V1
Sidekick
Highlite International B.V. – Vestastraat 2 – 6468 EX – Kerkrade – the Netherlands
Product code: 55007
USER MANUAL
ENGLISH
1
Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Preface
Thank you for purchasing this Infinity product.
The purpose of this user manual is to provide instructions for the correct and safe use of this product.
Keep the user manual for future reference as it is an integral part of the product. The user manual shall be
stored at an easily accessible location.
This user manual contains information concerning:
● Safety instructions
● Intended and non-intended use of the device
● Installation and operation of the device
● Maintenance procedures
● Troubleshooting
● Transport, storage and disposal of the device
Non-observance of the instructions in this user manual may result in serious injuries and damage of
property.
©2021 Infinity. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be copied, published or otherwise reproduced without the prior written
consent of Highlite International.
Design and product specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
For the latest version of this document, please visit our website www.highlite.com or contact us at
service@highlite.com.
Highlite International and its authorized service providers are not liable for any injury, damage, direct or
indirect loss, consequential or economic loss or any other loss arising from the use of, or inability to use or
reliance on the information contained in this document.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Table of contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Before Using the Product .................................................................................................................................. 3
Intended Use ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Product Lifespan ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Text Conventions ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Symbols and Signal Words ................................................................................................................................ 4
Symbols on the Information Label .................................................................................................................. 4
2. Safety .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Warnings and Safety Instructions .................................................................................................................... 5
Requirements for the User ................................................................................................................................. 6
3. Description of the Device ................................................................................................................................... 7
Front View ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Back View ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Bottom View ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Playback Faders ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Programming Section ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Executor Buttons ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Special Faders ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Product Specifications ....................................................................................................................................10
Compatibility .....................................................................................................................................................11
Recommended Software .........................................................................................................................11
Dimensions ...................................................................................................................................................11
4. Installation .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Installation Site Requirements ........................................................................................................................11
5. Setup ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Warnings and Precautions .............................................................................................................................12
Setup Example ..................................................................................................................................................12
Supported Control Protocols .........................................................................................................................12
DMX Connection ........................................................................................................................................13
DMX-512 Protocol ...............................................................................................................................13
DMX Cables .........................................................................................................................................13
Universe Numbering ...................................................................................................................................14
SMPTE ............................................................................................................................................................15
6. Operation ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Safety Instructions for Operation ...................................................................................................................16
Turning On/Off ..................................................................................................................................................16
Connecting to the Chimp OnPC ..................................................................................................................16
Control Modes ..................................................................................................................................................17
7. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................. 18
8. Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Preventive Maintenance ................................................................................................................................18
Basic Cleaning Instructions .......................................................................................................................18
Corrective Maintenance ................................................................................................................................19
9. Deinstallation, Transportation and Storage .................................................................................................... 19
Instructions for Deinstallation ..........................................................................................................................19
Instructions for Transportation ........................................................................................................................19
Storage ...............................................................................................................................................................19
10. Disposal .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
11. Approval ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
1. Introduction
Before Using the Product
Important
Read and follow the instructions in this user manual before installing, operating or
servicing this product.
The manufacturer will not accept liability for any resulting damages caused by the non-observance of
this manual.
After unpacking, check the contents of the box. If any parts are missing or damaged, contact your
Highlite International dealer.
Your shipment includes:
● Infinity Sidekick
● User manual
Fig. 01
Intended Use
This device is designed to be used as a keyboard for the Chimp OnPC. This device is not suitable for
households.
Any other use, not mentioned under intended use, is regarded as non-intended and incorrect use.
Product Lifespan
This device is not designed for permanent operation. Do not switch on and off the device in short
intervals. This will reduce the wear and will improve the device’s lifespan.
Text Conventions
Throughout the user manual the following text conventions are used:
● Buttons: All buttons and interface sliders and fields are in bold lettering, for example “Slide
the Strobe slider”, “Enter the DMX starting address in the Address field”
● References: References to chapters and parts of the device are in bold lettering, for example:
“Refer to 2. Safety”, “set the power switch (14) to on position”
● 0–255: Defines a range of values
● Notes: Note: (in bold lettering) is followed by useful information or tips
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Symbols and Signal Words
Safety notes and warnings are indicated throughout the user manual by safety signs.
Always follow the instructions provided in this user manual.
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
Attention
Indicates important information for the correct operation and use of the
product.
Important
Read and observe the instructions in this document.
Provides important information about the disposal of this product.
Symbols on the Information Label
This product is provided with an information label. The information label is located on the backside of the
device.
The information label contains the following symbols:
This device shall not be treated as household waste.
This device is designed for indoor use.
Read and observe the instructions in the user manual.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
2. Safety
Important
Read and follow the instructions in this user manual before installing, operating or
servicing this product.
The manufacturer will not accept liability for any resulting damages caused by the non-observance of
this manual.
Warnings and Safety Instructions
DANGER
Danger for children
For adult use only. The device must be installed beyond the reach of children.
● Do not leave various parts of the packaging (plastic bags, polystyrene foam, nails, etc.) within
children’s reach. Packaging material is a potential source of danger for children.
Attention
General safety
● Do not switch the device on and off in short intervals. This decreases the device’s life.
● Do not shake the device. Avoid brute force when installing or operating the device.
● If the device is exposed to extreme temperature variations (e.g. after transportation), do not switch it
on immediately. Let the device reach room temperature before switching it on, otherwise it may be
damaged by the formed condensation.
● If the device fails to work properly, discontinue the use immediately.
Attention
This device shall be used only for the purposes it is designed for.
This device is designed to be used as a keyboard for the Chimp OnPC. This device is not suitable for
households.
Any incorrect use may lead to hazardous situations and result in injuries and material damage.
● This device is not suitable for households.
● This device does not contain user-serviceable parts. Unauthorized modifications to the device will
render the warranty void. Such modifications may result in injuries and material damage.
Attention
Do not expose the device to conditions that exceed the rated IP class conditions.
This device is IP20 rated. IP (Ingress Protection) 20 class provides protection against solid objects greater
than 12 mm, such as fingers, and no protection against harmful ingress of water.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Requirements for the User
This product may be used by ordinary persons. Maintenance and installation may be carried by ordinary
persons. Service shall be carried out only by instructed or skilled persons. Contact your Highlite
International dealer for more information.
Instructed persons have been instructed and trained by a skilled person, or are supervised by a skilled
person, for specific tasks and work activities associated with the installation, service and maintenance of
this product, so that they can identify risks and take precautions to avoid them.
Skilled persons have training or experience, which enables them to recognize risks and to avoid hazards
associated with the installation, service and maintenance of this product.
Ordinary persons are all persons other than instructed persons and skilled persons. Ordinary persons
include not only users of the product but also any other persons that may have access to the device or
who may be in the vicinity of the device.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
3. Description of the Device
The Peanut Box is designed to be used as a keyboard for the Chimp OnPC. It expands your setup with 2
additional universes (Art-Net and sACN).
Front View
Fig. 02
Back View
Fig. 03
Kensington lock port
USB-B connector IN
Kensington lock port
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Bottom View
Fig. 04
2 x foot stand
Playback Faders
The Sidekick’s front panel consists of multiple playback fader controls, each consisting of a fader and
flash, go and pause/back buttons. These may contain Cuelists, Groups or Special Masters, like
Speedmasters. These are pageable and the button functions are assignable. The buttons below the
faders are labelled 1 to 10.
Fig. 05
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Programming Section
This part of the Sidekick’s front panel contains all keys needed for programming as well as all controls for
value entry.
Fig. 06
Executor Buttons
These buttons may contain Cuelists or Groups. The Executors are pageable independently from the
Playback Faders and they have assignable functions.
Fig. 07
Special Faders
This part of the Sidekick’s front panel contains 4 special master fader controls, each consisting of a fader
and a button. These may contain Groups or Special Masters, like Speedmasters.
Fig. 08
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Product Specifications
Model:
Sidekick
Electrical:
Input voltage:
5 V DC via USB
Power consumption:
2,5 W
Physical:
Dimensions:
510 x 295 x 90 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:
4,95 kg
Operation and control:
Control:
DMX, PC software
DMX channels:
1024
Universes:
2
Power connector IN:
USB-B
Data connector IN:
USB-A
Faders:
14
OSC (Open Sound Control):
Yes
Control protocols:
sACN, Art-Net, SMPTE timecode (optional)
Construction:
Housing:
Metal
Color:
Black
IP rating:
IP20
Thermal:
Ambient temperature ta:
From -5 °C to 40 °C
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Compatibility
Attention
The Sidekick is designed to be operated ONLY with the Chimp OnPC software.
Recommended Software
You can download Chimp OnPC software from our website www.highlite.com.
Dimensions
Fig. 09
4. Installation
Installation Site Requirements
● The device can be used only indoors.
● The device can be positioned on a flat surface.
● The minimum distance to other objects must be bigger than 0,5 m.
● The maximum ambient temperature ta = 40 °C must never be exceeded.
● The relative humidity must not exceed 50 % with an ambient temperature of 40 °C.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
5. Setup
The Sidekick functions as a keyboard for the Chimp OnPC. It can be used only with a PC with Chimp
OnPC software installed.
Warnings and Precautions
Attention
Connect all data cables before supplying power.
Disconnect power supply before connecting or disconnecting data cables.
Setup Example
Fig. 10
Supported Control Protocols
The Sidekick supports DMX via Art-Net, sACN and SMPTE timecode.
Art-Net is a protocol that uses TCP/IP to transfer large amount of DMX-512 data over an Ethernet network.
Art-Net 4 can support up to 32768 universes. Art-Net™ Designed by and Copyright Artistic Licence
Holdings Ltd.
sACN (streaming Architecture for Control Networks), also known as ANSI E1.31, is a protocol for sending
DMX-512 data over IP networks developed by ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association).
It supports up to 63999 universes and uses multicasting.
SMPTE timecode is a set of standards to label frames of video with a timecode. The system is developed
by SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers). SMPTE timecode is typically represented in
32 bits using binary-coded decimal.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
DMX Connection
DMX-512 Protocol
You need a DMX serial data link to run light shows of one or more devices using the Sidekick and Chimp
OnPC software.
Devices on a serial data link must be daisy-chained in a single line. The number of devices that you can
control on one data link is limited by the combined number of the DMX channels of the connected
devices and the 512 channels available in one DMX universe.
To comply with the TIA-485 standard, no more than 32 devices should be connected on one data link.
In order to connect more than 32 devices on one data link, you must use a DMX optically isolated
splitter/booster, otherwise this may result in deterioration of the DMX signal.
Note:
Maximum recommended DMX data link distance: 300 m
Maximum recommended number of devices on a DMX data link: 32 devices
DMX Cables
Shielded twisted-pair cables with 5-pin XLR connectors must be used for reliable DMX connection. You
can purchase DMX cables directly from your Highlite International dealer or make your own cables.
If you use XLR audio cables for DMX data transmission, this may lead to signal degradation and unreliable
operation of the DMX network.
When you make your own DMX cables, make sure that you connect the pins and wires correctly as
shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 11
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Universe Numbering
The number of devices that you can control on one data link is limited by the combined number of the
DMX channels of the connected devices and the 512 channels available in one DMX universe.
After the limit of 512 channels is reached, the next device should be set to a universe with a higher
number.
There are 512 channels (1–512) in one universe. 16 consecutive universes (0–15) make up one sub-net. 16
sub-nets (0–15) make up one net. There are in total 128 nets (0–127).
Note:
● In Art-Net, universes are called Port Address and number from 0 to 32767. There are 32768 unique
numbers.
● In sACN, universes number from 1 to 63999. There are 63999 unique numbers. The values of 0 and
64000 to 65535 are reserved for future expansion according to the standard.
15-bit
Port Address
Net
(0–127)
Sub-net
(0–15)
Universe
(0–15)
0 0 0
0
1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 ...
...
...
...
31 0 1
15
32 0 2 0 33 0 2 1 ...
...
...
...
126 0 7
14
127 0 7
15
128 0 8 0 ...
...
...
...
255 0 15
15
256 1 0
0
257 1 0 1 ...
...
...
...
32766
127
15
14
32767
127
15
15
Note:
If you are using an Art-Net controller that supports Art-Net I or Art-Net II, the Art-Net net must be set to 0.
The net number is available in Art-Net 3 and higher versions of the Art-Net protocol.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
SMPTE
SMPTE time is coded with Binary Coded Decimal. Four bits are assigned to every tenth decimal numeral.
The first 26 bits in each frame are assigned to the time information. Then, there are 32 bits of user data
and the synchronization word (final 16 bits). The synchronization word is to identify the frame’s boundaries
and is: 0011 1111 1111 1101.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is an interface used when working with different data formats.
One of the ways it can work with time is called MTC (MIDI Time Code).
The MIDI time code message consists of 32 bits (the last 8 bits are unused or are set to 0). Each Time Code
component is coded by one byte.
Byte 0
0rrhhhhh: Rate (0–3) and hour (0–23).
rr=00: 24 fps
rr=01: 25 fps
rr=10: 29.99 fps
rr=11: 30 fps
Byte 1
00mmmmmm: Minute (0–59)
Byte 2
00ssssss: Second (0–59)
Byte 3
000fffff: Frame (0–30)
When time code is repeated, it is divided into 8 x 4-bit pieces and one part is transmitted by every quarter
frame. Each quarter frame has the byte status of 0xF1. There are 7 data bits (3 bits are the quarter frame
identifiers and 4 bits contain the time portion).
Piece
Data byte
Explanation
0
0000 ffff
Frame number lsbits
1
0001 000f
Frame number msbit
2
0010 ssss
Second lsbits
3
0011 00ss
Second msbits
4
0100 mmmm
Minute lsbits
5
0101 00mm
Minute msbits
6
0110 hhhh
Hour lsbits
7
0111 0rrh
Rate and hour msbit
The time expands with the transmission of a single SMPTE frame, that takes place in 2 frames (8 x ¼).
While mapping SMPTE to MTC, every second frame will be in MIDI time code. In takes for the master
device about 2–4 frames to process this data, depending on when the scan begins.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
6. Operation
Safety Instructions for Operation
Attention
This device must be used only for the purposes it is designed for.
This device is designed to be used as a keyboard for the Chimp OnPC. It can be used only with a PC with
Chimp OnPC software installed. This device is not suitable for households.
Any other use, not mentioned under intended use, is regarded as non-intended and incorrect use.
Turning On/Off
To turn the device on, use a USB cable to connect the USB connector (02) on the Sidekick with the USB
connector on your PC (with Chimp OnPC software installed).
Connecting to the Chimp OnPC
The Sidekick needs to be connected to the Chimp OnPC and activated before it becomes functional.
01) Use a USB cable to connect the USB connector (02) on the Sidekick with the USB connector on your
PC (with Chimp OnPC software installed). The PC screen will show:
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
02) Select “Connect to a virtual machine“ and click on “OK” to confirm. The PC screen will show:
The Sidekick is active and the Chimp OnPC recognizes 2 additional DMX universes.
Control Modes
Please refer to the user manual of the Chimp 100 or Chimp 300 for detailed and up-to-date information
about the available control modes. The Sidekick’s functions are similar to those of the Chimp.
The user manuals for both Chimp consoles can be downloaded here:
Product code: 55004 (Inifinity Chimp 100.G2)
Product code: 55014 (Inifinity Chimp 300.G2)
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
7. Troubleshooting
This troubleshooting guide contains solutions to problems which can be carried out by an ordinary
person. The device does not contain user-serviceable parts.
Unauthorized modifications to the device will render the warranty void. Such modifications may result in
injuries and material damage.
Refer servicing to instructed or skilled persons. Contact your Highlite International dealer in case the
solution is not described in the table.
Problem
Probable cause(s)
Solution
The device does not
function at all and/or the
device does not appear
on the list of available
devices on the PC screen)
The device is not properly
connected to the PC
● Check if the USB cable is properly
connected to the PC
● Replace the USB cable
8. Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance
Attention
Before each use, examine the device visually for any defects.
Make sure that:
● There are no deformations on housings, fixations and installation points.
Basic Cleaning Instructions
To clean the device, follow the steps below:
Disconnect the device from the electrical power supply.
Remove the dust collected on the external surface with a soft brush.
Attention
● Do not immerse the device in liquid.
● Do not use alcohol or solvents.
● Make sure that the connections are fully dry before connecting the device to the power supply and
to other devices.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
Corrective Maintenance
The device does not contain user-serviceable parts. Do not open the device and do not modify the
device.
Refer repairs and servicing to instructed or skilled persons. Contact your Highlite International dealer for
more information.
9. Deinstallation, Transportation and Storage
Instructions for Deinstallation
If trussing systems are used, deinstallation must be carried out only by instructed or skilled persons.
● Always observe the national and site-specific regulations during deinstallation and derigging of the
device.
● Wear personal protective equipment in compliance with the national and site-specific regulations.
Instructions for Transportation
Use the original packaging to transport the device, if possible.
Always observe the handling instructions printed on the outer carton box, for example: “Handle with
care”, “This side up”, “Fragile”.
Storage
Clean the device before storing. Follow the cleaning instructions in chapter 8.1.1. Basic Cleaning
Instructions on page 18.
Store the device in the original packaging, if possible.
10. Disposal
Correct disposal of this product
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
This symbol on the product, its packaging or documents indicates that the product
shall not be treated as household waste. Dispose of this product by handing it to the
respective collection point for recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. This
is to avoid environmental damage or personal injury due to uncontrolled waste
disposal. For more detailed information about recycling of this product contact the
local authorities or the authorized dealer.
11. Approval
Check the respective product page on the website of Highlite International (www.highlite.com) for an
available declaration of conformity.
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
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Sidekick
Product code: 55007
©2021 Infinity
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