TMB MasterFade U1 -V1 Users Manual

MasterFade U1-V1

USER MANUAL

PRELIMINARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 3

PRODUCT OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................... 3

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................................................. 3

POWER REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................................................... 4

FUSE REPLACEMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 4

DEVICE LINKING .............................................................................................................................................. 5

HTP CONTROL RULES ..................................................................................................................................... 6

PREPARE SD CARD FOR MASTERFADE ............................................................................................................ 8

TRANSFER MASTERFADE FILES TO A PC .......................................................................................................... 9

2. OPERATION ..................................................................................................................... 10

MAIN MENU ................................................................................................................................................... 10

RELEASE ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

WRITE PROTECTION ...................................................................................................................................... 12

FADER MENU ................................................................................................................................................ 13

RECORD A MEMORY UNDER FADER MENU...................................................................................................... 13

EDIT A STATIC MEMORY UNDER SCENE/RELAY OR FADER MENU .................................................................... 14

SCENE/RELAY STATIC MEMORY EDITING ........................................................................................................ 15

FADER PAGE STATIC MEMORY EDITING .......................................................................................................... 15

MENU UNDER EDIT WINDOW .......................................................................................................................... 16

RECORDING A SCENE/RELAY ......................................................................................................................... 17

ERASE A SCENE/RELAY RECORDING .............................................................................................................. 18

ACCESS FADER RECORD MENUS ................................................................................................................... 19

ERASE A FADER PAGE MEMORY..................................................................................................................... 20

COPY AND PASTE STATIC PAGE RECORDS ..................................................................................................... 21

RDM ............................................................................................................................................................ 22

FIXTURE DMX LINKING .................................................................................................................................. 26

DMX DATA CABLE......................................................................................................................................... 26

DMX CONNECTOR CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................... 26

3-PIN TO 5-PIN CONVERSION CHART ............................................................................................................... 27

3. APPENDIX ....................................................................................................................... 27

BASICS OF DMX CONTROL ............................................................................................................................ 27

GENERAL MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................................ 27

LIMITED WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................... 28

RETURN PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................................... 28

MASTERFADE SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 29

1. Introduction

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

MasterFade is a unique lighting capture and playback console with full RDM management capability.

Patch channels, or record scenes to the faders.
Capture static or dynamic scenes from an external console.
Setup and monitor RDM-capable devices.

The unit operates within one (1) DMX universe (512 channels). The six (6) versatile faders can have
individual channels patched to them, store static scenes, or store dynamic scenes. Multiple pages of
faders can be accessed via user-friendly the touchscreen.

A 10-hour dynamic recording time is available for all memories (actual recording length depends on the
DMX input rate).

MasterFade merges incoming DMX signals and its own recorded and playback signal by the following
rule: HTP (Highest Takes Precedence). The final output level will be the highest value coming from the
same DMX channel from both playback and DMX input.

MasterFade supports the RDM protocol and allows changes to a fixture’s DMX address, DMX mode, lamp
settings, and displays a fixture's sensor statuses. Furthermore, the device can be located and reset via
RDM protocol options.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

Upon receipt of the fixture, carefully unpack the carton and check the contents to ensure that all parts are
present and in good condition. Notify the shipper immediately and retain packing material for inspection if
any parts appear to be damaged from shipping or if the carton itself shows signs of mishandling. Save the
carton and all packing materials. In the event that a fixture must be returned to the factory, it is important
that the fixture be returned in the original factory box and packing.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

Before powering the unit, make sure the line voltage is within the range of accepted voltages. This fixture
accommodates 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz. All fixtures must be powered directly from a switched circuit and
cannot be operated with a rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer

channel is used solely for a 0-100% switch.

When powered up, MasterFade performs a preprogrammed internal test. On initial power-up the factory
default DMX address appears on the display screen and MasterFade is ready for operation. After initial
power-up, the last-saved DMX address will appear.

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Please read these instructions carefully. This user guide
contains important information about the installation, usage
and maintenance of this product.

Disconnect the power cord before replacing a
fuse and always replace with the appropriate
fuse.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Please keep this User Guide for future reference. If unit is sold to another user, make sure they also receive

this instruction booklet.

Ensure fixture is connected to proper voltage, and that line voltage is not higher than that stated on the

fixture.
Make sure there are no flammable materials close to the unit while operating.
Always disconnect from the power source before servicing or fuse replacement. Always use the fuse

specified in this manual..
Always use a safety cable when hanging fixture overhead.
Maximum ambient temperature (Ta) is 40°C (104°F). Do not operate fixture at temperatures above this

rating.
In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using the unit immediately. Repairs must be carried out by

trained, authroized personnel. Conact the nearest authorized technical assistance center. Only OEM spare

parts should be used.
Do not connect the device to a dimmer pack.
Make sure power cord is never crimped or damaged.
Never disconnect power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.
Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source during operation.

Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the housing or attempt
any repairs yourself. In the unlikely event your unit may require service, please contact your
distributor.

FUSE REPLACEMENT

The MasterFade uses a 1A, 250V, 5x20mm (0.2x0.8 in.) fuse.
To replace fuse:

1. With a screwdriver turn the fuse cap counter-clockwise to remove fuse cap with fuse.

2. Replace fuse attached to fuse cap.

3. Reinsert fuse cap with new fuse and tighten clockwise.

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DEVICE LINKING

MasterFade was created for use as a stand-alone or backup system to record static or dynamic DMX
signals originating from a DMX512 lighting console. In the DMX data chain, the MasterFade goes
between the primary lighting console and lighting fixtures.

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HTP CONTROL RULES

MasterFade uses Highest Takes Precedence (HTP) protocol. The fader with highest output level will supersede
the others.

OVERVIEW

Fader LEDs and Master Faders LED: LEDs show status of faders. If the fader is set to 0 value, LEDs will not

illuminate. Brightness of the LEDs correspond to the value of the fader. The brighter the fader LED is, the
greater the value given to fader.

LCD touchscreen: Touchscreen is the main input device for MasterFade.
Menu buttons: Navigate through Fader, Scene, Relay or RDM menus. RDM menu button is also used as

refresh button for RDM devices list.
Master fader: Set the intensity of DMX output.
Page Up/ Down: Navigate through menu sections.
Faders: Faders are used to set playback output of each recording (0-100%) and for setting the DMX address

values when editing static records.

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POWER ON

Simply attach the power cord to PowerCon socket.

UPDATE FIRMWARE

To update firmware to newer version, follow these steps: Download newest firmware version at ftp.tmb.com,
User name: proproduct.
Password: support

COMPUTER (Windows 7 example)

1. Insert SD card into reading device which is connected to your PC.

2. Open My computer

3. Open MasterFade’s memory card folder.

4. Delete the old firmware"MasterFade(combi)_v*.**.bin"

5. Place the new firmware into memory cards folder (same location as the old file)..

6. Eject memory card from computer.

MASTERFADE

1. Insert memory card into MasterFade.

2. While powering the unit, simultaneously press buttons marked "Fader" and "Scene". Firmware upgrading
screen will appear. It will show "Slave upgrade"+ loading bar and "Master update" + loading bar. When
loading bars are full, firmware is updated and device is ready to run.

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Formatting an SD Card will erase any

information stored on the card. Be sure to

remove any important files from the card

before formatting.

PREPARE SD CARD FOR MASTERFADE

FAT32 memory card file system is used. SD cards are often formatted in FAT32 directly from the manufacturer.

If not, the SD card in FAT32 file system must be self-formatted. An SD card reader is needed to copy files to
the computer or to format the SD card. Most laptops have a built-in SD card reader.

How to format a memory card on Microsoft Windows7.

1. Insert SD card into reading device which is connected to the PC.

2. Open My Computer

3. The memory card will appear as new removable storage device. Right-click on memory card folder (icon) and
click Format as shown in picture.

4. Formatting window will pop-up. Choose FAT32 file system, insert any volume label information and click on
Start.

5. Card should be successfully formatted and ready to use with MasterFade.

MEMORY CARD TYPE

Recommended SD card: SanDisk high speed SD memory cards.

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CALIBRATE TOUCHSCREEN

While powering the device, simultaneously press page up and page down buttons located under the LCD
touchscreen. On the touchscreen calibration menu press four touchscreen calibration points, one by one, as
accurately as possible to ensure correct touchscreen calibration.

TRANSFER (BACKUP) MASTERFADE FILES TO A PC

Similar to "How to prepare SD card for MasterFade" do the following:
Insert SD card into reading device connected to the PC.

1. Open My computer

2. Inside the list "Devices with Removable Storage,” find the memory card.

3. Copy folder "MasterFade" to a safe location for storage.

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