Artistic License micro-scope 3a User manual

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M
Mi ic cr ro o- -S Sc co op pe e 3 3a a
Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd
Firmware Version V7.1
User Guide V7-11

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MICRO-SCOPE 3A......................................................................... 1
CONTENTS ................................................................................ 5
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 9
QUICK START ..................................................................................................................................... 9
MICRO-SCOPE FEATURES .................................................................................................................. 9
WHAT’S NEW IN MICRO-SCOPE 3A..................................................................................................10
THE CONTROL SURFACE................................................................11
OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................... 11
MENU................................................................................................................................................ 11
TOGGLE ............................................................................................................................................... 11
LEFT RIGHT .................................................................................................................................... 11
UP DOWN......................................................................................................................................... 11
MENUS .............................................................................................................................................12
THE MENUS ..............................................................................14
DISPLAYING RECEIVED DMX512.............................................................................................14
STATUS .......................................................................................................................................15
DMX BASE...................................................................................................................................15
DISPLAY MODE..............................................................................................................................16
D.....................................................................................................................................................16
%.....................................................................................................................................................16
$ .....................................................................................................................................................16
B .....................................................................................................................................................16
DATA RECEIVED............................................................................................................................16
DATA ERROR...................................................................................................................................17
S .....................................................................................................................................................17
F......................................................................................................................................................17
O.....................................................................................................................................................17
T .....................................................................................................................................................17
LOOP THROUGH ............................................................................................................................17
MAX/MIN MODE...........................................................................................................................18
FLICKER HUNT...............................................................................................................................18
Hexadecimal.................................................................................................................................18
TIMING MODE .................................................................................................................................19
CHECKSUM MODE ........................................................................................................................20
TRIGGER OUTPUT.....................................................................................................................21
DISPLAY RECEIVED COUNTERS..............................................................................................22
DISPLAY RECEIVED START CODES.......................................................................................23
START CODE LIST ..................................................................................................................23
SELECT DMX START CODE........................................................................................................26
C O N T E N T S

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DISPLAY RECEIVED TEXT .........................................................................................................27
TRANSMIT RIG CHECK............................................................................................................... 27
TRANSMIT ALL CHANNELS...................................................................................................... 28
TRANSMIT MEMORY ..................................................................................................................29
NUMERIC DISPLAY ................................................................................................................. 30
LAMP DISPLAY.......................................................................................................................... 30
TRANSMIT LAMP ..........................................................................................................................31
TRANSMIT DYNAMIC DMX512................................................................................................32
TRANSMIT TEXT.........................................................................................................................33
TRANSMIT SEQUENCE..............................................................................................................34
SNAPSHOT DMX TO MEMORY.................................................................................................35
FILL MEMORY WITH PATTERN ...............................................................................................35
TESTING CABLES ........................................................................................................................36
DOUBLE ENDED CABLE TEST ..............................................................................................36
SINGLE ENDED CABLE TEST ............................................................................................... 36
NETWORK TEST.......................................................................................................................37
AUTO BACKUP IF DMX FAILS ..................................................................................................38
LOOP THROUGH ...........................................................................................................................38
DISPLAYING RECEIVED MIDI .................................................................................................39
THE SETUP MENUS......................................................................40
SETUP MENU.................................................................................................................................40
ENABLE BACKLIGHT (S1) ............................................................................................................41
POWER SAVING (S2)....................................................................................................................41
MENU MODE (S3).........................................................................................................................42
DARK CHANNEL (S4)...................................................................................................................43
MEMORY DISPLAY MODE (S5) .................................................................................................43
TRANSMIT SIP (S6).................................................................................................................... 44
TALK TO MIC-EDIT (S7) ............................................................................................................45
FIRMWARE REVISIONS &ERRATA........................................................................................45
MIC-EDIT.................................................................................46
OVERVIEW.....................................................................................................................................46
INSTALL..................................................................................................................................... 46
HARDWARE................................................................................................................................46
COMMS........................................................................................................................................47
MAIN SCREEN............................................................................................................................... 48
SETTING THE PATCH .................................................................................................................49
PATCH COLUMNS.....................................................................................................................50
DELETING A LAMP ..................................................................................................................50
EDITING MEMORIES ..................................................................................................................51
EDITING MEMORIES BY SPREADSHEET..........................................................................51
MEMORY COLUMNS ....................................................................................................................................51
EDITING MEMORIES BY FADER......................................................................................... 52
FADER ROWS................................................................................................................................................ 52
SETTING LEVELS........................................................................................................................................ 53
EDITING LEVELS.....................................................................................................................53
USING PALETTES ........................................................................................................................55
EDITING MEMORY LEGENDS .............................................................................................. 56
EDITING FIXTURES ...................................................................................................................57

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SPREAD SHEET.........................................................................................................................57
HEADER....................................................................................................................................... 59
FOOTER.......................................................................................................................................60
FINISHING EDITING............................................................................................................ 60
EDITING MICRO-SCOPE 3A CONFIG ......................................................................................61
MENU...............................................................................................................................................63
EXPORT .......................................................................................................................................63
LIVE EDITING ..........................................................................................................................64
USITT ASCII IMPORT...........................................................................................................65
EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS .............................................................66
POWER SUPPLY .............................................................................................................................66
Connector ....................................................................................................................................66
Switch ..........................................................................................................................................67
Data Protection Mode............................................................................................................... 67
Battery.........................................................................................................................................67
RECEIVE DMX................................................................................................................................68
MIDI ADAPTER WIRING.......................................................................................................68
TRANSMIT DMX ..............................................................................................................................68
INDEX.....................................................................................70

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QUICK
START
Welcome to the Micro-Scope manual. Micro-Scope is a sophisticated
DMX512 and MIDI analyser, but is remarkably simple to operate.
Users who are familiar with either DMX512 or MIDI should find
that a scan of the Control Surface section is sufficient to get
started.
Please remember to return your product registration card, so that
we can keep you informed of new developments.
MICRO-SCOPE
FEATURES
Micro-Scope provides the following features:
Receives DMX512 & MIDI
Display as bar chart, decimal, percentage or hexadecimal
Display update rate, number of channels, Break and MaB time
Display maximum, minimum and current value of a single
channel
Double and single ended cable test
Generate DMX512 or re-transmit buffered DMX512 or MIDI
Twelve full level memories with snapshot
Automatic Moving Lamp test
Auto-backup, transmits Memory if console fails.
PC Link to Mic-Edit Software (preview only)
I N T R O D U C T I O N

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WHAT’S NEW
IN MICRO-
SCOPE 3A
A range of powerful new features has been added to Micro-Scope 3a
providing new functionality for the DMX512-A standard.
1. Micro-Scope 3a can be used with DMX512, DMX512 (1990) and
DMX512-A.
2. All menus can now be enabled or disabled in the setup menu. This
allows Micro-Scope 3a to be configured for operation ranging from
a simple rigger’s remote to a power user development tool.
3. A new Transmit All Channels menu has been added. This provides a
simple method to slowly fade up the entire lighting rig for a bulb
check.
4. A new Receive SIPS menu has been added. System Information
Packets are a new feature of DMX512-A. The SIP contains useful
data including checksums, manufacturer identification, software
revision numbers and much more.
5. A new Receive Text menu has been added. Text DMX is a new
function of DMX512-A. Text DMX is transmitted using an
alternate start code. It allows DMX products without screens to
transmit status information.
6. A new Network Test menu has been added. Test Data is a new
function of DMX512-A. It allows the integrity of a DMX512
network to be tested by transmitting a special test pattern with
the maximum transition rate. This menu provides a simple good /
bad indication.
7. A new Analyse ASC menu has been added. DMX512-A implements a
number of Alternate Start Codes. This menu analyses received
DMX512 and lists all the received start codes.
8. A new mode of controlling moving lamps has been added. The
Transmit Memory function allows an entire patch of moving lamps
to be entered using Mic-Edit. Micro-Scope 3a allows each channel
to be controlled whilst indicating the channel function.
9. A new sequence mode has been added. The sequence allows the
memories to be output in an order and at variable speed.

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OVERVIEW
Micro-Scope is operated by the six front panel buttons. The buttons
function as follows:
MENU
The MENU key is used to select the operating mode of Micro-Scope.
Pressing MENU once will display the currently selected mode. The
LEFT and RIGHT cursor keys are then used to select a new operating
mode. The process is completed by pressing MENU a second time.
The MENU Key is held down whilst power is switched on to access
the Setup Menu.
TOGGLE
When Micro-Scope is in DISPLAY RECEIVED DMX512, the TOGGLE
key is used to step through the different display formats (bar graph,
percent, decimal etc.).
In TRANSMIT mode, the TOGGLE key is used to invert the level of
the selected channel.
In TRANSMIT LAMP mode, the TOGGLE key selects each of the
automated tests in sequence.
LEFT RIGHT
When Micro-Scope is in DISPLAY RECEIVED DMX512, the LEFT and
RIGHT cursor keys are used to select a new base address.
In TRANSMIT DMX512 modes, the LEFT and RIGHT cursor keys
are used to select a new transmit channel.
If Micro-Scope is displaying the menu, the LEFT and RIGHT cursor
keys are used to select the next operating mode.
UP DOWN
The UP and DOWN cursor keys are used to increment or decrement
the level of the displayed data.
T H E C O N T R O L
S U R F A C E

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MENUS
Upon entering MENU mode, twelve different operating modes may be
selected (using the LEFT & RIGHT cursor keys). These are:
Displays the DMX512 signal from any
console, in any of the six available
formats.
Displays received System Information
Packets. The SIP is a new feature of
DMX512-A.
Displays a list of all received DMX512
Start Codes. The registered owner of
the Start Code is also displayed.
Select a DMX512 Start Code for both
receive and transmit operations.
Displays received DMX Text
information. DMX Text is a new
feature of DMX512-A.
Transmit Rig Check. Only a single
channel on at a level. This is the basic
flash through rig mode.
Transmit All Channels. Transmits all
512 channels at a level. This provides a
quick check that all lamps work.
Transmit and edit one of 15 Memories.
Each Memory allows all 512 channels at
individual levels.
Automatically test any automated
luminaire from the library.
Transmit any range of channels at a
level or continuously ramping.
Transmit DMX Text Information. A
number of predefined messages are
available.

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Allows the Memories to be played
back sequentially at a variable speed.
A simple non-fade controller mode.
Copy received DMX to any of the 15
Memories. Used to create show
backup or record test patterns.
Fill one of the 15 Presets with a
symmetrical pattern of channel levels.
Fully test all three pins of DMX512 or
MIDI cables for shorts and open
circuits.
Test the two signal pins of DMX512
or MIDI cables for shorts, when only
the console cable end is available.
Transmits a special test packet. The
data received is analysed for errors
with good / bad indication.
Allows Micro-Scope to connect in-line
between desk and dimmers. Switches
to a selected Preset if the desk fails.
Switch between the DMX512 output
of Micro-Scope and a regenerated
version of the received signal.
Display MIDI data characters in
hexadecimal form.

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DISPLAYING
RECEIVED
DMX512
In DISPLAY RECEIVED DMX512 mode the following keys are
active:
LEFT Decrement the current DMX512 start address
RIGHT Increment the current DMX512 start address
TOGGLE Select the display format
Received DMX512 data is displayed in one of seven formats. They
are:
Bar Graph
Decimal
Percent
Hex
Binary
Max/Min & Flicker Hunt
Timing
Checksums
T H E M E N U S

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STATUS
The first five display formats also include the following
information:
1. DMX512 base address
2. Display mode
3. Data received indicator
4. Data error indicator
5. Loop-Through indicator
The diagram below shows Micro-Scope receiving DMX512 in bar
graph mode.
DMX BASE
The DMX base address is in the range 1 to 512 and defines the
first channel displayed. This value is also used to set the TRIGGER
OUTPUT.
1. DMX512 Base
2. Display Mode
3. Data Received
4. Data Error
5. Loop Through

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DISPLAY
MODE
This character shows the currently selected display mode:
Bar-graph mode displays twenty four channels as a bar-graph with a
resolution of 12.5%. Whilst the resolution of this mode is limited,
it is often the most useful when the DMX line is running show
information. It is easy to pick out chases, which in other display
modes could be mistaken for flickering data.
D
Decimal mode displays six channels as numbers in the range 0 to
255. This mode shows the entire resolution of each channel. It is
most useful when dealing with moving lights and colour changers.
%
Percent mode displays six channels as numbers in the range 0 to
100. This mode provides the most familiar numbering system.
$
Hexadecimal mode displays six channels as numbers in the range 00
to FF. This mode is most useful when working with DMX devices
such as relay boxes and smoke machines, which use bit control. See
Appendix for conversion tables.
B
Binary mode displays two channels as both binary and hexadecimal.
This mode is most useful for electronic designers and engineers
when solving complex electronic problems such as a damaged data
bus.
DATA
RECEIVED
This character cell displays a tilde to show that data is being
received. The data is not necessarily valid DMX512.

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DATA ERROR
This character cell is clear when good data is being received. If
an error occurs, one of the following is displayed:
S
DMX512 is being received with a non-matching Start code. The
Start Code is selected using menu 4 –“Select Start Code”.
F
Data is being received with Framing errors. This can be caused by
noise pick-up and also occurs when the phase pins of the connector
are reversed.
O
Data is being received with Overrun errors. This can be caused by
noise pick-up and also occurs when a phase pin is disconnected.
T
The received data is outside the DMX512 Timing specification.
This display occurs when either the number of channels per frame
exceeds 512, or the Break time is less than 88uS, or the MaB time
is less than 4uS.
LOOP
THROUGH
This character cell displays 'L' when Micro-Scope's output is
providing a clean and buffered version of the incoming DMX512.
When the character cell is clear, Micro-Scope's DMX512 generator
is connected to the output.

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MAX/MIN
MODE
Max/Min mode is the "Flicker Finder". A single DMX512 channel is
displayed as the current value,
minimum value and maximum
value. All three numbers are
decimal 0 to 255.
This mode will capture any fluctuations in the level of a channel. To
clear the Max and Min values, press the MENU key twice. When
data is not received on the selected channels, the Max value is set
to 0, and the Min value to 255.
FLICKER
HUNT
The UP & DOWN cursor keys are used to start the automatic
‘Flicker Hunt’ mode. In this mode
Micro-Scope analyses the level
of each channel in thirty
consecutive frames of DMX512.
Any level that has varied outside the flicker band causes the hunt
to stop and the display reverts to MAX/MIN mode, displaying the
erroneous channel data. The DOWN cursor key cycles through the
range of flicker band values between 0x01 and 0x1f and also
restarts the search from the next channel.
When the flicker band is set to 0x01, a single bit fluctuation in the
level of a single channel will cause the display to revert to
MAX/MIN mode.
When no DMX is received, the current channel may show a number
outside the valid range of 1-512 which indicates it is searching.
HEXADECIMAL
Micro-Scope offers both decimal and hexadecimal display.
Hexadecimal numbers are shown by a preceding ‘$’ symbol. This is
interchangeable with the more common ‘0x’ prefix for hexadecimal.
The following numbers are identical: 0xAA, $AA, H’AA, AA16.
Micro-Scope uses the ‘$’ symbol for the simple reason that it uses
the least display area.

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TIMING
MODE
Detail mode provides four further pieces of information about the
DMX signal.
The Period "P" is the time between received Breaks on the DMX512
signal. The reciprocal (that is
the ‘1/x’ button on your
calculator) of this number
gives the refresh rate.
The second number is the Break time "Bk". This is the length of the
synchronising code used to restart a new DMX frame. The
specification requires this value to be 88uS or greater. If this is
not the case, the timing error icon "T" will be displayed in the main
receive window.
The third number "C" represents the number of dimmer channels
received in the last DMX packet. This number should be constant,
although the value may be less than 512, depending on the type of
console used.
The fourth number is the Mark after Break time "MaB". This is the
delay between the end of a Break and transmission of the start
code. The specification requires a MaB of 4us or greater. If this is
not the case, the timing error icon "T" will be displayed in the main
receive window. (The MaB limit was increased to 8uS in the
DMX512 1990 Revision).
The DMX512 timing analyser in menu 1 has been improved and now
displays data specific to the selected start code (menu 4). That is:
‘P’ This is the period or time between DMX512 breaks. If the
start code (menu 4) is set to ‘don’t care’ this will display the
time between all consecutive frames. In networks containing
RDM, it can be difficult to interpret as the packet lengths are
so different. When the start code is set to a specific value,
the time period displayed will be a measure of the time
between DMX512 breaks of consecutive packets with that start
code. The result is a more accurate view of packet timing and
bandwidth use.
‘Bk’ This is the break time. If the start code (menu 4) is set to
‘don’t care’ this will display the break time of all frames. It
can be useful to view the break time of packets with a
specific start code, which is achieved by setting the start code
in menu 4.

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‘MaB’ This is the mark after break time. If the start code
(menu 4) is set to ‘don’t care’ this will display the mark after
break time of all frames. It can be useful to view the mark
after break time of packets with a specific start code, which
is achieved by setting the start code in menu 4.
‘C’ This is the number of data slots in the DMX512 frame. If
the start code (menu 4) is set to ‘don’t care’ this will display
the count for all frames. This can be difficult to interpret in
networks containing data with multiple start codes. When the
start code is set to a specific value, the ‘C’ count will show
the number of data slots in all frames which match.
CHECKSUM
MODE
Checksum mode displays the calculated checksum for the last
packet received.
Both the 8 bit and 16 bit versions of the checksum are calculated.
This provides a useful check of
data integrity. If the
transmitting device (console) is
sending non-changing data, the
checksums should show a constant value. In this scenario, if the
checksum is seen to change, data corruption of the DMX signal is
occurring.
The checksum is displayed in hexadecimal format.
The checksum displayed relates to last packet received with a zero
start code. i.e. the Start Code selected in the setup menu is not
used in this display.
NB. The DMX512-A checksum implementation has not yet been
ratified by ESTA.