] (rather than [Record] as in the previous example) then
[1][.][1] [Enter] to insert and record the same cue 1.1 as above produces
the results illustrated in Figure 5. Compare it to the results illustrated in
Figure 4, in which the same cue was inserted using [Record] rather than
[Track].

Cue 1 Cue 1.1 Cue 2 Cue 3 Cue 4 Cue 5

Channel 1 50 50 50 50 25 00

Channel 2 FF FF FF 00

Channel 3 FF FF 00

Channel 4 50 50 50 FF 00

Channel 5

Figure 5.

Channel 4 creates a track from cue after 1.1 until a prerecorded level
interrupts it.

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Chapter 4 Tutorial 4 - 53

Blackout cues and tracking

Sometimes you may add a channel to a sequence of cues that has not
used that channel yet. For example, you may want to add a channel to all
cues in a scene. To do this, add the channel to the first cue in the
sequence, and use Track to track the change through the remaining
cues.

To ensure that the newly-added channel does not track through another
cue, it is often helpful to construct a blackout cue. The blackout cue
prevents the new channel track from running into a different recorded
level.

Figure 6 displays what happens when we track channel 5 through the
sequence when cue 5 is a regular crossfade cue.

Cue 1 Cue 1.1 Cue 2 Cue 3 Cue 4 Cue 5

Channel 1 50 50 50 50 25 00

Channel 2 FF FF FF 00

Channel 3 FF FF 00

Channel 4 50 00 FF 00

Channel 5 FF FF FF FF FF FF

Figure 6

Channel 5 tracks through cue 5 and ruins the black out cue.

4 - 54 MicroVision

FX

If cue 5 is a blackout cue,

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records all unused channels in
Cue 5 at 00 percent. In the example below, the blackout automatically
enters 00 in channel 5, cue 5. When you track a channel through the
sequence, the new channel will not track through the blackout cue.

To create a blackout cue, enter these keystrokes:

[Blind] [Cue] [5] [Rem dim] [Rem dim] Selects all channels and sets at

a level of 00.

[Record] [Enter] Records blackout cue.

Now when we track channel 5 through the sequence, cue 5 acts as a
roadblock for the track. The result is illustrated in Figure 7.

Cue 1 Cue 1.1 Cue 2 Cue 3 Cue 4 Cue 5

Channel 1 50 50 50 50 25 00

Channel 2 FF FF FF 00

Channel 3 FF FF 00

Channel 4 50 00 FF 00

Channel 5 FF FF FF FF FF 00

Figure 7

chapter 5
using print and disk options

This chapter includes instructions for using
disk options. Each of the following options is explained and illustrated on
the following pages.

• Bold printing

• Cue sheet

• Cues

• Patch

• Real time programs

• Stage display

• Submasters

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side panel of the console. It allows you to save backup copies of shows
on disk. Disk options and disk management are discussed in the section
titled Disk management on page 5 - 10. The following options are
described:

• Format disk

• Record show on disk

• Read show from disk

is equipped with a 3.5-inch disk drive on the right front

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’s print and

5 - 2 MicroVision FX

Print functions

Before you begin printing, verify that your printer is installed correctly
and that it is turned on. For instructions on installing printers, see

Chapter 2, Installation

are printing.

All print options are located on the Print Functions Menu. To display the
menu press [Set Up], and press 8, Print Functions. Then press [Enter].

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, page 2 - 9. Fades in progress pause when reports

displays the Print Functions screen illustrated below.

To print a report:

1. Enter menu option number and press [Enter].

2. Follow prompts that ask for beginning and ending numbers, if any.

3. Press [Enter].

To cancel the print operation, select 8, Abort print.

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sends reports to the printer.

Chapter 5 Using print and disk options 5 - 3

Bold printing

The Bold printing option on the Print Functions Menu enables the Print
cues option to print moving channels in bold as moving channels are
displayed highlighted in Blind mode. To enable bold printing, follow
these steps:

1. Press [Set Up].

2. Select 8, Print functions, and press [Enter].

3. Select 7, Bold printing, and press [Enter].

4. Select 1 to enable bold printing, or 2 to disable bold printing. Then

press [Enter].

This option is designed to work with Epson and Epson-compatible
printers. If your printer is not Epson compatible, it may or may not
respond to this option. If it does not, set the option to Off.

5 - 4 MicroVision FX

Cue sheet

The cue sheet report lists all recorded cues. From the Print Functions
Menu, select 5, and press [Enter]. Enter the first cue number you want
to print, or press [Enter] if you want to print the entire cue sheet. Press
[Enter]. If you are selecting a range of cues to print,
prompts you for the last cue number to print. Enter the last cue number
you want, and press [Enter].

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sends the report to the

printer.

See previous page for instructions on enabling and disabling bold printing
for moving channels.

To interupt the print operation, press [8], Print functions, then [8],
Abort print.

MicroVision FX Lighting Control System ETC

Cue Sheet

CUE 1.1 Up 00:07...Down..00:07 Link 1.2 Delay 0:07
CUE 1.2 Up 00:07...Down..00:07 Link 6 Delay 00:07
CUE 6 Up 00:00...Down..00:00 Link 6.1 Delay 00:00
CUE 6.1 Up 00:03...Down..00:03 Link 6.2 Delay 00:03
CUE 6.2 Up 00:03...Down..00:03 Link 6.3 Delay 00:03
CUE 6.3 Up 00:05...Down..00:05 Link 7 Delay 00:05
CUE 7 Up 00:20...Down..00:20 Link 8 Delay 00:20
CUE 8 Up 00:10...Down..00:10 Link 10 Delay 00:10
CUE 10 Up 00:03...Down..00:03 Link 11 Delay 00:03
CUE 11 Up 00:05...Down..00:05 Link 12 Delay 00:05
CUE 12 Up 00:03...Down..00:03 Link 13 Delay 00:03
CUE 13 Up 00:05...Down..00:05 Link 14 Delay 00:05
CUE 14 Up 00:03...Down..00:03 Link 14.1 Delay 00:03
CUE 14.1 Up 00:05...Down..00:05 Link 15 Delay 00:05
CUE 15 Up 00:07...Down..00:07 Link 15.5 Delay 00:07
CUE 15.5 Up 00:10...Down..00:10 Link 16 Delay 00:10
CUE 16 Up 00:03...Down..00:03 Link 17 Delay 00:03
CUE 17 Up 00:05...Down..00:05 Link 18 Delay 00:05
CUE 18 Up 00:02...Down..00:03 Link 19 Delay 00:03
CUE 19 Up 00:10...Down..00:10 Link 20 Delay 00:10

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