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Dimmer Manager software - ADB Lighting Technologies

1. Dimmer Manager software Instruction Manual 1 ADB Lighting Technologies ME 3003 1106 03 003 Dimmer Manager software Summary Chapter 1 Installing the software 2 Chapter 2 Getting started the demo version 3 Chapter 3 The Edit Parameters functions 7 Chapter 4 The Edit Patch functions 10 Chapter 5 Getting started the on line version 15 Chapter 6 The Test and Flash functions 20 Chapter 7 Learn Show Learn Scan View Loads 24 Chapter 8 Status and error reporting 30 Chapter 9 Customised Global Overview lists 35 Chapter 10 Creating a virtual dimmer system off line 38 Chapter 11 FAQ frequently asked questions 44 Glossary 45 Appendix A How to distribute DMX and DMX ADN 47 Appendix B Data line termination 48 Appendix C Preparing and testing an ADN network 51 Appendix D Troubleshooting an ADN network 53 Appendix E Touring racks with separate XLR5 DMX only and ADN only 55 Appendix F Testing Ethernet communication ping 56 Appendix G About changing IP settings 57 Appendix H Updating the firmware in NETPORT XT 64 Additional sources of informations 67 ADB Instruction Manual page 1 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Chapter 1 Installing the software This chapter will explain how you can install the Dimmer Manager software and view the demo file Step 1 take your copy of the CDR or download from the
2. 1 T LT Jaida CERTES D TT A RAI Las GEL 11 Ka J rli Fim del LT fn lui ia pr manu Fawad 1 P LE baw GT IFP an Fim L ka w big L mou Fr 4 Few s lam sikad a Nr aei oO nE Ilu ei Sval a re Won mt F io Use Off line User Levels You select the User Level in the lower left corner User Level 0 is limited to Viewing of all settings and parameters Other functions are shaded i e they re not accessible Higher User Levels give access to more and more functions For OnLine user levels a user name and password are required see Changing the User Level when Online Menu bar description File files functions Edit Edition functions Dimmers All functions on dimmers creation modifications commands Parameters log functions languages System wide memory play and record Windows all functions on windows open close tile Help help functions and about Instruction Manual page 4 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Exemples Lighting Technologies Lighting Technologies F W FE a Le oo a Dee ot 1 ADB Instruction Manual page 5 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software From Dimmer manager V2 00 EURODIM Twin Tech is supported The functions in light grey in the menu are not yet developed for EURODIM Twin Tech Instructio
3. connected to a splitter output port These DMX data are not affected by the NETPORT XT The NETPORT XT adds ADN data to the second data pair STUDIO or THEATRE XLR5 male 2 x NETPORT XT Conventional DMX Splitter 8 x Amplified Output LE DT PR ore wa DMX RE DMX ADN DMX Console ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 47 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Appendix B data line termination This chapter will cover the rules about termination on the DMX and ADN networks Situation A Independent ADN cables This is the case where a dedicated cable is installed for ADN Termination of the DMX network is independent of the ADN system Example No 1 the NETPORT XT is at one end of the ADN daisy chain in the control room or in the dimmer room Then you must terminate the ADN data pair at the other end of the ADN line Example No 2 the NETPORT XT is inserted in the daisy chain e g on stage You must terminate the ADN data pair at both ends Instruction Manual page 48 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Situation B DMX ADN cables DMX generated by a console This is the case where NETPORT XT is used exclusively for ADN and Dimmer Manager Its DMX out functionality is not used The DMX data come from a console at one end of the daisy chain The cabling is two pair DMX ADN cable The two data pairs in the DMX ADN cable need to
4. e click the Save Topics button e give it a name List_of_Names ovc All ovc files are stored in the folder Dimmer Manager ADB Instruction Manual page 37 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Chapter 10 Creating a virtual dimmer system off line This chapter will explain how you can create a dim file while off line with virtual NETPORT XT and virtual dimmers This is possible without physical connection to ADB dimmers Preliminary notes Preparing off line means you ll have to anticipate e the Network Address for each dimmer unit e the IP address for each NETPORT XT If you prepare off line and you are unsure about the IP addresses of the NETPORT XT then we recommend that you set addresses 3 x y z for all virtual NETPORT XT The correct IP addresses can be edited later The 3 x y z won t conflict with real the IP addresses of the units and the value 8 will make it easy for you to spot that it s not the real IP address If you are unsure about the Network Address of a dimmer unit then we recommend that you set Network Address 0 The correct Network Address can be edited later see Edit Global Dimmer Parameters Before creating new dimmer units you may wish to read the paragraph about the Default Error Filter Creating a virtual NETPORT XT Creating a group requires User Level 3 or 4 e Menu Bar gt NetPorts gt NetPort XT Manager This opens a window NetPort XT Manager B MT Ha
5. Powering up sequence How can find the IP address of a NETPORT XT Appendix E Touring Racks with separate XLR5 DMX only amp ADN only Appendix F testing Ethernet communication ping The ping function What if the PC has a firewall Appendix G about changing IP settings Changing IP settings in Windows XP Changing IP settings in Windows 98 Changing IP settings in Windows NT Changing IP settings in Windows ME Appendix H updating the firmware in NETPORT XT Preparation for an update Practical steps to perform an update Additional sources of informations The User Manual for the dimmers The ADB Ethernet Network Guide The User Manual for NETPORT XT The DMX512 1990 standard Ongoing projects about DMX ESTA and its Technical Standards Programme 47 48 48 49 50 51 51 51 51 52 52 52 52 52 52 53 53 53 53 53 54 54 54 54 54 55 55 56 56 56 57 58 60 62 63 64 64 64 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 Instruction Manual page 70 Issue 004 ADB Lighting Technologies 106 003 ADB Your Partner for Light Belgium France N V ADB TTV Technologies S A ADB S A S Group Headquarters Leuvensesteenweg 585 B 1930 Zaventem Tel 32 2 709 32 11 Fax 32 2 709 32 80 E Mail adb adblighting com Sales Office 92 Avenue Jean Jaur s F 92120 Montrouge Tel 33 1 41 17 48 50 Fax 33 1 42 53 54 76 E Mail adb fr adblighting com Factory amp G
6. dur 118 SET Ia ra CCC ET ER LOS GB or 4 Network configuration window is used to configure the 2 DMX lines on RS485 and the 3 DMX on Ethernet lines 5 DMX sources Merging amp DMX Fail rules window is used to configure merging rules and priority between the 5 DMX sources Power info window is used only by ADB to configure the modules type installed in the cabinet ADB Instruction Manual page 9 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software OOOO eee Chapter 4 the Edit Patch functions This chapter will describe a number of functions related to Patch House Patch Dimmer Law Dimmer Name Smoothing For more details about these functions we refer to the dimmer manual Programming Digital Dimmers and NETBUS Getting to the Edit Patch functions e select the dimmer units or Groups you want to Edit e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Edit gt Edit Patch The Get and Send buttons Opening Edit Patch and then clicking the Get button will download the current settings from the dimmer unit to the Dimmer Manager PC You will thus update the PC Opening Edit Patch and then clicking the Send button will send parameters to the dimmer units This will erase the old data in the dimmers 4 AID nsa Patch A Patch A defines the DMX address A input for each dimmer Note fast automatic numbering based on a DMX start address is also possible with the Chapter 3 the Edit Parameters functions f
7. a EURORACK 60 a EURODIM 3 a MEMOPACK 30 the future release of the DMX standard successor to DMX512 1990 foiled twisted pair a type of Ethernet cable which is also suitable for the distribution of DMX and ADN signals preferred DMX patch stored in the dimmer unit file describing a dimmer law a programme for the translation of Dimmer Manager to additional languages when you use the local keys display menu of the dimmer unit a portable remote dimmer control unit which communicates with ADB digital dimmers over the ADN network ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 45 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software NETPORT NETPORT XT Network address OVC file Priority cue RDM Right click STP cable System wide Terminator Unit Universe aconverter unit which transforms Art DMX data DMX over Ethernet to two independent DMX512 universes outputs aconverter unit between the ADN network and the Ethernet network also includes the NETPORT functions two independent DMX outputs the identification number of a dimmer unit or NETBUS on the ADN network a file describing which parameters will be shown in a query a k a cue number O A special cue always has priority over DMX is not included in the Memory Chaser Remote Device Management Name of the future ESTA standard and protocol for serial bi directional communication with dimmer units moving lights It s A Major Work
8. per DMX address Click on the title of the column to sort Click again for reverse sorting Example the result of query Patch_Law_Factor_Smoothing ovc can be sorted per dimmer Unit Name per Dimmer Name per DMXA address per DMXB address per dimmer law Instruction Manual page 36 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software How do create a new Custom Query The pre programmed queries include Patch_Law_Factor_Smoothing If_DMX_fails Memories_ Levels Example to get a list showing Dimmer Units their names and the names of the individual dimmers e Menu Bar gt Parameters gt Overview gt Configuration e this opens a window titled Global Overview Configuration fe Global Overview Confiquration Dimma Lits jw Maui e Y sbank ideve D bed her adders D Ye ott ff Sune Fuld ff Zune Coy rier vrn D arc Frey us n DO June Qusnky D Amby n I Cuchaml aus Do iai Deshan IO Zui Db I Zui Dbi IO Obte Feiz Gh Fiir DS wsp Lewe Hitz uap Led Hitz D em E Steve D Den Ta pasur Fen Falus D due Wulley Cite em TD pinal air D Fda villa Dkk yry E Wal ri Plasi LO Jve mek O Des 2 betsy air Save bded a Dimas fi nne mae e Hu ve ah B O Fa mier Leds fw Pa h Cinu aa Levlew rerd Load Jz Aauw Pale Fev Lea imu uz fi 4_hB 5 uiy Nina d ozd Toi ae Cancel e tick the boxes Dimmer Unit Dimmer Unit Name Network Address Dimmer Name
9. s name the text in the memo will refer to the original Copy of e select the father unit e or Menu bar File gt Edit gt Copy or right click gt Copy e select the target window e or Menu bar File gt Edit gt Paste or right click Paste ADB Instruction Manual page 43 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Chapter 11 FAQ frequently asked questions How do change the configuration which appears at start up When Dimmer Manager starts it automatically opens the file default dim If no default dim is found in the folder Dimmer Manager then a blank file is created When you first install Dimmer Manager default dim will be the copy of a sample file You can easily personalise this Example you want Dimmer Manager to automatically start with MyDefaultRig dim In folder Programs gt folder Dimmer Manager e rename or delete the file default dim e make a copy of MyDefaultRig dim e rename the copy new name default dim Using CTRL and SHIFT to select multiple dimmer units e keep the CTRL key depressed e select by single clicking on dimmer units Fast select of a range of dimmer units e keep the SHIFT key depressed e click on the first dimmer unit click on the last dimmer unit Using CTRL to unselect dimmer units You have selected some dimmer units You want to un select one dimmer unit e keep the CTRL key depressed e un select by single clicking on the dimmer unit Cancel
10. ADB website Step 2 e install the CDR in the CD drive e if Auto Install is enabled go to step 4 e if Auto Install is disabled proceed with step 3 Step 3 e double click on the CD drive or on the downloaded file e double click on the folder Software e double click on DMRelease Step 4 the following window will open DIMMER MANAGER Foti To install the software e to install click Start to quit click Exit and confirm Yes To uninstall the software The Installation includes an Uninstall tool xa WindowsStart gt Programs gt Dimmer Manager gt Uninstall Instruction Manual page 2 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Ee Chapter 2 Getting started the demo version This chapter will explain how you can view the demo version and the first steps in working off line i e without a physical connection to ADB dimmers Starting the Dimmer Manager software WindowsStart gt Programs gt Dimmer Manager the folder gt Dimmer Manager the programme This will open a window similar to El 4 Ra r Ce rire Fo Cre ak This shows a sample installation with various types of dimmer units groups groups in groups ADB Instruction Manual page 3 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Click on the in the left top corner to expand the list of groups and dimmer units et ee ee eee eet PT maid oe bm n PY Dahi
11. Address in the dimmer units see Setting the Network Adaress of the dimmer units check the correct operation of the ADN network see Use the Master of function in the dimmers insert the NETPORT XT in the ADN daisy chain ADN network connect the NETPORT XT and the Dimmer Manager PC via a hub switch or directly power up dimmers NETPORT XT hub see Powering up sequence in the folder Dimmer Manager if there is a file default dim delete or rename it e g OldDefault dim start the Dimmer Manager software see Starting the Dimmer Manager software This opens a blank file select OnLine mode and User Level 3 see Changing the User Level when OnLine Now we start the automatic discovery procedure which scans the Ethernet network and generates a list of all the NETPORT XT and NETPORT found with their dimmer units or Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Scan dimmers or click the Scan the network icon This is followed by an upload of dimmer data this may take a minute or so for a large dimmer system The programme has created a group for each NETPORT XT each group contains the dimmer units connected to the NETPORT XT check in the left hand column that all dimmer units are shown choose a filename and do a Save As You have now created a dim file with the settings of the dimmer system We suggest that you use this method to create a back up file of your dimmer configuration Note Data are exchanged in two ste
12. Curve Custom law Dim file Dimmer Dimmer curve Dimmer law Dimmer manager Dimmer manager PC Dimmer module Dimmer name Dimmer unit DMX512 A FTP cable House patch law file Linguist Local Control NETBUS Advanced Dimmer Network name for the network which establishes serial bi directional communication between dimmer units and between NETPORT XT and dimmer units The name is also used for the proprietary protocol ADN is based on EIA 485 and meets the DMX512 1990 standard ADN uses the second data pair in the DMX cable or a dedicated data cable ADN is half duplex bi directional communication over one data pair see local memories see local memories see dimmer law user defined dimmer law which is stored in the dimmer unit The Dimmer Manager PC stores a library of standard and custom laws file generated by Dimmer Manager includes equipment dimmer units NETPORT XT all dimmer settings patch laws local memories system organisation groups names alarm settings one of the dimmer channels in a dimmer unit a MEMOPACK 30 12 x 3 kW is a dimmer unit with 12 dimmers see dimmer law the relation between the control level DMX and dimmer output voltage a software programme filename dimmer exe the PC which runs the Dimmer Manager programme a EURODIM module can hold one or two dimmers user defined alpha numerical text attached to a dimmer can be different for every show
13. Required IP settings for the PC Please provide the following information to your friendly IT person e the Ethernet for lighting network should be independent of other Ethernet networks any connection to other networks should be evaluated with extreme care NETPORT XT uses 10BaseT and TCP IP general requirements for the PC see Hardware requirements the Dimmer Manager PC must be set to a fixed IP address that fixed IP address must be 2 x y z where x y z is to be selected by you subnet mask 255 0 0 0 each NETPORT XT has a fixed IP address 2 a b c it is printed on the back direct connection between the PC and a NETPORT XT with a cross link cable usually works Note other equipment using class A IP addresses 2 a b c includes Art Net products in general lighting consoles such as ADB PHOENIX and MENTOR ArtDMX to DMX converters such ADB NETPORT visualisers ADB Instruction Manual page 15 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Changing the User Level when OnLine When in on line mode an increase in User Level requires a user name and a password Example to select User Level 3 set Working Mode to OnLine This opens a dialogue window Connect type the user name UserLeve13 this is CASE SEnSiTiVe click OK no password is required Automatic discovery The following simple steps will create an automatic dim file with an overview of the whole dimmer system set the Network
14. States Institute for Theatre Technologies USITT http www usitt org and from the Professional Light and Sound Association PLASA http www plasa org Ongoing projects about DMX http Awww usitt org and http www esta org tsp ESTA and its Technical Standards Programme Learn more about or participate in the ongoing standards development efforts http www esta org tsp Example the ESTA Control Protocols Working Group covers subjects such as DMX512 A the future successor to DMX512 1990 RDM Remote Device Management EIA 485 serial transmission ACN Advanced Control Network over Ethernet The process of creating a new standard includes one or several Public Reviews Participate ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 67 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Table of contents Chapter 1 installing the Dimmer Manager software 2 To Install the software 2 To Uninstall the software Chapter 2 getting started the demo version 3 Starting the Dimmer Manager software 3 Off line User Levels 4 Menu bar description 4 Chapter 3 the Edit Parameters functions 7 Name of the dimmer unit 8 NETPORT XT 8 If DMX fails 8 Priority 8 Configuring DMX A Patch 8 List of dimmers in the unit 8 Chapter 4 the Edit Patch functions 10 Getting to the Edit Patch functions 10 The Get and Send buttons 10 Patch A 10 House Patch A 11 Patch B and House Patch B 11 Dimmer Law 11 You can copy settings from one dimmer unit to an
15. XT In our example a DMX lighting console generates the DMX signal NETPORT XT is used for its ADN to Ethernet function its ArtDMX to DMX function is not used The DMX patch panel The connection points are located throughout the venue or studio Depending on the show some will be used for DMX ADN with the majority used for DMX only All these connection points are wired to a central XLR5 patch panel The cabling can either be classic DMX cabling 2 data pairs screen EIA 485 or Ethernet STP FTP cabling fitted with XLRS connectors The DMX splitter A DMX splitter is required to achieve a star distribution of the DMX signal and because you can t connect more than 32 standard receivers to one DMX output Outgoing lines with DMX These lines are going to locations with DMX only equipment colour changers automated lights strobes smoke fog generators dimmers without ADN Outgoing lines with DMX ADN Such lines are far fewer in numbers Each NETPORT XT features two independent outputs so with two NETPORT XT you can connect four DMX ADN outgoing lines E g one to the main dimmer room one backstage and two for decentralised portable dimmers DMX generated by a conventional console without ArtDMX In our example the DMX signal is provided by a DMX console Outgoing lines with DMX are connected to an output port of the splitter Outgoing lines with DMX ADN are plugged to a port of the NETPORT XT which in turn is
16. a MODBUS error or ADN error message Solution we recommend that you upgrade the firmware in the dimmers You will thus benefit of all the improvements in the general functions The EPROM file is downloadable from the ADB website A workaround is to temporarily only include recent dimmers in the ADN link For ADN error message on a recent unit firmware 3 00 and later please refer to the dimmer s manual Programming Digital Dimmers and NETBUS Hardware requirements for the PC The minimum requirements for the PC and for an OnLine installation are e aPC Pentium Il or higher 10 100 Mbit s Ethernet card CD reader Win95 98 ME NT XP operating system 1024 x 768 monitor a mouse and keyboard e one NETPORT XT e a hub switch 10 100 Mbit s e standard Ethernet cables Note you can probably work without a hub switch and use a cross link Ethernet cable between the PC and the NETPORT XT It is our experience that this usually works but we cannot guarantee it Our tests have shown that success depends on the operation of the Ethernet hardware in your PC as well as on the Operating System in your PC Ethernet cable maximum 100 m REMINDER The maximum cable length except for fiber optic cable is 100 m between nodes e max 100 m between PC and hub switch e max 100 m between NETPORT XT and hub switch e max 100 m between PC and NETPORT XT cross link The cable length includes the drop cable from the PC or the NETPORT XT
17. about Master of in the User Manual Programming Digital Dimmers and NETBUS What can learn from the error messages When in Master of mode WaitingSlave means that no response is received from the potential slave ADN error could mean no response is received from the potential slave ADN error could mean that two units want to become master of the same ADN network ADN error could mean that non ADN data DMX is present on the ADN network See check for non ADN signals ADN error could mean that you mix old and new firmwares see Older firmware and MODBUS error or ADN error messages DMX errors could mean that there is cross talk between ADN and DMX wrong cable type crossed data pairs Find more in Appendix C Preparing and testing an ADN network ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 53 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Dimmer firmware requirements The dimmers need to be fitted with firmware 3 00 or later The EPROM file can be downloaded from the ADB website The firmware version is displayed during the power up of the dimmer unit Older dimmer firmware and MODBUS error or ADN error messages Please first check the firmware version of your dimmer unit It is displayed during the power up sequence of the dimmer The ADN part of the current firmware version 3 00 and later is not compatible with the ADN part of earlier firmware versions Mixing old and new units on the same ADN network causes
18. cancel No Instruction Manual page 28 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software How to manually set Learn Values Example for CPU1 in a EURODIM 3 You set Dimmer Manager Off line Select the correct CPU Right click gt Command gt Learn Loads You get a pop up window LearnLoads see screenshot For every dimmer channel there is a pull down selection One of the possible values is 600 W e Jad Copying it to the other CPU method 1 In Dimmer Manager Off Line you make a copy of the CPU In the copy of CPU1 you change the ADN address You then do a SendToDimmers to CPU1 and CPU2 Copying it to the other CPU method 2 You do a Send To Dimmers to CPU1 In the dimmer room on CPU2 you do a Get Data Base On Dimmer Manager you do a Get From Dimmer so that the PC is up to date Pin out of XLR5 120 o 0 5 W XLR5 M 6117 15 110 ADB Instruction Manual page 29 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Chapter 8 status and error reporting The four coloured flags in the icons The dimmer units detect events such as Loss of DMX Fan Failure Missing phase These events are already displayed on the dimmer unit s local display Thanks to ADN they re also reported back to the Dimmer Manager PC Overview of all the error messages direct access In OnLine mode a System Summary is shown permanently in the lower left hand corner of the s
19. dimmer s error filter e remove the check for Use default filter e edit the Error Filter e click Apply to confirm and OK to close the window e Menu bar File gt Save to save your settings in the current dim file Coit dmnsrs wero Alter Fa cea oe El UE Lan ii E ty stra ADB Instruction Manual page 33 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software A coloured flag in a group icon what does it mean A yellow flag for a dimmer unit means that one event or several of the category Warning happened for that unit A yellow flag for a group means that one group member reports that type of event Example you have a group representing a dimmer room If the upper flag Voltage is yellow Warning then you know that one of the units in that room reports an event belonging in the family Voltage If several dimmer units report an error in the same category then their group icon will show the most severe colour Status Off line Online Example for all the dimmer units connected to this NETPORT XT e none of the units has a Red Error event in the family Voltage none of the units has an event in the family Temperature none of the units has an event in the family DMX one or several units have an event in the family Miscellaneous Instruction Manual page 34 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Chapter 9 Customised Global Overv
20. for the Dimmer Manager PC you can connect the Ethernet cabling to the NETPORT XT and check whether they communicate The ping function provides a simple check it is independent of the Dimmer Manager software Ethernet cabling see the NETPORT XT manual for more information e or a cross link Ethernet cable connecting the PC with one NETPORT XT e or a hub or switch connected to the PC and one or several NETPORT XT by means of standard Ethernet cables The ping function The ping function tests the Ethernet communication between the PC and a node with known IP address The factory set IP address of a NETPORT or NETPORT XT is printed on its back If 2 a b c is the IP address of the target NETPORT XT e or WindowsStart gt Run or WindowsStart gt Programs gt Command Prompt or WindowsStart gt Programs gt Accessories gt Command Prompt type ping 2 a b c click OK Correct communication will give return messages Reply from 2 a b c plus additional information about transmission duration times A communication failure will give a return message Request timed out What if the PC has a firewall The firewall may block the outgoing ping Or the ping function may work but actual data exchange will not work Instruction Manual page 56 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Appendix G about changing IP settings This paragraph is irrelevant if your PC is only used for off line editing or fo
21. its factor to 0 will disable that dimmer but it will not disconnect it from the mains The Factor does not alter the shape of the dimmer law The Factor stored in a dimmer is out of reach for the console operator Smoothing Smoothing refers to ADB software algorithms which convert the 8 bit DMX data 256 levels from Off to Full into 12 bit internal values 4096 levels from Off to Full This gives noticeable smoother fades especially during slow changes The default setting is Medium es Ces patch lu rar a Fearn _ Poo i TT eda lise DEC EL CTITEE Instruction Manual page 12 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Dimmer Name adding text to a dimmer channel You can add a brief text description to an individual dimmer It appears in the column Dimmer Name Test a Channel allows you to find and test a dimmer according to its name To edit the Dimmer Name e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Edit gt Edit Patch 5 Fill eh i In Edit Patch enter an alpha numerical text in the Dimmer Name column Max 6 characters Example of a Dimmer Name the channel number In that case the Dimmer Name matches the numbering on the outlets in the venue and the channel numbering in the console This allows special outlet numbering schemes such as the use of Channel Numbers up to 9999 in smaller dimmer systems Example of a Dimmer Name the DMX address and the DMX universe If you copy t
22. select tick again Learn Show shortcuts for manual selection e Reset will un select all dimmers e Sel All selects all dimmers e For this dimmer only to Reset Select Grab only the dimmers on the selected tab e All selected dimmer units to Reset Select Grab in all selected dimmer units A quick way to select all dimmer units is to select all the NETPORT XT s Instruction Manual page 24 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Learn Show automatic mode using DMX grab Learn Show is performed manually or automatically In automatic mode Used Dimmers are identified by monitoring their DMX level If the DMX level reaches a value above the threshold level the dimmer is Used This information is memorized One of the possible approaches on the lighting control desk is e build a cue which includes all the dimmers used in the show e then set these dimmers at a DMX level of e g 10 above the Trigger Level Step 1 start the automatic Learn Show mode In Dimmer Manager e select the dimmer units required in the show E g by selecting some Groups or by selecting the NETPORT XT e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Command gt Learn Show E Loari Ste Ei F mbid 1h tele Hero ec 5 EJ Ta ads ima Uri re Fizad Se al lad Al Seecsd Dinas n is Fisad Ge kad 1 lia been e to start the automatic detection click Grab Grab for All Se
23. to show the information at individual dimmer level click on the DMX column to sort per DMX browse the DMX column How do perform a query Example you want to use the standard query Patch_Law_Factor Smoothing ovc Step 1 select the information you want to see select the dimmer units or groups you want to include in the overview Menu Bar gt Parameters gt Overview gt Configuration click Load Topics this opens a window Load an overview configuration in folder Dimmer Manager select your query Patch_Law_Factor_Smoothing ove and Click Open e in the window Global Overview Configuration click OK You now have defined what will be shown ADB Instruction Manual page 35 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Step 2 view the result of your query e Menu Bar gt Parameters gt Overview gt Show You now see the columns as defined in Patch_Law_Factor_Smoothing ove You can expand the overview to show detailed information and one line per dimmer To expand click on the name of the Dimmer Unit You can collapse the overview to show just one line per dimmer unit If you wish to expand several dimmer units we suggest that you first expand the last dimmer unit on the list To collapse click on any Dimmer line of the dimmer unit Collapsing will also hide the columns related to dimmer details Sorting of the results The results are sorted in alphabetical order You can sort per Name
24. to the wall the in the wall cable max 90 m and the patch cable between the wall socket and the hub WARNING stick to the rules This limit is a timing issue The longer the cable the longer the signal needs to travel from end to end and back respecting the maximum cable length is necessary for proper operation of the Collision Prevention scheme For more information and rules about the lay out of an Ethernet network please refer to dedicated books or articles Display settings for the PC Dimmer Manager is optimised for a display setting of 1024 x 768 When set to a lower setting the lower part of the window including some buttons may not be visible Instruction Manual page 54 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Powering up sequence After all cables have been connected we recommend the following power up sequence start at the dimmers and work up towards the Dimmer Manager PC Dimmers NETPORT XT Hub switch Dimmer Manager PC PONS How can find the IP address of a NETPORT XT Each NETPORT XT leaves the factory with a factory set fixed IP address The standard factory setting is 2 a b c where a b c are the three least significant bytes of the MAC address of the NETPORT XT hardware The factory set IP address is printed on the rear panel Alternatively you can get a list of all the NETPORT XT present on the network by means of the Scan Dimmers feature of Dimmer Manager S
25. 8 Clear Loads 28 How to manually set learn values 29 Chapter 8 status and error reporting 30 The four coloured flags in the icons 30 Overview of all the error messages direct access 30 The three colours 30 The coloured flags 30 The four families of events 31 The Global Default Error Filter 31 How to edit the Global Default Error Filter 32 Ignore local changes on the dimmer units 32 How to edit the Error Filter for a dimmer unit 33 A coloured flag in a group icon what does it mean 34 Chapter 9 Customized Global Overview Lists 35 How can get an overview of patch factors and dimmer laws 35 How can get an overview of patch and House patch 35 How can get an overview of the contents of the local memories 35 How can get an overview of What happens when DMX fails 35 How can see whether multiple dimmers are set to the same DMX address 85 How do perform a query 35 Sorting of the results 36 How do create a new custome query 37 Chapter 10 Creating a virtual dimmer system off line 38 Preliminary notes 38 Creating a virtual NETPORT XT 38 Creating a virtual group 39 Creating a virtual dimmer unit 40 Creating a virtual dimmer system 41 Making virtual clones 42 Chapter 11 FAQ frequently asked questions 44 How do change the configuration which appears at start up 44 Using CTRL and SHIFT to select multiple dimmer units 44 Using CTRL to unselect dimmer units 44 What does the shaded grey cross mean 44 What do
26. E CES RC CO E COS ECO RCE CS GE CS TS CO CC ECO EE CCS COS CO LT EE CO CE CCE CCE ET PRE CE TO ECO CCE ETS CE TC TT CHE EL EI Hs Las Ce His LH H A lZ El a he p i ba Les lok 1 bt dS ses hae lu vr el Jing DT r ecihe in r 1 ns Sam Pai Tous Diba Ces D La 5 cel a ad oe r Hazira nT w gaiek Fo Note asa precautionary measure events such as 400 V overvoltage over temperature cannot be set to Ignore green flag in the Default Error Filter Should you wish to set them to Ignore then you must edit the Error Filter for the individual dimmer units Ignore local changes on the dimmer units When someone uses the local menus on the dimmer unit Dimmer Manager automatically shows a pop up message The data base in the PC is now probably different from the data base in that dimmer unit so you must synchronise them Click Get from dimmers or Send to dimmers If in Global Error Filter Ignore DB data base change is ticked On then this pop up window is disabled This can be useful when several people are working on the same dimmer system It is preferred to set Ignore back to Off after your dimmer system set up is completed Instruction Manual page 32 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software How to edit the Error Filter for a dimmer unit e select the dimmer unit e Menu bar Dimmers gt Edit gt Error filter This opens a window Edit
27. In Progress At the day of writing this manual we don t know when RDM will be released and itis uncertain whether RDM will use the first data pair bi directional RDM data intermixed with uni directional DMX data or the second data pair which gives much better response times See Important information a click on the right hand mouse button shielded twisted pair a type of Ethernet cable which is also suitable for the distribution of DMX and ADN signals the system wide commands Play and Record are broadcast to all dimmer units on the ADN network to achieve synchronous response or termination resistance Resistance wired across a data pair R 120 ohm for DMX and ADN See Appendix x data line termination usually refers to a dimmer unit a MEMOPACK a EURODIM 3 from the standard a DMX51 2 data link originating from a single DMX source Control of up to 512 DMX512 data slots comprises a aye universe Instruction Manual page 46 Issue 004 ADB Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Appendix A How to distribute DMX and DMX ADN ADN is a bi directional protocol and classic DMX amplifiers or splitters are not designed for bi directional operation Furthermore ADN uses the second data pair which is discarded by conventional DMX splitters This example shows a simple and economical method to distribute DMX and DMX ADN throughout a venue using standard DMX boosters splitters and one or several NETPORT
28. ORT XT You may wish to replace a NETPORT XT in an existing ADN system The following procedure explains an easy method e Menu Bar gt Netports gt NETPORT XT Manager e click Scan This opens a new window Netport XT Scan On the right you will see all the NETPORT XT found on the network This may include units belonging to other stages or studios in the same complex e onthe right select the NETPORT XT you want to use selected blue e click Replace This will move the NETPORT XT to the left hand column e click Exit to close Note the name ofthe group icon representing the NETPORT XT is not affected by this swap Please check the old IP address is not mentioned in the group name Adding a dimmer unit This function is useful for example when you add temporary dimmer units to a permanent system e g portable dimmers for decentralised use Once they re included Dimmer Manager will check for their presence and can show them as absent When you Save this particular dim file will store all the Used dimmer units including the temporary ones When additional dimmer units have been connected to a NETPORT XT you must update the file e check that all dimmer units are connected to the ADN Network and powered up e select On Line mode and User Level 3 e Menu Bar gt NetPorts gt NETPORT XT Manager e click on the row number to select the NETPORT XT to which the dimmer units were added selected blue e click Edit T
29. P address then go to step 4 If the current setting is Obtain an address automatically then proceed with step 3 Step 3 select the bullet Specify an IP address Step 4 IP address enter the IP address for the PC in our example 2 1 1 1 Instruction Manual page 62 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Subnet Mask 255 0 0 0 Click OK to close the window Microsoft TCP IP Properties Click OK to close the window Network Close the window Control Panel Changing IP settings in Windows ME Step 1 check the current setting on your PC WindowsStart gt Settings gt Control Panel e double click on the Icon Network e double click on the icon TCP IP gt Network This opens a dialogue window TCP IP Properties e select the tab IP Address Very Important now make careful notes of the settings as they are You may need these later to restore the original configuration Step 2 we ll now select the settings for communication with NETPORT XT If the current setting is Specify an IP address then then go to step 4 If the current setting is Obtain an address automatically then proceed with step 3 Step 3 select the bullet Specify an IP address Step 4 IP address enter the IP address for the PC in our example 2 1 1 1 Subnet Mask 255 0 0 0 Click OK to close the window Internet Protocol TCP IP Properties Click OK to close the window Network Close the window Control
30. Panel ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 63 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Appendix H updating the firmware in NETPORT XT New firmware versions for NETPORT and NETPORT XT are available through ADB Distributors and from the Internet To check whether an upgrade is required please compare the installed firmware version with the latest version on the Internet Preparation for an update 1 You need the latest version of the firmware The current URL of the download site is http Awww adbttv dyndns org The filename format is ADN_20030515_V130 BIN You can store the file in the Dimmer Manager folder 2 You need an upload programme rfu exe running on a PC The programme RFU exe is included in the Installation package of Dimmer Manager Note rfu exe has succesfully been tested on Win XP and Win 98 We found that it does not run succesfully on Win ME 8 You need a cable to link the serial port of the PC to the NETPORT XT at the PC end DB9 receptacle female at the NETPORT end DB9 plug male The wiring is one to one pin 1 to pin 1 pin 2 to pin 2 pin 9 to pin 9 4 You need access to internal jumpers The internal jumper settings are for standard use W1 label ModeO OFF W2 label Mode1 OFF while uploading firmware W1 label ModeO ON W2 label Mode1 ON Practical steps to perform an update Step 1 disconnect the dc power connector from NETPORT XT Remove the f
31. US remote control unit must have a proper Network Address This address identifies the unit on the ADN network This address must be set on the dimmer unit itself this is done in Menu Level 3 The default setting is Netw Addr zero For full details see The Programming Digital dimmers and NETBUS The dimmer unit s display shows the current Network Address Netw Addr xx alternating with the current DMX setting DMX start xxx or House Patch On or DMX Patch On ff it does not show then Netw Addr is set to i e 0 The valid range for the Network Address is 1 to 99 Please check carefully that no two units connected to the same NETPORT XT have the same Network Address If you are uncertain about the Network Address to use for a dimmer unit then set it to O zero It will thus not conflict with other units It will be invisible for and will not respond to the ADN network Symptoms when two identical addresses are used see Appendix D Troubleshooting an ADN network How many dimmer units can connect to one NETPORT XT The limit is set by the EIA 485 standard The following rules apply e max 32 dimmer units connected to port A e max 32 dimmer units connected to port B Note a Network Address used on port A cannot also be used on port B Note a EURODIM 3 cabinet with dual instant back up electronics counts as two units Note above 32 32 units by far the simplest solution is to add a NETPORT XT which provides
32. a connection for again 32 32 dimmer units See Appendix A How to distribute DMX and DMX ADN ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 51 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software With two NETPORT XT you can use the same Network Address twice In some special circumstances it may be interesting or required to use the same Network Address twice Two dimmer units can have the same Network Address provided they are connected to a different NETPORT XT Check that the cable type is correct As with DMX some contractors may be tempted to use screened cable which does not have twisted pairs This will result in crosstalk between ADN DMX etc This will not be noticed with simple dc buzzer tools Use a proper DMX test tool which uses a data signal to test the line Check that data pairs stay together As with DMX there are cases where twisted pair cable was used but pairs were not kept together Data of pair 1 is unfortunately combined with data of pair 2 And data of pair 1 is combined with data of pair 2 WARNING This will not be noticed with simple dc buzzer tools Use a proper DMX test tool Check all the extension cables Check all the extension cables one by one Use a proper DMX tester Perform a double ended test on both data pairs pins 1 2 3 4 and 5 Non ADB equipment check the continuity of the second data pair The next issue of the DMX512 standard is planned to include a se
33. and gradual fade out e DMX No DMX 1 No DMX 2 DMX errors e Miscellaneous Fan Failure and a few others The Global Default Error Filter The Default Error Filter defines how to display status messages in the Dimmer Manager PC It does not affect the messages displayed on the Dimmer Units themselves The Global Error Filter and individual changes with Edit Error Filter are all stored in the dim file So one type of error can get a Red flag in one show and a Yellow or Green flag in another show Example if you only use the DMX B input for Guest desks then you can set DMX B Missing to Yellow Warning or Green Ignore when no Guest desk is present Working OnLine the Default Error Filter is applied to all dimmer units exceptions the units changed by means of Edit Error Filter Working OffLine the Default Error Filter is automatically applied whenever a new virtual dimmer unit is created The Global Error Filter window also shows the settings of individual dimmer units see illustration ADB Instruction Manual page 31 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software How to edit the Global Default Error Filter e select User Level 3 or higher e Menu bar Parameters gt Global error filter ER EC CE CS TS SE NT Entr St e Eo OS Pa en Lua ll E SS NT OOO m os ass es ons os Joe es cc D us EE EE PE CR RE CO PE CE EE CS EC Tai EN EE EP TS ET PR EE SR Se eRe Ne CETTE CE CCE EC RE C
34. arison Learn Loads must only be performed on a lighting rig Known to be OK e select the dimmer units e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Command gt Learn Loads Instruction Manual page 26 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software This opens a dialogue window Learn Loads E Learn Loads Kil ka Fab 16 03 demoPse 15 oF 04 LIMEM twh fe 4 Tak pte cy pte cy LIMEM bark M wh e INKY twh D ee Pink rer be usine wh mn See an Re To perform a Learn Loads to the dimmers which are used in the show e click Show Selection this will highlight the Used dimmers e click Learn To perform a Learn Load for all the dimmers in the selected units e click Learn You can follow the progress of the process e click Exit to close the window Note when you apply Learn Loads to several dimmer units the tests will run simultaneously in all the selected units Learning a complete system takes about as long as learning its largest dimmer unit Note Learn Loads affects the lights on stage When you apply Learn Loads to a dimmer unit this will set all its dimmers to Off and will fade up each dimmer in turn Partial testing of the system without affecting the other dimmers is easy because you can select the dimmer units to be Learned Note if a dimmer has been set to the NonDim law in the dimmer unit then that dimmer will be skipped by Learn Loads and the Learn value will show NonDim This is
35. be terminated One termination resistor comes between pin 2 and pin 3 one termination resistor comes between pin 4 and pin 5 Example No 3 the DMX console and the NETPORT XT are in the control room at one end of the daisy chain Then you must terminate both data pairs at the other end of the DMX ADN line Example No 4 the DMX console is in the control room at one end of the daisy chain NETPORT XT is inserted in the daisy chain e g on stage In the control room you must terminate the second data pair pin 4 and 5 And at the other end of the DMX ADN line you must terminate both data pairs Note the active DMX output of the lighting console or a DMX amplifier booster splitter replaces the termination for the DMX pair at that end But you still have to terminate the ADN pair at that end A very practical tool is a X_LR5M to XLR65F with internal resistor 120 Ohm between pins 4 and 5 ADB Instruction Manual page 49 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Situation C DMX ADN cables DMX generated by the NETPORT XT This is when both the DMX and the ADN functions of NETPORT XT are used Example No 5 the NETPORT XT is at one end of the daisy chain Then you must terminate both data pairs at the other end of the DMX ADN line DMX ADN ETHERNET Example No 6 the NETPORT XT is inserted in the daisy chain e g on stage You must terminate both data pairs at both ends DMX ADN In
36. cal Area Connection This opens the dialogue window Local Area Connection status Click Properties This opens the dialogue window Local Area Connection Properties Tab General Select TCP IP Then click Properties This opens the dialogue window Internet Protocol TCP IP Properties Tab Alternate Configuration Select User configured ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 57 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Changing IP settings in Windows XP Step 1 you ll check the current setting on your PC and write it down WindowsStart gt Settings gt Control Panel gt Icon Network and Internet connections gi rae sige Fans vets a ote ee HT 1 Ci Seco hais eva fakin ARTO Em Us oad Fre law CORTE he na le bi sais migr bi ei LA Hrd Seas L a ih irs T nm inr re Lecalres Derm on ES frih rk au ITA teal 141 Icon Internet connections gt Local area connection status Wait I Instruction Manual page 58 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Click Properties This opens a new window Local Area Connection Properties e P ee an Do 4m T dpi ee oe dt E adh bee es e i Bead ccm Fe glav azid Head bet te Ea d erate ited Sos Sr Oras Os The 44 Bi ee pce Aa a ie KT woke a eal we TT nr ote ee Select Internet Protocol TCP IP and click Properties This opens a dial
37. creen To view the source of Warning or Error double click on one of the four flags This opens a new window Errors Board E nme IL e each line represents a dimmer unit only dimmer units reporting a Warning or an Error are listed e the columns represent all types of events e the colour coding is defined in the Error filter of the dimmer unit We will now cover in detail the interpretation of the colours and the use of coloured flags in the icons The three colours The colour codes are e Red Error e Orange Warning e Green OK or Ignore You are free to decide for each event which flag colour it gets This choice is stored in the dim file because the importance of an event usually varies with the show The coloured flags When you are OnLine the icons of dimmer units and groups will show four coloured flags Each flag represents a family of status or error messages The colour of the flag green orange red is user defined depending on the importance of the event for this show See How to edit the Error Filter for a dimmer unit and The Global Default Error Filter Instruction Manual page 30 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software The four families of events Off line Online From top to bottom the four flags represent the following families e Voltage 400 V overvoltage and No L missing phase or low voltage e Temperature Overtemperature warning
38. ction on the marking of DMX equipment to indicate whether the second data pair is linked through inside the unit Meanwhile check Use of NETBUS and Dimmer Manager The Advanced Dimmer Network accepts only one Master This is either the Master NETBUS or the NETPORT XT If both are simultaneously present on the ADN Network you ll get error messages The following set up has been used successfully NETBUS and NETPORT XT are both present in the ADN daisy chain An inverting switch in the control room applies 230 V to either NETBUS or NetPort XT so that only one of them is active at any time Instruction Manual page 52 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Appendix D Troubleshooting an ADN network This chapter will give you a few tips for the troubleshooting of the ADN network in preparation of its connection to a NETPORT XT and the Dimmer Manager PC Your first check Verify that the rules laid out in Appendix C Preparing and testing an ADN network have been respected Check for non ADN signals Any manufacturer can use the second data pair pins 4 and 5 on the XLR5 within the electrical limits set by the DMX standard Equipment then won t be damaged by the signals applied by others but the presence of non ADN signals on the ADN network will of course stop communication DMX512 A the next issue of the DMX512 standard will probably include a section on the marking of DMX equipment to in
39. dicate its usage of the second data pair Some tips e Check for the presence of a dc voltage between pins 4 and 5 There is a possibility that some equipment lighting consoles colour scroller power supply units applies dc voltage to the second data pair This will make any communication over the ADN network impossible e Check the data sheets Check for any use of the second data pair by other equipment e Some console manufacturers and or rental companies use the second data pair for a second DMX universe e Some dimmer manufacturers may use it for basic feedback e g a low dc voltage to indicate temperature problems In that case your ADN will work fine until such an alarm pops up e Others may have a different protocol Use the Master of function in the dimmers We recommend that you fully test the ADN network before you insert the NETPORT XT Such testing is straightforward with the standard software functions in the dimmers a NETPORT XT or a PC is not required in fact the NETPORT XT must be disconnected from the ADN network For installed cables check ADN cabling by means of the local function Master of inthe dimmers Principle use one dimmer unit and make it Master of one of the dimmer units in the ADN network First repeat this for all the dimmer units in a dimmer room or touring rack Then extend to more units until you are satisfied that one unit can communicate with all other dimmer units More
40. dow NETPORT XT Hale 1 ADB Instruction Manual page 41 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software e edit the IP address of the NETPORT XT e enter a name for the NETPORT XT e click Exit Step 3 create the dimmer units see Creating a virtual dimmer for more details For each unit type the name the Network Address and the NETPORT XT it s connected to ial din Step 4 for each unit Edit the dimmer parameters e select the icon of the dimmer unit e or Menu bar Dimmers gt Edit gt Dimmer parameters or right click Edit gt Dimmer parameters Instruction Manual page 42 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software You can now edit the start address set what happens when DMX fails Fe Fed fe ds pe ee F Pacha ir Step 5 select drag the dimmer units into the groups See relevant paragraph Step 6 it is now time to do a Save e Menu bar File gt Save Note working files can be saved in the folder Dimmer Manager Back up files should be saved elsewhere Note about EURODIM 3 The PC can Get download the configuration of a physical EURODIM 3 dimmer cabinet The configuration gives the distribution of 3kW 5kW 10kW modules over the cabinet You cannot edit the configuration of a virtual ED3 cabinet Making virtual clones If you need several similar dimmer units you can make virtual clones The default text parameters of the clone the unit
41. e if a dimmer has been set to the NonDim law in the dimmer unit then that dimmer will be skipped by Scan Loads and the Scan value will show NonDim This is protecting the load the Scan Loads process fades up the dimmer level and setting a local NonDim law implies that you don t want that load to be dimmed Learn Loads or Scan Loads of one dimmer You may want to perform a re Learn or re Scan of one dimmer without repeating the process for the other dimmers e select the dimmer unit s e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Command gt Learn Loads This opens the dialogue window Learn Loads e select the dimmer you want to Learn or Scan to select more than one dimmer keep CTRL depressed while selecting e click Learn or Scan E Learn Loads Ki ka Fob 15 e 03 LIMEM Part ar LIMEM Dah HIME wh F LIMEM Tash prn LME lon LIMEM tah IHEM tthe CSC TE HIME Tash Hie wee ire wh F LINE Tash Shan Sclev iun Lea Sen View Loads View Loads does not test any dimmer It shows the Learned values the results of the latest Scan Loads and the comparison e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Command gt View Loads This opens a dialogue window View Loads Clear Loads Clear Loads erases the reference values Learned Loads and the latest results Scan Loads e select the dimmer units to be Cleared e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Command gt Clear gt Clear Loads e opens a pop up window Are you sure to confirm click Yes to
42. e ADN_20030509_v103 bin e click OK This starts the download which takes approx 10 seconds Note there is no message to confirm a successful download Step 9 set the internal jumpers back to the Standard position W1 label ModeO OFF W2 label Mode1 OFF Step 10 disconnect the DB9 cable mount the rear panel Step 11 check that the firmware upload was successful To verify the firmware version of a NETPORT XT in OnLine mode Menu Bar gt NETPORT XT Manager gt column parameter Release Instruction Manual page 66 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Additional sources of information The User Manual for the dimmers The comprehensive user manual forthe dimmers Programming Digital Dimmers and NETBUS can be downloaded from the ADB website http www adblighting com gt ADB Products gt Dimmers gt Programming Digital Dimmers and NETBUS gt and select the language The ADB Ethernet Network Guide The ADB Ethernet Network Guide can be downloaded from the ADB website http www adblighting com gt ADB Products gt Interfaces gt Ethernet gt select the User Manual The User Manual for NETPORT XT The User Manual for NETPORT and NETPORT XT is available from the ADB website http www adblighting com gt ADB Products gt Interfaces gt NETPORT XT gt select the User Manual The DMX512 1990 standard The text of the DMX512 1990 standard is available from the United
43. ee Automatic discovery Note NETPORT XT can be set to fixed IP addresses 2 1 2 21 or 192 168 0 21 by means of specific internal settings jumpers For factory testing use only Note the same applies to NETPORT Appendix E touring racks with separate XLR5 DMX only and ADN only Many ADB Touring Dimmer Racks are fitted with two independent pairs of XLR5 e one pair for DMX only but with continuity of pin 4 and 5 e one pair for ADN only but with continuity of pin 2 and 3 Subtlety to obtain DMX and ADN in the same DMX cable all you have to do is link DMX only Out to ADN only In with a two pair DMX cable Both remaining XLR5 DMX only In to ADN only Out now have DMX and ADN Example No 1 NETPORT XT not used for DMX Tour rack 1 on universe A Tour rack 2 on universe B Both tour racks on ADN Data cabling daisy chain from NETPORT XT to Rack 1 ADN then to Rack 2 ADN The sequence doesn t matter DMX cabling as usual Example No 2 NETPORT XT not used for DMX Tour rack 1 on universe A and ADN MEMOPACK on universe A and ADN Data cabling daisy chain from DMX console or splitter NETPORT XT Tour Rack1 DMX only Tour Rack 1 ADN only MEMOPACK The sequence doesn t matter ADB Instruction Manual page 55 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Appendix F testing Ethernet communication ping Once a suitable IP address has been set
44. es the red cross mean 44 System Wide play Memory Control Panel How can put Names in the Buttons 44 Glossary 45 Appendix A How to distribute DMX and DMX ADN 47 The DMX patch panel 47 The DMX splitter 47 Outgoing lines with DMX 47 Outgoing lines with DMX ADN 47 ADB Instruction Manual page 69 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software DMX generated by a conventional console without ArtDMX Appendix B Data line termination Situation A Independent ADN cables Situation B DMX ADN cables DMX generated by a console Situation C DMX ADN cables DMX generated by the NETPORT XT Appendix C Preparing and testing an ADN network Why does NETPORT XT also have XLR5 M connectors Setting the Network Address of the dimmer units How many dimmer units can connect to one NETPORT XT With two NETPORT XT you can use the same Network Address twice Check that the cable type is correct Check that data pairs stay together Check all the extension cables Non ADB equipment check the continuity of the second data pair Use of NETBUS and Dimmer Manager Appendix D Troubleshooting an ADN network Your first check Check for non ADN signals Use the Master of function in the dimmers What can learn from the error messages Dimmer firmware requirements Older dimmer firmware and MODBUS error or ADN error messages Hardware requirements for the PC Ethernet cable maximum 100 m Display settings for the PC
45. he DMX address into the Dimmer Name then Test a Channel will give you direct access to that dimmer even if you don t know its physical location in the dimmer racks To Copy the DMX Addresses from the Patch column to the Dimmer Name column e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Edit gt Edit Patch e select all the cells with DMX addresses e right click Copy e select all the target cells of the Dimmer Name column e right click Paste you can insert the letter for the DMX universe if applicable Example of a Dimmer Name its position or function This example shows dimmer names inspired by position Downstage or type of lamp Fluo Note about Sorting by DMX address When dimmers are sorted by DMX address the digits are sorted like alphanumerical characters not like numbers This is because Dimmer Manager is not a spreadsheet A simple solution is to use the Dimmer Name field and enter the DMX addresses in a three digit format 001 instead of 1 Sorting by Dimmer Name will then achieve the desired effect ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 13 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software The Edit Patch window for EURODIM Twin Tech is There are 10 patches 2 patches patch house patch by DMX source TA To change the base address for a DMX source use the change all line 1 Write the base address on the change all line 2 Click on the send button 3 Answer yes to the update a
46. his opens a new window NETPORT XT e click scan network This starts an automatic scan of the ADN ports of that NETPORT XT The right hand window lists present units units found earlier New units are shown with their Network Adress but not yet with a model name e select all the new dimmer units you want to monitor selected blue e for multiple selections e depress the CTRL key and keep it depressed e select by a single clicking on dimmer units e click Use Dimmer This is followed by a download dimmer to PC of the parameters The model name appears e click Exit to close the window Netport XT e click Exit to close the window Netport XT Manager Instruction Manual page 18 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Note this Scan Network function will add newly found dimmer units to the system description file but it will not automatically remove absent dimmer units Deleting a dimmer unit automatically When dimmer units are missing not responding their icons will show up crossed in red In some circumstances it can be useful to ignore some of these dimmer units Maybe a few of your mobile dimmers are about to leave and you then don t want them to show up as Missing Or maybe you won t use all your dimmers for your next show You can automatically delete absent units from the list stored in the dim file e check that all necessary dimmer units are connected to the ADN Network and powe
47. iew lists A large dimmer system stores many hundreds of parameters and it would be quite unpractical to show them all in a single picture Depending on the task at hand you will be looking for a personalised overview of a just few parameters Dimmer Manager includes a function which does just that create custom lists of parameters with sort functions Dimmer Manager includes several standard overview functions plus a tool to create store and recall my favourite custom overviews Some all purpose standard Overviews queries are already included How can I get an Overview of patch factors and dimmer laws e Patch_Law_Factor_Smoothing ove lists Dimmer Names Patch A Patch B Dimmer Law Factor Smoothing per dimmer plus general information such as Unit Name Network Address How can I get an Overview of patch and House Patch e Patch_and_HousePatch ovc lists Patch and HousePatches plus general information such as Unit Name Network Address e expand to show the information at individual dimmer level How can I get an Overview of the contents of the local memories e Memories_levels ove lists the levels for all the memories How can I get an Overview of What happens when DMX fails e If DMX fails ovc lists the settings for If DMX fails plus general information such as Unit Name Network Address How can I see whether multiple dimmers are set to the same DMX address use the query Patch_and_HousePatch ove expand
48. ing a virtual dimmer unit Creating a dimmer unit requires User Level 4 open the window of the group to which the unit will belong click on the window Menu bar Dimmers gt New Dimmer Complete the following fields Name NETPORT XT Model Configuration DMX Lines most units EURODIM 3 EURORACK 60 Network Address Network Address for EURODIM 8 click OK to close user defined name for the dimmer unit select from the pull down list select from the pull down list select from the pull down list number of DMX inputs ae 2 standard 1 standard 2 option Dual DMX input kit the range is 1 99 set Network Address to 0 if you don t yet know tick whether single or dual CPU ED3 with dual control electronics requires two Network Addresses CPU left CPU2 right Note In a later phase you ll also have to set a few additional parameters for the dimmer unit See Chapter 3 the Edit Parameters functions Instruction Manual page 40 Issue 004 ADB Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Creating a virtual dimmer system Creating a dimmer system requires User Level 4 Step 1 open a blank file and choose a filename e Menu Bar File gt Open gt New e doa Save As Menu Bar gt File gt Save As Step 2 any system requires minimum one NETPORT XT to create e Menu Bar NETPORT XT gt NETPORT XT Manager E Pe Pua ET ee ue e click New This opens a win
49. ing the complete selection e release SHIFT or CTRL e single click in the window next to a dimmer unit What does the shaded grey cross mean The grey cross only appears in OnLine mode and for EURODIM 3 cabinets fitted with the optional dual instant back up electronics A non active CPU is shown with a shaded grey cross it is OK but is does not have control over the dimmers What does the red cross mean The red cross only appears in OnLine mode A red cross over a dimmer unit icon indicates that it is not responding See Troubleshooting A red cross over a group icon indicates that none of its dimmer units is responding A red cross over a NETPORT XT icon indicates a problem with either the NETPORT XT or with the connection to its dimmer units or with all its dimmer units To check the status of the NETPORT XT itself see NETPORT XT Manager and or Troubleshooting System wide Play Memory control panel how can put names in the buttons Application some general purpose cues are stored in the dimmers and you want to put a custom text in those buttons Solution you can make your local language in which you change the standard texts PANIC Memory 1 by custom texts Please refer to Linguist You ll find the standard texts in Context PlayMemoryKeyboard Instruction Manual page 44 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Glossary ADN Back up look Cue
50. ings as they are You may need these later to restore the original configuration Step 2 we ll now select the settings for communication with NETPORT XT If the current setting is Specify an IP address then then go to step 4 If the current setting is Obtain an address automatically then proceed with step 3 Instruction Manual page 60 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Step 3 select the bullet Specify an IP address Step 4 IP address enter the IP address for the PC in our example 2 1 1 1 Subnet Mask 255 0 0 0 ILHE H ugale o Eime Ak Click OK to close the window Internet Protocol TCP IP Properties Click OK to close the window Network Close the window Control Panel ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 61 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Changing IP settings in Windows NT Administrator privileges are required Step 1 write down the current settings WindowsStart gt Settings gt Control Panel gt Icon Network gt Tab Protocols double click on TCP IP protocol This opens the window Microsoft TCP IP Properties e select the tab IP address Very Important now make careful notes of the settings as they are You may need these later to restore the original situation Step 2 we ll now select the settings for communication with NETPORT XT Malar Sd ewe W Ys ee Loree If the current setting is Specify an I
51. le 10 s Flash and automatic Flash Chaser e to start the Flashing test click Flash e to start a Flashing chaser in the dimmer unit click Automatic e to stop the Flashing test or Chaser click Stop e to stop the Flashing test or Chaser and close the window click Exit Shortcut to Change Patch In the event that the Flash test points out a DMX addressing error you have direct access to the DMX Patch via the Change Patch function ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 21 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Test a Channel use of Dimmer Name This function allows you to use the Dimmer Name to find and then test a dimmer You don t need to know the dimmer unit the dimmer belongs to The Dimmer Name can be the Channel Number or an alpha numerical text e or Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Commands gt Test a Channel or position cursor on background and right mouse click then Test a Channel enter the Dimmer Name channel number or text see example below click Enter select the Test level if necessary default is 50 to start click Test to stop click Stop Dimmers having similar names It may be that the same Dimmer Name or Channel Number is used for several dimmers Then a list with those dimmers will be shown Example in the field Name enter the letter C press Enter this generates a list of all dimmers starting with C open the list select your target dimmer and press Enter E Test Cha
52. lected Dimmer Units one click will transmit the order to all selected units Grab for This Unit Only if you want to view the changes while they happen e Menu Bar gt File gt Save to save this information in the current dim file Step 2 the lighting control desk tells us which individual dimmers are used in the show There are different ways to use this automatic mode three methods are Method No 1 On the lighting control desk e build a cue which includes all the dimmers used in the show e then set all these dimmers at a DMX level of e g 10 above the Trigger Level Method No 2 On the lighting control desk e go through the cues one by one ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 25 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Method No 3 Activate GRAB at the start of the rehearsal Step 3 stop the learning process Stop the GRAB learning process by clicking on STOP ES Lcam Show Adju The To ac e st e N e set the trigger threshold level Note the threshold level is in the area All selected dimmer units and the new threshold is applied to all selected dimmer units in a single operation Note if the console applies preheat to some dimmers and this preheat level is higher than the trigger level then these dimmers will be tagged Used Yes Learn Loads Learn Loads tests the dimmers measures the connected load and memorizes that load as a reference for future comp
53. ll rows 4 Click on the OK button i H 1 1 Instruction Manual page 14 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Chapter 5 Getting started the on line version This chapter will explain how you can establish communication between the Dimmer Manager PC a NETPORT XT and ADB dimmers IP settings Off line operation does not require particular IP settings You can view dim files such as the sample file edit them create virtual systems without worrying about TCP IP Once you go OnLine with dimmers two numbering schemes are critical e the IP settings of the Dimmer Manager PC and other Ethernet nodes such as NETPORT XT e the Network Addresses on the ADN network EIA 485 You will have to plan the IP addresses for all the TCP IP devices connected to your Ethernet for lighting network This is a simple task for a Dimmer Manager only Ethernet network the devices include the Dimmer Manager PC and one or several NETPORT XT used as Ethernet ADN converter A broader lighting network may additionally include lighting consoles using Ethernet ADB s PHOENIX range and Ethernet DMX converters such as NETPORT and NETPORT XT If you re not familiar with TCP IP configuration please ask a knowledgeable IT person Also ask him her for advice if you would like to use the Dimmer Manager PC for other applications requiring TCP IP e g a portable PC also used for Internet access
54. mmers and NETBUS Priority HTP when a local cue is played the local cue is combined with incoming DMX values on a HTP Highest Takes Precedence basis Priority while a local cue is played the DMX is faded out fade time 5 s and the lighting levels on stage are as defined in the local cue For full details see The Dimmer manual Programming Digital Dimmers and NETBUS Configuring the DMX A Patch Three addressing schemes are possible e set a Start Address this will give automatic sequential numbering e selecting the non sequential Patch Patch to be edited with the Edit Patch function e selecting the House Patch House Patch to be edited with the Edit Patch function List of dimmers in the unit On the right all the dimmer in the unit with their physical number in the unit their Dimmer Name adding text to a dimmer and their power rating Note If you create a virtual dimmer unit in OffLine mode then you must define all parameters of the virtual unit tyoe dimmer rating See Creating a virtual dimmer Instruction Manual page 8 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Some new parameters has been added or changed When the user creates an EURODIM Twin Tech cabinet the edit parameter window becomes et oe eT ee on Hi k _ Tee Se TE nog ed ME gl 5 katian IR 2 DER IB LES LI E LR lt 2 14 CS LE ER TIR FE tC LE LI RSR IT ELSR al M4 ES
55. n Manual page 6 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Chapter 3 the Edit Parameters functions Edit Parameters covers functions which are global for the dimmer unit such as What if DMX fails priority between DMX and local cues choice between Patch and House Patch In OnLine mode most parameters are already defined by the dimmer unit This chapter covers the user defined parameters e select the dimmer unit e Menu bar Dimmers gt Edit gt Dimmer Parameters This opens a dialogue window Edit global dimmer parameters E Cda global dimmer parame A Uere Some parameters are defined by the dimmer unit and cannot be edited dimmer model rating As a precautionary measure the Mains Frequency and the Network Address can only be edited on the dimmer unit itself using the local menus ADB Instruction Manual page 7 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Name of the dimmer unit The name will show up under the unit s icon in various lists left hand column on main page Dimmer Manager automatically creates a name with the dimmer type and the Network Address You can edit that name NETPORT XT Select the NETPORT XT to which the dimmer unit is connected The pull down list shows all known NETPORT XT Use Adding a NETPORT XT if necessary If DMX fails Decides the action taken by the dimmer unit For full details see The Dimmer manual Programming Digital Di
56. nnel E Tast Channel e this will provide additional details about the dimmer unit it belongs to example dimmer Cyc2b is dimmer No 4 in a 6 x 3kW MP15 with Network Address 3 to start the test click Test to end the test click Stop to end the test and close the window click OK Other example all reds on a cyclorama could be controlled by one channel number or dimmer name with all those dimmers set to the same DMX address They will still appear as individual dimmers in the pull down list Instruction Manual page 22 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Note If the dimmer names for the Upstage dimmers are US150 US151 and so on then by entering Test a Channel US you will get the list of all Upstage dimmers Note The Name selection field is case sensitive If you enter S you ll get a list with SR Sr SL If you enter SR you will see all dimmer names starting with SR but you won t see the dimmer names starting with Sr Alternative automatic Test Chaser As an alternative to Test a dimmer automatic mode you can use the Scan Loads function However Automatic Test and Scan Loads are not exactly equivalent The differences are e in Test a dimmer you take control of only one dimmer the others are not affected e in Scan Loads all dimmers in the unit are Off except the single Dimmer Under Test e in Scan Loads you can t choose the delay time ADB Lighting Technologies Instr
57. ogue window Internet Protocol TCP IP Properties Very Important now make careful notes of the settings as they are You may need these later to restore the original configuration Step 2 setting required for communication with a NETPORT XT If the current setting is Use the following IP address then go to step 4 If the current setting is Obtain an address automatically then proceed with step 3 Step 3 select the bullet Use the following IP address Step 4 IP address enter an IP address for example 2 1 1 1 Subnet Mask 255 0 0 0 44 d Hil Hing IG AZ RESTE Peet LES Ji qe ee m aa a E d la EE E aa ap CI Lara Faha dM EPIR lay TE re I dd se seu 1 1 aIt ke 1 a Eva Abo ea oe hd why al ee aa ae eae Hw Stone Ms ms ur Log hove Click OK to close the window Internet Protocol TCP IP Properties Click OK to close the window Local Area Connection Properties Close the window Network Connections ADB Instruction Manual page 59 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Changing IP settings in Windows 98 Step 1 check the current setting on your PC WindowsStart gt Settings gt Control Panel and double click on the Icon Network This opens a window Network e double click on the icon TCP IP gt Network This opens a dialogue window TCP IP Properties e select the tab IP Address Very Important now make careful notes of the sett
58. other 11 Factor 12 Smoothing 12 Dimmer Name adding text to a dimmer channel 13 Example of a Dimmer Name the channel number 13 Example of a Dimmer Name the DMX address and the DMX universe 13 Example of a Dimmer Name its position or function 13 The Edit Patch Window for EURODIM Twin Tech 14 Chapter 5 Getting started the on line version 15 IP settings 15 Required IP settings for the PC 15 Changing the User Level when OnLine 16 Automatic discovery 16 Get FROM dimmers and Send TO dimmers 17 Local changes on the dimmers 17 Updating after you changed NETPORTs dimmers 17 Removing a NETPORT XT 17 Adding a NETPORT XT 18 Adding a dimmer unit 18 Deleting a dimmer unit automatically 19 Chapter 6 the Test and Flash functions 20 Getting to the Test and Flash functions 20 Dimmer Test 20 Test and automatic Test Chaser 21 Shortcut to Change Patch 21 Dimmer Flash 21 Flash and automatic Flash Chaser 21 Shortcut to Change Patch 21 Test a Channel use of Dimmer Name 22 Dimmers having similar names 22 Instruction Manual page 68 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Alternative automatic Test Chaser 23 Chapter 7 Learn Show Learn Scan View Loads 24 Learn Show 24 Learn Show manual mode 24 Learn show shortcuts for manual selection 24 Learn Show automatic mode using DMX grab 25 Adjusting the threshold level 26 Learn Loads 26 Scan Loads 27 Learn Loads or Scan Loads of one dimmer 28 View Loads 2
59. our screws of the back panel Step 2 set jumpers W1 label ModeO ON and W2 label Mode1 ON Step 3 connect the DB9 cable to PC COM x and NETPORT XT Step 4 connect the dc power connector Step 5 on the PC start the download programme RFU exe You ll find it in the folder Dimmer Manager or via the Start Menu WindowsStart gt Programs gt Dimmer Manager gt RFU exe Instruction Manual page 64 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Step 6 in the menu click on Setup Communication This opens a dialogue window Communications Options e tick Use Serial Communication e Baud Rate MUST be 57600 e Comm Port select the available COM port on the PC COM1 COM2 fe ea bet dd ibe Loan Merwe aiora ans x LPIFL durs O LPE nein LE Hie fide eead f fea O0ak x Pe Ue SD er el Ja dise EL Tmi Fa oH Step 7 this opens a dialogue window Choose Loaders e Cold Loader select coldload bin e Pilot BIOS select pilot bin heen nades x I ardea CICR CLS GU A L Fi a 0S Eje i ert pla hir ime Carr He pi ADB Instruction Manual page 65 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Step 8 in the menu click on File Load Flash Image a CI muse Feed Tage SCHICK LICE 10 bn This opens a dialogue window Choose Flash Image e find and select the new firmware file this exampl
60. ps preliminary data exchange with the one or several NETPORT XT small pop up window Waiting Waiting for NETPORT XT answers data exchange with the dimmer units large pop up window Synchronisation get data from dimmers Instruction Manual page 16 Issue 004 ADB Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Get FROM dimmers and Send TO dimmers With Dimmer Manager you actually have two data bases the data base in the Dimmer Manager PC and the data bases in the dimmer units During off line periods both data bases can evolve independently So when you go OnLine and re establish a connection between the Dimmer Manager PC and the dimmers you must decide which settings are correct ig Linge working mode Get FROM dimmers the Dimmer Manager PC will download the current settings from the dimmers and integrate the new data in the active dim file The PC will thus for example be updated about local changes performed on the dimmers while they were off line Send TO dimmers the Dimmer Manager PC will upload the current settings from the active dim file to the dimmers WARNING Once you have sent data to dimmers you can t Undo that But you can Upload an older back up dim file with the original dimmer settings WARNING Think back up Use the PC s ability to store many dim files Local changes on the dimmers When someone changes settings on the dimmer unit itself you ll see the following pop up wa
61. r viewing of the dim files such as the sample demo file WARNING Always consult your local IT staff Please give them the information Required IP settings for the PC Any changes to network settings in the PC are at your own risk The following procedure uses an IP address 2 1 1 1 which is suitable when one Dimmer Manager PC is networked with one or several NETPORT XT without any other Ethernet node A network with other lighting nodes such as lighting consoles Art Net devices requires planning of all the IP addresses Use of alternative configuration You may have a Dimmer Manager PC which is dedicated to that function Or the PC may also be used for other tasks such as office work or a connection with the internet This usually involves connection to a non lighting network with a DHCP server In that case you can set the PC to automatically works for both uses e when connected to the non lighting network the PC will automatically receive an IP address from the network DHCP e when connected to the Ethernet for lighting network the PC will automatically use its alternative connection You have to set that alternative connection to a fixed IP address 2 x x x as required to communicate with NEPTPORT XT and NETPORT Start menu Click on My Network Places Click on View Network Connections This opens the dialogue window Network connections In the category LAN or High speed connections double click on Lo
62. rap M CE PA CRETE CS ES ES NES Instruction Manual page 38 Issue 004 ADB Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Click New this opens a window NetPort XT HaFuil EE fies EE fete fete S L j mp esp EN E a enter the IP address see Preliminary notes enter a user defined name recommended not required click Exit to close the window NetPort XT click Exit to close the window NetPort XT Manager If your dimmer installation uses more than one NETPORT XT you ll have to repeat the steps All NETPORT XT will be listed in the window NetPort XT We now suggest to create a virtual group for every NETPORT XT The automatic discovery procedure does this too Creating a virtual group Dimmers are usually organised in groups A group can be a dimmer room a touring rack all portables the two CPU s of a EURODIM 3 all the dimmer units connected to a NETPORT XT It is good practice to first create those groups and then create the virtual dimmers in their group Creating a group requires User Level 3 or 4 e open the target window e place the cursor over the target window and single click e Menu bar gt Dimmers gt New group This creates a new group in the target window To rename the group e select the group e right click and select Rename e type the new name ADB Instruction Manual page 39 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Creat
63. red up e Menu Bar gt NetPorts gt NETPORT XT Manager e select the NETPORT XT to which the dimmer units were connected selected blue e click Edit This opens a new window Netport XT e tick Remove Absent Units e click Scan dimmers This starts an automatic scan of the ADN ports of that NETPORT XT Only units found will be listed See above When you Save the dim file will only store the Found and Used dimmer units ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 19 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Chapter 6 the Test and Flash functions This chapter will describe three Test functions which allow you to remotely test dimmers without DMX or access to the lighting console These functions require the OnLine mode For more details about these functions we refer to the dimmer manual Programming Digital Dimmers and NETBUS Getting to the Test and Flash functions e select the dimmer units or Groups you want to Test e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Command gt Test Dimmer or Flash Dimmer or Test Channel Dimmer Test Dimmer Test takes control of one dimmer in a unit and overrides other controls such as DMX analogue and local memories m Dimma Teit aod The Dimmer Test dialogue window shows e inthe tab the name of the dimmer unit example MemoPack 15 03 e the test level example 50 e the physical position in the selected dimmer unit example 3 e the Dimmer Name example Cyc2a e the curren
64. rning message Dimmer Local Change The message includes the name of the dimmer unit i bema dial range PC al os anii Plessis caked Fs osdela palin Cad To d re Lai You must decide which settings are correct See Get FROM dimmers and Send TO dimmers Updating after you changed added removed NETPORTs dimmers Any dimmer system is likely to evolve NETPORT XT s may be added or replaced Dimmers may be added or removed The following tools will allow you to update the information stored in the Dimmer Manager PC Removing a NETPORT XT Menu Bar gt NetPorts gt NetPort XT Manager click on the row number to select the NETPORT XT selected blue click Delete in the pop up window click Confirm click Exit You also have to delete it from the global list tree e delect the line or icon representing the NETPORT XT e delete and confirm ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 17 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Adding a NETPORT XT e Menu Bar gt NetPorts gt NETPORT XT Manager e click Scan This opens a new window Netport XT Scan On the right you see all the NETPORT XT found on the network This may include units belonging to other stages or studios in the same complex e onthe right select the NETPORT XT you want to add selected blue e click Use This will move the NETPORT XT to the left hand column e click Exit to close Replacing a NETPORT XT by a new NETP
65. roup Logistics Centre Zone industrielle Rouvroy F 02100 Saint Quentin Tel 33 3 23 06 35 70 Fax 33 3 23 67 66 56 E Mail adb fr adblighting com www adblighting com ADB Lighting Technologies M 3003 E 01r Subject to modifications
66. struction Manual page 50 ADB Iss ue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Appendix C Preparing and testing an ADN network This chapter will cover a few rules and tips for the lay out of the ADN network For detailed information please refer to the manuals for the NETPORT XT and for the dimmers Why does NETPORT XT also have XLR5 M connectors The classic set up of a DMX network has the DMX console at the start of the daisy chain However the electrical standard on which DMX and ADN are based EIA 485 does not assume it In most networks each device talks in turn and talking is not a prerogative of the device at the end of the line Conclusion You can position a NETPORT XT at the start of a DMX ADN daisy chain but you don t have to NETPORT XT can be inserted in a DMX ADN daisy chain at the most convenient place e g at a location close to an Ethernet connection As Ethernet cables are limited to an absolute max of 100 m cable length between nodes this extra flexibility provided by NETPORT XT is an important user benefit We all know from the DMX rules of good practice that with the transmitter console data booster at one end you must terminate the line at the other end If the transmitter is not at the end of the daisy chain then you have two ends which both must be terminated See Appendix B data line termination Setting the Network Address of the dimmer units Every dimmer unit and every NETB
67. t DMX address example 22 e the step delay time for the automatic Test Chaser example 10 s Note Test takes into account the Dimmer Law for each dimmer Note by selecting multiple dimmer units you can simultaneously Test one dimmer in each unit To Test a group of dimmers without a lighting control desk e g for focusing you can use the Edit Memory and Play Memory functions Instruction Manual page 20 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software Test and automatic Test Chaser e to start the Test click Test e to start a Test chaser in the dimmer unit click Automatic e to stop the Test or Chaser click Stop e to stop the Test or Chaser and close the window click Exit Shortcut to Change Patch In the event that the Test points out a DMX addressing error you have direct access to the DMX Patch via the Change Patch function Dimmer Flash Dimmer Flash takes control of one dimmer in a unit and overrides other controls such as DMX analogue and local memories It is very useful to identify a dimmer in a rig without fading out the whole rig i Die Flash The Dimmer Flash dialogue window shows e inthe tab the name of the dimmer unit example MemoPack 15 03 e the Flash test level example 50 e the physical position in the selected dimmer unit example 5 e the Dimmer Name example Cyc3a e the current DMX address example 23 e the step delay time for the automatic Flash test Chaser examp
68. to protect the load the Learn Loads process fades up the dimmer level and setting a local NonDim law implies that you don t want that load to be dimmed Scan Loads Scan Loads tests the dimmers measures the connected load and compares it with the Learned value e select the dimmer units e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Command gt Scan Loads This opens a dialogue window Scan Loads To perform a Scan Loads only on the dimmers which are used in the show e click Show Selection this will highlight the Used dimmers e click Scan To perform a Scan Loads for all the dimmers in the selected dimmer units e click Scan You can follow the progress of the process e click Exit to close the window ADB Lighting Technologies Instruction Manual page 27 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software If you close the window before the Scan Learn is finished Dimmer Manager will ask you whether you want to interrupt or continue in the background Note when you apply Scan Loads to several dimmer units the tests will run simultaneously in all the selected units Testing a complete system takes about as long as testing its largest dimmer unit Note Scan Loads affects the lights on stage When you apply Scan Loads to a dimmer unit this will set all its dimmers to Off and will fade up each dimmer in turn Partial testing of the system without affecting the other dimmers is easy because you can select the dimmer units to be Scanned Not
69. uction Manual page 23 Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Chapter 7 Learn Show Learn Scan View Loads This chapter describes the functions related to the Diagnostics of individual dimmers It is applicable to all EURODIM 3 cabinets and to MEMOPACK MEMORACK and EURORACK 60 which are fitted with the optional Extended Diagnostics current measurement Learn Show The role of Learn Show is to identify the dimmers that are used in a show so that the Loads tests and reporting can be limited to the dimmers that you actually use This avoids long lists of status messages about dimmers which are irrelevant for the show The information used not used is one of the many parameters stored in the dim file for the show Learn Show manual mode Learn Show is performed manually or automatically For the manual identification of Used dimmers e select the dimmer units required in the show E g by selecting some Groups or by selecting the NETPORT XT e Menu Bar gt Dimmers gt Command gt Test Channel This opens a dialogue window Learn Show ig Loam Show Mero ack 15 23 MewPack 04 Fu Thy Cine J 1 Oriy aa Zadal Lirah 4 Se echoed 1 rres Lrils set zdal Grab 3 c ee L l EA Used Wale 2 Pose 1 0 z Cul I Z Cycra 4 Cn2b Cya fe a RE 1 L L m my i Lu E ki Ig Zel Cone e select the tab of a dimmer unit e to select tick in the column Used to un
70. unction Instruction Manual page 10 ADB Issue 004 Lighting Technologies Dimmer Manager software House Patch A The House Patch A is a preferred patch stored in the dimmer unit The House Patch is edited in Edit Patch and can be recalled with the Chapter 3 the Edit Dimmer Parameters functions function Patch B and House Patch B Patch B and House Patch B are standard in EURODIM 3 and are optional in EURORACK 60 Dimmer Law Each dimmer unit stores nine standard dimmer laws and one custom law The Dimmer Law column shows selects the dimmer law which is applied to that dimmer E dit patch NE ARRETE Lue Co or E PrsHezt EE ARE O T i Fe GE M RE M The Custom Law can be different for each dimmer unit it is selected in Edit Dimmer Parameters You can copy settings from one dimmer unit to another Select a Group or select several dimmer units and then select Edit Patch Use the tabs in this example Bottom Mid Top to choose one of the selected units e select the tab of the original dimmer unit select the cells you wish to copy e right click Copy e select the tab of the target dimmer unit and select the target cells e right click Paste ADB Instruction Manual page 11 Lighting Technologies Issue 004 Dimmer Manager software Factor The reduction Factor of a dimmer is similar to the function in a lighting console s proportional patch FF indicates 100 no reduction Setting

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