Desktop (MAC/PC)
LX300
LX600
LX900
LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
ABN 21 090 801 675
65-67 Discovery Road
Dandenong South, Vic.
Australia
Tel: +61 3 9702 8000 Fax:+61 3 9702 8466
email: info@lsclighting.com
web: www.lsclighting.com
CLARITY
Lighting and Media Control
LX-Series & Desktop
OPERATOR MANUAL
Issue 5.1
Covering software Version 2.3
Document number: LX-T01U-A4
February 2015
DISCLAIMER
Both LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. and OpenClear Pty. Ltd. have a corporate policy of
continuous improvement, covering areas such as product design and documentation. To achieve this
goal, we undertake to release software updates for all products on a regular basis. In light of this
policy, some detail contained in this manual may not match the exact operation of your product.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
In any event, neither LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. nor OpenClear Pty. Ltd. can be held
liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages or loss whatsoever
(including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, business interruption, or other pecuniary
loss) arising out the use or the inability to use this product for its intended purpose as expressed by
the manufacturer and in conjunction with this operating manual.
Servicing of this product is recommended to be carried out by LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
or its authorized service agents. No liability will be accepted whatsoever for any loss or damage
caused by service, maintenance or repair by unauthorized personnel.
In addition servicing by unauthorized personnel may void your warranty.
LSC Lighting Systems’ products must only be used for the purpose for which they were intended.
Clarity LX products are manufactured in Australia.
Clarity
Contents
Operator Manual
Contents
1 Latest Features 1
1.1 Overview _________________________ 1
1.2 Version 2.3 ________________________ 1
1.2.1 Timeline __________________________ 1
1.2.2 Merge ____________________________ 1
1.2.3 OSC Control _______________________ 1
1.2.4 Minor Changes _____________________ 1
2 Introduction/Models 2
2.1 Overview _________________________ 2
2.2 Desktop Version ____________________ 2
2.3 Console Models ____________________ 2
2.4 Common Features __________________ 2
2.5 Help _____________________________ 3
3 Desktop (PC or MAC) Clarity 4
3.1 Overview _________________________ 4
3.1.1 Software __________________________ 4
3.2 Installing Clarity on a PC _____________ 4
3.3 Installing Clarity on a Mac ____________ 6
3.3.1 HASP Installation for Mac _____________ 6
3.4 HASP Diagnostics ___________________ 6
3.5 VX/QX device driver (Windows & Mac) __ 6
3.5.1 Windows 64 bit Device Driver. _________ 7
3.6 Demo Mode _______________________ 8
3.7 Desktop DMX Output ________________ 8
3.8 Desktop ArtNet and sACN Output ______ 9
3.9 VX10 Playback Wing ________________ 9
3.10 VX20 Programming & Playback Wing ___ 9
3.10.1 USB Indicator _____________________ 10
3.10.2 DMX Indicators ____________________ 10
3.10.3 Desklamp ________________________ 10
3.10.4 Kensington Lock Slot ________________ 10
3.10.5 USB Slot _________________________ 10
3.11 Starting Clarity ____________________ 10
3.12 Loading a Show ___________________ 10
3.12.1 Show Tab ________________________ 11
3.13 Modes Of Operation ________________ 11
3.13.1 Console Window ___________________ 13
3.14 Basic Desktop Operation ____________ 15
3.15 Patching _________________________ 16
3.16 Programming _____________________ 17
3.16.1 Attribute Controls __________________ 17
3.16.2 Attribute Quick Menus _______________ 18
3.16.3 Universal Controller_________________ 18
3.16.4 Creating a Lighting Look _____________ 18
3.17 Playback _________________________ 19
3.17.1 Control Booth _____________________ 19
3.17.2 Adding a Virtual VX Wing ____________ 19
3.17.3 Selecting a Virtual VX Wing __________ 19
3.18 Adding a Cue-list to a VX Wing _______ 20
3.19 Wing Playback Pages _______________ 20
3.19.1 Locking a Playback _________________ 21
3.19.2 Page Bookmarks ___________________ 21
3.19.3 Managing VX Pages _________________ 21
3.20 Wing Playbacks ___________________ 21
3.21 Wing Group Masters _______________ 22
3.22 Extended Wing Controls _____________ 23
3.23 Programming with the VX20 Wing _____ 25
3.23.1 Trackball _________________________ 25
3.23.2 Programmer Buttons ________________ 25
3.23.3 VX20 Soft Menus ___________________ 26
3.24 External Control Inputs _____________ 27
3.25 VX20 MIDI _______________________ 27
3.26 Desklamp Intensity _________________ 28
3.27 Free Mode ________________________ 28
4 LX Consoles 29
4.1 Overview _________________________ 29
4.2 VX wings _________________________ 29
5 LX300 Console 30
5.1 Overview _________________________ 30
5.2 LX300 Rear Panel __________________ 30
5.2.1 Power Input and Mains Switch _________ 31
5.2.2 DMX Outputs ______________________ 31
5.2.3 Ethernet __________________________ 31
5.2.4 DVI Video Out _____________________ 31
5.2.5 USB _____________________________ 31
5.2.6 MIDI _____________________________ 31
5.2.7 Audio In/Out ______________________ 31
5.2.8 LED Desk Lamps ___________________ 31
5.2.9 External Inputs ____________________ 31
5.2.10 Reset ____________________________ 32
5.4 LX300 Front Panel __________________ 33
5.4.1 LX300 Playbacks ___________________ 33
6 LX600 Console 35
6.1 Overview _________________________ 35
6.2 LX600 Rear Panel __________________ 36
6.2.1 Power Input and Mains Switch _________ 36
6.2.2 Mains Outputs _____________________ 36
6.2.3 DMX Outputs ______________________ 36
6.2.4 Ethernet __________________________ 36
6.2.5 DVI Video Out _____________________ 36
6.2.6 USB _____________________________ 37
6.2.7 MIDI _____________________________ 37
6.2.8 SPMTE Timecode ___________________ 37
6.2.9 Audio In/Out ______________________ 37
6.2.10 LED Desk Lamps ___________________ 37
6.2.11 External Inputs ____________________ 37
6.2.12 Reset ____________________________ 37
6.4 LX600 Front Panel __________________ 38
7 LX900 Console 39
7.1 Overview _________________________ 39
7.2 LX900 Rear Panel __________________ 39
7.2.1 Power Input and Mains Switch _________ 40
7.2.2 Mains Outputs _____________________ 40
7.2.3 DMX Outputs ______________________ 40
7.2.4 DMX Input ________________________ 40
7.2.5 Ethernet __________________________ 40
7.2.6 DVI Video Out _____________________ 40
7.2.7 USB _____________________________ 40
7.2.8 MIDI _____________________________ 40
7.2.9 SPMTE Timecode ___________________ 40
7.2.10 Audio In/Out ______________________ 40
7.2.11 LED Desk Lamps ___________________ 41
7.2.12 External Inputs ____________________ 41
7.2.13 Reset ____________________________ 41
7.4 LX900 Front Panel __________________ 42
7.5 LX900 Split Cross Fade ______________ 43
7.6 In and Out faders __________________ 44
8 LX Console Controls 45
8.1 Overview _________________________ 45
8.2 Power Switches ____________________ 45
Contents
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Operator Manual
8.3 Grand Master _____________________ 45
8.4 Encoder Wheel Touch Screen _________ 45
8.4.1 Trackpad Mode ____________________ 46
8.5 Encoder Wheels and Buttons _________ 47
8.5.1 Rig _____________________________ 48
8.5.2 Universal _________________________ 49
8.5.3 Direct ___________________________ 50
8.5.4 Expand __________________________ 50
8.5.5 Virtual Wheels _____________________ 51
8.5.6 Menu ____________________________ 51
8.5.7 Graphical ________________________ 52
8.5.8 Timing ___________________________ 53
8.5.9 Dynamics ________________________ 53
8.5.10 Matrix ___________________________ 53
8.5.11 Media ___________________________ 53
8.5.12 Palettes __________________________ 54
8.5.13 More… ___________________________ 54
8.5.1 Intensities ________________________ 54
8.5.2 Timeline _________________________ 54
8.6 Keypad and Command Centre ________ 55
8.6.1 User Buttons ______________________ 55
8.6.2 Intensity Wheel ___________________ 55
8.6.3 Numeric Keypad ___________________ 55
8.6.4 Command Centre __________________ 55
8.6.5 Command Centre User Pages _________ 56
8.6.6 Command Buttons _________________ 57
8.7 Playbacks ________________________ 58
8.7.1 LX300 Button Playbacks _____________ 58
8.7.2 Fader Playbacks ___________________ 59
8.7.3 Assign a Cuelist to a Playback ________ 59
8.7.4 Edit Button _______________________ 59
8.7.5 Release Button ____________________ 60
8.7.6 Function Button. ___________________ 60
8.7.7 Playback Controls __________________ 61
8.7.8 Playback Touch Screens _____________ 61
8.7.9 Assign or Clear a Playback ___________ 61
8.7.10 Configuring a Playback ______________ 62
8.7.11 Playback Pages ____________________ 62
8.7.12 Locking a Playback _________________ 63
8.7.13 Managing Pages ___________________ 63
8.7.14 Page Bookmarks ___________________ 64
8.7.15 Page Groups ______________________ 65
8.7.16 Extended Playback Controls __________ 65
8.7.17 Clearing a Playback ________________ 67
8.7.18 Group Masters ____________________ 67
8.7.19 Fader Contents Indicator ____________ 68
8.8 Action Buttons ____________________ 68
8.8.1 Action Button Pages ________________ 69
8.8.2 Assigning an Action Button ___________ 69
8.8.3 Release a Cuelist on an Action Button __ 70
8.8.4 Release all Cuelists on a Page of Action Buttons
70
8.8.5 Clearing an Action Button ____________ 70
8.9 Touch Screen(s) ___________________ 71
10.7 Universal and Direct _______________ 74
10.8 Attribute Control Size ______________ 74
10.9 Preferences ______________________ 76
10.10 Keyboard Shortcuts ________________ 76
11 Patching Fixtures 78
11.1 Overview ________________________ 78
11.2 Spreadsheet View _________________ 79
11.3 Patching Fixtures __________________ 79
11.3.1 Drag and Drop Patching _____________ 79
11.3.2 Patching Dimmers __________________ 79
11.3.3 Clarity Universes ___________________ 79
11.4 Clone from other fixture(s) __________ 80
11.4.1 Cloning Example ___________________ 81
11.5 Keypad Patching __________________ 81
11.5.1 Patching Commands: ________________ 81
11.6 Multi-Patch _______________________ 81
11.6.1 Keypad Multi-Patch _________________ 81
11.6.2 Copy Multi-Patch ___________________ 82
11.6.3 Removing Multi-Patches _____________ 82
11.7 Selecting Fixtures _________________ 82
11.8 Inverting/Swapping Attributes ________ 82
11.9 Intensity Fade Profiles ______________ 83
11.10 Minimum and Maximum Intensity _____ 84
11.11 Custom Fixtures ___________________ 85
11.12 Connecting Output Devices __________ 85
11.13 ArtNet Outputs ____________________ 86
11.14 sACN Outputs _____________________ 86
11.15 Editing the Patch __________________ 87
11.15.1 Editing a Fixtures Address ____________ 87
11.15.2 Editing a Fixtures Name or Number ____ 87
11.15.3 Deleting Fixtures ___________________ 87
11.15.4 Un-Patching Fixtures ________________ 87
11.15.5 Exporting the Patch _________________ 87
12 Rig 88
12.1 Overview ________________________ 88
12.2 Arranging Fixtures _________________ 88
12.3 Aligning Fixtures __________________ 89
12.4 Fixture Icons _____________________ 90
12.5 Multiple Views ____________________ 90
12.5.1 Creating a new View ________________ 90
12.6 Configuring a View _________________ 90
12.6.1 Background Image _________________ 91
12.7 Selecting Fixtures In Rig View ________ 91
13 Universal 93
13.1 Overview ________________________ 93
13.2 Universal Mode Pages ______________ 93
9 Basic Operation 72
9.1 Overview _________________________ 72
9.2 Patching _________________________ 72
9.3 Programming _____________________ 73
9.4 Playback _________________________ 73
9.4.1 Performance Window _______________ 73
9.5 Edit and Update ___________________ 73
10 Customizing Clarity 74
10.1 Overview _________________________ 74
10.2 LX Tools _________________________ 74
10.3 Touch Screen Operation _____________ 74
10.4 Dockable Windows _________________ 74
10.5 Resizing Panes ____________________ 74
10.6 Rig Mode Icons ____________________ 74
14 Direct 96
14.1 Overview ________________________ 96
15 Timing 97
15.1 Overview ________________________ 97
15.2 Cuelist Times _____________________ 97
15.3 Cue Times _______________________ 97
15.3.1 Intensity Fade Out times. ____________ 97
15.4 Cue Attribute Times ________________ 98
15.4.1 Timing Mode ______________________ 98
15.4.2 Timing Tab ________________________ 98
15.5 Setting Times _____________________ 99
15.5.1 Setting Times by Direct Entry _________ 99
15.6 Fade Curves _____________________ 100
15.7 Filtering Times ___________________ 100
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Operator Manual
15.7.1 Combining Filters _________________ 101
15.7.2 Complex Timing __________________ 102
15.8 Previewing Times _________________ 102
15.9 Recording Times _________________ 102
15.10 Reset Timing ____________________ 102
15.11 Time Presets ____________________ 102
15.11.1 Recording Time Presets _____________ 102
15.11.2 Applying Time Presets ______________ 103
16 Dynamics (real time effects) 104
16.1 Overview _______________________ 104
16.2 Applying Dynamics _______________ 104
16.3 Controlling Dynamics ______________ 105
16.3.1 Waveform Control _________________ 105
16.3.2 Dynamics Attribute Controls _________ 106
16.4 Multiple Attribute Dynamics _________ 107
16.4.1 Stopping Dynamics ________________ 107
16.4.2 Resync __________________________ 107
16.4.3 Attribute Control Dynamics Indicators _ 107
17 Matrix 108
17.1 Overview _______________________ 108
17.2 Terminology _____________________ 108
17.3 Patching a LED Matrix _____________ 108
17.4 Creating a Matrix _________________ 108
17.5 Editing a Matrix __________________ 110
17.5.1 Deleting a Matrix __________________ 110
17.6 Matrix Control ___________________ 110
17.7 Transforms ______________________ 111
17.8 Adding Media to a Pixel Source ______ 111
17.9 Selecting Media in a Pixel Source ____ 112
17.10 Adding and Deleting Pixel Sources ___ 112
17.11 Viewer _________________________ 112
17.12 Activating a PixelSource ___________ 113
17.13 Activating Selected Cells ___________ 113
17.14 Pixel Source Layering and Transparency113
17.15 PixelSource Transitions ____________ 113
17.16 Dynamics _______________________ 114
17.17 Recording Matrix Settings __________ 114
18 Media 115
18.1 Overview _______________________ 115
18.2 Patching Media servers ____________ 115
18.3 Network Connection _______________ 115
18.4 Configuration ____________________ 115
18.4.1 Reload __________________________ 115
18.5 Media Server Operation ____________ 115
18.5.1 Browser _________________________ 116
18.5.2 Controls _________________________ 116
18.6 Recording Cues __________________ 116
18.7 Supported Media Servers ___________ 117
19 Palettes 118
19.1 Overview _______________________ 118
19.2 Arranging Palettes and Groups ______ 119
19.3 Groups _________________________ 119
19.4 Colour Presets ___________________ 120
19.5 Beam Presets ____________________ 120
19.6 Favourites ______________________ 120
19.7 Presets _________________________ 120
19.7.1 Fixture Specific Presets _____________ 121
19.7.2 Fixture Type Presets _______________ 121
19.8 Freesets ________________________ 121
19.8.1 Permutating Freesets ______________ 121
19.8.2 Scaling Freesets __________________ 122
19.9 Dynamic Presets _________________ 122
19.10 Recording a Preset or Freeset ________ 122
19.11 Freeset Parameter Scripting _________ 123
19.11.1 Sample Scripts ____________________ 125
19.12 Palette Icons _____________________ 125
19.12.1 Group Icons ______________________ 125
19.12.2 Preset & Freeset Icons ______________ 126
19.12.3 Preset and Freeset Shortcuts _________ 126
19.13 Applying Presets and Freesets _______ 127
19.13.1 Keyboard Commands _______________ 127
19.13.2 Apply in Palettes Mode ______________ 127
19.14 Removing Presets or Freesets _______ 127
19.14.1 Apply in the Palettes window _________ 128
19.14.2 Build Mode _______________________ 128
19.14.3 Live Times _______________________ 128
19.14.4 Apply Palettes in the Programmer window129
19.14.5 Masking _________________________ 129
19.15 Applying Dynamic Presets __________ 130
19.15.1 Masking Dynamic Presets ___________ 130
19.15.2 Base ____________________________ 130
19.15.3 Preserve Dynamics _________________ 131
19.16 Controlling Dynamics ______________ 131
19.17 Deactivate a Preset or Freeset _______ 132
19.18 Recording Cues with Presets & Freesets.132
19.19 Updating a Preset During Programming 132
19.20 Updating a Preset During Playback ____ 132
20 Intensities 134
20.1 Overview ________________________ 134
20.2 Channel Controller Mode ____________ 135
20.2.1 Settings for Channel Controller Mode __ 135
20.2.2 Operating in Channel Controller Mode __ 135
21 Programmer 137
21.1 Overview ________________________ 137
21.2 Programmer Attributes Tab _________ 137
21.3 Selection Sidebar _________________ 138
21.4 Selecting Fixtures _________________ 138
21.4.1 Selection phase vs. Programming phase 138
21.4.2 Selecting Multiple Types of Fixtures ____ 138
21.4.3 Deselecting Fixtures ________________ 138
21.4.4 Selection Order ___________________ 139
21.4.5 Attribute Quick Menus ______________ 139
21.4.6 Programmer Toolbar Fixture Buttons ___ 139
21.5 Individual Fixture Control ___________ 139
21.6 Groups _________________________ 140
21.6.1 Editing Groups ____________________ 141
21.6.2 Sort Tab _________________________ 141
21.6.3 Sorting __________________________ 141
21.6.4 Grouping ________________________ 141
21.6.5 Groups of… _______________________ 141
21.6.6 Subgroups… ______________________ 142
21.6.7 Next and Prev ____________________ 142
21.6.8 Budding _________________________ 143
21.6.9 Programming Using Grouping ________ 143
21.6.10 Ctrl Tab _________________________ 144
21.6.11 Intensity and Colour Icons ___________ 144
21.6.12 Position Icons _____________________ 145
21.7 Session Control ___________________ 145
21.7.1 Altered Fixture Indication ____________ 145
21.7.2 Blind Programming_________________ 146
21.7.3 Clearing a Programmer _____________ 146
21.7.4 Clearing a Fixture from a Programmer _ 146
21.7.5 Clearing an Attribute from a Programmer146
21.8 Programmer Toolbar _______________ 146
21.8.1 Undo / Redo ______________________ 146
21.8.2 None, Prev, All, Next _______________ 147
21.8.3 Grab ____________________________ 147
21.8.4 Preview _________________________ 147
21.8.5 To Preset ________________________ 147
21.8.6 Record/Save ______________________ 147
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21.8.7 Append last/Save As _______________ 147
21.8.8 Update _________________________ 148
21.8.9 Highlight ________________________ 148
21.8.10 Highlight and Lowlight settings _______ 149
21.8.11 Blind ___________________________ 149
21.8.12 Clear/Close ______________________ 149
21.9 Programmer Toolbox ______________ 149
21.9.1 Show Undo View __________________ 150
21.9.2 Trim (knock out remainder) _________ 150
21.9.3 Remainder Dim ___________________ 150
21.9.4 Controls ________________________ 150
21.9.5 Renumber Fixtures ________________ 150
21.9.6 Rename Fixtures __________________ 150
21.9.7 Grab DMX _______________________ 150
21.9.8 Copy ___________________________ 150
21.9.9 Paste ___________________________ 150
21.9.10 Clone __________________________ 151
21.9.11 Flip ____________________________ 151
21.9.12 Personalizing the Toolbar ___________ 151
21.10 DMX Input _______________________ 151
21.11 Parking Fixtures __________________ 152
21.12 Universal Control Panel _____________ 152
21.13 Attribute Controls _________________ 152
21.13.1 Attribute Quick Menus _____________ 153
21.13.2 Fixture Quick Menus _______________ 153
21.13.3 Attribute Control Size ______________ 154
21.13.4 Attribute Control Order _____________ 154
21.14 Fanning Attributes ________________ 154
21.14.1 Offset Fanning ___________________ 155
21.14.2 Fanning Selection Order ____________ 155
21.14.3 Fanning in the Universal Control Panel _ 155
22 Proglets 156
22.1 Overview ________________________ 156
22.2 In Built Proglets __________________ 156
23 Command Line Programming 158
23.1 Overview ________________________ 158
23.2 Fixture Selection __________________ 158
23.3 Intensity Entry ___________________ 158
23.4 Intensity Wheel ___________________ 159
23.5 Fade Time Entry __________________ 159
23.6 Fixture Numbering for Keypad Entry __ 159
23.6.1 Changing Fixture Unit Numbers ______ 159
23.7 Groups and Presets ________________ 160
24 Record 161
24.1 Overview ________________________ 161
24.2 Recording a Cue __________________ 161
24.2.1 New Cue-list _____________________ 161
24.2.2 Cue-list Playback Settings and Options 162
24.2.3 Cue Options _____________________ 162
24.2.4 Existing Cue-list __________________ 162
24.2.5 Record to Selected Cue-list _________ 163
24.2.6 Contents Options _________________ 163
24.2.7 Keep Settings ____________________ 164
24.2.8 Clear recorded values ______________ 164
24.3 Record Output ____________________ 165
24.4 Editing Cues _____________________ 165
24.4.1 Undo Redo ______________________ 166
25 Control Booth 167
25.1 Overview ________________________ 167
25.2 Cue-list Playback Settings __________ 167
25.2.1 Cue-list Playback Options ___________ 168
25.2.2 Cue-list Chase Options _____________ 171
25.2.3 Cue-list Priority Settings ____________ 172
25.3 Playback Control Panel _____________ 172
25.4 Manipulating cues and cue-lists ______ 173
25.4.1 Cue-list Folders ___________________ 173
25.4.2 Copying and Merging Cues __________ 173
25.4.3 Copy Full State ___________________ 174
25.4.4 Undo Redo _______________________ 175
25.4.5 Cue Notes _______________________ 175
25.5 Sync FX ________________________ 175
25.6 Mark Cues (Move in Black) _________ 175
25.7 Change Cue Only _________________ 176
25.8 Loop Cue _______________________ 176
25.9 Audio Playback ___________________ 177
25.9.1 Audio Fixture _____________________ 178
25.10 Simple SCRIPT language (Macros) ___ 178
25.11 Learn Master cue-list ______________ 179
25.12 Bookmark _______________________ 180
26 Editing Cues and Cue-lists 182
26.1 Overview _______________________ 182
26.2 Update _________________________ 182
26.2.1 Update __________________________ 182
26.2.2 Auto Update ______________________ 183
26.3 Editing a Cue ____________________ 184
26.4 Editing Follow or Wait Times ________ 185
26.4.1 Saving the Edit ___________________ 186
26.5 Editing Channels to be “Cue Only” ___ 186
26.5.1 “Cue Only” Indication ______________ 187
26.5.2 Live Edit Indication ________________ 187
26.6 Block Cue _______________________ 187
26.7 Undo Redo Edits _________________ 188
26.8 Exporting a Cue to the Programmer __ 188
27 Performance Window 189
27.1 Overview _______________________ 189
27.2 Previewing Cue-lists _______________ 190
27.3 The Grid ________________________ 190
27.4 Adapting Existing Programming _____ 190
27.4.1 Sync FX _________________________ 190
27.5 Managing the Grid ________________ 191
27.5.1 Copying Active Cells to a Common Row 191
27.5.2 Cell Properties ____________________ 191
27.6 The Metronome __________________ 193
27.6.1 Metronome Settings _______________ 194
27.7 Performance Freesets/Groups _______ 194
28 Levels Window 195
28.1 Overview _______________________ 195
28.2 DMX Values _____________________ 195
28.3 Output Values ___________________ 195
28.4 Programmer Values _______________ 196
28.5 Cue List Values __________________ 196
28.6 Customizing The Display ___________ 196
28.7 New Window ____________________ 196
29 Intensity Levels 197
29.1 Overview _______________________ 197
29.2 View Setings ____________________ 197
29.3 Console View ____________________ 198
29.4 Follow View _____________________ 198
30 Show Files & Import/Export 199
30.1 Overview _______________________ 199
30.2 Saving and Changing Shows ________ 199
30.3 Importing and Exporting Shows _____ 199
30.4 Merging Shows __________________ 200
30.4.1 Merge Fixtures ____________________ 201
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30.4.2 Merge Groups ____________________ 202
30.4.3 Merge Presets ____________________ 202
30.4.4 Merge Cuelists ____________________ 202
30.4.5 Append Playbacks _________________ 202
30.4.6 Append Rig Schematic Views ________ 202
30.5 Examples of Merging ______________ 202
30.6 Desktop Clarity local Media libraries __ 203
31 MIDI 204
31.1 Overview _______________________ 204
31.2 MIDI Control of Selected Playback____ 204
31.2.1 MIDI Settings ____________________ 204
31.2.2 MIDI Channel ____________________ 204
31.2.3 MIDI Note On Messages ____________ 204
31.2.4 MIDI Control Function ______________ 205
31.2.5 Learn Midi _______________________ 205
31.3 MIDI Control of a Cuelist ___________ 205
31.4 MIDI Timecode ___________________ 206
32 Timecode 207
32.1 Overview _______________________ 207
32.2 Timecode Configuration ____________ 207
32.3 Big Time ________________________ 207
32.4 Simulator _______________________ 208
33 Timeline 209
33.1 Overview _______________________ 209
33.2 Timeline Window _________________ 209
33.3 LTC Timelines ____________________ 211
33.4 Internal Timelines ________________ 211
33.5 Audio Timelines __________________ 212
33.6 Editing Timelines _________________ 213
33.7 Palettes ________________________ 214
33.8 Action Button Control ______________ 214
33.9 Legacy LTC Feature _______________ 215
33.9.1 Automatic Entry of Events (Learn) ____ 216
33.9.2 Manual Entry of Events _____________ 216
33.9.3 Editing Events ____________________ 216
33.9.4 Managing Playlists _________________ 216
33.9.5 Timecode Playback ________________ 216
33.9.6 Recede _________________________ 216
33.9.7 Skip Intervening Events ____________ 217
34 Remote Control 218
34.1 Overview _______________________ 218
34.2 Controlling Clarity via an IPhone/iPad/Android
218
34.2.1 Setting up OSC on an iPhone, iPad or Android
218
34.2.2 Setting up OSC on Clarity ___________ 218
34.2.3 Controlling Clarity with Touch OSC ____ 219
34.3 Controlling Clarity From an OSC Client 220
34.4 Controlling Other Devices From Clarity 221
35 Scheduler 222
35.1 Overview _______________________ 222
35.2 Schedule an Event ________________ 222
36 Tracking Backup 223
36.1 Overview _______________________ 223
36.2 Setting up Tracking Backup _________ 223
36.3 Operating From The Slave __________ 224
37 Preferences and About 225
37.1 User Preferences _________________ 225
37.1.1 New Show Preferences ______________ 228
37.2 About Clarity _____________________ 229
38 LX Tools 230
38.1 Overview ________________________ 230
38.2 Starting LX Tools _________________ 230
38.2.1 Brightness _______________________ 230
38.2.2 Software Management ______________ 231
38.2.3 Help ____________________________ 231
38.2.4 Configure Monitors _________________ 231
38.2.5 Networking _______________________ 232
38.2.6 Calibrate Touch Screens ____________ 233
38.2.7 Clock ___________________________ 233
38.2.8 Diagnostics _______________________ 233
38.2.9 System Information ________________ 233
38.2.10 Keyboard ________________________ 233
39 Software Upgrade 234
39.1 Overview ________________________ 234
39.2 Desktop Upgrade _________________ 234
39.3 LX Console Upgrade _______________ 234
40 Technical Support 235
41 Fixture Editor 236
41.1 Overview ________________________ 236
41.2 Fixture Request Service ____________ 236
41.3 Fixture Editor ____________________ 236
42 Operating Concepts and
Terminology 237
42.1 Overview ________________________ 237
42.2 Programmer / Playback ____________ 237
42.3 Priority Control ___________________ 237
42.4 Attribute Default Values ____________ 237
42.5 Programmer Control _______________ 237
42.6 Playback Control __________________ 238
42.7 Recording and Playback Concepts ____ 238
42.7.1 Tracking Playback _________________ 238
42.7.2 Typical Tracking Operations __________ 238
42.7.3 Advantages of Tracking _____________ 239
42.7.4 Disadvantages of Tracking ___________ 239
42.7.5 Cue Only Playback _________________ 240
42.8 Recording Cues ___________________ 240
42.8.1 Content Options ___________________ 241
42.8.2 Cue Only (recording) _______________ 242
42.8.3 Mark Cues (Move in Black) __________ 243
42.9 DMX 512 ________________________ 243
42.10 DMX Universes ___________________ 243
42.10.1 DMX Slot ________________________ 243
42.10.2 Attribute. ________________________ 243
42.11 HTP (HIGHEST TAKES PRECEDENCE) __ 243
42.12 LTP (LATEST TAKES PRECEDENCE) ___ 243
42.13 RDM ___________________________ 244
43 Hints and Tips 245
43.1 Simple Cue Playback _______________ 245
43.2 Parked channels __________________ 245
43.3 One Shot Chase __________________ 245
43.4 Performance Window Tips___________ 245
43.5 Flashing a cue ____________________ 246
43.6 Quick Record _____________________ 246
43.7 Snapping Forwards or Backwards _____ 246
43.8 Operate Clarity Like a Manual Desk ___ 246
43.9 Programmer Override ______________ 246
Contents
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Operator Manual
43.10 Media Server Thumbnails ___________ 246
43.11 Audio Playback ___________________ 247
43.12 Automated Follow Spot Audio Cues ___ 247
43.13 Simple RGB Mixing ________________ 247
43.14 Recording Only Pan (or Tilt) _________ 248
43.15 Time Presets _____________________ 248
43.16 Sorting, Buddying & SubGroups ______ 248
43.17 Universal Control. _________________ 248
43.18 Copy And Paste ___________________ 248
43.19 Fans Buttons _____________________ 249
43.20 Multiple Programmers ______________ 249
43.21 Cuelist Folder Order _______________ 249
44 Appendix. Proglet Scripting 250
44.1 Introduction _____________________ 250
44.2 API (Application Programming Interface)
Properties ____________________________ 250
44.2.1 Buddying/Subgroup properties _______ 250
44.2.2 Other properties __________________ 250
44.2.3 Channel IDs _____________________ 250
44.2.4 Feature IDs ______________________ 251
44.2.5 Permutations ____________________ 251
44.3 Channel/Feature Values ____________ 251
44.4 Programmer API functions __________ 251
44.4.1 The include() function ______________ 253
44.5 User Input functions ______________ 253
44.6 Modifying and creating new Proglets __ 254
44.7 ECMAScript features supported by Clarity (Qt
Script) ______________________________ 254
44.7.1 The Global Object _________________ 254
44.7.2 Object Objects ____________________ 255
44.7.3 Function Objects __________________ 256
44.7.4 Array Objects _____________________ 256
44.7.5 String Objects ____________________ 257
44.7.6 Boolean Objects ___________________ 257
44.7.7 Number Objects ___________________ 258
44.7.8 The Math Object __________________ 258
44.7.9 Date Objects _____________________ 259
44.7.10 RegExp Objects ___________________ 260
44.7.11 Error Objects _____________________ 260
44.7.12 The JSON Object __________________ 261
45 Index 262
46 COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS 266
Clarity
Contents
Operator Manual
Conventions Used in this Manual
Throughout this manual, certain conventions have been used to make the meaning clearer.
1) A word in Bold test represents a button, a Tab, an area or label on the GUI (Graphical User
Interface).
2) The terms “Click” “Select” and “Touch” are interchangeable.
3) Emphasis is indicated by underlining.
4) Notes or Hints are displayed in italic font
Copyright Notices
Clarity application software is developed by OpenClear Pty. Ltd.
www.openclear.com.au
Copyright © 2009 OpenClear Pty. Ltd.
All rights reserved.
USB and RDM software modules and LX products are developed by LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
www.lsclighting.com
Copyright © 2009 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Contents of this manual, Copyright © 2012
OpenClear Pty. Ltd. and LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Clarity
Latest Features
Operator Manual
1 Latest Features
1.1 OVERVIEW
Both LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. and OpenClear Pty. Ltd. have a corporate policy of
continuous improvement covering areas such as product design and documentation. To achieve
this goal, we undertake to release software updates for all products on a regular basis. The latest
features to be added to this version of Clarity are listed below.
1.2 VERSION 2.3
1.2.1 Timeline
Previous versions of Clarity included a simple timecode function allowing timecode information
received by Clarity to control the playback of cues at specific times. This allowed Clarity’s
playback to be perfectly synchronized with other elements of a production that are also locked
to the same Timecode. In version 2.3, this function has been replaced by a “Timeline” feature
that still synchronises playback to timecode but also allows you to synchronise playback to audio
tracks that are played by Clarity or to an internal timer. In addition it also allows simple drag and
drop editing of the playback events on the timeline. See section 33.
1.2.2 Merge
This allows you to selectively merge the programming from another show into your current show.
You can choose Fixtures, Groups, Presets, Cuelists, Playbacks and Rig Views. See section 30.4.
1.2.3 OSC Control
Clarity can now be controlled by an OSC client. See section 34.3.
1.2.4 Minor Changes
1.2.4.1 Mark Cues
A new option regarding fixtures with no intensity has been added. See section25.6
1.2.4.2 LX Console Channel Capacity
The DMX channel capacity of LX consoles has increased. The new capacities are:
LX300 – 4096 Channels
LX600 – 8192 Channels
LX900 – 64,000 Channels
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Clarity Desktop
shown with optional VX20 wing and
external monitors.
LX300
LX600
LX900
2 Introduction/Models
2.1 OVERVIEW
Clarity lighting and media control is available as a Desktop software package for PC or MAC
(with optional USB connected peripherals) or in three console models, LX300, LX600 and
LX900.
There are separate sections in this manual for the Desktop version (with its optional
peripherals) and for each of the Console models.
The software is common to all platforms, however there are small differences that are
particular to each platform due to the different hardware controls of each platform. The
common operating system is described in detail with separate sections for of the various
operations that can be performed. The screen shots used in these sections of the manual are all
from the LX600. There might be slight variations in the screen layout in other modes of
operation.
The Desktop version can be configured to run in desktop mode or to emulate any of the console
platforms. Emulating a console is most useful for pre-programming a show for a console when
the console is not available.
2.2 DESKTOP VERSION
The desktop version is described in its own section of this manual. A range of USB accessories
are available for desktop operation.
2.3 CONSOLE MODELS
There are three models in the LX range of consoles….
Each console is described in its own section of this manual.
2.4 COMMON FEATURES
The desktop and LX consoles all run the renowned Clarity software with many years of proven
reliability on thousands of shows. Some of the main features of Clarity are:
Full Drag and Drop Patching, with intelligent fixture Cloning.
Rig View with 2D simulation and easy fixture selection.
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Seamless fixture substitution, brand to brand, model to model, type to type, etc, from
the world's most comprehensive Fixture Library.
Multiple programmers, each with independent unlimited Undo/Redo.
Media Server Integration with clip thumbnails (supports Arkaos VJ DMX, ArKaos Media
Master, Catalyst, Green Hippo’s Hippotizer, Pandora’s Box, ROBE Digispots).
LED pixel mapping with picture and video playback – maximum size limited only by
available DMX slots.
Full Dynamics Editor and Effects Engine with smooth cross-fading of effects.
Freesets – just like Presets, but independent of fixture type and quantity.
Time Presets and Live Time Busking interface.
Unlimited Groups, Presets, Freesets, Cues and Chases.
Audio playback and time-code synchronization.
Full tracking cue-lists with Macro scripts and Undo/Redo of cue record/delete.
Unique Performance window live interface, a very powerful ad-lib playback matrix grid.
2.5 HELP
The desktop installation includes a copy of this manual that can be found in the LSC folder.
The LX consoles contain a copy of this manual that can be viewed on screen and on-board
video tutorials of common operations. They are contained in the LX Tools utility.
To start LX Tools from the console press Function+Fine+Fine at the same time.
To start LX Tools from the keyboard press Ctrl+Alt+L at the same time.
On LX consoles the manual can also be accessed from the menu via “Show/Help”.
If you are experiencing problems with Clarity either contact your local LSC agent or post a
message on the LSC forum at http://www.lsclighting.com/forums/
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Desktop
3 Desktop (PC or MAC) Clarity
3.1 OVERVIEW
The desktop version of Clarity consists of a software application and optional control surfaces
and interfaces. In its simplest form, Clarity can be run with just a computer where control is via
a Graphical User Interface (GUI) or Command Line input and output is via ArtNet (DMX over
Ethernet). Hardware can be added in the form of USB to DMX adaptors and USB Playback and
Programming wings that also include DMX outputs.
The desktop version of Clarity is available for both PC and MAC operating systems. Purchased
versions of Clarity desktop include a USB dongle (HASP) that you plug into a USB port of the
same computer that is running Clarity or into the secure compartment in the rear of a VX10 or
VX20 wing. When you start Clarity, it reads the license from the dongle and automatically
enables the channel capability that you have purchased. Multiple dongles can be plugged in at
the same time to increase your available DMX channels.
Your Clarity USB Hasp Dongle is a valuable item. Without it, Clarity will operate in “Demo
Mode” as described below. Therefore you should care for it as you would any other valuable
piece of equipment. LSC recommends that you insure your USB Hasp Dongle against loss, theft
or damage as LSC cannot supply a replacement in these circumstances.
3.1.1 Software
The Clarity software contained on the Clarity CD is also available as a download from the LSC
website, www.lsclighting.com.
Both the CD and downloaded versions are identical although both LSC Lighting Systems (Aust)
Pty. Ltd. and OpenClear Pty. Ltd. have a corporate policy of continuous improvement. To
achieve this goal, we undertake to release software updates for all products on a regular basis.
In light of this policy, the website might contain a later version of Clarity than the version on
your CD or in your console. Please check the web site for the latest version of Clarity software.
3.2 INSTALLING CLARITY ON A PC
When using a PC type of computer, LSC recommends running Clarity on Windows Vista ©,
Windows 7 ©, or Windows 8 © operating systems.
Note: The Clarity software and device drivers must be installed before connecting any QX DMX
nodes or VX wings to your computer.
Install the software by double-clicking on the Clarity installation file supplied on the CD or
downloaded from the LSC website (www.lsclighting.com).
Note: The name of the Clarity installation file will be different depending on which version of
software you are loading but will be of the form Clarity-PC-x.y.z.exe where x.y.z is the version
number of the software.
Windows will ask you if you want to allow Clarity to make changes to your computer. Click Yes
and the “LSC Clarity Setup” dialog box appears.
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Components are selected for installation by checking there box. Position your mouse over a
component to see its description.
A new installation of Clarity requires all 3 components to be installed.
Clarity
LSC QX/VX USB Driver
Aladdin HASP SRM
The Aladdin HASP SRM software is for the USB Dongle that contains your Clarity license.
An upgrade to a new version of Clarity only requires 2 components to be installed.
Clarity
LSC QX/VX USB Driver
Continue the installation by clicking Next, then follow the on screen instructions.
The QX/VX drivers are certified 64 bit drivers, however you may be asked to confirm their
installation. Installation of the “Aladdin HASP SRM” software can take several minutes. You can
check the operation as described in “HASP Diagnostics” below.
When the installation is complete, click Close.
If you accept the defaults, Clarity will be installed in C:\Program Files\LSC\Clarity.
You can now plug in a QX DMX node, VX wing or USB license dongle (Hasp). The first time that
you do this, windows automatically installs their device drivers. This takes a few moments and
windows will inform you that “Your device is ready to use”.
To run Clarity, click on Start\All Programs\LSC\Clarity where you will see all of the installed files.
Click on Clarity to run the program.
The above steps are for installation on Windows 7. The process for Windows Vista and Windows
8 will be similar.
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3.3 INSTALLING CLARITY ON A MAC
Previously Clarity-Mac was distributed as an installation package. When you run the package it
displays a wizard that walks you through the installation procedure.
This has now been replaced with a simpler process. Drag the app (Clarity.app) over to the
Applications folder. When you run Clarity for the first time it will automatically install the fixture
library into the Clarity data location (i.e. {home}/Clarity).
3.3.1 HASP Installation for Mac
If you have purchased a Clarity license you will need to install the HASP SRM Runtime.
Double click HASP SRM RTE Installer.pkg
Follow the on screen instructions to install the HASP SRM Runtime.
If you have previously installed the HASP SRM Runtime (possibly from a previous version of
Clarity) then you might see an error message telling you that the software cannot be installed.
This only means that the version already on your computer is the same as the version you tried
to install so it was not required. Click Close.
3.4 HASP DIAGNOSTICS
You can verify that the HASP SRM Runtime is correctly installed by navigating to
http://localhost:1947 to view the “HASP SRM Admin Control Centre”. Make sure you USB license
dongle is plugged into a USB port then click on HASP Keys to verify that your key is recognized.
You might have to refresh the page if you are too quick.
3.5 VX/QX DEVICE DRIVER (WINDOWS & MAC)
On early versions of Clarity, some computers had intermittent USB connection problems with VX
wings and QX DMX nodes. These issues can cause rapid disconnect/reconnect of USB devices,
which can cause an overflow of the operating system’s USB stack. Version 2.2 of Clarity
introduced a new driver that provides a far more stable and recoverable method of connection
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Change User Account
Control settings
Slider set to bottom
to VX wings and QX DMX nodes. The new driver has many changes to ensure that this is less
likely to occur and also includes a special application to reset the host operating system’s USB
stack in the event of it crashing.
The new driver requires VX wings to be updated to the latest Firmware (v1.15). This update can
be downloaded from www.lsclighting.com.au/vxupdate
3.5.1 Windows 64 bit Device Driver.
The application that ‘reboots’ the USB stack (described above) requires Administrator privileges
to run. On Windows 64 bit computers this will mean that the “UAC” (User Account Control)
warning is triggered, as shown below:
This is not desirable because it means that the USB stack will not automatically reset. You would
need to manually press [Yes]. Therefore we strongly recommend that you set the UAC to the
“Never Notify” level (as described below) to prevent this dialog from appearing and allow Clarity
to operate seamlessly on your computer.
Changing the UAC Setting – Option 1
Go to the Start Menu search box and type: User Accounts
A list of search results will appear:
Click on
On the “User Accounts” window, click on “Change User Account Control settings”:
On the User Access Control Settings window that appears, move the slider all the way to
the bottom then press OK.
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QX1
Provides 1 universe of DMX output
QX2
Provides 2 universes of DMX output
Slider set to bottom
Changing the UAC Setting – Option 2
If you have not set the UAC as described in option 1 above and the pop-up dialog box
appears:
Click on “Change when these notifications appear.”
On the User Access Control Settings window that appears, move the slider all the way to
the bottom then press OK.
3.6 DEMO MODE
If Clarity is run without a USB dongle it will run in Demo mode. Demo mode has full functionality
but the intensity of all fixtures will black out and all non-fadable channels will freeze for a short
period on a regular basis. It is therefore not suitable for running a show, however it is ideal for
training and demonstrations or to create off line shows that can be run on a purchased version
of Clarity or on a LX console.
3.7 DESKTOP DMX OUTPUT
DMX512 output is obtained by connecting any of the following devices to the USB port of your
computer. Multiple devices can be connected.
LSC Clarity QX1 interface provides 1 universe of DMX output.
LSC Clarity QX2 interface provides up to 2 universes of DMX output.
LSC Clarity VX10 wing provides up to 2 universes of DMX output.
LSC Clarity VX20 wing provides up to 4 universes of DMX output.
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Power Input
LED Desk
Lamp Socket
2 DMX Universe Outputs
USB dongle
compartment
Remote Trigger
Inputs
USB to
Computer
Kensington
Lock slot
The QX1 and QX2 interfaces are powered directly from the computer’s USB connector. Connect
your DMX controlled equipment to the relevant DMX universe connectors. The DMX outputs are
fully isolated from the USB input.
Note that the DMX output has to be patched in Clarity before it will work. See section 11.12 for
details.
3.8 DESKTOP ARTNET AND SACN OUTPUT
ArtNet and sACN are protocols that transmit multiple DMX universes over Ethernet LAN (Local
Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). To use ArtNet or sACN it must be connected to the
internal universes within Clarity in the Patch window. See sections 11.13 and 11.14 for details.
3.9 VX10 PLAYBACK WING
Control of Playback on a computer can be augmented by adding an
LSC Clarity VX10 playback wing. This provides 10 fader Playbacks
with LCD displays and multiple page selection, a Grand Master and
DBO (Dead Black Out), two DMX512 universe outputs, remote
trigger inputs and a secure compartment for installing your license
dongle and a front panel USB port.
Connect the VX10 wing to a USB port of your computer using the cable provided. The VX10 is
powered directly from the computer’s USB connector. A separate power supply is required when
your computer’s USB connector cannot supply sufficient power for the VX10.
VX10 Rear Panel
The rear panel is described in detail below.
3.10 VX20 PROGRAMMING & PLAYBACK WING
Programming controls on a computer can be augmented by adding
an LSC Clarity VX20 wing. This has all of the features of the VX10
but adds 10 button Playbacks with LCD displays and multiple page
selection, Programmer controls (including trackball), MIDI in and
out and includes four DMX512 universe outputs.
Connect the VX20 wing to a USB port of your computer using the cable provided. The VX20 is
designed to operate off USB power, however for some computers and when using a LED
gooseneck light, there may be insufficient USB power to operate the VX20. To cater for this, the
VX20 is fitted with an internal universal mains power supply. We recommend connecting the
VX20 using the supplied IEC cable to a source of 85 to 264 Volts AC mains power wherever
possible. The backlight for the LCD screen only works when external power is connected.
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4 DMX Universe Outputs
LED Desk
Lamp Socket
Mains Input
USB to
Computer
Remote Trigger
Inputs
MIDI In
MIDI Out
USB dongle
compartment
Kensington
Lock slot
USB Indicator
DMX Indicator
VX20 Rear Panel
3.10.1 USB Indicator
The LED beside the USB connector shows the status:
Flashing RED = No USB connected. (The DBO button also flashes)
Steady RED = USB connected but Clarity not running on computer.
Green = USB data is OK.
3.10.2 DMX Indicators
The LED beside each DMX connector shows the status:
Green = DMX data is OK.
3.10.3 Desklamp
The Desklamp socket provides 12volts power for a LED. Pins 1 and 2 are ground and pin 3 is +12
Volts. The brightness control is accessed by holding down Function and Select together.
3.10.4 Kensington Lock Slot
The Kensington Lock slot allows you to secure your VX10 or VX20 wing using a commercially
available tethering device.
3.10.5 USB Slot
The top panel of the VX10 and VX20 wings has a standard USB connector allowing you to connect
other USB devices such as memory devices to store your shows.
Multiple VX10 and VX20 wings can be connected to your computer.
Note: The QX and VX products are designed to be powered from the USB port on our computer.
However due to the design of some computers or your particular configuration, there may not be
enough power to operate the VX products. If you experience problems in the installation process,
first try a different USB port on your computer or try powering the VX10 with an external power
supply or if you have a VX20, plug it into the mains supply. If you still experience problems,
check the LSC website or contact your local dealer.
Note that the DMX output has to be patched in Clarity before it will work. See section 11.12 for
details.
3.11 STARTING CLARITY
If you are running a purchased copy of Clarity, please ensure that your USB license dongle is
plugged into a USB port on the PC or in the secure rear port your VX10 or VX20 wing before you
start Clarity.
To start Clarity, double click on the Clarity icon on your desktop or browse to the LSC menu from
your Start button.
3.12 LOADING A SHOW
When you start Clarity, it prompts you to load a show.
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Mode:
The Mode: function allows you to run Clarity as a normal desktop version or to emulate a console
version of Clarity (LX300, LX600 or LX900) on your computer. If “Mode” is left as Auto, then the
mode is determined from the show file that is loaded. For example, if you load a show saved on
a LX600 then Clarity will start up in LX600 emulation mode. Clicking the dropdown box allows
you to make a selection.
Selecting a console mode is particularly useful when you are creating or editing a show on the
desktop version that will be loaded onto a console version of Clarity. Once you have made your
selection………
Clicking Last Show loads the last show to be saved.
Clicking Open shows a standard file navigator allowing you to select any show.
Clicking Recent opens a drop down box containing your most recent shows.
Clicking New Show starts a new show.
3.12.1 Show Tab
When Clarity is running you can always start a new show, change to an existing show, save or
rename a show from the Show tab on the top toolbar. Selecting “Change show…” allows you to
also change the “Mode” as described above and below.
3.13 MODES OF OPERATION
Clarity's top toolbar is available in all modes of operation and has tabs allowing you to switch
between the main windows of: Patch, Rig, Programmer, Palettes, Control Booth,
Performance, Levels and Intensity Levels. These windows are un-dockable to suit multimonitor set-ups or multiple windows. Double clicking on a tab will un-dock the window allowing
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it to be either re-sized and repositioned (large monitor recommended), minimized or dragged to
another monitor when using multiple monitor set-ups. Closing an un-docked window will
automatically re-dock it to the main display. Right clicking on the greyed out menu name of an
un-docked window gives you two options:
Recover. Moves the undocked window to the front if it was hidden.
Re-dock. Re-docks the window.
In the “Levels” and “Intensity Levels” tabs you can create multiple new un-docked windows.
Desktop Mode
In Desktop mode, when a window is un-docked, its tab on the main window is greyed out. If you
right click on the greyed out tab you can choose to either Recover or Re-dock the window.
“Recover” will bring the un-docked window to the front of the screen if it is being covered by
another window.
When Clarity is started in a LX console emulation mode (described above), the main window is
contained within a special ‘wrapper’ window which can be scrolled to navigate the main window.
This allows the main window to remain at the original size it would be on the console to preserve
graphical layouts and positions.
The wrapper window’s toolbar provides several options:
LX300 emulation Mode
LX600 emulation Mode
LX900 emulation Mode
Fullscreen. The wrapper is set to full screen mode and the wrapper’s toolbar is hidden.
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Click here for
display options
LX Controls
Console tab
Resizable. The main window’s size will follow the size of the wrapper window and the
scrollbars are hidden, unless the wrapper window is smaller than the main window’s
minimum size.
Hide toolbar. This option replaces the window wrapper’s toolbar with a small yellow disc
on the top right of the wrapper window. Clicking on this presents the toolbar options as a
drop-down menu.
Split/Join (LX900 mode only). The LX900 has two internal monitors. This splits the
wrapper into two separate wrapper windows. If this is running on a system with two or
more monitors then the other wrapper window will be presented on the other monitor and
will appear full screen if the original wrapper was full screen.
Left/Right (LX900 mode only). This switches the view between the LX900’s left or right
internal monitors (unless the wrapper has been split). The left monitor of the LX900
displays the “Levels”, Intensity Levels” and “Performance” windows.
Playback display mode (LX600 or LX900 modes). The LX600 and LX900 have playback
displays positioned at the bottom of the main screen(s) and this controls how they are
presented in the wrapper:
o Auto. If the main window size is normal (1280x1024) then the playback display is
positioned at the bottom as usual. If the Resizable option is enabled then the
playback display is only displayed if the main window size is 1280x1024. For
example, if running on a 1280x1024 host system in full screen mode.
o Always Hidden Playback displays are never shown.
o Always Visible Playback displays are always shown at the bottom of the main
window even if the main window size is not 1280x1024. Note that if the main
window width is less than 1280 then the playback display will be truncated.
3.13.1 Console Window
When running in an emulation mode, a top-level Console tab is provided to show the console’s
internal encoder wheel touch screen and includes tabs for displaying the virtual control surfaces
of the relevant LX console.
For example, the LX600 Console tab allows you to select the LX Programmer, LX Action
Buttons and LX600 Playbacks controls:
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LX Programmer
LX Action Buttons
LX600 Playbacks
The buttons and faders all work as if they were on the actual console.
If you need to press two or more buttons at the same time, pressing and holding a button for
half a second will latch that button down. For example, if you wanted to hold the Function modifier
or one of the wheel modifier buttons you latch it by holding it for ½ a second. Press it again to
un-latch it.
The playbacks on the LX600 and LX900 do not have dedicated contents displays as in the LX300
but show their contents on the touch screen located above them on the console. These displays
are emulated at the bottom of the screen on your computer. Depending upon the screen
resolution of your computer you might have to scroll to the bottom to see the playback displays.
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Display scrolled
to see Playback
contents
Playback
contents
LX600 Playbacks with main screen scrolled down to see the playback displays.
The playback controls work in exactly the same manner as in the actual consoles. See the
playback sections of the consoles for details.
When hovering over an emulated LCD screen, a zoomed version of the LCD is presented to aid
readability. This is also configurable via the tool menu. The emulation views also snap to screen
boundaries and to each other to aid layout.
3.14 BASIC DESKTOP OPERATION
The tabbed windows of the main menu bar follow the same order as the basic steps used in
control lighting fixtures.
1. Patch allows you to select your fixtures from a fully integrated fixture library of over 2000
fixture personalities supplied by Carallon, an independent supplier of fixture libraries. You
patch a fixture to its DMX slot by drag and drop.
2. Rig, Programmer and Palettes allow you to select fixtures and control their attributes
to create (record and edit) looks, effects, cue lists and palettes.
3. Control Booth and Performance provide extensive methods of playback.
4. Levels shows you what is happening on the output.
All of these operations are described in detail in their relevant sections of this manual.
The right end of the top toolbar has buttons for Clear All, Release All and DBO.
Clear All clears all fixtures from all Programmers.
Release All releases all fixtures from all Playbacks.
See the Programmer and Control Booth sections for more details on Clearing
and Releasing.
DBO (Dead Black Out) instantaneously blacks out all fixtures and dimmers.
This is a momentary action. When the button is released, all output is
instantly restored.
GM (Grand Master). When you hover the mouse over the DBO button, the
Grand Master (GM) appears. You can click on 0 (Black Out) or 100 (Full
level) or drag the virtual fader to set an overall intensity level. The DBO
button flashes red if the Grand Master is set to any level below 100%. It
stays red when the Grand Master is set to 0%.
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Library
Patch Field
Connections
Information on
selected fixture
3.15 PATCHING
Clicking on the Patch tab reveals the patch window.
To patch a fixture:
In the Library, click on the fixture manufacturers name to show all of their models then
select your model of fixture. Dimmers are located in the “Generic” listing.
Drag the fixture name and drop it into the desired DMX slot in the Patch Field or double
click the fixture name to patch it to the next available slot.
Enter the quantity of fixtures in the pop up “Add Devices” dialog then click Patch.
Continue to select fixtures and patch them as above.
In the “Connections” Pane, click the down arrow beside the Universe that you have
patched your fixtures to and then select the output DMX connector to use.
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Fixture type and
Group Tabs
Click on Fixtures
to select them
Attribute
Controls
Universal
Controller
Selection
Sidebar
3.16 PROGRAMMING
Clicking on the Programmer tab reveals the programmer window.
All patched fixtures are available in the Selection sidebar, organized in tabs of patched fixture
types and groups.
Select the tab for the fixtures to control then click on the fixtures to select them.
Click and drag to quickly select multiple fixtures.
Clicking on a selected fixture de-selects it.
When a fixture(s) is selected, its attribute controls appear.
Fixtures can also be selected in the Rig view. See section 12 for details.
3.16.1 Attribute Controls
Clarity uses Attribute Controls in many of its windows to control the values of fixture attributes,
dynamic effects and timing controls. Specific Attribute Controls automatically appear when
required for the fixtures or objects that you select.
Attribute Controls are adjusted by clicking and dragging with a mouse anywhere within each
attributes window.
A single Attribute Control for controlling one dimmer looks like this:
To adjust the intensity of the dimmer, click and drag anywhere in the bar below the attribute
name “Intensity”.
If seven dimmers are selected the Attribute Control looks like this:
To adjust the intensity of all 7 dimmers, click and drag anywhere inside the bar. All these dimmers
are set to 50%.
When you select different fixtures that have multiple attributes, Attribute Controls
automatically appear for each type of fixture and each attribute of each fixture type.
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Attribute
Name
3.16.2 Attribute Quick Menus
To access the “Attribute Quick Menus, either click on the name of an Attribute Control or right
click in the Attribute Control area. Each individual Attribute Control has its own specific quick
menu, offering rapid access to common settings relevant to that attribute.
For example:
Typical Attribute Quick Menu
3.16.3 Universal Controller
The Universal controller at the bottom of the Programmer window can also be used to control
the attributes of all selected fixtures. These controls work with any type of fixture that has been
selected and are especially useful to simultaneously control selections of mixed fixture types.
Clicking and dragging in these controls uses low mouse gearing for accurate control, but can be
made even finer by holding down [Shift] whilst dragging.
3.16.4 Creating a Lighting Look
Select the fixture(s) to be controlled.
Use the Attribute Controls or the Universal Controller to get the desired look.
To record the look as the first cue in a cue-list click Record.
In the Record dialog that opens accept the defaults and click Record.
Select fixtures and adjust attributes to set the next look.
To record this look as the next cue in the Cue-list click Append Last.
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Cue-lists
Controls for
Selected Cue-list
Playbacks Pane.
Drag and drop cue-lists to
create Playbacks
Hardware
Repeat until all cues in the cue-list have been recorded.
Click Clear to clear all attributes from the Programmer.
3.17 PLAYBACK
Desktop Clarity provides several means of playing back the cues that you have recorded.
3.17.1 Control Booth
Clicking on the Control Booth tab reveals the Control booth window.
Clicking on a Cue-list (that you have recorded) allows it to be controlled by the buttons
in the “Control” pane.
Dragging a Cue-list to the Playbacks pane at the bottom of the screen creates a new
Playback with buttons and a fader to control the Cue-list. Multiple pages of Playbacks
are available. The function buttons of your computer keyboard (F1 through F7) act as
“Go” buttons for playbacks 1 to 7 respectively.
3.17.2 Adding a Virtual VX Wing
You can add a “virtual” VX wing and use it for control of cue-lists. Cue-lists are assigned to the
playbacks on VX wings in the Control Booth window by drag and drop onto a virtual copy of the
wing on the Clarity screen. When a wing is plugged into the computer running Clarity or into a
LX console, the real and virtual wings both operate simultaneously. Drag a cuelist onto a playback
of the virtual wing and it also appears on the real wing. Move a fader on the real wing and the
same fader on the virtual wing also moves. Click a button on the virtual wing and both it and the
real wing button light.
In the Control Booth window click Hardware, Manage and in the
Hardware dialog box select add virtual wing....
From the Add new device box drop down list select your model of
playback wing or DMX node and click OK then Close.
3.17.3 Selecting a Virtual VX Wing
To select a Virtual Wing, in the Control Booth window click Hardware,
then click on the name of the Wing that you added above (Clarity VX10
or Clarity VX20). The selected wing appears on the screen. The virtual
wing is fully functional except that the Grand Master is not activated until a
hardware USB wing is connected.
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Virtual VX20 Wing
Left Bank
Page buttons
and display
Left Bank
Playbacks
Right Bank
Playbacks
Right Bank
Page buttons
and display
Page buttons
and display
Playbacks
VX20 Virtual Wing Display
3.18 ADDING A CUE-LIST TO A VX WING
To add a cue-list to a playback on a wing, in the Control Booth window, drag the cue-list from
the cue-list column onto the LCD window of the virtual wing playback. If the actual wing is
connected, the cue-list also appears in the same playback as on the virtual wing.
Cue-lists already on a wing playback can be moved to a different playback by dragging
them on the virtual wing.
To copy a cue-list to another playback, hold [Ctrl] (PC) or [Cmd] (Mac) whilst dragging
on the virtual wing.
3.19 WING PLAYBACK PAGES
The playbacks on the Clarity VX10 and VX20 wings can have up to 99 pages of cue-lists.
On the VX10 wing, the Page Buttons select the current page for all 10 playbacks.
Playbacks and Page Buttons on a VX10 Wing
On the VX20 wing, playbacks are divided into 2 separate banks. Playbacks 1 to 5 and 11 to 15
are in the left bank and playbacks 6 to 10 and 16 to 20 are in the right bank and each bank has
separate Page Buttons.
Playbacks and Page Buttons on a VX20 Wing
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