Martin Professional Xciter User manual

Xciter
user manual

Measurements are in millimeters:
483
188
468
265
120
35
85
© 2003 Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.
Printed in Denmark
This user manual has been developed by R&D International NV, Belgium on behalf of Martin Professional A/S,
Denmark.
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in
writing from Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Martin Professional AS makes no
warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of fitness for a
particular purpose.
Martin Profession AS shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
P/N 35000119 Revision C

Table of contents
Chapter 1. Introduction ............................................................................................ 7
1.1 Naming conventions used in this manual................................................................................... 7
1.2 Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.1 Important safety instructions .............................................................................................8
Chapter 2. Installation ............................................................................................ 11
2.1 Hardware .................................................................................................................................. 11
2.1.1 Power connection............................................................................................................ 11
2.1.1.1 Installing a plug on the mains lead............................................................................ 11
2.1.2 DMX connection .............................................................................................................. 11
2.1.2.1 Devices...................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.2.2 Master/slave.............................................................................................................. 12
2.1.3 MIDI connection .............................................................................................................. 12
2.1.4 AUDIO connection........................................................................................................... 12
2.1.5 I²C expansion .................................................................................................................. 13
2.1.6 USB link to PC................................................................................................................. 13
2.1.7 Desk light or LittLite......................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Software ................................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 3. Power on/off.......................................................................................... 15
3.1 Power on .................................................................................................................................. 15
3.2 Power off .................................................................................................................................. 15
Chapter 4. Joystick operation................................................................................ 17
4.1 Operation in the programmer ................................................................................................... 17
4.2 Operation in cue (run mode) .................................................................................................... 17
Chapter 5. Desk light operation............................................................................. 19
Chapter 6. Setup menu........................................................................................... 21
Chapter 7. Fixture library ....................................................................................... 23
7.1 Create a new fixture definition.................................................................................................. 23
7.2 Edit existing fixture definition.................................................................................................... 25
7.3 Remove fixture definition.......................................................................................................... 26
Chapter 8. Patch ..................................................................................................... 27
8.1 About physical channels and control channels ........................................................................ 27
8.2 Fixtures..................................................................................................................................... 27
8.2.1 Patch an unpatched fixture number ................................................................................ 28
8.2.2 Edit a patched fixture number ......................................................................................... 30
8.2.3 Clear patch data .............................................................................................................. 30
8.3 Dimmer patch ........................................................................................................................... 31
8.3.1 Create or edit dimmer labels. .......................................................................................... 31
8.3.2 Create or edit dimmer devices ........................................................................................ 32
8.4 DA patch................................................................................................................................... 33
Chapter 9. Auto start .............................................................................................. 35
Chapter 10. Access level........................................................................................ 37
10.1 Different modes for different people .......................................................................................37
10.1.1 Programmer mode ........................................................................................................ 37
10.1.2 Operator (run) mode......................................................................................................37
10.1.3 Dummy mode ................................................................................................................ 37
10.2 Changing user modes ............................................................................................................ 37
10.2.1 From programmer to other ............................................................................................ 37
10.2.2 From other to programmer ............................................................................................ 38

Chapter 11. File manager........................................................................................39
11.1 Defrag ..................................................................................................................................... 39
11.2 Delete show & delete all ......................................................................................................... 39
Chapter 12. Advanced setup..................................................................................41
12.1 DMX Config ............................................................................................................................ 41
12.2 MIDI ........................................................................................................................................ 42
Chapter 13. Joystick calibration ............................................................................43
Chapter 14. Test ......................................................................................................45
Chapter 15. The Xciter philosophy ........................................................................47
15.1 Building blocks........................................................................................................................ 47
15.1.1 Scene............................................................................................................................. 47
15.1.2 Sequence ...................................................................................................................... 47
15.2 Show elements ....................................................................................................................... 48
15.2.1 Cue ................................................................................................................................ 48
15.2.2 Playback ........................................................................................................................ 48
15.2.3 Cue list........................................................................................................................... 49
15.3 Programming aids................................................................................................................... 49
15.3.1 Effect generator ............................................................................................................. 49
15.3.2 Preset ............................................................................................................................ 50
15.4 Process priority ....................................................................................................................... 50
Chapter 16. Program features................................................................................51
16.1 Select/deselect device ............................................................................................................ 51
16.2 Select/deselect range ............................................................................................................. 51
16.3 Selection behavior .................................................................................................................. 51
16.3.1 Inclusive......................................................................................................................... 51
16.3.2 Exclusive........................................................................................................................ 51
16.4 Device groups......................................................................................................................... 52
16.5 Fixture information .................................................................................................................. 52
16.6 The programmer ..................................................................................................................... 52
16.6.1 Active versus transparent channels .............................................................................. 52
16.6.2 Handling control channels ............................................................................................. 52
16.6.3 Channel status indicators .............................................................................................. 53
16.6.4 The active and inactive layer of the programmer .......................................................... 53
16.6.5 Presets........................................................................................................................... 54
16.7 Scene / sequence editor ......................................................................................................... 54
16.7.1 Toggle DMX / percentage display ................................................................................. 55
16.7.2 Insert and add scenes ................................................................................................... 55
16.7.3 Modify scene and fade time........................................................................................... 56
16.7.4 Fade curve..................................................................................................................... 57
16.7.5 Preview sequence .........................................................................................................58
16.7.6 Lamp procedures........................................................................................................... 58
16.7.7 Invert.............................................................................................................................. 58
16.7.8 Pan / Tilt modifiers......................................................................................................... 59
16.7.9 Copy-paste scene.......................................................................................................... 59
16.7.10 Effects.......................................................................................................................... 59
Chapter 17. Effect generator examples.................................................................61
17.1 How to create a circle ............................................................................................................. 61
17.2 How to create a dimmer chase...............................................................................................62
17.3 How to create a color chase ................................................................................................... 63
17.4 How to use the modulating generators (generators 1-5)........................................................ 63
17.5 How to use the BPM generators (generators 251-255).......................................................... 64
17.6 How to use the audio features of the effect generator ........................................................... 64
Chapter 18. Storing to memory..............................................................................67
18.1 Store as sequence.................................................................................................................. 67

18.2 Store as background scene.................................................................................................... 67
18.3 Store as playback scene ........................................................................................................ 68
18.4 Store as preset ....................................................................................................................... 68
18.5 Update .................................................................................................................................... 68
Chapter 19. Editing existing stuff.......................................................................... 69
19.1 Edit menu from default ........................................................................................................... 69
19.1.1 Edit Sequence ............................................................................................................... 69
19.1.2 Edit background scene.................................................................................................. 69
19.1.3 Edit playback ................................................................................................................. 69
19.1.4 Edit preset ..................................................................................................................... 69
19.2 Quick edit during show ........................................................................................................... 70
19.2.1 Edit sequence................................................................................................................ 70
19.2.2 Edit background scene.................................................................................................. 70
19.2.3 Edit playback scene ......................................................................................................70
Chapter 20. Run mode features............................................................................. 71
20.1 Sequence transparency across cues. .................................................................................... 71
20.1.1 Transparency (Xciter)....................................................................................................71
20.1.2 NO transparency ........................................................................................................... 72
20.1.3 Precautions ................................................................................................................... 72
20.2 Basic cue dialog ..................................................................................................................... 73
20.2.1 Activate – deactivate sequences................................................................................... 73
20.2.2 Sequence trigger and step mode .................................................................................. 73
20.2.2.1 Internal trigger ......................................................................................................... 74
20.2.2.2 Manual trigger .........................................................................................................74
20.2.2.3 BPM trigger ............................................................................................................. 74
20.2.2.4 Audio trigger............................................................................................................ 75
20.3 Extended cue dialog............................................................................................................... 75
20.3.1 Add/replace background scene..................................................................................... 76
20.3.2 Add/replace sequence .................................................................................................. 76
20.3.3 Remove elements from cue .......................................................................................... 76
20.3.4 Assign playback scenes to banks and faders ............................................................... 77
20.3.5 Link a playback bank to a cue....................................................................................... 77
20.3.5.1 Audio settings.......................................................................................................... 77
20.4 Store run mode settings ......................................................................................................... 78
20.5 Playback controls ................................................................................................................... 78
20.5.1 Activate and bounce override playbacks....................................................................... 79
20.5.2 Deactivate override playbacks ...................................................................................... 79
20.5.3 Auto lock........................................................................................................................ 79
20.6 Cue lists.................................................................................................................................. 79
20.6.1 Run cue list.................................................................................................................... 79
20.6.2 Clear cue list.................................................................................................................. 80
20.6.3 Edit cue list .................................................................................................................... 80
Chapter 21. Direct access features ....................................................................... 83
21.1 Pitch control and freeze.......................................................................................................... 83
21.2 Master, Master Flash and Black Out ...................................................................................... 83
21.3 DA buttons: SMK, STRB, EXT1 and EXT2 ............................................................................ 83
Chapter 22. PC software......................................................................................... 85
22.1 Software installation ............................................................................................................... 85
22.2 Firmware manager ................................................................................................................. 85
22.2.1 Update IO controller ...................................................................................................... 85
22.2.2 Update main controller .................................................................................................. 86
22.3 Library manager ..................................................................................................................... 86
22.3.1 Add a fixture definition................................................................................................... 86
22.3.2 Remove a fixture definition............................................................................................ 86
22.3.3 Update Xciter library...................................................................................................... 86
22.3.4 Export to lib ................................................................................................................... 87
22.4 Backup / Restore .................................................................................................................... 87
22.4.1 Backup .......................................................................................................................... 87

22.4.2 Restore .......................................................................................................................... 87
22.4.3 Clear show..................................................................................................................... 88
22.4.4 Clear password.............................................................................................................. 88
Chapter 23. Specifications - Xciter ........................................................................89

Introduction
Chapter 1. Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Martin Xciter. The Xciter is a hands-on lighting control tool for DJs and lighting
operators. This lighting controller allows operators to instantly manipulate the light show via easy-to-use
buttons and faders for spontaneous lighting effects. Ideal for clubs, small touring applications, even larger
mobile DJs, Xciter puts programming, playback and live manipulation of light shows at your fingertips.
Instant pitch control, freeze, flash, blackout, master control and many other features are standard . Apply
any effect and delay to any parameter for more advanced effects. Functions like strobe, smoke and more
can be assigned to each of four programmable customizable buttons for personalized, intuitive control.
Assign effects, scenes or dimmer to any of six faders and flash buttons and access them live during
playback. Keep your finger on the pulse by increasing or decreasing the show speed by up to 5 times using
the convenient pitch fader.
With Xciter you can control up to 20 fixtures, each up to 48 channels - max of 512 channels (soon to
control up to 40 fixtures with a software upgrade). Up to 160 cues containing 4 sequences can run
simultaneously. Sequences can be triggered via an internal clock, manually or via audio or BPM. Up to 10
manual override scenes can be accessed during playback.
Also incorporated are 20 general-purpose buttons so operators can select cues or fixtures directly. Xciter
also includes a joystick for manual pan/tilt control. Pan/tilt effects include timing effects and 20 pan/tilt
presets. Other features include direct access to dimmer channels, a master fader adjustment for general
light intensity control, and easy control of generic dimmers.
Extremely easy to navigate, Xciter features an easy-to-read, blue backlight LCD display for show menu,
dialogue and fader label presentation, as well as a jog wheel that makes it easy to scroll through fader
pages. Connect your PC directly to Xciter via the USB connection to update fixture libraries, export/import
shows, for show back up, editing, and more.
The Xciter comes with the following:
•User manual
•5 meter (16 ft.) 3-pin XLR cable
•XLR termination plug
•3-wire 1.5 meter (5 ft.) IEC mains cable
1.1 Naming conventions used in this manual
The following conventions are used in this user manual:
[x] Key with label ‘x’
{x} Soft key with label ‘x’
GP Group/page key
MATRIX Number and letter keys
ARROW The previous and next keys with the arrow left and right
DA Direct Access keys (Smoke, Strobe, Ext1, Ext2)
MF Master fader
SMF Sub Master Fader
MB Master bounce
SMB Sub Master Bounce keys
LCD1 The main LCD
LCD2 The fader LCD
SCR1 Jog wheel next to LCD1

Introduction
SCR2 Jog wheel next to LCD2
CS Cue Scene
PB Playback
SEQ Sequence
1.2 Safety
This product presents risks of lethal or severe injury due to electric shock. Read this manual before
powering or installing the console, follow the safety precautions listed below and observe all warnings in
this manual and printed on the console.
If you have questions about how to operate the console safely, please contact your Martin dealer or call the
Martin 24-hour service hot line at [phone] or [phone].
Warnings Always ground (earth) the console electrically.
Use only a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical codes and has
both overload and ground-fault protection.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Refer any service operation not described in this manual to a qualified technician.
Do not modify the console or install other than genuine Martin parts.
The Xciter is not for domestic use.
Use the device only as described.
Do not operate the device with the cover removed.
Immediately repair or replace damaged power cords.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside; refer all service to a qualified technician.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or back).
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
1.2.1 Important safety instructions
1. Read these instructions.

Introduction
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings, Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Follow all safety instructions when installing and using a grounding-type plug.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Installation
Xciter user manual 11
Chapter 2. Installation
2.1 Hardware
Most of the hardware connections are done on the back panel of the console.
MAINS MIDI DMX-512 Audio expansion
2.1.1 Power connection
The Xciter does not need a mains adapter. It takes main supply directly into the IEC mains
connector. The power supply will automatically adapt to the mains voltage that is used in your area.
The power supply is quite insensitive to power drops. It can handle drops of up to 0.5 s.
The power supply is auto-ranging:
•90VAC – 250 volts -AC
•50Hz – 60Hz
The power rating is indicated on the serial number label that can be found on the base of the fixture.
2.1.1.1 Installing a plug on the mains lead
Warning! For protection from dangerous electric shock, the fixture must be grounded (earthed).
The AC mains supply shall have overload and ground-fault protection.
The mains plug is the power disconnect device for the fixture. Note that when the
miains input plug is attached that the unit is connected to the mains power circuit. The
mains input plug shall remain accessable so that the mains circuit can be disconnected
from the fixture.
Important! Verify that the feed cables are undamaged and rated for the current requirements of all
connected devices before use.
The fixture’s mains lead requires an approved grounding-type cord cap that fits your local power
distribution cable or outlet. This is not supplied. Consult a qualified electrician for proper installation.
Following the cord cap manufacturer’s instructions, connect the appropriate wires to ground (earth),
live, and neutral. The following table below shows some common wire identification schemes.
Function Wire (EU) Wire (US)
live brown black
neutral blue white
ground yellow/green green
2.1.2 DMX connection
Xciter has one DMX-512 universe. On the back panel of the console you can see one 5-pin input,
one 3-pin output and one 5-pin output. The 3-pin and 5-pin outputs belong to the same DMX
universe but they are both buffered. This means they can be used together without violating the
DMX specifications.

Installation
12 Xciter user manual
2.1.2.1 Devices
3-pin or 5-pin out
in out in out in out in out
DMX terminator
2.1.2.2 Master/slave
Because the 3-pin and 5-pin DMX out can be used together, you can link two consoles together and
attach your devices at the same time. If you want to link more slaves to the master, you need a
splitter.
5-pin out 5-pin in
devices
universe 1
3-pin out
devices
universe 2
3-pin or 5-pin out
MASTE
R
SLAVE
If you are planning to use a master/slave connection, you need to make the appropriate settings in
the setup menu. See master/slave configuration.
2.1.3 MIDI connection
If you have a MIDI device to control your shows, you can connect it to the MIDI-in socket. You can
also patch through via MIDI-thru.
Xciter accepts the following MIDI commands:
•Note ON and note OFF to activate playbacks and cues.
•Program change to activate cues.
If you press a cue or bounce button with a MIDI command assigned to them, Xciter also sends that
command through MIDI-out. This way you can also use MIDI for master/slave connections of
multiple consoles without the need for DMX splitters. Remember however that Xciter only accepts
the MIDI commands noted above, which are only useful for on/off actions of cue buttons and bounce
buttons.
2.1.4 AUDIO connection
The desk also has audio triggering capabilities. There is an internal microphone if no direct audio
feed is available. We recommend a direct audio line to get the best results out of the audio trigger.
You can plug audio into the 6.3mm mono jack. When using the line-in, the internal microphone is
switched off.

Installation
Xciter user manual 13
Use standard audio signals like the pre-amp output from your audio mixer to get the best results. If
you want to have even more control over the audio trigger, you can place an equalizer between the
audio source and the console.
Warning: DO NOT use an amplified output like the one coming from the speaker amplifier as it may
damage the console.
2.1.5 I²C expansion
Use this connector to attach accessories to the console.
As you can see, the I²C expansion port is the same as MIDI. Connecting MIDI to this port will not
damage the console.
Warning: Martin accessories only. DO NOT connect other devices, as this may damage the console.
2.1.6 USB link to PC
You need a USB-A to USB-B cable to connect your Xciter to a desktop or laptop. Use the USB link
to upload new firmware, download and upload fixture definitions and do backup/restore of shows.
Later in this manual, we will explain how to use the PC applications that come with Xciter.
2.1.7 Desk light or LittLite
The sole purpose of the USB-A connector on the front panel is to supply power for a desk light.
Attention: you can draw a maximum of 315 mA from this port. Check the specification of your desk
light before using it.
2.2 Software
Before Xciter can communicate with your PC or laptop, you need to install the USB drivers and
applications first. You can find them on the disk that comes with the Xciter. We recommend that you
get the latest applications from the Martin support site. They may contain newer firmware and new
fixture definitions.
1. Launch “install.exe” to install the drivers and PC applications.
2. Use the default directory or type in a new path.
3. Press “Install” to start the installation.
4. Some error messages may pop up if previous driver or application versions were found. Simply
ignore them by pressing “OK”.

Power on/off
Xciter user manual 15
Chapter 3. Power on/off
You can find the power button in the top left corner.
3.1 Power on
1. Make sure the Xciter has mains power.
2. Press [ON].
Xciter scans the internal file system and restores the database.
The intro screens appear on LCD1 and LCD2.
3.2 Power off
The Xciter’s power off is safeguarded by a 2 second delay. Meaning you have to hold the ON button for at
least 2 seconds.
1. Hold [ON] until the Displays and LED’s go dark.
2. Release the power button.

Joystick operation
Xciter user manual 17
Chapter 4. Joystick operation
If you are using the Xciter for the first time, you may need to calibrate the joystick. See joystick calibration
in the setup menu.
1. Press {Joystick} in the setup menu.
2. Move the joystick to all extremes (in a circle).
3. Press store to store the calibration.
4. Press any button to continue. Xciter returns to the setup menu.
4.1 Operation in the programmer
Xciter’s self-centering joystick always works in relative mode.
When you push the joystick in a certain direction, the beam will move in that direction and the further you
push the joystick from the centre, the faster the beam will move.
Sometimes the individual fixtures of a group are positioned differently so the beams all move in different
directions when you manipulate the joystick. You can solve this in the patch with PAN-inverse, TILT-
inverse and PT-swap.
Press [PAN] and [TILT] to activate / deactivate the joystick in the programmer. You can also use these
buttons to lock the pan or tilt action of the joystick.
Use [C/F] to toggle between coarse and fine movement.
The joystick also has a built-in button. Press the joystick down to bring the fixtures back to their home
position (library defaults for PAN and TILT).
4.2 Operation in cue (run mode)
The [C/F] button becomes the BPM record button in cue (run mode). Pressing this button in a certain pace
will cause the sequences in BPM mode to follow this pace.
The [TILT] button becomes the step button in cue (run mode). Pressing this button will cause sequences in
manual mode to advance one step.

Desk light operation
Xciter user manual 19
Chapter 5. Desk light operation
If you have a desk light installed. You can adjust the intensity by holding down [SHIFT] while you turn
SCR1.