Compulite Sabre User manual

User’s Guide
Compulite R & D Version 2.0
February 1999

Table of Contents
Part 1 - General
Chapter 1 Introduction .........................................................................................................1-1
Common Terms...............................................................................................................1-3
Editing terms...............................................................................................................1-4
Playback terms............................................................................................................1-4
Console Areas...................................................................................................................1-5
Text conventions...............................................................................................................1-5
Using the User’s Guide.....................................................................................................1-6
Output Conventions..........................................................................................................1-6
Chapter 2 General Operation................................................................................................2-1
The Editor Section............................................................................................................2-2
F keys .........................................................................................................................2-2
Programming memories...............................................................................................2-2
Editor color key...........................................................................................................2-3
Editor error trapping....................................................................................................2-3
Clearing the editor.......................................................................................................2-3
Numeric Soft Keys............................................................................................................2-4
Temporary status.........................................................................................................2-4
Paging.........................................................................................................................2-5
Viewing the NSKs.......................................................................................................2-5
Storing and erasing......................................................................................................2-5
Parameter Control.............................................................................................................2-7
Crossfaders.......................................................................................................................2-9
Controllers........................................................................................................................2-9
The Joystick......................................................................................................................2-9
General Master .................................................................................................................2-9
Submasters .....................................................................................................................2-10
Freeing Assignments.......................................................................................................2-10
Menus ............................................................................................................................2-11
Accessing menus.......................................................................................................2-12
Exiting the menu mode..............................................................................................2-12
Text & the Alphanumeric Keyboard................................................................................2-13
A page of text............................................................................................................2-13
Erasing text...............................................................................................................2-13
Moving the cursor .....................................................................................................2-13
Using the text keyboard for editing............................................................................2-14
Getting Help...................................................................................................................2-15
System Status .................................................................................................................2-15
Color key for System Status.......................................................................................2-15
What to do in case of disconnection...........................................................................2-15
Disabling a device.....................................................................................................2-16
Chapter 3 Displays...............................................................................................................3-1
Display Control ................................................................................................................3-2
Display Formats................................................................................................................3-2
Messages and commands.............................................................................................3-3
Stage display...............................................................................................................3-3
The Playback display...................................................................................................3-4
The X-Fade Exam display............................................................................................3-5
Exam Displays..................................................................................................................3-6
Display Macros.................................................................................................................3-7
Programming a Display Macro ....................................................................................3-7
Adding text to a Display Macro...................................................................................3-8

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Using Display Macros.................................................................................................3-8
Deleting a Display Macro............................................................................................3-9
TOPO...............................................................................................................................3-9
Positioning spots on the TOPO map ............................................................................ 3-9
Relocating a spot on the TOPO map.......................................................................... 3-10
Removing a spot from the TOPO map....................................................................... 3-10
Color key for TOPO display...................................................................................... 3-10
Chapter 4 Quick Start...........................................................................................................4-1
Setting Up Sabre...............................................................................................................4-2
Configuring Sabre ............................................................................................................4-2
Patching...........................................................................................................................4-3
Patching and addressing moving lights ........................................................................ 4-3
Creating homogeneous beam movement......................................................................4-4
Patching dimmers to channels .....................................................................................4-4
Patching scrollers to channels......................................................................................4-4
Programming Memories ...................................................................................................4-5
Playback Memories on A/B .............................................................................................. 4-5
Playback chasers ..............................................................................................................4-6
Part 2 - Basic Editing
Chapter 5 Selecting and Editing Spots..................................................................................5-1
Igniting Spots................................................................................................................... 5-2
Igniting DMX spots.....................................................................................................5-2
Igniting S-Mix or L-Mix spots..................................................................................... 5-3
Ignition exam..............................................................................................................5-4
Selecting Spots.................................................................................................................5-5
Changing the number default selection ........................................................................5-5
Selecting spots using the numeric keypad.................................................................... 5-5
Selecting more than one spot.......................................................................................5-5
Selecting spots using the Numeric Soft Keys ...............................................................5-6
Canceling a selection using NSKs................................................................................5-7
Recalling the last selection ..........................................................................................5-7
Selecting spots in the editor and on stage.....................................................................5-7
Mix Editing of Spots.........................................................................................................5-8
Spot Parameters................................................................................................................5-8
Parameter wheels........................................................................................................ 5-8
Trackball .................................................................................................................... 5-9
Assigning values to pan and tilt ................................................................................. 5-10
Assigning dimmer values ..........................................................................................5-10
Selecting parameters and assigning values................................................................. 5-11
Returning to home values..........................................................................................5-16
Copying parameter values......................................................................................... 5-17
Copying a spot position............................................................................................. 5-18
Releasing Spots/Parameters from the Editor.................................................................... 5-19
Releasing a spot from the editor.................................................................................5-19
Releasing a parameter from the editor........................................................................ 5-19
Chapter 6 Selecting and Editing Channels and Scrollers .......................................................6-1
Changing the Number Default Selection ........................................................................... 6-2
Selecting Channels ........................................................................................................... 6-2
Selecting a single channel............................................................................................6-2
Selecting multiple channels.........................................................................................6-3
Selecting a range of channels.......................................................................................6-3
Excluding channels from a range selection...................................................................6-3
Recalling the last selection ..........................................................................................6-4
Grabbing channels in the editor and on stage ............................................................... 6-4
Assigning intensity levels............................................................................................6-4

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Releasing channels from the editor ..............................................................................6-5
Selecting and Editing Scrollers..........................................................................................6-6
Assigning frame values...............................................................................................6-6
Chapter 7 Programming Memories.......................................................................................7-1
Overview..........................................................................................................................7-2
Resetting the Editor ..........................................................................................................7-2
Programming with Spots...................................................................................................7-2
All If Dim ...................................................................................................................7-3
Programming with Channels.............................................................................................7-4
Programming with Scrollers..............................................................................................7-4
Sequential Memory Programming....................................................................................7-5
Using the Copy Function...................................................................................................7-5
Copying all parameters from the editor ........................................................................7-5
Copying selected parameters from the editor................................................................7-6
Copying spot parameters from a memory.....................................................................7-6
Copying selected parameters from a memory...............................................................7-6
Copying channel intensities from the editor..................................................................7-7
Copying channel intensities from a memory.................................................................7-7
Copying scroller frames from the editor.......................................................................7-7
Copying scroller frames from a memory......................................................................7-7
Using the Call Function ....................................................................................................7-8
Using Call to store current output ................................................................................7-8
Using Call and assignments to program memories........................................................7-9
Examining Memories, Channels, & Spots..........................................................................7-9
Examining memories...................................................................................................7-9
Examining channels ..................................................................................................7-10
Examining spots........................................................................................................7-11
Text for Memories..........................................................................................................7-12
Fade Times.....................................................................................................................7-12
Assigning fade times to a new memory......................................................................7-14
Assigning fade times to an existing memory...............................................................7-14
Assigning fade times to a range of memories .............................................................7-15
Assigning fade times to non-sequential memories ......................................................7-15
Modifying time assignments......................................................................................7-15
Converting Memories to an Editor Group.......................................................................7-16
Converting a memory to group while editor is in idle.................................................7-16
Converting a memory to group when the editor is active.............................................7-17
Mask ..............................................................................................................................7-18
Selecting sequential memories for Mask ....................................................................7-18
Selecting non-sequential memories............................................................................7-19
Assigning a Mask to a controller................................................................................7-19
Using Mask for controller assignments ......................................................................7-19
Using Mask with Libraries.........................................................................................7-19
Inserting a Memory.........................................................................................................7-20
Programming a Blackout Cue..........................................................................................7-20
Programming in Blind Mode...........................................................................................7-21
Clearing the blind editor............................................................................................7-21
Memory Operations in the Editor ....................................................................................7-22
Renaming and exchanging memories.........................................................................7-22
Copying memories ...................................................................................................7-22
Erasing memories......................................................................................................7-23
Memory Operations menu...............................................................................................7-24
Renaming memories..................................................................................................7-24
Copying a memory....................................................................................................7-24
Deleting memories ....................................................................................................7-25
Clear console.............................................................................................................7-25
Remain Dim ...................................................................................................................7-26

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Chapter 8 Memory Modification.......................................................................................... 8-1
Basic Memory Modification ............................................................................................. 8-2
STORE STORE................................................................................................................ 8-3
Editing memories live on-stage....................................................................................8-3
Delta ................................................................................................................................8-4
Creating a delta via memory modification....................................................................8-4
Creating a delta with STORE STORE .........................................................................8-5
Including Libraries in delta.......................................................................................... 8-6
Examining a delta .......................................................................................................8-6
Function keys for delta application ..............................................................................8-7
Applying delta for memory modification .....................................................................8-8
Automatic delta tracking .............................................................................................8-8
Erasing a delta ..........................................................................................................8-11
Releasing Channels, Spots, Scrollers...............................................................................8-11
Releasing spots ......................................................................................................... 8-11
Releasing channels....................................................................................................8-11
Releasing scrollers....................................................................................................8-11
Releasing channels from a range of memories............................................................ 8-12
Releasing scrollers from a range of memories............................................................ 8-12
Chapter 9 Libraries .............................................................................................................. 9-1
Overview..........................................................................................................................9-2
Programming a Library....................................................................................................9-3
Overwriting a Library..................................................................................................9-3
Storing more than 1 Library.........................................................................................9-4
Programming a Library using a memory......................................................................9-4
Text for Libraries.............................................................................................................. 9-5
Storing a new Library with text ...................................................................................9-5
Adding text to an existing Library................................................................................9-5
Examining Libraries.........................................................................................................9-5
Viewing the Library list...............................................................................................9-6
Examining a selected Library......................................................................................9-6
Library tracking..........................................................................................................9-6
Editing Libraries...............................................................................................................9-7
Updating a Library......................................................................................................9-7
Adding spots to a Library............................................................................................9-7
Removing spots from a Library.................................................................................. 9-8
Updating a library via the STORE STORE function..................................................... 9-8
Erasing a Library..............................................................................................................9-8
Programming Memories with Libraries............................................................................. 9-9
Using Libraries for spot selection ..............................................................................9-10
Copying from a Library............................................................................................. 9-10
Chapter 10 Loops & Links................................................................................................. 10-1
Loops............................................................................................................................. 10-2
Programming an automatic continuous Loop ............................................................. 10-2
Programming a manual continuous Loop................................................................... 10-3
Programming a finite Loop........................................................................................ 10-3
Programming an autofollow Loop..............................................................................10-4
Programming a follow-on cue....................................................................................10-4
Exiting a automatic or manual continuous Loop......................................................... 10-5
Erasing a Loop assignment........................................................................................10-5
Erasing an auto follow Loop assignment.................................................................... 10-5
Links.............................................................................................................................. 10-6
Programming a Link between two memories ............................................................. 10-6
Programming a Link among a group of memories......................................................10-6
Erasing a Link assignment.........................................................................................10-6
Viewing Links .......................................................................................................... 10-7

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Part 3- File Management and Printing
Chapter 11 Data Storage, Retrieval, & Printing...................................................................11-1
Navigating the Hard Disk................................................................................................11-2
Navigating to a “higher” directory..............................................................................11-2
Returning to the Root directory..................................................................................11-4
Recording Show Files.....................................................................................................11-5
File management on the hard disk..............................................................................11-5
Recording a show file to the hard disk........................................................................11-7
Recording to a floppy disk.........................................................................................11-8
Autosave.........................................................................................................................11-9
Determining the number of files saved.......................................................................11-9
Enabling the Autosave function ...............................................................................11-10
Disabling the Autosave function ..............................................................................11-10
Manually triggering an Autosave.............................................................................11-10
Restoring (loading) Autosave files...........................................................................11-11
Locking and unlocking Autosave files......................................................................11-11
Deleting all generations of Autosave files ................................................................11-12
Loading show files........................................................................................................11-13
Selecting a show file from the hard disk...................................................................11-13
Selecting a show file from the floppy disk................................................................11-14
Load options ...........................................................................................................11-14
Load Warning messages..........................................................................................11-15
Loading QLists.......................................................................................................11-15
Warning Difference.................................................................................................11-17
Deleting Show Files and Directories..............................................................................11-18
Deleting a show file.................................................................................................11-18
Deleting a directory.................................................................................................11-18
Printing.........................................................................................................................11-19
Part 4 - Playback
Chapter 12 The Crossfaders................................................................................................12-1
Overview........................................................................................................................12-2
Assigning Memories.......................................................................................................12-3
Sequencing Memories.....................................................................................................12-5
Assigning the Editor Group.............................................................................................12-6
Adding spots/channels to grp assignment...................................................................12-6
Removing spots/channels from a grp assignment........................................................12-6
Freeing assignments........................................................................................................12-7
The Playback Keys .........................................................................................................12-7
Modifying the Fade Rate.................................................................................................12-8
Using the Rate wheels ...............................................................................................12-8
Configuring the Crossfader .............................................................................................12-9
Configure B and D as Rate Faders .............................................................................12-9
Configure as split crossfaders ....................................................................................12-9
Disable B and D......................................................................................................12-10
Chapter 13 Controllers/Chasers, Submasters, & Joystick.....................................................13-1
Overview........................................................................................................................13-2
Assignment keys .......................................................................................................13-2
Bump Buttons...........................................................................................................13-3
Control priority..........................................................................................................13-3
Controller Displays.........................................................................................................13-3
Stage display.............................................................................................................13-3
LCD displays.............................................................................................................13-5
Assigning Memories.......................................................................................................13-5

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Assigning a single memory........................................................................................ 13-5
Assigning a range of memories.................................................................................. 13-6
Assigning a group of memories ................................................................................. 13-6
Fading memory assignments ..................................................................................... 13-6
Assigning Spots.............................................................................................................. 13-7
Assigning a range of spots to a controller................................................................... 13-7
Adding a spot to a controller assignment....................................................................13-8
Removing a spot from a controller assignment........................................................... 13-8
Removing a parameter from a controller assignment.................................................. 13-8
Assigning Spot Parameters ............................................................................................. 13-9
Assigning Channels...................................................................................................... 13-10
Assigning channels with full range fading................................................................ 13-10
Assigning channels with proscribed intensity........................................................... 13-11
Adding channels to existing assignments................................................................. 13-11
Removing channels from existing assignments ........................................................ 13-11
Assigning Scrollers....................................................................................................... 13-12
Freeing Controller Assignments.................................................................................... 13-13
Freeing selected assignments................................................................................... 13-13
Freeing assignments on a range of controllers.......................................................... 13-13
Blacking Out Controller Output.................................................................................... 13-14
Blackout all controllers ........................................................................................... 13-14
Examining Controller Assignments............................................................................... 13-15
Chasers ........................................................................................................................ 13-16
Chaser control......................................................................................................... 13-16
LED color codes...................................................................................................... 13-16
Display and exam.................................................................................................... 13-17
Assigning chasers.................................................................................................... 13-17
Chaser rate.............................................................................................................. 13-18
Fading within chasers.............................................................................................. 13-19
Joining chasers to respond to Go.............................................................................. 13-20
Assigning Effects.......................................................................................................... 13-20
Fading with LTP........................................................................................................... 13-21
Submasters................................................................................................................... 13-22
Assigning channels and spots to a submaster ........................................................... 13-22
Releasing an assignment.......................................................................................... 13-22
Submastering A/B and C/D..................................................................................... 13-23
Canceling Submaster control of a crossfader............................................................ 13-23
Joystick........................................................................................................................ 13-24
Assigning spots....................................................................................................... 13-24
Freeing spots........................................................................................................... 13-24
Chapter 14 Q-Keys ............................................................................................................ 14-1
Overview........................................................................................................................ 14-2
Assignments to Q-Keys .................................................................................................. 14-2
Assigning memories..................................................................................................14-2
Assigning groups ...................................................................................................... 14-4
Freeing Q-Keys .............................................................................................................. 14-6
Playing Back Q-Key Assignments .................................................................................. 14-6
Enabling/disabling Pile On........................................................................................14-6
Q-Keys Display.............................................................................................................. 14-7
Chapter 15 Control Priority................................................................................................15-1
Control Priority...............................................................................................................15-2
Default Control Priority..................................................................................................15-2
Device Priority Menu .....................................................................................................15-3
Changing the playback device priority.......................................................................15-3
Assigning the same priority code - LTP..................................................................... 15-4
Reassigning the default map...................................................................................... 15-6
Editing Priority maps ................................................................................................15-6

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Erasing priority maps ................................................................................................15-6
Working with LTP..........................................................................................................15-7
Enabling LTP............................................................................................................15-7
Disabling LTP...........................................................................................................15-7
Changing the priority stack during playback...............................................................15-8
Bumping A/B or C/D to top priority...........................................................................15-8
Storing a current priority configuration......................................................................15-9
Switching the Current Priority Map.................................................................................15-9
Part 5 - Advanced Editing
Chapter 16 Q-Lists.............................................................................................................16-1
Overview........................................................................................................................16-2
Storing Memories in Q-Lists...........................................................................................16-2
Copying from Q-List to Q-List........................................................................................16-3
Copying in the editor.................................................................................................16-3
Examining Q-Lists..........................................................................................................16-3
Assigning Loops to Q-Lists.............................................................................................16-4
Assigning automatic Loops to Q-Lists........................................................................16-4
Assigning manual Loops to Q-Lists...........................................................................16-4
Assigning finite Loops to Q-Lists ..............................................................................16-5
Changing the Default Q-List ...........................................................................................16-5
Using the numeric keypad..........................................................................................16-5
Using the Numeric Soft Keys in Q-List mode ............................................................16-5
Erasing Q-Lists...............................................................................................................16-6
Playing back Q-Lists.......................................................................................................16-6
Assigning a Q-List ....................................................................................................16-6
Fading to a selected memory in a Q-List.................................................................... 16-6
Fading to a memory in the default Q-List...................................................................16-7
Fading to a memory from a selected Q-List................................................................16-7
Chapter 17 Groups.............................................................................................................17-1
Overview........................................................................................................................17-2
Programming Groups......................................................................................................17-2
Programming Groups in blind mode ..........................................................................17-2
Programming Groups using current lighting state.......................................................17-2
Programming an empty Group...................................................................................17-3
Modifying Groups ..........................................................................................................17-4
Adding spots and channels to Groups.........................................................................17-4
Removing spots/channels from Groups......................................................................17-4
Erasing Groups...............................................................................................................17-4
Examining Groups..........................................................................................................17-5
Text for Groups ..............................................................................................................17-5
Erasing text...............................................................................................................17-6
Using Groups..................................................................................................................17-6
Releasing spots and channels from the selection.........................................................17-6
Chapter 18 Palettes.............................................................................................................18-1
Overview........................................................................................................................18-2
Programming a Palette...................................................................................................18-2
Text for Palettes..............................................................................................................18-3
Examining Palettes .........................................................................................................18-4
Viewing the Palette list..............................................................................................18-4
Examining a selected Palette......................................................................................18-4
Modifying Palettes..........................................................................................................18-5
Adding a channel.......................................................................................................18-5
Adding a spot............................................................................................................18-6
Adding spot parameters.............................................................................................18-6

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Modifying assigned values........................................................................................18-7
Removing elements from a Palette.............................................................................18-8
Copying Palettes............................................................................................................. 18-9
Erasing a Palette............................................................................................................. 18-9
Applying Palettes ......................................................................................................... 18-10
Palette files................................................................................................................... 18-11
Loading dedicated Palette files................................................................................ 18-11
Loading Palettes from show files............................................................................. 18-12
Recording dedicated Palette files............................................................................. 18-12
Chapter 19 Filter................................................................................................................ 19-1
Overview........................................................................................................................ 19-2
Programming a Filter......................................................................................................19-2
Programming a Filter using editor selections..............................................................19-2
Programming a Filter from library parameters............................................................19-3
Programming a Filter using memories .......................................................................19-3
Modifying Filters............................................................................................................ 19-4
Adding channels to a Filter........................................................................................ 19-4
Adding spots to a Filter .............................................................................................19-4
Adding Text to Filters.....................................................................................................19-4
Erasing Filters ................................................................................................................19-5
Examining Filters ........................................................................................................... 19-5
Viewing Filter assignments ....................................................................................... 19-5
Viewing a selected Filter...........................................................................................19-5
Viewing the Filter list................................................................................................19-5
Filters and Playback Devices...........................................................................................19-6
Assigning a Filter to a playback device...................................................................... 19-6
Assigning an Invert Filter to a playback device.......................................................... 19-6
Removing a Filter assignment ...................................................................................19-6
Filters and the Editor ...................................................................................................... 19-7
Assigning a Filter to the editor................................................................................... 19-7
Assigning an Invert Filter to the editor....................................................................... 19-7
Removing a Filter assignment from the editor............................................................ 19-7
Storing memories with STORE STORE and Filters.........................................................19-8
Part 6 - Advanced Functions
Chapter 20 Effects .............................................................................................................20-1
Overview........................................................................................................................ 20-2
Accessing the Effect Editor.............................................................................................20-2
Exiting the Effect Editor............................................................................................20-3
Effect Attributes ............................................................................................................. 20-4
Primitive................................................................................................................... 20-4
Base.......................................................................................................................... 20-6
Size........................................................................................................................... 20-7
Delta......................................................................................................................... 20-8
Rate........................................................................................................................ 20-10
Default values for Rate, Size, and Delta................................................................... 20-11
Offset...................................................................................................................... 20-11
Duty Cycle.............................................................................................................. 20-15
Programming in the Effect Editor.................................................................................. 20-17
Adding Parameters.................................................................................................. 20-17
Copying timing attributes........................................................................................ 20-17
Assigning Effects to channels.................................................................................. 20-18
Assigning Effects to scrollers .................................................................................. 20-18
Returning to the Effect Editor.................................................................................. 20-18
Storing Effects as Memories......................................................................................... 20-19
Examining memories and Effects............................................................................. 20-19

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Releasing an Effect from a memory......................................................................... 20-20
Storing an Effect Palette................................................................................................20-20
Assigning text to an Effect Palette ...........................................................................20-21
Erasing Effect Palettes.............................................................................................20-21
Examining Effect Palettes........................................................................................20-22
Using Effect Palettes.....................................................................................................20-22
Storing Memories....................................................................................................20-22
Playing Back Effects.....................................................................................................20-23
On the Crossfaders ..................................................................................................20-23
On the Controllers...................................................................................................20-23
Loading, Recording, and Deleting Effect Files...............................................................20-24
Loading Effect files.................................................................................................20-24
Loading Effect files from a show file.......................................................................20-26
Recording dedicated Effect files...............................................................................20-26
Deleting Effect files.................................................................................................20-26
The Effects Package......................................................................................................20-27
Modifying preprogrammed Effects ..........................................................................20-27
Using Effects for programming....................................................................................20-28
Freezing an Effect ...................................................................................................20-28
Releasing the freeze state.........................................................................................20-28
Programming Libraries using freeze effect...............................................................20-28
Types of Primitives.......................................................................................................20-29
Chapter 21 Part Qs.............................................................................................................21-1
Overview........................................................................................................................21-2
Programming Memories with Parts .................................................................................21-3
Programming a Part with spots ..................................................................................21-3
Programming a Part with spot parameters ..................................................................21-3
Programming a Part with channels.............................................................................21-4
Programming a Part with scrollers .............................................................................21-4
Dividing a Memory into Parts.........................................................................................21-5
Adding a Part to a Memory.............................................................................................21-5
Modifying a Part.............................................................................................................21-6
Removing channels/spots from Parts..........................................................................21-6
Removing Part assignments.......................................................................................21-6
Modifying time assignments......................................................................................21-7
Using Part Assignments as Groups..................................................................................21-7
Chapter 22 Macros.............................................................................................................22-1
Overview........................................................................................................................22-2
The Macro Menu............................................................................................................22-2
Programming a Macro for a chaser ............................................................................22-2
Modifying Macros.....................................................................................................22-3
Linking Macros.........................................................................................................22-3
Special Macros for special functions..........................................................................22-4
Adding text to Macros...............................................................................................22-6
Erasing a Macro ........................................................................................................22-6
Programming Macros Live with Teach Macro.................................................................22-7
Operating Macros ...........................................................................................................22-8
Operating Macros......................................................................................................22-8
Operating Macros using thenumeric keypad..............................................................22-8
Chapter 23 Snap.................................................................................................................23-1
Overview........................................................................................................................23-2
Programming Snaps........................................................................................................23-2
Overwriting Snaps.....................................................................................................23-3
Adding Text to Snaps......................................................................................................23-4
Examining Snaps............................................................................................................23-4
Viewing the Snap list.................................................................................................23-4

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Examining selected Snaps.........................................................................................23-4
Operating Snaps in Non Forcing Mode............................................................................23-5
Using the numeric keypad .........................................................................................23-5
Using the NSKs ........................................................................................................ 23-5
Operating Snap in Forcing Mode ....................................................................................23-5
Using the numeric keypad .........................................................................................23-6
Using the NSKs ........................................................................................................ 23-6
Snaps and the A/B Crossfader......................................................................................... 23-6
Disabling Snaps to A/B............................................................................................. 23-6
Erasing a Snap................................................................................................................ 23-7
Using the numeric keypad .........................................................................................23-7
Using the NSKs ........................................................................................................ 23-7
Chapter 24 Events.............................................................................................................. 24-1
Overview........................................................................................................................ 24-2
Changing the Q-List .......................................................................................................24-2
Events for crossfaders.....................................................................................................24-2
Events for controllers...................................................................................................... 24-4
Assigning Q-Lists ..................................................................................................... 24-4
Assigning a chaser ....................................................................................................24-5
Events for the Joystick....................................................................................................24-7
Assigning spots to the Joystick .................................................................................. 24-7
Assigning spots to the Joystick using Groups............................................................. 24-7
Freeing Joystick assignments.....................................................................................24-8
Events for Macro............................................................................................................ 24-9
Events for Submasters .................................................................................................. 24-10
Deleting an Event......................................................................................................... 24-12
Deleting Events in the editor ...................................................................................24-12
Adding operations to an Event...................................................................................... 24-13
Adding text to an Event ................................................................................................ 24-13
Examining an Event...................................................................................................... 24-14
Playing Back Events..................................................................................................... 24-14
Assigning an Event to a memory ............................................................................. 24-14
Playing back an Event using the editor..................................................................... 24-15
Chapter 25 Leader ............................................................................................................. 25-1
Overview........................................................................................................................ 25-2
The Leader Menu ........................................................................................................... 25-2
Setting up for the Leader function..............................................................................25-2
Correcting inaccurate placement................................................................................25-3
Testing Leader set up................................................................................................ 25-3
Using Leader during Playback ........................................................................................ 25-4
Assigning leader/follower spots................................................................................. 25-4
Adding follower spots using the numeric keypad ....................................................... 25-5
Adding follower spots using the NSKs ...................................................................... 25-5
Releasing follower spots assignment.......................................................................... 25-6
Changing the Leader assignment ............................................................................... 25-6
Delay assignments for Leader.................................................................................... 25-7
Operating Leader ...................................................................................................... 25-8
Relative Leader Motion ..................................................................................................25-9
Programming a relative motion leader ....................................................................... 25-9
Canceling the relative motion leader..........................................................................25-9
Change Venue.............................................................................................................. 25-10
Updating a Library.................................................................................................. 25-10
Updating selected spots in Library........................................................................... 25-11
Fine tuning spot positions........................................................................................ 25-11
Updating memories................................................................................................. 25-11
Updating selected spots in a memory....................................................................... 25-12

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i
Part 7 - Configuration and Patching
Chapter 26 System Configuration......................................................................................26-1
Overview........................................................................................................................26-2
Accessing Service Tools............................................................................................26-2
Configuring in Service Tools...........................................................................................26-2
Communication params.............................................................................................26-3
Toggling CRT number...............................................................................................26-3
Configuring for channels, spots, dimmers ..................................................................26-4
Special Functions......................................................................................................26-5
Special Numbers .......................................................................................................26-7
System Parameters..........................................................................................................26-9
Definable parameters.................................................................................................26-9
Exit to service tools.................................................................................................26-11
Print menu screen....................................................................................................26-11
Default Device List..................................................................................................26-12
Chapter 27 Spot Management and Patching........................................................................27-1
Mix Output Menu...........................................................................................................27-2
Mix Output menu display..........................................................................................27-2
Patching spot numbers...............................................................................................27-4
Assigning output addresses........................................................................................27-4
Device definitions .....................................................................................................27-8
The Device Pools.....................................................................................................27-19
The Patch menu............................................................................................................27-22
Assigning a new patch position................................................................................27-22
Returning to the default position..............................................................................27-22
Chapter 28 Channel and Scroller Patching..........................................................................28-1
Channel Patch.................................................................................................................28-2
Connector Information ..............................................................................................28-2
Soft patching dimmers to channels.............................................................................28-3
Clearing patch assignments........................................................................................28-5
Restoring the default patch ........................................................................................28-6
Exchanging dimmers.................................................................................................28-6
Assigning dimmer curves ..........................................................................................28-7
Disabling General Master control...............................................................................28-7
Enabling General Master control................................................................................28-8
Viewing free dimmers...............................................................................................28-8
Testing channels and dimmers...................................................................................28-8
Scroller Patch .................................................................................................................28-9
Selecting a scroller ..................................................................................................28-10
Patching a scroller to a control channel....................................................................28-10
Defining a dark gel frame........................................................................................28-10
Canceling a dark gel assignment..............................................................................28-11
Changing the number of frames...............................................................................28-11
Setting up frames.....................................................................................................28-11
Copying the scroller setup .......................................................................................28-12
Back door to Channel Patch.....................................................................................28-12
Part 8 - Communication Protocols
Chapter 29 MIDI................................................................................................................29-1
Configuring the System for MIDI....................................................................................29-2
Enabling/Disabling MIDI................................................................................................29-3
Turning MIDI on.......................................................................................................29-3
Turning MIDI off ......................................................................................................29-3
The MIDI Menu .............................................................................................................29-3

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Enabling keys and controllers....................................................................................29-4
Editing MIDI data for keys and controllers................................................................ 29-4
MIDI Macro................................................................................................................... 29-5
MIDI Sync ..................................................................................................................... 29-6
Enabling/disabling MIDI Sync ..................................................................................29-6
Setting up the master console.....................................................................................29-6
Setting up the slave console.......................................................................................29-7
Standard MIDI Codes..................................................................................................... 29-8
Chapter 30 SMPTE............................................................................................................ 30-1
Overview........................................................................................................................ 30-2
Configuring Sabre for SMPTE operation......................................................................... 30-2
Configuring for the number of frames........................................................................ 30-3
Using the Internal SMPTE Clock.................................................................................... 30-3
Color key for the SMPTE clock................................................................................. 30-4
Turning on the SMPTE function................................................................................ 30-4
Turning off the SMPTE function ............................................................................... 30-4
Starting the SMPTE clock.........................................................................................30-4
Stopping the SMPTE clock........................................................................................ 30-4
Resetting the SMPTE clock to 0................................................................................ 30-5
Resetting and starting the clock ................................................................................. 30-5
Setting the SMPTE clock to a selected time............................................................... 30-5
Setting the clock to a selected time and starting ......................................................... 30-6
Setting the clock using the A/B Rate wheel................................................................30-6
Assigning Time Codes Using Teach................................................................................ 30-7
Assigning time codes to Events................................................................................. 30-7
Assigning time codes to memories............................................................................. 30-8
Exiting the Teach function.........................................................................................30-8
Manually Assigning SMPTE Time.................................................................................. 30-9
Units of time format.................................................................................................30-9
Assigning SMPTE code to memories......................................................................... 30-9
Modifying assignments for memories...................................................................... 30-10
Assigning SMPTE codes to Events.......................................................................... 30-14
Quick Reference for assignment & modification...................................................... 30-15
Erasing SMPTE assignments........................................................................................ 30-15
Playing back Events and memories ............................................................................... 30-16
Enabling the console for playback ........................................................................... 30-16
Chapter 31 DMX Input ...................................................................................................... 31-1
Overview........................................................................................................................ 31-2
Configuring the System for DMX Input.......................................................................... 31-2
Patching DMX Input ......................................................................................................31-3
Patching input channels.............................................................................................31-4
Assigning DMX input as playback submasters........................................................... 31-4
Clearing input patch assignments...............................................................................31-5
Returning the default patch........................................................................................31-5
Examining DMX input assignments .......................................................................... 31-5
Assigning Macros to DMX input............................................................................... 31-5
Chapter 32 Ethernet ........................................................................................................... 32-1
Ethernet.......................................................................................................................... 32-2
A Typical Ethernet Configuration.............................................................................. 32-2
Network Settings............................................................................................................ 32-3
Mapping the Network Drives.......................................................................................... 32-4
Disabling/Enabling local output.................................................................................32-4
Assigning an ID number............................................................................................ 32-5
Virtual Connector Editing .........................................................................................32-5
Assigning IP addresses ...................................................................................................32-6
What Are Virtual Connectors?........................................................................................ 32-7

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Appendices
Appendix A Service Tools...................................................................................................A-1
Accessing Service Tools ..................................................................................................A-2
Main Menu......................................................................................................................A-2
Diagnostics......................................................................................................................A-2
Upgrading Software.........................................................................................................A-3
Using the Software Upgrade option ............................................................................A-3
Upgrading software under Disk Operations.................................................................A-4
Disk Operations...............................................................................................................A-5
Formatting diskettes ...................................................................................................A-5
Filer...........................................................................................................................A-5
Recording the system configuration............................................................................A-6
Loading the system configuration ...............................................................................A-7
Recording image files to the Hard Disk.......................................................................A-8
Loading image files from the Hard Disk .....................................................................A-8
Back Door to Service Tools..............................................................................................A-9
Appendix B Console Key Index .......................................................................................... B-1

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
The Compulite Sabre offers designers and operators quick and easy access to the
parameters of automated luminaries, conventional dimmers, and color scrollers. Sabre
controls up to 196 moving lights and up to 1024 channels for dimmers, color scrollers, or
any other device controlled by DMX 512.
Sabre includes many user friendly functions that allow you to customize the system to suit
your needs.
This User’s Guide contains 32 chapters and 2 appendices.
The User’s Guide is divided into 8 parts.
Part 1 - General
•Chapter 1 Introduction
•Chapter 2 General Operation
A concise overview of operational features, such as the Editor, Playback Devices, Soft
Keys, Display Formats, and On Line Help.
•Chapter 3 Displays
Descriptions of the different displays available in Sabre and operating instructions for
Display control.
•Chapter 4 Quick Start
This chapter provides operating instructions for the most basic functions on Sabre. Its
purpose is to provide quick instruction to operators familiar with lighting consoles.
Part 2 – Basic Programming
•Chapter 5 Selecting and Editing Spots
Operating instructions for basic moving light (spot) selection, advanced selection
sequences, spot parameter selection, and assigning parameter values.
•Chapter 6 Selecting and Editing Channels and Scrollers
Operating instructions for basic channel and scroller selection, advanced selection
sequences, and assigning dimmer and frame values.
•Chapter 7 Programming Memories
Basic programming functions, including using the Call function, how to convert
memories to editor groups, assigning Fade Times, programming in Blind mode, and
inserting memories.
•Chapter 8 Modifying Memories
Operating instructions for basic memory modification, quick modification for
memories assigned to playback devices using the STORE STORE function, and Delta
tracking modification.
•Chapter 9 Libraries
Operating instructions for programming, modifying, and using Libraries.
•Chapter 10 Loops & Links
Programming memories with Loops to run as Chasers on the controllers or on the
crossfader. Linking non-sequential memories.

Common Terms1-2
Part 3 – File Management and Printing
•Chapter 11 Data Storage, Retrieval, & Printing
How to record and Load show files from the Hard Disk and from floppy diskettes,
navigating the Hard Disk, printing options.
Part 4 - Playback
•Chapter 12 The Crossfaders
Making assignments to the A/B crossfader, playback using automatic Go commands
or manual operation, and automatic Rate control.
•Chapter 13 Controllers, Submasters, and Joystick
Assigning memories, groups, and Chasers to the Controllers. Using the automatic Go
and manual playback operations. Rate control for Chasers. Assigning groups of spots
and channels to Submasters. Using the Joystick for pan and tilt control.
•Chapter 14 Q-Keys
Using the Numeric Soft Keys in Q-Key mode for memory playback.
•Chapter 15 Control Priority
A description of Sabre’s default control and using LTP.
Part 5 – Advanced Editing
•Chapter 16 Q-Lists
Arrange your memories in Q-Lists for efficient playback. Sabre supports 100 Q-Lists.
•Chapter 17 Groups
Program Groups for quick spot and channel selection. Sabre supports 999 Groups.
•Channel 18 Palettes
Programming Palettes and using Palettes for quick editing. Palettes are a non-tracking
data base for spot parameter values, scroller frame values, and channel intensity.
•Channel 19 Filter
Programming memories with parts. Each Part can have unique delay and fade times.
Part 6 – Advanced Topics
•Channel 20 Effects
Modifying pre-programmed Effect Palettes, programming custom Effects, and Effects
playback,
•Channel 21 Part Qs
Programming memories with parts. Each Part can have unique delay and fade times.
•Chapter 22 Macros
Sabre supports up to 999 Macros. Operating instructions for programming Macros
blind, in the Macro menu, or live using the Teach macro function.
•Chapter 23 Snap
Store ‘snapshots’ of all playback device assignments and their fade status. Snaps are
analogous to preset pages for Controllers. Sabre supports 99 Snaps.
•Channel 24 Event
Program Events to operate multiple assignment and playback commands. Events can
be operated when assigned to memories sequencing on the A/B crossfader, in the
editor, or using SMPTE.
•Chapter 25 Leader
Use the Leader setup for quick simple effects. The Change Venue option
automatically updates Libraries.

Common Terms 1-3
Part 7 –Configuration and Patching
•Chapter 26 System Configuration
General system Configuration in Service Tools and using operator definable system
parameters in the System Parameters menu.
•Chapter 27 Spot Management and Patching
The Mix Output menu provides functions to patch moving light type to control
numbers, assign DMX output addresses, define device profiles.
•Chapter 28 Channel and Scroller Patching
The Channel Patch provides functions for soft patching dimmers and channels,
assigning dimmer curves, assigning proportional levels to dimmers, examining patch
assignments. The Scroller Patch provides easy functions for setting up frames,
assigning control channels to scrollers, and copying scroller set ups.
Part 8 - Communication Protocols
•Chapter 29 MIDI
Enable MIDI communication and edit MIDI codes in the MIDI menu. The MIDI
synch option allows a second lighting console to synchronize crossfade operations
with the main console.
•Chapter 30 SMPTE
Assign SMPTE time codes to Events using the live Teach function and enable Sabre
for automatic operation using SMPTE.
•Chapter 31 DMX Input
Patch DMX Input channels to operate local console channels or macros.
•Chapter 32 Ethernet
An introduction to Ethernet.
Appendices
•Appendix A Service Tools
Operating instructions for disk formatting, the Hardware diagnostics tool, and
software upgrade functions in Service Tools.
•Appendix B Panel Layout
A short description of each panel key arranged in alphabetical order.
Common Terms
Three major capabilities are basic to the lighting console: editing, playback, and patching.
Editing is the ability to select channels or moving lights, assign values, and record the
resulting lighting state as a memory (cue). All functions related to the playback structure
of the show, such as Event assignments, Snaps, loops, and Links are part of the editing
functions.
Playback is the ability to replay all the show data that you have created while editing.
Patching includes all of the patching functions which instruct the system how to
communicate with conventional projectors, color scrollers, moving lights, and other
DMX512 protocol elements that are controlled by the lighting console.

Common Terms1-
4
Editing terms
Here a few terms common to all Compulite consoles.
•Channel - The control channel for DMX512 devices, which are not moving devices.
These include conventional projectors, color scrollers, smoke machines, etc.
•Delta - A tool for memory modification.
•Erase - Delete selected data.
•Frame - Scroller frame.
•Intensity - Dimmer intensity of channels and spots.
•Libraries - Gobo, Color, and Position libraries form a database used when
programming memories.
•Memory - is analogous to cue. The group in the editor, comprising the lighting state
on-stage, is stored as a memory. Memories are then played back.
•Modify - Change stored information and fade rates.
•Parameters - The attributes of moving devices.
•Present or active (in the editor) - Channels and spots that are displayed in white.
Everything present/active in the editor is included when recording a memory.
•Q List - Q Lists are independent entities. Each Q List can contain memories
numbered from 0.1 to 999.9.
•Selected (in the editor) - Channels and spots that are displayed in red and therefore
can be assigned intensity or scroller values.
•Spot – Moving light
•Store - Save the information in the editor.
•Value - The numerical value assigned to a parameter or a dimmer.
Playback terms
•End Stop - When crossfaders or the controllers are at either 0% or 100%.
•Go - Initiate an automatic crossfade, controller fade, or chaser run.
•Hold - Stop any fade or chaser in progress.
•Multifade - Initiate a fade to the next memory in sequence before the fade in progress
is complete.
•Off the End Stop- When the crossfaders or the controllers are at more than 0% or less
than 100%.
•Rate - The rate at which channels and spots fade in or out during a crossfade. The rate
at which a chaser runs.
•Sequence - The numerical sequencing of the memories on the A/B or C/D crossfaders.
•Step - Manually moving from the current memory to the next memory of a chaser.

Console Areas 1-5
Console Areas
Editor section
Numeric keypad for number selections
All basic programming keys
Keys for display control.
Numeric Soft Key section
50 Numeric Soft Keys
Numeric Soft key mode keys
Parameter control
The trackball
6 horizontal parameter wheels
2 vertical parameter wheels
Parameter selection keys with LEDs
Wheel bank selection keys, LED parameter displays
LED spot type window
Keys for trackball control.
Crossfader section
A/B crossfader with LCD windows for current and incoming memories
C/D crossfader with LCD windows for current and incoming memories
Crossfade command keys
Rate Wheels
Rate wheel selection keys
Bar graphs for each crossfader showing the rate and level.
The Controller section
24 controllers
Each controller has a bump button
Assignment keys for each controller that are also used for chaser commands
3 LED displays with 2 display modes
3 dedicated inhibit submasters
A General Master with a blackout key
Text conventions
•Front panel KEYS are typed in BOLD and are contained in square brackets.
•Menus are in capitalized like names.
•Messages are in italics.
•# refers to a number entered on the numeric keypad.

Using the User’s Guide1-6
•NSK refers to the Numeric Soft Keys.
•Command line refers to the sequence of keystrokes executed and displayed in the line
at the bottom of the display monitor.
•‘Prompt line’ refers to prompts occurring in menus. The prompt lines are italics.
•Desk, console, and system are used interchangeably, as are memory and cue.
Using the User’s Guide
Getting Started
If you are using the system for the first time, you may want to consult Chapter 26 System
Configuration, Chapter 27 Channel Patching, and Chapter 28 Spot Management and
Patching.
New users
If you are new to lighting consoles or are unfamiliar with Compulite consoles, familiarize
yourself with the information in chapters 2 – 13. These chapters provide general
information and give you the building blocks to program and modify memories (cues), and
play them back. Chapters 14 – 32 deal with advanced functions.
Experienced users
If you have experience with lighting consoles, are familiar with Compulite consoles, or are
just plain impatient use Chapter 4 Quick Start and the on-line Help.
Output Conventions
Sabre uses HTP (Highest Takes Precedence) for conventional channels.
Scroller frames and spot parameters are subject to a rigid control hierarchy.
The console can be configured to work in LTP (Latest Takes Precedence) mode. Consult
Chapter 15 Control Priority for more information.
The Editor always overrides any other control devices.