OPERATIONAL HANDBOOK Document No.: 8804900 (A79) Issue: 2 Strand Lighting Date: Oct 1990Strand Lighting Ltd., Grant Way, (off Syon | ane), Isleworth, Middlesex. TW7 5QD UK Tel. 081 5603171 Fax. 081 568 2103 Strand Lighting Offices Overseas Note: Talonhana numbors axeure intamatinnal and natianal dialing andes: na. ‘Asia: 802 Houston Conte, 63 Mody Road, Tsihatsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tal: 368.5161 Fax: 2694900 ‘Australia: 264-270 Nomanty Road, Souh Melbourne, Vcore 3205 Ausrala “To 3 645 4522. Fax: 3 6486727 ‘Canada: 2490 Lucknow Divo, Unit 15, Misisauga, Ontario LSS 13 Canada Ye: 416677 7190 Fax: 416677 6859 France: 26 Vila Des Few, $2400 Course, France Yer 1 47698656 Fax: 149937175 Germany: Po Box 4449, 3500 Braunechwel, Germany “Te:5991 20080 Fax:991 70009 Italy: Via dole Gardonie 80 (Ponta Vecchia Km 33,400), 00040 Pomerie-oms, tay Te 69197123 Fax:69197196 USA: PO Box 004, 18111 South Santa Fe Avenue, Rancho Domingues, CA 00221 UGA Te: 219.697 7500 Fax: £19 c02 5518 USA: 20 Bushee Lane, Eimwood Park, NIG7407 USA “os: 201 791 700 Fax: 201 701 3167 ‘Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the information in thie handbook, no ‘Strand Lighting Lid. reserves the right to amend the specifications ofthe product at any time. ‘This document is issued on condition that the information contained herein isnot copied, reprinted, or otherwise duplicated by a third party wholly or in part without the consent in writing of Strand Lighting Limited. Certain features of the equipment describedin this document may form the subject of patents or patent applications. bility can be accepted for any errors or omissions. © Sand Lighting Limited 1990Foreword ‘This handbook is intended to guide the new user of MX through the many features and unique versatility of the system, from basic manual operation to highly complex special effects. It does not attempt to serve asa tutorial on stage lighting techniques, but we recognise that many new users of MX may have had little previous expericnec of lighting control systems. We therefore include some explanation of basic concepts and terminology, and a glossary of terms at the end of the Introduction section of this handbook which the inexperienced user may find a valuable reference. ‘Note that the lighting process is potentially hazardous, using mains voltage electrical equipment, hot luminaires and requiring use of ladders etc. for access. Equipment should be regularly checked and maintained, safe working practices observed and caution exercised at all times. Sections of text which contain particularly important information or will help to solve common difficulties are included in bold type, as in this paragraph. oct 1960 =F MxSafety Information and Warning ‘The equipment described in this manual is designed and manufactured to comply ‘with international safety standards TEC65 and is intended for use as a lighting control system. It must not be used for other purposes where there is any risk of safety to persons. Itis important that installation be carried outin accordance with the instructions given in this manual. In the interests of continued safe and reliable operation, observe the following Sines. © DANGER: du nut aueupt w open the power supply un casing. © omy operate me equipment with the power supply provided. © Keep the control system at a room temperature of 0-35°C and relative humidity of 10-95%(non-condensing) during operation. © Avoid sudden extremes of temperature, rain, direct sunlight or heat sources. ‘© Make sure that wires and cables are routed sensibly so that they cannot be snagged or tripped over. Do not tug or twist any wires or cables or use them to lift the unit. * DON’T drop the equipment or subject it to excessive bumping or jarring. © DON’T spill liquids on the surface of the unit. If liquids do spill, switch off the system immediately and contact your supplier. © DO protect the unit from excessive dust or other contamination ‘when not in use. — axContents 1 2 INSTALLATION 3 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS ‘ct 1000 INTRODUCTION Basic Terms and Concepts Introduction to MX . Gene Glossary of Terms . Description and Fe Location Dimensions . Unpacking .. Connecting up ‘Switching On Control Module . On/Off Switch . Blackout Button and Associated LED . Grand Master Fader . Record Button and Associated LED . Chanmel’Scene Mode Dutton and Associated LCDs « Hold Button and Associated LED (yellow) . . A Aetive LED (red) Flash Mode Select Button and Associated LEDs Flash Channel/Scene Select Button and Associated LEDs . Flash Level Master Fader . Crossfader A 14 Crossfader B 14 Crossfaders C and D ... 14 ANC and B/D Time Control Faders 15 LED Fade Progress Displays 15CONTENTS: Effect Select Buttons and Associated LEDs Effect Go/Stop Button and Effect Running LEDs Effect Type Buttons and Associated LEDs ... Effect Direction Buttons and Associated LEDs Effect Stop Button ‘Audio/Midi Level Fader and LED Effect Fade Time Control .... Effect Step Time Fader . Effects Master Fader . The LCD Display . Fader Modules .. Preset A Channel Faders Preset 8 Channel Faders . Flas Buttons . LED Indicators . ‘When RECORD is OFF: When RECORD is ON: . 4 THE MENU SYSTEM Introduction . . Basic Operation . ‘Scene and FX Menus . ‘The Setup Menus .. The Record Menus... 28 5 BASIC OPERATIONS .. 29 Lighting a Scene 29 Output 29 Blackout ....... 29 Dipless Crossfades . 29 Fade Times . Adjusting Channels .. = Producing Manual Crossfades between Presets A & B . Producing a Timed Crossfade between Presets A&B . Flashing a Channel or Scene . MX = a6 PRINTER OPERATION 7 ADVANCED OPERATION .... 8 MAINTENANCE .. 9 MIDIINTERFACE . ‘Oct 1990 CONTENTS. How to Record a Scene How to Play Back a Scene using a Scene Master ... How to Play Back Timed Cues ........- How to Play Back in Sequence . . How to Modify a Recorded Scene Hold Mode - 2 Scene Preset Operation on Preset A Faders ... 36 How to Modity a Held Scene . .. How to produce Effects How lo Mouily a Recorded Effect... Effect Playback .... ound to Light Control How to Safeguard Recorded Memories Haw ta Clear Mamories .. Connecting a Printer Operation . immer Patch . MIDI Control . . RS232 Interface ...... Routine Maintenance by the User ...-- Periodic inspection ... Cleaning «. User Diagnostics . Service Diagnostics . Equipment breakdown ......2...0.-0+5 The MIDI Interface ....CONTENTS MX Modes And Applications ... MIDI Channel Number . MIDI Normal Mode... MIDI Out Mode .... MIDI In Mode . MIDI Slave Mode MIDI Defined Messages ........... MX MIDI Codes . The MX Requirement . Implementation . Running Status .. MILI Commands Used MIDI Control Change Pagoo - Data Block Coding . . Data Byte Coding .. MX Control Page Assignments . MX Control Code Assignment . MIDI Timing Messages — FX Control Active Sensing Strand Lighting System Exclusive Messages MIDI NOTE ON / NOTE OFF .. 10 APPENDICES . seeee sees seen TT ‘Appendix A-Connector Configurations . weeeeeeeee ‘Appendix B - Diagnostic Tests and Error Messages . 72 MX = cntixe1 Oct 1990 Introduction Lighting for entertainment is a creative art, and the development of sophisticated electronic control systems, such as MX, have removed the restrictions placed on the lighting designer and technician by former manual control systems. Basic principles have not changed over the years, but the versatility and wealth of features offered by acontrol system like MX require the user tohave areasonable level of understanding of lighting techniques if those capabilities are to be used creatively. The following sections define the terms which will be used frequently throughout this handbook, and explain some af the mast basic entertainment lighting concepts. BASIC TERMS AND CONCEPTS ‘Any entertainment lighting set-up consists essentially of a number of lights (often referred to as lanterns or luminaires), connected individually or in small groups to some form of dimmer. The dimmers enable the lighting operator to ‘control brightness with repeatable precision through the lighting contol system. “Modem electronic controls allow both the dimmers and the control system to be sited wherever is most convenient, without the need for large connecting cables. ‘The control system comprises a number of channels, cach of which will generally provide control of one dimmer or a group of dimmers by a fader. The ‘effect created by any given combination of channels and their levels is known asa scene. Most lighting systems allow for more than one scene to be setup at any one time, and for crossfades to be performed between scenes by means of master faders. The scene currently ive is often referred toas theactivesceneand the one (or more set up to follow it as the preset scene. Transitions between scenes may take the form of a crossfade, as mentioned above, where one scene completely replaces the previous one, or may be a separate fadenup or fadedown, where scenes are added to, artaken away from, the current scene. The precise duration from the start to the finish of a fade is called the fade time. In the case of a manual lighting control system, the description of each scene has to be plotted on paper, taking careful note of all fader settings, fade times and types. This was traditionally a lengthy process, as was the resetting of each preset scene during performances. A memory control system enables the plotting to be achieved instantly at the press of a record button, and for the recorded states to be recalled one-by-one, in any required order, of as a sequence. Each lighting ‘change is often referred to as a eue.INTRODUCTION ‘Someumes more complex lighting changes are required, which may involve rapid or repetitive actions, such as flash, chase or flicker, and these are usually called effects. The contol system may be able to produce these effects ‘automatically, and this is the case with MX. ‘The memory systemallows the lighting designer or technician total creativity and less opportunity for operational errors. An understanding of the capability of his control system will enable the user to take best advantage of that versatility, and will enable even the most complex productions to be handled simply and efficiently. INTRODUCTION TO MX ‘Your MX console has been designed to be simple to use, butit incorporates many sophisticated feature which may be unfamiliar to many users, Inwill dsefure Le helpful to introduce some of the these concepts before describing MX in detail. A diagram of the Control Module an the right-hand side of the concole is Provided at the beginning of this section, and may be folded out for reference. ‘Users who are only familiar with older manual control desks will be used to the conceptof one fader per channel, with perhaps a number of duplicate fader banks providing presets. MX has two distinct modes, CHANNEL and SCENE, and in ‘Channel mode the console can be used as a simple two-scene preset deck. Scene mode dramatically extends the capability of the desk, by enabling the lower row of faders (B) to each act asa Scene Master controlling amemorised lighting state (Scene) comprising all of the channels on the desk. These Scene Masters can be ‘combined together to form new lighting states, which can themselves be recorded for future use. It is important to understand this dual function of the B Faders, which in ‘Channel Mode control Channels, au in Seeue Mode control entire Scenes as Scene Masters. Scene Mode provides the operator with enormous creative flexibility, but requires the-use of the lower bank of faders as Scené Masters, and they are not therefore available for normal 2-preset operation. MX avoids this potential limitation by providing a HOLD mode, which enables a current lighting state to be HELD in memory, and 2-scene preset operation carried out using the ‘A’ Preset faders only. In this mode the lower faders remain available as Scene Masters. Previously recorded Scenes are stored and recalled in SCENE PAGES, and the ‘number of Scenes in a page equals the number of channels on the desk. When a Oct 1990Oct 1990 INTRODUCTION page is recalled, the Scenes in the page are assigned in numencal order to the Scene Master Faders (the lower bank of faders), with one Scene instantly available on each of the Scene Masters. Each page selected recalls a different set of Scenes. Scenes may be used individually or mixed in any combination to create ‘new scenes, or overlapped for particular lighting changes. A similar arrangement of Pages is used to recall Effects, and in that case a block of six Effects makes up an EFFECT PAGE, and these are assigned in numerical order to the six Effect Select buttons. A full explanation of these facilities can be found in the following Sections. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND FACILITIES ‘MX is a portable inghting controller, and 1s essentually a two scene preset board, ‘with comprehensive memory and effects features. Scene-masters are provided allowing memories to be mixed to form complex scenes very simply. It is produced in three sizes, comprising 12, 24 or 48 channels, and each provides three methods of control: 8) Manual operation using channel faders b) _ Memory control, providing playback of recorded scenes under the control, of scene-master faders. ©) Playback of recorded lighting effects. ‘These methods of control can be combined freely to produce complex effects, and the resulting ourput will be the highest level produced for each channel from the three control sections. This way of combining muluple control signals tor the channels is called a ‘highest-takes-precedence” basis. The FLASH function is the one exception to this rule, which can be arranged to flash channels or scenes to a lower level or OFF for particular effects. MK provides 4 ‘pages’ of scenes, each comprising the same number of scenes as there are channels on the desk, ic. 12, 24 or 48. Four separate ‘pages’ each comprising 6 recorded effects are provided, and these effects may be triggered from an external audio or MIDI source. (MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and is an intemational standard for transmitting data between electronic instruments. Itis explained Section 9). Scenes are retained indefinitely ‘while MX is connected to the mains, orif power is removed, for atleast a month by an internal re-chargeable battery. The battery will be fully e-charged after MX hhas been operated for twelve hours. Additionally, all recorded information may be copied 10 removable cards for library storage of productions, or security 7 MKINTRONUCTION MX is a completely integrated system, and provides all controls and associated electronics in a compact and easily portable unit. A separate power supply feeds only low voltage de to the desk. ensuring that the latter is intrinsically safe 10 the ‘operator. Connection to the dimmers is via a multiplexed data link, avoiding the ‘cumbersome one-wire-per—dimmer cabling of older systems. MX is unusually versatile in that it incorporates a large number of interfaces to dimmers and other external devices. The system supports SMX and DMX512 1/0 => DIMMER key sequence. See Section 4 for details. Note that itis possible to adjust the nominal output voltage of either DS4 or AMX protocols within this menu, The default setting of 100% gives S.0V, the normal specification voltage, but itis possible to adjust this from 80% (4.0¥) to 120% (6.0V) to allow for very long cable runs or maladjusted dimmers / ‘multiplexers, All settings are retained when the system is switched off. 9. Move faders on PRESET A and check that lights are faded up on the corresponding dimmer outputs. If you do not get a correct response from the dimmers after following these steps, ‘swiuci off uke MX console ar the Tear panel switch, recheck your connections and settings and repeat the sequence. ‘A Glussis earth, marked with the international earth symbol, is provided on the rear panel of the MX console. In circumstances where static electricity is often encountered (such as where there is a nylon carpet or exceptionally low relative ‘humidity), it will be advantageous to connect this point to a secure mains earth. This will prevent any electrostatic discharge from damaging the console. If the response is still unsatisfactory, refer to the maintenance section, =10- Oct 1900Oct 1990 Front Panel Controls ‘The following section describes each control on the front panel of MX, and this will help you familiarise yourself with the position and function af each switch, faderand LED before moving on tothe explanation of Basic Operation in Section 5. You will find it helpful to refer to the front panel layout diagram while youread the following pages. ‘MX is divided into two sections. On the right-hand side of the console is the ‘Comrol Module, which provides all unasici outils, russfade outils, effets controls and the LCD display. To the left of the Control Module are a number of ‘identical Fader Modules, each controlling twelve channels. CONTROL MODULE On/Off Switch ‘The On/Off switch on the rear panel of MX switches the de power from the power supply to the whole console. WARNING! ‘The On/OM switch does not isolate the power supply unit from the mains. ‘Turn off power at the mains socket when the console is not in use. ‘The console always undergoes a cold start after being tumed on by the On/Off switch, and will run through diagnostic tests before loading the default settings for cath funtion. Blackout Button and associated LCD ‘The Blackout button operates as a master blackout switch for the whole console, and overrides all outputs. Pressing the button toggles between Blackout (LED lit) and normal output. NOTE ‘When Blackout is selected, any fadesin progress continue in the background until they are finished, although there is no visible output. 7 MXFRONT PANEL CONTROLS Grand Master Fader This fader operates as a master control over the output levels of every output channel on MX. Record Button and associated LED ‘This button is safeguarded by the RECORD LOCK accessed fromthe setup menu ‘on the LCD display (see Display Menus ~ Section 4). ‘When RECORD LOCK is ON, this button hae no effect. When RECORD LOCK, is OFF, pressing this button switches MX into RECORD mode, and the LED illuminates. Pressing the button a second time de-selects RECORD mode. Any active effects are temporarily de-selected but will remain running when you enter RECORD mode, and are restored as soon as RECORD is turned OFF. For additional security it is good practice to make back-up copies of your productions and special patches etc. using the memory card facility included on MX. Channel/Scene Mode Button and associated LEDs ‘This button toggles between Channel and Scene modes, as shown by the two LEDs, indicating GREEN for Channel and YELLOW for Scene. Hold Button and associated LED (yellow) HOLD mode allows MX to temporarily store the scene on the A Faders, and release the A and B Crossfaders for two-scene preset operation. Whilst the B agers are in use, the active scene and the use of B Faders as scene-masters remain available throughout HOLD mode, allowing the most complex lighting changes to be performed, ‘When MX is in SCENE mode, this button toggles HOLD mode on and off. The LED illuminates when Hold is active. ‘You may only enter and exit HOLD mode when the A Crossfader is at full and the B Crossfader is at zero, i, both in the fully UP position. 42 ‘Oct 1990Oct 1000 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS: ‘The A and B Crossfaders, whilst in HOLD mode, successively crossfade from the Held scene to the scene on the A Faders. At the completion of each crossfade (up or down) the scene on the A Faders is loaded automatically into the Held scene and the A Faders disabled, allowing a new scene to be preset before cerossfading to it. For a more detailed description, see the “Hold Mode’ description in the Basic Operations section. If Hold is ON, and you switch to Channel mode, then Hold is turned off automatically, regardless of A/B Crossfader position. A Active LED (red) ‘When Hold mode is ON, this LED illuminates whenever the Preset A channel faders are contributing to the outoutas a result of A/B Crossfades. When the LED is off youcan safely change the Preset A faders without affecting the stage output. Flasn Mode Select Button and associated LEDS This button has three LEDs above it, the lower two of which indicate either Normal or Solo Flash mode, while the top red LED lights to show that Flash operation is OFF. If Flash mode has been enabled from the Setup menu the button. toggles between Normal Flash and Solo Flash modes, and one of the lower two LEDS will be lit to show the current state. In Normal Flash mode, pressing one of the Flash buttons below the Preset B faders wall take the output of that Channel (or Scene Master in Flash Scene mode) to the stage output, ata level set by the Flash Level fader. All other Channels (or ‘Scene Masters) are unaffected. The Flash Level fader may be above or below the level of the selected channel, and Flash Mode may therefore be used to ‘flash out” or ‘flash down’ a particular Channel or Scene. This is the one exception to the “highect takec precedence” rule on MX. In Solo Flash mode, pressing one of the Flash buttons below the Preset B faders ‘will replace the cuirent ctage ammput with the ewpnt af that Channel (ar Scene ‘Master in Flash Scene mode), at a level set by the position of the Flash Level fader. Releasing the Flash button returns the stage output to the previous settings. ‘This may be above or below the previous active level. Flash operation may be inhibited in the setup menu, and is disabled in RECORD. mode. Flash Channel/Scene Select Button and associated LEDs ‘This button works in conjunction with the Channel/Scene mode selection. MxFRONT PANEL CONTROLS In Channel mode the green Channel LED will be lit, and this button has no effect. In Scene Mode the button toggles MX between Flash Channel (green LED lit) and Flash Scene (yellow LED lit). Flash Level Master Fader ‘This fader controls the level to which Channels or Scene Masters will be flashed when a Flash button is pressed and Flash une isactive. The position of this fader will override the current output level for the selected Channel or Scene Master, allowing you to flash Channels or Scene Masters to Full or Out, depending on ‘whether the Flash Level Fader is at full or zero respectively. Settings between top ‘and bottom positions allow Channels or Scene Masters to be flashed to any desired level. Crossfader A This fader controls either the combined output of all the Preset A faders in ‘Channel mode or alternately the A Faders and the Hield Scene, if MX is in Hold made. See Section 5 ~ Basic Operations for a full description of Hold Mode. The fade time is set by the A/C Time Control Fader positioned directly above it. CCrossfader A is active in both Channel and Scene modes. Crossfader B ‘his fader controls ether the combined output of all the Preset B faders when in ‘Channel made, ut altcinately the A Fadcis aud dhe Held Secure when MX is in ‘Scene mode with Hold active. See Section 5 — Basic Operations for a full description of Hold Mode. -Ihe tade tume 1s set by the B/L ‘lime Control Fader positioned directly above it. (Crossfader B is active in both Channel and Scene modes. Crossfaders C and D ‘These faders allow crossfades to be performed between two Scenes selected on the LCD display. Smooth, dipless crossfades are produced by moving the two faders up and down together, and Scenes are automatically incremented when the faders each the end of their travel at top and bottom, providing a Scene Sequence ‘capability. Any cleared scenes are ignored in the sequence. The fade times can be set by either the A/C and B/D Fade Time Controls or by the use of the recorded fade times. -14- Oct 1000Oct 1990 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AIC and B/D Time Control Faders ‘These faders control the response of the Crossfaders, as described above. At the top end of the scale or ‘Manual’ any movement of a Crossfader will produce an instantaneous response. At the lower end of the scale or ‘Infinity(e)’ any Crossfader movement is effectively delayed indefinitely, enabling fades to be frozen if required. The position of the Time Control Faders may be changed while 1 fade isin progress, and the duration of the fade will be altered instantaneously. ‘The Time Control Faders may be switched between the A/B Crossfaders and the CID Crossfaders using the menu system (see Section 4). ‘They may also be switched to ‘OVERRIDE’. In this mode they may be used to speed up a sequenced crossfade with recorded time. The fade progresses atarate that is the fastest of the recorded time and that set on the A/C and B/D time control faders. ‘The time control faders are also used to record fade times. Whenever an empty scene is recorded, the fade in time is taken from the A/C fader, the tade out ume from the B/D fader. LED Fade Progress Displays Accolumn of LEDs is located between each pair of Crossfaders, and these show how a timed fade is progressing by following the movement of the Crossfader, delayed by a time set on the corresponding Time Control Fader. One LED lights foreach Crossfader, and these LEDS will move in the direction corresponding to their Crossfader movement, There will therefore be occasions when the ‘movement of the LEDS will overlap, and only a single LED will be lit during the rransition. ‘The LED Fade Progress Displays always show the current output level. If the Crossfade direction is reversed or the Fade time changed during a fade, the ‘movement of the illuminated LEDs will reflect the updated progress of the fade. Effect Select Buttons and associated LEDs “These six buttons and associated LEDs make up an Effect ‘page’ on MX. Pressing any button selects one of the six Effects, and cancels selection of any previous effect. The corresponding green LED will light to indicate the selected effect. Pressing the button associated with an effect which is already selected will de-select that effect. ‘When an effect is selected it immediately takes the current FX Fade Time, Step ‘Time and Audio/MIDI level, while Effect Type and Direction need to be specified as described below. = MKFRONT PANFI CONTROLS ‘The Effect Select buttons are used to control and record an effect sequence. ‘When a number of effects are running, these buttons enable a particular effect to be selected, and allow the type, direction, fade time, step time and Audio/MIDI trigger level to be altered. Effect Go/Stop Button and Effect Running LEDs A selected Effect may be started or stopped by pressing the GoyStop button. The corresponding yellow LED above the Effect Select Buttons will light show that the effect is running and pressing the button will stop the effect. Any, orall ofthe six Effects may be running at any time, and those that are running will be shown by the corresponding yellow LEDs. Go/Stop status can only be altered on an individual basis. Note that an effect will only stop or start instantly in response to the Go/Stop button if the FX Fade Time faderis set to zero, otherwise it wll fade in or fade out in the time set on that fader. Effect Type Buttons and associated LEDs ‘These six buttons with corresponding LEDs select one of six types of lighting effect, and may be changed at any time. If the effect is running the change will be instantaneous on the output. Effects are made up of a number of ‘steps’, and the effect will sequence through these stepsin a number of different patterns. Each step can bea simple selection of a single channel, any number of channels, or can be a complete Scene, allowing very dramatic effects to be produced. Note that it is normally only the selection of channels or scenes which is used to create the effect step. The level at which those channels or scenes appear at the output is defined by the Effect Type as described below. ‘The Effect Step types, which can be assigned toany selected effect areas follows: CHASE ‘The selected Channel, group of Channels or Scene in the step flash in sequence. Only one step will be active at any time, BUILD Similar to CHASE, except that each Channel, group of ‘Channels or Scene remains on as the sequence advances. ‘After the final step in the sequence all Channels or Scenes are de-selected and the BUILD repeats. -16- Oct 1990‘Oct 1900 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS CYCLE Similar to CHASE, except that each step is performed as a dipless crossfade. FLICKER ‘The Channels or Scenes in an effect sequence are selected at random and flashed to random levels. RANDOM Similar to FLICKER, except that the selected Channels or ‘Scenes are flashed to full intensit AUDIO/MIDI Similar to CHASE, except that each step is initiated by the bass level of an audio source connected to the rear panel socket, or by the MIDI IN timing signal. Effect Direction Buttons and associated LEDs ‘These buttons and corresponding LEDs sclect one of three direction modes for each effect. Pressing a Direction Button selects that mode and cancels any other. ‘The Direction of asclected effect may be changed at any time, and ifthe effect is running that change will be instantaneous on the output. Direction has no effect on FLICKER or RANDOM effect types. ‘The three Effect Direction modes are as follows: FORWARD ‘The selected Channels or Scenes are run in step sequence. REVERSE. ‘The selecied Chaumnels or Scenes are run in reverse step sequence. BOUNCE “The selected Channels or Scenes are run first in forward step sequence, then reverse step sequence, and then this process is repeated. Effect Step Button ‘The Step button either advances a selected running effect by one step, or if in RECORD mode it advances a recorded effect sequence to the next un-recorded step. In RECORD mode, if the last step has been reached, no further effects information can be entered, and pressing the step button again will have no effect. Recorded Effect Steps can be modified, deleted, or new steps inserted from the ‘menu system. See Sections 4 and 5 for an explanation of this facility. : nxFRONT PANEL CONTROLS Audio/Midi Level Fader and LED This fader controls the bass trigger threshold for an audio source connected to the rear panel DIN socket, or adjusts the timing period for the MIDI timing signal ‘The effect of the Level Fader is monitored by the LED, which flashes on each resultant beat. This fader also controls the level of the Channel or Scene controlled by the audio input when the Sound-to-Light facility is tumed ON in the menu system. ‘This fader only has an effect when an Audio/Midi Effect type is selected or the Soundto-1 ight facility ie native Effect Fade Time Control This fader is the equivalent of the a Crossfade Time fader, and controls the fade-in and fade-out time of a selected effect when itis started or stopped. When setto MANUAL the GO or STOP occurs instantaneously, or the fade time can be varied up to 120 seconds. Effect Step Time Fader ‘This fader controls the speed at which a running effect moves from one step to another, and this is variable between 20 steps per second and infinity, at which setting the effects frozen. The effect may be advanced one step at a time by the STEP button, regardless of the position of this fader. Effects Master Fader This acts as a master control over all currently running effects, The output of the effects section combines with the output from manual or memory control on a highest-takes-precedence basis. The LCD Display MX provides many powerful features to the operator via an LCD display, whichis based around a branching structure of simple menus, which only require minimal kkey-presses in response to prompt words above three function keys. MX does not need a full computer keyboard to enter commands. Instead the associated array of ten buttons provide all the necessary operator control. For faster entry of information a numeric keypad facility is provided using a dual function on the Effects buttons. This is described in the following Section. =19- Oct 1990‘Oct 1990 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS ‘The MK Menu System LCD Dieplay (Urthe four Lines of text, he top Hine is the menu tide, dhe aide twy lines provide data entry o information fields, and the bottom line labels any appropriate ‘options or submenus, which may be actioned by pressing the function key below ceach label. Where a function key is notrequired, the display space above itis lett blank. The Menu Exit button on the left-hand side below the display exits the ‘current menu and moves to the next menu up the tree until the top menu is reached, at which point it has no effect. ‘Atthe top right hand comer of the LCD display an array of two arrows and four horizontal bars give a visual reminder to the user of the current menu level and availability of upper or lower menus. ‘The four cursor buttons allow you to move around the data entry fields and ‘operate menu scrolling. Where there are additional lines of text or longer lines available, the display shows direction arrows to indicate that scrolling is available. MXFRONT PANEL CONTROLS: ‘The +/- buttons control data entry at the current cursor position if appropriate, otherwise they are inactive. A diagram of the complete menu structure and more detailed explanation of the ‘menu system is given in the next Section. FADER MODULES ‘The fader modules comprise, for each channel, a Preset A Channel Fader, a Preset B Channel Fader, a Flash Button and an LED indicator. Preset A Channel Faders ‘These form the upper row of faders, and each provide a dedicated manual control fader for one lighting channel. They are always live, except when Scene mode is, selected and the HOLD facility ic active They are a means by which Scenes can be created. Preset B Channel Faders ‘These form the lower row of faders, and each provide an additional dedicated ‘manual control fader for one lighting channel when Channel mode is selected. In this mode they can always produce an output ifthe B Master fader is above zero. In Scene mode one of four ‘pages’ of Scenes may be assigned to the Preset B Faders, and they become Scene Masters. Each fader then controls a single Scene, and any number of Scones (up to the maniunus uuubes Uf faders) may be mixed to form complex lighting states. Flash Buttons ‘Whion Flaslt uae ip selected, aitd RECORD 1s off, the Flash burtons can be used toflash either a Channel ora Scene tothe level seton the Flash Level fader, orcan be disabled via the menu system. In Channel mode they flash only their corresponding channels, while in Scene mode they provide a dedicated button for each Scene Master if Flash Scene is selected, or Channel if Flash Channel is selected. ‘The Flash buttons have a particularly important function in Record mode. When Record is activated and NO effect is selected, MX is placed in Record Scene ‘mode, and pressing a Flash button will load a Scene onto the corresponding Scene ‘Oct 1000‘Oct 1990 FRONT PANEL CONTNOLE ‘Master. This scene may either be the Preset A Fader output, or the combined ‘output from the entire desk, and this option can be set via the menu system at the time of recording. The Menu system provides awaming, and alsoanLED flashes, if you try to record a Scene in a memory which already contains a valid Scene, allowing the choice of overwriting that one or choosing an alternative Scene which is clear. “When Record is activated and an effectis selected, MX is in Record Effect mode, and the Flash buttons have different functions according w the Channe/Scene selection. In Channel mode, pressing a Flash button will add or subtract the corresponding channel to the group of channels used for the currenteffect step. In Scene mode, pressing a Flash button will cause the corresponding Scene to be used for the current effect step, and will cancel any other selected Scene. LED Indicators Each channel has a corresponding LED indicator above the Flash button, and the function of these LEDs is determined by the current operating mode. When RECORD is OFF: ‘The LEDs always show the output from the Channels. When RECORD is ON: ‘The function of the LEDs changes to provide information to help recording, rather than to provide information about the channel ourputs. In Record Scene mode (no effect selected), the LEDs are lit on those Scene Masters which contain a recorded scene, and therefore identify those Scene ‘Masters which are free for other Scenes. In Record Effect mode (any effect selected), and Channel mode selected the ‘LEDs show which channels have been selected as part of the currenteffect step. If ‘Scene mode is selected, only one LED may be lit to show if a Scene Master is, active for the current effect step and Scene Page. ‘Channel or Scene mode fora particular step can be displayed and modified via the Menu system. See the following Section for guidance. MX‘Oct 1990 The Menu System INTRODUCTION ‘MX incorporates some very advanced facilities, many of which do not need immediate access during performance. These control functions have been included in a menu system, using the four line LCD display on the Control ‘Module. ‘The Menu System provides the following facilities: Fast access control functions in the top menu Scene Display/Paitor Held Scene Display/Editor Recorded Fade Time Display Effects Display/Edivor ‘Setup for RS232 Communications ‘Setup for MIDI Communications Selection and Setup of Dimmer protocol Diagnostic menu Error Log Dimmer Patch Display/Editor Setup for System Configuration ‘Mewory Card control Printer control (Clear menu Record menus ‘The menns are arranged in five levels. with movement between levels controlled by single key-presses in response to displayed legends above three function keys. ‘A fourth key returns the display to the menu in the next level upwards. ‘The general concepts of the Menu System are described on the following pages, and you may refer to the detailed menu level diagrams to find the path to particular functions. Specific use of the menu system for the more frequently used functions is given in Section 5 ~ Basic Operations.THE MENU SYSTEM BASIC OPERATION ‘MX does not need a full computer keyboard to enter commands. Instead an array of ten buttons provide all the necessary operator control, some of which are shown in the figure below. ‘The MX Menu System LCD Display (Of the four lines of text, the top line is the menu title, the middle two lines provide data entry or information fields, and the bottom line labels any appropriate ‘optionsoroub menus, which may be actioned by pressing the function hey below each label. Where a function key is not required, the display space above itis left blank and the key inactive. The Menu Exit button on the left-hand side below the lsplay exits the current menu and moves to the next menu up the tree unt the top ‘menu is reached, at which point it has no effect. At the wp right-hand comer of the LCD display an array of two arrows and four horizontal bars give a visual reminder to the user of the current menu level and availability of upper or lower menus. ‘The four cursor buttons allow you to move around the data entry fields and operate menu scrolling. Where there are additional lines of text or longer lines available, the display shows direction arrows to indicate that scrolling is available. -24- Oct 1000‘Oct 1900 THE MENU EYSTEM ‘The +/- buttons control data entry at the current cursor position if appropriate, otherwise they are inactive. In general, values ‘wrap round” from their minimum to their maximum and vice -versa. The main exception is channel levels which stop at their limits. Also note that any changes occur immediately there is no ENTER key. ‘An UNDO facility is provided for menus that offer multiple editing facilities, such as Scene. Any changes made toa menu since the las inne it was entered can. be undone. Note thatthe effects of UNDO are immediate and cannot be reversed and also that the UNDO function has no effect once the changes have been made permanent by leaving the menu. For faster data entry, a numeric keypad is provided using some of the buttons on the Effects section tothe right of the LCD Display. These are enabled by pressing ‘NUMLOCK which is located just above those buttons. The LED will light to show that the numeric keypad is active. and the Effects functions are disabled. ‘Values may be entered on the display using this keypad. Leading zeros are not needed, and the entry cursor will move to the left if more digits can be entered. Releasing NUMLOCK, moving off the edited field or using the +/- keys effectively enters the edited number. ‘The readability of the display may be adjusted to suit personal preference from the CONFIG SYSTEM menu. This is accessed by the bution sequence SETUP=>CONFIG=SYSTEM from the top menu. Within this menu, both the brightness (LCD BACKLIGHT) and the contrast (LCD CONTRAST) may be smoothly altered from 0% to 100%. A contrast value towards the bottom end of the scale improves the readability from in front of the board whereas a value closer to 100% improves readability from directly above the board. The default setting for both values is 50%. An option tomake the cursor blinkis also available from this menu. This may be considered useful whilst editing, to improve readability. SCENE AND FX MENUS ‘The Top (Scene Page) Menu displays the current Scene Page, Effects Page and ‘Scenes selected to the C and D Crossfaders. Each entry can be selected using the ccursor buttons and changed as required using the +/- buttons or numeric keypad. TIME menu, Press the Record button to take MX outof Record mode. Any selected effects will bbe restored to their previous state. HOW TO PLAY BACK A SCENE USING A SCENE MASTER Put MX in Scene mode. The yellow Scene LED will be lit above the ‘Channel/Scene button. Ensure that Record mode is OFF. A page of recorded Scenes is now loaded on the Preset R faders, and can be ‘recalled by raising the appropriate faders. The LEDs below the faders will light to show those channels which are producing an output. ‘Any number of Scenes can be activated, and these will combine on a highest-takes-precedence basis. Each Scene Page contains the same number of Scenes as there are channels on the desk. Four Scene Pages are available, and these are selected via the top menu on tie LED display. Eavl Sceae Page selected loads a now sot of Scones on the Preset B faders. ‘You may sometimes wish to move froma Scene on one particular Scene Page toa Scene on a different page, and MX makes special provision for this. When a ‘Scene Page 1s changed, any ACIIVE Scene Masters remain unchanged, until their level is reduced to zero, at which point the new Scene will be loaded. In this ‘way itis possible tocombine Scenes from different pages, and itis possible tomix scenes from all pages using this facility. HOW TO PLAY BACK TIMED CUES ‘Timed crossfades can be performed between any recorded Scenes using the Cand ‘D Crossfaders, or recorded times or a combination of both. Scenes are selected to MXBASIC OPERATIONS: ‘each Crossfader from the Main Menu, and a fade performed by moving the Cand D Crossfaders together. The selected Scenes will crossfade according to the setting of the Time Control Faders, or recorded times or a combination of both. ‘Start with both the C Crossfader at 0, and theD Crossfader at 10 (both down). Any existing Scene loaded on the D Crossfader will now be on the output of the desk. ‘Select the Main top) menu, and entera Scene number for C. Note thatalthough no visible change occurs at the output at this stage, the Scene assigned to the C Crossfader is loaded ready for use. Note that itis possible to select a Scene ‘live’ by, for example, setting Cto 10 and then scrolling through the available scenes using the +/— keys on the ‘C:’ field. This isa useful method of previewing a Scene, or quickly reviewing a complete show Loading either the C or D Crossfader only occurs when that Crossfader is moved to 0, and the other Crossfader is moved to 10. The next load occurs when the Crossfaders are both moved to the opposite ends of their travel at which point the other Crossfader is loaded with the Scone solected on the ‘menu. Check that the Time Control Faders are set to the required mode in the menu system (see Sections 3 & 4) and, if required, set the time for the crossfade. In OVERRIDE mode, the fastest of the recorded times and the Time Control Faders is used. This gives the option of ‘speeding up’ on recorded time in an emergency. The fade can be frozen by pulling the C/D faders back tomect the fade progress LEDs. Now mave hath Cand D Crnssfaders qnickly ta the oppasite end af the seale A. crossfade will take place between the existing Scene on D and the new Scene on c tthe point that the C and D Crossfaders reach the top of the scale (Cat 10, D at 0), the D Crossfader will be loaded with a new Scene as selected on the menu. Moving both Crossfaders together back to the other end of the scale will produce ‘another timed crossfade. ‘Scene 0 in every page is a non-recordable blackout scene. These scenes are shown on the LCD as LBL, 2.BL etc. If such a Scene is loaded, and a crossfade performed, a fade to Blackout will be produced. -24- Oct 1990‘Oct 1000 BASIC OPENATIONS HOW TO PLAY BACK IN SEQUENCE ‘The playback of timed cues described above is taken one step further by MX. which also provides a Sequence facility, allowing very simple replay of Scenes previously recorded in the required order. Operation is almost identical to ‘How to Play Back Timed Cues’ above, except that MX will automatically increment the Scene selected to C or D on the Main ‘Menu when one Crossfader reaches 0 and the other reaches 10. Each time the Crossfaders are moved together from one end of the scale top the other, the next Scene is automatically preset, providing the simplest possible means of playing back prerecorded lighting stater during performance. ‘tthe end of one page of Scenes the first Scene in the next page is selected, and so ‘on until the last scene on page four. at which point MX scrolls hack to Page 1 Scene 1. Any cleared Scenes are ignored in the sequence. HOW TO MODIFY A RECORDED SCENE MX allows you to modify recorded scenes, either by re-recording the Scene with ‘anew Scene, or by manually editing the data via the Display/Edit Menu. To re-record a Scene, simply follow the normal procedure to set up the new Scene, and record this on the relevant Scene Master. The previous scene will be replaced in memory by the new Scene. MX will give a warning prompt and flash the relevant LED if you try to record over an existing scene. In this case you may proceed using the prompts on the LCD or by pressing the flash button again. If the required changes are only minor, it will be simpler to edit the recorded jnfnmation using dhe Meuu Systeus ‘The procedure is shown below: 1. Select the Scene Menu by pressing SCENE from the top menu. 2. Select the required Scene using the cursor and +/— ‘or numeric keypad. 3, Scroll through channels using arrow keys. Levels may be ‘amended as required by positioning the cursor and using +/— or the numeric keypad. cas mxBAGIC OPERATIONS 4, Fade in/out times may be edited in the TIME Menu. HOLD MODE-~2 SCENE PRESET OPERATION ON PRESET AFADERS ONLY ‘When MX isin Scene mode, the lower channel faders function as Scene Masters, and are therefore not available for normal two-preset operation. HOLD modes a facility which enables a Scene to be temporarily held in memory, while a new Scene is preset on the A Faders, with control of the Held Scene and Preset Scene alternating between the A and B Crossfaders. The principle of operations shown below: cna Lin CAT a zc sie % Cit) a) = sw eae 1 t ‘The HOLD facility can only be activated when the A Crossfaderis at 10 and the B Crossfader is at 0. When the HOLD button is pressed, the Scene set on the Preset ‘A faders is recorded into Hold memory, and placed under the control of the A Crossfader, without any output change. At this point the ‘HOLD’ LED will ight, and the “A Active’ LED goes outto indicate that the Preset A faderscan be altered mx a oot 1900Oct 1990 BASIC OPENATIONS without affecting the output. These faders are now under the control of the B Crossfader, which is at 0, and therefore are not contributing to the output. As shown above, when the Crossfaders are moved to the other end of the scale, a ipless crossfade occurs between the two Scenes, and at the end point the Scene previously on the Preset A faders is transferred to the Hold memory, and the A CCrossfader assumes control of the Preset A faders. During the transition the ‘A Active’ LED is lit to war that moving the A Faders could affect the ouput. ‘Anew Scene can now be preset on the A Faders , and the sequence repeated as often as required. ‘To oxit from lold mods, the two Crossfadrs must end upia the top pusitivny aud itmay be that after the last crossfade they ae inthe opposite position. If thisis the case, by leaving the Preset A faders unchanged, the Crossfaders may be moved up ‘and down without attecting the ourput and may therefore be retumed to the up position. Hold mode can then be deselected by pressing the hold button, and MX returns to normal Scene mode, ‘Throughout the use of Hold mode, Scenes may also be used as normal under the control of the Scene Masters. HOW TO MODIFY A HELD SCENE The Held Scene is normally inaccessible from the console faders, and ‘modifications must therefore be done manually via the Hold Display/Edit Menu. ‘The procedure is shown below: ‘The menu sequence =»SCENE=HELD produces the Held Scene display. ‘The Held Scene may be modified as required by scrolling across channels, and altering the recorded data using +/—or the numeric keypad. If Hold mode is active at the time, these changes will occur instantly on the output. HOW TO PRODUCE EFFECTS ‘The Effects features on MX are very powerful, and allow up to six complex Effects to be run together at any one time. Effects are set upas an Effect Sequence, a MXASIC OPENATIONS and each of these Sequences can have up to 48 steps, each comprising any number of channels, ora single Scene. In the same way that Scenes are arranged in Pages, s0 also are the Recorded Effects, and 4 Pages, each comprising 6 effects are available, Each Effect Page assigns one Effect to each of the six Effect Select Buttons, and each of these can be modified, started and stopped individually. ‘An explanation of the six Effect types is given in Section 3. ‘An Effect Sequence is recorded or may be edited as shown below: 1. Select Record mode. Record Menu is displayed. 23. Select Effectto be recorded. Record Effect Menu is displayed. The Effect Page can be changed if required. The current record effect step is displayed, and this can be changed between the first and last step ‘numbers. Ifthe effectis currently cleared, step 1 will be shown, otherwise the step will be the last step in the effect sequence. Select the step as, ‘Channel or Scene on the menu, depending on the step type required. 4, Ifthe stepis made up of channels, select which channels make up the step by toggling any of the flash buttons. Ifthe step is a Scene, select the Scene using the flash buttons and the Scene Page number in the menu. Once the selection for the step has been made, advance to the next un—programmed step by pressing the Step button. Repeat the procedure until the required Effect is complete or the maximum step number (48) is reached. ‘Oct 1990‘Oct 1990 DASIC OPENATIONS. 5. Select the Effect type and direction at any time while the Effect is being recorded. 6. Press Record to take MX out of Record mode. Any previously selected effect will be re-selected on exit. ‘The Go/Stop button is NOT recorded, and is only used during Effects replay. HOW TO MODIFY A RECORDED EFFECT USING THE MENU SYSTEM ‘A recorded ettect may be edited live or blind using the FA menus. The top level FX menu is accessed from the main menu by pressing the FX button. ‘The effect to be edited is set on the first line. After moving the cursor down to the next Fine, each of the steps from 1 to the highestrecorded can be scrolled through. ‘Chal’ indicates that the step consists of a number of channels programmed to either full or) Ac each step may also contain a scene. ‘Chn!’ may be replaced by the scene number written in the notation ‘page.scene’. A scene step is edited by changing the scene number, A channel step is edited by firstly pressing ASSIGN. Initially it will toggle to a scene step. A channel step can be changed toa scene step, allowing the required sccue ww be set. The effects channel edit menu is accessed by pressing ASSIGN again. Within this menu, all of the channels in the system may be scrolled through for any selected step, toggling the step between 0 and full as required. The previous ‘menu can be returned to by pressing ASSIGN again or by pressing the menu exit » MXBASIC OPERATIONS button. The function of the ASSIGN key is to allow cycling through the twe ‘menus whilst maintaining the selected scene number. Pressing the Edit Function key causes the display to change to the FX Edit menu, At this menu level, steps can be inserted into or deleted from an effect. ‘To incerta ctep, the curvor io moved to one of the atepa shown and INSERT is pressed. This causes a new step to be inserted in front of the selected step. The ‘number of the selected step and all higher steps are increased by 1. The new step is, Ly default, acaumel type step. 1tcan be set or modified 1a scene step by going back to the top FX menu. Once 48 steps have been set, INSERT no longer functions. A stepis deleted in a similar manner. The cursor is moved tothe step to be deleted and DELETE is pressed. The numbers of all of the other steps above it are decreased by 1. Once the effect has becn reduced to 2 steps, DELETE forces the selected step to a default setiing whereby all channels are set to 0. EFFECT PLAYBACK Effects can be played back alone or in combination with a scene created using ‘Channel Presets or Scene Masters. Up to six Effects can be run, at different speeds, at any one time. Each running Effect can have any Fffect type and direction, Effects are replayed by selecting the appropriate FX Page on the top menu, and pressing one of the six Effects Select buttons. The corresponding green LED will light, The Effect is started by pressing the Go/Stop button, and when running the Yellow “ACTIVE” LED will light. The direction may be changed on a selected Effect while itis running. or the Effect may be deselected and left rnning while another effect is created or edited. Effects from different Fx Pages can be run ‘together, so long as they do not share the same Effect Select button. When an Effect is selected, the type and direction keys display the recorded scttings. (Once the Effect is running, it may be stopped by pressing the appropriate Effect ‘Select button, and pressing Go/Stop. SOUND TO LIGHT CONTROL ‘The external Audio Input can be used to control a selected B Fader, in Channel or Scene mode. The B Fader assignmentis made in the ‘CONFIG SYSTEM’ menu. —40~ Oct 1990Oct 1990 ASIC OPENATIONS ‘The Channel or Scene selected will flash, as triggered by the audio input, with the Jevel controlled by the Audio/MIDI fader, and this level will combine with any level currently set on the B Fader on a highest-takes-precedence basis. Note that changing the Audlo/MIDI level will also affect the trigger level of any Audio/MIDI effects which are running, HOW TO SAFEGUARD RFCORNFN MFMORIFS: ‘MX stores data in integrated circuit memories powered by an internal battery. ‘Under normal use the battery will be Kept caged by dhe MEX power supply, sid data will be retained indefinitely. If the console is left without power for a long period, there isa risk of memory corruptionas the internal battery discharges, The ‘memories will normally be retained intact for at least a month, but it1s prudent 10 save any important memories to a Memory Card. CAUTION! Attempting to fit 2 Memory Card other than Strand Lighting Part no. (04-900-00 may damage the equipment. Tis in any case good practice to safeguard the considerable time spent creating Scenes by providing a back-up of all data on a memory card, and storing this ‘caretullyina sate place away trom the console. Lypically ihe data will beretained ‘on the Memory Card for about five years, wit the longest life achieved by storing the cards in as cool a place as possible, but not below 0°C. ‘The menu sequence SETUP=>CONFIG=SYSTEM=MCARD selects the Memory Card display, from which you can choose toREAD or WRITE the whale System, or selectively all Scenes, Fxs, Dimmer Patches or Setup. The information is saved as four MS-DOS files named SCENES.MX1, FX.MX1, PATCILMX1 and SETUPMX1. The SETUP file contains information about the various modes selected, the dimmer protocol, language etc. When this file istead, the board is immediately set to the appropriate modes. ‘Touse the Memory Card, insert the card positively in the slot on the right-hand end of the console. Choose which memories you wish to write or read on the menu, and press READ or WRITE as appropriate. Make sure that you label all Memory Cards clearly to avoid confusion. : mxDASIC OPERATIONS All Memory Cards must be ‘formatted’ before use, and this can be carried out from the Memory Card menu display by pressing the FORMAT key with the new Memory Card inserted in the slot. Ensure that the write-protect switch on the end of the cards off before attempting to format a new card, or write data to it, ‘The 1evorded memories can be safeguarded on MX by The Revord Lock feature available on the Setup Menus. When Record Lock is ON, no recording or modification of memories is possible, either on the front panel controls or the ‘Menu System. ‘MX performs checks for corruption on all memories as they are read, and also every time the system powers up, providing the user with a warning if any errors are found. You then have the option of continuing with the error ignored, or aborting the read process. HOW TO CLEAR MEMORIES ‘The Menu System provides the way to clear any recorded Scenes, Effects, Setup and Dimmer Patch information to the default settings. ‘The sequence SETUP=>CLEAR selects the SETUP CLEAR menu, from which ‘the memories to be cleared can be selected using the cursor. Pressing the CLEAR button will prompt you for confirmation before clearing the selected memory. ‘Clearing the whole system will clear the unit to factory defaults, giving a default 1:1 dimmer patch as opposed toa ‘clear’ dimmer patch. Dimmer patch can be set to clear or default in the SETUP PATCH menu. Note that clearing the factory defaults will change the dimmer protocol to DS4. an Oct 1990‘Oct 1000 Printer Operation ‘The PRINT menu allows all or selected pans of memory to be printed out via the S232 interface, providing a hard copy of specific information, or additional back-up of scene data. Printing is carried out in the background which allows normal console operation to continue. CONNECTING A PRINTER ‘The printer, which should be an Epson®-compatible unit with a serial input, is ‘connected to the RS232 port on therear of the MX console. You will need to know the baud rate, parity, cata and stop Dit serdngs for the printer, and set up the MA ‘output to the same values via the SETUP RS232 menu. MX uses XON/KOFF flow control, and your printer configuration may need changing to accept this type of handshaking. ‘The default settings for the RS232 port are: 9600 baud, odd parity, 7 bit data, 1 stop bit. The electrical connections are shown in Appendix A. A cable isrequired with a25 pin ‘D' connector at each end. The connector at the MX end of the cable will be ‘male but the gender of the connector atthe printer end will depend on the printer used. Pins 1, 2,3 and 7 on the MX end connector are wired to pins 1,2,3and7.on the printer end connector. The remaining pins are not used. The cable may be ‘made up or purchased from acomputer suppliers such asINMAC (part no. 056213 sale to female or part na. 08671? male ta male) OPERATION ‘The menu system provides access to the print selection with the key sequence SETUP-+CONFIG»SYSTEM—=PRINT, which displaye the following menu: e- MXPRINTER OPERATION | Whole System QE | PRINT” eS STOP e ‘The data required is selected using the cursor and the scroll up/down keys. Pressing the PRINT button marks the data for printing, and start the print ourput immediatcly. Tho aclooted data is highlighted with an asterisk (#)whilat it is printing, Further blocks of data may be selected as required while a printisin progress, and pressing PRINT after each selection adds this data to the print queve. It should be noted that the output may not necessarily be in the order of selection. Pressing STOP at any time cancels the current printer output, and clears any further blocks in the print queue. ‘Samples of typical print output are shown below: 54 Sealing: 100% 2008192 Sealing: 100% Baud Rate: Parity:NONe, Data Bits: Language: ENGLISH Tine Xéade:C/D ONLY Redio/MIDT:AUDIO| 44- Oct 1990PRINTEN OPENATION Scone 2.2 fovel0 0 0 0 0.2045 45 45 80 FL FL 40 03495 0 0 0 03456 0 0 Chan 25 26 27 26 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 fwlo0 0000000000000 0000000000 Beene. 1.22 ‘soenes3 38 Seana} a ‘Scene:3.5E Seene:1.6E Seene:1.7E. Seene:1.88, Seene:3 98 Ope Scene CHAN CHAN CHAN CHAN 1.6 1,7E 2.8 2.8L steps] loeb 0 0FL 00 OH OD T000T000000000 Chan 25 26 27 28 29 30 21 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 8 Iwelo 0 00 00H 0000000000000 00900 ete Error Log 1390 ROM checksum failed 14005232 ext-loop ft 1521 Card R/w exror Dinmer Patch: Dimer? 20300 40S 6B aa Level 1008 100% 1008 1004 1008 1008 50k 1008 1008 1008 2008 1008 ise ts ie et 0 aa Level 100% 1008 1008 1008 1008 1008 1008 100% 00% 1008 1008 1008 Dimmer 25 260272823 D8 SK Tevel OF OOF ONO oe Tp MXOct 1990 Advanced Operation DIMMER PATCH MX provides two separate Dimmer Patches, which allow the assignment of dimmer outputs to channels to be altered to suit specific installations. ‘The Dimmer Patches allow re-assignment of any dimmer to any channel, or any number of dimmers to be combined on a single channel. No dimmer can be assigned wo more thant ue eliaurel at any tine. The Patch also allows the trimming of dimmer output levels to suit local requirements. ‘The default patch of all dimmers to the equivalent numbered channel, with levels 1a: 100% aay Le snodified via the menu system, by cursor position and +/- or numeric keypad entry. The Menu levels are shown below: The key sequence SETUP=>PATCH accesses the Patch menu, and selecting ASSIGN alluws iuividual channels to be patched to one or more dimmero, with proportional levels set for each dimmer. Multiple entries are made by pressing AND followed by a dimmer number, or one number followed by THRU and then. a second number enters a consecutive series of dimmers. Individual levels may be entered by scrolling left or right, and positioning the cursor on the field that you wish to update. The field may be changed using the #/- keys or the numeric keypad. In the SETUP PATCH menu, DEFAULT will set the default 1:1 patch for the selected EDIT patch (1 or 2). If this patch is also the LIVE DIMMER PATCH, then the output will be affected immediately. Selecting CLEAR will ‘unpatch’ all i MKADVANCED OPERATION channels and hence all output will be inhibited. this option is provided for users who wish to start with a ‘clean sheet’, ‘Note thatthe Patch option differs from most other menus in thatall editing is done “blind” ~the new patch only takes effect when the ASSIGN menu is exited. This allows a high level of flexibility when editing, Also, any dimmers assigned t0 a given channel are automatically removed from their previous channel assignment, possibly leading to unassigned channels. MIDI CONTROL ‘The MIDI communications facilities on MX enable many functions of the Console to be controlled from an external MIDI source, or allow the operator 10 send or receive selectable blocks of data across the MIDI link. MIDI channels (1 to 16) and modes of operation (NORMAL, IN, OUT or SLAVE), are selectable via the menu system. The SETUP MIDI menuisaccessed by the menu sequence SETUP=»CONFIG=1/0=>MIDI. ‘When SYNC is pressed, the complete current status of the board is sent to any device connected to MX. This ensures that a newly connected device knows the ccurrent state of MX. Full details of the MIDI facilities are given in Section 9 of this handbook. RS232 INTERFACE An RS232 communications interface is provided on MX, conforming to the EIA. 232D standard, for the connection of an extemal printer. This enables all or selected parts of memory to be printed out as a background operation, allowing normal console operation to continue at the same time. 48 Oct 1000Oct 1990 ADVANCED OPERATION ‘The interface incorporates standard XON/KOFF flow control, and baud rate, parity, data and stop bits are selectable to suit individual requirements from the SETUP RS232 menu shown below, accessed by the key sequence SETUP=sCONFIG=1/0=2RS232. ‘The default settings are 9600 baud, odd parity, 7 data bits and 1 stop bit. : MxOct 1990 Maintenance ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BY THE USER No routine preventive maintenance is necessary for MX, but care in use and regular physical inspection for signs of damage will avoid problems during @ performance. PERIODIC INSPECIION Inspect the power supply cable, multiplex and audio/MIDI cables for signs of ‘damage or strainon the connectors. Ifany suggestion of damage be found, replace oo repair those parts atthe earliest opportunity. ‘The Power Supply should be examined for mechanical damage, and replaced if safety is compromised. CLEANING ‘Aconsole which iskeptin aclean and neat condition will be far morereliable than one which is allowed to become contaminated with dust, cigarette ash or liquids. Sensible precautions, and regular cleaning with a cloth moistened with water and. detergent will keep the console in good condition. Itis very important not to wet the circuit boards below the panels during cleaning Donotuse any solvents, which may affect the surface finish, and donot use spray polish which may cause permanent damage to fader sliders. USER DIAGNOSTICS MX incorporates 2 considerable number of self-diagnostic tests which will provide the operator with valuable information about detected faults, or give advance waming of potential trouble. Inmany cases, even though an error message may appear, the console will stil be able to function. It is however very important that all reported faults are investigated as soon as possible, to avoid the risk of more serious trouble. ‘All faults are reported to the Error Log page which can be viewed via the menu system. These entries are updated every time the diagnostic tests arenun ora fault c MxMAINTENANCE, Mx Every time a cold start occurs (see Section 2) MX automatically runs a series of diagnostic tests. These are completed very quickly, and are invisible to the user unless an error is detected. ‘The menu system also provides the user witha series of User Tests, which prompt you to carry ont # seqnence of operations to verify certain controls or particular Processor functions. ‘There are two modes of operation ~ CYCLE and TEST ONCE. ‘TEST ONCE mode will perform a selected test once only, while CYCLE will continue repeating the test until the process is aborted hy the neer Whilst normal connection ofthe console is possible during most tests the nature of some tests will interfere with normal operation. and disconnection of the dimmers is recommended. A fall list of Tests and Error Messages can be found in Appendix B. SERVICE DIAGNOSTICS A more sophisticated series of tests are incorporated for service purposes. These require special test jigs and will give errors and could cause memory corruption if run, They should therefore not be attempted except by authorised service dealers. The DIAGNOSTICS menu, accessed by the key sequence SETUP=CONFIG=DIAGS prompts the user if the desk is in Service Diagnostics mode. EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN ‘The MX console contains sophisticated electronic components, which can be casily damaged by mishandling. NO intemal repair should be undertaken by the ‘user, and should a fault occur, this should be referred to Strand Lighting or your nearest service dealer Before returning any item for service, you should carry out a number of elementary checks, to verify that a genuine fault is present If your MX console does not operate correctly you should check the following: ‘+ The status of the Blackout Button, Master Faders and dimmer patch. ‘The mains supply to MX, the power supply, the dimmers and any <0EH> <00H> <10H> ‘A message to set channels 34 to 36 to level 0 might be: <02H> | <12H> <00> | <13H> <00> | <14H> <00> Note there is no need to repeat the Channel Page after the first message. Using running status, the following is also acceptable and is more efficient: nx . =‘Oct 1000 MIDIINTCRFACE <(EH> <02H> | <12H> <00> | <13H> <00> | <14H> <00> ‘MX generally uses running status when transmitting, MX Control Page Assignments ‘On MX the following pages have been assigned: Control Page Description oH Submaster Faders 1-16 o1n Submaster faders 17-32 OH Submaster Faders 33-48 10H Control Faders 20H General Lighting Controllers (defined for special functions) 30H Flash Switch 1-16 31H Flash Switch 17-32 32H Flach Switch 33 48 40H Control Switch 1 41H Control Switch 2 Channel Page Description oH Preset A Faders 1-16 O1H Preset A faders 17-32 02H Preset A Faders 33-48 40H Preset B Faders 1-16 41H Preset B faders 17-32 42H Preset B Faders 33-48 None of the menu keys or the record switch are assigned toa MIDI control change ‘code; these facilities are kept local to MX. Thie ie to maintain integrity of ‘operation and simplicity of design. Note that the scene B faders which double as submasters in scene mode are given individual codes. MX will transmit codes for scene masters when scene B faders are used in scene mods. MX Control Code Assignment Each of the MX console functions that require a unique MIDI control code ‘message are summarised below, the full MIDI Type and Data messages are shown: 6 nxMIDI INTERFACE, Faders: A Crossfader B Crossfader C Crosefader D Crossfader Flash Master FX Fade FX Master Crossfader A Time Control Crosstader B ime Control ‘Audio/MIDI Fader Grand Master Fader FX speed Application Note: MIDI message (HEX) (n= MIDI channel 0-F) Bn 0C 10 10 wy (w = 00 to 7F) Bn0C10 lw Bn 0C10 12 w Bn 0C10 13 w Bn 0C10 14w Bu 0C10 15 w Bn 0C10 17 w Bn 0C10 18.w BnUC 10 19 Ww Bn 0C10 1B w Bn OD w_ Note this is for compatibiity Bn OF w_ Note this is for compatibility All fader levels are stored as bytesin MX. These are reduced to 7 bits by shifting the byte one bit to the right. Note that the above coding uses running status. ~66— Oct 1990Oct 1990 MIDI INTENFACE Switches: ‘Scene Mode Bn 0C40 10 wy (vw = 00 or 7F) Flash Mode Bn0C40 lw Hold Bn 0C40 12 w Blackout Bn 0C 40 13 w Flash Ch/Se Bn 0C40 14 w FX Step Bn 0C40 15 w FX Go/Stop Bn 0C40 16 w FX1 Bn 0C40 17 w FK2 Bn 0C40 18 w FX3 Bn UC 40 19W FK4 Bn0C 40 1Aw FKS Bn 0C40 1B w FX6 Bn 0C 40 1C.w FX Chase Type Bn0C 40 IDw FX Build Type Bn 0C 40 1E w FX Cycle Type Bn 0C40 IF w FX Flicker Type Bn0C41 10w FX Random Type Bn0C41 lw FX Audio/MIDI Type Bn OC 41 12 w FX Forward Bn0C41 13 w FX Reverse BnOC41 14w FX Bounce Bn0C41 15 w LCD Functions: Submaster Page number Bn 0C 20 10 wy (wy = page number) 0 3 FA Page nubs Bu OC20 11 wv (vy — page uuusbes) 07 3 Sequence C Page number Bn 0C20 12 wv (wy = page number) 0— 3 Sequence C Scene number Bn 20 13 vv (vw =scene number) 0— no. of chans. Sequence D Page number Bn 20 14 w (vv = page number) 0 —> 3 Sequence D Scene number Bn 20 15 vv (vv =scene number) 0—> no. of chans. Dimmer Patch number Bn 20 16 vv (vy = patch number. 0 or 1) Functions that are not configured to a specific MIDI control change code cannot be controlled via the MIDI link. MIDI TIMING MESSAGES — FX CONTROL ‘The MIDI Timing Clock (F8 hex), Start (FA hex), Cont. (FO hex) and Stop (FC hex) will be used to control any MIDI effect. These messages do not have any associated data bytes and can be received by MX at any time, even within another message.MIDI INTERFACE ‘Once running, the timing clock signals are divided by the AUDIO/MIDI fader setting — from timing signal divided by 3 atthe top to timing signal divided by 48 at the bottom —and used to increment the effect until an FC HEX ‘Stop’ message is received. Active Sensing ‘MX does not support active sensing. Strand | ighting System Fyclusive Messages (Setup Information) ‘These messages will be used by MX to transmit and receive the current status of the board (in OUT mode this message is generated by pressing the SYNC softkey). ‘The messages incorporate Strand’s System Exclusive ID, this is: 00 20 01 (HEX) ‘The produet code for MX is: o1 ‘The code for SYNC is: o1 ‘The format is as defined as follows: F0 ... F7 The messages are made up of 2 bytes. The first is a parameter identifier, the second is its value. The messages may be transmitted in any order: Mx : .MIDIINTERFACE Parameter Allowed Values Meaning scene page 0-3 pages 1-4 fx page 0-3 pages 1-4 =Cmasterpage 0-3 pages 1-4 Cmaster scenc —-«0-number of channels 0 ~ blackout scene Damasterpage 0-3 pages 1-4 Drmaster scene Q—numberof channels 0 = blackout scene 6=Dimmer patch no. Oor select patch 1 or 2 Active C/D master Oor 1 Mode orl 9)= Flash mode orl 10 = Flash state Oorl 11 = Flash enable Oorl 12.= Hold state Oorl 13=Blackout state Oorl 0 =nonmal, 1 = blackout 1d = Selected FX no 0—S or FH FX 1-6 or 7F = none MIDI NOTE ON / NOTE OFF Jn MIDI IN mode, MX will respond to MIDI Note on/Note off commands in addition to those listed above. A received Note on message will act as a flash button (using the flash level set on the flash level fader), according to the following rules: ‘Each note activates its correspondingly numbered channel +1 up tothe numberof channels on the board. So, Note 0 activates channel 1, note 11, channel 12 etc. Notes higher than the number of channels are ued MODULO the number of channels on the board. So on a 12 channel board, note 12 activates channel 1, as does note 24 etc. Ona 48 way board, therefore, notes 0-47 activate channels 1-48 as do notes 48-99 etc. ‘Note off messages de-activate the comesponding channels. ‘The details of the codes responded to are summarised in the MIDI Implementation Chart under the VELOCITY function heading. oo : mxMIDI INTERFACE MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART Strand Lighting MX [LIGHTING CONTROL DESK) Version 1.0 Date: 1st Sept 1990 Function... Transmitted | Recognised | Remarks Basic Detaut 1-18 1-16 merit oR Channel Channel 1-16 1-16 Defaut Mode 3 Mode Messages x Altered x Note so tart Number True Voice ca Velocity, ‘Note ON x onv=1-127 Line Note OFF x Snve0,8nv—xx | mNohecin ater Keys x x Touch ch's x x Pitch Bender x x Control Control Page 12 ox ox contagion Ghange Grand Master 13 ox ox oo Channel Page 14 ox Ox @ FX Speed 15 ox Ox eas DataGhanneto 18 ox ox teeemmmeonecemee Data Channel 15 31 ox ox around Prog Change True # x Taraeeorare System Exclusive ox ox sao ‘System ‘Song Pos x x ‘Song Sel x x ‘Common ‘Tune x x System ‘Clock x Timing Clock Moya ang ct RealTime Commands x Start, Sop, Cont Aux Local ON/OFF x x Messages “All Notes Off x x “Active Sense x x ‘Reset x x Notes ae OMNI ON, POLY Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO 0 :Yes ; OMNI OFF, POLY §Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO X :No 70 Oct 199010 A endices APPENDIX A — CONNECTOR CONFIGURATIONS 1. Signal Ground sux,owesre s(o 0): 3 Baa erent (0 Oo) FBR en 4NO72 5. No Connection 3 }. Signal Ground AMX192 2. Data Clock + arm xii See ee + ral cons 054 5 1 2. No connection 8 Pin XLA Female €9 3. Dimmer MPX. Signal zi 2 4 $ © 1. No connection sears uso (QDS, § as sont (STE) ERE eee ESE RA amen 2 ¥ & 4. No Connection se CRD: Ee eben ‘MIDE es 5 Pin DIN 5. Signal — ptt rare roe ptt} roms enn ee = + 7. Signal Ground - Te aber nso comecan De cr se Se i (calculator type) [eo 4 — © innor 21mm javerev ———4 Le © nner 201 rama 5¥ @ coma ao] oct 1990 ne MXAPPENDICES APPENDIX B—DIAGNOSTIC TESTS & ERROR MESSAGES. Diagnostic Tests Alltestsare performed on the premise that if successful, they willreturn controlto theuser without any message. Itis therefore assumed that ifthe given test does not produce an ERROR it is successful. There is no positive indication of “PASS”. All test failures are indicated by an ERROR jn the format described in this appendix. This appendix lists the tests with the possible ERROR mumbers that may be generated. ‘The following tects are performed aa COMM START, in the order listed: FADER CONNECTIONS TEST RAM TEST ROM TEST NMI TEST CHECK DATA AREAS ATODREF TEST DTOAREFTEST RATTERY TEST DTOATEST Ds4 SYNC. TEST 1RS232 TEST (inteunsl only) ‘MIDI TEST (intemal only) DMX/SMX TEST FADER MODULE TEST (LEDs and stuck keys only) CONTROL MODULE TEST (LEDs and stuck keys only) The following tests are performed on WARM START, iu the vides listed; FADER CONNECTIONS TEST CHECK DATA AREAS TEST DESCRIPTIONS ROM TEST This test checks the EPROM set. Possible errors: 1390 RAM TEST This test non-destructively tests the RAM, ie writes patterns to the RAM, testing each bit in tun. Possible errors: 1389 -72- Oct 1990Oct 1990 APPENDICES: NMITEST “This testchecks that Non-Maskable interruptis seen when an attemptis made to write to an area of protected memory. There are 3 areas — the data areas, the ‘memory card and the EPROM. Possible errors: 1391 (CHECK DATA AREAS This test checks the integrity of the protected data areas, by verifying their checksume Possible errors: 1384, 1385, 1386, 1387 FADER CONNECTIONS TEST (atevery power-up) ‘This testchecks thata valid set of fader modules are connected to the control PCB. Possible errors: 1388 LCD TEST (Menu only) This test invokes the LCD CONTRAST TEST. Having done this it puts all segments of the LCD on for the user to check visually. Possible errors: 1393 LCD CONTRAST TEST ‘This test checks that the LCL contrast can be controlled by the processur. It ‘changes the contrast between max. and min, checking the LCD reference voltage. Possible errors: 1393 ATOD REF TEST This test checks that the A/D reference (set by two equal resistors R95, 96) is reading 2.6V A/D (+/- 10%). Possible errors: 1392 BATTERY TEST ‘This test checks that the back-up battery is within tolerance. Also tests measuring cireult, giving indication of possible A/D problems, nx Possible errors: 1395, 1396APPENDICES DTO AREF TEST This test checks the D/A reference generator by setting it o a known value and checking against the A/D. Possible errors: 1394 DTOATEST Having performed a test to ascertain full-scale on the D/A, this test checks the D/A by setting each bit in turn and checking it against the A/D. Possible errors: 1397 Ds4 SYNC. TEST This test checks that the processor has full control of the D/A and associated circuitry. It generates a voltage with the D/A and checks that the D54 syne. pulse ccan be correctly superimposed. It also checks that the D/A can be enabled / disabled, Possible errors: 1398 S232 TEST(internal) ‘This test checks that RS232 part of the DUART (IC25) is working correctly by sending / receiving a sueain of data internally. Possible errors: 1399 [RS232 TEST (extemal) ‘This test checks that RS232 part of the DUART (IC25) is working correctly by sending /receiving a stream ot data externally using the interface ICs. It therefore requires a physical loopback on the 25 pin D type between pins 2 & 3 Possible errors: 1400 MIDI TEST (interna) ‘This test checks that MIDI part of the DUART (IC25) is working correctly by sending / receiving a stream of data internally. Possible errors: 1401 ‘MIDITEST (external) This test checks that MIDI part of the DUART (IC25) is working correctly by sending /receiving a stream of data externally using the interface ICs. It therefore requires a physical loopback between the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT Possible errors: 1402 7 Oct 1990Oct 1990 APPENDICES DMX/SMX TEST This test checks that RS 485 port is working correctly by sending / receiving a stream of data externally using the interface ICs, No loopback is required, butitis, necessary to ensure that there is no significant load on the port Possible errors: 1403 AUDIO INPUT TEST This is a complex test. It requires the AUDIO/MIDI fader to be set to full to operate successfully. This is tested hefare the armnal andin inpmt is tested! An incorrect setting will give error 404, A series of tone bursts, at increasing frequency and low level, are then generated by the processor. These are fed into lie audio processor, which should generate appropriate interrupt. Possible errors: 404, 1405 MEMORY CARD TEST BEWARE: This test requires a memory card and will FORMAI destroying any valuable data held. This test does two things. First, it attempts to create a file on the card called ‘TEST.BIN (Ihe cards MS-DOS formatted). Having created this file, itchecksit for integrity. In the second par of the test it writes a pattern of bytes into the 32 pages of the card (64 Kbyte) to check that the card page register is working correctly. Possible errors: 320, 322, 324, 325, 326, 336, 337, 338, 1321, 1323, 1406, 1407 FADER MODULE TEST This test has a number of sub-tests. The first is a sequence through the flash LEDs, followed by all on. Next, the LCD prompts the user to press ezch flash key in nim ‘The associated IED will ight in each case. Finally. the LCD prompts the user to cycle each fader in turn through its full travel. A full excursion is required in each case. The percentage level is displayed on the LCD. The user should cheek for acceptable performance. The faders must all beat O before starting this test. Possible errors: 1408, 1409 - mxAPPENDICES MX ‘CONTROL MODULE TEST This testhas a number of sub-tests. The firsts @ ‘build’ through the control PCB LEDs. Next, the LCD prompts the user to press each named key in turn. Finally, the LCD prompts the user to cycle each fader in tum through its full travel. A full ‘excursion is required in each case. The percentage level is displayed on the LCD. ‘The user should check for acceptable performance. The faders must all be attheir Opositions before starting this test(Faders set away from front: TIME A, TIME B, B MASTER , D MASTER. FX FADE TIME, FX STFP TIME. All others set nearest front) Possible errors: 1410, 1411, 1417 ERROR MESSAGES AILERROR’s are reported in a uniform way using MXs central error handler and the LCD display. ‘The format is always: —ERROR #it# — _ (iH isthe error number) Ident, string Diagnostic info. PROMPT Fach error is allocated a unique number and identification string as a bricf description, Depending on the type of error, some diagnostic information may be presented. This varies in type depending on the error, and is described below. The user is prompted with die soft hey labels atthe bowom of he screen, or if the error is Fatal (fe the system cannot continue with such a serious fault), the user is ‘warned that the system is about to RESET itself with the string: “Resetting system!” Error numbers appear in two types: ‘Those with numbers less than 1000 are generally of a less serious nature and are not logged. Errors with numbers greater than 1000 are regarded as serious and are logged in the internal ERROR LOG. The log is for both user and service purposes. and allows the last 100 errors to be viewed, The errors are not consecutively numbered because each number comprises: ‘The software module where the error was generated. -76- Oct 1990‘Oct 1000 APPENDICES, ‘The error number within that module, ‘Some cxvors, particularly those that are likely to be seen by the user (for example when a memory card transfer is attempted with no card in place), are translated {nto the 3 languages supported. Test and system type errors are only presented in English. ‘There are 3 types of general diagnostic data: 1) Voltages: ‘These are presented as a result of intemal teats in the form: XXX Y.YY Z.ZZ, where X isthe voltage read, Y is the highest voltage and Z is the lowest voltage allowed. 2) Addresses/Data: ‘These are presented in the form HHHH, where H is a hexadecimal number. 3) Fader levels: ‘These are presented as AAA, where A is the percentage of full travel as read from the fader in question. Other forms of data may be used — these are described in individual cases. ERROR DESCRIPTIONS ERROR 2 entfication: “Record Inhibited!” Diagnostic Information: None Type: System/Waming Description: ‘Record lock is activated, disallowing record/modify actions Probable cance Remedy: Tum RECORD/LOCK to OFF ERROR 288 {dentificaion: “MIDI framing enor” . Diagnostic Information: None Type: MIDI imerface Warning Description: ‘A byte of MIDI data was received with incorrect format Probable cause: ‘Faulty MIDI connections or MIDI cable too long, Remedy: Find fault or shorten cable MXAPPENDICES ERROR entfication: Diagnostic Information: Type: Deseripion: Protable cause: Remedy: ERROR ‘dentfcation: igus taro ‘Type: Description: Trobeble couse Remedy: ERROR Identification: Diagnosic Information: Type: Description: Probie case Remedy: ERROR Idenifcaton: iagos Information: ‘ype: Description: Probie cause: Remedy: ERROR dentfication: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Kemedy: ERROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: 289 “MIDIRX overrun” None ‘MIDI interface/Waming ‘A byte of MIDI data was received before the last was processed ‘MIDI data was transmiued to MX to fas. or MIDI data wansmied (MX daring test Reduce amount of MIDI daa transmined to MX or disconnect MIDI device. 320 Card ful” ie wae wexsved ‘Memory Card/Warning ‘The memory card is full. ‘Theis insuffiieut nua ws save data wy the cay ea Delete DOS files not used by MX, or FORMAT card. 32 Card missing!” Filename accessed ‘Memory Card/Warning ‘The memory card isnot inserted correctly Insert card, try again, 304 "Card write protected” Filename accessed ‘Memory Card/Warning ‘The card is write protected and may not have data saved on it “The card write protection euitch is at 19 ON ‘Confirm that you wish to overwrite data, then change write protection to OFF and re-try 325 “Invalid card format” Filename accessed ‘Memory Card/Warning ‘The card is not MS-DOS formatted, so may not be used yet ‘The card is new, or data has been lost due to battery failure Use FOXMAT to imiualize the card 326 Card directory full” Filename accessed ‘Memory Card/Warning ‘The card directory has insufficient room for MX data files ‘The card may only contain 8 files, MX needs 4 spare entries Delete DOS files not used by MX, or FORMAT card 78 ‘Oct 1990Oct 1000 ERROR entficaion: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR léentfication: Diagnosic Information: Tre: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification ago Information Tye: Description Probable cause Remedy: ERROR dentification: Diagnostic Information: ‘Type Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification: Dingonstc Tafunmation. Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Tentification: Diagnostic Information: ‘Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: APPENDICES Memory Card/Waming. “The software has detected a fault inthe MX car file read ‘The card data has been partially corrupted (QUIT card reading 337 “Card file closed” Filename accessed ‘Memory Card/Waring ‘The software has detected a fault in the MX card file read “The card file has been edited in some way (QUIT card reading 338 “Card file missing” Filename acceeeed Memory Card/Waring ‘The card file requested was not found on the card “The card does not contzin the requested data QUIT card reading 339 “Partial Transfer" Filename accessed Memory Card/Waring ‘The card file requested was only partially saved or read ‘There was a faultin the data, and the ansfer was QUITTED ‘Try again, use CONTINUE to finish reading card data 352 “RS232 framing error” Nowe S232 imerface/Waming Anbyte of RS232 data was received with incorrect format Torinat of data uansuied 49 MX is differcat wo SETUP R222 ‘Check format of data transmitted and change ether MX or remote device SETUP accordingly 353 “RS232 RX overun”™ None [RS232 inteface/Waring ‘Abyte of RS232 data was received before the last was processed 'RS232 data was transmitted MX too fas. or data ransminedioMX during test Reduce baud rate or disconnect RS232 device. MxAPPENDICES. ERROR ‘Wdentification: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR entification: igi Infnanaon, Type: Description rotate aus Remedy: ERROR Tienificaon: Diagnostic Information: oe Description: Probable case Remedy: ERROR entfcaon: iagnotc Information: ae Description: Probable ease Remedy: ERROR Ienutieavon: Diagnostic information: Type: Deserpoon: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Ieentficaton: Diagnostic Information: a4 Description: Probable case Remedy: 354 ““RS232 parity error” None S232 imerface/Waming A byte of RS232 data was received with incorect party Remote devices" RS232 data SETUP was different o MX, faulty connections present, o cable too long Change EITHER MX OR remote device SETUP accordingly, find bad connection or shorten cable 408 “Audio fader to low" ‘love wea, alld nak / aa % levels ‘Tesy Warning ‘The audio fader is set too low forthe audio input est Fades set anansculy Set audio fader to full (10) 1001 “No such handle!” None Sysiem/Fatal ‘The system has attempted to access a non-existent “device Program faut System reset 1002 “No such ead!” None System/Fatal ‘The system has attempted to access a non-existent “device”. Program fault System reset 1003, “No such writ!” None System/Fatal The system has attempted to access a non-existent “device”. Program fault ‘System reset 1008 “Null Purused!™ ‘None System/Fatat ‘The system has attempted to access a non-existent string or function. rogram fault System reset 80 Oct 1990Oct 1990, ERROR Wentificaion: Diagnostic Information Type: Deseription: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification: Diagnostic information: Toe: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR entificaion: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR dentfication: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: APPENDICES 1005 “Cire buffer ful!” None System/Warning ‘The system has runout of space in adata buffer “Too much data being wansmiued to MX or 10 device fault Reduce amount data being wansmited or investigate fault 1006 “Invalid parameter! None System Fatal Invalid information was sent toa data buffer Program fault ‘System reset 1007 “Watchdor timed out!” ‘Module number System/Fatal ‘A watchdog timer has expired Program fault or system overloaded in some way ‘System reset 1008 Bad imtemupt” Interrupt number (HEX) Systema ‘An unexpected/unuse interop was received. Program or processor fault, probably due to noisy environment System reset 1009 “Duplicate string!” None System/Fatal ‘A duplicate sting was found whilst EPROM fault Replace EPROM set 1010 "No such open!” None System/Fatal ‘The system has atempted o acess a non-existent “device” ‘Not used -m- MXAPPENDICES ERROR ‘entifcation: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR dentification: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR ERROR dentfication: Diagnostic lfoumation. dentfication: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Diagnostic Information: ‘Type Description: Probable cause: Remedy: 10 “Power fail sw None Sysem/Fata “The power al signal is suckin is active sate or power on signal absent Tnter-PCB cable faulty, PSU chip failure or swith faulty. Find and correct fault ug2 “LED-1/0 fault” None ‘System /Fatal ‘The LED conuolter isnot responding to commands ‘2MEz clock failure or failure of 1C20 ‘Check clock and 1C20 1208 “LCD 10 fault” None System/Fatal ‘The LCD is not responding to commands. LCD cable or LCD controller failure. Find and correct fault. 1225” “LCD - invalid ansi”™ None System/Fatal ‘An attempt was made to write a non-ansi symbol tothe LCD Pasgsai fault System reset rane “LCD~ invalid pos” None Syotem/Potal ‘An atiempt was made to write to an invalid postion on the LCD Not used 1321 "Card RAW erroe”™ File writen ‘Memory Card/Warning “The data writen to the card was nat verified correctly Faulty memory card or card interface circuitry “Try again, if error persists, repla-+ card and/or service MX. e2— Oct 1990‘Oct 1000 ERROR dentificaion: Diagnostic Information: Type: Descrpt Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR entification Diagnostic Information: ype: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR densification: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remeay: ERROR entificaton: Diagnostic Information: ‘Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: Tye: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: APPENDICES 1323 “Card battery tow" File name accessed ‘Memory Card/Waming ‘The card batery voltage is 10 low for reliable operation “The card batery has fallen helow 2.6V and is exhausted Replace Memory card battery ~ see repair handbook for details 1384 “Scene corrupt!” ‘Scene in format Pg Scene Tesy Wag, ‘A scene checksum has failed Internal battery discharged, or mem. card batery exhausted, 1a poms fall detection cieuiey fauley Press CONTINUE to clear the scene or if performing memory card ‘wansfr, press CONTINUE to carry onafer ignoring scene or QUIT tocnd the trnafor 1385 “Effect corupt!” Effect in format Pg Effect ‘Tesy Warning ‘An Elect checksum has filed Internal bauery discharged, or mem. card batery exhausted ‘or power fil detection circuitry faulty Aserror 1384 1386 “Setup comrupt!” None ‘TesyWarning ‘The setup checksum has failed ‘Internal bauery discharged, or mem, card battery exhausted ‘or power fail detection circuitry faulty CONTINUE or QUIT ~ cause setup to be reset o factory defaults 1387 “Patch corrupt!” Patch number (1 2) ‘TesuWarning ‘A dimmer patch checksum has failed Internal bauery discharged, or mem. card battery exhausted (or power fail detection circuitry faulty As error 1384 a MXAPPENDICES ERROR dentification: Diagnostic Information: ‘Type: Description: Probable cause: Remeds ERROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: ‘Tye: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: ‘Type: Description: ‘Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR ‘dentification: Diagnostic Information: Type: ‘Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR dentification: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: 1388, “Fader module fauk” Module code TestFaual ‘A fault has been detected in the fader module connestions ‘Fader module cable fault or invalid id switch combination Find fault and check switch settings 1389 “RAM test failed” Adres, byte read, byte wriuen “TesvFatal ‘ARAM test pattern has read back incorrectly Backup batery low or RAM faulty Find fault or allow battery to charre 1390 “ROM checksum failed” ‘Checksum read, correct checksum ‘TesFatal ‘The ROM checksum does not agree with the programmed value EPROM faulty Replace EPROM set. 1391 “NM felt” Address of byte weiuen to stimulate NMI TestFatal ‘An NMI was not seen by the processor when simulated PLD device 1C28 incorrectly programmed or fault. Find fault or replace 1C28. 1392 “A/D Reference faut” Voltage read, max., min, valid voltages ‘Tesy Waring ‘The A/D converter is out of spec. 1R95/96 incorrect or 1C26 faulty Find fault o replace 1C26. 1393 “LCD contrast fault” ‘Voltage read, max, min. valid vollges ‘Tesy Waring ‘The LCD contrast contol not working correctly. ‘VT10, R70, 73, 76, or C64 faulty Find fault —ea- ‘Oct 1990ERROR Tentification: ‘Diagnostic Information Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR {denuticauon: Diagnostic Information: Type: escrpuon: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR entification Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Ldentfication: Diagnostic Information; ‘Type: Description: ‘Fropanle cause: Remedy: ERROR entificaion: Diagnostic Information: ‘Type: Description: i Probable cause: Remedy: Oct 1990 APPENDICES: 1394 “DIA Reference fault” ‘Volge ead, max. min. valid voltages ‘TesyWarning ‘The D/A converter reference is out of spec. Inter-PCB cable faulty or D A. SET signal not present Find fault 1395 “Banery volts ult” Voltage read, max., min, valid vollages ‘TesyWarning ‘he battery voltage 1s out ot spec. ‘Batery discharged or faulty, Inter-PCB cable faulty Find fal, or charge batery for several hours, err persisisrepace vater. 1396 “Ramer ra an Volage difference read, max., min. valid voliages ‘Tes Warning ‘The batery reference voltage is out of spec. ‘R60 faulty, IC18 faulty, A/D faulty (excessive leakage) Find fault 1397 “DwA fault” EITHER Voltage read, max, min, valid voltages (OR:PWM seuing, valid max., min seuings ‘Tesy Warning D/A converter is out of spec. 1Co, 1C4, 1L7 or associated components tauty, Inuer-PCB cable faulty or IC25 faulty. Find fault, 1398 “DS4 sync fault” Anlinge rad, maw min valid uoltagee ‘Tesy/Waming EITHER: The D54 synchronisation pulse is not being generated. (OR: The D/A converter ENABLE control isnot working R21, 22, D6, Intr-PCB cable faulty, 106 or 1C26 fauly, Find fault, a nxAPPENDICES ERROR dentficaon: Diagnostic Information: Type: Deseription: ‘Probable cause: Remedy: ERKOK Tentification: Diagnostic Information: ype: Description: Probable cause: emeay: ERROR entifiatin Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: entificaion: Diagnostic Information: ‘Type: Description: ‘Frobable cause: Remedy: FRROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: eae Description: Probable cause: Remedy: 1399 ““RS232 int-loop fault” Byte read. byte writen ‘TesyWaming ‘The intemal loopback in IC25 forthe RS232 ports faulty ‘Memory decoding faulty (1C28, 32) orIC25 faulty, or data being wansmited to MX during test Find fault, or disconnect RS232 device 1400 “RS232 ext-loop fault” Byte read byte writen tesy warming ‘The extemal loopback forthe RS232 ports faulty ‘No loopback connector installed?, ICS faulty ‘rutsoopoack or tina rauit 1401 AMID er toe fale” Byte read, byte written ‘Tes Warning ‘The intemal loopback in 1C2S forthe MIDI post is fanry 4MIz clock failure, Memory decoding faulty (1C28, 32), 1C25 faulty or MIDI data being transmitted wo MX during test Find fault or disconnect extemal MIDI device 1402 “MIDI ext-loop fault” Byte read, byte writen ‘Tesy Waring ‘The extemal loopback forthe MIDI port is faulty ‘No loopback connector insaled?, ICS faulty Fit loopback or find fault 1403 “SMX/DMX port fault” Byte read, byte writen ToeAWarsing “The DMX/SMX port loopback is not responding, ‘Short on RS485 lines, 1C9, C3 faulty Find fu 86 Oct 1990Oct 1000 APPENDICES ERROR 1405 dentification: “auido west faule” Diagnostic Information: Frequency at which test filed Type: ‘Tesy Waring Description: ‘The audio threshold detector has not seen signals atthe required test frequencies. Probable cause: ‘Wrong components around IC2, IC4, o audio source connected uring test Remedy: ‘Re-try find faul., or emove audio source ERROR 1406 Identification: “Memory card error” ‘Diagnostic Informanon: Byte read, byte wntten Type: ‘Tes Waring Description: ‘The memory card has not ead back the test values writen Probable cause: ‘Connector problem, card inerface CU prublext Remedy: Find faul, ry another card RRAR 1407 entification: “Mcard paging fault” Diagnostic Information: Page number accessed The: “TesuWaring : “The memory card has not read back the test values written ‘Wrong size card used (Gtkbyte required) oF IC faulty Find faul, ry anotner card ERROR 1408 Tdentification: “Flash key tuck” Diagnostic Informauon: Corresponding channel number Type: “Tesy Warning Description: ‘A flash key is stuck in the Yon” state Probable cause: ‘Key aamaged, coresponaing puli-up resisioraisconnectea, or something resting on key during power-up sequence Remedy: Find fault ERROR 1409 dentification: “Channel fader stuck” Diagnartie Informations Carmernedting channel number ‘Type: ‘Tesy Waring Description: ‘An A or B preset fader i set atthe wrong level Probable cance: Faders not reset prior to fader test Remedy: Reset fader! MkAPPENDICES. ERROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: Type Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification Diagnostic Information: type: Description: Probable cause: xemeay: ERROR entiication Diagnostic Information: Type: Description: Probable cause: Remedy: ERROR Identification: iagnosuc intormauon: ‘Type Description: ‘rropanie cause: Remedy: FRROR Identification: Diagnostic Information: mind Description: Probable cause Remedy: 110 "Control key suck” Key number Tes Waring ‘A control module key is stuck in the “on” state Key damaged. corresponding pull-up resistor disconnected. or something resting on key during power-up sequence Find fault aan Control key bounced” Key name ‘esyWarning ‘A control module key has “bounced” Key damaged ‘rina taut or repiace xey 12 “Cmte fer cnc" Fader umber, fader expected, % level read ‘TesyWaring ‘A contro fader is set atthe wrong level FFaders not ese prior to fader test. Reset fader! 1416 “Watchdog timed out!” ‘Module number System/Fauat ‘A watchdog timer has expired. ‘rogram taut or system overioaded m some way System reset “Invalid interrupt” Interrupt mmber (HEX) System/Ral ‘An unexpected imerrupt was received. Program fault, probably due w noisy environment ‘System reset =aR— Oct 1900OPERATOR HANDBOOK - Supplement (BI Version Onwards ) Document No.: 9907005 (A79 22) Issue: 2 Strand Lighting Date: Nov. 1962Strand Lighting Offices Note: Telephone numbers exclude intemational and national dialling codes ‘Asia: 202 Houston Gente 69 Mody Rod, Teimshatsi East, Kowloon, Hong Kong Te: 9685161 Fax'9694890 (Canada: 2490 Lucknow Dive, Unit 15, Msissauga, Ontario LS 1V8 Canada Yek416 677 7190 Fax 416676859 France: 26 Vita Des Fes, 92400 Courewie, France ‘Tek 1478 06665, Fax: 1 43337175 Germany: Salzbergetatce, 340 Wotlerbutol-Saatshim, Gemany “er5991 30000 Fax: $501 76888 aly: Va dele Gardere 60 (Ponta Veoona Km S401), U0AU Fomeza- OMS, lay TLOSATIES Fax. ONTIOO United Kingdom: Grart Way (of Syon Lane), lewor, Mex, TW7SODUK Tel: 061 5609171 Fax 0Bt 5582168 USA: Po Bex e004, 1114 Gus Sant Fe Aue, Ranch Domingues. CA $0221 USA Tel: 310.637 7800 Fax: S106925519 ‘Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the information in this handbook, no liabilty can be accepted tor any errors or omissions. ‘Strand Lighting Ltd. eserves the right to amend the specifications of the product at any time. “This document is issued on condition that the information contained herein is not copied, reprinted, or ‘otherwise duplicated by a third party wholly or in part without the consent in writing of Strand Lighting Limited. Certain eatures of the equipment described in this document may form the subject of patents ‘or patent applications. © Strand Lighting Limited 1992Issue 2 MX SUPPLEMENT Contents TERMINAL DISPLAY . Introduction Connecting MX To The Terminal Monitor Connecting MX To a P.C Running Mx TERM Un a PG Setting Up MX for Terminal Monitor & PC Dioplaya Options . Menu Displays ... Printing + SP2 eau oon MIDI APPLICATIONS Introduction Recording MX SYNC Function . Slave Mode .. REMOTE ‘GO’ CUE . Midi ‘GO’ . Audio/Midi Fader . Audio ‘GO’ .. sP15 Nov. 1992 oa MXMX SUPPLEMENT Issue 2 TERMINAL DISPLAY Introduction ‘The facility now exists to view the output levels and status modes of MX ‘at a glance’ either direcily via an ANSI terminal available from Swand Lighting, or alternatively a Terminal Emulator program is available for any PC compatible, running any level of DOS, with the option to view in colour. Part Number for the terminal and interface lead 0490001. Part Number for the lead only (04.900 02. ‘The emulator version is a ‘display only’ feature and involves no input from the PC keyboard other than booting up and exiting. ‘The CONFIG SYSTEM menu on the MX now shows an extra parameter, Terminal olp : BIW, which is the default mode. This can be altered to COL or OFF. ‘A B/W output will run slightly faster than a colour one. OFF will stop all terminal ourput processing and will therefore speed up the user, interface. Wx -sp 2- Nov. 1992Issue 2 MX SUPPLEMENT Connecting MX To The Strand Terminal Monitor ‘The ourput data from MX to the terminal is taken from the RS232 port (25 way D type connector). Connect the interface lead into the MAIN (not PARALLEL) port of your terminal and the RS232 port of the MX. Nov. 1992 If any other terminal is to be used, connection should be made to the units’ COMMS socket. Connecting MX To a PC A suitable interface lead needs to be sourced for connecting MX toa PC. Wiring for this is shown below and please note that it is PIN to PIN, which is not standard for some commercially available RS232 leads. sta comacs 2 Rees 2 rxoea § BoB cana ate pete 25 pin D-Type PC Terminal Running MX TERM on a PG ‘The Emulation software is supplied on 3.5 inch floppy disc. Once connected, load the disc into the PC drive and Type:— A> Mxterm 1 If you have connected up to Port 2 then type in Mxterm 2 4MX SUPPLEMENT Issue 2 r& PC Setting Up Mx for Terminal Mo! “MXTERM is serup up to run at: 9600 band, EVEN parity, 1 stop & 7 data In the RS232 menu this can be matched by simply pressing the MXTERM function key. Once the connections have been made and the units switched on the display will now appear as shown on the default screen below. 12545678910 121514 1516 17 1819 1 Bm Same LBL Fate nine BRFADE Fade ont ime STEPTIME Serpe Pet “Tene Xan“ ARLONTY MIDI Mae: NORMAL. Beg AsSoIMIDE:AUDIO MIDICunnel:1 Live DimmerPach:1$ wol fader:OFF DSA Sing 1008 DimProweal Dt) Resid Lack: OFF—uodto2 Sting 1 Maem AL Stand Lighing Ll. (2) 1982 Ifthe screen display does not appear correctly within a few seconds, reselect the ‘Terminal ofp mode in the CONFIG SYSTEM LCD menu. Alternatively switching off MX and then switching back on again will rectify the problem. ri -9 4- Nov. 1992Issue 2 MX SUPPLEMENT Display Options ‘The following parameters are also displayed along the MODE line if selected on the desk:— CHANNEL SCENE HOLD RECORD BLACKOUT FLASH OFF NUMLOCK. (BLACKOUT and RECORD will appear in inverse video when selected ). If some errors have occurred CHECK LOG will appear. If effects are running, these are also displayed showing the CURRENT STEP, FADE TIMES and STEP TIMES. Nov. 1992 -sp 5 MKMX SUPPLEMENT Issue 2 Monu Dicplaye ‘When you enter the SCENE menu, the output changes to display the contents of the currently displayed scene, together with the recorded fade times. This display is also active when in the scene time menu. Changing the scene number in the consoles LCD will automatically display the new scene contents on the terminal. In both the SCENE and HELD screens, the currently editable level is displayed by a cursor in inverse video. Sand Lighting: MX24 Version BI (GRANDMASTER 1008 Fadeintme 0010 EREEEIEIT Fae uti costo Ese 5 45 FLAL FL DESK LCD MIDI Gamel:1 LiveDimmerPach:1§ wl fader:OFF 4 Saig 1 Bom Poocs ose! Resmioa-orF Annis Seng 108 Maem Al Stand Lighing Lad (€) 192 Entering the HELD LEVELS menu will update the terminal to show the contents of the hold memory. 124 Vein BE (GRAND MASTER 100% DESK LED a en oo Fecinine Roe rect Fer seme: TeeXlde:AB ONLY MDIMoHe: NORMAL Eni ROSANA MDI Cea Live immer Fach :1 Sw fager:OHF D4 Sing 100% BimPraosl:Dst | RecoLok “OFF © ANOXISD Seng 1008 Pe weit a Ligh a (0 198 MX - 6 - Nov. 1992Issue 2 MX SUPPLEMENT Entering the LIVE DIMMER PATCH will firstly display the current live patch ‘This can be scrolled using the up and down arrow keys, they effect both cursor ‘movement in the LCD and scrolling of the patch display. ‘Send Lighing > MOK24 Vesion BL er 2345 678 9 wn Dimmer on 234567859 on Let 1 1 100% 100% 100% 108.1008 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 10% 100% Deer BoM IS 6 7 wD mM RD Bm Qn bo 6 7 Bo 2 RB me vel YO 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 10% 100% 1005 100% 100% 100% LiveDimmerPuch:1 $ woL fader:OFF ——DS4 Sang: 1008, Record Lock ‘OFF ——_-AMXIS2 Seating 1008 Mauem Al Sonn Lighting Ld. () 1952 ‘When in the EDIT PATCIT patch edit menu, the currently edited parch will be displayed. Unlike the live patch display this is context sensitive and will display the dimmer shown in the left most block of the LCD at the start of line 2 in the terminal display. Dimer 1 203 4 5 6 78 9 us tag 3a, Level 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%0% OF O SOR SO SO SOR DESK LCD. Dinner 13 1 1S 16 17 Dm BB mw om 4 4 4 5 55 5 5 6 6 6 6 Level 100% 100% 1008 70% 70% TOR 70% 70% 1005 100% 100% 100% Live DnmerPach:1 § wl, faderOFF Stealing 100% Dm Praccl:Dst) Recow LacksOFF —_AMOXIS2Seaing “1008 MODE: SCENE HOLD FLsiorr cmcx.es Ai-Feto ex Miverm AL Sl Lighig Lad Ge) 198 Exiting from the patch menus will rerum the terminal to the OUTPUT display. Nov. 1992 -p7- MxMX SUPPLEMENT Issue 2 Printing In order to use the printer. the terminal must be disconnected and the printer plugged in. ‘When entering the print menu, the terminal ouput is always halted, allowing 2 Print to be made. Terminal output will resume only when not in the print menu, any printing has completed and any key if pressed on the console. sp 8 - Nov. 1992Issue 2 MX SUPPLEMENT MIDI APPLICATIONS. Introduction ‘The main purpose of incorporating MIDI into Strands lighting desks is to create ‘an interface between lightand sound. MIDI is now an industry standard, in much the same way that SMPTE is for the film industry, and all faders and switches on MX are allocated unique MIDI codes for use with this interface. MIDI transmits and receives over 16 channels. These are dedicated MIDI channels and have nothing in common with any lightchannels. All MIDI devices ‘generally default to Channel 1 ncludmg MX. Each MIDI-equipped instrument usually contains a receiver, a transmitter, and an optional socket providing a through (IHRU) tacibty tor relaying intormation to other Midi devices. MX contains these three port. ‘The THRU socketis duplicate of the signals on the LN socket theretore allowing information from a master unit to be relayed to another MIDI unit. A line is normally drawn signifying this as shown in the figure below. ae Pel lay y= oat “L id ‘Most Midi sequencers are software orientated and run on a variety of personal ‘computers, the most popular being the Atari, Mac. and more recently the P.C. At ‘present only the Atari has built in Midi Sockets, hence to date this has been the ‘most popular computer for Midi applications, others require separate interfaces to be purchased before Midi software can be utilised. Nov. 1992 = nxMX SUPPLEMENT Issue 2 Recording MX with Music Sequencers. EXAMPLE 1 ~ The purpose of this exercise is to make lighting changes occur automatically in harmony with a musical sequence. The figure below shows a typical setup ready for recording wilising sequencer software available for most popular computers. A good understanding of your particular sequencer is essential before attempting to overdub lighting scenes. Recording Procedure 1.) Connect three MIDI leads as shown, those not in operation at this stage are shown in dotted lines. 2.) Record music sequence. tracks 1-3. in this case 3.) The music sequence is played back via the MIDI OUT link on the computerto the keyboard. 4.) Set MX to MIDI OUT ~ CHANNEL 4. 5.) Set sequencer in record mode. 6.) Press SYNC on MX as soon as possible after step 5 is completed, (see SYNC function following this section). 7.) Information from MX can now be input in ‘real time” Le the music sequencer will recognise fader/switch operations in the correct sequence and at the correct time. These are overdubbed onto track 4, just like normal sound recording. al ea | CUE UPETAT OTE TOUT ETATIssue 2 MX SUPPLEMENT “To playback uur auwwuuated uiusic aud light sequence, the THRU socket comes yt into play. Playback Procedure 1.) Set MX to MIDIIN 2.) Simply press the appropriate computer key to playback the complete sequence, light and sound should be synchronised as required. 3.) Save the sequence if happy, if not re-record or even overdub more lighting changes by following the same procedure. Most sequencers will allow you to ‘oversinh on the same track. so itis quite possible to build up complex and subtle lighting changes very easily. Computer/Sequencer Nov. 1992 Note: As mentioned carlicr, the THRU socket relays the signals from the ‘computer to MX via the MIDI IN socket on the musical instrument. Whilst in MIDI IN mode most MX functions are suppressed and the console becomes ‘under the control of the extemal sequencer or other Midi devive. ‘The Grand Master and Blackout switch take precedence over the MIDI controlled grand master and blackout switch in @ lowest-takes-precedence manner. This gives you the option to shut off the console’s ourput at all times. -pn- riMX SUPPLEMENT nk Issue 2 During MIDI IN mode. the LCD will be fixed to a MIDI IN mode display However, the MIDI mode may be changed to MIDI OFF, MIDI OUT or MIDI ‘SLAVE mode. Normal console operation can only occur in MIDI OFF and MIDI OUT modes. Note: When the mode is changed back to either MIDI OFF or MIDI OUT mode, the ourput will be controlled immediately by the fader levels set on the console. The state of the console, as set by MIDI (such as effect control and selection of operating modes) will be maintained when MIDI modes are switched. SYNC Function SYNC records a ‘cnapchnt * of the deck i it sets as a form of reset signal by resetting the MX parameters shown back to the state they were in just before the button is pressed. A good illustration of this is when used with our musical sequence example just explained. Ineffect this means that when MX is setup for other applications the information for the previous example setup is not lost as it has been stored with the music sequence software. ‘When the example is used again and the sequencer is played back, the first bitof information transmitted to MX will be the code for resetting MX back to its starting position, assuming the recording procedure has been wuuiccily aulicica co ~ sp 12- Nov. 1992Nov. 1992 MX SUPPLEMENT Slave Mode In this mode, it now becomes possible to link-up 2 MXs for the purposes of increasing channel capacity. The maximum channel capacity of MX is 48, should ‘more channels be desirable, another MX can be linked and setup via the MIDI ports Inthe configuration shown, the 48 way MX becomes the master unit whilst the 12 ‘way becomes the slave. All controls on the 12 way unit are inhibited apart from the Channel faders, Master faders and Blackout switch. EXAMPLE : ~ An extra 12 channels are required to supplement scene 10 of a 1.) Another MX is linked to the existing 48 Way as shown overleaf. 2.) Both MXs should be set at MIDI NORMAL for this stage. 3.) Set up the scene as required using BOTH desks. 4.) RECORD as scene 10 on BOTH desks ‘Playback 1.) Set the 12 way to SLAVE and the 48 way to OUT both on the same MIDI channel. 3.) Playback scene 10 which is now under the control of the 48 way desk. ‘Note:—The Multiplexed outputs cannot be linked and require routing 10 seperate dimmer units. - sp 13- riLy i |Issue 2 MX SUPPLEMENT REMOTE GO CUE Itisnow possible to remotely trigger lighting scenes that have been pre-recorded into the CD sequencer by means of an external control such as an audio signal, MIDI timing signal or 2 MIDI PROGRAMME CHANGE command. This feature will be extremely useful to any production that has music or sound effects, whether ite on tape or played ‘ive by one af taday’s mosier keyboards Midi GO Most of today's keyboard synthesisers are Midi based and are classed as MULTI TIMBRAL which means that different instrument voices can play on different MIDI clutucls at ic save dau. Pressing a Luu on the synth w change the ‘voice’ normally sends out a PROGRAMME CHANGE command over a MIDI channel and it is this command that can be utilised by MX. ‘The effectiveness of the GO cue will depend on the MIDI capabilities of the device used, some have 2 or 3 banks of buttons to change voices and some have only 1 or 2 and need to be programmed to change voices, but as long as 2 PROGRAMME CHANGE is sent possible the GO cue will work. EXAMPLE - We wish to change a lighting scene every time we change voices. ‘This makes sense, as switching from a percussive piano sound to some lush sounding strings will obviously create a different mood. 1.) Programme the sequence of lights in the CD sequencer inclusive of both fade in and fade out times. 2.) Check that AUDIO/MIDI on CONFIG SYSTEM menu is on AUDIO Cie. MIDI timing signals are ignored). 3.) Set MX to MIDIIN. 4.) Connect the syuds MIDI OUT w MIDI IN uu MX. 5.) Set MX to receive on MIDI CHANNEL 1 and the synth to transmit on the same channel. ( MIDI CHANNEL 1 is always the default channel for all midi devices). [SETUP MIT | MIDI Channet: sme 6 faasaa[= Pa ealossee 4 SSS oe UU 11 Nov. 1992 - 9p 15- MXMX SUPPLEMENT Issue 2 * A musical piece can now be played ‘live’ and atthe appropriate time the synth voice button can be pushed and as the sound changes a lighting crossfade will occur as programmed. =a) mT cern VOICE BUTTONS Note: The buttons are not scene selective i.e if you had 20 scenes in the CD ‘sequencer, pressing button 10 does not mean the sequence will jump to scene 10. ‘ANY button pressed will make MX go to the next scene in sequence. Audio / MIDI Fader The primary function of the Audio /MIDI fader is to act as a threshold level for triggering audio signals which may be used to control remote GO cuss (cee next Section). If the AUDIO/MIDI parameter in the SYSTEM SETUP menu is set to MIDI however, then it is possible to control cues by means of clock cycles icin avality diese vant be scgauucd as avtual beats uf uiusic. NK - sp 16- Nov. 1992Issue 2 MX SUPPLEMENT Audio GO By recording a wne uf below 1 KHz.on one of the tacks of a MultiTrack tape recorder it is possible to trigger a sequence of lighting scenes automatically in perfect sync with a sound-track. EXAMPLE ~ A piece of music has been recorded in stereo on tracks 1 and 2 of a 4-track recorder. At various stages in the composition lighting changes are required. 1.) The sequence of lights is programmed in the CD sequencer. {2.) A sumtable tone, such as a bass beat or low speaking voice, should be recorded on Track 4 wherever a lighting scene change is required. Using the adjacent track 3 is likely to result in cross-talk problems and is not advisable. {he duration of mhis audio signal is not important a tt only requires a signal of less than 50 milliseconds to activate a GO cue. 3.)_A suitable connection must now be made to the tape deck = TRACK 4 OUTPUT - and the MX -AUDIO IN. Make up a suitable lead and connect as shown in the diagram below. i AugIo 5—PA DIN Nov. 1992MX SUPPLEMENT Issue 2 4.) The complete piece should now be played hack and the trigger level set by adjusting the MIDVAUDIO fader on MX. i. the led should flicker on with the recorded tones. 6.)_ Then set to MIDI IN. Important DO NOT PERFORM THIS STEP BEFORE STEP 4 or 5 AS ONCE IN MIDI MODE, MX CONTROLS BECOME INHIBITED. 7.) The performance can now be played back and at the appropriate time the lighting scenes will change automatically. nx - sp 18 - Nov. 1992