LSC Minim Operator's Manual

LIGHTING CONTROL DESK

OPERATOR MANUAL

Version 1.0

July 2003

L.S.C. Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty Ltd

A.B.N. 21 090 801 675

7 University Place, Clayton,

Victoria, 3168 Australia

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Web site: www.lsclighting.com.au

MINIM QUICK REFERENCE

To see the type of object recorded in each memory tap [PAGE]to select the required page then, press and hold

[page]. The playback flash/assign buttons containing Scenes will light, Playbacks containing Chases flash quickly and

empty Playbacks are not lit. When you press any [record] button or change [MEMORY] to “preview” or “edit”
modes, all Playback flash/assign buttons flash twice, then show their contents as above. If you change pages whilst in
“edit”, “preview” or “record” modes, the contents of each page is shown.

RECORD A SCENE

To record the current output as a Scene in the current page, press [record scene] [F/A] (Scene number).
If the CROSSFADE rotary fader is set to a time other than zero, that time is recorded in the Scene and will be used when
the Scene is played back. If the CROSSFADE is set to zero, no fade time is recorded and the CROSSFADE rotary fader
can be used live when the Scene is played back..

GRAB THE OUTPUT IN GRAB MASTER

To record (grab) the current output into the Grab Master, press [record scene] [F/A] (Grab Master)

RECORD A CHASE

To record a Chase in the current page, press [record chase] [F/A] (Chase number).
Each step of a Chase consists of either a previously recorded Scene or a snapshot of the MINIM output.

• To add a Scene as a step, press [PAGE](optional) [F/A] (Scene number).

• To record a snapshot (of the current output) as a step, press [record scene]

• Continue to add steps as above.

If a SPEED or CROSSFADE rotary fader is active and set to a value other than zero, that value is recorded in the Chase
and will be used when the Chase is played back. If a rotary fader is active and set to zero, no value is recorded for that
rotary fader and it can be used live when the Chase is played back..

When all steps have been recorded, complete the Chase by pressing [record chase].

PLAYBACK A SCENE OR CHASE

To replay a recorded Scene or Chase, press [MODE] until the “scene” LED lights and press [MEMORY] until the
“run” LED lights. If necessary, select the page containing the Scene or Chase using [PAGE].

Fade up the Playback containing the Scene or Chase and also fade up the Red Preset Master.

SCENES If no times are recorded in memory, rotate the [crossfade] fader until active to adjust fade times

“live”.

CHASES If no crossfade or speed (rate) has been recorded in memory, rotate the [crossfade] fader to adjust

fade percentage between steps and/or the [speed] fader to adjust the rate of speed in BPM “live”.
To stop a running Chase, start a stopped Chase, manually step a Zero speed chase or re-trigger a Chase set to single

shot effect, press and hold [start/stop/step], tap [F/A] (Chase number)

EDIT A SCENE OR CHASE

Press and hold [MEMORY] until the “edit” LED lights. Press [PAGE] (optional) [F/A] (memory to edit).

SCENES To edit a channel level, press and hold [F/A] (channel number) then use the [FLASH/LEVEL]

fader to set the level. To edit fade times, rotate the [crossfade] rotary fader until the LED illuminates (this indicates
that you have matched the recorded crossfade level) then adjust using the time scale printed around the rotary fader.

To exit, press and hold [MEMORY] until the “run” LED lights. Changes are automatically saved.

CHASES To control the SPEED, rotate the [speed] rotary fader until the LED starts flashing. This indicates

that you have matched the recorded speed, which then can be adjusted using the flashing LED to gauge the speed. To
change the FADE between steps rotate the [crossfade] rotary fader until the LED illuminates (this indicates that you

have matched the recorded crossfade level) then adjust using the time scale printed around the rotary fader. To change
the EFFECTS (direction, pattern or trigger), press and hold [function] then tap [F/A] (required effect).
To edit the levels in a step, press and hold [start/stop/step] (all steps light and current step flashes), tap [F/A] (step
to edit). Press and hold [F/A] (channel number) then use the [FLASH/LEVEL] fader to set the level. Set other

channel levels as desired.
To delete a step, press and hold [start/stop/step] (all steps light and current step flashes), tap [F/A] (step to delete).
Press and hold [function], tap [F/A] (delete).
To add a step, press and hold [start/stop/step] (all steps light and current step flashes), tap [F/A] (the new step is
inserted prior to the selected step). Press and hold [function], tap [F/A] (add). Then either create the look on the
output then press [record scene] or to add an existing Scene, press [F/A] (Scene number).
To exit, press and hold [MEMORY] until the “run” LED lights. Changes are automatically saved.

CONTENTS

QUICK REFERENCE __________________________________________________________IFC

1.0 INTRODUCTION___________________________________________________________2

1.1 FEATURES_______________________________________________________________________ 2

1.2 OPTIONS ________________________________________________________________________ 2

1.3 CARING FOR YOUR MINIM _________________________________________________________ 3

1.4 TERMINOLOGY ___________________________________________________________________ 3

1.5 SOFTWARE ______________________________________________________________________ 4

2.0 GETTING CONNECTED ____________________________________________________5

2.1 MAINS INPUT_____________________________________________________________________ 5

2.2 DMX512 OUTPUT__________________________________________________________________ 5

3.0 FRONT PANEL LAYOUT ___________________________________________________6

4.0 MODES OF OPERATION ___________________________________________________7

4.1 OVERVIEW_______________________________________________________________________ 7

4.2 PRESET MODE ___________________________________________________________________ 7

4.3 WIDE MODE______________________________________________________________________ 8

4.4 SCENE MODE ____________________________________________________________________ 8

4.5 FADE TIMES _____________________________________________________________________ 9

4.6 MEMORY RUN ___________________________________________________________________ 10

4.7 MEMORY PR EVIEW ______________________________________________________________ 10

4.8 MEMORY EDIT___________________________________________________________________ 10

4.9 MODE/PAGE FREEZE_____________________________________________________________ 10

4.10 FADER MATCHING/CAPTURE ______________________________________________________ 10

5.0 SCENES ________________________________________________________________11

5.1 OVERVIEW______________________________________________________________________ 11

5.2 RECORDING A SCENE____________________________________________________________ 11

5.3 PLAYBACK A SCENE _____________________________________________________________ 12

5.4 PREVIEW A SCENE ______________________________________________________________ 12

5.5 EDIT A SCENE___________________________________________________________________ 13

5.6 DELETE A SCENE________________________________________________________________ 13

6.0 CHASES ________________________________________________________________14

6.1 OVERVIEW______________________________________________________________________ 14

6.2 RECORDING A CHASE ____________________________________________________________ 14

6.3 PLAYBACK A CHASE _____________________________________________________________ 16

6.4 PREVIEW A CHASE ______________________________________________________________ 16

6.5 EDIT A CHASE___________________________________________________________________ 17

6.6 DELETE A CHASE ________________________________________________________________ 18

7.0 GRAB MASTER __________________________________________________________19

7.1 OVERVIEW______________________________________________________________________ 19

7.2 GRAB MASTER AS A SCENE MASTER_______________________________________________ 19

7.3 GRAB MASTER AS A CHASE MASTER_______________________________________________ 19

7.4 GRAB MASTER AS A PHANTOM PRESET MASTER ____________________________________ 19

8.0 FLASH__________________________________________________________________20

8.1 OVERVIEW______________________________________________________________________ 20

8.2 ADD/SOLO MODE ________________________________________________________________ 20

8.3 FLASH/LEVEL ___________________________________________________________________ 20

9.0 UTILITIES _______________________________________________________________21

9.1 RESET _________________________________________________________________________ 21

9.2 EXTERNAL MEMORY MODULE _____________________________________________________ 21

9.3 UPGRADING THE SOFTWARE _____________________________________________________ 23

9.4 AUDIO INPUT ____________________________________________________________________ 25

9.5 EXTERNAL TRIGGER INPUT _______________________________________________________ 25

10.0 COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS ______________________________________________26

10.1 CE & C TICK COMPLIANCE STATEMENT _____________________________________________ 26

10.2 DISCLAIMER ____________________________________________________________________ 26

11.0 COMPANY PROFILE______________________________________________________27

Introduction MINIM Operator Manual V1.0

Page 2 of 27 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Whether operating in manual or in memory mode,
the MINIM has been designed for straight

forward, uncomplicated ease of use. No sub­menus, no hidden button pushes – all functions
presented in a clear and organised layout,
utilising the familiar programming and playback
systems popular on all LSC desks.

1.1 FEATURES

• 12 faders in 2 preset operation or 24 faders in
wide preset operation, each with own flash
button and indicator LED

• 3 pages of memory with 12 playback faders on each page – 36 total memories

• Each Playback can be either a Scene or Chase and up to 13 scenes/chasers can run

concurrently

• Three Preset Masters – Red, Yellow and Grab

• Add/Solo button with flash level Master

• Edit and Preview of stored memories with channel level indicators

• Scene fade times from 0 – 30 secs

• Chase dipless crossfade rate from 0 – 100%

• Speed adjustment of Chase steps 0 – 999BPM

• Chase effects including Start/Stop/Step, random, bounce, single shot, forward direction, reverse

direction, delete step and add step

• Audio Input with Bass step effect for Chases with audio level adjustment

• ¼” mono jack for connecting footswitches to remotely advance Chase sequences

• DMX512-A output on 5 pin XLR connector

• Integral fused power supply – input range of 190–260VAC, 47-65Hz.

110VAC models available

• Compact - 440mm(w) x 352mm(d) x 90mm(h)

• Lightweight – 5kgs unpacked, 7kgs packed

• Rugged – two part corrosion protected metal chassis with rear screened polycarbonate front

and rear panels, with EVA rubber side profiles.

1.2 OPTIONS

A number of useful options are available from LSC to compliment the MINIM lighting desk.

19” rack mount brackets A pair of metal side brackets that easily attach to the MINIM chassis

and allow you to install the desk into horizontal or vertical 19” rack
equipment or flightcases.

Memory Module An external module that plugs into the COMMS PORT of the MINIM.

Allows recorded memories to be stored externally from the desk.

Flightcase Professionally built fully lined aluminium flightcase. Ideal for touring

your MINIM, or for long term storage.

Dustcover Smart hard wearing fabric desk cover with MINIM logo screened on

top. Ideal for protecting the top surface of the desk from dust and
other foreign matter.

MINIM Operator Manual V1.0 Introduction

LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. Page 3 of 27

1.3 CARING FOR YOUR MINIM
The MINIM is manufactured from quality components and will give many years of service if you

take some basic precautions.

• Do not allow any liquids or foreign objects to enter the MINIM. If any liquids are spilt on the
MINIM, the inside should be cleaned and dried as soon as possible. Only suitably qualified

personnel should remove the covers and perform any such maintenance.

• Do not apply excessive force to any of the controls. Spare parts and service are available from
your LSC distributor, but prevention is better than cure.

• When connecting any devices to the MINIM, make sure that all connections are correct before
switching on the power. If any doubt exists, obtain the assistance of qualified personnel.

• If your MINIM is to be used "on the road", you should use the optional flightcase to protect the
desk. Transport the MINIM with all faders in the fully down position. This gives the faders

maximum protection from probable damage.

• When your MINIM is not in use, cover the upper surface with the optional dust cover.

• If the surface of your MINIM becomes soiled, clean it with a damp cloth. Do not use any powerful

solvents. An alcohol swab may be used to remove any gum from labelling tape.

• Areas are provided below the faders for you to write identifying labels. To prevent permanent
marking of your MINIM, LSC recommends that you place strips of “write on” tape in these areas.

1.4 TERMINOLOGY

Certain button-stroke terminology is used throughout this manual to describe the particular

operations being undertaken. Any text enclosed in these symbols [ ] refers to when that particular
button needs to be pressed.

For example; Press [record scene], means to press the record scene button.
Flash/assign buttons are often abbreviated to F/A. If the button to be pressed is a Flash/Assign

button (of which there are many) then it will be identified by naming it as follows; [F/A] (Name).
Some F/A buttons have secondary functions that are activated by holding down the function

button and tapping the F/A button. These secondary functions are printed on the front panel below
their F/A buttons.

CHANNEL

A Channel (Fader) is the basic element of a Lighting Control System. The number of dimmers/lights
connected to this channel is variable depending on your installation and/or application. The most
basic application will have just one dimmer & one light connected to each channel, so that as you
vary the level of that channel, you vary the level of that dimmer & light.

LOOK

A lighting “LOOK” is the collection of channels at their various levels (intensities) that are
contributing to the output of the MINIM at any one time. A “look” may be made up of a collection of

channels or a single scene (see below) or a combination of several scenes. It may even be a single
channel.

PRESET

When many channels are assembled in a group of adjacent faders they form a “Preset” and each
channel in the preset has an individual fader to control its level. It is common to have two presets
available to the operator. The first lighting “look” is created on one preset by fading up the required
channels. The next lighting “look” is prepared (or “preset”) on the other preset without appearing on
stage (as its Preset Master is kept faded down). At the appropriate time, the first preset is faded
down whilst the second preset is faded up. The next lighting “look” is now prepared on the first
preset. These alternate crossfades from preset to preset form the standard operation of a manual
preset lighting board.

Introduction MINIM Operator Manual V1.0

Page 4 of 27 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.

PRESET MASTER

A Preset Master controls the overall level of all the channels in a preset (above). The MINIM
provides a Red and a Yellow Preset Master to control the overall level of the red and yellow banks
respectively.

GRAB MASTER

A Grab Master is similar to a Preset Master in that it can control the level of a number of channels.
It differs from a Preset Master in that it does not have dedicated channel faders under its control. It
“grabs” or stores the channels that it controls from other areas of the MINIM. Typically, it would be
used to grab the current output of the MINIM.
When a grab is performed, an exact copy of the channels that are on (including their levels) is
loaded onto the Grab Master. This is often referred to as taking a “snapshot”.

SCENE

A Scene is a recorded group of channels (at their respective levels) plus fade times. Once you have
recorded some Scenes, you may of course fade up several Scenes at once and record the
combination as a new Scene.

CHASE

A Chase is a list of steps that are replayed in order, stepping continuously from one step to the next
and automatically repeating the list when it has reached the end.

PLAYBACK

A Playback provides a means of playing back and controlling the overall level of a Scene or a
Chase.

1.5 SOFTWARE
The software version of your MINIM can be momentarily displayed on the F/A LED’s.
To display the software version, switch off the power to MINIM then press and hold the [MODE]

and [MEMORY] buttons simultaneously whilst the power is switched on.

The version number of the software will be displayed on the LED’s of the Yellow bank F/A buttons

(version number) and the Red bank F/A buttons (revision number).

Example: Software version V1.2 will be displayed as follows – F/A Yellow #1 LED will light to

indicate Version 1 and the F/A Red #1 and 2 LEDs will light to indicate Revision 2.

Refer Section 9.3 – “Upgrading the Software” for details to upgrade the software in the MINIM.

LSC has a policy of continuous improvement of its products. As the MINIM is a computerised

lighting desk, its software is subject to this policy as new features are added and existing features
improved.

All Trademarks referred to in this manual are the registered names of their respective owners.
Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this manual, LSC takes no responsibility for any

errors or omissions.

The operating software of the MINIM and the contents of this manual are copyright of LSC Lighting

Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. © 2003.

MINIM Operator Manual V1.0 Getting Connected

LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. Page 5 of 27

2.0 GETTING CONNECTED

2.1 MAINS INPUT

An IEC Mains Input socket is located on the rear panel and a mains power lead is provided. The

MINIM has an internal power supply that will operate on voltages between 190 volts and 260 volts
AC with a frequency range from 47 to 63 HZ. 110 volt models are available direct from the factory.

Plug the mains lead into the MAINS INPUT socket and connect it to a source of mains power. A

Power Switch located next to the Mains Input connector allows you to switch the MINIM off and on
without removing the mains lead. The Mains Input socket is fused with a M205 sized 500mA fuse.

2.2 DMX512 OUTPUT

The MINIM transmits a digital signal based on the DMX512/1990 standard.
The output of the MINIM is DMX512-A “ready”. DMX-512A is an upgrade of the standard that is still
under development.
Connect a DMX512 data cable from the 5 pin AXR style connector on the rear panel to the
DMX512 input of your equipment. Set the required DMX512 start address on your equipment.

At this point, with the mains power and DMX512 connected, the MINIM is ready to be operated.

Simply switch on the “POWER” switch located near the Mains Input connector. The MINIM will
commence its start up procedure and will then commence operating in exactly the same state that it
was in when it was last switched off. All the Scenes and Chases will be as they were.

Hint; If you are starting a new lighting session, LSC recommends that you perform a “RESET” of the

MINIM. This will ERASE all previously recorded memories and will prevent you being confused by
previous recordings and settings. If you need to keep your memories, save them to the optional plug­in memory module.

You are now ready to start controlling your lights!
For details on the COMMS PORT, AUDIO INPUT and EXT TRIG Input – refer Section 9 of this

manual – “Utilities”.

Mains

input

Power

switch

COMMS

PORT

DMX512 output

connector

External

Trigger input

Audio

input

Fuse Holder

Front Panel Layout MINIM Operator Manual V1.0

Page 6 of 27 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.

3.0 FRONT PANEL LAYOUT

Mode, Page and

Memory buttons

Audio, Speed

and Crossfade

Rotary faders

Record

Buttons

Yellow Bank

Faders

Yellow Bank

F/A buttons

Preset

Masters

Edit Value

Scale

Red Bank

F/A buttons

Red Bank

Faders

Effects

menu

Grab

Master

Flash Level

and Add/Solo

button

The front panel of the

MINIM

can de divided up into two areas:

• Preset Fader banks (red and yellow), and

• Master section (programming, editing and replaying)

Many of the buttons associated with each fader can have multiple functions. These functions
are described in more detail under the relevant chapters within this manual.

All functions for the MINIM are laid out in front of the operator in a clear and concise
arrangement. The following chapters will now deal with each function.