Kinesys K2 User manual

© 2010 Kinesys
K2
Manual Version 1.2.0
Product Manual

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indirectly by this document.
Printed: April 2010
K2
© 2010 Kinesys
Publisher
Technical Editors
Kinesys Projects Ltd
Dave Weatherhead
Martin Honeywill
Andy Hicks

3Contents
© 2010 Kinesys
Table of Contents
Part 1 Introduction 6
Part 2 Safety Notice 7
Part 3 Whats New 8
Part 4 Version and Legal Information 9
Part 5 Application Modes 10
Part 6 Scaling conventions 11
Part 7 Logging In and Out of K2 12
Part 8 Live and Offline Modes 13
Part 9 Exiting the Application 14
Part 10 The Patch Browser 15
Part 11 The Visualiser 16
Part 12 Channel Alignment 17
Part 13 Console 18
Part 14 Setting up a Show 19
Part 15 Show Properties 20
...................................................................................................................................211Properties
...................................................................................................................................22
2Environment Variables
...................................................................................................................................23
3Wing Configuration
...................................................................................................................................24
4Advanced Settings
Part 16 Construct Building and Editing 25
...................................................................................................................................261Adding Constructs
...................................................................................................................................27
2Selecting a Construct Type
......................................................................................................................................................... 28Identification
......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Origin ......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Safety ......................................................................................................................................................... 30
Parameters

K24
© 2010 Kinesys
......................................................................................................................................................... 32
Model ......................................................................................................................................................... 33
Links ......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Finish
...................................................................................................................................353Editing Constructs
...................................................................................................................................36
4Drawing Construct and Stage Models in CAD
Part 17 Channel Creation and Editing 37
...................................................................................................................................381Adding Channels
...................................................................................................................................39
2Channel Properties
......................................................................................................................................................... 40Setup ......................................................................................................................................................... 41
Motor Settings
......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Drive Parameters
...................................................................................................................................433Patching
...................................................................................................................................44
4Channel Details
......................................................................................................................................................... 44Status Descriptions
......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Alarm Descriptions
Part 18 Working with Cues 46
...................................................................................................................................471Cue Selection and Display
...................................................................................................................................50
2Programming Cues
......................................................................................................................................................... 50Construct Selection
.................................................................................................................................................. 51
3D Visualiser
.................................................................................................................................................. 52
Programmer Spreadsheet
.................................................................................................................................................. 53
Programmer Spreadsheet Headings
.................................................................................................................................................. 55
Outputting the Programmer
.................................................................................................................................................. 55
Rewinding the Programmer
.................................................................................................................................................. 55
Recording the Programmer
.................................................................................................................................................. 56
Updating Cues
......................................................................................................................................................... 56
Cue Triggers
......................................................................................................................................................... 57
Playback Controls
......................................................................................................................................................... 59
Locking and Releasing Constructs
......................................................................................................................................................... 59
Playback Lookahead
......................................................................................................................................................... 60
Construct Details
...................................................................................................................................613Programming Effects
......................................................................................................................................................... 61Presetting Constructs
......................................................................................................................................................... 62
Delaying Effects
......................................................................................................................................................... 63
Stopping Effects
...................................................................................................................................644Pages
...................................................................................................................................65
5Keyboard Shortcuts
Part 19 Action 66
Part 20 User Management 69
Part 21 Direct Motor Control 70
...................................................................................................................................721Channel Buttons
...................................................................................................................................73
2Status Descriptions

5Contents
© 2010 Kinesys
...................................................................................................................................743Alarm Descriptions
Part 22 Working with Presets 75
Part 23 Working with Spreadsheets 77
Part 24 Working with the Command Line 79
Part 25 Window 82
...................................................................................................................................831Browser
......................................................................................................................................................... 83Constructs
......................................................................................................................................................... 84
Channels
...................................................................................................................................852Channel Alignment
...................................................................................................................................86
3Channel Schedule
...................................................................................................................................87
4Cuelist/Preset Directory
...................................................................................................................................88
5 Cuelists
...................................................................................................................................90
6Cue/Preset Editor
...................................................................................................................................91
7Direct Motor Control
...................................................................................................................................93
8Launch Show
...................................................................................................................................94
9Log
...................................................................................................................................95
10 Page Directory
...................................................................................................................................96
11 Playback Controls
...................................................................................................................................99
12 Programmer
...................................................................................................................................102
13 Status Bar
...................................................................................................................................103
14 Visualiser
Part 26 Toolbar 105
...................................................................................................................................1061File Operations
...................................................................................................................................108
2Show Setup
...................................................................................................................................111
3Motion Control
...................................................................................................................................113
4Show Contents
...................................................................................................................................116
5Windowing
...................................................................................................................................117
6Views Toolbar
...................................................................................................................................118
7User Management
...................................................................................................................................119
8Logout
...................................................................................................................................120
9Quit
Part 27 Contact Information 121
...................................................................................................................................1221Feedback

6K2
© 2010 Kinesys
1 Introduction
K2 is a powerful, graphically based, control solution for automation and motion control.
It employs a brand new approach to automation programming using the concept of
click and drag to position the items you wish to move in precisely the positions they
need to be.
All programming and Cue playback can be seen real-time using the built-in 3D viewers.
3D worlds can be created in graphics and CAD packages and exported into a
compatible format to work with K2. Constructs, the actual moving elements, are
imported as 3D CAD files also, allowing seamless integration with the 3D worlds.
The ability to move the Constructs in real world axes, X, Y, Z, pitch, tilt and rotate makes
programming very intuitive with the K2 shielding the user from the complex
multi-dimensional calculations required and instead presenting them with easy to use
programming parameters. This concept of True Axis Programming also makes the
application of effects to one or several parameters within a Cue very simple. Previously
impossible to program effects are now just a few clicks away with the results being
instantly available via the visualiser windows.
This manual has been written to guide you intuitively through the K2 software package.
It has been laid out in such a way to make understanding K2 as simple as possible. The
fundamental principles are explained at the start of each section with the more in depth
and advanced features being towards the rear of each section. If you are uncertain of
the function of a particular control within the program refer to the Windows section,
which lists each window that is displayed within the software and includes an
explanation of the controls on the window, what they do and how to navigate them.

7Safety Notice
© 2010 Kinesys
2 Safety Notice
K2 is a highly sophisticated motion control software package, however, circumstances
beyond the control of the software e.g. faulty computer equipment or 3rd party programs
running on the same computer always offer the possibility for unexpected behaviour.
As in all motion control applications the control software should never be relied upon as
the sole means of stopping motion. Alternative, software independent, means of bring all
movement to a halt must be provided including a hardware emergency stop system that
is compliant with all local regulations.
It is the responsibility of the user to perform a risk assessment for the whole system and
to take appropriate action as a consequence of that assessment.
Although K2 provides realistic 3D feedback of the movement of objects a line of sight
view of the actual moving pieces should always be ensured. Where necessary additional
observers should be employed utilising clear lines of communication to be able to
advise the operator of any issues that may arise during the movement of objects.
If in doubt about any aspect of moving objects always seek professional advice.
SAFETY MUST ALWAYS BE THE FIRST PRIORITY!

8K2
© 2010 Kinesys
3 Whats New
The new version of K2 includes many new features and updates. For ease of reference
they are all listed here and are also identified in the rest of the manual by the New icon
(shown above).
Auto Alignment
There is now an Auto Align button on the toolbar of K2. This button aligns the virtual
objects in K2 to the real world positions of the objects, allowing K2 to realign itself
without any movement in the real world. For more information see the Channel
Alignment section.
Construct Values in Percentages
Users now have the ability to specify percentages instead of a figure in millimeters when
controlling a construct. This is setup on a construct by construct basis via the
Parameters section when creating a new construct. You can also invert the percentages
so that 100% is the minimum and 0% is the maximum. See the Parameters section for
more information.
DMX on a Construct by Construct Basis
DMX control can now be setup on a construct by construct basis, enabling remote
operation of cues or movement of those constructs by lighting desk or other DMX
enabled devices. This granular level of control means that only those constructs that
have been specifically setup to be DMX controlled are capable of doing so. The only
information that K2 needs is the DMX universe and starting address. You can find this
new feature when creating a new construct in the Parameters section.
Log File Location
Log files can now be saved in a user specified location. By default they save in the
Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data/Kinesys/K2/log file folder. Users can
specify another location on the computer running K2, an external drive or another
machine or server on the same network. This feature is located in the Show Properties
window.
State Multicast
K2 has the ability to multicast its positional information out over the network, enabling
other services such as media servers to know the exact position of objects on stage. As
part of this broadcast it is also possible to "listen in" on just one construct and one
parameter of that constructs movement. This feature is located in the Parameters
section.

9Version and Legal Information
© 2010 Kinesys
4 Version and Legal Information
For information on which version of K2 software you are running, click on Show Setup
and then About. All copyright and legal information is also contained in this window.

10 K2
© 2010 Kinesys
5 Application Modes
The application mode that K2 runs in is determined by the licence code that is supplied
by Kinesys. There are three modes in total, each offering different functions to the user.
Full
Full mode is the top level mode for K2. In this mode all features are available to the user,
there are no restrictions on moving devices.
Demonstration
In Demonstration mode K2 is not capable of issuing motion commands to control
Channels. Full editing, programming and visualisation is possible and show files created
in Demonstration mode are fully compatible with a Full version of K2 and vice versa. No
login or password is required when in Demonstration mode and Channel Alignment is
not required at any stage as there are no external Channels to align with. Direct Channel
Control is disabled for the same reason.
Active Backup
Active Backup mode provides a tracking backup facility to K2. This mode is designed for
systems that require a backup system to supplement the master K2 system. The Active
Backup system is designed to share an Ethernet network with the K2 master running in
Full licence mode. In this mode K2 will track the positions of all the Constructs and
Channels being controlled by the master K2 system. Current show and Cue and Cuelist
information is also passed to the Active Backup system to allow it track the master
successfully.
The Active Backup system is not capable of issuing motion commands while in
communication with the master K2 system. If communications are lost with the master
system the Active Backup system will automatically ‘go live’ and will take over
communications with the control Channels and will become capable of issuing live
motion commands. The automatic 'upgrade' from Tracking Backup licence to Live
licence lasts 2 days. After that the Tracking Backup will either need to be upgraded to a
Full licence (time-limited or unlimited) or it will need reconnected to a fully licensed K2
program in order to reset its full licence timer.
For completeness this manual is written for use with a Full version of K2, sections that
are not relevant when running in other modes should simply be ignored.