Eurolite HE Laser Software User manual

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USER MANUAL
EUROLITE HE Content
Content
1 Minimum System Requirements........................................................4
3 Installation ...........................................................................................7
3.1 New Installation............................................................................................... 7
3.2 Updates............................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Hardware Overview......................................................................................... 8
3.3.1 Simulation and Virtual Device..............................................................................9
3.3.2 EZ AudDAC .......................................................................................................11
3.3.3 JM-Laser.dll Devices .........................................................................................11
3.3.4 Lumax/MiniLumax .............................................................................................11
3.3.5 Mamba (*.mld) ...................................................................................................12
3.3.6 FriendlyName ....................................................................................................12
3.3.7 MIDI/DMX (Hardware and Driver) .....................................................................13
3.3.8 DMX...................................................................................................................13
3.3.9 TTL Switches.....................................................................................................14
3.3.10 MIDI (Hardware and Driver) ............................................................................14
3.4 Routing of Hardware Output ........................................................................ 14
3.5 Start of the Program ..................................................................................... 16
3.6 Verifying of Settings ..................................................................................... 16
4 Quick Start .........................................................................................19
4.1 Playing a Music-Synchronous Laser Show ................................................ 19
4.2 Create Own Figures and Shows .................................................................. 20
4.3 Show Folder/Save Figures ........................................................................... 23
4.4 Use of Function Keys (F0 to F12) ................................................................ 24
4.5 Assignment of Figures to Keys ................................................................... 25
4.6 Create Music-Synchronous Shows ............................................................. 27
4.7 Load and Use a Live Show........................................................................... 30
4.8 Creation of a Live Show ............................................................................... 32
5 Main Part ............................................................................................33
5.1 The Windows of EUROLITE HE.................................................................... 33
5.2 Figure Editor (Main Window) ....................................................................... 38
5.2.1 Creating and Editing of Figures .........................................................................39
5.2.2 Graphic Functions .............................................................................................40
5.2.3 Marking and Editing Tools .................................................................................46
5.2.4 Frame Tools ......................................................................................................50
5.2.5 File (Buttons Save, Save As and Save All) .......................................................54
5.2.6 Textbox..............................................................................................................54
5.2.7 Output Path .......................................................................................................54
5.2.8 Color Selection ..................................................................................................55
5.2.9 Checkbox “Figures Always on Top“...................................................................55
5.2.10 Folder Window.................................................................................................56
5.2.11 Buttons in the Region “Window” ......................................................................57
5.2.12 Menus of the Figure Editor .............................................................................. 58
5.2.12.1 Menu File......................................................................................................59
5.2.12.2 Menu Background Image .............................................................................60
5.2.12.3 Menu Edit .....................................................................................................62
5.2.12.4 Menu Figure Assignment..............................................................................64
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5.2.12.5 Menu Frame Tools .......................................................................................65
5.2.12.6 Menu Windows .............................................................................................67
5.2.12.7 Menu Color Table .........................................................................................72
5.2.12.8 Menu Signs/Text...........................................................................................73
5.2.12.9 Menu Test Pictures (and Fix Figures) ..........................................................75
5.2.13 Tools to Create Automatically Animations.......................................................76
5.2.13.1 Wave Generator ...........................................................................................76
5.2.13.2 Path Tool ......................................................................................................80
5.2.13.3 Stretch Lines Tool.........................................................................................82
5.2.13.4 Bitmap Trace Tool ........................................................................................83
5.2.13.5 Push Through Colors (Move Colors Through)..............................................84
5.2.13.6 Insert Color Gradient (Insert Smooth Color).................................................85
5.2.14 Effects Dialog ..................................................................................................86
5.3 Options .......................................................................................................... 90
5.3.1 Index Card Text .................................................................................................91
5.3.2 Index Card Show ...............................................................................................92
5.3.3 Index Card MIDI/DMX .......................................................................................94
5.3.4 Index Card Others .............................................................................................96
5.3.5 Index Card Optimize Output ..............................................................................98
5.3.5.1 Adjustment of the PPS Rate (Instructions) ...................................................101
5.3.5.2 How to set up the Output Optimization (Instructions) ...................................102
5.3.6 Index Card Hardware ......................................................................................104
5.3.7 Index Card Output ...........................................................................................104
5.3.8 Index Card Color Correction............................................................................107
5.3.9 Index Card Reset Settings...............................................................................111
5.3.10 Buttons at Options .........................................................................................112
5.4 Show Editor ................................................................................................. 113
5.4.1 Buttons and Tools............................................................................................114
5.4.1.1 Magnifying Glass ..........................................................................................114
5.4.1.2 Hand .............................................................................................................114
5.4.1.3 Rubber..........................................................................................................115
5.4.1.4 Effect (Tool) ..................................................................................................115
5.4.1.5 Button Info ....................................................................................................116
5.4.1.6 Buttons Cut, Copy and Paste .......................................................................117
5.4.1.7 Button Play HQ.............................................................................................117
5.4.1.8 Buttons Undo/Redo ......................................................................................117
5.4.1.9 Transport Buttons .........................................................................................117
5.4.1.10 Further Show Editor Elements....................................................................119
5.4.2 Menus of the Show Editor ...............................................................................120
5.4.2.1 Menu File......................................................................................................120
5.4.2.2 Menu Show part ...........................................................................................127
5.4.2.3 Menu Edit .....................................................................................................127
5.4.2.4 Menu Tools...................................................................................................127
5.4.2.5 Menu Settings...............................................................................................128
5.4.2.6 Menu Video ..................................................................................................129
5.4.2.7 Menu Playlist ................................................................................................130
5.4.2.8 The Playlist ...................................................................................................130
5.4.2.9 Menu Info.txt.................................................................................................132
5.4.2.10 Menu Countdown .......................................................................................134
5.4.2.11 “Menu” Showpath .......................................................................................135
5.5 DMX Editor................................................................................................... 136
5.5.1 EasyDMX.........................................................................................................137
5.5.1.1 Region Macro Steps .....................................................................................138
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5.5.1.2 Region Edit Steps.........................................................................................139
5.5.1.3 Region File ...................................................................................................139
5.5.1.4 Additional Elements (Output, Master, Mapper etc.)......................................139
5.5.2 Intelligent DMX ................................................................................................141
5.5.2.1 Button Edit DMX Device ...............................................................................141
5.5.2.2 Button Use DMX Device...............................................................................143
5.5.2.3 Selection of the DMX Devices to Create Macros .........................................144
5.5.2.4 Button Save Device List ...............................................................................144
5.5.2.5 Button Load Device List................................................................................144
5.5.2.6 Button Clear Device List ...............................................................................144
5.5.2.7 Use of Intelligent DMX Devices ....................................................................144
5.5.2.8 Intelligent DMX and USB Dongle .................................................................144
5.5.2.9 Menus of the DMX Window ..........................................................................145
5.6 Control of the Software via DMX and MIDI................................................ 145
5.6.1 Control via DMX ..............................................................................................145
5.6.1.1 Timeline Window (Show Editor DMX Control)..............................................145
5.6.1.2 Control of the Live Window via DMX ............................................................148
5.6.2 Control via MIDI...............................................................................................150
6 The Live Window ............................................................................. 155
7 Show Parts....................................................................................... 160
8 Hints .................................................................................................161
8.1 Conventions ................................................................................................ 161
8.1.1 Beam Zone and Audience Zone......................................................................161
8.1.2 Assignment of tracks to projectors ..................................................................161
8.2 Terms and Names ....................................................................................... 161
This user manual is valid for item number: 51885500
You can find the latest update of this user manual in the Internet under:
www.eurolite.de
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EUROLITE HE System Requirements
1 Minimum System Requirements
Windows XP, Vista or 7 CPU: Pentium 4, 1 GHz or better (a faster computer enables smoother laser output) 500 MB working memory or better 5 GB memory on harddrive and memory for the shows (possibly less) Sound card Graphics resolution minimal 1024x768 pixels, installed openGL driver
Attention netbook users: Many netbook displays have less than 768 pixels vertical resolution. Thus possibly some operating buttons will not be visible.
USB 1.1 or higher for dongle and DAC Two screens simplify the work with EUROLITE HE
The program is made for Windows XP (service packs 1 to 3), Windows Vista (SP1 and SP2 with 32 or 64 bit) and also for Windows 7. Various Mac computers with Windows simulation and even Linux computers are possibly able to work with the program. However, no guarantee can be given for exotic setups. The laser output is calculated in real time. Animations may show short stops or will hang up depending on the system load of the computer. As a result, a system that exceeds the minimum requirements stated above is recommended. To run a laser show with four independent projectors and DMX as well as video output via beamer and at least sound you should have an Intel Core Duo with 2 GHz CPU, 2 GB RAM, a quick harddrive and USB 2.0. A real graphic card is also better compared to an on-board graphic card. You should certainly think twice about the use of TV card or online chat during laser shows. A setup with two or more computer screens recommended. EUROLITE HE is able to control up to 16 output cards simultaneously; The following combinations have been tested successfully:
11 NetLase cards, each connected with an RGB projector 1 EasyLase 1, 2 NetLase and 4 Lumax cards with a total of 8 projectors (one Y-cable)
Example for a favourable workplace
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EUROLITE HE Functional Principle
2 Functional Principle of Laser Show Software and Projector
This chapter provides information on the functional principles of laser systems and the software; thus it can may omitted (go on at chapter 3 (Installation) or chapter 4 (Quick Start). The underlying principle is the following:
Laser graphics are vector graphics.
A vector is a mathematical object with the attributes length and direction. In our case, this means that the galvo mirrors will move the laser beam from one point to the next one, described by vectors.
Galvo” is derived from galvanometer. Originally, this is an instrument with, because of a flowing current in presence of a magnetic field within it, a moving or rotating coil on which a pointer (in our case a mirror) is mounted. Perhaps you will know it to be an instrument to measure voltages or currents in an analog fashion, yet not digitally. More precise information on galvos, very often also called scanners, can be found online e.g. www.laserfreak.net.
The laser beam moves as your pencil when you paint pictures from one number to the next one (“painting by numbers”). The moment the software puts out a new point, the galvos, driven by the preset electronics, will be set to move to reach that point. Then the galvos move the laser beam to the next point, and so on. This can be done with the laser turned off (blanked) or on.
The different colors are generated by a modulation of the intensity of differently colored laser beams. To do all of this, some time is needed – until the mirrors are at first accelerated (“step on the gas”) to reach the next point and then decelerated (“throttle down” or “brakes on”) to hit it more or less exactly and until the lasers are set to the desired intensities, until other devices (e.g. DMX devices) are switched on or off - and so on. Because of all these actions some delay will always be present. Thus you can perhaps imagine that the achieved result is not always the optimum (100%) of the desired figure.
Some additional words on colors: Today we have laser diodes (in general red beams) or so called DPSS lasers (Diode Pumped Solid State) with beams in various colors. With the three basic colors red, green and blue every color impression can be created within our brains.
Color is not a physical but a psychological phenomenon. Thus people will have a different impression of laser shows. The three sensors for red, green and blue are within our eyes. In the past, when DPSS lasers were not available, mostly multi-line Ar+ ion lasers (up to 8 spectral lines) or Kr+ ion lasers (or mixed gas Ar+ and Kr+ with up to 13 spectral lines) were used for laser shows with so called color boxes (“dichroitic” filters) or acoustic-optical modulators (AOM, PCAOM) to generate different colors. For high-power purposes those lasers are often used today, too. HeNe gas lasers were/are used as well.
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To achieve impressive laser shows some preparative steps are needed. Firstly graphics, in future called figures, have to be created (or painted) and to be saved on the computer. For this purpose the software offers different tools similar to graphic editors.
Furthermore, every figure has its own setups of effects and parameters for the optimization of the output. A figure can consist of several pictures (later called frames) like an animated cartoon. Different figures, together with the respective music and other different files like the show file or the file which contains the keyboard assignments, must be jointly saved for the show within the show folder. When the show folder or the laser show, respectively, will later be opened, the figures will all be put into the random access memory (RAM) of the computer and subsequently they can be sent to the projector.
Now two kinds of shows can be used; there are music-synchronous laser shows (beam or graphics) or live shows (also beam or graphics). The two versions are similar. The only difference is that the “time line” from where the figures are called is in the first case recorded in advance, and in the second case it is put in anew (live) each time by the light jockey.
The show output, however, basically is always the same and will be done by the program in the following way: The start of figures which consist of many points, as well as their color information (all stored within the RAM of the computer) will be addressed by an event, which is written down in the show track or via direct call from the Figure Table or Live Window. The coordinates of the points and intensity values will be calculated according to the effect settings, the distances between the points are optimized (by interpolation), corner points will eventually be repeated and at least, after a correction of the geometry, they will be put out to the hardware. The selection of a figure together with its effect settings can be done manually (as mentioned above via the Live Window) or automatically by an integrated Show Editor (with “tracks”). If the Show Editor shall do this operation, the necessary events have to be set up in advance on the tracks. Manual control of the figures can be accessed by a PC keyboard, DMX console or by a MIDI keyboard in real-time.
Depending on the respective hardware (e.g. hardware connected with the parallel port), the software has to additionally calculate the correct timing between the single points. Unfortunately, that involves a not negligible additional work for the computer and thus it is very dependent on the capacities of the computer. The result of these additional calculations will be that the show will not be displayed as smooth as it could be when another kind of quasi intelligent hardware is used. Because of the above mentioned reasons intelligent hardware like EasyLase, (Mini-) Lumax, Medialas, Riya or other is recommended. The BILDA or the LPT-DAC (parallel port) is less appropriate and will not be supported by the software to 100%. Nevertheless, these DA converters (short for digital analog) can be used and will continue to work in combination with the software.
TIP: Often, you will find an additional function or control elements or menus within the software by means of a right mouse click.
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EUROLITE HE Installation
3 Installation
3.1 New Installation
Install the control software [EUROLITE HE] on your computer. For this
purpose, start the installation program [Eurolite_HE_V.msi] on the supplied DVD and follow the instructions of the installation program. Connect the USB interface to your computer.
Freeware
To work with the software in freeware mode start the program without the USB interface connected. Then only one projector (hardware) and one laser track is available for use. Also some tools (e.g. path tool) may be used but the figures developed with them can not be saved on the harddisk.
Full Version
To access the full software package connect the USB interface to your computer. Then all options are enabled. Up to 16 output cards (DACs) can be used, controlled via twelve figure tracks including the corresponding effect tracks. Furthermore, with the full version the intelligent DMX controller can be used. Shows may also be protected against unauthorized access.
3.2 Updates
There will be no updates for EUROLITE HE but entirely new versions. Prior to installing a new version, the old version must be removed from the computer beforehand. To do so, start the file [Eurolite_HE_V.msi].
Select the option [Remove Eurolite_HE_V] in the following dialog. After confirming with [Finish] the old program will be removed. The *.ini file remains in the Windows folder. Thus all settings will be kept (series number, hardware setup etc.).
Now the update can be carried out like a new installation. In case of bigger problems the old program folder and possibly the *.ini file should be removed beforehand.
An exact location where the *.ini file is stored can not be given as the location depends operating system settings since the introduction of Windows 7. Thus the option to delete the old *.ini file via the program can be found under Options Reset. To determine the location of the file use Options Others Button “Show Software Paths”. Normally, it is not necessary to remove the *.ini file(s), except problems occur when starting the software.
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EUROLITE HE Hardware Overview
3.3 Hardware Overview
EUROLITE HE supports different types of DAC hardware for laser output (DAC= Digital Analog Converter). These types will be described in a random order and the necessary steps to use them will be reviewed.
The interface cards (DAC) can be selected in the register card Options Hardware. In the drop down lists you can select the (installed) cards. For special applications it is possible to select the same card in two lists. That is useful if two different settings (e.g. output options) will be applied. But at the same time it should be used always only one of these lists. If both lists are used at the same time, the laser output will be flickering.
An example for such an application would be a mixed show with graphics and beams. For the graphics the output is set to fit to a screen, for the beams a setting with different parameters is chosen.
Another possibility of an application could be the use of a playlist containing a mixture of different show types (e.g. graphics, 1 projector beam, 3 projector beam, 1+2 projector beam etc.). This kind of use is explained in the chapter “Playlist”.
In a future version it is planned to give the possibility to enter a user defined description for the name “Hardware” (e.g. “Main Projector”, “Satellite 1”, “Graphic Projector”).
Fig.3: Menu “Options/Hardware” for the selection of the hardware cards (DAC). Meanwhile up to 16 cards can be used. The shown setup is useful for a simulation of a 1 + 2 projector show (typical setup).
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3.3.1 Simulation and Virtual Device
For the simulation no additional hardware is necessary, however, only those “projectors” will be simulated which are assigned in the register card “Options/Hardware". Thus when a first installation of the software is done, at least one “Virtual Device” is selected as hardware. If the software detects any DAC like EasyLase or similar ones, these will be put into the list in the order as they are detected. This “proposal” can be changed by the user at any time. Regardless which cards are now assigned, to start the simulation just click the button “Simulation” (see Fig.9). If only Virtual Devices are existent, the simulation window is opened automatically by clicking “Laser ON”. The simulation also works with real hardware. It is not possible to run a real laser output and the simulation at the same time.
Fig.4: Simulation of figures and laser shows. Use right mouse button to open the setup dialog (above).
Up to sixteen simulated projectors are possible. To open the dialog to adjust the simulation, click the right mouse button on its window or use the menu “Options”. A second right mouse button click will close the dialog. Via a click and hold on the center position of the selected projector allows to move it. The selection of a projector is done with the radio buttons on the right side of the dialog. On closing the window the setups are stored into the *.ini file.
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Fig.5 shows an example for a simulation setup with 1 plus 2x2 projectors (one main projector and two satellite pairs). For hardware 1 and 2 the X-axis should be mirrored.
Fig.5: Simulation with Virtual Devices.
Tip: Because it is possible to start EUROLITE HE via a double click to an *.ini file, it makes sense to make a separate setup for the simulation (Virtual Devices, positions of projectors, movements, etc.) and to export this setup as e.g. “simulation.ini”. An ideal place for such an *.ini file is the desktop. If you make a collection of *.ini files with several setups and place them onto the desktop, then start EUROLITE HE with the desired setup very quickly via a double-click.
If no correct simulation is shown, clicking the reset button could help. After a new installation of the software the parameters for the simulation display are sometimes very inappropriate and no simulation can be seen. Another origin of a not working simulation can be a missing color correction setup for the hardware. Generally, no real hardware with laser output will be driven because the signals are redirected to the simulation. Thus the output parameters like mirror X and size (Options) influence on simulation.
The simulation uses Direct-X 8.0 (or newer) or OpenGL. With Direct-X the simulation works quicker but then the view is not very near to a real situation. It is possible to simulate beam shows as well as graphic shows. Also a combination of beam and graphic is possible (like used in Fig.5).
To start the simulation click “Simulation”. A window opens which displays the currently selected figure(s). A simulation has some debility. Real distributions of the brightness, like the laser offers, can not be simulated. Heavy flickering is not shown in the simulation, too. But in the headline of the window the real number of points for the output is shown. This could help to optimize the output for the real projector for a flickering free display of the figures.
If the show output shall be simulated, the simulation has to be started before the show is started. When a show is simulated then the simulation window will come in the foreground automatically.
To end the simulation, just click the cross in the upper right corner of the window. If you click “Laser Off” (or you stop the show), the simulation window disappears but it will appear automatically on a restart of the output.
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3.3.2 EZ AudDAC
(www.laserfreak.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=45628) This self-made and cheap DA converter, which is based on a 7.1 sound card, should theoretically work with EUROLITE HE. A special DLL was programmed for the audio DAC; to use it activate the option “Search AudioDAC” (Options Hardware, see Fig.3 lower left side). The settings must be saved. After a restart of the program, the AudioDAC driver can be selected.
3.5.3 JM-Laser.dll Devices
(EasyLase I/II and NetLase; www.jmlaser.com ) EUROLITE HE supports the JM Laser.dll. That means generally all DAC by JM Laser can operate with EUROLITE HE. But exceptions are known as the rule. Because of company political reasons some cards do not work with EUROLITE HE (currently the cards EasyLase LC and Phönix Live Card – date spring 2011 – possibly they will work sometime). For ALL output cards by jmlaser.com only one DLL file exists (jmlaser.dll). This DLL is now supported EUROLITE HE. If the drivers or the network connections, respectively, are installed correctly, EUROLITE HE detects all cards by jmlaser.com (in case that it is allowed for the respective card to work with the software) with the help of that DLL.
HINT: NetLase is currently the DAC with the best performance. Unfortunately, the price is considerably higher than that for the Lumax or EasyLase but this is logically based on the features. The NetLase is also available as 6-channel version and includes an ILDA file player which can be used in stand-alone mode without a computer. Once you start using 10 DAC, you will quickly admire the benefits of the NetLase: “Switch” and projectors with NetLase on the stage only one single cable form computer to the stage is necessary (instead of 10 ILDA cables ).
3.5.4 Lumax/MiniLumax
(www.lumax.de) The (Mini) Lumax works properly and currently has a big advantage: meanwhile a 6-
channel output is available. The new card has 5+1 color channels. These are the outputs for R, G, B, Mg, Ye and Int. But thanks to the effective setup possibilities via the test program the channels can be routed user-defined. Thus the Lumax card can drive more than 3 lasers even if the program delivers only RGB values. Because today also laser diodes at 405nm and also 440nm with 100mW to 200mW power are achievable for small money, a 4-color system is quite interesting. The Lumax DAC will provide good laser projections when the drivers for Windows are installed correctly. It has DMX inputs and outputs and additionally TTL switches. After the first program start select Lumax from the hardware list. EUROLITE HE supports up to sixteen Lumax DAC simultaneously.
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3.3.5 Mamba (*.mld)
The following is valid for hardware like Medialas USB Box, MyLaserpage DAC, RIYA and QM2000 which use the Mamba driver. For a proper functionality of EUROLITE HE in combination with this hardware, please copy the respective *.mld file from the folder “ML_Driver” to the program folder and rename it to “ML_Driver.mld” (please rename or delete a previously installed “ML_Driver.mld” file).
After the program start of EUROLITE HE the respective driver should be displayed at the bottom of the list in the Options/Hardware dialog (Fig.3). You can use only one kind of MLD driver at a time. This means you can use multiple RIYA-DAC or Lumax­DAC at the same time. A mixture of different cards is not supported by EUROLITE HE. Other drivers can be mixed (e.g. EasyLase and Lumax together with a MLD card). Tested combinations are listed in chapter 5.3.
3.3.6 FriendlyName
EUROLITE HE V allows to give the DAC cards “FriendlyNames”. If it is supported by the respective card, you can give your cards your own names via by clicking “Set Device Name”. Examples are “Main Projector”, “Satellite left” or “Graphic Projector”. This simplifies the orientation during the setups tremendously. The FriendlyName is stored within the DAC. If you connect the renamed card with another system, the FriendlyName stored will be displayed.
EUROLITE HE recognizes and organizes the hardware cards generally by their series numbers. If the FriendlyName was changed with other software, it has no influence on the order of cards within EUROLITE HE. If a previously via “Options/Hardware” selected and stored card is not connected during the start of the software, then a message about the missing card containing their series number is displayed. This message is sometimes regarded as uncomfortable. But it makes sense; when bigger setups are made it is good to know whether all cards are ready to use. You can prevent the appearance of the message by using only Virtual Devices (with the above explained techniques to use several *.ini files).
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3.3.7 MIDI/DMX (Hardware and Driver)
The setup of the MIDI and DMX hardware is done in the dialog Options/MIDI/DMX (Fig.6)
Fig.6: Menu Options/MIDI/DMX: Selection of DMX ports for input and output, selection of MIDI-device and setup of printer.
For DMX, it is possible to choose different cards for input and output. The duration of the request interval for the input can be adjusted, too (depending on the laser output).
See for more information chapter 5.3.3 Index Card MIDI/DMX. Here are some additional comments regarding the different hardware types:
3.3.8 DMX
EasyLase, NetLase and Lumax The EasyLase DMX hardware has one input and one output port. Thus this card can be driven by the software like a real DMX device. The DMX input serves for the control of EUROLITE HE with a DMX controller like a DMX device. The DMX output is used to control the figures and effects with EUROLITE HE via its Timeline. This is useful for the creation of shows or for the control of effects in the live situation.
The DMX input of the EasyLase II makes some problems. For those who want to use the DMX input it is recommended to take the EasyLase I, the Lumax or the NetLase.
DMX4all USB Dongle (www.dmx4all.de) This DMX interface is not supported by EUROLITE HE.
MLD Devices with DMX This hardware is not supported.
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3.3.9 TTL Switches
The TTL outputs of EasyLase DAC, the NetLase (version 4) and Lumax-DAC are supported by EUROLITE HE. The TTL switches can be set up for each figure within the Effect Window (button Effects). On calling the figure (can be an empty one) the chosen TTL switches are activated (this is valid only for the lowest subtrack on a sequencer page).
3.3.10 MIDI (Hardware and Driver)
Each installed MIDI port on the PC should be recognized by EUROLITE HE and work including virtual ones. MIDI is used to control the Live Window, the Timeline or the Playlist, too. In the Show Editor it is used to control the figure changes and effects (e.g. for recording the show). It is easier and more comfortable to use a MIDI keyboard for playing the figures than to use PC keys.
After a new installation of the program there is no MIDI port selected, initially. To select a MIDI port open the dialog Options/MIDI-DMX Printer (Fig.6) and click “Change”, situated above the text field “Selected MIDI-Port”. A dialog to select the desired MIDI port will be opened. Only the MIDI IN port is used. Perhaps the MIDI routing must be adjusted. Please read the chapter “Software Control via MIDI/DMX”.
Tip: For MIDI control use e.g. the M-Audio Oxygen 49. It has everything needed for MIDI control. MIDI is somewhat curious and circumstantial but every device should work.
Generally the control of EUROLITE HE (Live Window) is much easier via DMX.
3.4 Routing of Hardware Output
The routing of the hardware output is very simple but nevertheless incredibly flexible and powerful. There are sixteen cards for the output. Each single route transmits the data stream of the four sequencer pages (A, B, C and D with each 3 figure tracks and their effect subtracks) of the Show Editor to that hardware for which it is routed (Fig.7 and 8).
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Timeline/Progress of Song
Effect-Sub-Tracks for Recording
Figure-Sub-Track for Recording
Fig.7: Show Editor: Four pages A, B, C and D (red circle) with each 3 figure tracks and their effect subtracks. These pages are connected with the hardware output routing for up to sixteen DAC (red arrow).
Fig.8: Dialog Options/Hardware: Output routing of the four pages A, B, C and D (see Fig.7; with each 3 figure tracks and their effect subtracks) to the hardware with up to sixteen DAC.
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3.5 Start of the Program
To start the program click its icon (small pictures) on your computer screen. After the start of the program you should see the main window on your screen like shown in the picture below. Important: If the software is be started by double clicking a file with ending (*.ini or *.shw) assigned to EUROLITE HE, the path to that file must be without any empty spaces. The development software VB can not handle that.
After launching the program you should see the main window of EUROLITE HE as shown above in figure 9. The design of this “main window” of the program is always a little bit different in the various versions and also dependant on your settings of the system.
Fig.9: Main window. Click Options for hardware setup (see red arrow).
3.6 Verifying of Settings
Normally, the program automatically finds (compatible) hardware connected to your PC. To be sure, you should verify the settings. Open the window “Options” (see red arrow in the above picture) and select the register card “Others”. First select the desired language by clicking the respective radio button (e.g. English, see red arrow in Fig.10).
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You can choose between freeware or full version. If the USB interface is connected, the program runs in full-version mode.
To access the full software package connect the USB interface to your computer before you start the program. Then you can use all functions right after program start. An additional input of a user name and registration number is not necessary. If you open the dialog “Optionen” with the interface plugged in, you can check
Fig.10: Menu ”Options”. Selection of English, dongle plugged into USB port.
whether your USB interface (dongle) was recognized correctly (Fig.10). You can see the series number of your dongle. In future, this number is necessary for the copy protection of your (exclusive) shows (if desired). In this window you can also define standard paths which are chosen automatically on program start (green arrow).
As a rule:
If any parameter is changed within the options, it will become immediately active. To use the changes after the next program start, the settings have to be saved by clicking the yellow button “Save Settings and Close Window” (see blue arrow in Fig.10).
The next step should be to choose the register card “Hardware”. Here you can select the hardware or verify the ones automatically selected by the software. As mentioned above the various operation modes support up to sixteen DA converters. Although you can select the hardware devices 1 to 16, only hardware no. 1 will be addressed by the software when the freeware version is in operation. Also only one figure track can be used within the Show Editor.
Next you should have a look at the register card “Optimize Output” (Fig.11). Detailed information is given later in this manual. At first it is sufficient to do some basic settings.
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In this dialog you should at least set the PPS rate (PPS means points per second) for the respective galvo system which is in use. At first it is recommended to set this value to 2/3 of the maximal PPS rate of the Galvo system. For example for Widemoves the PPS rate is about 17000PPS (of 25000). All other settings can be neglected for now.
Fig.11: Dialog “Optimize Output”. Settings of hardware p aramet e r.
Experience has shown that the standard settings are not appropriate for the well­known 50kpps galvos from Laserword. They prefer shorter interpolation distances (maximum distance laser off/on approximately 700) and a slightly higher scan speed (30000-40000 PPS).
According to your Galvo system, perhaps later some changes will be necessary for optimal show output. The presettings done here are only chosen to prevent damage of the hardware. Different galvos need to be operated with different optimized settings. Later you have to do some changes of the settings with the help of test pictures for the fine adjustment to achieve optimum output. To achieve optimum results some time and experience is needed. Thus please have some patience.
Finally, you should close the options dialog via the button “Save Settings and Close Window”.
If PPS rates above 25000PPS are set, a warning message appears (Fig. 12). If you find it obsolete and do not want to get the message again, please read the text carefully, especially the last sentence. The answer with the button “Nein” (No) will prevent the next appearance of the message.
Fig.12: Warning when a PPS rate is set above 25000pps.
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EUROLITE HE Quick Start
4 Quick Start
This chapter is a quick start guide to help beginners to get first results and to give a first overview of the program. There are two options to play laser shows: “live shows” and “recorded music-synchronous shows”. The “recorded music synchronous shows” are also often called “Timeline Shows”. This quick start first explains the Timeline Shows.
4.1 Playing a Music-Synchronous Laser Show
At first, you may want to play a prepared laser show to see the performance of your show system. Here some basic instructions:
Shows are generally stored within a folder. Each show should have its own folder. This folder must contain additionally to the show data (figures, assignments, etc.) the music file. Thus for the first step please copy the desired show into a folder on the hard disk (from CD or downloaded from the www – that does not matter). Now also copy the appropriate music file into the show folder. Then start the program and click the menu item “File” “Open Lasershow”. A dialog will open. Now the show file can be selected (files with ending *.shw). If all necessary files are present (and if you have the rights to play the show) the show will be loaded and is ready to be played.
To play the show two modes are possible:
Play button:
Fig.13: Playing of shows.
is given below. This function is rather mentioned to EDIT the shows.
Play HQ: This is the recommended method. Shows for presentation should always be played by using the Play HQ button. This function switches the monitor off (depending on settings at Options). Because the monitor is switched off, no output to it is necessary the program will run faster. Furthermore, it is guaranteed that the show starts at the beginning. All files and settings are reset and the show will be displayed correctly.
That is not always guaranteed by the use of the Play button. That function should be used to edit the show. Moreover it is possible to set a start delay by a right mouse click above the Play HQ button or via the menu “Settings/Enter Delay for Show Start”.
One important hint additionally to missing audio files:
If the audio file is present in the show folder but is not correctly recognized by the program, a message will be displayed (“Audio file not present”). The reason is mostly a different file name or path. The correct file name including the correct path can be set up in the Figure Editor at “Options” “Show” “Select new Audio file”.
The laser will be switched on; the show is running (start at current position). More information on this
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4.2 Create Own Figures and Shows
When a new figure shall be created, always click “New Figure” at first. Otherwise it could happen that a previously created figure will be edited further.
Now a figure can be created in the black painting window by the use of the computer mouse or other kinds of input devices. After each start of the program the graphic function “PolyLine Tool” is active. With the left mouse button colored points will be set; with the right mouse button invisible (blanked) points will be set. Remember that we are now creating “vector graphics”. In case that a second line with a new start point shall be drawn, the laser beam must move invisibly to the start of the line. Thus you have to set a blanked point with the right mouse button. If you use any other painting function, the generation of this invisible vector is done automatically.
Here a short summary of the graphic functions:
Fig.14: Buttons for editing.
Polyline” (by keeping the mouse button pressed a rubber band like line to the end point is visible). This tool is used e.g. to draw bent laser planes.
Ellipse” With this tool the “tunnel effect” is created. The circle or the ellipse, respectively, will be interpolated by a many cornered polygon. The number of points of the figure is size dependent. That is important when “Morph” should be used later. The lines between the polygon points can be recolored.
Point” The output of a point will create a still standing laser beam. Please use points very carefully (in Germany the prescription a minimal height of 2.70m for laser beams which exceeds the maximum allowed irradiance). The program will generate automatically three points. Two are invisible (blanked) and one is visible. Via a right mouse click the tool lets you adjust the number of repeated points for a beam.
Rectangle” This tool is used to create rectangular “tunnels” within the laser show, thus squared tunnels are included. The four sides can be colored as desired.
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Polygon” This tool is used to create polygon tunnels with plane sides. By a click with the right mouse key the number of corners can be changed. A polygon with very much corners will create a circle again, naturally. A polygon with four corners will give a rectangle; three corners will give a triangle. The sides of the polygon can be colored separately.
Line” This tool is used to create laser planes in your show. The line is generated with blanked points at start and end.
Freehand” This tool is used to draw freehand figures. Automatically blanked points at start and end will be set. Here some parameters can be adjusted by a click with the right mouse button on the icon.
Text” This tool is used to create texts. Please read the respective chapter below for more information.
Bezier Tool” is used to create curves and Beziers. Please read the
respective chapter in the Main Part for more information.
Tools like Ellipse, Rectangle, Polygon and Freehand are usually used by the operation:
click the left mouse button at center position hold it down pull the figure (move mouse) release the mouse button
The handling of the Bezier tool is more complex. Generally, two control lines are created; these lines define the resulting Bezier curve (see respective chapter for more explanations).
The desired painting color is easily chosen by clicking the color palette below the cube or circle. Here you will find the 20 “brightest” colors. “Brightest” because always at least one laser is set to maximum intensity. Furthermore, you have the possibility to choose the desired color by clicking the color cube (or color circle, respectively). The view of the color selection can be altered via Options Others. The display of the cube can be changed by clicking one of the three radio buttons. The depth of the cube can be selected by the scrollbar. With that you can choose darker (grayish) colors. You can pull other favorite colors into the color palette by drag-and-drop.
By use of the function “HAND” points can be marked and with pressed right mouse button shifted to another place, too. To mark points of the figure, pull open a marking square by the use of the left mouse key. To mark additional points hold
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down the “Strg” key. To work on or mark ALL points of a picture (frame) you can use the menu “Edit” “Mark All Points”.
Marked points can be moved with the right mouse key. If no points are marked, the point just situated under the mouse cursor will be moved. It could be necessary that in order to mark the points you have to switch off the grid, because otherwise some points are not reachable. To do that, enter the value “1” into the textbox for the adjustment of the grid.
The functions Rotate”, “Change Color”, “Delete” andOptimize” work all in the same manner. If points are marked already when you use these functions, the respective points will be edited immediately (deleted, changed in color, etc.). Otherwise the respective function will be valid for only the point situated under the mouse cursor.
The “Magnifying Glass” is used to magnify regions of the painting window. Meanwhile also the Magnifying Glass is very flexible. You can use it to mark a region within the painting window to be magnified Alternatively you can use it in that way, that you click the tool then move with the cursor onto the painting window and at least use the scroll wheel to zoom in or zoom out of the picture. Clicking the right or left mouse button with this tool yields different results. The left mouse button enables zoom set to 100%. The right mouse button allows zooming with the currently set parameter.
How to use all the functions will be explained exactly in the Main Part below.
The work on marked points (cut, copy, paste) is similar to a text editor. But the (well known) shortcuts like “Strg-C” (copy), “Strg-X” (cut) and “Strg-V” (paste) can currently not be used to edit the figures, because they are used for the figure to key assignment.
Even a whole series of frames (series of pictures of a figure) can be edited (cut, copy, paste or add) via the menu “Frame Functions”.
In case a figure should consist of several single pictures (series of frames), which later can be displayed as an animated cartoon, you have to create a new empty frame (picture) by clicking “New Frame”. Thus a new frame is generated at the end of the existing ones. On the contrary “Add Frame” will add an empty frame within the series at the current position (in front of the current frame).
The other functions like “Morph” will be explained later in the Main Part.
A newly created figure can be directly put out to the hardware (displayed by the laser projector) by clicking “Laser On”.
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4.3 Show Folder/Save Figures
To be able to create a laser show with an already prepared collection of figures, they have to be stored within a show folder. Thus you should create a show folder in advance with the Windows Explorer. Within this folder all used figures together with the later used music file (wave or MP3 file) must be stored or collected, respectively. It is recommended to organize all folders in a certain structure. For example you should (could) create a folder named “LaserShows” with different subfolders like “Already PreparedShows”. For future purposes it is further useful to sort the show folders alphabetically by their name. You will possibly notice that you will have at a certain time in the future a lot of shows.
Fig.15: Figure Editor, folder window: Structure of folders (example).
Fig.16: “Save Figure” dialog: opened on first saving of a figure to give the figure a name (blue arrow). The creation of a new folder is also possible (red arrow) (this dialog can look different in different Windows versions. Here the German Windows dialog is shown).
Via the folder tree within the Figure Editor (Main Window) it is possible to go immediately into the desired (current) folder to have access to the figures stored before. Loading entire shows is possible much quicker via the menu “File”.
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A newly created figure is saved to the folder by the buttons “Save” or “Save As”. If the figure has not been saved before, a dialog (Fig.16) to enter the name will open.
Figures already saved will be saved directly (overwritten) without any warning. A new folder to save the figures can be created in the dialog, too if you have forgotten to do it in advance (see red arrow in Fig.16). On saving the figures no show files will be generated. This can be done via the Show Editor when creating a new show – you can find more information on this below in the Main Part.
The button “Save as” can be used to save an already existing figure (perhaps modified) a second time with a different file name and to store it at another place.
The button “Save all” is used to save all figures which are present in the currently selected show folder. The use of this button has the advantage that changes can be done on several figures (e.g. changes done on the effects) and then be saved in one step with no need to save each figure individually.
4.4 Use of Function Keys (F0 to F12)
To use figures within a show they have to be assigned to a key. EUROLITE HE works internally with “pushed keys”. A key is pushed and EUROLITE HE calls the assigned figure. This is also valid if the key is pushed via the Timeline, MIDI, DMX or something else.
All keys can be used in combination with the function (“F”) keys. But you have to pay attention to the fact that beneath the keys F1 to F12 the program knows the F0 key, too. F0 means “no function key used”.
The behavior of the function keys depends on the setting of the feature “Use Key up event Figure off” in the menu “Settings” of the Show Editor (Timeline). If the option
is not set (default setting) then a certain F page is selected by pushing the respective F key. All program windows will show the currently selected F page. By pushing another F key the selection can be changed. By a second push of the same F key the selection is canceled and the F0 page is selected. If the option “Use Key up event Figure off” is chosen, the respective F key must be pushed and held down when pushing the figure key.
Hint: The function key F10 could make problems because often this key is occupied by the operating system for menu functions. This is a Windows problem.
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4.5 Assignment of Figures to Keys
After the creation of the figures they have to be assigned to a key of the PC keyboard or MIDI keyboard, respectively. This is needed urgently for a later use of the figures, because the Show Editor, the Live Window and also the DMX Editor as well as the MIDI input need this assignment to use the figures. For example, in the Show Editor at the process of creating a show the figures are called by pushing the respective keys to the beat of the music. Certainly the figures can be arranged in the tracks of the Show Editor by drag-and-drop with the mouse. Nevertheless, they have to be assigned to keys in advance.
Meanwhile there are several ways for the assignment of figures to keys:
1) Manual Assignment
To assign a figure to a key of the PC or the MIDI keyboard it has to be selected by clicking its icon in the Figure Table (Fig.17). Then the button “Assign Figure” has to be pushed. A message will be displayed until a key was pushed. If the key has already been chosen for another figure then a warning is displayed.
The assignment can be started by a click with the right mouse key on the desired figure, too (do not click the yellow popup window). The currently selected figure is shown in the painting window. It can also be recognized within the table by its red surrounding square.
A click with the right mouse button
on the figure opens this dialog:
2) Assignment by drag-and-drop to the Live Window
This way is perhaps the easier one, because here the free possibilities for further assignments are easy to identify. To do the assignment in this way, open the Live Window (Fig.18, opened via click the light blue button in the Figure Editor shown in Fig.17). Now it is easy possible to assign a figure to a key just by drag-and-drop it from the Figure Table to a free place within the Live Window.
The assignment of figures to keys is saved automatically as file “key.ord” within the same folder as the figures. Changes of the assignments are possible by a re­assignment. Duplicate assignments are possible (several keys for the same figure, not opposite). To call several figures with one key “Showparts” are used.
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On overwriting a figure by another one within the show folder (the other figure is given the same name within the Windows Explorer) the assignment (to the name of the figure) will be preserved. The assignment key figure is thus done via the figure name.
Fig.18: Key assignment within the Live Window.
It is also possible to do the assignments automatically via the menu “Figure Assignment” of the Figure Editor.
The already made assignments can be viewed or printed out by clicking the respective item within the menu “Figure Assignment” of the upper menu bar of the Figure Editor. The easiest and quickest way to check the assignments surely offers the Live Window. This will be opened on selecting the menu item “Show PC List”. According to the selection the assignment is displayed or printed out. It is also possible to open a list of the free keys.
Examples for the display as list or keyboard view are shown below (Fig.19). To close the lists, use “OK” (upper left) or make a double click it. WARNING. The window could be open and hidden in the background.
An additional possibility to find out the key assignment of a figure is the yellow popup window which is shown when the mouse is placed at least one second on the respective figure. Furthermore, you can read the assignment of the figure at the top of the Figure Table.
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Fig
Fig.19: Assignment tables for computer- or MIDI-keyboards.
4.6 Create Music-Synchronous Shows
After all figures are created and assigned to the keys the creation of a show can be started.
To start the creation of a show, click the button “Show Editor” (Fig.20) or open the Show Editor via the menu “Windows” of the Figure Editor.
Firstly, within the menu “File” of the Show Editor the menu item “Create New Show” has to be selected (see Fig.21). Then an audio file has to be selected in the following dialog. To chose an mp3 file a changeover to the file type has to be done. If a *.wav file is used, an intensity overview is generated in the Show Editors Timeline.
.20: Buttons of the Menu “Window”.
Just after the selection of the audio file please click “Play” (button with green arrow in the Show Editor) to verify its correct function. Now the creation of a show can be started. Two different methods to do it are available:
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Fig.21: Menu “File” of the Show Editor.
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Method 1:
“Drag-and-drop”: Via this method the figures are just dragged (picked up) from the Figure Table and dropped (put) into the tracks of the Show Editor. Placing a figure via drag-and-drop and movements of the events it is not possible to create a music synchronous show easily. Via this method the figures are selected within the Figure Table by mouse click then the left mouse button is hold pushed and the figure is moved into the desired figure track. On releasing the mouse button the figure is inserted into the track. To get the calling of the figure music synchronous, additional movements will certainly be necessary. Functions of the Show Editor like “Grid” and Zoom will help to place the figures exactly.
It is now possible via drag-and-drop to put the figures to a figure track within the Show Editor. Up to three tracks for each output path (routing) are possible. Up to four output paths (pages A, B, C and D) are present. Thus maximally twelve figures can be put out simultaneously.
With the help of the “Effect Tool” (see red arrow in next Fig.22) it is possible to change the effect values. After the click, first mark a region (via pushed left mouse button) within the desired effect. After marking the appropriate track section the dialog shown in Fig. 22 is opened. There the course of the effect can be drawn. The method is simple but also most imprecise to create a show.
Precise information on how to use the tools of the Show Editor is given later on in this manual.
Fig.22: Dialog of the “Effect Tool” (Show Editor).
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Method 2 (recommended):
Live recording as with a MIDI sequencer or i-track recorder etc. Via this method the commands to change the figures, the effects and so on are directly entered (live) and recorded real-time by the program. Mark the track(s) of the figure(s) or effect(s) to be recorded (see blue arrow in Fig.23). To mark several tracks hold the “Strg” key pushed (for example when the intensities of the red, green and blue lasers should be recorded simultaneously). Recording on multiple tracks is only possible for effect tracks. Then push the red button to record the show (red arrow in Fig.23). Now the music is playing, the laser output (or the simulation) is active and you can
Fig.23: “Direct recording” of laser shows. Red arrow: Start of recording; green arrow: time progress bar; blue arrow: for recording marked track.
enter the changes of figures via the assigned keys or the effects by use of the mouse.
To show the figure only as long as the assigned key is pushed it is necessary to select the item “Use key up event => figure off” in the Show Editor menu “Settings”. Otherwise the figure remains active until the next is called or the key figure off is pushed. The standard key for figure off (no figure) is the “Space” key.
The place (time) where to start the recording can be determined by clicking the Timeline (green arrow in Fig.23). When *.wav music files are used, the loudness of the music is displayed there.
The laser show should be saved from time to time (e.g. when you have done important recordings). For this use “Save Show” in the above shown menu “File”. If no name for the show has been given yet, a dialog to enter the name is opened.
Hint: If the program is crashed, in most cases the last status of the show can be recovered by the Undo copies of the software.
ATTENTION!
When the program is started, it checks if the folder “Temp” is still existent on the hard disk. If so then that is a hint for a prior crash or something similar. Then the program offers the chance to recover the last setup. Please read the message carefully.
When the program was properly terminated the “Temp” folder is not existent and thus no message will be displayed on a new start. Then the undo copies are deleted definitely.
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