Elation COMPU WARE 2004 User manual
USER MANUAL
COMPU WARE 2004
Getting started manual
Elation Professional 4295 Charter St Los Angeles CA 90058 USA
Getting start manual www.elationlighting.com 1
Revised 3/1/2005
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assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information
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event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage
caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document.
Printed: December 2004
2004 software Manual
© 1989-2005
Table of Contents
Part I Other manuals 1
Part II Preface 2
Part III Contents and installation 3
................................................................................................................................... 4
1How to install the USB-DMX 512
................................................................................................................................... 7
2How to install 2004 Software
Part IV Getting start manual 9
................................................................................................................................... 10
1 Customizing the user screen
................................................................................................................................... 12
2Creating our first show
......................................................................................................................................................... 12Let us start with 6 SPOT 575
......................................................................................................................................................... 18Using ou first page
......................................................................................................................................................... 20Creating a new scene
......................................................................................................................................................... 21Using the sortcuts
......................................................................................................................................................... 22Using the "TAKE" buttons
......................................................................................................................................................... 23Using the Drag&Drop
................................................................................................................................... 24
3 Modifying the show
......................................................................................................................................................... 24What is the difference between a scene and a switch
......................................................................................................................................................... 26How to make a fade between two scenes
......................................................................................................................................................... 29How to program a "Scene" or a "Switch"
.................................................................................................................................................. 30The "Editor" screen
.................................................................................................................................................. 31How to use the "Editor"
.................................................................................................................................................. 33What is the difference between dimmer and On/Off modes
.................................................................................................................................................. 34Programming a scene with Easy Step
.................................................................................................................................................. 36"EasyTime" ........................................................................................................................................... 36How to use "EasyTime"
........................................................................................................................................... 38How to use "EasyTime" for movement
........................................................................................................................................... 40Tools and options
.................................................................................................................................................. 41"Racks" .................................................................................................................................................. 42Copy/Paste
.................................................................................................................................................. 44Color Manager
......................................................................................................................................................... 46Changing the SPEED, SIZE or the DIMMER of my scene
......................................................................................................................................................... 49How to use our fixtures independently
.................................................................................................................................................. 50How to program groups
.................................................................................................................................................. 51How to use groups with both main and editor screens
......................................................................................................................................................... 53How to create a Cue
Part V Advanced software features 55
................................................................................................................................... 55
1Using the "patch"
................................................................................................................................... 57
2Playing with the outputs window
......................................................................................................................................................... 57Display modes
......................................................................................................................................................... 58Setting channel level manually
................................................................................................................................... 59
3External triggering
......................................................................................................................................................... 59MIDI features
.................................................................................................................................................. 59MIDI TIME CODE input
.................................................................................................................................................. 59MIDI TIME CODE output
.................................................................................................................................................. 60MIDI Notes (ON-OFF trigerring)
.................................................................................................................................................. 60MIDI Notes (Velocity)
.................................................................................................................................................. 61Advanced triggering
......................................................................................................................................................... 62DMX IN features
.................................................................................................................................................. 62User screen
.................................................................................................................................................. 63Editor screen
......................................................................................................................................................... 64How to trigger my show with PC clock and calendar
......................................................................................................................................................... 65How to use external contacts to trigger my show
................................................................................................................................... 67
4Multimedia features
......................................................................................................................................................... 67The Multimedia files
......................................................................................................................................................... 67Easy Show software
......................................................................................................................................................... 68Easy Multimedia
................................................................................................................................... 70
5 Hints and tips
......................................................................................................................................................... 70Using "INIT" button
......................................................................................................................................................... 70Installing several software-disks
......................................................................................................................................................... 70Using several USB Interfaces
Part VI Appendix 71
................................................................................................................................... 71
1Commands summary
................................................................................................................................... 73
2Troubleshooting
1
2004 software Manual
1Other manuals
Other manuals are available for softwares listed below:
3D Software
ScanLibray Editor
Easy Show
22004 software Manual
2 Preface
Welcome.
If you belong to those people who are familiar with and keen on, software systems and/or
computerized light-controllers, then you must be very similar to us... If you have an eager inquiring
mind and if you wish to rapidly create some "effects" then, once again, you are very similar to us,
you would probably rather enjoy discovering up-to-date software functions and potentialities than
read a thick instructions-manual.
Thank you for selecting
2004 Software
package. Since the original versions were released on the
market, we have constantly been working to electronically improve our products and software
programs. This product is sold in more than 40 countries and over several thousands items have
been sold so far.
We have been investing much time and energy to equip our software with a most accessible, easy-
to-use interface. However, under its cover, there is an extremely powerful runtime software that is
capable of running 5120 light-fixtures or DMX channels. It also allows you to pilot numerous
exclusive and/or simultaneous scenes, to control fade-racks, to change colors and/or to pilot moving
lights.
We are confident that much satisfaction will be derived from this product. Should any of our products
fail to bring you full satisfaction, please let us know about your possible problems or remarks. By
being constantly attentive to our users we have been able to upgrade the quality of our products.
Any suggestion or experimental comment will be welcome to significantly improve our product-
range.
Warning
Reading this manual and programming this software require some general knowledge of PC-type
computers.
In particular, it is necessary that such notions as "software", "files", "folder", "save", "desktop
browsing" should be acquired. This new version optimizes the potentials of an up-to-date PC. It
also uses such notions as "multiple-windows", "drag &drop", "dialog-boxes", "instant help" and so
forth…
To sum up, good command of Windows interface is desirable if not essential to fully optimize the
multiple potentials offered.
Likewise, reading this guide-book and programming require good command and handling of light-
fixtures, faders, moving lights and more generally of light-equipment.
You can find more informations our website.
3
2004 software Manual
3Contents and installation
This package contains :
·
"step-by-step" manual,
·
CDROM,
·
USB-DMX512 interface.
To be fully operational, this package should be used with a PC having the following features :
·
Laptop or desktop computer with USB port
·
Windows ME, XP or any up-to-date version
·
800x600 screen resolution (1280x1024 recommended)
·
256Mb Memory (512 Mb recommended)
·
Clock frequency : 800 Mhz (1.5 Ghz recommended)
·
a 32Mb RAM video card to use the"3D software" software (latest generation for best results)
The software is made available in accordance with user's requirements and comes out in several
versions with various interface models. In order to meet all possible situations for instant working-
order guaranteed, two installations have been made distinct : Step one :
Installing the DMX 512 interface
. Step two :
installing the software
. In both cases installation is carried
out via Windows interface and should be easy to complete…
DMX 512 INTERFACE
The USB-style interface is a small translucent box which is connected to your PC's USB port (see
photo below).The software uses the DMX512 protocol to control lighting equipment. This protocol is
universal, which is a bonus. Interfaces have a 3-pin XLR-type connector. If your equipment uses a 5-
pin XLR connector, it will be necessary to replace the 3 pin connector or purchase an XLR3/XLR5
adaptor. Make sure the connection is properly made (pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2…) when building
your own adaptor cable.
REMARKS
The USB/DMX interface is specifically equipped with a memory which allows it to work in Stand
Alone mode in case of PC-failure or restricted use. In Stand Alone mode the USB/DMX is equipped
with a connector which allows it to be externally-powered (9V or 12V DC). In Stand Alone mode, the
interface can recall up to 255 scenes which will be called back in numerical order by pressing the
"Previous" or "Next" buttons on the top of the interface box.
To program the Stand Alone mode, Easy Stand Alone software is necessary and should be installed
from the CDrom. Even though it is easy to use, its own instruction booklet has been enclosed within.
42004 software Manual
3.1 How to install the USB-DMX 512
OVERVIEW
The USB standard defines a new type of serial-communication as well as a new type of connector.
This standard was introduced in 1997 and has been spreading ever since 2001.
It offers many advantages in comparison with former standards. For instance, it allows devices to be
directly powered via the USB port as well the simultaneous use of several devices at once. Plug and
play is also made possible.
The USB-DMX interface is a world's first innovation. It thoroughly respects the USB protocol
specification and DMX512 for output. It is directly powered via the USB port and controls all 512
potential channels of a DMX line. If the 512 channels are not sufficient, the software can run up to
10 USB interfaces simultaneously, i.e. 5,120 channels altogether.
If simultaneous use of several interfaces is made, a USB hub is a necessary and normally
obtainable from any distributor.
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USB INSTALLATION
The USB interface is set and ready to use. When using one for the first time, it is necessary that the
USB drivers should be installed. Actually, when first installing them, the files required to use the
interface will be installed inside your PC, whether using a laptop or a desktop computer.
In order to install USB interface, just connect it to your PC even if it is switched on. Your computer
will automatically detect any new device and you will be prompted to load a driver for it (via a
Window wizard).
If you use Windows XP, you will find this type of wizard:
Then insert the CDrom into your PC and click on Next. Windows will find the appropriate driver.
Although Microsoft does not numerically register this driver, there is no risk of incompatibility. Click
"Next" and carry on the driver installation.
62004 software Manual
That's it, you are away ! Your USB-DMX is now operational !
If this window does not appear or if any other problem arises, which is very unlikely to happen,
please contact your retailer.
2004 Software
software is operational up to 10 simultaneous interfaces, that is 5120 channels as a
whole. However beware that the more interfaces you use, the more computer resources are
requested. A performant computer would then be needed.
If you are using several interfaces:
Connect all interfaces before starting on your
computer in order to proceed to programming. If not so, the cards order could be
inverted next time your computer get started. Your programming would
consequently lose coherence.
Would you proceed to computer or interface reinstallation, prefer to start again
computer before opening software.
You can find more informations about the DMX interfaces by reading:
Hardware manual.
7
2004 software Manual
3.2 How to install 2004 Software
In this chapter, you will find step-by-step guidance to install the software.
First step : insert the CDrom. The "CD-Rom setup" dialog-box automatically appears on the screen.
You can install
2004 Software
software as shown below:
Click on 2004-icon to start software installation. A wizard will prompt you to proceed as follows :
Language selection : English by default is suggested by the wizard.
Selection of installation-folder : By default "C:\SL2004 is suggested.
82004 software Manual
Once installation has been completed, you can easily start the software by clicking on the
Windows"Start" button.
On launching the application, you can see the following screen. If the interface has been properly
installed, its reference can be found back: "1SL512FC" here, for instance. Otherwise, the software
will work in demo-mode. You will still be able to call this screen back later by clicking on " About…"
in the menu.
It is possible to install a disk several times, which a show-organizer may find useful
and convenient to save different configurations. To archieve this, a different file
should be selected each time, when installing the software. Each disk will then be
displaying in Windows "Start Program" menu.
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2004 software Manual
4Getting start manual
This step-by-step manual has been written especially for you. It describes the main functions and
presents the specific features of our product and will be used as a step-by-step guide when
implementing the system for the first time. Our goal was to write out a most concise, efficient and
clear guide-book, keeping in mind what would be most useful to the new user.
This manual is not an exhaustive description of this software's potentials. It has been designed for
you to have all the pre-requisites to implement your creations in light-control. We have selected the
main functions and features in order to grant you some autonomy. (i.e. so as not to have one hand
on the key-board and the other flipping through the instructions-manual).
To clearly understand this lighting program, you must understand the purpose of each function:
Pages
The page is what defines what fixture is being used. Basically you can have one page for one kind
of fixture. A page shows all the function available on your fixture (colors, gobos...) and contains the
following buttons:
Scenes
A scene is basically a cue and can be dynamic (movement...) or static. The software creates pre-
programmed scenes allowing to control your fixtures without programming. We will see later how to
create our own scenes. When you call a scene, the previous one (in the same page) is automatically
released.
Switches
The switches can be used simultaneously and comprise a click "activates/deactivates" click. Indeed,
several of them can be activated at once and you just have to click so as to toggle from active to
inactive position and vice versa. They could be compared to contact breakers wired up in parallel.
They can be used to change a color, a gobo, reset your fixtures...
Cycles
A cycle is basically a cue list made programmed with switches and scenes. A cycle can also be used
to synchronize a sound track (WAV, MP3...) with your lights.
Thanks to this hand-book, we truly hope you will quickly become proficient in the use of the
software. Enjoy your reading!
10 2004 software Manual
4.1 Customizing the user screen
When used for the first time, the software can be visualized as a button grid.
Utilizing the icons in the toolbar, the screen can be divided in several areas:
Displays window to visualize "Pages "
Displays window to visualize "Cycles"
Displays window to visualize "Outputs"
Allows visualization of fading windows
Starts the 3D software
Starts "Easy Show" software
Starts "Audio Analysis" plug-in
Starts "ScanLibrary" editor
11
2004 software Manual
These windows can be moved into a re-sizeable and/or hidden floating window.
Such notions as "pages" and "cycles" will be defined later, but first of all, let's have a look at the
main area, that is the button grid. Activation of these buttons will allow you to conduct your lighting-
control. Some of them are gray, blank and will remain un-activated until they are assigned a specific
mode.
You can make a "page" visible or not, but it does not mean that the page is activated (or not). It only
means that you can make a page visible as a window or keep it activated but not displayed. In the
"Pages" window, visible pages are written in bold. There are several ways to make a page visible or
not :
·
you can go to the "Page" menu and click on "Display the page"
·
from the "Pages" window, right-click on the page name and select "Display the page"
·
from the "Pages window", click on the small eye (left of page name, see below).
You can restore default positions by selecting the "Reset to default positions" option
from the "Windows-Reset positions" menu.
12 2004 software Manual
4.2 Creating our first show
4.2.1 Let us start with 6 SPOT 575
We are about to create our first show with 6
SPOT 575
. We just need to know the DMX address of
our first fixture and the software will be automatically inserting our 6 moving heads with their correct
address. In a few minutes, we will be able to control our fixtures with a real efficiency. Let us start
creating our first page now, and see how easy it is to use our fixtures with
2004 Software
.
Once the software has been started, we must create a page with our 6
SPOT 575
. There is nothing
easier. First, we must launch the "New Page" wizard which will guide us during the creation of our
page. To do so, we must click on the "Page" menu and select "New page" or click on the "Create a
new page" icon from the standard toolbar as shown below.
Then, the following window appears and two choices are possible. We can create a page with the
wizard (1st choice) or create a page manually (2nd choice) for conventional lighting. We must select
the first choice to create our 6 fixtures.
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2004 software Manual
Select the profile of our
fixtures from the
"ScanLibrary"
. Click on
explore to browse the
"ScanLibrary" directory.
Browse the "ScanLibrary" to
find our
SPOT 575
profile.
Open the folder of the
manufacturer and select the
correct library.
Once the library has been
selected, click on "Next"
button to open the next step.
14 2004 software Manual
Here, enter the DMX address
of our first fixture. So, specify
1 for our first
SPOT 575
.
Then, specify the number of
fixtures (6 for us) and click
on "Next" button to carry on.
Here we should be able to
see the beams of our
SPOT
575
and select "Yes" before
to click on "Next" button. If
we can not see the beams,
we must select "No" to check
the settings of our fixtures.
15
2004 software Manual
We decide not to change the
highest X&Y amplitude for
our first page. This means
we will use the maximum
amplitudes of our
SPOT 575
.
Then, click on "Next" to go to
the next step.
Here is one the most
important step.
2004 Software
will create pre-programmed
buttons (scenes, switches)
which will allow us to control
our moving heads before
programming. So, select
"Yes" to be able to use those
buttons. Then, click on
"Next" to carry on.
Here we can test each pre-
programmed scene with our
fixtures and then decide to
include it or not in our new
page. By default, all the pre-
programmed scenes use the
same area (80% of their
maximum amplitude).
However, it might be very
important to modify this
setting to make our 6
SPOT
575
always move in the
wished area (e.g dance-
floor...). So, select
"Customize area" and click
on the associated button to
open the following window.
16 2004 software Manual
We are now testing the
"@Pan Move 2" scene with
our moving heads. We can
run the scene either
independently on each
fixture or with all of them by
selecting "Same For all". In
this example, we will be
modifying the moving-area
for only one of our
SPOT 575
.
First of all, we would like to
resize the moving-area. We
must do as shown above.
Then, we can modify the
position of the scene as
shown above. Please note
that these changes are
affected to all the pre-
programmed scenes.
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