Martin Xciter User Manual
Xciter
user manual
Measurements are in millimeters:
483
188
468
265
120
35
85
© 2003 Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.
Printed in Denmark
This user manual has been developed by R&D International NV, Belgium on behalf of 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.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Martin Professional AS makes no
warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of fitness for a
particular purpose.
Martin Profession AS shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
P/N 35000119 Revision B
Table of contents
Chapter 1. Introduction ............................................................................................ 7
1.1 Naming conventions used in this manual................................................................................... 7
1.2 Safety precautions...................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 2. Installation .............................................................................................. 9
2.1 Hardware .................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1.1 Power connection.............................................................................................................. 9
2.1.2 DMX connection ................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.2.1 Devices........................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.2.2 Master/slave................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.3 MIDI connection .............................................................................................................. 10
2.1.4 AUDIO connection........................................................................................................... 10
2.1.5 I²C expansion .................................................................................................................. 10
2.1.6 USB link to PC................................................................................................................. 10
2.1.7 Desk light or LittLite......................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Software ................................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 3. Power on/off.......................................................................................... 13
3.1 Power on .................................................................................................................................. 13
3.2 Power off .................................................................................................................................. 13
Chapter 4. Joystick operation................................................................................ 15
4.1 Operation in the programmer ................................................................................................... 15
4.2 Operation in cue (run mode) .................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 5. Desk light operation............................................................................. 17
Chapter 6. Setup menu........................................................................................... 19
Chapter 7. Fixture library ....................................................................................... 21
7.1 Create a new fixture definition.................................................................................................. 21
7.2 Edit existing fixture definition.................................................................................................... 23
7.3 Remove fixture definition.......................................................................................................... 24
Chapter 8. Patch ..................................................................................................... 25
8.1 About physical channels and control channels ........................................................................ 25
8.2 Fixtures..................................................................................................................................... 25
8.2.1 Patch an unpatched fixture number ................................................................................ 26
8.2.2 Edit a patched fixture number ......................................................................................... 28
8.2.3 Clear patch data .............................................................................................................. 28
8.3 Dimmer patch ........................................................................................................................... 29
8.3.1 Create or edit dimmer labels. .......................................................................................... 29
8.3.2 Create or edit dimmer devices ........................................................................................ 30
8.4 DA patch................................................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 9. Auto start .............................................................................................. 33
Chapter 5. Access level.......................................................................................... 35
5.1 Different modes for different people......................................................................................... 35
5.1.1 Programmer mode .......................................................................................................... 35
5.1.2 Operator (run) mode........................................................................................................ 35
5.1.3 Dummy mode .................................................................................................................. 35
5.2 Changing user modes .............................................................................................................. 35
5.2.1 From programmer to other .............................................................................................. 35
5.2.2 From other to programmer .............................................................................................. 36
Chapter 6. File manager......................................................................................... 37
6.1 Defrag ....................................................................................................................................... 37
6.2 Delete show & delete all ........................................................................................................... 37
Chapter 7. Advanced setup....................................................................................39
7.1 DMX Config .............................................................................................................................. 39
7.2 MIDI .......................................................................................................................................... 40
Chapter 8. Joystick calibration..............................................................................41
Chapter 9. Test ........................................................................................................43
Chapter 10. The Xciter philosophy ........................................................................45
10.1 Building blocks........................................................................................................................ 45
10.1.1 Scene............................................................................................................................. 45
10.1.2 Sequence ...................................................................................................................... 45
10.2 Show elements ....................................................................................................................... 46
10.2.1 Cue ................................................................................................................................ 46
10.2.2 Playback ........................................................................................................................ 46
10.2.3 Cue list........................................................................................................................... 47
10.3 Programming aids................................................................................................................... 47
10.3.1 Effect generator ............................................................................................................. 47
10.3.2 Preset ............................................................................................................................48
10.4 Process priority .......................................................................................................................48
Chapter 11. Program features................................................................................49
11.1 Select/deselect device ............................................................................................................ 49
11.2 Select/deselect range ............................................................................................................. 49
11.3 Selection behavior .................................................................................................................. 49
11.3.1 Inclusive......................................................................................................................... 49
11.3.2 Exclusive........................................................................................................................ 49
11.4 Device groups......................................................................................................................... 50
11.5 Fixture information .................................................................................................................. 50
11.6 The programmer ..................................................................................................................... 50
11.6.1 Active versus transparent channels .............................................................................. 50
11.6.2 Handling control channels ............................................................................................. 50
11.6.3 Channel status indicators .............................................................................................. 51
11.6.4 The active and inactive layer of the programmer .......................................................... 51
11.6.5 Presets........................................................................................................................... 52
11.7 Scene / sequence editor ......................................................................................................... 52
11.7.1 Toggle DMX / percentage display ................................................................................. 53
11.7.2 Insert and add scenes ................................................................................................... 53
11.7.3 Modify scene and fade time........................................................................................... 54
11.7.4 Fade curve..................................................................................................................... 55
11.7.5 Preview sequence .........................................................................................................56
11.7.6 Lamp procedures........................................................................................................... 56
11.7.7 Invert.............................................................................................................................. 56
11.7.8 Pan / Tilt modifiers......................................................................................................... 57
11.7.9 Copy-paste scene.......................................................................................................... 57
11.7.10 Effects.......................................................................................................................... 57
Chapter 17. Effect generator examples.................................................................59
17.1 How to create a circle ............................................................................................................. 59
17.2 How to create a dimmer chase...............................................................................................60
17.3 How to create a color chase ................................................................................................... 61
17.4 How to use the modulating generators (generators 1-5)........................................................ 61
17.5 How to use the BPM generators (generators 251-255).......................................................... 62
17.6 How to use the audio features of the effect generator ........................................................... 62
Chapter 18. Storing to memory..............................................................................65
18.1 Store as sequence.................................................................................................................. 65
18.2 Store as background scene.................................................................................................... 65
18.3 Store as playback scene......................................................................................................... 66
18.4 Store as preset ....................................................................................................................... 66
18.5 Update .................................................................................................................................... 66
Chapter 19. Editing existing stuff.......................................................................... 67
19.1 Edit menu from default ........................................................................................................... 67
17.5.1 Edit Sequence ............................................................................................................... 67
17.5.2 Edit background scene.................................................................................................. 67
17.5.3 Edit playback ................................................................................................................. 67
17.5.4 Edit preset ..................................................................................................................... 67
17.6 Quick edit during show ........................................................................................................... 68
17.6.1 Edit sequence................................................................................................................ 68
17.6.2 Edit background scene.................................................................................................. 68
17.6.3 Edit playback scene ......................................................................................................68
Chapter 18. Run mode features............................................................................. 69
18.1 Sequence transparency across cues. .................................................................................... 69
18.1.1 Transparency (Xciter)....................................................................................................69
18.1.2 NO transparency ........................................................................................................... 70
18.1.3 Precautions ................................................................................................................... 70
18.2 Basic cue dialog ..................................................................................................................... 71
18.2.1 Activate – deactivate sequences................................................................................... 71
18.2.2 Sequence trigger and step mode .................................................................................. 71
18.2.2.1 Internal trigger ......................................................................................................... 72
18.2.2.2 Manual trigger .........................................................................................................72
18.2.2.3 BPM trigger ............................................................................................................. 72
18.2.2.4 Audio trigger............................................................................................................ 73
18.3 Extended cue dialog............................................................................................................... 73
18.3.1 Add/replace background scene..................................................................................... 74
18.3.2 Add/replace sequence .................................................................................................. 74
18.3.3 Remove elements from cue .......................................................................................... 74
18.3.4 Assign playback scenes to banks and faders ............................................................... 75
18.3.5 Link a playback bank to a cue....................................................................................... 75
18.3.5.1 Audio settings.......................................................................................................... 75
18.4 Store run mode settings ......................................................................................................... 76
18.5 Playback controls ................................................................................................................... 76
18.5.1 Activate and bounce override playbacks....................................................................... 77
18.5.2 Deactivate override playbacks ...................................................................................... 77
18.5.3 Auto lock........................................................................................................................ 77
18.6 Cue lists.................................................................................................................................. 77
18.6.1 Run cue list.................................................................................................................... 77
18.6.2 Clear cue list.................................................................................................................. 78
18.6.3 Edit cue list .................................................................................................................... 78
Chapter 19. Direct access features ....................................................................... 81
19.1 Pitch control and freeze.......................................................................................................... 81
19.2 Master, Master Flash and Black Out ...................................................................................... 81
19.3 DA buttons: SMK, STRB, EXT1 and EXT2 ............................................................................ 81
Chapter 20. PC software......................................................................................... 83
20.1 Software installation ............................................................................................................... 83
20.2 Firmware manager ................................................................................................................. 83
20.2.1 Update IO controller ...................................................................................................... 83
20.2.2 Update main controller .................................................................................................. 84
20.3 Library manager ..................................................................................................................... 84
20.3.1 Add a fixture definition................................................................................................... 84
20.3.2 Remove a fixture definition............................................................................................ 84
20.3.3 Update Xciter library...................................................................................................... 84
20.3.4 Export to lib ................................................................................................................... 85
20.4 Backup / Restore .................................................................................................................... 85
20.4.1 Backup .......................................................................................................................... 85
20.4.2 Restore.......................................................................................................................... 85
20.4.3 Clear show .................................................................................................................... 86
20.4.4 Clear password.............................................................................................................. 86
Chapter 21. Specifications - Xciter ........................................................................87
Introduction
Chapter 1. Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Martin Xciter. The Xciter is a hands-on lighting control tool for DJs and lighting
operators. This lighting controller allows operators to instantly manipulate the light show via easy-to-use
buttons and faders for spontaneous lighting effects. Ideal for clubs, small touring applications, even larger
mobile DJs, Xciter puts programming, playback and live manipulation of light shows at your fingertips.
Instant pitch control, freeze, flash, blackout, master control and many other features are standard . Apply
any effect and delay to any parameter for more advanced effects. Functions like strobe, smoke and more
can be assigned to each of four programmable customizable buttons for personalized, intuitive control.
Assign effects, scenes or dimmer to any of six faders and flash buttons and access them live during
playback. Keep your finger on the pulse by increasing or decreasing the show speed by up to 5 times using
the convenient pitch fader.
With Xciter you can control up to 20 fixtures, each up to 48 channels - max of 512 channels (soon to
control up to 40 fixtures with a software upgrade). Up to 160 cues containing 4 sequences can run
simultaneously. Sequences can be triggered via an internal clock, manually or via audio or BPM. Up to 10
manual override scenes can be accessed during playback.
Also incorporated are 20 general-purpose buttons so operators can select cues or fixtures directly. Xciter
also includes a joystick for manual pan/tilt control. Pan/tilt effects include timing effects and 20 pan/tilt
presets. Other features include direct access to dimmer channels, a master fader adjustment for general
light intensity control, and easy control of generic dimmers.
Extremely easy to navigate, Xciter features an easy-to-read, blue backlight LCD display for show menu,
dialogue and fader label presentation, as well as a jog wheel that makes it easy to scroll through fader
pages. Connect your PC directly to Xciter via the USB connection to update fixture libraries, export/import
shows, for show back up, editing, and more.
The Xciter comes with the following:
• User manual
• 5 meter (16 ft.) 3-pin XLR cable
• XLR termination plug
• 3-wire 1.5 meter (5 ft.) IEC mains cable
1.1 Naming conventions used in this manual
The following conventions are used in this user manual:
[x] Key with label ‘x’
{x} Soft key with label ‘x’
GP Group/page key
MATRIX Number and letter keys
ARROW The previous and next keys with the arrow left and right
DA Direct Access keys (Smoke, Strobe, Ext1, Ext2)
MF Master fader
SMF Sub Master Fader
MB Master bounce
SMB Sub Master Bounce keys
LCD1 The main LCD
LCD2 The fader LCD
SCR1 Jog wheel next to LCD1
Introduction
SCR2 Jog wheel next to LCD2
CS Cue Scene
PB Playback
SEQ Sequence
1.2 Safety precautions
The Xciter is not for domestic use.
Use the device only as described.
Do not expose the device to rain or moisture.
Make sure the device is properly grounded.
Do not operate the device with the cover removed.
Immediately repair or replace damaged power cords.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside; refer all service to a qualified technician.
Installation
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9
Chapter 2. Installation
2.1 Hardware
Most of the hardware connections are done on the back panel of the console.
MAINS MIDI DMX-512 Audio expansion
2.1.1 Power connection
The Xciter does not need a mains adapter. It takes main supply directly into the IEC mains
connector. The power supply will automatically adapt to the mains voltage that is used in your area.
The power supply is quite insensitive to power drops. It can handle drops of up to 0.5 s.
The power supply is wide range:
• 90VAC – 260VAC
• 50Hz – 60Hz
2.1.2 DMX connection
Xciter has one DMX-512 universe. On the back panel of the console you can see one 5-pin input,
one 3-pin output and one 5-pin output. The 3-pin and 5-pin outputs belong to the same DMX
universe but they are both buffered. This means they can be used together without violating the
DMX specifications.
2.1.2.1 Devices
3-pin or 5-pin out
in out in out in out in out
DMX terminator
2.1.2.2 Master/slave
Because the 3-pin and 5-pin DMX out can be used together, you can link two consoles together and
attach your devices at the same time. If you want to link more slaves to the master, you need a
splitter.
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Xciter user manual
5-pin out
5-pin in
devices
universe 1
3-pin out
devices
universe 2
3-pin or 5-pin out
MASTE
R
SLAVE
If you are planning to use a master/slave connection, you need to make the appropriate settings in
the setup menu. See master/slave configuration.
2.1.3 MIDI connection
If you have a MIDI device to control your shows, you can connect it to the MIDI-in socket. You can
also patch through via MIDI-thru.
Xciter accepts the following MIDI commands:
• Note ON and note OFF to activate playbacks and cues.
• Program change to activate cues.
If you press a cue or bounce button with a MIDI command assigned to them, Xciter also sends that
command through MIDI-out. This way you can also use MIDI for master/slave connections of
multiple consoles without the need for DMX splitters. Remember however that Xciter only accepts
the MIDI commands noted above, which are only useful for on/off actions of cue buttons and bounce
buttons.
2.1.4 AUDIO connection
The desk also has audio triggering capabilities. There is an internal microphone if no direct audio
feed is available. We recommend a direct audio line to get the best results out of the audio trigger.
You can plug audio into the 6.3mm mono jack. When using the line-in, the internal microphone is
switched off.
Use standard audio signals like the pre-amp output from your audio mixer to get the best results. If
you want to have even more control over the audio trigger, you can place an equalizer between the
audio source and the console.
Warning: DO NOT use an amplified output like the one coming from the speaker amplifier as it may
damage the console.
2.1.5 I²C expansion
Use this connector to attach accessories to the console.
As you can see, the I²C expansion port is the same as MIDI. Connecting MIDI to this port will not
damage the console.
Warning: Martin accessories only. DO NOT connect other devices, as this may damage the console.
2.1.6 USB link to PC
You need a USB-A to USB-B cable to connect your Xciter to a desktop or laptop. Use the USB link
to upload new firmware, download and upload fixture definitions and do backup/restore of shows.
Later in this manual, we will explain how to use the PC applications that come with Xciter.
2.1.7 Desk light or LittLite
The sole purpose of the USB-A connector on the front panel is to supply power for a desk light.
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Attention: you can draw a maximum of 315 mA from this port. Check the specification of your desk
light before using it.
2.2 Software
Before Xciter can communicate with your PC or laptop, you need to install the USB drivers and
applications first. You can find them on the disk that comes with the Xciter. We recommend that you
get the latest applications from the Martin support site. They may contain newer firmware and new
fixture definitions.
1. Launch “install.exe” to install the drivers and PC applications.
2. Use the default directory or type in a new path.
3. Press “Install” to start the installation.
4. Some error messages may pop up if previous driver or application versions were found. Simply
ignore them by pressing “OK”.
Power on/off
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Chapter 3. Power on/off
You can find the power button in the top left corner.
3.1 Power on
1. Make sure the Xciter has mains power.
2. Press [ON].
Xciter scans the internal file system and restores the database.
The intro screens appear on LCD1 and LCD2.
3.2 Power off
The Xciter’s power off is safeguarded by a 2 second delay. Meaning you have to hold the ON button for at
least 2 seconds.
1. Hold [ON] until the Displays and LED’s go dark.
2. Release the power button.
Joystick operation
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Chapter 4. Joystick operation
If you are using the Xciter for the first time, you may need to calibrate the joystick. See joystick calibration
in the setup menu.
1. Press {Joystick} in the setup menu.
2. Move the joystick to all extremes (in a circle).
3. Press store to store the calibration.
4. Press any button to continue. Xciter returns to the setup menu.
4.1 Operation in the programmer
Xciter’s self-centering joystick always works in relative mode.
When you push the joystick in a certain direction, the beam will move in that direction and the further you
push the joystick from the centre, the faster the beam will move.
Sometimes the individual fixtures of a group are positioned differently so the beams all move in different
directions when you manipulate the joystick. You can solve this in the patch with PAN-inverse, TILTinverse and PT-swap.
Press [PAN] and [TILT] to activate / deactivate the joystick in the programmer. You can also use these
buttons to lock the pan or tilt action of the joystick.
Use [C/F] to toggle between coarse and fine movement.
The joystick also has a built-in button. Press the joystick down to bring the fixtures back to their home
position (library defaults for PAN and TILT).
4.2 Operation in cue (run mode)
The [C/F] button becomes the BPM record button in cue (run mode). Pressing this button in a certain pace
will cause the sequences in BPM mode to follow this pace.
The [TILT] button becomes the step button in cue (run mode). Pressing this button will cause sequences in
manual mode to advance one step.
Desk light operation
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Chapter 5. Desk light operation
If you have a desk light installed. You can adjust the intensity by holding down [SHIFT] while you turn
SCR1.
Setup menu
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Chapter 6. Setup menu
The setup menu is only accessible from the start-up screen. If the Xciter is not in programmer mode, it will
ask for the password to go to programmer mode. You have to provide this password to enter the setup
menu.
Press {Setup} in the intro screens
Fixture library
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Chapter 7. Fixture library
The Xciter is delivered with most Martin fixtures already in its library. On top of that, one of the PC
applications called ‘library manager’ holds a couple of hundred more fixtures from other brands. Later in
this manual you will learn how to put them from the PC library in the Xciter library. The console needs a
fixture library to access the internal control channels (dimmer, shutter, color wheels, gobo wheels, effect
wheels, pan, tilt…) of fixtures. You can also add, remove and edit fixture definitions. If you can find your
fixtures in this library, there is no need for you to create your own profiles. You can proceed straight to the
patch. You can still come back to the library editor to modify the fixture profiles to your own needs.
Example
: To put a default value on the focus.
1. Press {Library} in the setup menu.
2. Select a fixture category (Example
: moving mirror).
3. Select a manufacturer (Example
: Martin).
7.1 Create a new fixture definition
First you have to select the category and manufacturer subfolders where you want to create your definition.
1. Press [LOAD] to add a fixture definition.
2. Xciter calls the fixture definition editor.
3. Press {Fixture type name} to name the fixture definition.
Use ARROW or SCR1 to move the cursor.
Use NL 1-10 to input numbers and NL 11-19 to input letters (Example
: test).
Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel.
4. Press {Channel cnt:} to adjust the number of internal control channels.
Use ARROW or SCR1 to modify the value (Example
: 8).
Use [CLEAR] and NL 1-10 to input a new value.
Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel.
5. Press {Channel Config} to configure the internal control channels.
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Xciter user manual
a. Use ARROW or SCR1 to select a control channel.
b. Press [EDIT] to set the parameters of the selected channel.
c. Use SM 1-6 to modify the parameters of the selected channel.
To fine-tune a value, you can hold the SM bounce button while you turn SCR2.
d. Use SM bounce button 1 to toggle between coarse and fine (MSB and LSB).
Upper case indicates a coarse channel; lower case indicates a fine channel.
e. [STORE] to store the parameters of the selected channel.
6. Repeat the previous steps (a – e) until you have configured all control channels.
Xciter checks whether you have configured all control channels before exiting the fixture definition editor. If
not Xciter asks you to retry.
7. Press [ESC] to return to the fixture definition editor.
8. Press {Advanced Config} to go to the advanced configuration menu.
9. The Lamp on, Lamp off and Reset procedures are programmed in the same way. We will use Lamp on as
an example.
10. Press the softkey next to the procedure you wish to make.
11. Press [LOAD] to create a procedure in case there is none.
Xciter adds the first step automatically.
If you are editing a fixture definition you can also press [EDIT] if you want to modify an existing procedure or press
[CLEAR] to delete it. Xciter asks for confirmation. Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel.
Fixture library
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23
a. Use SM 1-6 to adjust the internal control channels in the current step.
Use SCR2 to scroll through the channels in case there are more than 6.
To fine-tune a value, you can hold the SM bounce button while you turn SCR2.
b. Press {Step time} to adjust the duration of the step followed by [ENT] to confirm or [ESC] to leave
unchanged.
c. Press [LOAD] if you want to add another step to the procedure.
d. Repeat steps 9a-9c until you have programmed the complete procedure.
e. Press [ESC] to go back to the advanced configuration menu.
12. Press {Shut close} to adjust the shutter close value.
Use SCR1 or ARROW to modify the value.
Use [CLEAR] and NL 1-10 to input a new value.
Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to leave unchanged.
Xciter puts the shutter close value on the shutter channel when you pull MI below 3%. This is especially
useful when the fixture has got a shutter but no dimmer. With the shutter close value you can still black it
out when MI goes to 0%.
13. Press [ESC] to go back to the fixture definition editor.
14. Press [ESC] again to exit the fixture definition editor.
Xciter will ask to store the new fixture definition.
Press [ENT] to accept, [ESC] to decline.
7.2 Edit existing fixture definition
First you have to locate the definition in the category and manufacturer subfolders.
1. Select the definition you wish to edit.
2. Press [EDIT] to edit the selected fixture definition.
Use the same procedure as described in 7.1 to edit the definition.
Xciter will not allow you to edit critical parameters (like channel cnt) of a fixture definition if this definition is
used in the patch.
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Xciter user manual
7.3 Remove fixture definition
First you have to locate the definition in the category and manufacturer subfolders.
1. Select the definition you wish to remove.
2. Press [CLEAR] to remove the selected fixture definition. Xciter will ask for a confirmation.
3. Press [ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel.
Xciter will not allow you to delete a fixture definition if this definition is used in the patch.
Patch
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25
Chapter 8. Patch
Before you start programming, Xciter needs to know which devices are connected to its DMX universe and
how it will control them. This is where the patch comes in. To patch a device means to connect it to the
Xciter controls, so you are able to manipulate it.
The Xciter controls are divided into three groups, which enable you to control:
• Up to 40 fixtures.
• Up to 20 dimmers.
• Up to 4 direct access devices.
Press {Patch} in the setup menu to access the patch menu.
8.1 About physical channels and control channels
You will encounter the terms ‘physical channel’ and ‘control channel’ a lot in this manual. You need to know
what they mean to better understand this manual.
Physical channels or DMX channels are the channels as they occur on the DMX output. They start at
channel 1 and end at channel 512. Channel 0 is reserved for special purposes which we will not discuss in
this manual.
Example
: Dimmer 1 is on channel 480.
In this manual we are mostly talking about selected devices and the control channels we use to manipulate
them. We rarely talk about the actual channel on the DMX output.
Example
: Use SM1 to set the value of dimmer 1 to 128.
In the above examples the control channel “Dimmer 1” is patched to physical channel 480.
8.2 Fixtures
Each fixture type has its own set of control channels, which are described in a fixture definition.
Patch
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26
DMX channels
Martin MX-4
SHUT
COLW1
GOBW1
PAN
TILT
PTSPD
CGSPD
25
24
23
22
27
28
control
channels
fixture type
internal library
The internal control channels have subsequent DMX addresses, thus the fixture will occupy a certain space
on the DMX chain beginning at the start address you specify in the patch. Occupied space relates directly
to the number of internal control channels, meaning the more control channels your fixture has, the more
space it will occupy on the DMX universe. A Fixture type can have up to 48 control channels. But you have
to consider a maximum of 512 physical channels (1 complete DMX universe).
Example
: You cannot patch 40 devices of 48 channels because you would need 1920 physical channels.
Thanks to the interactive features and intuitive user interface, you will find it easy to patch fixtures without
overlapping.
1. Press {Fixture Patch} in the patch menu.
The Xciter asks you to select a fixture number.
2. Use [FIX] to toggle between fixture page one (fixtures 1-20) and two (fixtures 21-40).
You can see the current page on LCD2.
When you select a fixture number, there are two possibilities. Either the fixture number is empty
(unpatched) or occupied (already patched). An illuminated N/L indicates a patched fixture number. You can
edit the patch data at any time. Beware that certain modifications in this data may corrupt the show that is
currently in memory.
If you unpatch a fixture number, the DMX device attached to this number will no longer appear in the show.
However, you can re-address fixtures without corrupting the show, provided that you also re-address the
devices on your rig accordingly. Example
: If you patch a fixture two channels further in the Xciter you also
need to put the fixture address in the rig two channels further.
8.2.1 Patch an unpatched fixture number
When you select an unpatched fixture number, Xciter reports this. Example: N/L 10.
1. The LED under NL 10 starts blinking to indicate that fixture number 10 is selected.
2. Press [ENT] to patch.
3. Select a fixture category.
Patch
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27
Example: Moving Mirror.
4. Select a fixture manufacturer.
Example
: Martin.
5. Select a fixture type from the list.
Example
: MX-10.
6. Press [ENT] to confirm.
If you cannot find the necessary fixture type, you have to use the library editor to create one on the fly, or
use the PC application to download one via USB.
Xciter automatically detects the first available space on the DMX chain and suggests the start address
(Example: 1)
7. If you wish to assign another start address, press {ADDR:}.
Use ARROW or SCR1 to adjust the value.
[CLEAR] and NL 1-10 to input a new number.
[ENT] to confirm, [ESC] to cancel.
8. When you specify a start address, Xciter will check if there is enough space behind that address to place
the fixture. If not, the console reports this and suggests the start address of the next available space. Press
[ENT] to accept the suggested number, [ESC] to decline.
Depending on the orientation of the patched fixture on the rig, you can inverse the pan, inverse the tilt and
swap pan and tilt. This is a global setting for the fixture to make pan/tilt control with the joystick easier. As
you will see later in this manual, you can still invert channels for your show in the programmer.
9. Press the softkeys next to the options to toggle them on/off.
TILT inverse PAN inverse PAN/TILT swap
You can choose to exclude a device from master and/or blackout. Exclude from master means the dimmer
or shutter of the fixture is not affected by the master fader. Exclude from blackout means the blackout
button does not affect the dimmer or shutter of the fixture. Press the softkey next to the options to toggle
them on/off.
You can see the status of every option by looking at the square next to it. A filled square means on, an
empty one off.
10. Repeat these steps until you have patched all fixtures on your rig.
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