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: G
oening up new and challenging artistic opportunities, Gemini speaks the
language of the creative lighting designer. It offers versatility without constraint ...
responds instantly to the most subtle commands. It provides the perfect link between a
lighting concept and its practical realisation.
Gemini's compact, logical control panel gives sophisticated access to 180 channels,
proportionally patched to 384 dimmers and is fully equipped with channel and memory
keypads, two playbacks, eight submasters, a memory back-up system and informative
LED and VDU colour displays. The unique special effects programming facility offers
unlimited rein to the imagination. And there's much, much more - Gemini, the
simple-to-use system that speaks
your language.
To set a channel to a selected level on a keypad. Any
combination of individual channels, groups, or
channels and memories may be controlled by
Gemini either by the fader wheel or set AT a level
selected by the keypad.
A special effect which modulates three groups of
in response to an audio input. In addition to
lights
the conventional sound to light effect, Gemini allows
any programmed chase to progress through its steps
in sympathy with an audio stimulus.
BLACKOUT
Switches the ~utput to zero. A 'blackout' message
appears on Gemini's VDU when the switch is used.
BLIND RECORDING
The ability to set up, modify and record a light_ing
state without affecting the current output. This 1s
provided by any one of Gemini's eight submasters.
BUILDING BLOCK lighting
The style of lighting design which incorporates the
use of pre-recorded, balanced groups of lights to
produce a variety of cues.
channel control and independent submasters are a
powerful tool for this design method.
Gemini's sophisticated
CHANNEL
An individual control path which is used to set or
modify dimmer levels.
which are capable of controlling up to 384 dimmers
via a proportional soft patch.
Gemini offers 180 channels
CHANNEL HISTORY
Visual indication of the channels which have been
collected together for control.
recently-used channel numbers on the VDU display,
and in addition, a list of the channels currently
selected by the channel control is also displayed.
Gemini highlights the
CHANNEL USED
DISPLAY
A VDU display of the channels In use In a show.
Gemini can allocate space on the VDU for every
channel as soon as it is used, thus providing a
continuous display of the active channels.
CHASE
An effect which repeatedly steps through a series of
lighting states.
recorded cue states or use the programmable
effects system to chase channels and memories
without limitation.
Gemini can chase through its
CLEAR MEMORY
To reset the memory to a blank state at the start of
a lighting session.
keypad, Gemini will clear the entire memory or a
selected group of memories.
By using the memory number
COLOURVDU
The use of colour to clarify the Information
presented by the VDU .
use of colour to highlight channel·levels and system
status details.
Gemini's monitor makes full
COMBINING MEMORIES
To take several lighting states and add them
together or subtract them to produce new
composite scenes.
Gemini will combine and subtract any number of.
memories prior to use.
By using the+ and - buttons,
CONTROL HIERARCHY
Is the definition of how the control system copes
with conflicting information on channel levels.
Using a manual fader desk as an example, if a channel
is set at two different levels on two live presets, the
highest level takes precedence (HTP). If the channel
is adjusted by the·fader of one preset only, the latest
action takes priority (LTP). Gemini uses the
advantages of both systems.
COPYING MEMORIES
Memories are copied if they are to be repeated
several times in a sequence of memories.
easily achieved with Gemini by transferring a
memory to a submaster, and rerecording the same
lighting using new numbers in the sequence.
This is
CUT
To replace the lighting state Instantly with another
memory.
facility. which also may be used to randomly flash
selected memories.
Gemini has a specific CUT to output
CYCLE
A chase effect, but one in which each step may have
a different fade In and fade out time.
perform this effect using a continuous loop of
memories on a playback, or by reproducing a
programmed cycle effect.
Gemini can
CHANNEL CONTROL
Part of a lighting system which Is dedicated to the
set up and modification of channel leveis.
sophisticated channel control offers comprehensive
facilities to modify individual channels, or groups of
channels, and the powerful latest-action-takesprecedence feature ensures that the operator can
instantly capture any channel under control of a
playback fade without referring to the active
playback.
I
Gemini's
Colour
VDU display
DATA RETENTION
The period during which a show remains In the
memory after mains power Is disconnected.
miniature batteries in Gemini's semi-conductor
memory maintain the information for over a month
without power.
The
DECIMAL MEMORY
NUMBERS
The ability to record using numbers with decimal
means that additional memories may be
points
easily added in the middle of a prerecorded
sequence. Gemini offers any number from 0.1 to
999. 9 - a choice of nearly ten thousand possibilities!
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Demultiplex
interface unit
DEFAULT TIME
A preselected fade time which Is automatically
recorded If no other specific Instruction Is given.
Gemini's default time for any memory is 10 seconds.
DELETE EFF'ECT
To clear an effect, and reset all the recorded
Information to a blank state.
programmable system, individual effects or a whole
range of effects may be deleted.
With Gemini's
DIMFADE
A special type of MOVE fade, whereby any
channels which are on In the preset memory will
fade to zero when the fade commences.
Gemini, any memory can be removed from a
composite lighting state by simply adding a
to the memory number.
Thus, with
- prefix
DIMMERS
The devices which control the power to a lighting
unit.
Gemini can control up to 384 separate
dimmers through its sophisticated proportional soft
patch which couples any number of dimmers to
each ofthe180 channels.
DISPLAY
Visual Information about the status of the control
desk. Gemini follows the Strand philosophy of
providing as much information as possible on the
control panel such as active memory numbers, fade
progress bargraphs, options selected etc.
EDIT
To alter details in the memories without affecting
all the information stored.
memory editing features, Gemini uses a powerful
cursor-controlled editor to alter parameters within
the programmable effects package.
In addition to its rapid
Designer's control
DEMUIJI'IPLEX
INTERFACE
An electronic circuit which decodes the
multiplexed output of a control system for the
dimmers.
interface units for Gemini, including a range which is
also capable of reversing the demultiplex process so
that a manual fader desk may be multiplexed for
Gemini to record.
Strand offers a wide variety of demultiplex
DESIGNER'S CONTROL
A remote control system which provides all the
primary functions of the main control for a lighting
designer to use In rehearsal.
infra-red Designer's Control offers channel control,
recording and playback facilities in a rugged pocket-
.calculator size case.
Gemini's wire-link or
EF'FECTS
Automatic repeating lighting changes which
enhance the lighting states.
divided into the categories of a chase, cycle, flash,
random flicker, audio control or lightning flash, and
Gemini offers unrestricted programming of every
parameter of up to 99 of these effects.
All effects can be
FADE
The gradual replacement of one lighting state with
another, on cue,
provision to record three fade types, separate fade
times for the channels increasing and decreasing in
intensity, automatic follow-on (wait) times, links to
other memories, as well as being able to perform up
to 24 simultaneous fades.
In any chosen time. Gemini has the
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FADE DURATION
The time taken for a fade to complete. Gemini can
perform any fade in any chosen time from a
dramatic instant change, to a subtle twenty minute
fade.
EADE PROGRESS
A measure of the completion of a fade. Gemini
provides an LED thermometer bargraph alongside
the playback faders, and in addition, the VDU
displays the fade progress numerically.
FADETYPE
The rules governing the response of individual
channels during a fade.
two types of fade are possible: a CROSSFADE from
one preset to another for a complete change of
lighting, and a MOVE fade where one preset is used
and several faders are moved simultaneously but at
different rates, to perform a subtle multipart cue.
Gemini offers both crossfades and movefades as
well as dimfades .
With manual fader desks
FADER.WHEEL
An endless controller wheel which alters the level
of a channel by adding and subtracting Increments
of the channel level.
control groups of channels at different levels, the
wheel becomes a shaft master, adding the same
increment to all channels to maintain their relative
levels. When the wheel is used with memories, it
changes to a proportional master to keep the
lighting balance correct.
lfGemini's wheel is used to
FLASH
An effect which repeatedly switches a light on and
In addition to Gemini's effects capability, a
off.
separate flash facility is incorporated to identify a
light on stage by flashing it from its current level to
full or off.
A rapid pseudo-random flash effect often used for
firelight and similar background effects.
eight separate random flicker generators,
Gemini's 'firelight' effect also provides
exciting lighting for music of all types.
Strong aluminium cases for protecting touring
equipment during transport.
have been designed for Gemini and are available to
order.
Special flight cases
FLOPPYDISQ
A high density recording medium to copr the data
held by the memory.
hard-cased single sided, soft sectored micro floppy
disc may be read or written at any time without
degrading the system's performance,
Gemini's optional 3 ½ inch
GANGLOAD
To allocate a group of memories to the submasters
in a single action.
gang-loaded with eight memories either manually, at
the press of a single button, or automatically by the
effects unit.
Gemini's eight submasters may be
With
GEOGRAPffiC CHANNEL
NUMBERING
To number channels in relation to their physical
location within a fixed theatre or TV studio
Installation.
its 180 channels to have any reference number in the
range 1 to 999.
The software patch of Gemini enables
GROUP
A collection of channels. Gemini's channel control
uses the + , - and 'thru' facilities to construct a group
for simultaneous control. In addition, or
alternatively, memories may be recalled as groups
either with or without their recorded levels.
The document which describes the operation of
the control system.
comprehensive Operators' Handbook are provided
with each Gemini.
An operational rule whereby the output from a
channel which is being controlled by two or more
sources is the highest of all the levels.
this feature as the basis of the submasters to enable
groups of memories (with common channels if
necessary) to be easily combined.
Two copies of the
Gemini uses
INFRA RED
An Invisible radiation beyond the red end of the
spectrum.
medium for Gemini's Designer's Control.
A restriction on the maximum level to which a
channel may be controlled by any part of the
lighting system.
used as an inhibit master to fade out the front-ofhouse or audience lighting, and Gemini's effects
panel is equipped with a momentary kill facility,
which inhibits all channels in a selected submaster.
It is used as the wireless communication
Any ofGemini's submasters may be
INSTALLATION
Locating the control desk in a suitable operating
position.
be used on any table top, recessed into a flat surface
or fitted to its optional metal stand. As it only
measures 235mm (height) x 945mm (width) x
560mm ( depth) and weighs less than 40Kg, Gemini
is also ideal as a touring control system.
Being a self-contained control, Gemini may
INSTANT
The means whereby any fade may be performed as
a switch change to the new lighting state.
Gemini's playbacks are equipped to perform instant
fades, or to instantly complete a current fade.
Both of
INTERROGATE
The process of checking on the status of the control
system.
The comprehensive controls with Gemini
enable the user to momentarily display information
on the VDU
sequence on either playback, the contents of any
submaster, the cue list, patch, programmed effect
etc.
KEYPAD
The collection of buttons used to enter numerical
channel and memory Information.
confusion between channels and memories (and
also to expand the facilities which can be performed
simultaneously) Gemini is equipped with two
keypads - one for channels, the other to address
memories. If the effects unit is included, there are
three keypads.
about any memory, the next memory in
To save any
KEYSWITCH
A security switch which can only be used with a
key. A keyswitch is used on the Gemini to restrict
access to the memory for recording and clearing
operations. When the switch is disabled, Gemini is
in 'show' mode and although memories can be
recalled, and the patch and effects may be
interrogated, no record actions are possible .
A push butt on which Is capable of an alternate
action ON /OFF function.
facility with the optional effects system to switch any
submaster on and off for the control of practicals.
An operational rule whereby the output for any
channel may only be controlled by one section of
the system at any time.
feature for the channel control and playback
sections to ensure that any channel can be quickly
captured and modified even if it is taking part in a
complex multipart fade.
An indication of the intensity of any channel.
Gemini provides this as a percentage on the control
panel and in two locations on the VDU to ensure
that the information is readily available.
A copy of the lighting levels and cues which may be
used for reference, or reproduction.
floppy disc is all that is needed to transfer the lighting
for a show to the next venue using a Gemini.
Floppy disc storage
A rapid flashing effect to represent a flash of
lightning
button or moving a fader. Although Gemini's various
manual flash controls can reproduce the ·
conventional effect, the programmable Lightning
effect produces, on cue, a realistic, random burst of
lightning.
An Instruction to the control to jump to another
number out of numerical sequence. Gemini's easy
to use Link facility will produce a loop of memories
for a playback chase, and can insert a new section of
lighting changes between two previously recorded
memories .
The action of recording the total output of the
console.
output, Gemini can capture the contribution of
individual submasters in separate memories if
desired.
usually produced by rapidly pressing a flash
In addition to recording the complete
Gemini includes a 'latch'
Gemini uses this powerful
A single micro
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LOADOUTPUT
To transfer the output of the console to a backup
Gemini's memory bac~up can be loaded
system
with the dimmer numbers in use at any time, to
ensure that the backup is always ready to take over
immediately.
MAINS SUPPLY
The main electrical supply to the desk. The supply
to Gemini may be 220-240V AC or optionally
100-120V AC at 50-60Hz. The backup may be
separately powered, and auxiliary socket outlets are
provided to supply the VDU and other low-power
peripheral units.
MANUAL FADES
To control the progress of a lighting change by the
movement of faders.
both of the Gemini playbacks, which, when used in
sequence, enable a series of manual fades to be
progressed by repeated movement of the
faders only.
Manual fading is provided on
MANUAL FADER DESK
A control system which sets the level of each light
by a manual fader arranged in presets.
Gemini's multiplexing system enables the output
from most manual desks to be displayed on the
VDU, recorded, and reproduced by the
memory system.
The design of
MEMORY
The part of a modern lighting control which
records the lighting information. Gemini is
equipped with 32K of CMOS memory which stores
over 200 average lighting states.
MEMORY BACKUP
An auxiliary control system which is equipped with
a memory to continue performance in the event of
a main system failure. Every Gemini is supplied with
a built-in 80 group matrix memory backup.
MOVEFADE
A lighting change in which the only channels to
move are those having a different level recorded in
the new memory;
previous levels. Gemini defines movefades by a
all other channels hold their
+ prefix and uses the facility to perform multiple,
multipart or processional fades.
MUIJI'IPART FADE
A lighting change which incorporates several
individual fades, and all started by a single action.
By using 'wait' times, Gemini can perform an infinite
sequence of parts with up to 24 separate fades in
progress simultaneously.
MUIJI'IPLE EF'FECTS
Performing several automatic effects
simultaneously.
programmed effects at the same time, at the touch
of a single button.
Gemini can run up to ten
MUill'IPLE FADES
Fades in which groups of lights change levels at
different speeds.
is capable of performing up to 24 simultaneous fades.
Using the movefade facility, Gemini
MUIJI'IPLEX
A means of transmitting data from the control desk
to dimmers by using a single cable
use to each d;mmer in turn for a very short time.
Gemini's two-wire multiplex standard uses a single
conductor to transmit to 384 dimmers and another
conductor to receive up to 180 fader inputs.
To reduce a single channel or lighting state to zero
brightness.
methods with Gemini for switching lights off to meet
every situation.
To switch a channel or group of channels on to a
level.
which include switching on to full, or to a reference
level (which can optionally be updated when the
channel is recorded) or to any level selected by
the keypad.
There are more than eight different
Again, Gemini provides a variety of methods
and allocating its
PAUSE
To temporarily halt a fade. Gemini's manual push
pauses a running timed fade when pressed, and
restarts the fade when deselected.
PLAYBACK
The part of a control system which recalls
memories and controls the presentation of the
lighting state. Gemini has two playbacks which may
control single or multiple fades in separate
sequences either manually or with automatic fade
times.
POWERFAIL RESTORE
The method whereby the control system resets if
the mains supply is interrupted.
checks and stores away its own output, so if power
is interrupted, the last output state will instantly
be restored .
Gemini constantly
PRELOAD SUBMASTERS
To transfer selected memories to the submasters
prior to use. A powerful feature of Gemini's effects
system enables the submasters to be preloaded in
preparation for an effect. But, if no effect is
programmed, the facility can be used to prepare the
submasters, on cue, for a complex manual sequence.
PREVIEW
A VDU display showing the contents of a memory
prior to its use In performance.
preview facilities for any memory, submaster,
playback or effect.
PRINTOUT
A means of producing a typed copy of the contents
of the memory.
Gemini; there is a choice of printing the entire
memory with the memory list, any selected
memories, or any of the recorded effects.
When a print is selected from
PROCESSIONAL FADE
A sequence of individually timed, overlapping fades
which proceeds after a single fade action.
move fades are recorded by Gemini, 'wait' times can
be added to start each fade automatically to produce
a processional fade.
Gemini offers
When
Memory backup
MEMORYFULL
The point at which the recorded lighting data
equals the capacity of the memory.
a warning when less than 10% of memory remains, in
addition to a 'memory full' display.
Gemini displays
MEMORYLIST
A list of the memories recorded by the control
Gemini's memory list may be interrogated
system.
at any time and includes details of fade types and
times, links and a cross reference to the effects
memory list showing which effect is started by a
memory number.
Channels recorded in a memory with a level of
Gemini uses this feature to fade channels out
zero.
in multipart movefades.
A VDU display which shows the total output of the
Gemini's colour VDU can be set to display
system.
all channels in the system, or only those in use for
the performance.
A fader which sets the maximum level that any
channel may reach.
Grandmaster, Gemini's master fader also has control
of the submasters and effects.
Sometimes known as the
PAGE
The information displayed by a single VDU screen.
In the case of memory list, where there may be
several pages, Gemini assists by displaying a page of
memories starting with the number selected by the
keypad, thus eliminating the need to step through
each page to reach the end of the list.
PATCH DISPLAY
A VDU display which shows the.relationship of
dimmers to the channels which control them.
Gemini's advanced patch display includes a crossreference facility which highlights all dimmers
controlled by the same channel. ·
PROGRAMMABLE
EFFECTS
An automatic lighting effect where different
channels may be programmed for control by each
step of the effect. Gemini brings programmable
effects up to date, offering six varieties of effect,
which can be used to create 99 separate effects,
chases with up to 255 steps, programmed times for
each step, master control from the playback
memories, control of channels and memories, up to
ten simultaneous erfects, and much, much more.
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PROPORTIONAL SOFT
PATCH
A dimmer to channel software patch which permits
dimmers to be set to a proport ion of the channel
level. Gemini's patch extends
a 'boost' facility to enable any dimmer to rise above
100% of the current channel level.
To switch memories to the output in random order.
Using Gemini's dedicated memory keypad with the
memory transfer button held down, numbers
selected by the keypad are switched to the output at
up to ten per second!
To copy a lighting state into the memory. If a
memory already exists, Gemini produces
warning. This may be ignored, and the previous
memory overwritten, if the record button is pressed
twice.
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pl f ' ' ' ( I I ! ~. • .'.
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When the speed of an effect is recorded as part of
the effect and does not have to be set manually
when the effect starts.
provided with Gemini for chase and flash effects, and
when these controls are adjusted, the settings can
be recorded for reproduction during performance.
Operat ion of the control system from an external
source. In addition to its "Rigger's" and "Designer's"
Controls, Gemini is equipped with miniature relays
to activate the green playback fade action, and the
effects 'go' ( or stop) push button from a remote
switch.
The process of making a record of the memory for
future re-use in repertoire or as security in case the
memory is accidentally altered. Gemini uses a 3½
inch hard-cased floppy disc to copy either individual,
or a range of, memories.
Resets '1, channel to its previous level following a
modification by the channel control.
levels of channels or memories are altered byGemini's
channel control, 'Return' will rectify the error.
To change direction of a fade. Reverse buttons are
provided for both of Gemini's playbacks to fade the
output back to the previous state.
A remote control unit used for controlling
individual channels when focusing lights.
rugged, wire-link Rigger's Control available for
Gemini will switch any selected channel to 70% or
fade it up and down.
Rigger's control
, 11 1
1
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thi~ idea by providing
an audible
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~
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Manual time controls are
If, by mistake,
The
~
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~
SAVE EFFECT
To copy an effect onto disc. W ith Gemini's
advanced effects system it is possible to transfer any
selected effects to or from disc at any time without
affecting the performance of the system.
SEQUENCE
The order in which memor ies are recalled to the
playbacks. Each of Gemini's two playbacks have
separate sequence buttons, to take full advantage of
the Link and wait features for the more complex
sequence of cues.
SHAFT MASTER
A master control which adds the same incremental
level to all channels under control.
Gemini wheel to collect a group of channels at
different levels and increase or decrease the
intensity of the whole group without destroying
their relative levels.
---------
This enables the
SIMULTANEOUS
CONTROL
A process whereby all actions in the control system
can take place simultaneously without restriction.
Gemini's advanced software ensures that any
combination of actions including the use of the disc,
remote controls, printer and multipart fades can
proceed without complications or limitations.
SOURCE EFFECT
A programmed effect which forms the basis of a
new effect.
provid_es the facility to create a new effect by editing
a previous one.
Part ofGemini's effects editing software
SPECIAL FACILITIES
Auxiliary faders, intercom controls, cue lights etc.
A blank control panel and spare rear socket panel
are available with Gemini for installing
special controls.
SPECIFICATION
The document that describes the technical details
of the equipment . A separate data sheet is available
for Gemini which provides details of the operation,
size, weight, options and peripherals of the system.
STEPTYPE
An impulse which takes an effect to the next step
of its program.
offers a choice of: a manual step; automatic - with
each step set to a different time; variable - by a
panel contro l; beat - taking the impulse from a
sound source; sync - which copies the rate of a
manual step to synchronise exactly to the beat
of music.
The company reserves the right to make any variation
in design or construction to the equipment described.
In a chase, for example, Gemini
SUBMASTER
A fader that controls the levels of a collection of
channels
fader.
selected to combine with the output from other
submasters or inhibit control from elsewhere in
the system.
but which is itself controlled by a master
Gemini has eight submasters which may be
SUBMASTER DISPLAY
Information about the contents of a Submaster.
Comprehensive details are immediately available on
the control panel of Gemini, and on the submaster
section of the VDU. In addition, any submaster may
be individually interrogated.
THRU
Used to define a range of channels or memories.
Gemini uses Thru to define groups of channels, and
to select a range of memories for transferring to the
submasters, to disc or to the printer.
TIME
The duration of a fade. Up and down fade times are
recorded by Gemini to produce a profiled fade by
controlling the channels which are increasing at a
different speed to those which are decreasing during
the lighting change.
To take the fade time recorded with the memory. If
'Use Time' is selected on either of Gemini's
playbacks, each fade will be performed at its
recorded speed, and any wait times will be used. If
'Use Time' is deselected, the playback faders define
the time of any fade.
To recall the lighting states out of sequence, and
often without rehearsal.
submastering, easy to use manual controls and
effects make Gemini ideal for one-night concerts
and tours .
Visual display unit to provide details of the
operation of the system.
monitor as the main display and also provides a
monochrome output for a remote designer's desk.
WAITTIME
The time between any fade and the automatic start
of the following memory.
recorded by Gemini with a wait time of between
zero seconds and 20 minutes will automatically start
when the wait time has elapsed after the start of the
previous fade, thus creating a multipart cue.
Comprehe nsive
Gemini uses a colour
Any memory which is
~rand Lighting
Rank Strand Limited,
PO Box 51 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TWB 9HR United Kingdom
Telephone: 01-568 9222, Telex:
Designed by Barne West Assocrates Limited
2,7976, Cables: Rankaudio Brentford.
Printed in England SL 98M15186
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