Leprecon LP-1600 User Manual

PRO LIGHTING EQUIPMENT

LP-1600 SERIES INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Manual Revision: 1.02

Software Versions: v2.04PC

V3.02L

v1.72B

CAE Inc.

10087 Industrial Drive P.O. Box 430

Hamburg, MI 48139 USA 810-231-9373

FAX [phone]

1 February, 2000

	TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW...........................................................................................		4
1.1.	STANDARD MODELS..................................................................................	5
1.2. CUE PLUS MODELS ................................................................................		6
2. SETUP .................................................................................................		7
2.1.	POWER REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................	8
2.2.	CONNECTING TO DIMMERS ........................................................................	9
2.3.	SOFTPATCH ...........................................................................................	10
2.4. CLEARING MEMORY................................................................................		12
3. MANUAL MODE..................................................................................		15
3.1.	STARTUP ...............................................................................................	15
3.2.	CHANNEL DISPLAY .................................................................................	15
3.3.	X AND Y MANUAL SCENES .......................................................................	18
3.4.	BANK SWITCHING...................................................................................	18
3.5.	CROSSFADER ........................................................................................	19
3.6.	MASTER AND BLACKOUT .........................................................................	20
3.7.	BUMPS .................................................................................................	20
3.8. RUNNING IN MANUAL MODE ...................................................................		21
4. USING MEMORY PRESETS.................................................................		21
4.1.	PAGES AND PRESETS ..............................................................................	22
4.2. RECORDING PRESETS INTO MEMORY ........................................................		22
4.3.	PRESET PLAYBACK .................................................................................	24
4.4.	PREVIEWING PRESETS ............................................................................	24
4.5.	EDITING PRESETS ..................................................................................	25
4.6. INSERTING AND DELETING PRESETS .........................................................		27
5. CUE STACK........................................................................................		29
5.1. RECORDING STACK PRESETS ...................................................................		29
5.2.	ASSIGNING FADE TIMES ..........................................................................	31
5.3.	STACK PLAYBACK ...................................................................................	33
5.4.	PREVIEWING STACK CUES .......................................................................	33
5.5.	EDITING CUES .......................................................................................	34
5.6.	LINKING STACK CUES .............................................................................	35
5.7.	INSERTING CUES....................................................................................	37
5.8. DELETING CUES ....................................................................................		39
6. CHASE ...............................................................................................		40
6.1.	PRE-PROGRAMMED CHASES ....................................................................	40
6.2.	RUNNING THE CHASER ...........................................................................	40
6.3.	RECORDING NEW CHASES.......................................................................	41
6.4.	EDITING CHASES ...................................................................................	42
6.5.	AUDIO INPUT .........................................................................................	45
6.6. LINKING CHASES TO SCENES ...................................................................		45
7. DISK TRANSFERS..............................................................................		46

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7.1.	SAVING SHOWS......................................................................................	47
7.2.	LOADING SHOWS ...................................................................................	49
7.3. SOFTWARE UPGRADES............................................................................		51
8. MIDI ..................................................................................................		52
8.1. MIDI BASICS .........................................................................................		52
8.2.	MIDI SYSTEM INTERFACE ........................................................................	53
8.3. CONTROLLING THE LP-1600 FROM A SEQUENCER ......................................		54
8.4. MIDI CONTINUOUS CONTROLLER ASSIGNMENT..........................................		56
8.5. MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE SUPPORT ......................................................		58
9. REPAIR AND WARRANTY INFORMATION ...........................................		59
10. DOCUMENT REVISION STATUS .......................................................		60

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1.Overview

The LP1600 was designed to be a unique lighting controller. Our intention was to build a simple, yet very powerful desk for use in a wide variety of applications.

The design and layout of the LP-1600 is similar to the approach used with other Leprecon control boards. The basic operations are kept simple, and more advanced features can be learned and used as time and experience allows. The result is that the LP1600 consists of four independent sections.

The simplest board mode is a basic two scene console. Using the crossfader, stage scenes are alternated between the two manual presets. Bump buttons and led indicators make the LP1600 very capable even without accessing the memory features.

The next step is to use the Preset Master features of the board. Setting the Y/Presets switch to the Presets position will convert the lower scene to a bank of independent scenes with 12 pages of memory. This is the memory mode most used for live performance, or any event that requires maximum cue changes with minimum setup time.

For more memory, or running a theatrical type of presentation, the Cue Stack can be used. This provides automatic timed fades, with manual override and link/loop possibilities. Also, cues can be inserted to give “point cues”, increasing the flexibility of the board.

The fourth control section is the Chaser. It is used to build continuously running patterns or sequences. For simplicity of operation, pre-recorded patterns are included, as well as the capability to program custom patterns.

A two line 16 character display and a rotating data wheel is used in all operational modes to display and edit board parameters. The operation of the board is intended to be logical and consistent regardless of operating modes. In all cases, control screens will consist of a top title line, which is a display-only field. The cursor will move laterally only across the bottom line of the display. The data wheel is used to move left and right through a linear row of screens. When a parameter is in view, the Modify button next to the display can be used to alter the displayed value.

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1.1.Standard models

The LP-1600 family consists of two model types, the Standard models and Cue Plus models. Standard boards have the following features:

Manual capacity:

Two scene preset with 24, 36 or 48 faders. Bank switch allows the faders to serve 48, 72, or 96 channels. Switchable Add or Solo momentary buttons for each fader. Split dipless crossfade between manual scenes. Each fader has an led output indicator.

Preset Memory :

24, 36 or 48 real-time preset faders with switchable Add or Solo bumps. Presets may be “piled on” in any combination. Presets are assigned to one of twelve memory pages by means of a rotary page select switch. A preview mode allows cues to be checked without bringing up the scene on stage. An existing cue may easily be edited using the manual scene faders without re-recording the entire cue.

Cue Stack:

288 programmable cues with crossfader and go button control. Independent fade in and out times can be set for each scene, and scenes may be linked in any order for playback. The two line LCD is used to display current and next cues, and all other parameters.

Chaser:

Four fixed and seven programmable patterns of up to twenty steps each are provided. All programmable patterns are fully proportional, and are recorded, previewed and edited as easily as the preset cues. The rate of each pattern may be saved with the chase, eliminating the need to adjust the rate pot when the chase is recalled. The chase may be advanced a step at a time manually, or halted momentarily. Chases may be assigned to a preset fader, automatically starting the selected chase when the scene is faded up.

Soft Patch:

One standard and two user programmable soft patches allow assignment of up to 512 dimmers via DMX.

Patch level proportions can be entered for each dimmer channel.

All analog channels in the board are patched with the DMX channels.

Output:

All consoles support one digital protocol, DMX 512, with the female 5 pin XLR as specified by USITT. An optional Analog output board(s) may be ordered for any all consoles. The analog out voltage range is 0-10 vdc; a 25 pin male subminiature D connector is used.

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Construction:

All aluminum chassis for durability and light weight. Angled shape makes the controls easier to see and operate, and gives a distinctive profile. Littlite work lamp with power supply and dimmer is standard.

1.2.CUE PLUS models

Cue Plus boards have the following additional features:

Show SAVE/LOAD:

An embedded PC with 3 ½” floppy drive accessible at the rear of the unit gives the ability to save/load LP-1600 show data to/from disk. While standard models retain a single show in their internal battery-backed memory, the Cue Plus can save a virtually unlimited number of shows. Also, show data can be moved between units more easily, even units of different channel size.

VGA Display:

A standard VGA output connector on the back of the board can be attached to a user-supplied VGA monitor. The larger screen format allows display of more data at one time, such as Channel Run Data, Edit Data, etc. The internal LCD display and the external VGA output are concurrent; either one can be used to view or edit LP-1600 show data.

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2.Setup

The LP1600 series consoles connect easily to most types of dimming systems. DMX 512 and Analog (optional) outputs are provided for dimmer control. The flexibility to interface to old or new systems makes the LP1600 a natural choice for building a new system, or replacing a tired, old controller.

The rear panel of the LP-1600 is shown below, followed by a brief description of each item:

On/Off	Floppy	Analog Out		VGA (Plus Models)
		(DB25)
				RS-232 (non-Plus models)	Reset	MIDI In Audio In
O	O				O O O
O
O	O				O O
Power In					DMX Out MIDI Out	Audio
						Gain
1.	On/Off		Up for On.

2.Power In

Pin Description

1+5 Volts, 1 Amp

2+12 Volts, .5 Amp

3Ground

4not used

5not used

3.	Floppy	PC-compatible 3 ½” floppy
4.	Analog Out	Analog Option only, up to 4 connectors (LP1648/96)
5.

	Pin	1st Conn	2nd Conn	3rd Conn	4th Conn
	1	Ch 1	Ch 25	Ch 49	Ch 73
	2	Ch 2	Ch 26	Ch 50	Ch 74
	3	Ch 3	Ch 27	Ch 51	Ch 75
	..	..	…	..	..
	23	Ch 23	Ch 47	Ch 71	Ch 95
	24	Ch 24	Ch 48	Ch 72	Ch 96
	25	Ground	Ground	Ground	Ground
6. VGA	Plus Models: industry standard VGA
	DB-15F

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7.	RS-232	Standard Models only:
				P C Connection
		Pin	Description	DB-9	DB-25
		2	Data into LP-1600	3	2
		3	Data out of LP-1600	2	3
		5	Ground	5	7
8.	DMX Out	Industry Standard DMX Connection:
		Pin	Description
		1	Common
		2	Data 1-
		3	Data 1+
		4	Data 2-
		5	Data 2+
9.	Reset	Recessed system reset switch.
10.	MIDI Out	Industry standard MIDI output connection.
11.	MIDI In	Industry standard MIDI input connection.
12.	Audio Gain	Rotate clockwise to increase audio input sensitivity.
13.	Audio In	Standard ¼” phono plug.

2.1.Power requirements

The LP-1600 console is powered from a separate AC input power supply. The power supply includes an IEC type power cord, such as is used with Personal Computer power supplies. The LP-1600 power supply requires less than two amps of input power.

The power supply furnished with the LP-1600 will operate with voltages from 90 to 240 volts, with a frequency of 50 or 60 HZ. This supply should be acceptable for standard voltages anywhere in the world.

Because temporary power distribution is usually set up for portable lighting systems, it is possible to accidentally connect the console to a higher line voltage, or to a source where two of the three line wires (for example, the hot wire and the ground wire) have been swapped. Some protection from such accidents has been designed into the LP-1600, but serious damage to the board and operator can still result from incorrect power connections. It is

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recommended that when the console is used in a touring system, the power feed should be checked before the board is plugged in.

The LP-1600 is a microprocessor-based console. Like all digital equipment, it can be affected by electrical noise and spikes on the power lines. For this reason, it is recommended that the console be plugged into a separate circuit from other devices. This also prevents other equipment from tripping the breaker that supplies power to the console. It is suggested as well that the LP1600 be plugged into a line filter/surge suppressor of the type commonly used for personal computers.

2.2.Connecting to dimmers

The LP-1600 is designed to be used with a wide range of dimmer systems. Two different output types are available: DMX-512 and 0-10V Analog (optional). Both output types are always active, and there are no menu choices to enable or disable a particular output type.

2.2.1. DMX Output

The 5-pin DMX 512 digital output on the rear panel offers a fast and reliable way of sending control information to the stage. Simply connect a standard 5- wire control cable from the console jack to the DMX connector on the dimmer. As the standard mandates, the LP1600 has a female connector. Additional dimmers can be “daisy-chained” from the first dimmer, by running additional cables between the dimmers.

The LP-1600 has been tested and complies fully with the USITT DMX 512/1990 standard, and should pose no compatibility problems with any DMX 512 dimmers from Leprecon or from other manufacturers. Should any suspected incompatibilities be encountered, please contact Leprecon with the specific dimmer model and manufacturer.

2.2.2. Analog Output

Even with the advent of digital control standards, many portable lighting systems use analog control lines between the console and the dimmer racks. The LP-1600 provides 0-10 volt analog outputs, using a 25 pin male subminiature D connector. See the figure above for pin connections of the analog connector(s).

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2.3.Softpatch

The LP-1600 console includes a feature called Softpatch, where two custom assignments and one default (“straight”) assignment of dimmer circuits to console channels are stored for instant recall.

The two custom patches allow the assignment of any dimmer circuit to a specific console channel. Up to 512 DMX dimmer channels can be assigned to any of the board channels. If the analog option is installed, those channels are also patched, up-to and including the maximum available analog channel (48, 72 or 96 depending on board size).

More than one dimmer circuit may be assigned to a single console channel; in other words, the channel 8 fader on the console might bring up dimmer circuits 8, 16, and 32. However, a dimmer circuit can be controlled by only one console channel. A dimmer can be disconnected from the system by assigning it to the non-existent channel 0. To maximize the transmission speed, unused channels should remain patched to channel 0.

To access the softpatch features, press the button labeled “Setup” below the LCD window. The green led above the button will light, and the display will show the first Setup screen.

Label Active

DEFAULT #0

Along with the patch number is a name field that can be used to label each patch. The #0 patch is a non-alterable 1:1 patch; neither the name “DEFAULT” nor the patch table itself can be edited. Patches 1 and 2 are custom patch tables, the label and the channel assignment must be entered by the user.

To select a new patch, move the cursor until it is directly under the digit under the word “Active”. This is the number of the currently active patch. Hold the Modify button down and rotate the wheel until the new number is displayed. Releasing the Modify button selects the new value as the current patch. The label preceding the number can be modified in the same way, one letter at a time, to title the custom patch.

Displaying and Editing a Custom Patch

Scrolling further to the right of the active patch menu will display the patch assignment screen. An example is shown below:

Dimmer Chan Val 101>105 24 75%

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A new feature of the LP-1600 is BLOCK PATCH ASSIGNMENT. Instead of making patch assignments one at a time, entire blocks of dimmers can be more easily affected.

The number range listed below the word “Dimmer” represents the block of dimmer circuit(s) being affected by this patch assignment. The number on the left is the “start” dimmer, while the number on the right is the “end” dimmer (101 through 105 in the example). Any dimmer range can be selected by “Wheel-Modifying” either the start or end dimmer field as required.

Next, under the field labeled “Chan”, will appear the number of the board channel that the block of dimmers is assigned to. To alter this assignment, locate the cursor under the channel number, hold the Modify button, and turn the data wheel. When the number is set, and the wheel released, the new value will be stored in memory.

Finally, the “Val” field is a new feature that attaches a percentage of the selected channel’s setting to the block of dimmers. For example, if board channel 24 is at 50%, dimmers 101-105 will be at (.50 * .75 =) 37.5%. Note that other dimmers may also be using channel 24 as their source, but it is entirely possible that their “Val” field may be something other than 75%.

When patching is finished, pressing the Run mode button will return the console to the run mode display, and this is indicated by turning off the green led above the Setup button.

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2.3.1. Video Output - Patch Data

In CUE Plus models, dimmer patch data is continuously output to the external VGA display. Pressing the SETUP menu button will cause the Dimmer Patch screen to be displayed as shown below. Note the Block Patch Assignment of dimmers 5 through 10 to board channel 10 at 75%:

2.4.Clearing Memory

Cues, chases and patches recorded into the LP1600 are stored in batterybacked memory. The lithium coin cell that is used will retain memory in the console for a minimum of 1 year.

When starting to program a new show, it is easier to start with an empty board. The Erase function in the LP1600 can be used to delete all cues, chases and patches, leaving the scenes empty and ready to program. All fade times, links and delay times will also be cleared, and default values will be inserted for these parameters in all locations.

Four screens are provided for the Erase function. The user can elect to erase all Presets scenes, to erase all Cue Stacks, or to erase the Custom Chases (chases 5-11). The final screen allows ALL MEMORY of the LP1600 to be cleared.

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To clear ALL memory in the LP1600, start by pressing the Setup menu button. Turn the data wheel to the right, until the following message is seen:

Erase Everything

? (MOD = YES)

To proceed with the erase, press the Modify button. If you get cold feet, press any other button, such as the Run button. Assuming that you really do want to clear all memory, and you have pressed the Modify button, one last warning will be issued.

LOSE ALL DATA ? (REC = YES)

Pressing the Record button at this prompt will definitely clear all the information in the console. Once this has been done, the data is gone for good. The LP1600 will verify this:

All Data

Memory Erased

In the case of erasing ONLY presets, or ONLY chases, use the appropriate screen in the Setup menu. The procedure of pressing Modify, then pressing Record, is the same regardless of the data being erased. The Preset Erase screen looks like this:

Erase All Scenes

? (MOD = Yes)

The erase screen for the programmable chases reads as follows:

Erase Chase 5-11

? (MOD = Yes)

The erase screen for the programmable chases reads as follows:

Erase All Cues

? (MOD = Yes)

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2.4.1. Video Output - Setup

In CUE Plus models, the Memory Erase menu choices are accessed by first pressing SETUP. Move the Wheel to the right until the menu shown below, called the SETUP Parameters Menu window, is displayed. The currently active menu choice within the window will be highlighted, and should correspond to the menu choice on the LCD display.

The second line in the pop-down window gives instructions for selecting and executing menu choices. Traversing to the Erase All Scenes field, the second half of the instructions will change to:

“Change Option using Modify”.

Press MODIFY and the instruction will change to:

“Execute Option Using Record”.

Press RECORD to erase all scenes. To abort the command, either press RUN, or just wait 5 seconds for the operation to timeout.

Figure 1 SETUP Parameters Menu Screen

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3.Manual Mode

The LP1600, in addition to being a powerful memory console, can also be used as a simple two-scene preset board. This allows an untrained operator to immediately start using the board, and learn it’s more advanced features as time permits.

3.1.Startup

When the LP1600 is first turned on, the board will default into Run mode. The Y/Presets switch will return to it’s previous state. Let’s assume this to be Y mode, and further assume that all other effects (Chase and Stack) are turned off.

The console will perform a brief test when power is applied. It will greet the user with a message after the tests are performed:

LP-1600 v2.83L

Run Mode

In the case of a detected fault, an error message will display instead:

LP1600

Batt. LOW !

Error messages will be displayed for the following conditions: Rom error

Ram error Battery low

Buss Error (board non-functional)

Any error message indicates problems that must be repaired. For more information regarding service, see the “Warranty and repair policy” heading of this manual.

3.2.Channel Display

After the power on test is completed successfully, the sign on message is replaced with a run-time message.

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LP-1600 v2.83L

Run Mode

This indicates that the LP1600 has completed its power-on testing, and is operating normally. To view channel levels being sent to the stage, turn the top of the data wheel to the right (clockwise). The display will show channel levels as they are being output, either in percentage-of-full or actual DMX value:

RUN 1 2 3

OUT 100 75 50

Turning the data wheel farther to the right will bring higher numbered channels into view.

In SET-UP MODE, press the MODIFY button to select the output level mode, then move the Wheel to the right until the menu shown below appears:

RUN Data:

>Channel DMX

The “>” points to the current display mode.

Use Wheel-Modify to move the “>” to the desired mode.

Channel data display shows the levels of the individual board channels on the LCD and video display. In this mode, the levels mimic what is seen on the LED indicators on the front panel. This display is unaffected by the patch tables.

DMX display mode shows the status of the DMX data being sent to the dimmers. This information is ‘post patch’, or the actual dimmer by dimmer data.

3.2.1. Video - Run mode

In CUE Plus models, pressing RUN will cause the Stage View screen to be displayed on the VGA monitor:

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The display shows the current output levels of all 48, 72 or 96 board channels. Note that this is pre-patch information.

Along the left edge of the channel data is a green bar that brackets either the lower or upper bank of channels. Pressing the BANK select switch will cause the brackets at the left to alternate between lower and upper banks. Pressing the Y/Presets button will cause the left-bracket’s title to alternate between “X” and “X & Y”. While in “X & Y” mode, the board acts as a two-scene console, with both X and Y faders piling on to form the output level. Changing

the left-bracket to “X” mode causes a second bracket to appear on the right side of the display. The right-bracket is labeled “PRESETS”, and indicates that the Y-faders are now acting as Preset faders.

Pressing the STACK menu button will cause that “button” to become highlighted in the small window in the upper right corner of the screen. The same is true when the PRESETS or CHASES button is pressed.

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3.3.X and Y manual Scenes

The most basic control of the LP-1600 console is provided by the rows of faders for the two manual scenes, labeled “X” and “Y.” Each of these faders controls a single console channel, which may be patched into one or more dimmer channels. The green output LED above each channel indicates that channel’s relative intensity.

3.4.Bank Switching

The X and Y scene faders, and the LED above each channel, can be bank switched so that twice as many channels can easily be controlled with the same number of faders. The two BANK LEDs, just above the X-Master pot and labeled 1-24 and 25-48 (in the case of an LP-1648), indicate which bank of channels the faders and LEDs are currently representing.

Note that each channel LED has a channel number above and a channel number below. On an LP-1624/48, the first LED, the one nearest the Wheel, will be labeled 1 and 25. When the 1-24 BANK LED is on, the first fader will control board channel 1, and the first LED will respond accordingly. Pressing the BANK switch button will cause the 25-48 BANK LED to illuminate, and the first fader will now control board channel 25.

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