Elation Architectural Show System AR-32RM User manual

AR-32RM
Architectural Show System
User Instructions
24-004-2284-00 Rev 1.1
Software Version: 3.01
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
POWER USB
DMX IN
Show 1 Show 2 Show 3 Show 4 Show 5 Show 6 Show 7 Show 8
Master UP
Master DOWN OFF AUTO (Manual) IR
Architectural Show System
1=Ground
2=Data-
3=Data+
AR-32RM
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3
3
2
2
2
1
1
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1. Elation Support..................................................................................................................................................3
Table of Contents
1.1 Thank you for Purchasing AR-32RM........................................................................................................3
1.2 Customer Service........................................................................................................................................3
1.3 2-Year Limited Warranty.............................................................................................................................4
2. General Information...........................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Safety...........................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Compliance.................................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Abbreviations..............................................................................................................................................6
3. Introduction........................................................................................................................................................7
3.1 About Architecture Show System..............................................................................................................7
3.2 Unpacking...................................................................................................................................................7
3.3 Caution........................................................................................................................................................7
3.4 Main Features.......... ..................................................................................................................................8
4. Operation..........................................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Auto/Manual Mode...................................................................................................................................10
4.2 AR-32 Configuration Software Operation................................................................................................10
4.3 Operation on Remote Controller...............................................................................................................10
4.4 DMX Control Mode .................................................................................................................................10
5. DMX Setup......................................................................................................................................................11
5.1 Data Cable(DMX Cable) Requirements...................................................................................................11
5.2 5-pin XLR DMX Connectors...................................................................................................................11
6. AR-32 Configuration Software Operation Guide............................................................................................12
6.1 USB Drive Program & AR-32 Configuration Program Installation........................................................12
6.1.1 USB Drive Program Installation............................................................................................................12
6.1.2 AR-32 Configuration Program Installation............................................................................................12
6.1.3 How to uninstall USB Drive Program and AR-32 Configuration Software.........................................12
7. Service..............................................................................................................................................................31
7.1 Maintenance..............................................................................................................................................31
7.1.1 General Inspection.................................................................................................................................31
7.1.2 Basic Cleaning.......................................................................................................................................31
7.2 Trouble Shooting......................................................................................................................................32
6.2 AR-32 IR Remote Controls.......................................................................................................................13
6.3 Software Overview....................................................................................................................................14
6.3.1 Main Screen...........................................................................................................................................14
6.3.2 Show Edit Screen...................................................................................................................................21
6.3.3 Events Edit Screen.................................................................................................................................26
6.4 Programming Tips.....................................................................................................................................30
3.5 Product Descrition......................................................................................................................................8
3.6 Manual Conventions ..................................................................................................................................9
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1.1 Thank You for Purchasing the AR-32RM
Thank you for your purchasing the Elation Professional AR-32RM Architectural Show System. Please read the
instructions in this manual carefully and thoroughly before attempting to operate this unit. These instructions
contain important information regarding safety during use and maintenance. Please fill out and return the
enclosed warranty card to validate your purchase.
1.2 Customer Service
Elation provides a toll free customer support line, to provide set up help and to answer question should you
encounter problems during you set up or initial operation. You may also visit us the web at
for any comments or suggestions.www.elationlighting.com
All returned service items whether warranty or not, must be freight pre-paid and accompany a Return
Authorization(RA) number. The RA number must be clearly written on the outside of the return package. Items
returned without a RA number clearly marked on the outside of the package will be refused and returned at
customer's expense. You may obtain a RA number by contacting customer service.
A brief description of the problem as well as RA number must be written down on a piece of paper and
include in the shipping container. If the unit is under warranty, you must also provide a copy of your proof of
purchase invoice.
Customer Service house are Monday through Friday 8:00a.m.-5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Toll Free: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Information: [email protected]
Sales: [email protected]
Support: [email protected]
Forum: http://forums.elationlighting.com
1.Elation Support
3

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1.3 2-Year Limited Warranty
Elation hereby warrants, to the original purchaser, Elation Professional products to be free of manufacturing
defects in material and workmanship for a period of 2 Years (730 days) on all internal parts, components, and
labor. This warranty shall be valid only if the product is purchased within the United States of America,
including possessions and territories. It is the owner’s responsibility to establish the date and place of purchase
by acceptable evidence, at the time service is sought.
For warranty service, send the product only to the Elation factory. All shipping charges must be pre-paid. If the
requested repairs or service (including parts replacement) are within the terms of this warranty, Elation will pay
return shipping charges only to a designated point within the United States except Hawaii or Alaska. If the entire
instrument is sent, it must be shipped in its original package. No accessories should be shipped with the product.
If any accessories are shipped with the product, Elation shall have no liability whatsoever for loss of or damage
to any such accessories, nor for the safe return thereof.
This warranty is void if:
xThe serial number has been altered or removed
xThe product is modified in any manner which Elation concludes, after inspection, affects the reliability of
the product
xThe product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than the Elation factory unless prior written
authorization was issued to purchaser by Elation
xThe product is damaged because it was not properly maintained as set forth in the instruction manual
This is not a service contract, and this warranty does not include maintenance, cleaning or periodic check-up.
During the period specified above, Elation will replace defective parts at its expense, and will absorb all
expenses for warranty service and repair labor by reason of defects in material or workmanship. The sole
responsibility of Elation under this warranty shall be limited to the repair of the product, or replacement thereof,
including parts, at the sole discretion of Elation. All products covered by this warranty were manufactured after
January 1, 1990, and bear identifying marks to that effect.
Elation reserves the right to make changes in design and/or improvements upon its products without any
obligation to include these changes in any products theretofore manufactured.
No warranty, whether expressed or implied, is given or made with respect to any accessory supplied with
products described above. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, all implied warranties made by
Elation in connection with this product, including warranties of merchantability or fitness, are limited in duration
to the warranty period set forth above. And no warranties, whether expressed or implied, including warranties of
merchantability or fitness, shall apply to this product after said period has expired. The consumer’s and/or
Dealer’s sole remedy shall be such repair or replacement as is expressly provided above; and under no
circumstances shall Elation be liable for any loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use of, or
inability to use, this product.
This warranty is the only written warranty applicable to Elation Products and supersedes all prior warranties and
written descriptions of warranty terms and conditions heretofore published.

AR-32 User Manual
2.1 Safety
The following symbols are used throughout this manual:
The following safety information relates to the AR-32 Architectural Show System. Please read each item
carefully to ensure you fully understand them.
Indicates potential injury or death to persons.
Indicates potential damage to equipment.
Indicates items may be recycled.
To prevent the risk of electrical shock, do not open this unit. There are no user serviceable
parts inside this unit. Do not attempt any repairs yourself. Doing so will void your
manufactures warranty. Should your unit require service, please contact your nearest Elation
dealer or Elation Customer Service.
To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit to rain or
moisture. Do not remove the plug ground pin or connect to an ungrounded circuit.
This unit is not designed for use by persons under the age of 12. Use only under adult
supervision.
Turn off the power if not using this unit for a long time.
2. General Information
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2.2 Compliance
The AR-32 system has passed internal testing based on the EN55015:2001 standard, and is 100% CE compliant.
We certify that the product conforms to the protection requirements of council directives 73/23/EEC (LVD) and
89/336/EEC (EMC).
2.3 Abbreviations
CD – Compact Disc
DMX – Digital Multiplex
Gb – Gigabyte
Ghz – Gigahertz
IR – Infra Red
LAN – Local Area Network
Mb – Megabyte
PC – Personal Computer
RA – Return Authorization
RAM – Random Access Memory
RGB – Red, Green, Blue
USB – Universal Serial Bus
XLR – 3-pin Cannon Xconnector, with Latch and Rubber guard
The CE marking (an acronym for the French "Conformite Europeenne") certifies that a product has
met EU health, safety, and environmental requirements, which ensure consumer safety. A
manufacturer that has gone through the conformity assessment process may affix the CE marking to
the product.
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The has been thoroughly tested and shipped in perfect working condition. Please take a few
minutes to carefully inspect the system carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the
carton appears to be damaged, carefully inspect each system component for damage, in the case that damage is
found, please contact our customer support center, listed below, for further instructions. The
system carton should includes the following:
AR-32RM
Elation
Professional AR-32RM
3.2 Unpacking:
1 AR-32RM
1 AR-32 Remote
1 USB-cable
1 External AC Adaptor
1 User's Manual
1 AR-32 Configuration Software
3.3 Caution!
There are no user serviceable parts inside this unit. Do not attempt any repairs yourself, doing so will void
your manufactures warranty. In the unlikely event your unit may require service, please contact your nearest
Elation Professional dealer.
Do not discard this carton in the trash, please recycle when ever possible.
Upon unpacking, carefully inspect your unit for any damage that any have occurred during shipping.
If damage may have occurred, do not plug the unit in, please contact your dealer as soon as possible.
The is an architecture recorder system. This system is simple to use and all
system components have been tested at the factory before being shipped to you. Please simply connect the
USB-cable between your and your computer to configure the unit by operating
AR-32 Configuration software, then you're ready to go!
Elation Professional AR-32RM
Elation Professional AR-32RM
This unit incorporates a remote control with all functions
and controls. So it is possible to access to all shows
choosing page and show. Also this remote control allows to
select operation mode (Auto/Manual) and off the unit.
3.1 About AR-32RM Architecture Show System
Auto/manual
OFF
Page 1 Show 1
Show 2
Show 3
Show 4
Show 5
Show 6
Show 7
Show 8
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
AR-32 Remote
3. Introduction
7

1.SHOW1~8 buttons: To playback Show1-8 in the relative page which you wish to playback shows in
Manual Mode.
2.SHOW Indicators: To indicate the corresponding SHOW activity and state, its indicator will illuminate in the
Manual Mode when the selected show is engaged.
3.PAGE1~4 buttons: To access your desired pages which you wish to playback your desired shows.
4.PAGE Indicators: Its indicator will illuminate when your desired page is engaged.
5.AUTO/MANUAL button: Access to Auto or Manual function mode.
6.AUTO/MANUAL Indicator: The red indicator indicates the Auto function mode has been engaged currently
and the blue one for the Manual function mode.
7.OFF button: To close the current Show in Manual function mode.
8.OFF Indicator: The desired show has been closed when OFF indicator illuminates.
9.MASTER UP button: Continuously tapping this button, allows to increase the intensity of overall output.
10.MASTER DOWN button: Continuously tapping this button, allows to decrease the intensity of overall
output.
11.Infrared Sensor: To receive infrared remote signals.
12.USB Port: For communication to PC.
13.DC Input port: Plug an external AC Adaptor (DC9~12V 500mA).
3.5 Product Descriptions
19''/1U rack mount(Keypad),
USB port to communication with PC for linking use
Allows to convert the edited flash file(.swf) into file (.scn) and record in AR-32RM, create a new scene.
As a real-time recorder, allows external DMX signal to convert to flash file(.scn) and record in AR-32RM.
Built-in real time clock & calendar allows to edit events and set triggering time for each SHOW.
Up to 248 files but not over 128M recorded in memory to control DMX signal files.
Allows up to 32 Shows can be created and assigned by customizing flash scenes with DMX address
setting and fadetime selection by performing AR-32 configuration software with your computer.
DMX Controlling Mode and Time Trigger Mode and Manual Mode available for playback shows.
Infrared Remote functions (AR-32 Remote included).
Power Failure Memory.
Architectural Show System
Providing
3.4 Main Features
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
POWER USB
DMX IN
Show 1 Show 2 Show 3 Show 4 Show 5 Show 6 Show 7 Show 8
Master UP
Master DOWN OFF AUTO (Manual) IR
Architectural Show System
1=Ground
2=Data-
3=Data+
AR-32RM
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3Serial Number:
Made in PRC
DC INPUT:
9-12VDC, 500mA Min
EXT.
Remote IR
DMX OUT
1=Ground
2=Data-
3=Data+
1
2
3
41057111214
968
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15
16
14.DMX In: To receive DMX signal via 3-pin XLR male connector.
15.DMX Out: To output DMX signal via 3-pin XLR female connector.
16.EXT.RemoteIR:Usetoplugtheextrainfraredremotesensor.
for the latest manual revisions.
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Black out function (When the recording data is "0", the data will be ignored without preserving).

3.6Manual Conventions
The following terms and conventions are used throughout this manual:
•Buttons and switches are presented using their exact spelling and capitalization and surrounded by
brackets (i.e. press the [PAGE 1] button).
•Activate is used with switches/buttons that toggle between two values and means place the control in its
active state.
•Deactivate is used with switches/buttons that toggle between two values and means place the control in
its non-active state.
•Intercancel means that pushing one button simultaneously selects that button and automatically
deselects the previously selected button. One button is always active. For example, the [SHOW] buttons
intercancel.
•Select describes pointing to and clicking a button or checkbox (on a software screen) such that it is
activated. This allows a single instruction to describe this action without knowing the control’s previous
state. For example, if the control is not selected, clicking the control once selects it. If it is already
selected, no action is required.
•Highlight describes the outlining of selected text or files with a colored border to make it stand out. For
example, this text is highlighted. Text may be highlighted by clicking and dragging the cursor across the
portion desired.
This manual is Copyright © 2008 Elation Professional. All rights reserved. No part of the manual included with
this product can be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, for any purpose without prior written
authorized permission.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change at any time and without notice. Please contact Elation
Customer Service or visit www.elationlighting.com
for the latest manual revisions.
3
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4.1 Auto/Manual mode
Press and hold Auto/Manual button down for more 2 seconds to access Auto or Manual function mode. The
red indicator indicates the Auto function mode is currently engaged and the blue one illuminates in the Manual
function mode.
In Manual mode, user enable to close the current show by pressing and holding OFF button for more 2 seconds
until its indicator illuminates.
In Manual Mode, Shows assignments in Pages may refer to the following table:
4.2. AR-32 Configuration Software Operation
4.3 Operation on Remote Controller
4.4. DMX Control Mode
Shows are available configured by performing AR-32 configuration software operations with computer and
for further information, please refer to the next accompanying manual of "AR-32 Configuration Software
Operation Guide".
User can use AR-32 Remote to control AR-32RM System. These functions of push
buttons on the panel of AR-32 Remote are same with ones of your AR-32RM.
In this mode, SHOWs are available to be controlled and playback by receiving initial DMX address via AR32
configuration software setting. And user may use DMX values to control the desired SHOWs. For further
information, please refer to the accompanying table:
Architectural Show
DMX Channel Selection
Starting Channel
Starting Channel
+1
Starting Channel
+2
DMX Values & Functions
0~127 to Normal Output;
128~255 to Blackout.
0~79 to Pause;
80~159 to Play;
160~255 to Stop.
0~3 to trigger Show 1;
4~7 to trigger Show 2;
8~11 to trigger Show 3;
.............
124~127 to trigger Show 32;
129~255 to close Show.
Object
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Show 1 Show 2 Show 3 Show 4 Show 5 Show 6 Show 7 Show 8
Show 9 Show 10 Show 11 Show 12 Show 13 Show 14 Show 15 Show 16
Show 17 Show 18 Show 19 Show 20 Show 21 Show 22 Show 23 Show 24
Show 25 Show 26 Show 27 Show 28 Show 29 Show 30 Show 31 Show 32
Show 1 Show 2 Show 3 Show 4 Show 5 Show 6 Show 7 Show 8
4. Operation
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Table 1
Table 2

5.1 Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements:
The AR-32RM can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol and your DMX controller requires a standard 3-pin
XLR connector for data input and data output(Figure1). Connect the AR-32RM and your fixtures together
using standard 3 pin DMX cables. The AR-32RM uses DMX-512 protocol to operate your fixtures.
If you are constructing your own data cables, be sure to use standard
two conductor shielded cable (This cable may be purchased at almost
all professional sound and lighting stores). Your cables should be made
with a 3-pin male and female XLR connector on either end of the cable.
Also remember that DMX lines must be daisy chained and can't be split.
Figure 1
*Note:
Be sure to follow figures two and three when making your own cables. Do not use the ground lug on the XLR
connector. Do not connect the cable's shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the shield conductor to
come in contact with the XLR's outer casing. Grounding the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic
behavior.
Figure 2
DMX 512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
DMX 512 IN
3-PIN XLR
COMMON
DMX+
DMX-
Figure 3
XLR Male Socket XLR Female Socket
1 Ground 2 Cold
3 Hot 3 Hot
2 Cold 1 Ground
XLR Pin Configuration
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
*Special Note:
Line Termination. When longer runs of cable are used, you may need to use a terminator on the last unit to
avoid erratic behavior. A terminator is a 120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is connected between pins 2 and 3
of a male XLR connector (DATA + and DATA -). This unit is inserted in the female XLR connector of the last
unit in your daisy chain to terminate the line. Using a cable terminator will decrease the possibilities of erratic
behavior.
Termination reduces signal errors and avoids signal transmission problems and
interference. It is always advisable to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-) and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last
fixture.
Figure 4
1
2
3
DMX Signal Cable. 120 ohm impedance DMX signal cable MUST be used for signal connection.
3-Pin XLR to 5-Pin XLR Conversion
Conductor
Ground/Shield
Data Compliment(-signal)
Data True(+signal)
Not Used
Not Used
3-Pin XLR Female(Out)
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
5-pin XLR Male(In)
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 4 - Do Not Used
Pin5-DoNotUsed
5.2 5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors.
Some manufactures use 5-pin XLR connectors for DATA transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin XLR fixtures
may be implemented in a 3-pin XLR DMX line. When inserting standard 5-pin XLR connectors in to a 3-pin
line a cable adaptor must be used, these adaptors are readily available at most electric stores. The chart
below details a proper cable conversion.
5. DMX Set up
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Table 3

6.1 USB Drive Program & AR-32 Configuration Program Installation
6.1.1 USB Drive Program Installation
If you first use the system, you must install the USB Driver and AR-32 Configuration Software program as the
simply following these steps;
1.Before installing USB Drive program, please ensure all tension and USB cable connections are connected
properly.
2.Download the main program folder, copy and save them in the pointed path of your computer which you
wish.
3.Connect your AR-32RM to your computer with USB cable via USB port.
4.Power the AR-32RM on.
5.And a promote screen will indicate you to install USB Driver program by following the installation process
till it has been completed.
NOTE: You must select "Driver" directory in the main folder to install.
6.1.2 AR-32 Configuration Program Installation
6.1.3 How to uninstall USB Drive program and AR-32 Configuration software
Open the main folder file, and select AR-32 program, then simple double-click on the "SETUP.EXE" file,
follow the installation process to install till it has been completed.
USB Drive program and AR-32 Configuration software can be uninstalled via "Add or Remove
Programs" utility found in the Control Panel.
6. AR-32 Configuration Software Operating Guide
12

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6.2AR-32 IR Remote Controls
The AR-32 IR Remote (Figure 5) has the following controls and indicators. Each control is described in
Table 4.
Figure 5
Table 4
No. Name Description
1[OFF] [OFF] button turns the system off when in Manual mode.
2 [Page] [Page] buttons (1-4) allow user to select from four pages (banks)
of shows when in Manual mode.
3[Auto/manual] [Auto/manual] button toggles between Automatic and Manual
operation modes.
4 [Show] [Show] buttons (1-8) allow user to select individual scenes within
a selected page when in Manual mode.
1
2
3
4

6.3Software Overview
The AR-32 Architectural Recorder System includes computer software that is used to configure and load shows
to the controller itself. The software is designed for use on Microsoft Windows computer operating systems.
6.3.1 Main Screen
When the AR-32 Control System Software is launched, the Main Screen (Figure 6) is displayed.
Figure 6
From the Main Screen, users may perform the following actions:
xAccess File, Edit, and Help menus
x[Open Flash] files and assign each of the 12 [FlashX:] buttons
xSet RGB Point (1-170)
xSelect Low Cut on/off
x[Preview] a selected Flash program
x[FileConvert] a selected Flash file to a .scn file
xRecord [DMX Recorder] scenes to a .scn file
xOpen [Edit Show] and [Event Edit] screens
x[Play], [Pause], and [Stop] selected Flash file
The Main Screen displays the current date and time in the lower right corner of the screen. These values are
synchronized by the PC time and date settings.
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1

Managing Flash Files
Adobe Flash (.swf) files are popular animation graphics which can be used for playback on RGB fixtures. The
AR-32 software is capable of controlling up to 170 pixels (each pixel using 3 DMX channels for Red, Green,
Blue intensity (Figure 7). Pixel count is set using the drop menu labeled RGB Point. If the overall brightness of
a Flash file appears dark in the preview window, use the Low Cut checkbox (on by default).
Figure 7
The pixels may be arranged in any orientation. This permits the production of simple animated graphic effects.
For example, a 13x13 pixel square (169 pixels total) can be used to display a spinning color wheel. To
accomplish this, the “stage” area in Flash must be set to 13x13 pixels (Figure 8).
Figure 8
PIXEL 1 2 3
DMX
CHANNEL 1,2,3
4,5,6 7,8,9
15

When working with Flash files, it is often useful to create a mask layer so that only the desired area is visible
(Figure 9).
Figure 9
The mask object should be the same size as the stage area, in this case 13x13 pixels. Any animation occurring
under the mask will only display in the masked area. In this example, a multi-colored wheel spins behind the
mask, rotating 180 degrees in 12 frames. With frames per second set to 12, this animation will last exactly one
second.
NOTE: The AR-32 software does not interpret action script, so only basic motion and shape tweening
animations should be used.
6
6
16

The resulting animation will be a 13x13 pixel square with four colors rotating 180 degrees when played back
(Figure 10).
Figure 10
When played back on RGB fixtures, each pixel in the array will receive its DMX color values from the AR-32
controller, and should look similar to the original Flash file including any animation (Figure 11).
Figure 11
6
6
17

The twelve [FlashX:] buttons on the Main Screen may be configured to link to Flash files for quick recall. To
link a file, select (right click) the desired [FlashX:] button. A window will open allowing you to browse to the
desired .swf file. Highlight the file and select open file. The file is now liked to the button, and the button will
display the linked file name (Figure 12).
Figure 12
Files may also be opened using the [Open Flash] button. The [Play], [Pause], and [Stop] buttons allow manual
control of the playback.
Flash files may be converted to DMX scene files (.scn) and loaded to the AR-32. With the desired file loaded in
Preview Screen, select [File Convert]. Enter Flash file playback speed in frames per second (Figure 13).
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1

Figure 13
Select [OK]. Set desired save file name (.scn) and location. A progress bar shows conversion progress (Figure
14).
Figure 14
6
19
1
1

Recording DMX Files
The AR-32 Architectural Recorder System is designed to record DMX data streams from another controller.
These recordings are then saved as DMX scene (.scn) files for playback. To record a DMX scene file, prepare
the source controller and connect its DMX output to the AR-32P DMX Input.
Select [DMX Recorder] and set desired save file name (.scn) and location. [Record], [Stop Recorder], and
record timer appear on the lower center of the screen (Figure 15).
Figure 15
Simultaneously trigger the desired scene on the source controller and select [Record] on the screen. The record
timer will increment as the scene records. When finished, select [Stop Recorder].
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