Frontier AlphaTrack User manual

AlphaTrack™Quick Start Guide
Welcome to AlphaTrack, the compact motorized DAW controller!
This document includes installation instructions and basic setup information for AlphaTrack.
Note: After you complete the procedures in this Quick Start Guide, please refer to the documents on the
CD-ROM for more detailed information about using AlphaTrack with specific computer applications.
In addition to this Quick Start Guide, your AlphaTrack package should include:
•AlphaTrack control unit
•USB cable
•CD-ROM containing driver installation files and application-specific documentation
Windows 2000/XP Driver Installation
1. IMPORTANT: Make sure that your AlphaTrack
is NOT connected to your computer to begin this
installation!
2. Insert the AlphaTrack CD-ROM into your
computer’s CD-ROM drive. In a few moments,
the AlphaTrack menu will appear. (If it does not,
use Windows Explorer to navigate to the top
folder of the CD-ROM, and double-click the
“autorun.exe” file.)
3. Select “Install Driver and Plugins” from the
menu to run the automatic installer. Follow the
on-screen prompts, making sure to select any
application specific plug-ins you want to install.
(These can be added at a later time if needed).
4. When the Windows Logo warning appears,
select “Continue Anyway.”
5. Once the installer has run, connect AlphaTrack
to any available USB port on your computer
using the supplied cable. AlphaTrack will be
detected automatically, and the “New Hardware
Wizard” will appear.
6. When asked if Windows can connect to
Windows Update, select “No” and click “Next.”
7. Select “Install the software automatically” and
then click “Next.”
8. When the Windows Logo warning appears,
select “Continue Anyway.”
9. When the Wizard finishes this part of the
AlphaTrack software installation, click “Finish.”
10. After a few seconds, another “New Hardware
Wizard” will open automatically. Repeat steps
5–7 to install the AlphaTrack WDM Interface.
11. It is recommended that you restart your
computer to complete the installation process.
The AlphaTrack icon should now appear in the
Task Bar on the desktop (usually at the bottom
right of the screen).
Mac OS X (10.3.9 and later) Driver
Installation
1. IMPORTANT: Make sure that your AlphaTrack
is NOT connected to your computer during this
installation!
2. Insert the AlphaTrack CD-ROM into your
computer’s CD-ROM drive. When the
AlphaTrack disc icon appears, double-click it
and the “AlphaTrack Installer” window will open.
3. Double-click the file called “AlphaTrack Installer”
to start the installer.
4. Follow the prompts to install the driver. (Note:
you will need the computer administrator’s
password to install the AlphaTrack drivers.)
5. Restart your computer to complete the driver
installation process.
6. Connect AlphaTrack to any available USB port
on your computer.
The AlphaTrack icon should appear in the
Status Bar (usually at the top right of the
screen).
Note: For additional information about using
AlphaTrack, and updating or removing the
AlphaTrack drivers, please refer to the User’s
Guide PDF file on the AlphaTrack CD-ROM. If
you had any problems during driver installation,
please see the Troubleshooting section of the
User’s Guide PDF file on the CD-ROM.
Note: If connecting AlphaTrack via an external
USB hub shared with other devices, a powered
hub may be necessary to ensure the AlphaTrack
has sufficient power for operation.

AlphaTrack Local Settings
Press and hold the SHIFT and STOP buttons. The
LCD will display the following message:
While pressing SHIFT+STOP, you can turn the
encoders to:
•Adjust the LCD’s contrast
•Adjust the LCD backlight (Hi or Lo)
•Adjust the sleep timeout
(Note: when you touch an encoder, the LCD screen
changes to show more details about the
corresponding parameter.)
To calibrate the fader and touch sensors, press F4
(while pressing SHIFT+STOP) and then release all
the buttons. While it is calibrating, do not touch any
part of the AlphaTrack. (Calibration is finished when
the LCD screen clears.) You should calibrate your
AlphaTrack if any of the touch sensors seem to be
malfunctioning, or if the fader only moves much less
than its full vertical range.
Where’s the OFF switch?
AlphaTrack doesn’t have one! AlphaTrack will
remain on as long as USB power is applied.
AlphaTrack will automatically dim its LCD, turn off
its LED’s, and go into sleep mode when it is not
used for a full Sleep Timeout period. Press any
button, or touch the fader, an encoder, or the
touch strip, to wake up AlphaTrack and continue
working.
Control Modes
Within your computer application, AlphaTrack appears as a MIDI input/output device. You can change
AlphaTrack’s control mode to specify which types of MIDI messages it will send and receive. Currently,
control modes include: AlphaTrack Native and Pro Tools (HUI).
Control Mode Selection (Windows)
When the AlphaTrack is recognized, a small icon
appears in the Task Bar (usually at the bottom right
of the desktop). Right click this icon to see the list of
available control modes. Left click a control mode to
select it.
Control Mode Selection (Macintosh)
When the AlphaTrack is recognized, a small icon
appears in the Status Bar (usually at the top right of
the desktop). Click this icon to see the list of
available control modes. Click a control mode to
select it. Alternatively you can open “AlphaTrack
Manager” (in your Applications folder) and change
the control mode there.
To determine which control mode to use and how to set up your recording application with AlphaTrack, please
refer to the appropriate application guide on the AlphaTrack CD-ROM, or on the Frontier Design Group web site
(www.frontierdesign.com). The Native control mode guide includes detailed information about AlphaTrack’s
MIDI messages, which can be useful if you’re customizing an application to work with AlphaTrack.
Product Registration
To register your AlphaTrack, go to http://frontierdesign.com/Support/Registration.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
AlphaTrack is a trademark of Frontier Design Group, LLC. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their
respective holders. Copyright © 2007 Frontier Design Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
Hit F4>Calibrate
LCD Light Sleep