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LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual

1. 4 LIGHTCONVERSE 4 User Manual O I E www lightconverse net LIGHTCONVERSE VIRTUAL 3D SHOW PLATFORM 4 FOR THEATRE 4 CONCERT a CLUB 4 CORPORATE EVENTS 4 ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Copyright LightConverse Ltd 2009 Dmitriy Giventar Alexandr Berenok All Rights Reserved Manual written by Gord McVicar Light Converse Ltd shall not be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions that may appear in this manual Information contained herein is subject to change without prior notice LIGHTCONVERSE software is released as per the LIGHTCONVERSE End User License Agreement EULA For further details please refer to the eula txt file located on the LIGHTCONVERSE installation CD This manual may be printed provided that its contents are not modified or changed Table of Contents Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction Configuration amp Initial Operation cooccoooo 1 Ms A 2 A A q e o UA 2 IZ SY SIEM Requirements qete qa ba e e Vo E E O E 3 1 3 Installation and Startup na aaua nana aa nana aaa nen aak ke ee kene e kete ere se tete se neesenee terre terre te neo tet ee terre tete eeseeeeterecesis 3 ins lal OI VAT eo e da 3 10 2 Startup OptONS eee uc din es ea vd 3 1 4 Upgrades and Technical Support cece ena ekan eee ene eren e e eee ner e e eee pene e eee eee ee eee eee peten 4 1 9 intal OperatiOn o 5 1 5 1 Setting Language and Dis
2. BROWSE Duplicate MMT A con deo Frost 7 PSE 0 DMX output Pan T11t pro ocu es out LASER FILTER OFF LIGHT Patch Macro UseriD croup Laven Figure 36e 8 To have fixtures move with the object without DMX control select the object Room Editor Pos1 3 adjust position and rotation values as needed then press the TO OBJECTS button see 9 In Figure 36c Remember to also assign the fixtures to the same layer as the object in the DMX Setup Screen 9 A layer has its own center 8 from which all transformations are performed Nine possible points are available for selection Bound Center Figure 36f 10 Press the Reset button to restore all layer properties to default see 10 in Figure 36c 11 Press Hide Layer to make layer transparent see 11 In Figure 36c 12 Keep in mind that layer transformation can be applied to any type of object For example stages sets video walls and even actors can be moved to different positions in different cues Page 19 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 2 3 3D Object Lighting Fundamentals 2 3 1 Light Calculation Options dace he Loos LIGHTCONVERSE calculates the lighting of each visible pixel of an object by using Phong ST Ei calculations The following options are available for selected objects see 1181 in Fig 70 Backside Light Normal Flip Backside 100 Press to draw backside of model For example the inside of a cube Hired Edge AAA
3. 1 In the DMX Setup Screen choose the 3D camera device fixture driver from the Fixture Drivers List located in the Hidden folder See Section 3 2 Choosing Fixture Drivers for more information 2 Patch the 3D camera device fixture driver as explained in Section 3 9 2 Patch DMX Output 3 In the 3D View of the DMX Setup Screen right click in the Compass area 4 Press the DMX out button see Figure 64 to patch the camera to the same DMX address and universe as you did in Step 2 above make sure to press Apply after selecting address and universe 5 Exit the DMX Setup Screen 6 In the 2D View of the Main Screen select the Camera icon 7 In the 3D View of the Main Screen right click in the Compass area 8 Press the DMX out button see Figure 65 to activate DMX control 9 The functions can now be controlled from the Fixture Functions window see Section 4 3 2 Note Please remember that DMX camera control will automatically be turned off whenever any of the functions are operated normally i e adjusting the smoke level via the Room Menu or moving the camera manually etc Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show 3 11 Import Export 3 11 1 Fixtures Project see 13 in Figure 44 Export Multiple fixtures may be exported and saved for later use in other projects To export the project select the required fixtures then press the Export button Next enter a project name Hot Key Ctrl S Import Use to imp
4. 4 9 Full Processing Mode Fold Out Diagram Page 4 7 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 4 1 Introduction e Full Processing Mode is comprised of the control software and 3D Visualizer thus allowing you to design program and execute your show from one complete platform The control software is very flexible allowing you to program and playback your show as you see fit 70 select Full Processing Mode see Section 7 5 3 Selecting Operating Modes e The memory elements of the Full Processing Mode include Scenes Tracks Groups and Shows all of which are explained further the following sections The main thing to keep in mind is that a Scene is a part of a Track Tracks are part of a Group and Groups are part of a Show All Shows are located in a Database folder see Section 7 5 4 e Scenes Tracks Groups and Shows can be saved and loaded in various ways depending on your needs While programming it is very important to save your Scene Track Group or Show It is highly recommended to use Hot Keys for programming and playback functions as they are a very quick and effective way to bring out the true power of Full Processing Mode see Section 4 8 e There is a logic diagram of Full Processing Mode included at the end of this chapter 4 2 Main Screen If this is the first time operating LIGHTCONVERSE the Main Screen from the default demo database will open as shown below in Figure 69 Otherwise the last opened database will loa
5. ETC Source Four 26Deg Eais l ETC Source Four 26beq Ernir Figure 57d Note For more information on patching see Section 3 9 below 3 8 2 Zoom and Frost For conventional zoom fixtures such as a zoom ellipsoidal you can adjust the Zoom degree It is also possible to adjust the Frost degree Note On moving light fixtures with zoom and frost parameters these parameters are already defined via the Fixture Constructor If you unmute O these parameters in the Misc section the moving light zoom and frost parameters will not properly respond to commands from a console Visualization Only mode or while in Full Processing mode 3 8 3 Pan Tilt Default Full Processing mode only The pan and tilt blackout default values for selected moving light fixtures may be set Making changes here will affect the fixtures pan and tilt default values in the Fixture Functions window see Section 4 3 2 The default state of the pan and tilt Invert buttons in the Fixture Functions window may also be set Note Pan and Tilt default values only apply when in Full Processing mode In Visualization Only mode the default DMX values are sent from the console 3 8 4 Adjusting Shutters To apply shutter cuts to a selected fixture drag shutter angles to desired position or click within shutter square Figure 57e Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show 3 8 5 Assigning Lasers Press the LASER button to assign selected laser fixtures to incoming
6. Robe Image Spot 250 KTCModel Robe MSZOOM 250 KTCMode 2 Robe Wash 575 XT Mode 2 The left right EE buttons can be used to sort rory PASTE fixtures by list or alphabetically respectively No Light Patend No 3D E i Figure 45 Page 28 Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show 3 3 Fixture Constructor Rename Destination FadeT ime 0 005 Channel DMX table P T Speed Effect speed 255 Wheel 243 Wheel 232 Wheel 231 Wheel 219 Wheel KY coord panel NACANACOAM LEEDI pa a 5 1 pu A L om si 0 56s ope Figure 46 With the Fixture Constructor it is possible to edit a current fixture driver or build a new fixture driver This could be necessary if your fixture has a new feature or mode that does not match the current fixture driver in the library or if the fixture driver is not included in the library Fixture drivers can also be built quickly by us If you need a new fixture driver please contact us see Section 1 4 3 3 1 Editing Fixture Drivers 1 Press Browse Driver see 2 in Figure 44 then select driver from the Fixture Driver List see Figure 45 2 Press Constructor see 2 in Figure 45 to open the Fixture Constructor 3 Edit the fixture driver see Fixture Constructor Fundamentals Section 3 3 3 4 Press the Save and Exit button see 2 in Figure 46 in the Fixture Constructor It is also possible to make a new version of a Fixture Driver while keeping
7. The Color Depth is automatically set to 32 bit Note that 16 bit is supported if the Color Depth is configured as16 bit in Windows This will give a small increase in performance when using slow video cards Note Display resolution changes are not available if LIGHTCONVERSE is run in windowed mode see Section 7 3 2 Figure 2 1 5 2 Adding a Second Display Monitor If you are using a second monitor you can display LIGATCONVERSE on either monitor by pressing one of the Display buttons 2 as shown in Figure 2 above Pressing the Scroll Lock key on your keyboard will also switch the displays does not apply when running in windowed mode Note You must configure Windows to extend the Windows Desktop for a second monitor before starting LIGHTCONVERSE Page 5 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 6 7 5 3 Selecting Operating Modes As mentioned in the Introduction section LIGHTCONVERSE can be operated in two modes Full Processing Chapter 4 or DMX Visualization Only Chapter 5 The mode is selected from the bottom right area of the Start up Screen Figure 3 Note Full Processing Mode is only available with Design Media and Unlimited versions of LIGHTCONVERSE If you are using Net In Full Processing Mode will not be available Note f have not purchased LIGHTCONVERSE yet and are evaluating our main FULL PROCESSING demo version without a USB license dongle you will not be able save any data However yo
8. 4 6 7 Group Speed Window Page 58 5 Figure 85 4 To open the Group Speed Window press Speed button 1 in the 2D or 3D Main Screen Each of Groups 1 12 has its own Speed fader 3 to adjust its speed A group is selected or unselected by clicking on its fader number 2 It is also selected by moving its fader 3 thus allowing each group s speed to be adjusted from a full stop x0 0 to 10 times x10 its original speed A Grand Speed fader 4 is used for overall speed control of all groups note that grand speed values from 0 to 1 0 will generate a fade effect This allows you to decrease the speed of movement even if fade is not used The Fade IN function 5 located at the bottom of the speed fader can be adjusted with the mouse scroll wheel to smooth out DMX data changes occurring within the group It can also be used to stop Hold all changes in the group The Out Fade section 6 controls the fade of DMX output without affecting what is taking place in the 3D Visualizer This can be useful to slow down or freeze the output while you make changes in the 3D Visualizer Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode 4 1 Shows A Show contains all memory elements Scenes Tracks and Groups Saved shows are called Show Files 4 7 1 Saving and Loading Show Files Show File memory functions are performed via the Load Save Window which is accessed by pressing the Load Save button in the 2D or 3D Main Screen see 1 in Figure 83 S
9. 6 Press the Duplicate button to create the third truss Next set the X position of the third truss to 5 0m as shown below seal 0 000 iii 7 000 Figure 29 Figure 30 TIP To position a duplicated object directly opposite the original object set the duplicated object s position value to the opposite of the original For example 5 00m and 5 00m 7 If you want to duplicate the complete 15m truss you just created select all three sections then press the Duplicate button The new 15m truss can then be moved to a new position of your choice To save the complete truss as a single object see Section 2 4 7 2 2 5 Add a Screen and apply an Image Page 16 In this example we will add a screen and apply a image material to it Note To apply your own image or video see Section 2 4 4 for more information 1 Click on empty object number 5 in the Room Object List see 3 in Figure 70 2 Press the Browse 3D Model button see 11 in Figure 70 to open the 3D Model Library as shown in Figure 37 Hot Key Ctrl B 3 From the root directory select Panel The panel will be inserted as shown below N Figure 32 Figure 31 3 Position the screen to an Altitude of 4 50m and set the Size to 6 0m X Om Y 4 0m Z as shown below Figure 34 Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue 4 Press the MATERIAL button see 9 in Figure 10 to open the Material Editor as shown in Figure 35 Hot Key Ctrl M
10. 2 4 4 Importing Materials and Video Files 2 4 5 Using Video in from Media Servers Cameras etc 2 4 5 1 Using Hippotizer Video 2 5 Paperwork 2 5 1 Paper and Plot Modes of View 2 5 2 Printing Options 2 5 2 1 Bitmap Output to Printer Screen 2 5 2 2 Vector Output to Printer Plot 2 5 2 3 Objects Specification Printing 2 6 Room Editor Hot Keys 2 6 1 Camera Operations e 2 6 2 Shortcuts 2 6 3 Using Room Editor Hot Keys in FullScreen Page 9 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 2 1 Getting Siarted Before starting create a new database folder that you will use to save your project in see Section 7 5 4 To begin designing your new venue select Room 1 from the Setup Menu in the Main Screen A default room in the Room Editor screen will open as shown in Figure 70 below Use this room as you follow the example tutorial in Section 2 2 Remember for quick help in any screen hover your mouse over the area that you would like help in and watch the top of the screen for a short scrolling message Many of the operations in the Room Editor can be quickly executed via Hot Keys This will be indicated in this chapter as for example Hot Key Delete See Section 2 6 for more information on Room Editor Hot Keys Use the Undo Redo buttons see 2 in Figure 10 below for any changes you may wish to make Figure 9 Hot Keys Ctrl Z or Ctrl X For using DMX controlled moving objects Dynamic Layers see Section 2 2 6 EM
11. The mouse wheel can be used for Tilt adjustments The mouse wheel can also adjust Pan if Tilt is locked Coarse adjustment Use the left mouse button to drag the selected fixtures beam Pointing and clicking with the left mouse button in the Pan Tilt coordinates are will set all selected fixtures to one point To set Pan and Tilt parameters to their default state press the Home button 6 Pan and Tilt parameters can be individually locked by pressing their respective buttons 7 Pan and Tilt parameters can inverted For example to invert Pan press the button 7 Pan Tilt Follow Mode 8 Left click in Follow Mode area then right click or right drag the fixture light beam in the 3D Window To turn off Follow Mode left click in Follow Mode area again Right clicking in the Follow Mode area will open the Pan Diapasone menu from which you can select the range of pan movement while in Follow Mode Page 49 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 4 3 3 1 Muting and UnMuting Parameters When a fixture parameter is muted it will have no effect on the scene Parameters are automatically unmuted when being edited Please note that muting unmuting a parameter will affect all scenes in the track e To mute or unmute an individual parameter click its mute O or unmute BB button e To unmute all fixture parameters press the Unmute buttons in the Fixture Menu see Section 4 3 4 7 4 3 3 2 Returning Parameters to their default mu
12. Backside 56 Press to draw backside of model with a transparency of 56 Figure 37 Backside Light Press to light backside of model with any light fixture and ambient Normal Flip There is one normal vector on each vertex point of a 3D object from which lighting direction reflections point from Pressing the Flip Normal button selects the opposite direction to allow lighting reflections from the corresponding vertex point on the surface backside Wired Edge Press to boost the object s contrast ratio DMX RGB Used for object DMX patching in 1 emissive or 3 RGB channel modes see Section 2 1 6 2 3 2 Material Editor Page 20 The Material Editor allows for each 3D object to have its own surface material or texture To open the Material Editor select the object then press the Material button see 9 in Figure 70 Hot Key Ctrl M Deselect the Model Default button 1 so that you can choose a material To select a material press the Browse 2 button to open the Material Library To remove a material press the Nil button 3 100 0 Select the object s Diffuse color 4 by using the Color Picker To adjust the object s general color intensity adjust the Level regulator Note that if you plan to superimpose texture on the 0 00 0 00 object then the Color Picker should be set to white and the Level regulator set to its maximum level Figure 38 To adjust the object s Diffuse transparenc
13. For more information on the Material Editor see Section 2 3 2 5 In the Material Editor deselect the Model Default button 1 then press the Browse button 2 to open the Material Library Next select an image from the Material Library Figure 36 Figure 35 Page 17 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 2 2 6 Dynamic Layers Tutorial Each layer provides three separate positioning rotation or sizing of objects functions within the layer Layer Transformation Pos1 Pos2 and Pos3 For example follow the steps below to raise using DMX control a truss from default point A DMX level 0 to point B DMX level 255 Note Moving objects and fixtures together without DMX control is also possible see Step 8 below 1 Insert truss as usual in the Room Editor 2 Select truss 1 and position x y altitude 2 as desired default position Next assign truss to a layer press Layer button 3 then select layer 1 _P4_M39010TL_3000 3d1 Face 2816 Vertex 2276 Material 1 EEE Position m i Fost Fos Foss os Rotationi _P4_M390NQTL_3000 3d1 0 000 0 000 Altitude I um esas amai Figure 36a Figure 36b 3 With truss still selected press the Pos1 button 4 Next position the Layer to a new altitude 5 1 P4_M390NOQTL_3000 3d1l Face 2816 Vertex 2276 Material 1 H 0 000 Hii 0 0 0 000 Hiii 0 0 Altitude 9 Figure 36c Figure 36d 4 With the Pos1 button still p
14. The GrandMA User Id can also be changed in the gma_ip txt file and is located directly below the IP address 2 In GrandMA select Tools MA Network configuration and confirm that your computer s IP address is shown to start a session 3 9 2 Patch DMX Output The DMX Output patch is normally used while in Full Processing mode However the output patch may also be used in Visualization Only mode for example when LIGHTCONVERSE is being used as a preview between a control console and the actual fixtures A t t jt dk dh th de AAA AAA E i ih af fi Nd ae li AAA A Ma p dl p dl le p dl ye p al e p sh jal sa g n o n DAA a g p n p n nd j Figure 60 1 To patch the DMX Output addresses of fixtures select the fixtures then press the DMX Output button see 10 in Figure 44 2 Select the desired port output number 1 Up to 32 output ports may be used for DMX ArtNet and Interactive Technologies CueServer protocols Note sACN Avolites High End Hog 3 and GrandMA protocols are not used for DMX output 3 To change a port s Universe type and number press the Universe button 2 A pop up window will appear as shown in Figure 67 4 Press Apply 4 if only changing port type or number for selected fixtures and not DMX addresses Figure 67 5 To automatically assign multiple addresses press Auto DMX 3 then press APPLY 4 6 To manually assign individual addresses select
15. To import custom material textures paste your image file into the Texture folder where LIGHTCONVERSE was initially installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Texture Possible texture formats include BMP DDS JPG PNG and TGA type files Note Textures with DDS PNG TGA formats can have alpha information alpha information defines the transparency of the image pixel by pixel LIGHTCONVERSE will show the surface if alpha is gt 50 only This make it possible to create a surface with holes in Photoshop and apply it in LIGHTCONVERSE as a texture Video Files To import custom video files paste your video file into the Texture folder where LIGHTCONVERSE was initially installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Texture Up to 32 video streams may be used Possible video formats include AVI MOV ASF MPG and MPEG type files For the file to be visible in the Material Library you must also add in the same folder an image file for example a JPG or PNG of the object with the same name as the AVI file for example mynewfile avi and mynewfile jpg Note You can also just make a shortcut to the Texture folder from where the video file is located For example if the video file is located in another folder on a separate drive or within a network Windows will automatically track your library changes and LIGHTCONVERSE will always have access to the video files even if they are moved to another location With this possibility you ca
16. l ae ee Note This can be used to calibrate a 3D fixture s pan and tilt with an actual physical fixture s pan and tilt For example when fixtures are placed upright on the stage floor and hanging down from a truss by inverting the floor fixture s pan all fixtures floor and truss will pan in the same direction 3 9 5 User Fixture List Information 1 Par 64 MsP gt Drmx 1 1 Par 64 NSP LA mi 1 Fixture User ID number 2 Fixture Port and Fixture Address patch information 3 Fixture name 4 Group number Fixture is assigned to 5 Layer number Fixture is assigned to 6 Fixture s assigned gel filter if applicable 3 10 Patch Camera to DMX i _ gt a Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show Patching the Camera to DMX allows you to control the following functions with a lighting console DMX in or with LIGHTCONVERSE in Full Processing mode DMX out Camera Channel number name and default 01 CAM_DMX_ROTATE_X 128 02 CAM_DMX_ROTATE_Y 128 03 CAM_DMX_SHIFT_X 128 04 CAM_DMX_SHIFT_Y 116 05 CAM_DMX_DISTANCE 66 06 CAM_DMX_AMBIENT 64 07 CAM_DMX_MACRO 0 0 15 ROTATE_POSITION 16 31 ROTATE_X CCW 32 47 ROTATE_X CW 48 63 ROTATE_POSITION 64 79 ROTATE_Y Down Up 80 95 ROTATE_XY CCW Down Up 96 111 ROTATE_XY CW Down Up 112 127 ROTATE_Y Down Up 128 143 ROTATE_Y Up Down 144 159 ROTATE_XY CCW Up Down 160 175 ROTATE_XY CW Up Down 176 191 ROTATE_Y Up Down 192 207 ROTATE_Y Up Down F
17. the mouse The mouse scroll wheel may be used also ctra E e Arotation value can be entered directly by pressing the Calculator Figure 54a button E For additional Calculator options see Section 3 4 1 e To return parameters to default values press the C button e Pressing the xtra button will export rotation parameters to a transformation parameters matrix located to the right of the Rotation section the Xtra matrix accumulates all 3D fixture transformations that can t be disassembled to Pos Rot values The is useful for angles calibration for instance Please contact us for further information and note that additional Xtra based transformations will be developed in the future 3 6 2D View To open the 2D View press the 2D button at the top of the DMX Setup Screen see 7 in Figure 44 The 2D view shows picture icons of the fixtures It may be used as a simple way to view the fixture layout All functions such as selecting duplicating deleting and patching fixtures etc may be performed here also 3 6 7 2D Icon Position There are various ways to position selected icons e Press the button see 5 in Figure 44 The icons can then be dragged while holding down the left mouse button e Set the icons s X and Y pixel position values via the 2D Position section as shown in Figure 55 For small decrements or increments click the left or right arrows For larger decrements or increments click and hold the left or right mo
18. when 8192 2100 resolution is used Dependent on monitor aspect ratio and video card e 32 DMX universes over ArtNet and sACN protocols e Connectivity with HES Hog3 bidirectional Hippotizer Pangolin Laser software Zero88 consoles bidirectional Avolites GrandMA ETC SACN and Interactive Technologies CueServer e Optional DMX In Out hardware interface for connection to any type of DMX lighting control console or fixture e User selectable resolution and video quality frame rates of 25 100 FPS on most PCs e Customizable 3D libraries include fixtures staging trussing speakers furniture people etc e Simulation of Digital Lighting fixtures such as High End DL Barco and others e Dynamic layers for DMX controlled moving objects truss sets staging video screens even performers can be moved to multiple positions rotated and scaled in any cue DMX controlled modulation of Diffuse Specular and Emissive RGB objects e Transparent objects lighting glass water water screens etc e 32 independent video streams can be applied to any object video screens walls etc and triggered by DMX e Accepts 32 live video inputs via USB or FireWire for use with Media Servers and other video devices e Animated objects lasers pyrotechnic video screens including HD e Animated smoke simulation Room and Open Air behavior e Manual and DMX control of the view camera moves ambient light level and smoke level e 3D Impor
19. 6 2 2D Icon Direction and SIZE oriris nana se sa ske sere ss se strese r n se ses eete rete te ses rosat eter enes rose m se 33 3 1 Assigning Fixtures to Groups and Layers nana aaa aaa aa an ann akne ankese eee epe ee pe sete see pene pese vese re seen 34 3 1 1 ASSIGNING Fixtures to Groups aaa aaa aaa anen ea ae kene e des e ke sere nike ea t ee pere nete e eee eee eee eee eee 34 9 4 ASSIGMING FIXTUFES to Layers enis d eee 34 3 0 Other Fixture OBIONS sia dor 35 3 01 Golor FINES and Scroller sacra E sdin ed ndot iii 35 So k AMS toc re 35 90 E 6 A re a a Sera eS ee ee ee 35 9 0 2 ZOOM ANG NOSE rane Pasi ad 36 3 8 3 Pan Tilt Default Full Processing mode only aa aaa aaa aaa aaa nenen anen nene ane eneve ne eee eni 36 SOA ACIUSUNG SMUG IS sta 36 32029 PS SIG MING Las ais 31 3 8 6 Setting Fixture User 1D Sauna nana aaa nanen enen ee sere sere naten a e pese k e terrene pese res 31 3 8 1 Using Digital Fixtures and Media Servers aaa aaa aaa aaa na nen ne ee ane eee eee eee eee eee eee eee ne eeni 37 359 Ratening RIMUTOS ers sind 38 3d Bailen DIA ODE condicio hades 38 3 9 2 Pate DIM GJU U vj de n e E 39 A a a aa 40 9 93 NGO Patel Macro varenr E a aiaseds 40 Sd 4Alnvet Pani Ut Directions 2 i 40 3 9 5 User Fixture List Information o ccocccconccocnoocnoconoconconononononanocannnnanonnnonanonannnnnnnns 41 Page ii Table of Contents 3 10 Patch Camera to DMX os en cence o oi 41 alll POR L EXPO UR Pe
20. GrandMA 38 High End Hog3 Avolites ACDI 38 SACN 38 Patching Objects 12 Print Screen 8 R Rendering 8 Room Editor 10 Room Menu 7 Room Size 13 Page 68 S SACN 38 Saving a Database Folder 6 Scene Operations 21 Setup Menu DMX Visualization Mode Only 64 Full Processing Mode 48 Shadow Quality 7 Shortcuts DMX Setup Screen 44 Room Editor 24 Smoke 7 Startup Options Maxpower Mode 3 Regular Mode 3 Windowed Mode 3 System Requirements 3 T Technical Support 4 Truss Add and Duplicate 15 Tutorials 13 U Undo Redo Buttons 10 Upgrades 4 V Video Capture 8 Video In 22 View Desktop 7 FullScreen 7 X X File 21 Z Zero 88 consoles 43
21. Screen Hot Keys in FullScreen All of the above Hot Key operations can be used in FullScreen To switch to FullScreen select FullScreen from the Room Menu Select Desktop to return to Desktop For information on the Room Menu see Section 1 5 5 2 You can also press Tab to switch to FullScreen Press again to return to Desktop Page 45 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 46 Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode This chapter covers the following topics e 4 1 Introduction 4 2 Main Screen 4 3 Programming Fixtures 4 3 1 Selecting Fixtures 4 3 2 Fixture Functions window 4 5 3 Parameter Types 4 3 3 1 Muting and UnMuting Parameters 4 3 3 2 Returning Parameters to their default muted state 4 3 4 Fixture Menu Window 4 3 4 1 Fixture Menu 4 5 4 2 Pan Tilt Shape Generator 4 3 4 3 Phase Shift 4 4 Scenes 4 4 1 Scene z 4 5 Tracks 4 5 1 DMX Input Track 4 5 2 Tracks 1 2 3 4 4 5 3 Flash Preset Track 4 6 Groups 4 6 1 Group 0 4 6 2 Groups 1 12 4 6 3 Group 14 4 6 4 Group Masters Window 4 6 4 1 Group Masters X Fader 4 6 5 Saving and Loading Group Files 4 6 6 Crosstading Group Files 4 6 7 Group Speed Window 4 7 Shows 4 7 1 Saving and Loading Show Files e 4 7 2 Crosstading Show Files 4 8 Using Full Processing Mode Hot Keys 4 8 1 Keyboard 4 8 2 Assigning Hot Keys 4 8 3 Keys Bank 4 8 4 Assign Fixtures selection to a Hot Key 4 8 5 Actions 4 8 6 Using Full Processing Mode Hot Keys in FullScreen
22. Section 2 7 70 Fi 1 ol e The object s size can be quickly scaled via the Scale button e To return to default values press the C button Page 11 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 2 1 5 Assigning Objects to a Layer To assign selected objects to a layer press the Layer button see 12 in Figure 70 then select the desired layer number Layers can be named via the Rename button in the Layer pop up window Note that layers can be useful when working with large groups of objects Note For using DMX controlled moving objects Dynamic Layers see Section 2 2 6 2 1 6 Patching Objects to DMX LED Surfaces Video Screens etc e 3D objects can have their individual color levels controlled by DMX 3 channel RGB each channel includes the object s diffuse specular and emissive components for example when using LED objects Note Diffuse specular and emissive components are set via the Material Editor see Section 2 3 2 for more Information Note There are two ways to simulate LED objects in LIGHTCONVERSE The first method is by controlling the RGB levels of a surface as described above the second method is by using an actual LED fixture selected via the DMX Setup screen see Chapter 3 e 3D objects can also have only their emissive level controlled by DMX 1 channel controls the object s emissive component for example when using video screens practical lamps pyro etc e To select 3 channel RGB or 1 channel emissive m
23. Set 3D Camera view from left back 8 Set 3D Camera view from back 9 Set 3D Camera view from right back 0 Set 3D Camera field of view FOV to zero 2D Set 3D Camera field of view FOV to normal 3D 2 6 2 Shortcuts F1 Open 3D screen F2 Open Paper screen F3 Open Plot screen PrintScreen Save screen rendering to file located in _Screenshots folder PauseBreak Quit Program PageUp Set ambient light brighter PageDn Set ambient light darker Insert Add object to scene Delete Delete selected objects Alt Change tool Alt Cursor Shift an object by its dimension value after duplicating Alt Numeric Used for Object Calculator m c p Previous object selection Next object selection Enter Invert one layer objects selection Ctrl C Cut Ctrl V Paste Ctrl Z Undo Ctrl X Redo Ctrl Q Exit Ctrl N Clear current venue project Ctrl S Export selected objects to project file Ctrl L Import selected objects from project file Ctrl G Assign selected objects to layer Ctrl D Duplicate selected objects Page 24 Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue Ctrl 1 Print visible objects specifications Ctrl P Print visible objects plot Ctrl B Open object s browser window Ctrl M Open object s material window Ctrl R Open objects rotation window Ctrl Numeric Used for Object Calculator M C P 2 6 3 Using Room Editor Hot Keys in FullScreen
24. Software 1 3 2 Startup Options 1 4 Upgrades and Technical Support e 7 5 Initial Operation 1 5 1 Setting Language and Display Resolution Color Depth e 1 5 2 Adding a Second Display Monitor e 7 5 3 Selecting Operating Modes e 1 5 4 Select or Create a Database Folder 1 5 4 1 Saving and Backing Up a Database Folder 1 5 4 2 Automatic Backups e 7 5 5 3D World Navigation e 7 5 5 7 Compass e 7 5 5 2 Room Menu 7 5 6 Print Screen and Video Capture e 7 5 6 7 Print Screen e 7 5 6 2 Video Capture e 7 5 7 Important Notes e 7 5 7 1 Applying Changes e 7 5 7 2 Menu and Pop Up Placement e 7 5 7 3 Button Text Page 1 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 7 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing LIGHTCONVERSE a powerful Virtual 3D Show Platform for integrating and visualizing multiple show disciplines including lighting video laser pyrotechnics and moving objects such as trussing video screens staging sets and performers In addition to a photo realistic real time 3D Visualizer LIGHTCONVERSE offers an optional on board control software Full Processing Mode for customizable programming and playback solutions of any size show including theatre concert corporate club and architectural applications The 3D Visualizer can be used in conjunction with the on board control software or independently DMX Visualization Only Mode with any DMX ArtNet or SACN capable lighting control console 1 1 1 Features e 17 MP renderings
25. TIP To position a duplicated fixture directly opposite the original fixture set the duplicated fixture s position value to the opposite of the original for example 5 00m and 5 00m Page 32 Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show 3 5 2 3D Fixture Direction There are various ways to adjust the direction of selected fixtures e Set the fixtures s Pan Tilt and Roll values via the 3D Direction section as shown in Figure 54 For small decrements or increments click the left or right arrows For larger decrements or increments click and hold the left or right mouse keys while dragging the mouse The mouse scroll wheel may be used also ait e A direction value can be entered directly by pressing the Calculator button El For Figure 54 additional Calculator options see Section 3 4 7 e Press the button see 6 in Figure 44 The Pan and Tilt direction angles can then be adjusted by clicking or dragging with the right mouse button This method can also be used to focus fixed fixtures such as ellipsoidals and par cans e To return parameters to default values press the C button 3 5 3 3D Fixture Rotation There are various ways to rotate selected fixtures e Set the fixtures s X Y and Altitude rotation values via the 3D Rotation section as shown in Figure 54a For small decrements or increments click the left or right arrows For larger decrements or increments click and hold the left or right mouse keys while dragging
26. from left 5 Set 3D Camera view from ceiling 6 Set 3D Camera view from right 7 Set 3D Camera view from left back 8 Set 3D Camera view from back 9 Set 3D Camera view from right back 0 Set 3D Camera field of view FOV to zero 2D Set 3D Camera field of view FOV to normal 3D 3 13 2 Shortcuts F1 Open 2D screen F2 Open 3D screen F3 Open Paper screen F4 Open Plot screen PrintScreen Save screen rendering to file located in _Screenshots folder PauseBreak Quit Program Page 44 Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show PageUp Set ambient light brighter PageDn Set ambient light darker Insert Add fixture to scene Delete Delete selected fixtures Alt Change tool Alt Numeric Used for Fixture Calculator m c p Previous fixture selection Next fixture selection Enter Invert one group fixtures selection Ctrl N Clear current fixtures project Ctrl S Export selected fixtures to project file Ctrl L Import selected fixtures from project file Ctrl G Assign selected fixtures to a group Ctrl D Duplicate selected fixtures Ctrl I Patch fixtures DMX input Ctrl O Patch fixtures DMX output Ctrl P Print visible fixtures plot Ctrl B Open fixture s browser window Ctrl M Open fixture s macro patch window Ctrl R Open fixture s rotation window Ctrl Numeric Used for Fixture Calculator M C P 3 13 3 Using DMX Setup
27. several groups at the same time Groups 0 and 14 automatically share all fixtures and therefore do not need to be created e Each Group has its own Group Master fader to adjust its overall intensity level see Section 4 6 4 Group Master Window The Group Masters intensity levels may be crossfaded via the Group Master X Fader see Section 4 6 4 7 e A Group can be saved to disk as a Group File It s possible to load saved Group Files from the disk either manually see Section 4 6 5 or automatically by pressing a Hot Key Saved Group Files can be crossfaded with each other see Section 4 6 6 e Groups 1 12 Speed and Fade In 1 Out functions can be adjusted via the Group Speed Window see Section 4 6 7 4 6 7 Group O Group 0 contains the DMX Input Track Because the DMX Input Track has no priority over other track types i e Tracks 1 2 3 4 and the Flash Preset Track Group 0 has no priority over Groups 1 12 Tracks 1 2 3 4 and Group 14 Flash Preset Track 4 6 2 Groups 1 12 Each of Groups 1 12 contains its own Tracks 1 2 3 4 Because Tracks 1 2 3 4 have priority over the DMX Input Track Groups 1 12 Tracks 1 2 3 4 have priority over Group 0 DMX Input Track The four tracks 1 2 3 4 in each of Groups 1 12 can be played at the same time thus making it possible to play up to 48 tracks simultaneously 4 tracks x 12 groups 48 tracks For example you could have MAC 500 s assigned to Group 1 and MAC 600 s assig
28. the old one 1 Press Browse Driver see 2 in Figure 44 then select driver from the Fixture Driver List see Figure 45 2 Press Copy see 3 in Figure 45 3 Select an empty line in the Fixture Driver List then press Paste see 3 in Figure 43 4 Press Constructor see 2 in Figure 45 to open the Fixture Constructor 5 Press the Rename button see 1 in Figure 46 in the Fixture Constructor to enter a new driver name 6 Edit the fixture driver see Fixture Constructor Fundamentals Section 3 3 3 7 Press the Save and Exit button see 2 in Figure 46 in the Fixture Constructor 3 3 2 Building new Fixture Drivers 1 Press Browse Driver see 2 in Fig 44 then select an empty line in the Fixture Driver List see Fig 45 2 Press Constructor see 2 in Figure 45 to open the Fixture Constructor 3 Press the Rename button see 1 in Figure 46 in the Fixture Constructor to enter a new driver name 4 Edit the fixture driver see Fixture Constructor Fundamentals Section 3 3 3 5 Press the Save and Exit button see 2 in Figure 46 in the Fixture Constructor Page 29 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 3 3 3 Fixture Constructor Fundamentals This section only explains some basic fundamentals and gives a few examples of using the Fixture Constructor Please contact us if you need further information 3 3 3 7 DMX Channel Destination Color 117 048 Magenta red Figure 48 A fixture driver is compo
29. video codecs work The special real time FRAPS video codec will need to be converted to a public codec format before sending to a client www virtualdub org provides a free conversion software Alternatively the client can install the FRAPS software on their PC in order to view the AVI If FRAPS is used the following FRAPS settings should be applied for best results FRAPS Movies menu Full Size 25 FPS No cursor No sync Note that if No sync is selected the resulting video will be 25 FPS even if your PC can t provide that frame rate due to a slow video card Note If you are using a slow low end video card the captured video may be faster than the actual show When in Full Processing mode Grand speed correction must be used in this case see Section 4 6 7 When in DMX Visualization Only mode the speed corrections can be made with the console Before recording the resolution should be changed to match the video size and standard NTSC PAL HD that the movie will be played back in If the movie will be played back on a PC all resolutions will work fine however the size should be selected to be as close as possible to the aspect ratio of the client s monitor to allow for a proper fit See Section 1 5 1 for information on changing screen resolution Note Using FSAA 4x is recommended when recording AVI at low screen resolution 1 5 7 Important Notes 7 5 7 1 Applying Changes Some pop up windows in LIGHTCONVERSE require confirmati
30. AA FIKUR Menu VVINOON ns tee teres eb eect eats 90 A341 Fixture MENU saa atin N den e a E nest eedohamsennteee 50 4 3 4 2 Pan 1 Tilt Shape Generator ana aaa aaa anen anen arena eres e tes eren eee eset sere eee pene aaia i 50 AS PHIS SNIN a A da 91 AA SCCNCS ad h i Ph 52 AA SA A AA 92 o A hd et tenant 93 AS LOMA IMPUI TRACK esta tit 93 AA A A A eu q n Sh 93 40 9 Fash Pesetas 94 Ab 1 6 0 D gt eee er o oe ee 55 A A est eat etaseneeae 55 40 2 OUDS TAI 2 dsd 55 AO SOOU 4 reana a nea eee a ee ee ere 55 4 0 4 Group Masters VV ING OW as Leta ninaa dd dh 56 4 6 4 1 Group Masters X Fader ccccccccceecceeeceeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeseeeseeeseeeeseeeseeeseeeseeeeaeees 56 4 6 5 Saving and Loading Group Files aaa na e nee ek ee ken ek ee eee e eee eee rene rene ren eke neve kete mati 51 4 6 6 Crossfading Group Files ici ha Le e et d ences 51 A 0 1 Group Speed WINCOW gg tanin se eds ttt dhu id 58 ET SDO NS e eet ce saan Ag a tas anise eeke anew 59 4 7 1 Saving and Loading Show Files aaa na aaa ann ene kene kene kene eee epe e eee nie pe nep eee eee ee eee 59 4 7 2 Crossfading Show Files isa 59 4 8 Full Processing Mode HOtCKGYS 000 dre de nc oh 60 AS 1 INGYDOAR nanes e ttc eae eee 60 46 2 ASSIGNING NO KOVS ua r dhe 60 A ee 61 4 8 4 Assign Fixtures selection to a HOt Key ocoocccoccccccccccncncncoonononononononononnnonnnoncnnnnnnnos 61 ra FACTION Sh pa panda e 62 4 8 6 Using Full Processing Mode Hot Keys in Full
31. AST 208 223 ROTATE_XY CCW Up Down FAST 224 239 ROTATE_XY CW Up Down FAST 240 255 ROTATE_Y Up Down FAST Page 41 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 42 08 CAM_DMX_SMOKE 192 09 CAM_DMX_FOV 160 10 CAM_DMX_FREE 0 11 CAM_DMX_ROTLO_X 0 12 CAM_DMX_ROTLO_Y 0 13 CAM_DMX_SHIFLO_X 0 14 CAM_DMX_SHIFLO_Y 0 15 CAM_DMX_DISTLO 0 16 CAM_DMX_FREE 0 Tip If you want to record any the above functions camera moves fly ins etc as part of your programming patch the camera to a separate DMX address than what you have your fixtures on Note DMX camera control will automatically be turned off whenever any of the functions are operated normally i e by adjusting smoke level via the Room Menu or moving camera manually etc To patch and control the Camera for use with a lighting console DMX in 1 In the 3D View of the DMX Setup Screen right click in the Compass area 2 Press the DMX in button to patch the camera to a DMX universe make sure to press Apply after selecting address and universe Figure 64 3 Exit the DMX Setup Screen 4 In the 3D View of the Main Screen right click in the Compass area 5 Press the DMX in button to activate DMX control from the lighting console Figure 65 6 The functions can now be controlled from the lighting console To patch and control the Camera for use when in Full Processing mode DMX out Note Patching a camera to DMX out requires a few extra steps than when patching to DMX in
32. All of the above Hot Key operations can be used in FullScreen To switch to FullScreen select FullScreen from the Room Menu Select Desktop to return to Desktop For information on the Room Menu see Section 1 5 5 2 You can also press Tab to switch to FullScreen Press again to return to Desktop Page 25 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 26 Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show This chapter covers the following topics 3 1 Getting Started e 3 2 Choosing Fixtures Drivers 3 3 Fixture Constructor 3 3 1 Editing Fixture Drivers 3 3 2 Building new Fixture Drivers 3 3 3 Fixture Constructor Fundamentals e 3 3 3 1 DMX Channel Destination e 3 3 3 2 Editing DMX Channel Tables e 3 3 3 3 Editing DMX Channel Faders e 3 3 3 4 Other Fixture Properties e 3 3 3 5 Icon Coordinates and 3D Preview e 3 4 Selecting Duplicating and Deleting Fixtures e 3 4 7 Fixture Calculator Options 3 5 3D View 3 5 1 3D Fixture Position e 3 5 2 3D Fixture Direction 3 5 3 3D Fixture Rotation 3 6 2D View 3 6 1 2D Icon Position 3 6 2 2D Icon Direction and Size 3 7 Assigning Fixtures to Groups and Layers 3 7 1 Assigning to Groups 3 7 2 Assigning to Layers 3 8 Other Fixture Options 3 8 1 Color Filters and Scrollers 3 8 2 Zoom and Frost 3 8 3 Pan Tilt Default 3 8 4 Adjusting Shutters e 3 8 5 Assigning Lasers 3 8 6 Setting Fixture User ID s 3 8 7 Using Digital Fixtures and Media Servers 3 9 Patching Fi
33. DXF or X file for example mynewfile dxf and mynevvfile jpg If you do not have a picture file you can copy and rename another JPG or PNG file from the Furniture folder that is similar Or you can just copy and rename the DXF or X file with a JPG or PNG extension this way only the name will show up in the 3D Model Library not the picture You will still be able to use the object however Once you select your new object from 3D Model Library and add it to your design you may have to adjust its size via the Scale function see Section 2 1 4 Setting Object Size TIP For your DXF and X files you may want to create a new folder within the Furniture folder for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Furniture _MyDXFfiles the name of the new folder must begin with an _ underscore As noted above imported 3D objects must be in solid form Because LIGHTCONVERSE is a library based software it is best to import smaller individual objects instead of one large object For example if the DXF is a building import it in sections i e roof walls windows etc Once the individual objects are in the library you can manipulate them as needed resize apply textures etc Note that your imported DXF may not always appear as desired In this case please contact us or visit our online user forum at http lightconverse net lc Ic forum htm Page 21 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 2 4 4 Importing Materials and Video Files Material Files
34. Duplicating e To duplicate a fixture select it then press the Duplicate button see 3 in Figure 44 The new fixture will appear in the same position as the original ready to be repositioned Hot Keys Ctrl D Note Don t forget to reposition the duplicated fixture See Sections 3 5 1 And 3 6 7 Deleting e To delete a fixture select it then press the Clear button see 4 in Figure 44 Hot Key Delete Note The Left Mouse button tool functions see 5 in Figure 44 include fixture selection RI and fixture positioning el Hot Key Alt For more information on positioning a fixture Sections 3 5 1 And 3 6 1 Note The Right Mouse button tool functions see 6 in Figure 44 include fixture selection Ly and fixture rotation V R For more information on rotating a fixture see Section 3 5 2 3 4 1 Fixture Calculator Options Located next to the Position Direction Rotation and Size parameters is a calculator button Es in which the following options can be entered Use to shift the fixtures array or change distance between objects for example 1 5 or 1 5 To shift an object by its dimension value after duplicating use Alt Cursor lt gt Selected fixtures will be distributed proportionally as per the entered distance with a positive negative relation to the main selected fixture for example gt 10 If a distance is not entered the main selected fixture bound size will be used as a distribu
35. Ethernet data from Pangolin laser software A generic laser fixture is located in the Fixed folder of the Fixtures Drivers List see Figure 45 lf Pangolin and LIGHTCONVERSE are running on different computers an Ethernet cable will be required If Pangolin and LIGHTCONVERSE are running on the same computer you will have to install a Microsoft Loopback Adapter unless you are connected to an active network For an example of using Pangolin and LIGHTCONVERSE together a Pangolin player is provided with the LIGHTCONVERSE installation To start the player select Pangolin LC Player from Windows Start Menu Programs 1 LightConverse or run LCPlay exe in the folder in which LIGHTCONVERSE was installed default is C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 LCPlay exe Next press Open in the LC Player and select the Eternity_30FPS Ids sample file located in LIGHTCONVERSE_ 41 folder Remember to first assign selected laser fixtures and install a Microsoft Loopback Adapter if not connected to a network Note Laser functionality is only available with the Media and Unlimited versions 3 8 6 Setting Fixture User ID s Press the User ID button to user numbers to selected fixtures see Figure 57 User ID s will be automatically distributed for multiple selected fixtures 3 6 7 Using Digital Fixtures and Media Servers Digital fixtures such as HES DL3 Barco and other digital units can project pre recorded video files avi in addition to live video from media se
36. HOH 0 My first show 2 Load 1 Save Figure 86 To save a Show File press the Save 1 button then enter a Show file name maximum of 24 characters To instantly load a Show File press the Load button 2 and select the file Note that Show Files may be crossfaded also see Section 4 7 2 To clear all Group Files in the show press the Reset button 3 4 7 2 Crossfading Show Files Show Files may be crossfaded via the X Fade Window which is accessed by pressing the X Fade button in the 2D or 3D Main Screen see 1 in Figure 84 Press the SHOW button 1 then select the show that you would like to fade in To set the crossfade time select one of the four Time buttons 2 and adjust the fade in time 0 120 sec with the mouse scroll wheel Figure 87 Page 59 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 4 8 Full Processing Mode Hot Keys 4 8 1 Keyboard Many functions of the Full Processing Mode can be assigned to individual keys of your keyboard Hot Keys To assign a function to a key press the Keys button 1 in the Main Screen to open the Keys Window as shown in Figure 88 Note Full Processing Mode Hot Keys are User Assigned x Fade Load Save 1 Bank 1 F9 FiO Fii Fi2 PSc Sto Pits BS Ins Hom PUp Del End PDn Figure 88 4 8 2 Assigning Hot Keys To assign a function to a key follow the example procedure below Note This example shows how to assign a saved Preset Scene file to a Hot Key Loa
37. Low Using Low allows you to operate more fixtures in the visualizer because it takes a CHEE ws CR smaller size of video memory Supersampling allows for more accurate shadows Supersamplino generates 1 gray pixel between black and white pixels Normal or High ISO quality 10 can be selected Selecting High allows for greater light sensitivity in the camera view Norna l Smoke Animation Pressing Smoke Animation 11 will show simulated smoke movement in the light A beams F S A A 4X 12 is a screen anti aliasing mode used for highest quality operation especially with video cards capable of 20 FPS or higher also recommended when low screen resolution is used for AVI recording see Section 1 5 6 2 Press 3D Stereo glasses 13 when using 3D glasses for added realism When using 3D glasses make sure your left eye is lined up with the red lens 3D Stereo glasses High Normal Low Video Priority 14 can be set to three different levels High Normal and Low Selecting Low allows for smooth video playback even if your CPU is overloaded Figure 8 The 3D window aspect can be set to Normal or Wide angle views 15 Wide angle is used for horizontal compensation of wide monitor distortion when using a 4 3 format Press APPLY 16 after making any changes Page LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 8 7 5 6 Print Screen and Video Capture 1 5 6 1 Print Screen Screenshots of your design can be captured instantly t
38. PTY OBJECT E c Rotation CHA tra a A ion xX axis 0 000 pe 0 0 0 000 a 0 0 0 000 DMX input f DMX output a LAVER am Figure 10 2 1 1 Selecting Duplicating and Deleting Objects Objects are chosen from the 3D Model Library which is opened by pressing Browse 3D Model 11 See Sections 2 2 3 2 2 5for examples Selecting e To select an object for example a room wall truss or furniture piece just click on it You can also select an object by left clicking on its name in the Room Object List 3 Hot Keys previous and next e Multiple objects can be selected by holding down the Ctrl key while making selections e Double clicking on an object will select all same type objects if the object is not assigned to a layer If the object is assigned to a layer all layer objects will be selected See Section 2 7 5 Assigning Objects to a Layer e Left clicking an object while holding down the Shift key will select all objects from the selected object to the last object in the Room Object List To select a transparent object switch to either Paper or Plot views See Section 2 5 7 for information on Paper and Plot views Page 10 Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue Duplicating e To duplicate an object select it then press the Duplicate button see 4 in Figure 70 The new object will appear in the same position as the original ready to be repositioned see Section 2 12 below Positioning an Obje
39. Screen oocccoccocccoccccncocicociccnnnnos 62 Page iii LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Chapter 5 DMX Visualization Only Mode ccccsseccsseeceeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeees 63 5 1 DMX Visualization Mode Only Fundamentals ccooccnccccccncocncconcncncnncnnnnnnnnnnonnnnnnnnnnnnos 64 5 2 DMX Visualization Only Mode Hot Keys 65 3 2 Camera Operation Souc eects i a i A 65 AS A ao 65 5 2 3 Using DMX Visualizer Only Mode Hot Keys in FullScreen oocoocccoccocccociconco 65 E 67 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Copyright LightConverse Ltd 2009 Dmitriy Giventar Alexandr Berenok All Rights Reserved Manual written by Gord McVicar Light Converse Ltd shall not be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions that may appear in this manual Information contained herein is subject to change without prior notice LIGHTCONVERSE software is released as per the LIGHTCONVERSE End User License Agreement EULA For further details please refer to the eula txt file located on the LIGHTCONVERSE installation CD This manual may be printed provided that its contents are not modified or changed Page iv Chapter 1 Introduction Configuration amp Initial Operation Chapter 1 Introduction Configuration amp Initial Operation This chapter covers the following topics e 7 7 Introduction 1 1 1 Features 1 2 Hardware and Software Requirements 7 3 Installation and Startup 1 3 1 Install
40. TIP To quickly copy a material from one object to another object or multiple objects first select the object with the desired material then select the remaining object s Next press the SYNCHRONIZE button see 9 in Figure 70 Page 13 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 2 2 3 Add Resize and Position a Stage In the following example we will show how to add a stage using a primitive 3D cube from the 3D Model Library The cube will be resized and positioned to resemble a stage Other methods for adding a stage include using stage deck from the 3D Model Library or importing a pre designed scene that includes a stage via the Scene Import function see Section 2 4 for more information on Import Export functions Note The following methods can be applied when adding resizing and positioning other objects also 1 Click on empty object number 1 in the Room Object List see 3 in Figure 70 2 Press the Browse 3D Model button see 11 in Figure 70 to open the 3D Model Library as shown in Figure 77 Hot Key Ctrl B 3 From the root directory select Cube The cube will be inserted in the center of the room as shown in Figure 78 Figure 18 4 Resize the cube as shown below 20 0m X 10 0m Y 1 0m Z For more information on setting object size see Section 2 1 4 a r A Figure 1 Figure 20 5 Position the stage by setting the coordinate values as shown below 0 0m X 5 0m Y 0 5m Altitude F
41. To add a fixture to your show click on an empty fixture a ca number in the User Fixture List see 1 in Figure 44 See Scanner O Futurelight PHS 250 Uer i p Fixed Futurelight PHS 250 Ver 2 also Section 3 9 5 for detailed User Fixture List graphic Futurelight MH 640 Future light 1 240 Next choose a fixture profile or Fixture Driver by pressing nee ee e the Browse Driver button see 2 in Figure 44 Hot Key See eee ee Insert This will open up the Fixture Drivers List as shown in Vari Lite VULSOO 16b 700W gt Martin MAC 550 Extended Figure 45 The list is divided by type MovingHead Robe ColorHash 1200E AT CModel gt Robe ColorHash 1200E AT Mode2 gt Scamner etc In this example a Martin MAC Robe Colorspot 1200 AT Model gt Robe Colorspot 1200 ATCMode2 1 Roba Colorspot 1200 ATE Hodaa 500 DMXmode 4 has been chosen from the MovingHead Robe Colorspot 575 ATCGMode3 Robe Colorspot 250 AT Mode2 gt i category Robe Colorspot 250 ATCMode3 Robe Colorspot 170 AT CMode2 gt Robe ColorWash 250 AT lt Mode2 gt Press the APPLY button 1 once you have made your Robe ColorHash 250 AT Mode3 gt Robe ColorWash 575AT ZOOM Mode3 gt choice The fixture will be inserted in the center of the room Robe ColorHash 575 AT CMode2 gt Robe Colortiash 375 At Modes in the 3D View and in the top left of screen in the 2D View Robe Spot 160 XT Mode2 gt in To position the fixture see Sections 3 5 1 and 3 6 1
42. To map cube UV texture coordinates press the Map UV button 13 Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue 2 4 Import Export 2 4 1 Export Multiple 3D Objects as a New Object see 14 in Figure 10 Multiple objects in the venue may be exported as a new object that can be used in a Eso Teod future design Figure 39 There are three types of objects that may be exported sport 3D MHMode ls 3DL Proprietary Light Converse file A 3DL file can only be exported as a 3DL type file X DirectX type file May be exported as a X 3DL or DXF file DXF Drawing Interchange Format file May be exported as a DXF 3DL or X file To export objects as a new object select them then press the appropriate Export button 3DL X DXF as shown in Figure 39 above Next name the new object then press OK The new object will be exported the root directory of the 3D Model Library TIP As you enter the new object file name you can specify a path to an existing folder inside the root for example _bar mynewfile A new folder may also be created for example mynevvfolderimynevvfile the new folder name must begin with an _ underscore Note Before exporting a single object set it as the World Center OX OY OAltitude Before exporting multiple objects set the World Center on the object that you would like to have as the geometrical center See Section 2 1 8 for more information on the World Center 2 4 2 Scene Operations see 15 in Fig
43. Track contains a scene the Input button will turn red see Figure 76 4 5 2 Tracks 1 2 3 4 Tracks 1 2 3 4 are where consecutive scenes are played back Each of tracks 1 2 3 4 holds up to 32 scenes Tracks 1 2 3 4 have priority over the DMX Input track To edit scenes on Tracks 1 2 3 4 select desired fixtures in the 2D or 3D Main Screen Figure 69 then select one of the tracks Any of Tracks 1 2 3 4 can be saved to disk as a Track File see 14 in Figure 79 It s possible to load saved Track Files from the disk either manually or automatically by pressing a Hot Key see Section 4 8 for more information on Hot Keys Tracks 1 2 3 4 follow an individual priority condition from left to right track 1 being the lowest track 4 being the highest For example if the same parameter from the same fixture is on tracks 1 and 2 the parameter on track 2 will have priority unless track 1 was muted as explained in the next paragraph Each of Tracks 1 2 3 4 can be switched off via its Mute 1 button The track will continue playing but will not have any effect on the output A global Trig time 2 governs the interval between all scenes in the track The trig time is set by clicking on the left right arrows for small decrements increments and by clicking and holding the left right mouse keys while dragging the mouse for larger decrements increments The mouse scroll wheel can also be used for larger decrements increments Pressing Play 3
44. ad button 1 as shown in F gure 62 above 4 In the Patch from fixture section 2 select the fixture to be read from In this case Fixture 1 5 In the from channel section 3 select the channel to be read from In this case 1 RGB 6 Make sure 3 4 is selected then press the Clone to Slave Fixtures button 4 This will copy all channel values to slave fixtures blue 7 Press the Macro Patch button in the pop up window that appears Note As an alternative to the above example the channels of fixtures 1 6 could all be assigned to a single dimmer fader fixtures 1 6 would read channel data from the dimmer fader In this case a hidden dimmer fader would be used the fader s 3D representation is not visible in 3D view thus it is hidden As with other Fixture Drivers hidden faders are chosen from the Fixture Drivers List see Section 3 2 For an example of using the Patch Macro with hidden faders please observe how par fixtures are assigned in the default demo database folder in Database Folders List see Section 7 5 4 3 9 3 1 Undo Patch Macro To undo a Patch Macro select fixture s then un select the Read or Master button 1 Make sure to press the Clone to Slave Fixtures button 4 if multiple fixtures are selected 3 9 4 Invert Pan Tilt Directions Pressing the Pan Tilt inversion buttons see 12 in Figure 44 will invert the Pan Tilt DMX input and output signal of selected fixtures Figure 63
45. all fixtures in a standby state 4 6 4 1 Group Masters X Fader Two banks or desks Desk A and Desk B of identical Group Masters allow you to set group master intensity levels on each desk then crossfade between the desks 1 2 Figure 82 1 3 4 3 Desk A and Desk B are selected by clicking on their respective buttons 1 The crossfade can be executed manually by dragging the X Fader 2 or automatically by pressing one of the directional arrow keys 3 The automatic X Fade time 0 120 seconds is set by clicking on the left right arrows 4 for small decrements increments or by using the mouse scroll wheel for larger decrements increments Note The above crossfade function applies only to Group Master intensity levels and operates similar to a conventional two scene preset desk To crossfade all parameters between groups you must save different group looks as Group Files then crossfade the saved Group Files via the X Fade window see Sections 4 6 5 and 4 6 6 for more information Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode 4 6 5 Saving and Loading Group Files Once you have edited the contents of a group you can save it as a Group File via the Load Save Window which is accessed by pressing the Load Save button 1 in the 2D or 3D Main Screen Show Files are also saved and loaded in this window see Section 4 7 To save a Group File press the Save 2 button then enter a Group File name maximum of 24 characters To load a new Group Fil
46. along the X Y and Z axes via the Rotation section as shown in Figure 72 For small decrements or increments click the left or right arrows For larger decrements or increments click and hold the left or right mouse keys while dragging the mouse The mouse scroll wheel may be used also e A rotation value can be entered directly by pressing the Calculator Figure 12 button EH For additional Calculator options see Section 2 1 10 e To return parameters to default values press the C button e Pressing the xtra button will export rotation parameters to a transformation parameters matrix located to the right of the Rotation section the Xtra matrix accumulates all 3D object transformations that can t be disassembled to Pos Rot Scale values The is useful for angles calibration for instance Please contact us for further information and note that additional Xtra based transformations will be developed in the future 2 1 4 Setting Object Size There are various ways to set a selected object s dimensions e Set the object s size along the X Y and Z axes via the Size section as shown in Figure 13 For small decrements or increments click the left or right arrows For larger decrements or increments click and hold the left or right mouse keys while dragging the mouse The mouse scroll wheel may be used also i e A size value can be entered directly by pressing the Calculator button El For Scale additional Calculator options see
47. butes such as Speed Size X Y Rotation and Modulation Note The Pan Tilt Shape Generator is only available when editing fixtures in Tracks 1 2 3 4 and the Flash Preset Track See Section 4 5 Tracks dl a E ti i T k Figure 72 Page 50 Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode 4 3 4 3 Phase Shift The Phase Shift wave of selected fixtures can be adjusted by dragging the percentage bar 1 to the desired value E The Phase Shift is based on a percent of a track s cycle time the tracks scenes quantity The Phase Shift also has an effect on the Pan Tilt Shape Generator The effect is based on a percent of a shape s cycle time Please note that when using a Phase Figure 3 Shift with the Pan Tilt Shape Generator it is advisable to use same shapes in all scenes in a track otherwise the fixtures will run different shapes and the wave will be broken The wave can be reset to zero or have a random number applied by pressing the Reset and Random buttons respectively The wave of selected fixtures can be set three ways Number 2D or 3D Number Each selected fixture s phase shift is based on the master fixture s phase divided by its distance from the master fixture s number 2D Each selected fixture s phase shift is based on the master fixture s phase divided by its distance from the master fixture s 2D position 3D Each selected fixture s phase shift is based on the mas
48. cene into all scenes in the track The Mix Preset gt Scene and UnMix Preset gt Scene buttons 11 are used for merging and unmerging preset data in all scenes in the track The New Track button 12 is used to delete all scenes in the track and start with a fresh track The Leave One Scene button 13 will delete all of the scenes in the track except for the selected one Use the Load Preset gt Scene button 11 to load a previously saved Preset Tracks can be saved as Track Files so that they can be used for future programming by using the Save Track and Load Track buttons 14 Figure 79 Enable X fade in Load 15 is used to enable or disable the FadelN time when the track is crossfaded in a Group File see Sections 4 6 5 4 6 6 for more information on Group Files Playback 16 is used to set track playback options Normally the track will loop back to the first scene once the last scene has completed The track can also be set to playback the scenes only once Single mode or reverse direction Rebound mode Note It any of Tracks 1 2 3 4 contain a scene the 1 2 3 4 button will turn red see Figure 76 Note Many of the above operations can be performed quickly by using Hot Keys see Section 4 8 4 5 3 Flash Preset Track 1 This Flash Preset Track consists of one scene It has the highest priority over the other track types i e the DMX Input Track and Tracks 1 2 3 4 To edit a Flash Preset Track scene select
49. cocccccccccnccncccococncncncnconnnnnnonnnnnos 25 Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your SNOW aa uauuaaana aaa nana ane aak ee ne eee eee rene rrene e eee eee eesi 21 31 CASING Stared q n ne ate dh dd hh h 28 3 2 Choosing Fixture Drivers nana aanaa nanes asesi eros ese se res eres eee se sesa res see sere ser sereseseses enes rene se siseseseoee sesi 28 SEIS CONS UCO an eh nee Se ad eee tet 29 3 3 Editing FIXtUre DIOS coi A is 29 3 5 2 BUllding NEW ENS Drivers ii dada 29 3 3 3 Fixture Constructor Fundamentals o oocccccconccncocncocnccononocncoconnnncnnnonnncnnnonononononos 30 3 3391 DMX Channel Destination is sosh aia 30 3 3 3 2 Editing Channel DMX Tables occcocccoccccccncocococnoconococonoconncnonnnnnnnnnnononnnos 30 3 3 3 3 Editing DMX Channel Faders ccccccccceccceeeceeeseneceeeeceneceseceeeeeeeceeeses 31 3 3 3 4 Other Fixture Properties cccccccccecccseeceeecceeeceeeceecueceueecueesaeessueseueseeeenes 31 3 3 3 5 Icon XY Coordinates and 3D Preview ooccoccccccccoccccnocccncnconnnonnncnnnnnnnnnnnnnononos 31 3 4 Selecting Duplicating and Deleting Fixtures aaa aaa nana aaa ane aa eee eee e eee ee ee ke eee eee eee eee eee 32 34 12 Fixture Calculator OPUONS dat zagar vet t n r test a Sei ede n sh 32 E E 32 JD SD FUE POSON ca aida 32 3209 2 PX DIRECTION sjemi tush e e h 33 299 OD FIXE OLAUOM r dj hi e an dd ht ede d hh tt 33 A ego O O 33 3 021 ZDUICON POSO a A rad 33 3
50. ct Hot Keys Ctrl D Note Don t forget to reposition the duplicated object Two equal objects in the same position will not be lit correctly and will flash red to indicate this situation Deleting e To delete an object select it then press the Clear button see 5 in Figure 70 Hot Key Delete Note The Mouse tool functions see 6 in Figure 10 include object selection w and object positioning Hot Key Alt For more information on positioning an object see Section 2 1 2 below 2 1 2 Positioning Objects There are various ways to position selected objects e Press the button see 6 in Figure 10 The objects can then be dragged with the mouse in a secant plane e Set the object s X Y and Altitude coordinate values via the Position section as shown in Figure 11 For small decrements or increments click the left or right arrovvs For larger decrements or increments click and hold the left or right mouse keys while dragging the mouse The mouse scroll wheel may be used also e A coordinate value can be entered directly by pressing the Calculator button El For additional Calculator options see Section 2 1 70 Figure 11 e To return parameters to default values press the C button 2 1 3 Rotating Objects There are various ways to rotate selected objects e Press the button see 6 in Figure 10 The objects can then be rotated in a secant plane with the mouse wheel e Rotate the object s angle
51. ction 3 7 e If same type fixtures have been assigned to different groups only the fixtures assigned to one group can be selected at one time For example if you have four Mac 500 s in Group 1 and four Mac 500 s in Group 2 double clicking on a Mac 500 in Group 1 will select all Mac 500 s in that group only 4 3 2 Fixture Functions Window 9 Martin MAC7OO Profile Basic io than 1 2 3 4 Flash 4 bal EJ TEST A E PEN PAN Home Ge 2 6 ey 2 128 138 OPEN ON ES Figure 70 The Fixture Functions Window automatically opens whenever a fixture or group of fixtures is selected for editing To close this window press the X button 1 4 3 3 Parameter Types Note Once you have selected your fixtures choose the track that you would like to program scenes on before editing fixture parameters See Sections 4 4 and 4 5 for more information on scenes and tracks Different parameter types are edited in various ways Icons 2 shutter colour wheel gobo wheel etc Left click or use the mouse wheel As with actual fixtures the first step in programming would be to open the shutter Faders 3 dimmer iris Zoom etc Left click and drag or use the mouse wheel CMY fader picker 4 Left click and drag fader or picker The mouse wheel can be used to adjust saturation Pan Tilt 5 Fine adjustment Use the right mouse button to drag the selected fixtures beam in the Pan Tilt coordinates area 5
52. d A database is saved automatically when closing LIGHTCONVERSE The Setup Menu 1 includes access to the Room Editor and DMX Setup screens in addition to Database selection and creation See Section 7 5 4 for more information on Database selection and creation lio e l ao XxX Fade Load Save BlackOut I StandBy Desk A I 9 feo Desk B 4 0 56s Figure 69 Press the 2D 2 and 3D 3 buttons to change views To switch to 3D FullScreen view right click in the 3D View Compass area to open the Room Menu then select Fullscreen Select Desktop to return to the Desktop view see Section 1 5 5 2 for more information To minimize or close LIGHTCONVERSE press the Minimize or Exit buttons 4 Page 48 Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode 4 3 Programming Fixtures 4 3 1 Selecting Fixtures e To select a fixture left click on it The fixture will turn red master when selected and its parameters will appear in the Fixture Functions Window see Figure 70 below e Once a fixture is selected additional individual fixtures of the same type can be selected by right clicking e Double left clicking on a fixture will select all same type fixtures e Additional selected fixtures will turn blue slaves e Only the same type of fixtures can be selected at one time e Multiple same type fixture selection is only possible within the group that the fixtures are assigned to See Assigning Fixtures to a Group Se
53. d to Scene The procedure is similar for assigning other functions Actions Load to Track Load Group Load Show Flash Preset For more information on Actions see Section 4 8 5 below 1 Press Setup see 2 in Figure 88 2 Select the desired Hot Key 3 Press Browse 3 to select a line in the Hot Key Functions List up to 12 functions may be assigned to an individual key Load Show ao 4 Select a function from the function pop up window 4 For example to assign a Preset file press Load to Scene 1 CLONE TO ALL BANKS Figure 89 5 Select a file from the file pop up vvindovv For example select Scene 1 from the Preset file pop up window 5 6 Press Load Preset file in the Preset file pop up window 6 7 If desired press the Clone to all Banks button see 7 in Figure 89 to copy the Hot Key to all Banks 1 12 See Keys Bank Section 4 8 3 below 8 Press Setup to end see 2 in Figure 88 Load Preset file Figure 90 Page 60 Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode 4 8 3 Keys Bank e Twelve Banks of keys are available thus allowing for a multitude of possible Hot Key assignments To select and name a Bank follow below 1 Press the Setup button see 2 in Figure 88 2 Press the Keys Bank button see 8 in Figure 88 3 Select and name the Bank as shown in Figure 97 Figure 97 Banks can assigned to Hot Keys to allow quick switching between banks during playback For exampl
54. desired fixtures in the 2D or 3D Main Screen Figure 69 then press the Flash button Figure 76 The Flash Preset Track scene can be used as an override scene by assigning it to a Hot Key In fact you can have many individual override scenes assigned to many individual Hot Keys thus allowing you do quick colour gobo bumps or strobe effects for example See Section 4 8 for information on how to assign Hot Keys When the track is switched off via its Mute button 1 it will have no effect on the output Scene Menu 2 e Clear Scene Press to delete scene from the track e Copy Paste Scene The scene can be copied to or pasted from the clipboard e Load Preset gt Scene Load a previously saved Preset File scene to the Flash Preset Figure 80 Track e Save Scene gt Preset Flash Preset data can be saved as a Preset File scene The saved Preset File can then be used in other tracks Note If the Flash Preset Track contains a scene the Flash button will turn red see Figure 76 Page 54 Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode 4 6 Groups Groups contain Tracks There are three Group types Group 0 Groups 1 12 and Group 14 Note Group 13 is non functional and reserved for future use e Groups 1 12 are created by assigning specific fixtures to them during the DMX setup process see Assigning Fixtures to a Group Section 3 7 Please note that a fixture can be assigned to one group only it is impossible to assign a fixture to
55. e press the Load button 3 and select the Group File To clear a currently loaded Group File press the Reset button 4 Pressing the Link button 5 will allow changes to the Group File be automatically updated in a show to which it belongs Speed SE Load Save Load Save Current Group nane Figure 83 Note The above operations can be performed quickly by using Hot Keys see Section 4 8 4 6 6 Crossfading Group Files Multiple Group Files may be simultaneously crossfaded via the X Fade Window which is opened by pressing the X Fade button 1 in the 2D or 3D Main Screen Show Files can be crossfaded here also please see Section 4 7 7 1 Master Keys X Fade EZD File to X Fade x Fade Current File Background File 0 Song 1 MAC50O00 i Song 2 Macsoo moa 1 MAC6EOO 1 Seng 2 y Figure 84 Press the Browse button 2 to select prepare for load the Group file to crossfade 3 Pressing the Load File button 4 will begin the crossfade During the crossfade the selected Group File being crossfaded will become the Current File 5 while the previous Current File will become the Background File 6 To set the crossfade time select one of the four Time buttons 7 and adjust the fade in time 0 120 sec with the mouse scroll wheel The SWAP File button 8 is used to exchange the Current File with the Background file Tip Use Hot Keys to load multiple Group Files Page 57 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41
56. e to assign Banks 1 12 to Hot Keys 1 12 follow below 1 Press Setup see 2 in Figure 88 2 Select Hot Key 1 3 Press Browse see 3 in Figure 89 4 Press Action see 4 in Figure 89 5 Select Set Key Bank 01 from the pop up window as shown in Figure 92 6 Press Load Action File 9 7 Press Clone to all Banks see 7 in Figure 89 8 Repeat steps 2 7 for each of the remaining Banks 02 12 9 Press Setup to end see 2 in Figure 88 Figure 92 4 8 4 Assign Fixtures selection to a Hot Key Selected fixtures may be assigned to a Hot Key for quick access This can be useful if you need to quickly grab a group of fixtures while editing or during playback Selected fixtures are assigned via the Save Selection button in the Fixture Menu see Section 4 3 4 7 Page 61 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 4 8 5 Actions The following is a list of all Action Files available see 4 in Figure 89 0 CLONE MASTER FIXTURE CLEAR SELECTED FIXTURES PHASE SHIFT 0 PHASE SHIFT WAVE 100 PHASE SHIFT WAVE 50 PHASE SHIFT RANDOMIZE DUPLICATE Scene DELETE Scene NEXT Scene PREVIOUS Scene 10 GO TO SCENE 1 11 NEXT Track 12 PREVIOUS Track 13 KILL Scenes 14 CLEAR Track 15 CLEAR Group 16 GROUP 1 SELECT CLOSE 17 LOAD Track dialog 18 SAVE Track dialog 19 LOAD Group dialog 20 SAVE Group dialog 21 LOAD Show dialog 22 SAVE Show dialog 23 BlackOut 24 StandBy 25 BlackOu
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58. ected fixtures to a layer press the Layer button see 8 in Figure 44 then select the desired layer number up to 255 Layers can be named via the Rename button in the Layer pop up window not shown Press Apply afterwards The left right H buttons can be used to sort layers by list or alphabetically respectively Note Layers can be used when working with large groups of fixtures or when using Dynamic Layer transformations see Section 2 2 6 for more info on Dynamic Layers Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show 3 8 Other Fixture Options i ga Additional options provide for Duplicate MT E selection and adjustment of various DMX input DMX output Mne A ME fixture attributes as explained below LASER ff FILTER Ji 1 28 Figure 57 3 8 1 Color Filters and Scrollers Press the FILTER button to open color filter and scroller options Figure 57a 3 8 1 1 Filters Press the COLOR FILTER button to add a color filter to a selected conventional fixture such as an ellipsoidal Roscolux Lee and Apollo libraries are provided Alternatively you can adjust the color hue and saturation levels manually by pressing the Hue Sat button Press Apply after your selection The selected color will be shown next to the fixture in the User Fixture List Source Four SOUP Ce Four S0UrCe Four S00 Ce Pour S00 Ce Four SOUP Ce Pour SOUreS Pour SOUP Ce Pour Soro Four A E SS SS Source aor Figure 57b 3 8 1 2 Scrol
59. er tee ete ene a e 43 OO VFS PrO EC Gai a AO 43 A a T ee a le eed teaieeane eas sgee 43 3 12 1 Paper and Plot Modes of VieW oocccoocccooccccccccocccocnoconoconoconocnnnonanonononnnnonanonanonos 43 3 124 2 PURO OPS nte ket di kt tes ht caked itunes elton Sal e 43 3 12 2 1 Bitmap Output to Printer Screen 20 0 cece nane enen epike eee ee eee e eee eee ren eee 43 3 12 2 2 Vector Output to Printer Plot aaa aaa nana aaa anan ena nenen eee nike sere sere se eee eee sere nenes 43 3 12 2 3 Fixtures Specification PrinNtin Ga aaa aaa aaa aaa ena eee need nipa rere eee eee eee eee eee eee 44 Su 2 SE NDOKUIMPON VIA EXC E Lear e bl cout td a ed 44 3 13 DMX Setup Screen Hot keys anije oe i d elie ki ale Ave i ele 44 Selo 1 Camera Opera HONS i ve ibid 44 ISA MON C UNS Sarp A 44 3 13 3 Using DMX Setup Screen Hot Keys in FullScreen aaa aaa anen nanen ave neve nene 45 Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode au nauu nana aa aaa ann nana anen e nee ae ere ne eee sen re serre mee eee ner eee 41 AIN MTOUCUON ieia teehee tee eeaoet 48 A 2 ep gar n ics sie eo d si ios eaten eee 48 4 3 Proarammiha FIUO S ndasi eases edo h dd ica oia 49 A 3 1 Selecting FIKUTES parruar ate 49 A 3 2 ture FUNCTIONS VVINGON prish eet noe nie een 49 A 3 3 Parameter TV DCS iia il ocio dh 49 4 3 3 1 Muting and UnMuting Parameters aaa anen ena kena eee eee eee eren eee 50 4 3 3 2 Returning Parameters to their default muted State ooccocccccccnnconnconcns 50
60. eset Figure 79 and Load Preset gt Scene buttons 9 The Clear Scene button 8 is used to clear the parameter values and name of the scene the scene s placement in the track will remain Scenes can be saved as Preset Files 9 so that they can be used for future programming by using the Save Scene gt Preset and Load Preset gt Scene buttons The Mix Preset gt Scene and UnMix Preset gt Scene buttons are used for merging or unmerging active scene data Pressing the Link button 10 will allow changes to the Preset File to be automatically updated in all tracks groups or shows in which it is located The updated Preset File will be visible the next time the track group or show is loaded Note Many of the above operations can be performed quickly by using Hot Keys see Section 4 8 4 4 1 Scene Z see 1 in Figure 74 This special scene is only used when loading saved Track Files into Tracks 1 2 3 4 It allows you to preset a scene before scene 1 in the track This is useful for example when you would like to set up pan and tilt positions before playing scene 1 in the track lf Track Files are loaded by a Hot Key Scene Z will preset before you release the Hot Key Once you release the Hot Key scene 1 will begin Chapter 4 Full Processing Mode 4 5 Tracks There are three types of tracks the DMX Input Track Tracks 1 2 3 4 and the Flash Preset Track Figure 76 An order of priority is associated with the output of t
61. executed automatically when the track is played Scenes can also be selected manually by left clicking on the desired scene or by clicking and holding the right mouse button while moving through the list The entire scene list can be scrolled via the mouse scroll wheel Scenes in the track are ordered from the bottom up with each scene duplicating and building on the previous scene s values New scenes are created and edited in the Scene Menu Figure 75 which is opened by pressing the Scene Menu button 2 Scene Menu 3 5 A scene can be given a name with a maximum of 14 characters To add a name click on the scene name area 3 4 Wit icant Once a scene has been created the next scene in the list is created by pressing the Duplicate button 4 To completely delete a scene press the Delete Scene 5 E button 4 100 6 A global Trig time governs the interval between all scenes in the track Each gt scene has an individual Scene time 5 which is set as a percentage of the Trig 7 time A FadeOut time 6 for setting the fade to the following scene is set as a 8 percentage of the Scene time To set Scene and FadeOut times click and drag each respective bar to the desired percentage value 9 Scenes can be moved to other areas in the list via the Copy Scene and Paste EEE Scene buttons 7 Note that only the values of the copied scene will be pasted not the name To transfer the values and name use the Save Scene gt Pr
62. he track types The DMX Input Track has the lowest priority followed by Tracks 1 2 3 4 and the Flash Preset Track highest Note Each track type belongs to a group Group 0 contains the DMX Input track each of Groups 1 12 contains Tracks 1 2 3 4 and Group 0 contains the Flash Preset Track See Section 4 6 Groups 4 5 1 DMX Input Track This DMX Input Track consists of one scene It has no priority over the other track types i e Tracks 1 2 3 4 and Flash Preset Track To edit a DMX Input Track scene select desired fixtures in the 2D or 3D Main Screen Figure 69 then press the Input button Figure 76 This DMX Input Track can be used two ways for DMX input of a scene or for a scene if no DMX input is patched or DMX input signal is disconnected Either way it may be used as a backup scene in case there are no scenes on any of the higher priority tracks DMX input can be selected from one of 16 universes 1 When the track is switched off via its Mute button 2 it will have no effect on the output Scene Menu operations 3 e Clear Scene Press to delete scene from the track e Copy Paste Scene The scene can be copied to or pasted from the clipboard Figure 77 e Load Preset gt Scene Load a previously saved Preset File scene to the DMX Input Track e Save Scene gt Preset Incoming DMX scene data can be saved as a Preset File scene The saved Preset File can then be used in other tracks Note If the DMX Input
63. hus enabling you to send photo realistic images to your clients without having to wait for rendering To capture and save a screenshot press the Print Screen key on your keyboard The screenshot files are saved in a JPG file format and are located in the _Screenshots folder where the program was installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 _ScreenShots Note Screenshots of the 3D Visualizer are always captured as a Full Screen view Note Capturing screenshots is an actual independent rendering process not just a copy of the screen Rendering resolution depends on your videocard and what version of LIGHTCONVERSE you are using Unlimited Media 2100 pixels horizontal using current monitor aspect ratio Net In Design 1050 pixels horizontal using current monitor aspect ratio Note Using FSAA 4x will not affect the screenshot quality Thus it s better to turn it off in order to save video memory and increase the screenshot resolution 1 5 6 2 Video Capture Live fullscreen video of your show can be captured in AVI format by using a video capture software that uses standard video codecs Catch3D is one example A list of some available choices can be found at www brothersoft com graphics_design screen_capture A recommended video capture software FRAPS can be found at www fraps com Note that although this video capture software offers very high quality results it uses its own high power codec and this requires some knowledge of how
64. ideoin2 or videoin3 image This will map directly to the DirectShow compatible video input in your system Note Video can also be projected as a video gobo from a digital lighting instrument see Section 3 8 7 Note The Video In feature is only available with Media and Unlimited versions of LIGHTCONVERSE 2 4 5 1 Using Hippotizer Video Page 22 To connect directly with Hippotizer and apply its video signal to an object 1 Select the object then open the Material Editor see Section 2 3 2 2 Press the Browse button in the Material Editor then navigate to the _movie folder 3 Select one of the six available Hippo feeds Note Hippotizer video can also be projected as a video gobo from a digital lighting instrument see Section 3 8 7 Note A connection with Hippotizer is only available with the Media and Unlimited versions of LIGHTCONVERSE Connection can be made via EtherNet or WiFi via the HMAP2 component in Hippo Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue 2 5 Paperwork 2 5 1 Paper and Plot Modes of View see 16 in Figure 10 Pressing the Paper button located at the top of the Room Editor Screen will display sp eer the room objects in filled wireframe mode Hot Key F2 Figure 47 Pressing the Plot button will display the room objects in wireframe mode only Hot Key F3 Tip Set the Camera FOV field of view to Zero to obtain a flat 2D view which can be suitable for CAD type print outs Hot Key 0 For more info
65. ifferent destination types will display different functions and options 3 3 3 4 Other Fixture Properties see 5 in Figure 46 Besides parameters various other properties of the fixture driver may be edited also including its 2D Icon and FootPrint type Note After selecting a 2D icon a 3D representation will be automatically generated by the software Adjusting photometric data Lux at 5 meters and Max degree angle field or maximum zoom will give the fixture s Lumen output Figure 51 3 3 3 5 lcon XY Coordinates and 3D Preview See 6 in Figure 46 The XY Coordinate panel is used to place parameter icons in the Fixture Functions window See 7 in Figure 46 The 3D Preview shows the result of adjusting parameters in the peor ee Fixture Functions window Figure 52 Page 31 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 3 4 Selecting Duplicating and Deleting Fixtures Selecting e To select a fixture click on it in the 2D or 3D View of the DMX Setup Screen see Figure 44 Fixtures may also be selected in the User Fixture List see 1 in Figure 44 Hot Keys previous and next e Multiple fixture selections can be made by holding down the Ctrl key while left clicking fixtures Multiple fixtures may also be selected by simply right clicking the fixtures e Double left clicking a fixture will select all same type fixtures in a Group for more information see Section 3 7 Assigning Fixtures to a Group
66. ign Action CAMERA Fullscreen Desk to a Hot Key Toggle the Hot Key to switch between FullScreen and Desktop see Actions Section 4 8 5 above Page 62 Chapter 5 DMX Visualizer Only Mode Chapter 5 DMX Visualization Only Mode This chapter covers the following topics 5 1 DMX Visualization Only Mode Fundamentals 5 2 DMX Visualization Only Mode Hot Keys 5 2 1 Camera Operations 5 2 2 Shortcuts 5 2 3 Using DMX Visualization Only Mode Hot Keys in FullScreen Page 63 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 5 1 DMX Visualization Mode Only Fundamentals e DMX Visualization Only Mode is utilized when you would like connect a lighting console to the 3D Visualizer in order to pre program your console To select DMX Visualization Only Mode see Section 1 5 3 Selecting Operating Modes e If this is the first time operating LIGHTCONVERSE the default demo Database will open Otherwise the last opened database will load Note that a Database is saved automatically when closing LIGHTCONVERSE e The Setup Menu 1 includes access to the Room Editor Chapter 2 and DMX Setup Chapter 3 screens in addition to Database selection and creation Section 7 5 4 e Press the 2D 2 and 3D 3 buttons to change views To navigate in the 3D view see Section 1 5 5 e To switch to 3D Fullscreen view right click in the Compass area 4 to open the Room Menu then select Fullscreen see Section 7 5 5 2 for more information on the Room Menu e To mini
67. int out a simple list of objects name and number used in the room Hot Key Ctrl I Note Only the objects in the 3D view will be included in the report If you want to include all objects you may have to zoom out 2 A further detailed report furniture txt contains a complete list of all room objects including name number size rotation and 3D location This file is located in the Database folder where LIGHTCONVERSE was initially installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Database_MyShow Note To print out a list of fixtures used in the room see Section 3 12 2 3 Page 23 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 2 6 Room Editor Hot Keys To obtain the following list of available Hot Keys in the Room Editor press the 3 button at the top of the screen Note Room Editor Hot Keys are pre assigned and many are specific to the Room Editor 2 6 1 Camera Operations Home Move 3D Camera forward End Move 3D Camera backward Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera left gt Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera right 1 Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera up 1 Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera down Space Focus 3D Camera to selected object s center Number Pad 1 Set 3D Camera view from front left 2 Set 3D Camera view from front 3 Set 3D Camera view from front right 4 Set 3D Camera view from left 5 Set 3D Camera view from ceiling 6 Set 3D Camera view from right 7
68. lers An assortment of scroller manufacturer color strings may be selected and customized or you can build your own Pressing the SCROLLER button will open up the following screen Note If you want apply the string to a fixture make sure the fixture is selected in the User Fixture List Figure 576 Page 35 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 36 e To select a manufacturer scroller string press a scroller number then press Load A pop up list of available strings will appear e To customize a manufacturer scroller string press a scroller number then select a frame number to open up the color filter list from which you can make your filter choice e To build your own scroller string press a scroller number then select a frame number to open up the color filter list from which you can make your filter choice e The horizontal or vertical direction of the string can be selected via the X X Y Y buttons e To name or clear the scroller string press the Rename and Reset buttons respectively e To remove the scroller string from a selected fixture the select the string and press Disable Note Make sure to press APPLY after making any changes Scroller Patching To assign a scroller to a dimmer channel select a fixture then press the DMX 512 Input or Output patch buttons below the SCROLLER button In the below example fixture 14 is patched to DMX input address A14 while its scroller is patched to DMX input address A15
69. ll bar 7 or mouse scroll wheel If an address is already in use the address number will be displayed in red for example EJ ArtNet Configuration No special configuration for ArtNet is required as LIGHTCONVERSE supports ArtNet I amp II in native mode Typical ArtNet IP addressing is as follows Computer IP Address 2 0 0 1 Subnet Mask 255 0 0 0 Console IP Address 2 0 0 2 Subnet Mask 255 0 0 0 Hog3 Hog3PC Direct Connection For more information on establishing a direct connection with Hog3 Hog3PC please see the Hog 3 Direct Connection guide at http www lightconverse net Ic download htm Note that if you don t have an active network you will need a Microsoft loopback adaptor to run Hog3PC and LIGHTCONVERSE on the same machine Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show GrandMA Direct Connection The below is regarding OnPC and LIGHTCONVERSE on the same machine for connection between console and LC computer skip to point 1b 1 To run OnPC and LIGHTCONVERSE on the same machine you must have an active network a If you don t have an active network you will need a Microsoft loopback adaptor With the loopback adaptor the IP that the MANetwork will see is 127 0 0 1 b If you have an active network and know your console s IP address open up the gma_ip txt file located in C LIGHTCONVERSE_ 41 and change it to your console s IP address GrandMA will see whatever your PC s IP address is for example 192 168 0 2 Note
70. mize or close LIGHTCONVERSE press the Minimize or Exit buttons 5 It is very important that the DMX mapping of fixture parameters in your console matches the DMX mapping of the fixtures that you have selected in LIGHTCONVERSE If the parameters in your console and LIGHTCONVERSE are not identical you will not be able to properly control the fixtures Edits can be made to existing LIGHTCONVERSE fixture profiles fixture drivers in addition to creating new fixture drivers by using the Fixture Constructor see Section 3 3 for more information on the Fixture Constructor Once your fixtures are properly patched you will be able to see them responding to your console s commands in the 3D Visualizer see Section 3 9 for information on patching ouT fade is 2s 4s 8s FROZE Dmxi Neto Neti Net2 l et3 4 Neta Nees TNete 7 Achi Acn2 Acn3 T ra ACA5 Rane Ach Acn 1 Packet n 247 Te Ja 433 49 S r 197 AAN 1193 z 1257 3 jags 305 321 EEX 35 53 mi 401 417 1433 892 465 481 497 gua E Ta a eo oe 93 S A graphical representation of incoming DMX signals is shown below the Visualizer screen Signals from two DMX universes can be viewed simultaneously in separate sections in Figure 93 above only one section is shown 6 Each section provides selective viewing of any of 16 DMX universes including 16 universes over Artnet or SACN The Out Fade section 7 controls the fade of DMX output without affecting
71. n easy organize your library and balance disk load when multiple HD files are played together Note Video files can also be projected as a video gobo from a digital lighting instrument see Section 3 8 7 Note To play video a DirectShow video codec must be installed in your system Also note that the play video feature is only available with Media and Unlimited versions of LIGHTCONVERSE TIP For your material and video files you may want to create a new folder within the Texture folder for example CALIGHTCONVERSE_41 Texture _MyVideoFiles remember to name the new folder with an _ underscore 2 4 5 Using Video in from Media Servers Cameras etc Up to 32 live DirectShow video inputs may be used in LIGHTCONVERSE The video source can be input via FireWire or via USB from a video capture device The video signals from media servers video cameras etc are then applied to any object as materials It is also possible to capture live video sources running on the same computer as LIGHTCONVERSE by using third party Video Capture drivers such as VH Screen Capture Driver www hmelyoff com This could be used for example to capture content from a media server such as Arkaos running on the same computer To apply a video texture to an object 1 Select the object then open the Material Editor see Section 2 3 2 2 Press the Browse button in the Material Editor then navigate to the _movie folder 3 Select either the videoin1 v
72. n while moving the mouse horizontally e To rotate the room in the vertical plane rotate the mouse scroll wheel Figure 6 1 5 5 2 Room Menu To open the Room Menu right click in the Compass area of the 3D View in the Main Screen To switch to FullScreen view in the Main Screen select FullScreen 1 Select Desktop to return to the desktop view Sr To automatically pan or tilt the room select the Left Right or Up Down Rotation Fullsereen buttons 2 The camera position X Y coordinates may be adjusted via the camera centre 8 gt ma coordinates cross section area 3 Left click and drag the ert 139 Doun The Camera FOV field of view may be changed between Zero Normal and Wide perspectives 4 Default View 5 options can also be selected A To dare Ambient light and Smoke levels of the room may be adjusted from 0 to 100 by dragging their respective sliders 6 with the mouse Select DMX control 7 for DMX control of ambient light smoke levels and Zero Normal Hide camera functions with a lighting console DMX in or LIGHTCONVERSE in Full Processing mode DMX out Note that this mode will automatically be turned off whenever any of the functions are operated manually via the Room Menu See Section 3 10 Patch Camera to DMX for more information Bone 7 Pressing the Quality button 8 in the Room Menu will open the following menu Shadow Quality 9 can be set to three different levels High Normal and
73. nShots The screenshot can then be copied and emailed to a client for review See Section 7 5 6 7 for more information 3 12 2 Printing Options Note The Vector Output to Printer and Fixtures Specification Printing Report features as described below are only available with Net In and above versions of LIGHTCONVERSE 3 12 2 1 Bitmap Output to Printer Screen Pressing the Screen button see 15 in Figure 44 will send a detailed high resolution bitmap Plot i ei output of the view to a printer Figure 68 3 12 2 2 Vector Output to Printer Plot Pressing the Plot button see 15 n Figure 44 will send a vector output of the view to a printer Hot Key Ctrl P The fixtures will be printed in wireframe mode only The fixtures are printed along with their relevant fixture numbers as shown in the Fixtures Specification list see Section 3 12 2 3 below 1 Note Use Vector Output Plot for A3 size and greater formats Note Only the fixtures in the 3D view will be included If you want to include all fixtures you may have to zoom out Page 43 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 3 12 2 3 Fixtures Specification Printing There are two methods available to print a list of fixtures used 1 Pressing the Report button see 15 in Figure 44 will print out a simple list of fixtures name and number used Note Only the fixtures in the 3D view will be included in the report If you want to include all fixtures you may ha
74. ne in the Channel DMX Table or press the DMX 3 and Rename 4 buttons To set a function as a default select its line then press the B O button 5 Note that this applies only while in Full Processing mode in Visualization Only mode the default DMX values are sent from the console DMX Table clear Duplicate Pressing the Menu button 6 will display options used while editing lines in the Channel Clear Duplicate and Delete are self explanatory Fill DMX is used to automatically fill the Channel DMX Table from the default B O line to the selected line Figure 49 Page 30 Chapter 3 Adding Fixtures to your Show 3 3 3 3 Editing DMX Channel Faders Different editing options particular to each destination type will be displayed its channel is selected e selecting Zoom will provide Trion zoom degree options etc Color Gobo For example selecting a Dimmer Fader destination type will display gt Goboi rot the faders s functions as shown in Figure 50 Gobo2 Func Gobo2 rot Two functions are common to all faders Inversion 1 and Blackout 2 Pressing Inversion will invert the DMX channel level 255 0 instead 20 Effect Speed of 0 255 Figure 50 Adjusting the Blackout regulator will set the channel s default level Note that this applies only while in Full Processing mode in Visualization Only mode the default DMX values are sent from the console Note Remember d
75. ned to Group 2 Track 1 in each Group could contain Pan Tilt scenes Track 2 Colour scenes Track 3 Gobo scenes etc Note As mentioned earlier Groups 1 12 are created by assigning specific fixtures to them during the DMX setup process see Assigning Fixtures to a Group Section 3 7 4 6 3 Group 14 Group 14 contains the Flash Preset Track Because the Flash Preset Track has priority over other track types i e the DMX Input Track and Tracks 1 2 3 4 Group 14 has priority over Group 0 DMX Input Track and Groups 1 12 Tracks 1 2 3 4 Page 55 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 56 4 6 4 Group Masters Window Load Save 5 6 Figure 81 To open the Group Master Window press the Master window button 1 in the 2D or 3D Main Screen Each group has its own Group Master fader 3 to adjust its intensity A Group Master is selected or unselected by clicking on its fader number 2 It is also selected by moving its fader 3 Note A fixture s dimmer parameter must be unmuted and above zero for its intensity to be controlled with a Group Master fader see Section 4 3 3 7 Muting and Unmuting Parameters The Reset button 4 is used to reset all system memory This can be useful to begin working with a clean slate After a reset any saved files can then be reloaded manually Section 4 6 5 or via Hot Keys The Blackout button 5 is used to black out intensity levels of all fixtures The StandBy button 6 will put
76. odes press the DMX RGB button see 18 n Fig 70 Objects can be patched to the DMX Input or DMX Output see 13 In Figure 70 An object is patched to the DMX input in order to be controlled by a console while using Visualization Only mode An object is patched to the DMX output while using Full Processing mode Once patched the object s DMX address appears in the Room Object List see 3 in Figure 70 Note For patching Dynamic Layers to DMX moving objects see Section 2 2 6 2 1 7 Centering the view on an Object To center the camera view on an object select the object then press the Center button see 7 in Figure 70 Hot Key Space 2 1 8 Setting the 3D World Center A selected object can be set as a zero reference 0 X 0 Y 0 Z in the 3D world by pressing the World Center button see 8 in Figure 70 This may be used for example to make a stage a zero reference from which all measurements are made The default World Center location is directly in the center of the room Note When an object is set as the World Center its number in the Room Object list will turn yellow LSI 2 1 9 Imperial or Metric Measurement Press the Imperial or Metric buttons to alternate between units of measurement see 8 In Figure 70 2 1 10 Object Calculator Options Page 12 Located next to the Position Rotation and Size parameters is a calculator button Es in which the following options can be entered Use to shif
77. on Options sana nana aaa aaaa nena eee ne eee ne eren e eke eee kene eee eee ee zere eee eee zere ene eee eee 20 23 2 Material ECOL sortida pci picada 20 LA IDON ERDO e e eee eee 21 2 4 1 Export Multiple 3D Objects as a New Object ooccccccccccccnccccnconcncnocnconcncnncncnonncnos 21 2 4 2 Scene Operations cooccccocccocccocncocncconccnnnononononnnannonnnonnnrnnnnnnnnonnnnnannnannnnnennninaninaninns 21 2 4 3 Importing 3D Objects from DXF and X Files oocccoccccocccccncocnccncccnnconnnoncnoncnnos 21 2 4 4 Importing Materials and Video Files oocccoccconcccnncconcnnccncocnnoncnnnnnoncncnncnnncnnnns 22 Page LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 2 4 5 Using Video In from Media Servers Cameras tC ocooocccccncocnccccncocnconncnononnnnnos 22 24 91 USING IMIDDOUZEr VISO gji adi rendi e il o ds 22 ZO Paper WOK pa e e 23 2 9 1 Paper and Plot Modes Of VIN ua aaa anen ne nene nenen en ee eren eren ee pes eres ete e eee eee ee e eres e res 23 2 0 2 FANNO ODPUONS garra 23 2 9 2 1 Bitmap Output to Printer Screen ec ana ena nenen ee en eke e eee eee ren eee keee ke renati 23 2 9 2 2 Vector Outputto Printer PIOI ca ua edo red sh ee ln e 23 2 0 2 3 Objects Specification Printing ccconcconccccnoconcconncnnnonononanonanonnnnonanonanonons 23 2 0 500M Editor HOKEY S id iia 24 20 1 Camera OperatlONS ti dali 24 202 SNOMCUNGS A A E T 24 2 6 3 Using Room Editor Hot Keys in FullScreen oocc
78. on of changes made by pressing an Apply or OK button If there is no such button in a pop up window any changes made will have an immediate result simply close the pop up window thereafter 7 5 7 2 Menu and Pop Up Placement To move various menus and pop up windows within the program simply left click and 1 drag 1 to desired location 1 5 7 3 Button Text The text of certain buttons will turn red to indicate changes from default have been made In the example on the left the DMX input patch has been altered Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue This chapter covers the following topics 2 1 Getting Started 2 1 1 Selecting Duplicating and Deleting Objects 2 1 2 Positioning Objects 2 1 3 Rotating Objects 2 1 4 Setting Object Size 2 1 5 Assigning Objects to a Layer 2 1 6 Patching Objects to DMX 512 2 1 7 Centering the view on an Object 2 1 8 Setting the 3D World Center 2 1 9 Imperial or Metric Measurement 2 7 10 Calculator Options 2 2 Example Tutorials 2 2 1 Set Room Size 2 2 2 Select Room Floor Ceiling and Wall Materials 2 2 3 Add Resize and Position a Stage 2 2 4 Add and Duplicate a Truss 2 2 5 Add a Screen and apply an Image 2 2 6 Dynamic Layers Tutorial 2 3 3D Object Lighting Fundamentals 2 3 1 Light Calculation Options 2 3 2 Material Editor 2 4 Import Export 2 4 1 Export Multiple 3D Objects as a New Object 2 4 2 Scene Operations 2 4 3 Importing 3D Objects from DXF and X Files
79. operations can be used in FullScreen To switch to FullScreen select FullScreen from the Room Menu Select Desktop to return to Desktop For information on the Room Menu see Section 7 5 5 2 You can also press Tab to switch to FullScreen Press again to return to Desktop Page 65 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 66 Index Numerics 2D View 33 2D Icon Direction 33 2D Icon Position 33 2D Icon Size 33 3D Fixture Direction 32 3D Glasses 7 3D View 32 3D Fixture Position 32 3D Fixture Rotation 32 3D Window Aspect 7 3D World Center 12 A Ambient Light 7 ArtNet 38 B Backing Up 6 BackUp See Saving a Database Folder 6 Beam FootPrint 31 C Camera FOV 7 Camera Operations 7 DMX Setup Screen Hot keys 44 DMX Visualization Only Mode Hot Keys 65 Full Processing Mode Hot Keys 60 Patch Camera to DMX 41 Room Editor Hot Keys 24 Compass 7 Cueserver 38 D Database Folder Backup 6 Creating 6 Saving 6 Selecting 6 Digital Fixtures 37 Display Colour Depth 5 Language 5 Resolution 5 Second Monitor 5 DMX Input 38 DMX Output 39 DMX Setup Screen 28 DMX Visualization Only Mode 63 Fundamentals 64 Hot Keys 65 DXF File 21 Dynamic Layers 18 E Excel 43 Index F F S A A 4X 7 Features 2 Fixture Constructor 29 Fixture Drivers 28 Building new 29 Choosing 28 Editing 29 Fixture User ID 37 Fixtures 2D Icon Direction 33 2D Icon Position 33 2D Icon Size 33 3D Fixture Position 32 3D Fixture Rota
80. or more information on positioning objects see Section 2 1 2 4 000 0 000 Figure 22 6 Important Press World Center to assign the stage as a zero reference see Section 2 1 8 Page 14 Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue 2 2 4 Add and Duplicate a Truss In this example we will add three sections of 5 0m truss for a total length of 15 0m Note The following methods can be applied when adding and duplicating other objects also 1 Click on empty object number 2 in the Room Object List see 3 in Figure 70 2 Press the Browse 3D Model button see 11 in Figure 70 to open the 3D Model Library as shown in Figure 23 Hot Key Ctrl B TACOS OOO 3 From the P4_M290 directory select QL4T_5000 The truss will be inserted in the center of the stage as shown below OL4T 4000 Figure 23 Figure 24 4 Position the truss to an Altitude of 7 0m and rotate the truss 90 degrees on the Y Axis as shown below For more information on positioning and rotating objects see Sections 2 1 2 2 7 3 O 000 OOD Figure 26 5 Press the Duplicate button to create the second truss the second truss will be inserted in the same position as the first truss Next set the X position of the second truss to 5 0m as shown below For more information on duplicating and positioning objects see Sections 2 1 1 2 1 2 5 000 0 000 Y 000 Figure 27 Figure 28 Page 15 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41
81. or to upgrade your version of LIGHTCONVERSE please see below or www lightconverse net Ic Ic_contact htm Light Converse LTD World Headquarters 02002 Raisy Okipnoy str 4a ap 37 Kiev Ukraine Tel 38044 5929015 GMT 02 Tel Fax 38044 5411386 Email office lightconverse net Website www lightconverse net www lightconverse de Light Converse North America 35 St George Montreal QC Canada H9X 1J7 Tel 1 514 972 8130 GMT 05 Fax 1 866 435 7145 Toll Free US and Canada 1 866 922 9088 Email info atfull com Website www lightconverse atfull com Page 4 Chapter 1 Introduction Configuration amp Initial Operation 1 5 Initial Operation 1 5 1 Setting Language and Display Resolution Color Depth lf necessary select the operating language from the top left area of the Start up Screen Figure 7 The Display Resolution 1 may be selected from the top left area of the Start up Screen also It is advisable to run LIGHTCONVERSE in your default Windows desktop resolution Note When recording AVI movies to send to clients the resolution should be changed to match the video size and standard NTSC PAL HD that the movie will be played back in If the movie will be played back ona PC all resolutions will work fine however the size should be selected to be as close as possible to the aspect ratio of the client s monitor to allow for a proper fit See Section 7 5 6 2 for more information on recording an AVI
82. ort a previously exported fixture project Hot Key Ctrl L Select a empty cell in the Fixture Drivers List see 1 in Figure 44 before importing Fixtures project Fire 66 Clear Press to completely delete all fixtures clear fixture project memory Hot Key Ctrl N Restore Press to restore the fixture project memory this can also be used to undo all changes made before exiting Send Press to send selected fixtures patch via Ethernet to Zero 88 consoles or other LIGHTCONVERSE software in network LIGHTCONVERSE can also receive patching information from Zero 88 consoles Note The Send function is only available with Unlimited and Net In Zero 88 versions 3 12 Paperwork 3 12 1 Paper and Plot Modes of View see 14 in Figure 44 Pressing the Paper button located at the top of the DMX Setup Screen will display the 2D er fixtures in filled wireframe mode Hot Key F3 Figure 67 Pressing the Plot button will display the fixtures in wireframe mode only Hot Key F4 Tip Set the Camera FOV field of view to Zero to obtain a flat 2D view which can be suitable for CAD type print outs Hot Key 0 For more information on the Camera FOV see Section 1 5 5 2 Room Menu Tip To capture a JPG screenshot of the view press the Print Screen key on your keyboard The rendered screenshot will be located in the _ScreenShots folder where LIGHTCONVERSE was initially installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 _Scree
83. ow 100 meters in each dimension Width Length and Height as it may become somewhat harder to navigate such large areas The room size is set via the Room Size section as shown in Fig 74 and 10 in Fig 70 e For small decrements or increments click the left or right arrows e For larger decrements or increments click and hold the left or right mouse keys while dragging the mouse The mouse scroll wheel may be used also e A size value can be entered directly by pressing the Calculator button E Figure 14 1 For this example tutorial set the room size to 30m W x 20m L x 10m H 2 2 2 Select Room Floor Ceiling and Wall Materials Note The following methods are used to apply material to all objects not just the floors ceilings and walls 1 Select the floor to apply the material to see Section 2 1 1 for object selection methods 2 Press the Material button see 9 in Figure 70 to the open the Material Editor Hot Key Ctrl M For more information on the Material Editor see Section 2 3 2 3 Press the Browse button see 1 in Figure 15 below to open the Material Library FLOOR Aa Browse nii Reset Trans forn Figure 15 4 Select the material category and material BLKFELT BLKWEB In this example the BLKWEB2 material has been selected BEUEPAD BLUMESH BLUNAP1 BLUNAP2 BLUNYLON BLUS WADE Figure 16 5 Repeat steps 1 4 for the ceiling and walls using a material of your choice
84. ows 7 x64 HDD free space 500 MB 2 USB Ports 1 3 Installation and Startup 1 3 1 Install Software 1 Insert the LIGHT CONVERSE DVD in DVD drive If DVD does not automatically start navigate to the DVD drive root and run autorun exe Select INSTALL in splash screen to begin setup Select Next in the Setup Wizard Select Next in Information Screen Select destination folder location where the program will be installed default is CALIGHTCONVERSE_41 select Next oa fF O N 6 Select additional tasks if desired Desktop amp Quick Launch icons USB driver for Replay interface Select Next 7 Setup is now ready to begin installation Select Install to proceed 8 Once installation is completed select Finish to end operation 1 3 2 Startup Options Regular Startup To start LIGHTCONVERSE select LightConverse from Windows Start Menu Programs LightConverse or run Ic exe in the folder in which the program was installed default is CALIGATCONVERSE 4 c exe Windowed Mode Startup To start LIGHTCONVERSE in a Window select LIGHTCONVERSE in Window from Windows Start Menu Programs 1 LightConverse or enter C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Ilc exe window command in Windows Start Menu Run Please note that although windowed mode is more convenient when running multiple applications on one PC LIGHTCONVERSE will have slower performance and lower picture quality Maxpower Startup To start LIGHTCONVERSE in Maxpo
85. play Resolution 1 Color Depth aaa ana aa aa nana ana anen e nene nene 5 1 5 2 Adding a Second Display Monitor aaa aaa ene ee aa eee ea eee n perde eee epike eee pene eee 5 1 5 3 Selecting Operating Modes siii 6 1 5 4 Select or Create a Database folder ooccccocccccccncoccnccocncononconnnonnnnnononononncononononoss 6 1 5 4 1 Saving and Backing Up a Database Folder ana aaa aaa ana nn nen anen eneve eee ena 6 1 5 4 2 Automatic Backups aaa nana aaa nana eee ene kek n eee eter eee eke teke eee eee teke e eee e zere eee kek eee eee eee 6 eo 0 VOTON AVIGAHONI ga e e 1 I TA SS APP e y E E 7 Po SAROM IMEI e e aos 7 1 5 6 Print Screen and Video Capture aaa eee eee pene eee pere eee eee eee 8 SANO cad S GOO AAA e e o Ai SU O A 8 A e PE h 8 Ta o o en XP e 8 1 5 7 1 Applying Changes ccccoccccocccccccnccccnoncnnononnonnnnonnnnnnonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnannnennnnnnnnnnns 8 1 5 7 2 Menu and Pop Up Placement occooccccccnccccnccocnnconncconnncnnnnoncnoconnnnonononannnnaninos 8 A e O A 8 Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue cccoccccccccccccncoconcccnnccononcononononnnconnnnonannconanconons 9 21 Getting Ola nea in raised 10 2 1 1 Selecting Duplicating and Deleting Objects occoconncccccccccnncccnnnonnnnononcnnnnnononnns 10 2 1 2 Positioning DISCS scr enneenes 11 2 1 3 R tating ODI OCIS escocia v adi n d os dd od 11 21 4 SOWING ODJECI SIZE n n n 11 2 1 5 ASSIGNING Objects to a Layer aaa ea ena ekan eee ena cece ser
86. ressed assign a DMX address 6 to the layer If using a console Visualization Only Mode press the DMX Input button If using the onboard controller Full Processing Mode press the DMX Output button Page 18 Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue Pressing Pos2 or Pos3 instead of Pos1 will allow for a different transformation For example Pos1 could be truss positioning while Pos2 could be used for truss rotation assign Pos2 to a different DMX address than Pos1 5 Press the Layer Name button 7 to give the layer a specific name The layer can also be named when assigning layers as shown in Step 2 above 3 6 Once the layer is assigned a DMX address the object position and or rotation and or size can be controlled via DMX Any value 0 255 of the layer s assigned DMX address can be used meaning that the object can be placed in any position between the initial default point and points defined in Layer Transformations Pos1 and Pos2 in separate cues If the same object is used in more than one Pos all Pos values and their respective DMX values will affect the object at the same time 7 To have fixtures move with the object via DMX control assign the fixtures to the same layer as the object assigning fixtures to layers is performed in the DMX Setup Screen as shown below In the DMX Setup Screen select fixture s 9 then press the Layer button 10 and select desired layer 4 HES DL3 Motion ch 1 10 Std Lens gt Dmx1 1
87. rmation on the Camera FOV see Section 1 5 5 2 Room Menu Tip To capture a JPG screenshot of the view press the Print Screen key on your keyboard The rendered screenshot will be located in the _ScreenShots folder where LIGHTCONVERSE was initially installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 _ScreenShots The screenshot can then be copied and emailed to a client for review See Section 7 5 6 7 for more information 2 9 2 Printing Options see 17 in Figure 10 Note The Vector Output to Printer and Objects Specification Printing Report features as described below are only available with Net In and above versions of LIGHTCONVERSE 2 5 2 1 Bitmap Output to Printer Screen Pressing the Screen button will send a detailed high resolution bitmap output of the view to a printer Figure42 2 5 2 2 Vector Output to Printer Plot Pressing the Plot button will send a vector output of the view to a printer Hot Key Ctrl P The objects will printed in wireframe mode only The objects are printed along with their relevant object numbers as shown in the Objects Specification list see Section 2 5 2 3 below Note Use Vector Output Plot for A3 size and greater formats Note Only the objects in the 3D view will be included If you want to include all objects you may have to zoom out 2 5 2 3 Objects Specitication Printing There are two methods available to print a list of objects used in the room 1 Pressing the Report button will pr
88. rol actual fixtures and there is a DMX signal being passed through see DMX Input Track Section 4 5 1 pe poo pd ja io po ps rtir ti ti ti cia ti ti li ea ti ti ti ti ti Em i a a a de dhi dhe ee ee qe dl dh AA MA e e e e e a el e e e a dl e e pe pu p pu pd pu ps 2 AMMMEP 5 Olori p oe h o y j oe oe j e pie pie pie puts i jus i puts puts ul A Add A S AA A AAA Ma ld e a nl oe a ee ye ee ee a ee s ee Figure 58 1 To patch the DMX Input addresses of fixtures select the fixtures then press the DMX Input button see 10 in Figure 44 2 Next select the desired port input number 1 Up to 32 ports may be used DMX DMX1 DMX32 ArtNet Neto Net255 sACN ACN1 ACN255 Avolites ACDI1 ACDI8 High End Hog3 Hog1 Hog32 GrandMA GMA1 GMA64 3 To change a port s Universe type and number press the Universe button 2 A pop up window will appear as shown in F gure 59 4 Press Apply 4 if only changing port type or number for selected fixtures and not DMX addresses 5 To automatically assign multiple addresses press Auto DMX 3 then press APPLY 4 6 To manually assign individual addresses select the desired start address Figure 59 number then press Apply 4 7 To clear addresses select Disable 5 then press APPLY 8 To give a port a unique name press the Rename button 6 then press APPLY Note To view all addresses use the scro
89. rvers such as Axon and Hippotizer It is possible to have up to 32 different video streams playing at the same time For example if you had 32 separate screens a different feed could be sent to each one live or recorded Each screen can also be duplicated so you can have multiples of each feed The same would apply to projecting video from a DL3 or any other digital projector type unit Video is assigned as a gobo or video gobo within the unit see section 3 3 3 Fixture Constructor Fundamentals for more information on editing gobos within a fixture The gobos located in C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Gobo act as a video alias The video alias can be assigned a Windows shortcut to wherever the actual video file or feed is located for example in the CMIGHTCONVERSE 41WTexturel_ movie folder in the case of a live feed a predefined video in or hippo in is available for selection in this folder also Note that all regular fixture gobo effects rotation indexing iris prism etc will work with video gobos also Please see Sections 2 4 4 5 for more information on video files and input An in depth tutorial is also being developed please contact us Page 37 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 3 Page 38 9 Patching Fixtures 3 9 1 Patch DMX Input The DMX Input patch is normally used while in Visualization Only mode However the Input patch may also be used in Full Processing mode for example when LIGHTCONVERSE is being used to cont
90. sed of up to 32 DMX channels with each channel assigned a Destination parameter type such as Pan Tilt Dimmer Color Wheel etc To add a channel to a fixture driver select the desired DMX channel number see 3 in Figure 46 then press the Destination button see 4 in Figure 46 This will open up a list from which you can select the channel s destination type as shown in Figure 47 A destination type can have one function for example a Dimmer Fader or it can have many functions for example a color wheel with multiple colors which are defined in a Channel DMX Table Editing faders and tables are explained further below in Sections 3 3 3 2 and Ke Note Different destination types will display different functions and options 3 3 3 2 Editing Channel DMX Tables Different editing options particular to each destination type will be displayed when a function is selected in the Channel DMX Table 1 i e selecting Shutter will provide shutter speed options selecting Prism will provide prism rotation options etc For example selecting a destination type with a color wheel will display the color wheel s functions listed in the Channel DMX Table as shown in Figure 48 To add or edit a function in the Channel DMX Table left click its line then browse the function categories 2 to select a function icon In this example color 117 has been chosen To set the function s DMX value and give it a name right click its li
91. t Export of DXF X DirectX and 3DL LIGHTCONVERSE files e Show data paperwork Import Export with MS Excel e 3D stereo glasses mode for added 3D realism e Automatic horizontal and vertical view rotation e Fixture features include e Realistic moving light and conventional fixtures with accurate simulation of split colors parameter timing channels black out while move etc e Fixture Constructor for adding new fixtures to the library e Realistic fixture body visualization e Complete photometric visualization Bloom HDR and Specular light effects e Per pixel light calculations e Photo realistic gobos and colors 6 wheels per fixture static and rotating e Zoom Iris Prism Dimmer Strobe CMY Frost Saturation effects Gobo and prism rotation e Shutter cuts Customizable Scroller options e Photo shadow for gobo projection Volume shadow for beams e Manual beam follow mode Pan Tilt positioning Pan Tilt Shape generator using onboard controller Page 2 Chapter 1 Introduction Configuration amp Initial Operation 1 2 System Requirements Critical Minimum Configuration CPU AMD Athlon X2 Intel Core Duo 3D Video Card Any card with Shader Model 2 or 3 capabilities RAM 512 MB OS Windows XP SP2 HDD free space 350 MB USB Port Recommended Configuration CPU Intel Core 17 3D Video card nVidia GeForce GT X285 Dual channel RAM 6 Gb 3 x 1024MB OS Wind
92. t flash 26 PAUSE flash 21 GROUP SPEED 0 1 28 GRAND SPEED x0 000 29 GRAND SPEED x0 125 30 GRAND SPEED x0 250 31 GRAND SPEED x0 500 32 GRAND SPEED x0 750 33 GRAND SPEED x1 000 34 GRAND SPEED x2 000 35 GRAND SPEED x4 000 36 GRAND SPEED x8 000 OMONMHAHKRWHD MASTER X FADER RUN CLEAR on KEY release CLEAR FLASH TRACK Next file X Fade flash X Fade time preset 1 X Fade time preset 2 X Fade time preset 3 X Fade time preset 4 CAMERA move centre Left CAMERA move centre Right CAMERA move centre Up CAMERA move centre Down CAMERA move Forward CAMERA move Backward CAMERA rotate Left CAMERA rotate Right CAMERA rotate Up CAMERA rotate Down CAMERA ambient Brighter CAMERA ambient Darker CAMERA Smoke increase CAMERA Smoke decrease CAMERA Fullscreen Desk CAMERA Stereo ON OFF CAMERA Stereo Increase CAMERA Stereo Decrease Set Key Bank 01 Set Key Bank 02 Set Key Bank 03 Set Key Bank 04 Set Key Bank 05 Set Key Bank 06 Set Key Bank 07 Set Key Bank 08 Set Key Bank 09 Set Key Bank 10 Set Key Bank 11 Set Key Bank 12 4 8 6 Using Full Processing Mode Hot Keys in FullScreen Any Hot Key operation can be used in FullScreen To switch to FullScreen select FullScreen from the Room Menu Select Desktop to return to Desktop mode For information on the Room Menu see Section 7 5 5 2 You can also ass
93. t the objects array or change distance between objects for example 1 5 or 1 5 To shift an object by its dimension value after duplicating use Alt Cursor lt gt Selected objects will be distributed proportionally as per the entered distance with a positive negative relation to the main selected object for example gt 10 If a distance is not entered the main selected object bound size will be used as a distribution step Note that lt gt also works with angles scale and 2D position if no parameter is used with angles 360 degrees is assumed m c p Used with a parameter value to align selection bounding with the Minus Center Plus relation of target point If no parameter value is entered 0 is used which is equal to World center Hot Keys Alt Numeric M C P Used with a parameter value to align selected bounding with the Minus Center Plus relation of main selected object If no parameter value is entered 0 is used useful to Snap main and other selection boundings together Hot Keys Ctrl Numeric Chapter 2 Creating a New Venue 2 2 Example Tutorials In this tutorial we will start a new design by setting the room size and selecting material for the floor ceiling and walls Next we will add a stage trussing and screen Before beginning this tutorial see Section 2 7 2 2 1 Set Room Size The room area can be virtually unlimited as there are no limitations on size However it is recommended to stay bel
94. ted state e To return an individual parameter to its default muted state right click on the parameter itself except pan and tilt in this case just click the pan or tilt mute button e To return all fixture parameters to their default muted state press the Mute buttons in the Fixture Menu 4 3 4 Fixture Menu Window The Fixture Menu Window contains the Fixture Menu and tools for extended fixture data Pan Tilt Shape Generator and Phase Shift To open this window press the Fixture Menu button see 8 in Figure 70 4 3 4 1 Fixture Menu Clone to Slave Copy data from the master fixture red to slave fixtures blue Copy Master Copy data from the master fixture red to the clipboard Paste Paste fixture data from the clipboard to selected fixtures Clear Delete fixture data from the selected fixtures Mute 7 UnMute Mute default state or UnMute all selected fixtures Load Preset Load previously saved Preset scenes Losa Preset Mix Preset Merge previously saved Preset scenes with active scene data Save Preset Save current fixture data as a Preset scene Save Preset _ Save select ion Save Selection Press to assign selected fixtures to a Hot Key Section 4 8 4 Figure 71 4 3 4 2 Pan Tilt Shape Generator The Pan Tilt Shape Generator can be used to apply customizable shapes to selected fixtures By starting with one of eight available shapes for example a circle it is possible to adjust various attri
95. ter fixture s phase divided by its distance from the master fixture s 3D position Note The phase shift affects the scenes in Tracks 1 2 3 4 only It is not available when editing fixtures in the DMX Input and Flash Preset Tracks See Section 4 5 Tracks Page 51 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 4 4 Scenes Page 52 The looks you create by editing fixture parameters are called Scenes A scene can consist of a simple static look containing one fixture parameter value for example a single colour or pan tilt position or include multiple fixtures and parameters Consecutive scenes are played back in one of four parallel Tracks Tracks 1 2 3 4 see Section 4 5 2 Note Besides Tracks 1 2 3 4 there are two other types of tracks the DMX Input Track and the Flash Preset Track This section only describes working with scenes in Tracks 1 2 3 4 The DMX Input and the Flash Preset Tracks contain one scene each which is covered in their respective sections 4 5 1 and 4 5 3 To edit scenes on Tracks 1 2 3 4 select desired fixtures in the 2D or 3D Main Screen Figure 69 then select one of the tracks Any scene can be saved to disk as a Preset File scene see 9 in Figure 75 It s possible to load saved Preset Files from the disk manually or automatically by pressing a Hot Key see Figure 74 Section 4 8 for more information on Hot Keys Each track Tracks 1 2 3 4 holds up to 32 individual scenes 1 The list of scenes is
96. the desired start address number then press APPLY 4 7 To clear addresses select Disable 5 then press APPLY Page 39 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Page 40 8 To give a port a unique name press the Rename button 6 then press APPLY Note To view all addresses use the scroll bar 7 or mouse scroll wheel Note If an address is already in use the address number will be displayed in red for example MEA ArtNet Configuration No special configuration for ArtNet is required as LIGHTCONVERSE supports ArtNet I amp 11 in native mode Typical ArtNet IP addressing is as follows Computer IP Address 2 0 0 1 Subnet Mask 255 0 0 0 Console IP Address 2 0 0 2 Subnet Mask 255 0 0 0 3 9 3 Patch Macro The Patch Macro see 11 n Figure 44 allows for a channel to be controlled by another channel A channel can be set to Read from or Master to another channel As a simple example when using 6 conventional fixtures such as ellipsoidals you may want all 6 fixtures to be controlled by a single channel This could be accomplished by assigning the channels of fixtures 2 6 to the channel of fixture 1 fixtures 2 6 would Read the channel data from fixture 1 Follow the short procedure below to understand steps necessary in the above example A CLONE to Slave fixtures o 1 2 Figure 62 3 rouwse HR Y Le Pr USE 1 Select Fixtures 2 6 2 Press Patch Macro button see 11 In Figure 44 3 Press Re
97. tion 32 Assigning to a Group 34 Deleting 32 Duplicating 32 Miscellaneous Attributes Color Filter 35 Zoom and Frost 35 Patching 38 Selecting 32 Full Processing Mode 47 Group Masters Window 56 Group Speed 58 Group Files 57 Groups 55 Hot Keys 60 Introduction 48 Programming Fixtures 49 Scenes 52 Show Files 59 Tracks 53 G GrandMA 38 H High End Hog3 38 Hippotizer Video 22 Hot Keys DMX Setup Screen 44 DMX Visualization Only Mode 65 Full Processing Mode 60 Room Editor 24 Import Export 3D Objects 21 Fixtures 43 Important Notes 8 Importing DXF and X Files 21 Importing Materials and Video Files 22 Initial Operation 5 Installation 3 Introduction 2 Invert Pan Tilt Directions 40 41 IP Address 38 Page 67 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 L Laser Assign 37 Light Calculation 20 M Main Screen 6 Material Importing 22 Selecting 13 Material Editor 20 Measurement Imperial 12 Metric 12 N Navigation O Object Calculator 12 Object DMX patching 1 or 3 ch modes 20 Objects Assigning to Layer 12 Center View on 12 Controlling by DMX 18 Deleting 11 Duplicating 11 Patching to DMX 12 Positioning 11 Rotating 11 Scaling 11 Selecting 10 Setting Size 11 Operating Modes DMX Visualization Only 6 63 Full Processing 6 47 P Pangolin Laser 37 Paperwork Excel 43 Fixtures 43 Objects 23 Patch Camera to DMX 41 Patch Macro 40 Patching Fixtures 38 ArtNet 38 Avolites ACDI 38 DMX Input 38 DMX Output 39
98. tion step Note that lt gt also works with angles scale and 2D position if no parameter is used with angles 360 degrees is assumed m c p Used with a parameter value to align selection bounding with the Minus Center Plus relation of target point If no parameter value is entered 0 is used which is equal to World center Hot Keys Alt Numeric M C P Used with a parameter value to align selected bounding with the Minus Center Plus relation of main selected fixture If no parameter value is entered O is used useful to Snap main and other selection boundings together Hot Keys Ctrl Numeric 3 5 3D View To open the 3D View press the 3D button at the top of the DMX Setup Screen see 7 in Figure 44 3 5 1 3D Fixture Position There are various ways to position selected fixtures e Press the button see 5 in Figure 44 The fixtures can then be dragged with the mouse in a secant plane e Set the fixtures s X Y and Altitude coordinate values via the 3D Position section as shown in Figure 53 For small decrements or increments click the left or right arrows For larger decrements or increments click and hold the left or right mouse keys while dragging the mouse The mouse scroll wheel may be used also e Acoordinate value can be entered directly by pressing the Calculator button El For Figure 53 additional Calculator options see Section 3 4 7 e To return parameters to default values press the C button e
99. u can use LIGHTCONVERSE in 2D Safe Mode to run software for free lighting control without save limitations SAFE MODE Figure 4 Note If you are evaluating one of our OEM demo versions Avolites HES Hog3 Hippotizer Pangolin Z88 You can directly connect without a USB license dongle The OEM demo versions are fully functional with each specific manufacturer and completely unlocked for one hour blocks 1 5 4 Select or Create a Database folder After selecting the operating mode the Main Screen will open If this is the first time operating LIGHTCONVERSE the default demo database will load Otherwise the last opened database will load Note The database is saved automatically when closing the program To select an existing Database Folder 1 Press Select located in Setup Menu at top right of Main Screen 2 Select Database Folder name from Folders List 3 Press Select Database Folder button To create a new Database Folder 1 Press Create located in Setup menu in top right of Main Screen 2 Type new Database Folder name 3 Press OK Figure 5 Note The Database Folder contains all your project files and is located where LIGHTCONVERSE was initially installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Database_MyShows 1 5 4 1 Saving and Backing Up a Database Folder As mentioned above the database is saved automatically when closing the program To make a full copy for backup of the Database Folder simply cop
100. ure 10 aE Export A complete room scene may be exported for later use in other projects To export the room Export scene select the required objects then press the Export button Next enter a room scene name TEE Hot Key Ctrl S crear Restore Import Used to import a previously exported room scene Hot Key Ctrl L Select a empty cell in the Room Object List see 3 in Figure 10 before importing All imported objects will Figure 40 automatically be assigned to a new layer named after the imported room scene Clear Press to completely delete all objects in the room clear project memory Hot Key Ctrl N Restore Press to restore the project memory this can also be used to undo all changes made before exiting the room 2 4 3 Importing 3D Objects from DXF and X Files 3D DXF and X files DirectX files may be imported for use in your design Note The object files being imported must always be in 3D solid form To import a DXF or X file copy the file into the Furniture folder where LIGHTCONVERSE was initially installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Furniture If the X file has textured materials then all textures must be copied to a nearby folder with the same name as the X file Also the X file must link to the textures without a path For the file to be visible in the 3D Model Library you must also add in the same folder a JPG or PNG picture file of the object with the same name as the
101. use keys while dragging the mouse The mouse scroll wheel or direct entry by calculator El may also be used Figure 55 3 6 2 2D Icon Direction and Size An icon s X and Y directions can be reversed by pressing their respective buttons as shown in Figure 53 An icon s size may be made smaller in order to fit more icons in the view for example with a show with many fixtures Press the 1 2 button as shown in Figure 55 Page 33 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 3 Page 34 7 Assigning Fixtures to Groups and Layers 3 7 1 Assigning Fixtures to Groups To assign fixtures to a group select the fixtures then press the Group button see 8 in Figure 44 Next select the desired group number 1 12 from the group pop up window as shown in Figure 56 To name the group press the Rename button Press Apply afterwards The left right EN buttons can be used to sort groups by list or alphabetically respectively Note A fixture can be assigned to one group only it is impossible to assign a fixture to several groups at the same time Figure 56 Note Assigning fixtures to groups is only necessary when using Full Processing mode see Groups Section 4 6 However it can be used as a method to select large groups of specific fixtures while in Visualization Only mode Also the group name or number will appear in the fixture specification print out see Section 3 12 2 3 3 7 1 Assigning Fixtures to Layers To assign sel
102. ve to zoom out 2 A further detailed report fixture txt contains a complete list of all fixtures including name number size DMX patch group number 2D 3D location and fixture driver DMX specifications This file is located in the Database folder where LIGHTCONVERSE was initially installed for example C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 Database_MyShow Note To print out a list of objects used in the room see Section 2 5 2 3 3 12 3 Exportlmport via Excel see 16 in Figure 44 me Press Export to make fixture data changes then press Import Excel spreadsheet Sheet1 xls can Export be save in your My Documents folder make sure the spreadsheet is open before importing MEE Figure 68a 3 13 DMX Setup Screen Hot keys To obtain the following list of available Hot Keys in the DMX Setup Screen press the KEM button at the top of the screen Note DMX Setup Screen Hot Keys are pre assigned and many are specific to the DMX Setup Screen 3 13 1 Camera Operations Home Move 3D Camera forward End Move 3D Camera backward lt Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera left gt Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera right T Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera up 4 Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera down Space Focus 3D Camera to selected fixture s center Number Pad 1 Set 3D Camera view from front left 2 Set 3D Camera view from front 3 Set 3D Camera view from front right 4 Set 3D Camera view
103. wer mode enter C LIGHTCONVERSE_41 lc exe maxpower command in Windows Start Menu Run Maxpower mode allows the software to operate more aggressively by disabling CPU power save and resource sharing functions Maxpower mode will also disable monitor synchronization in order to increase frame rate FPS Please note that this mode is not recommended for single core CPU s Note f your video card supports NVIDIA TurboCache technology you may want to consider turning off TurboCache TurboCache allows the video card to dynamically use a portion of the system memory Disabling TurboCache will allow LIGHTCONVERSE to only use the video card memory thus increasing performance For more information see http howtotroubleshoot blogspot com 2007 05 how to disable turbocache html Page 3 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 1 4 Upgrades and Technical Support e To upgrade your version of LIGHTCONVERSE to a higher level please contact us You will only be required to pay the difference in price between versions e For quick help in any screen hover your mouse over the area that you would like help in and watch the top of the screen for a short scrolling message e Video tutorials of many of the topics described in this manual are available on the installation CD or at www lightconverse net lc download htm e An online support forum of LIGHTCONVERSE users is available at www lightconverse net Ic Ic_forum htm e For additional technical support
104. what is taking place in the 3D Visualizer This can be useful to slow down or freeze the output while you make changes in the visualizer Would apply only if the DMX signal was being sent from a control console to LIGHTCONVERSE and then out to actual fixtures Page 64 Chapter 5 DMX Visualizer Only Mode 5 2 DMX Visualization Only Mode Hot Keys Note DMX Visualization Only Mode Hot Keys are pre assigned 5 2 1 Camera Operations Home Move 3D Camera forward End Move 3D Camera backward lt Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera left gt Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera right IT Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera up 1 Move Rotate if Ctrl pressed 3D Camera down Number Pad 1 Set 3D Camera view from front left 2 Set 3D Camera view from front 3 Set 3D Camera view from front right 4 Set 3D Camera view from left 5 Set 3D Camera view from ceiling 6 Set 3D Camera view from right 7 Set 3D Camera view from left back 8 Set 3D Camera view from back 9 Set 3D Camera view from right back 0 Set 3D Camera field of view FOV to zero 2D Set 3D Camera field of view FOV to normal 3D 5 2 2 Shortcuts PrintScreen Save screen rendering to file located in _Screenshots folder PauseBreak Quit Program PageUp Set ambient light brighter PageDn Set ambient light darker 5 2 3 Using DMX Visualizer Only Mode Hot Keys in FullScreen All of the above Hot Key
105. will begin the track s execution see also Playback 76 Figure 79 Each of Tracks 1 2 3 4 can be given a file name with a maximum of 24 characters To add a name click on the file name area 4 Figure 78 Pressing the Link button 17 will allow changes to the track be automatically updated in all groups or shows in which it is located The track must be saved as a Track File see 14 in Figure 79 below Page 53 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 Each of the Tracks 1 2 3 4 are edited in its Track Menu Figure 79 which is opened by pressing the Track Menu button 5 above Many of the functions are similar to the functions in the Scene Menu Figure 75 however the Track Menu functions will affect all of the scenes in the track not just individual scenes as is the case with the scene Menu Track Menu The Duplicate All button 6 will double each scene in the track The Delete Odd and Delete Even buttons 7 are used for deleting odd or even a ee scenes in the track 100 Click and drag the Scene 8 and FadeOut 9 bars to set Scene and Fadeout times of all scenes in the track Scene and Fadeout time Wave and Randomize functions can set here also 0 Have ancora Use the Paste all Scenes button 10 to paste a copied scene into all scenes in the track Paste all tcenes Use the Clear all Scenes button 10 to clear parameter values of all scenes in Load Preset gt Scenes the track Mix Preset gt 3cenes s
106. xtures 3 9 1 Patch DMX Input 3 9 2 Patch DMX Output 3 9 3 Patch Macro e 3 9 4 Invert Pan Tilt Directions e 3 9 5 User Fixture List Information e 3 10 Patch Camera to DMX e 3 11 Import Export e 3 11 1 Fixtures Project e 3 12 Paperwork e 3 12 1 Paper and Plot Modes of View e 3 12 2 Printing Options e 3 12 2 1 Bitmap Output to Printer Screen e 3 12 2 2 Vector Output to Printer Plot e3 12 2 3 Fixtures Specification Printing e 3 12 3 Exportimport Data via Excel 23 13 DMX Setup Screen Hot Keys 3 73 7 Camera Operations e 3 13 2 Shortcuts e3 13 3 Using DMX Setup Screen Hot Keys in FullScreen mode Page 27 LIGHTCONVERSE User Manual v 41 3 1 Getting Siarted After designing your new venue as described in Chapter 2 select DMX 1 from the Setup Menu in the Main Screen to open the DMX Setup Screen If you are using the example tutorial from Section 2 2 the DMX Setup Screen will open as shown below in Figure 44 otherwise it will open the DMX Setup Screen of the database folder you are 1 currently vvorking in see Section 1 5 4 for more information Many of the operations in the DMX Setup Screen can be quickly executed via Hot Keys This will be indicated in this chapter as for example Hot Key Delete See Section 3 13 for more Select information on DMX Setup Screen Hot Keys Figure 43 1 NO DRIVER Le Mp irect ion e MRotation X position Pan 0 000 Figure 44 3 2 Choosing Fixture Drivers mis i
107. y 4 press the Alpha button Adjust the Level regulator to set transparency note that using very large transparent objects is not recommended as it can cause incorrect beam rendering and loss of speed Note When an objects RGB material is controlled by DMX see Section 2 1 6 the following conditions apply Alpha Off Color Diffuse Specular DMX Emissive levels Alpha On Color DMX Diffuse Specular Emissive levels To adjust the object s Specular shininess degree 5 adjust the Glossy and Level regulators The Color Picker can be used to further refine the surface with a specific color Note The Diffuse and Specular components of a material govern how the material physically responds to light The Diffuse component controls how light is reflected from the surface in all directions The Specular component controls reflection to the camera s objective only Glossy controls how large the camera s objective is The Specular reflection is shown on the Preview Material ball 6 To adjust the object s Emissive internal glow degree and color 7 adjust the Level and Color Picker regulators This is useful working with video screens LED walls etc U and V are the texture coordinates of a material and can be adjusted as follows scaled via U Tiling and V Tiling 8 shifted via U Offset and V Offset 9 and revolved via Rotation 10 To return to the original coordinates press the Reset Transform button 11
108. y it via Windows Explorer The Database Folder can then be saved to another location i e USB memory drive or CD ROM 1 5 4 2 Automatic Backups Note Backups of database fixture and furniture information in the Database Folder are automatically saved every three minutes i e backup fixture Icini and backup furniture Icini Backup files are automatically erased after successful write of main configuration files fixture Icini and furniture Icini If Backup files are present due to emergency exit they will be loaded instead of main configuration files so that your work will be automatically restored Chapter 1 Introduction Configuration amp Initial Operation 1 5 5 3D World Navigation e To move the camera up or down use the Up Down arrow keys on your keyboard To move the camera left or right use the Left Right arrow keys To zoom the camera in and out press the Home End keys Note In Full Processing Mode Main Screen on y Camera keys must first be assigned as Hot Keys see sec 4 8 e The mouse scroll wheel can be used for up down camera moves while outside of the Compass area 7 5 5 7 Compass To zoom or rotate the view place the mouse inside the Compass area lower right area of the 3D View and use one of the following methods e To Zoom the camera in and out press and hold the left mouse button while moving the mouse vertically e To rotate the room in the horizontal plane press and hold the left mouse butto

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