alcora Zero 88 User manual

USER MANUAL

If a portable or temporary three phase
mains supply is used to power this desk,
we recommend that the power supply is
unplugged from the mains supply before
connecting or disconnecting the mains
supply. SERIOUS DAMAGE will occur if
the power supply is connected across two
phases.
This equipment is designed for use as a
lighting control desk only, and is
unsuitable for any other purpose.
It should only be used by, or under the
supervision of, an appropriately qualified
or trained person.
Zero 88 Lighting Ltd. reserves the right to
make changes to the equipment
described in this manual without prior
notice. E & OE.
Issue 2 - September 2002
Manual Stock No. 73 - 700 - 00
Software Version 3.0
© Zero 88 Lighting Ltd. 2002
Zero 88 Lighting Ltd.
Usk House
Llantarnam Park
Cwmbran
Gwent NP44 3HD
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone] *
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
web site: www.zero88.com
* 24 hour answerphone
Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2 Page 1
USER MANUAL

Introduction
ThisManual 5
TheAlcoraLightingDesk 5
Master Controls and Displays 6
Turning on the Desk 6
Default State 6
Preset Mode
Introduction 9
Preset Controls and Displays 10
Two Preset Operation 12
Setting up for Two Preset Operation 12
To Output a Scene from Preset A 12
To Output a Scene from Preset B 12
Manual Fading between Scenes 12
Timed Crossfades between Scenes 13
Flashing Channels 13
Wide Operation 14
Setting up for Wide Operation 14
Storing and Cross Fading Scenes 15
Manual and Timed Crossfades 16
Flashing Channels in WIDE 16
Program Mode
Introduction 17
Memory Types 17
Low Memory Warning 18
Program Controls and Displays 18
Setting up the Desk for Programming 20
Selecting a Memory Number 20
Scene Memories 20
Programming a New Scene Memory 20
Overwriting a Programmed Scene 20
Editing Channel Levels in a Scene 21
Deleting a Scene Memory 21
Sequence Memories 22
Programming a New Sequence 22
Inserting a Step 22
Deleting a Step 23
Overwriting a Step 23
EditingaStep 24
Deleting a Sequence Memory 24
Converting between Memory Types 24
Using the Copy and Paste Buttons 25
Copying a Scene Memory 25
Copying a Sequence Step 25
Pasting into a Scene Memory 25
Pasting into a Sequence Step 25
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Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2 Page 3
Run Mode
Introduction 27
Run Mode Controls and Displays 28
Entering Run Mode 30
Selecting the Next Memory 30
To Determine the Current Memory 30
OutputtingaProgrammedMemory 31
Snapping between Memories 31
Fading between Memories 31
Pausing a Crossfade 31
Outputting a Sequence Memory 32
Moving between Sequence Steps 32
Manual Stepping 32
Automatic Stepping 32
UsingSoundInput 32
Snap or Crossfade Between Steps 33
Controlling Sequence Direction 33
Previewing a Memory 33
Super User Mode
Introduction 35
Entering Super User Mode 35
Exiting Super User Mode 35
DMX Patching 36
Patching the Desk Channels 36
SettingRecoveryMode 37
Clear All 37
Saving Memory Data 37
Loading Memory Data 37
Memory Module Error Codes 37
TechnicalSpecification
Power Supply 39
Audio Input 39
Remote Go 40
DMX Output 40
Zero 88 Memory Module(Optional) 40
Analogue Output (Optional) 40

Page 4Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2

Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2 Page 5
This Manual
This manual describes the operation and
programming of the Alcora lighting desk.
It begins with a general description of the
desk, the master controls, turning on the
desk and the default state. The main
sections cover the different operating
modes of the desk, namely PRESET,
PROGRAM and RUN. Each of these
sections contains a basic description of
the relevant front panel controls and
displays, and a step by step guide to the
various functions available. The manual
concludes with sections on the SUPER
USER functions and the technical
specification of the desk.
Throughout this manual, references to
controls, buttons and lights on the front
panel appear in capital letters
(eg GRAND MASTER, PRESET
CONTROL, FADING light).
The Alcora Lighting Desk
The Alcora lighting desk is a compact
user-friendly memory desk which records
channel levels, and provides theatre style
sequential memory access.
Memories can be recorded as scenes or
sequences (chases). Crossfade times
and chase speed and direction can be
adjusted by the user as required.
The Alcora 12/24 has 12 control channels
(24 channels in Wide mode).
The Alcora 24/48 has 24 control channels
(48 channels in Wide mode).
The standard output from the desk is
DMX 512 only.

Master Controls and Displays
These controls set the general operating
conditions for the desk.
lMODE
The MODE button is used to select the
operational mode of the desk. The red
lights above the button show the current
operating mode (SUPER USER,
PRESET, PROGRAM, RUN).
lGRAND MASTER
The GRAND MASTER fader is used for
overall control of the maximum output
levels from all channels of the desk.
lBLACKOUT
The BLACKOUT button makes all the
desk outputs zero and operates in all
modes except SUPER USER. Pressing
the BLACKOUT button switches between
Blackout (all channels at zero) and normal
desk outputs.
The red light in the BLACKOUT button
indicates the current state (Flashing =
Blackout, Off = normal).
lDMX OUT OK
This light is illuminated when the desk is
transmitting digital data.
lWIDE
The WIDE button is used to select WIDE
operation. When in WIDE, the desk is a
single preset 24 (48) channel desk, rather
than a two preset 12 (24) channel desk.
With WIDE selected it is still possible to
crossfade between two scenes (see
Preset Mode for details). When WIDE is
selected the red light in the button is
illuminated.
lFLASH ON/OFF
The FLASH ON/OFF button is used to
enable/disable the CHANNEL FLASH
buttons. When the FLASH FUNCTION is
active, the red light in the button is
illuminated and the CHANNEL FLASH
buttons are enabled.
Turning on the Desk
1. Connect the DMX cable.
2. Connect the power supply to the desk
and switch on at the mains.
3. Ensure that DBO is not active (the red
light in the DBO button is off).
4. Set the GRAND MASTER fader to
full.
5. Set the A MASTER and B MASTER
faders to zero.
6. Set the CROSSFADE control to
manual.
Default State
When the desk is first switched on, or is
subsequently switched on and Recovery
Mode is off, the following default state is
entered:
MODE PRESET
BLACKOUT Normal Outputs
DISPLAY Not active
CURR light Off
NEXT light Off
STEP light Off
WIDE Not active
FLASH ON/OFF Active
SOUND Not active
All other lights Off
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Introduction

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Introduction

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Introduction

Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2 Page 9
Introduction
When the desk is in PRESET Mode all the
memory functions are disabled, offering
the user a completely manual system.
The desk can be operated using either
two 12 (24) channel presets controlling 12
(24) channels, or a single WIDE preset
controlling 24 (48) channels.
In Two Preset operation, separate scenes
are set up on PRESET A and PRESET B
using the individual channel faders. The A
MASTER and B MASTER faders are used
to crossfade between the two scenes.
With WIDE selected it is still possible to
crossfade between two scenes. The first
scene is set up on the PRESET A and
PRESET B faders and is stored in the
desk temporarily using the PRESET
CONTROL button.
Once stored, another scene can be set up
on the PRESET A and PRESET B faders.
The A MASTER and B MASTER faders
are used to crossfade between the stored
scene and the scene on the PRESET
faders.
Crossfades between scenes can be
manual or timed.
Overall output is under the control of the
GRAND MASTER.

Preset Controls and Displays
lPRESETS A AND B
There are 12 (24) PRESET A faders
which control individual channels 1 -12
(1 - 24).
There are 12 (24) PRESET B faders
which control individual channels 1 -12
(1 - 24) or channels 13 - 24 (25 - 48) if
WIDE is active.
lCHANNEL FLASH BUTTONS
There are 24 (48) CHANNEL FLASH
buttons corresponding to the 12 (24)
PRESET A and 12 (24) PRESET B
faders. These are used to flash individual
channels. These buttons can be disabled
using the FLASH ON/OFF button.
lA MASTER AND B MASTER
In two preset operation, the A MASTER is
used to control the maximum output level
from the PRESET A faders. The B
MASTER is used to control the maximum
output level from the PRESET B faders.
In WIDE operation, the A MASTER and B
MASTER faders are used to control the
maximum output level from both the
PRESET A and PRESET B faders, and
the stored scene.
The B MASTER fader is reversed (100%
at the bottom of its travel) to facilitate
manual crossfades when moving the A
MASTER and B MASTER in tandem.
lCROSSFADE
The CROSSFADE control is used to
determine the fade time when crossfading
between scenes. The control can be set
to Manual or to a time between 1 second
and 5 minutes.
lFADING LIGHT
The red FADING light below the
CROSSFADE control flashes when a
timed crossfade is taking place.
lPRESET CONTROL
The PRESET CONTROL button is only
applicable when WIDE is active. This
button is used to control which master
(A MASTER or B MASTER) has control of
the PRESET faders, and which master
has control of the stored scene.
The accompanying lights on the front
panel indicate the current state (A
FADERS, B STORED or B FADERS, A
STORED).
Page 10 Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2
Preset Mode

Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2 Page 11
Preset Mode

Two Preset Operation
The PRESET A and PRESET B faders,
the A MASTER and B MASTER and the
GRAND MASTER are used to control the
output levels from the desk.
The CROSSFADE control is used to
determine the crossfade time between the
preset masters.
Setting up for Two Preset
Operation
1. If the desk is not already in PRESET
Mode, press and hold the MODE
button for 1 second. The PRESET
light above the MODE button will
come on.
2. Ensure WIDE is not active and the
CROSSFADE control is set to
Manual.
To Output a Scene from Preset A
1. Set the required levels for each
channel on the PRESET A faders.
2. Set the A MASTER to full and the B
MASTER to zero. The scene set up
on PRESET A is output live.
To Output a Scene from Preset B
1. Set the required levels for each
channel on the PRESET B faders.
2. Set the A MASTER to zero and the B
MASTER to full. The scene set up on
PRESET B is output live.
Manual Fading between Scenes
1. Ensure that the CROSSFADE control
is set to Manual.
2. Set up a scene using the PRESET A
faders.
3. Set up a different scene on the
PRESET B faders.
4. Set the A MASTER to full, and the B
MASTER to zero. The scene set on
the PRESET A faders will be output.
5. To crossfadeto the scene set up on
PRESET B, simultaneously move the
A MASTER to zero and the B
MASTER to full. The operator has
direct control over the speed of the
scene change. As the master faders
are moved in tandem the scene set
up on PRESET B will fade in and the
scene set on PRESET A will fade out.
The crossfade is dipless
6. A new scene can then be set up on
PRESET A without affecting the
outputs.
7. To crossfade to the new scene on
PRESET A, simultaneously move the
A MASTER to full and the B MASTER
to zero.
8. As the master faders are moved in
tandem the scene set up on PRESET
B will fade out and the scene set on
PRESET A will fade in. The crossfade
is dipless.
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Preset Mode

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Preset Mode
Timed Crossfades between Scenes
1. Set the A MASTER and B MASTER
to zero.
2. Set up a scene using the PRESET A
faders.
3. Set up a different scene on the
PRESET B faders.
4. Set the CROSSFADE control to the
time required to fade scene A in.
5. Quickly move the A MASTER to full.
The scene on the PRESET A faders
will fade in and be output live. (The
time taken for the fade to complete is
determined by the value set on the
CROSSFADE control). The red
FADING light will flash while the
dipless crossfade is taking place, and
go out when the crossfade is
complete
6. To crossfade to the scene on
PRESET B, quickly move the A
MASTER to zero and the B MASTER
to full. The scene on PRESET B will
fade in and the scene on PRESET A
will fade out in the selected time. The
red FADING light will flash during the
crossfade.
7. A new scene can then be set up on
PRESET A without affecting the
outputs.
8. To crossfade to the scene on
PRESET A, quickly move the A
MASTER to full and the B MASTER
to zero. The scene on PRESET A will
fade in and the scene on PRESET B
will fade out in the selected time. The
red FADING light will flash while the
dipless crossfade is taking place, and
go out when the crossfade is
complete.
Flashing Channels
1. Ensure that the FLASH FUNCTION is
active.
2. Press and hold an individual
CHANNEL FLASH button. (Those
below the PRESET A faders or
PRESET B faders can be used). The
channel is then added to the scene at
the level set on the GRAND
MASTER.
3. Release the CHANNEL FLASH
button. The channel returns to its
previous level.

Wide Operation
In WIDE the user is able to crossfade
between, or combine two scenes which
are 24 (48) channels wide.
A scene is set up using the PRESET A
and PRESET B faders. The PRESET A
faders control channels 1 -12 (1 - 24).
The PRESET B faders control channels
13 - 24 (25 - 48).
This scene is then stored temporarily by
pressing the PRESET CONTROL button.
A second scene can then be set up on the
PRESET A and PRESET B faders.
The A MASTER and B MASTER faders
can then be used to crossfade between
the two scenes.
The PRESET CONTROL button is used
to control which master has control of the
PRESET channel faders, and the stored
scene.
The GRAND MASTER is used to control
the final output levels from the desk.
The CROSSFADE control is used to
determine the crossfade time between the
two scenes.
Setting up for Wide Operation
1. If the desk is not already in PRESET
Mode, press and hold the MODE
button for 1 second. The PRESET
light above the MODE button will
come on.
2. Ensure WIDE is active. On first
invoking WIDE or re-entering WIDE,
the PRESET faders will be assigned
to the A MASTER, and the stored
scene assigned to the B MASTER.
The lights next to the PRESET
CONTROL button will indicate this (A
FADERS, B STORED). The
temporarily stored scene will be
cleared.
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Preset Mode

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Preset Mode
Storing and Cross Fading Scenes
1. Set the A MASTER and GRAND
MASTER to full and the B MASTER
to zero. Set the CROSSFADE control
to manual.
2. Ensure that the lights next to the
PRESET CONTROL button indicate
A FADERS, B STORED
3. Set up a scene using the PRESET A
and PRESET B faders. This scene
will be output.
4. To store the scene press the
PRESET CONTROL button. The
output levels are temporarily stored
and the lights next to the PRESET
CONTROL button change to indicate
B FADERS, A STORED. The A
MASTER is now assigned to the
stored scene and the B MASTER
assigned to the PRESET faders, so
the outputs remain the same.
5. Set up the next scene using the
PRESET A and PRESET B faders.
(The outputs are not affected since
the B MASTER is currently at zero).
6. To crossfade between the stored
scene and the scene on the PRESET
faders, simultaneously move the A
MASTER to zero and the B MASTER
to full. A dipless crossfade will occur.
7. If the PRESET CONTROL button is
pressed again, the output levels are
saved into the temporary store
(overwriting the previous values) and
the lights next to the PRESET
CONTROL button change to indicate
A FADERS, B STORED. The B
MASTER is now assigned to the
stored scene and the A MASTER
assigned to the PRESET faders, so
the outputs remain the same.
8. The operations described in steps 5 -
8 can then be repeated to set up a
new scene on the faders, crossfade
to the new scene, and save it to a
temporary store etc.

Manual and Timed Crossfades
Crossfading between the scene set up on
the PRESETS and the stored scene is
achieved by moving the A MASTER and
B MASTER faders in tandem.
If the CROSSFADE control is set to
Manual, the crossfade time is determined
by the speed at which the A MASTER and
B MASTER faders are moved. The
operator has direct control over the speed
of the scene change.
If the CROSSFADE control is not set to
manual, the crossfade time will be the
time indicated on the CROSSFADE dial
(between 1 second and 5 minutes).
Flashing Channels in WIDE
1. Ensure that the FLASH FUNCTION is
active.
2. Press and hold an individual
CHANNEL FLASH button. The
buttons below the PRESET A faders
control channels 1 - 12 (1 - 24), those
below the PRESET B faders control
channels 13 - 24 (25 - 48). The
corresponding channel is then added
to the scene at the level set on the
GRAND MASTER.
3. Release the CHANNEL FLASH
button. The channel returns to its
previous level.
NOTES
Stored Scene
Any stored scene being output in PRESET
Mode will be removed from the outputs if the
desk is changed to PROGRAM or SUPER USER
Modes. If the desk is changed to RUN Mode
the stored scene remains on the outputs.
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Preset Mode

Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2 Page 17
Introduction
Program Mode on the desk is used to
select and create new memories and
enter lighting data.
Once a memory has been created it can
be modified by using the EDIT function.
Memory Types
There are two memory types which can
be programmed on the Alcora desk. They
are SCENE memories and SEQUENCE
memories.
A SCENE memory consists of a single
static state, recording the output level of
each desk channel.
A SEQUENCE memory consists of a
number of steps (maximum of 99 steps).
Each step consists of a single static state,
recording the output level of each desk
channel.
The MEMORY + and MEMORY - buttons
are used to select the required memory.
The DISPLAY shows the current memory
number. If the memory being programmed
is a SEQUENCE, the DISPLAY shows the
current step number.
The PRESET faders are used to set the
output levels and the PROGRAM button
used to save the levels to memory.

Low Memory Warning
The desk has a maximum capacity of 99
memories. Each memory may be a
SCENE or a SEQUENCE. The number of
SEQUENCE steps may cause the total
number of memories to be less than 99.
The desk software monitors the amount of
memory used (programmed) and gives a
warning when the memory available is
getting low, and also when there is none
left. In PROGRAM Mode, when the
DISPLAY is showing an unprogrammed
memory or sequence step, the DISPLAY
will flash slowly when the memory
available is getting low, and flash quickly
when there is no memory available.
NOTES
Recording Output Values
It is recommended that the A MASTER,
B MASTER and GRAND MASTER are set to full
(100%) when programming memories.
Otherwise the output values may not be as
expected when the memories are replayed in
RUN Mode. The current output values are
recorded (not channel fader positions).
DeskChannels
All 24 (48) desk channels are recorded, even
when NOT in WIDE.
Preset Faders
In two preset operation, either PRESET A or
PRESET B faders can be used to set the levels
for channels 1 - 12 (1 - 24). Channels 13 - 24
(25 - 48) will be recorded at zero.
In WIDE operation, PRESET A faders are used to
set channels 1 - 12 (1 - 24) and PRESET B
faders to set channels 13 - 24 (25 - 48).
Program Controls and Displays
lPRESET A AND PRESET B
There are 12 (24) PRESET A faders
which control individual channels 1 -12
(1 - 24).
There are 12 (24) PRESET B faders
which control individual channels 1 -12
(1 - 24), or channels 13 - 24 (25 - 48) in
WIDE.
lCHANNEL FLASH BUTTONS
Each of the PRESET faders has a
corresponding CHANNEL FLASH button.
They are used to select that channel for
editing.
lA MASTER
The A MASTER fader is used to control
the maximum output level from the
PRESET A faders. If WIDE is active, the
A MASTER is used to control the
maximum output level from both the
PRESET A and PRESET B faders.
lB MASTER
The B MASTER fader is used to control
the maximum output level from the
PRESET B faders. If WIDE is active, the
B MASTER has no effect.
lPREVIEW/EDIT
When EDIT is active the user can edit
individual channels of a previously
programmed SCENE or SEQUENCE
memory. The light in the button is
illuminated when EDIT is active.
Page 18 Alcora 73-700-00 Issue 2
Program Mode