Martin LightCorder User Manual

LightCorder

user manual

133

Measurements are in millimeters.

483

465

57

69

395

© 2002 Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be
reproduced, in any form or by any means, without
permission in writing from Martin Professional A/S,
Denmark.

Printed in Denmark.

P/N 35000106, Rev. D

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................... 5

Functional highlights ................................................................................ 5

Configure and record shows ............................................................. 5

SImple show playback ...................................................................... 6

Schedule shows ................................................................................ 6

Monitor DMX ..................................................................................... 6

Real time backup to a DMX control system ...................................... 6

Control via a computer ...................................................................... 6

Safety precautions ................................................................................... 6

Included items .......................................................................................... 7

SETUP...................................................................................... 8

Connections ............................................................................................. 8

AC power .......................................................................................... 8

RS-232 .............................................................................................. 9

DMX out ............................................................................................ 9

DMX in .............................................................................................. 9

MIDI................................................................................................. 10

Hardware installation.............................................................................. 10

Software installation ............................................................................... 10

ADVANCED MODE.................................................................... 11

Play/Rec................................................................................................. 12

Recording........................................................................................ 12

Playback.......................................................................................... 13

DMX Monitor .......................................................................................... 14

Control.................................................................................................... 14

Performing a lamp on command ..................................................... 14

Performing a lamp off command ..................................................... 15

Teaching lamp on commands ......................................................... 15

Teaching lamp off commands ......................................................... 15

Teaching dimmed scene commands .............................................. 16

Configuring manual intensity control ............................................... 16

Options................................................................................................... 18

Changing to another mode.............................................................. 18

Communicating with a PC............................................................... 19

Setting the time ............................................................................... 19

Setting the date ............................................................................... 20

Setting the display contrast ............................................................. 20

Calibrating faders ............................................................................ 20

Updating firmware ........................................................................... 21

Show Manager ....................................................................................... 22

Playing a show ................................................................................ 22

Renaming a show ........................................................................... 22

3

Deleting a show............................................................................... 23

Setting the default show.................................................................. 23

Card Manager ........................................................................................ 24

How much can be stored on a memory card? ................................ 24

Checking card information .............................................................. 26

Labelling a memory card................................................................. 26

Formatting a memory card .............................................................. 26

PLAYER MODE ........................................................................ 27

Starting Player mode.............................................................................. 27

Performing a lamp on command ............................................................ 27

Selecting and playing a show................................................................. 27

Performing a lamp off command ............................................................ 28

Exiting Player mode ............................................................................... 28

SCHEDULING .......................................................................... 29

Setting up the schedule.......................................................................... 29

Developing the schedule off-line ..................................................... 32

Running the Schedule............................................................................ 32

Exiting Scheduler mode ......................................................................... 33

PURE DMX MONITOR MODE .................................................... 34

Starting Pure DMX Monitor mode .......................................................... 34

Exiting Pure DMX Monitor mode ............................................................ 35

FAIL-SAFE MODE .................................................................... 36

Starting Fail-Safe mode ......................................................................... 36

Exiting Fail-Safe mode ........................................................................... 36

RS-232 COMMAND MODE........................................................ 37

Commands............................................................................................. 37

Starting RS-232 Command mode .......................................................... 37

Exiting RS-232 Command mode............................................................ 38

SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................... 39

4

I

NTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the Martin LightCorder. The LightCorder is a DMX
recorder that can be used to record and playback DMX control signals. Please
familiarize yourself with this manual before using the LightCorder.

The LightCorder:

• Can be connected to any lighting console's DMX outlet and is ready to record.

• Allows you to easily transport DMX lighting programs wherever you go. Then
playback recorded shows at the touch of a button.

• Is a cost effective substitute for expensive on-site controllers. You can also use the
LightCorder to a back-up to your main lighting console.

FUNCTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

1

Some functional highlights of the product are:

• Record and playback DMX-512 shows in real time

• 6 minutes to 3 hours of recording time on an 8 MB memory card, with more than 28
hours on a 64 MB card

• 8Mb removable memory card included - up to 64Mb available

• PC-based scheduling program for scheduling of light shows

• Assignable faders allow for instant access to any lighting parameter

• Built in DMX monitor
The LightCorder is designed to be used by a range of people with a varying degree

of technical expertise. With that in mind a number of modes are used to restrict or
modify the functionality that is available for the various tasks and product users.

Configure and record shows

Advanced mode is used to configure the LightCorder and to record DMX and is
designed for users who are used to working with intelligently controlled lighting
and DMX. This is the standard mode unless another mode is set and is described in
“Advanced mode” on page 11.

Introduction

5

SImple show playback

Player mode is designed for users with no intelligent lighting experience to select
and play a show from those saved on the memory card. No access to recording or
configuration functions is available in this mode. This mode is described in “Player
mode” on page 27.

Schedule shows

Scheduler mode is used for playing back shows according to a schedules developed
using the PC-based LightCorder Scheduler program. Scheduling is described in
“Scheduling” on page 29.

Monitor DMX

Pure DMX monitor mode restricts the LightCorder to display DMX information in
real time and is a useful test tool. This mode is described in “Pure DMX monitor
mode” on page 34.

Real time backup to a DMX control system

Fail-safe mode enables the LightCorder to be used as a real-time back-up system if
your DMX controller fails. In this case the LightCorder will start running its default
show until DMX input form the controller is restored. This mode is described in
“Fail-Safe mode” on page 36.

Control via a computer

RS-232 command mode can be used to send instructions from a computer or
computer-based control system (such as the Martin ProScenium) to the
LightCorder. This mode is described in “RS-232 command mode” on page 37.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• The LightCorder is NOT for household use.

• For protection against fire and electrical shock, ensure that the fixture is properly
grounded (earthed), and do not expose it to rain or moisture.

• Use only a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical
codes and has both overload and ground-fault protection.

• Refer all service to a qualified technician.

6

Introduction

INCLUDED ITEMS

The LightCorder comes with:

• Martin LightCorder CD-ROM

• Power cable

• 9-pin RS-232 cable

• 5-pin male to 3-pin female XLR cable

• 5-pin female to 3-pin male XLR cable

• User manual

Introduction

7

S

ETUP

CONNECTIONS

1 - DMX in
2 - DMX out
3 - RS-232 port
4 - MIDI port
5 - AC power input
6 - Memory card slot

2

1

2

3

4

5

6

AC power

WARNING! For safe operation, the LightCorder must be grounded

(earthed).

The LightCorder may be connected to any 50 or 60 Hz AC mains power supply
from 90 to 250 V that complies with local electrical codes and has both overload
and ground-fault protection. The power cable must be fitted with a grounding-type
cord cap that fits your power distribution system. Consult an electrician if you have
any doubts about proper installation.

1 Following the cord cap manufacturer’s instructions, connect the yellow and

green wire to ground (earth), the brown wire to live, and the blue wire to neutral.
The following table shows some pin identification schemes.

Wire Pin Marking Screw color

brown live “L” yellow or brass

blue neutral “N” silver

yellow/green ground green

8

Table 1: Cord cap connections

Setup

RS-232

2 Plug the power cord into the MAINS INPUT socket and the AC outlet.

Some functions require the LightCorder to be connected to a Windows
95/98/ME/2000/XP PC.

The LightCorder connects to the computer through a COM port using the included
9-pin serial cable.

The cable connections are shown below, to right. If your computer has a 25-pin
serial output, you will need a 9-pin male to 25-pin cable as shown below, to left.

9-pin to 25-pin

serial cable

9-pin 25-pin
male female

R

X

2
3
5

D

SG

D

2

X

T

3
7

9-pin to 9-pin

serial cable

9-pin 9-pin
male female

RXD

2

TXD

3

SG

5

2
3

5
4
5
6

TO CONNECT TO A PC

1 With the power off, connect the RS-232 cable to the LightCorder and an

available COM port on the computer.

2 Turn on the LightCorder and the computer.

3 See “Software installation” on page 10.

DMX out

The LightCorder connects to the DMX data link just like a controller. The XLR
socket is wired pin 1 to ground, pin 2 to signal cold (-), and pin 3 to signal hot (+).

Connect the LightCorder’s DMX output to the DMX input of the first fixture. Or
simply disconnect the link from the controller output and connect it to the
LightCorder.

DMX in

To read and record DMX data, connect the output of the controller or other
transmitting device to the LightCorder’s DMX input. Note that the LightCorder is
serial device: DMX input passes through to the DMX output.

The DMX input provides 120 ohm link termination.

Setup

9

MIDI

The 5-pole DIN socket is not used.

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

The LightCorder can be fixed with mounting hardware in a rack, wall, or flat
surface. The required dimensions can be found on the inside of the cover of this
manual.

The LightCorder can also be used as a portable device and operated from any flat
surface. A pair of legs are located at the rear of the device and can be extended to
enhance usability.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

If you want to schedule light shows using a PC then the Martin LightCorder
Scheduler program (included) must be installed on a PC running Windows
95/98/ME/2000/XP.

To install the LightCorder Scheduler:

1 Insert the Scheduler CD-ROM in the computer

2 Open Windows Explorer to display the root folder of the CD-ROM

3 Execute setup.exe and follow the on-screen instructions.

4 For information on using the LightCorder Scheduler, see “Scheduling” on page

29.

10

Setup

A

DVANCED MODE

All the menus in Advanced mode are described in this section.

The functions available are as follows::

Function Use menu See

Recording and playback of shows. “Play/Rec” 12

Viewing DMX input in real time. “DMX Monitor” 14

3

page

• Teaching the LightCorder lamp on and off and
dimming commands for the fixtures on the data link
that it will be controlling. This is a required step if you
want the LightCorder to be able to remotely switch
fixtures on and off, before and after playing shows,
and for it to be able to dim fixtures between scheduled
shows.

• Assigning any of the three faders on the LightCorder
to be able to dim fixtures during show playback.

• Setting the mode that the LightCorder is operating in

• Activating communication with the LightCorder
Scheduler application on a PC

• Setting the date and time - necessary if you plan to
run shows according to a schedule.

• Setting the display contrast

• Calibrating the faders

• Updating the LightCorder’s control software

• Playing shows

• Renaming shows

• Deleting shows

• Setting the default show. This is the show that will be
used in Fail-Safe mode if the external DMX control
signal fails.

“Control” 14

“Options” 18

“Show Manager” 22

Advanced mode

11

Function Use menu See

page

• Reviewing how much space has been used/is left on
a memory card

• Formatting a memory card

• Labeling a memory card

Note To return to Advanced mode from other modes, simultaneously

press and hold the upper button to the left, and the two upper
buttons to the right of the display.

“Card Manager” 24

PLAY/REC

The Play/rec menu is used to record and play back DMX files. The Create

New File

memory card.

option is always shown followed by a list of files that are stored on the

Recording

The LightCorder can record up to 32 individual shows on a single memory card.

Note The LightCorder will play a show in a loop unless otherwise

instructed. To avoid sudden scene shifts when a show restarts
it is a good idea to record a similar beginning and ending. For
example, in a show with multiple scenes, record the first scene
again as the final scene.

To record a show:

1 Connect the LightCorder to a DMX control device.

2From the

3 Create a name for the file using the

Play/Rec

menu select

Create New File

↑

and ↓ buttons, or the faders (fader 1 =

.

UPPER CASE characters, fader 2 = lower case characters, and fader 3 =

12

Advanced mode