Avolites Pearl Expert Titan User manual

Pearl Expert Titan
Operator’s Manual
Version 6.0

TitanUniversal_Man_v6-0_PE.doc 17 July 2012

TitanUniversal_Man_v6-0_PE.doc 17 July 2012
Useful Avolites phone numbers:-
Avolites England
Sales and service* (+44) (0) 20 8965 8522
Service out of hours* (+44) (0) 831 17 8888
Fax (+44) (0) 20 8965 0290
Email [email protected]
Website http://www.avolites.com
Before contacting Avolites for service enquiry please ensure that you
have the product serial number and the Software version. The serial
number can be found on the back of the desk; the software version is
displayed on the menu prompt when the Pearl Expert is switched to
System mode.
The latest version of this manual and console Software can be
downloaded from the Avolites website.
The small print :
No Liability for Consequential Damages
Avolites has a policy of continuous product and documentation improvement. As such
the detail within this manual may not match the operation of the console.
In no event shall Avolites be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages or loss whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for
loss of profits, business interruption, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use or
inability to use the console even if Avolites Ltd. has been advised of the possibility of
such damages. Because some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to
you.
Avolites Ltd recognise that all trademarks within the manual are the property of their
respective owners.
Reprint and revision history:
Titan Universal Manual v6: July 2012

TitanUniversal_Man_v6-0_PE.doc 17 July 2012
Written by Tim Mitchell, Sabre Technology Ltd
http://www.sabretechnology.co.uk

Reference Manual Contents - Page 5
TitanUniversal_Man_v6-0_PE.doc 17 July 2012
SECTIONS
1. QUICK START 13
2. SETTING UP AND USING THE CONSOLE 17
3. PATCHING 39
4. CONTROLLING DIMMERS AND FIXTURES 53
5. PALETTES 75
6. SHAPES AND PIXEL MAPPER EFFECTS 85
7. CUES 117
8. CHASES 133
9. CUE LISTS 145
10. RUNNING THE SHOW 163
11. REMOTE CONTROL 171
12. USER SETTINGS AND OTHER OPTIONS 177
13. WORKING WITH FIXTURE PERSONALITIES 193
14. NETWORKING THE CONSOLE 197
15. USING DIFFERENT AVOLITES CONSOLES 207
16. RELEASE NOTES 211
17. GLOSSARY OF TERMS 225
This icon shows important information which you should
know about to avoid damage to your console or loss of
important data.
This icon shows information which is useful to know.
This icon shows handy tips which will help you use the
console more efficiently.

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TitanUniversal_Man_v6-0_PE.doc 17 July 2012
CONTENTS
1. Quick Start 13
1.1 Patching fixtures ................................................................... 13
1.2 Controlling fixtures ................................................................ 13
1.3 Programming cues and chases................................................. 14
1.4 Programming palettes ............................................................ 15
1.5 DMX / network setup ............................................................. 15
2. Setting up and using the console 17
2.1 Guide to the Pearl Expert........................................................ 17
2.2 Connecting up.......................................................................21
2.2.1 Cautions ............................................................................................ 21
2.2.2 Connecting mains power...................................................................... 21
2.2.3 Starting up and shutting down.............................................................. 21
2.2.4 Titan Healthcheck ............................................................................... 22
2.2.5 Connecting DMX lines.......................................................................... 22
2.2.6 Connecting a monitor .......................................................................... 23
2.2.7 Other connections............................................................................... 23
2.2.8 Connecting the Touch Wing.................................................................. 24
2.3 Using the menus, monitor and Touch Wing................................ 24
2.3.1 The onboard LCD screen...................................................................... 24
2.3.2 Workspace windows ............................................................................ 25
2.3.3 The toolbar ........................................................................................ 29
2.3.4 The Heads-Up Display (HUD)................................................................ 30
2.3.5 Visualiser........................................................................................... 30
2.3.6 Key profiles........................................................................................ 31
2.3.7 Undo/Redo......................................................................................... 31
2.3.8 Key macro buttons.............................................................................. 32
2.3.9 Keyboard shortcuts ............................................................................. 32
2.3.10 Locking the console........................................................................... 33
2.4 Titan Simulator .....................................................................33
2.4.1 Installing Titan Simulator..................................................................... 34
2.4.2 Running Titan Simulator ...................................................................... 34
2.4.3 Using Virtual Panel with a console ......................................................... 35
2.5 Loading and saving shows ...................................................... 35
2.5.1 Manual save and load.......................................................................... 35
2.5.2 Autosave ........................................................................................... 36
2.5.3 Backing up existing show files to USB pen drive...................................... 36
2.6 Clearing the console............................................................... 36
3. Patching 39
3.1 Patching new fixtures or dimmers ............................................ 39
3.1.1 Fixture select buttons and handles ........................................................ 39
3.1.2 Patching dimmers ............................................................................... 40
3.1.3 Patching moving light fixtures............................................................... 41
3.1.4 Visualiser Auto Patch........................................................................... 43
3.1.5 Patching fixtures with multiple cells (sub fixtures)................................... 44
3.2 Changing the patch................................................................ 44
3.2.1 Patch View......................................................................................... 44
3.2.2 View detailed fixture information........................................................... 45
3.2.3 Changing DMX address using Patch menu .............................................. 46
3.2.4 Setting legends................................................................................... 46
3.2.5 View Fixture Patch .............................................................................. 47
3.2.6 DMX view window ............................................................................... 47
3.2.7 Fixture Exchange ................................................................................ 48
3.2.8 Update personalities............................................................................ 49
3.3 Copying, moving and deleting fixtures...................................... 50
3.3.1 Copying or moving a patched fixture ..................................................... 50
3.3.2 Using copied fixtures........................................................................... 50
3.3.3 Deleting a patched fixture.................................................................... 50
3.4 Advanced options ..................................................................51
3.4.1 Swap pan and tilt................................................................................ 51
3.4.2 Invert attributes ................................................................................. 51
3.4.3 Freeze fixtures or attributes ................................................................. 51
3.4.4 Editing the personality......................................................................... 52

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4. Controlling dimmers and fixtures 53
4.1 Using the select buttons and wheels......................................... 53
4.1.1 Selecting fixtures and dimmers for control ............................................. 53
4.1.2 Setting fixtures to a start position (Locate)............................................. 54
4.1.3 Clearing selection................................................................................ 55
4.1.4 Fixtures with multiple cells/subfixtures .................................................. 56
4.1.5 Changing attributes using the wheels .................................................... 57
4.1.6 Setting attributes using the touch wing.................................................. 59
4.1.7 Setting attributes from the softkeys ...................................................... 62
4.1.8 Selecting fixtures and dimmers by number (Channel).............................. 63
4.1.9 Selecting using a pattern ..................................................................... 64
4.1.10 Selecting fixtures which are in a palette or playback.............................. 64
4.1.11 Attribute groups – IPCGBES-FX........................................................... 65
4.1.12 Using fixture groups .......................................................................... 65
4.1.13 Fixture Order and Fixture Layout in groups........................................... 67
4.1.14 Stepping through selected fixtures one at a time................................... 68
4.1.15 Highlighting the selected fixture with Prev/Next .................................... 68
4.1.16 Align fixtures .................................................................................... 69
4.1.17 Flip.................................................................................................. 69
4.1.18 Fan mode......................................................................................... 69
4.2 Viewing and using numerical values ......................................... 72
4.2.1 The Channel Grid window..................................................................... 72
4.3 Advanced options ..................................................................73
4.3.1 The ML Menu button............................................................................ 73
4.3.2 Lamping fixtures on and off.................................................................. 74
5. Palettes 75
5.1 Creating palettes...................................................................76
5.1.1 Which attributes are stored in palettes................................................... 76
5.1.2 Storing a palette................................................................................. 76
5.1.3 Quick record....................................................................................... 78
5.1.4 Setting legends for palettes.................................................................. 79
5.2 Recalling palettes ..................................................................80
5.2.1 Recalling a palette value ...................................................................... 80
5.2.2 Palette pages ..................................................................................... 80
5.2.3 Quick palettes with no fixtures selected ................................................. 81
5.2.4 Setting palettes to all fixtures in a playback ........................................... 81
5.3 Editing palettes ..................................................................... 81
5.3.1 Viewing and editing the content of palettes ............................................ 81
5.3.2 Changing the content of palettes........................................................... 81
5.3.3 Updating palettes used in a playback..................................................... 82
5.4 Copying, moving and deleting palettes ..................................... 82
5.4.1 Copying or moving a palette................................................................. 82
5.4.2 Deleting palettes................................................................................. 83
5.5 Timing palettes ..................................................................... 83
5.5.1 Fading a palette.................................................................................. 83
5.5.2 Fixture overlap when recalling palettes .................................................. 84
5.5.3 Master Time for palettes ...................................................................... 84
6. Shapes and Pixel Mapper effects 85
6.1 Creating effects..................................................................... 86
6.1.1 Creating a shape................................................................................. 86
6.1.2 Changing size and speed of a shape...................................................... 87
6.1.3 Changing the phase of a shape across multiple fixtures............................ 88
6.1.4 Creating Pixel Mapper effects................................................................ 89
6.2 Editing shapes and effects ...................................................... 92
6.2.1 Editing shapes and effects in cues......................................................... 92
6.2.2 Selecting a running shape to edit.......................................................... 93
6.2.3 Changing fixture order in a shape ......................................................... 93
6.2.4 Removing or adding fixtures................................................................. 93
6.2.5 Reversing a shape............................................................................... 93
6.2.6 Deleting shapes .................................................................................. 93
6.3 Advanced options ..................................................................94
6.3.1 Fading shape size and speed ................................................................ 94
6.4 Pixel Mapper examples........................................................... 94
6.4.1 Randomising effects ............................................................................ 94
6.4.2 Overlaying effects............................................................................... 98
6.4.3 Creative use of fixture layouts .............................................................100

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6.4.4 Other Layout Editor tools ....................................................................104
6.4.5 Playback Order and Priorities...............................................................105
6.4.6 Displacement and Layer Properties.......................................................109
6.4.7 Spawn and Pre-Spool .........................................................................112
7. Cues 117
7.1 Creating a cue..................................................................... 117
7.1.1 How the Pearl Expert works when programming ....................................117
7.1.2 Creating a cue...................................................................................118
7.1.3 Quick Build cues ................................................................................119
7.1.4 Using shapes/effects in cues................................................................119
7.1.5 Blind mode........................................................................................119
7.2 Using a cue......................................................................... 119
7.2.1 HTP and LTP......................................................................................120
7.2.2 Playing back a cue .............................................................................120
7.2.3 Changing playback pages....................................................................120
7.2.4 Viewing active playbacks ....................................................................121
7.2.5 Speed Masters...................................................................................121
7.2.6 Releasing running playbacks................................................................122
7.3 Editing cues........................................................................ 122
7.3.1 Editing a cue by merging ....................................................................122
7.3.2 Updating stored values and palettes used in a cue .................................123
7.3.3 Playback and Cue view .......................................................................123
7.3.4 Using parts of existing cues - the Include function..................................124
7.3.5 Removing attributes from cues using “Off” ............................................125
7.4 Copying, moving, linking and deleting .................................... 126
7.4.1 Copying or moving a cue ....................................................................126
7.4.2 Deleting a cue ...................................................................................126
7.5 Cue timing.......................................................................... 127
7.5.1 Setting fade times and Overlap for a cue ..............................................127
7.5.2 Changing fixture order........................................................................129
7.5.3 Setting attribute fade times for a cue ...................................................129
7.6 Advanced options ................................................................ 130
7.6.1 Release mask....................................................................................130
7.6.2 Shape size/speed on fader ..................................................................130
7.6.3 Curve...............................................................................................130
7.6.4 Locking a playback onto a handle.........................................................131
7.6.5 Playback priority................................................................................131
7.6.6 Blind mode........................................................................................131
7.6.7 Key Profile ........................................................................................131
8. Chases 133
8.1 Creating a chase ................................................................. 133
8.1.1 Programming a chase.........................................................................133
8.1.2 Creating a chase with Quick Build ........................................................134
8.2 Playback ............................................................................ 134
8.2.1 Playing back a chase ..........................................................................134
8.2.2 Connecting a chase for control.............................................................135
8.2.3 Setting speed and crossfade for a chase ...............................................135
8.2.4 Manually controlling the steps of a chase ..............................................136
8.2.5 Changing chase direction ....................................................................137
8.2.6 Jumping to a step ..............................................................................137
8.3 Editing a chase.................................................................... 137
8.3.1 Opening a chase for editing.................................................................137
8.3.2 Editing a chase using Unfold................................................................138
8.4 Copying, moving, linking and deleting .................................... 139
8.4.1 Copying or moving a chase .................................................................139
8.4.2 Deleting a chase ................................................................................139
8.4.3 Deleting a step from a chase ...............................................................139
8.5 Chase timing....................................................................... 139
8.5.1 Global timings for chases....................................................................139
8.5.2 Individual cue times in chases .............................................................140
8.5.3 Setting attribute fade times for a cue in a chase ....................................142
8.6 Advanced options ................................................................ 142
8.6.1 Loop/Stop on Final Cue.......................................................................142
8.6.2 Forwards/backwards/bounce/random ...................................................142
8.6.3 Cue linking........................................................................................142
8.6.4 Renumber cues..................................................................................143

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9. Cue Lists 145
9.1 Creating a cue list................................................................ 145
9.1.1 Programming a cue list.......................................................................145
9.1.2 Changing legends for cues in a cue list .................................................147
9.1.3 Autoloading a playback within a cue list................................................147
9.1.4 Running a key macro from a cue list.....................................................149
9.1.5 Keyboard shortcuts/syntax for cue lists.................................................149
9.2 Cue List playback ................................................................ 149
9.2.1 Running a cue list ..............................................................................149
9.2.2 Killing a cue list .................................................................................150
9.3 Editing cue lists................................................................... 150
9.3.1 Moving and copying cues ....................................................................150
9.3.2 Editing a cue list using Unfold..............................................................151
9.3.3 Using Update to change tracked cues ...................................................152
9.3.4 Editing a cue list which is running ........................................................152
9.3.5 Editing a cue list while recording..........................................................153
9.4 Copying, moving, linking and deleting .................................... 153
9.4.1 Copying or moving a cue list ...............................................................153
9.4.2 Deleting a cue list ..............................................................................153
9.4.3 Deleting a cue from a cue list ..............................................................153
9.5 Cue list timing..................................................................... 154
9.5.1 Time and fade options for Cue Lists......................................................154
9.5.2 Cue linking & Link Offset.....................................................................154
9.5.3 Individual attribute fade times.............................................................155
9.5.4 Fixture overlap ..................................................................................156
9.5.5 Running a cue list to timecode.............................................................157
9.6 Advanced options ................................................................ 158
9.6.1 Release mask....................................................................................158
9.6.2 Fader mode.......................................................................................159
9.6.3 Handle Paging ...................................................................................159
9.6.4 Cue Options ......................................................................................159
9.6.5 Autoload...........................................................................................159
9.6.6 Macro Links.......................................................................................159
9.6.7 Key Profile ........................................................................................159
9.6.8 Shape Size/Shape Speed ....................................................................160
9.6.9 Tracking ...........................................................................................160
9.6.10 Move In Dark (MID) functions............................................................160
10. Running the show 163
10.1 Playback controls................................................................. 163
10.1.1 Back up the show.............................................................................163
10.1.2 Label the console .............................................................................163
10.1.3 Run mode .......................................................................................163
10.1.4 Master faders ..................................................................................163
10.1.5 Speed Masters.................................................................................164
10.1.6 Flash and swop buttons ....................................................................164
10.1.7 Playback priority ..............................................................................164
10.1.8 Locking a playback onto the same handle on every page.......................165
10.1.9 Viewing active playbacks...................................................................165
10.1.10 Blind mode....................................................................................165
10.1.11 Manual control during a show (“busking”)..........................................166
10.2 Using multiple on-screen workspaces ..................................... 166
10.2.1 View menu......................................................................................167
10.3 Organising the console ......................................................... 167
10.3.1 Using the Move function....................................................................167
10.4 MIDI or DMX remote triggering.............................................. 167
10.4.1 Connecting remote trigger sources .....................................................167
10.4.2 Setting up remote triggering..............................................................168
10.4.3 Classic Pearl MIDI triggers.................................................................169
11. Remote control 171
11.1 Setting up the remote.......................................................... 171
11.1.1 Network setup .................................................................................171
11.1.2 Console setup..................................................................................172
11.2 Operating the remote........................................................... 173
11.2.1 Keypad...........................................................................................173
11.2.2 Fixture List......................................................................................174
11.2.3 Playback List ...................................................................................174