Martin LightCorder User manual

LightCorder
user manual

Measurements are in millimeters.
69
395
57
483
465
133
© 2002 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.
Printed in Denmark.
P/N 35000106, Rev. D

3
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................... 5
Functional highlights ................................................................................ 5
Configure and record shows ............................................................. 5
SImple show playback ...................................................................... 6
Schedule shows ................................................................................ 6
Monitor DMX ..................................................................................... 6
Real time backup to a DMX control system ...................................... 6
Control via a computer ...................................................................... 6
Safety precautions ................................................................................... 6
Included items .......................................................................................... 7
SETUP...................................................................................... 8
Connections ............................................................................................. 8
AC power .......................................................................................... 8
RS-232 .............................................................................................. 9
DMX out ............................................................................................ 9
DMX in .............................................................................................. 9
MIDI................................................................................................. 10
Hardware installation.............................................................................. 10
Software installation ............................................................................... 10
ADVANCED MODE.................................................................... 11
Play/Rec................................................................................................. 12
Recording........................................................................................ 12
Playback.......................................................................................... 13
DMX Monitor .......................................................................................... 14
Control.................................................................................................... 14
Performing a lamp on command ..................................................... 14
Performing a lamp off command ..................................................... 15
Teaching lamp on commands ......................................................... 15
Teaching lamp off commands ......................................................... 15
Teaching dimmed scene commands .............................................. 16
Configuring manual intensity control ............................................... 16
Options................................................................................................... 18
Changing to another mode.............................................................. 18
Communicating with a PC............................................................... 19
Setting the time ............................................................................... 19
Setting the date ............................................................................... 20
Setting the display contrast ............................................................. 20
Calibrating faders ............................................................................ 20
Updating firmware ........................................................................... 21
Show Manager ....................................................................................... 22
Playing a show ................................................................................ 22
Renaming a show ........................................................................... 22

4
Deleting a show............................................................................... 23
Setting the default show.................................................................. 23
Card Manager ........................................................................................ 24
How much can be stored on a memory card? ................................ 24
Checking card information .............................................................. 26
Labelling a memory card................................................................. 26
Formatting a memory card .............................................................. 26
PLAYER MODE ........................................................................ 27
Starting Player mode.............................................................................. 27
Performing a lamp on command ............................................................ 27
Selecting and playing a show................................................................. 27
Performing a lamp off command ............................................................ 28
Exiting Player mode ............................................................................... 28
SCHEDULING .......................................................................... 29
Setting up the schedule.......................................................................... 29
Developing the schedule off-line ..................................................... 32
Running the Schedule............................................................................ 32
Exiting Scheduler mode ......................................................................... 33
PURE DMX MONITOR MODE .................................................... 34
Starting Pure DMX Monitor mode .......................................................... 34
Exiting Pure DMX Monitor mode ............................................................ 35
FAIL-SAFE MODE .................................................................... 36
Starting Fail-Safe mode ......................................................................... 36
Exiting Fail-Safe mode ........................................................................... 36
RS-232 COMMAND MODE........................................................ 37
Commands............................................................................................. 37
Starting RS-232 Command mode .......................................................... 37
Exiting RS-232 Command mode............................................................ 38
SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................... 39

Introduction 5
I NTRODUCTION 1
Thank you for selecting the Martin LightCorder. The LightCorder is a DMX
recorder that can be used to record and playback DMX control signals. Please
familiarize yourself with this manual before using the LightCorder.
The LightCorder:
• Can be connected to any lighting console's DMX outlet and is ready to record.
• Allows you to easily transport DMX lighting programs wherever you go. Then
playback recorded shows at the touch of a button.
• Is a cost effective substitute for expensive on-site controllers. You can also use the
LightCorder to a back-up to your main lighting console.
FUNCTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Some functional highlights of the product are:
• Record and playback DMX-512 shows in real time
• 6 minutes to 3 hours of recording time on an 8 MB memory card, with more than 28
hours on a 64 MB card
• 8Mb removable memory card included - up to 64Mb available
• PC-based scheduling program for scheduling of light shows
• Assignable faders allow for instant access to any lighting parameter
• Built in DMX monitor
The LightCorder is designed to be used by a range of people with a varying degree
of technical expertise. With that in mind a number of modes are used to restrict or
modify the functionality that is available for the various tasks and product users.
Configure and record shows
Advanced mode is used to configure the LightCorder and to record DMX and is
designed for users who are used to working with intelligently controlled lighting
and DMX. This is the standard mode unless another mode is set and is described in
“Advanced mode” on page 11.

6 Introduction
SImple show playback
Player mode is designed for users with no intelligent lighting experience to select
and play a show from those saved on the memory card. No access to recording or
configuration functions is available in this mode. This mode is described in “Player
mode” on page 27.
Schedule shows
Scheduler mode is used for playing back shows according to a schedules developed
using the PC-based LightCorder Scheduler program. Scheduling is described in
“Scheduling” on page 29.
Monitor DMX
Pure DMX monitor mode restricts the LightCorder to display DMX information in
real time and is a useful test tool. This mode is described in “Pure DMX monitor
mode” on page 34.
Real time backup to a DMX control system
Fail-safe mode enables the LightCorder to be used as a real-time back-up system if
your DMX controller fails. In this case the LightCorder will start running its default
show until DMX input form the controller is restored. This mode is described in
“Fail-Safe mode” on page 36.
Control via a computer
RS-232 command mode can be used to send instructions from a computer or
computer-based control system (such as the Martin ProScenium) to the
LightCorder. This mode is described in “RS-232 command mode” on page 37.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• The LightCorder is NOT for household use.
• For protection against fire and electrical shock, ensure that the fixture is properly
grounded (earthed), and do not expose it to rain or moisture.
• Use only a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical
codes and has both overload and ground-fault protection.
• Refer all service to a qualified technician.

Introduction 7
INCLUDED ITEMS
The LightCorder comes with:
• Martin LightCorder CD-ROM
• Power cable
• 9-pin RS-232 cable
• 5-pin male to 3-pin female XLR cable
• 5-pin female to 3-pin male XLR cable
• User manual

8 Setup
S ETUP 2
CONNECTIONS
AC power
WARNING! For safe operation, the LightCorder must be grounded
(earthed).
The LightCorder may be connected to any 50 or 60 Hz AC mains power supply
from 90 to 250 V that complies with local electrical codes and has both overload
and ground-fault protection. The power cable must be fitted with a grounding-type
cord cap that fits your power distribution system. Consult an electrician if you have
any doubts about proper installation.
1 Following the cord cap manufacturer’s instructions, connect the yellow and
green wire to ground (earth), the brown wire to live, and the blue wire to neutral.
The following table shows some pin identification schemes.
Wire Pin Marking Screw color
brown live “L” yellow or brass
blue neutral “N” silver
yellow/green ground green
Table 1: Cord cap connections
1 - DMX in
2 - DMX out
3 - RS-232 port
4 - MIDI port
5 - AC power input
6 - Memory card slot
1234
5
6

Setup 9
2 Plug the power cord into the MAINS INPUT socket and the AC outlet.
RS-232
Some functions require the LightCorder to be connected to a Windows
95/98/ME/2000/XP PC.
The LightCorder connects to the computer through a COM port using the included
9-pin serial cable.
The cable connections are shown below, to right. If your computer has a 25-pin
serial output, you will need a 9-pin male to 25-pin cable as shown below, to left.
TO CONNECT TO A PC
1 With the power off, connect the RS-232 cable to the LightCorder and an
available COM port on the computer.
2 Turn on the LightCorder and the computer.
3 See “Software installation” on page 10.
DMX out
The LightCorder connects to the DMX data link just like a controller. The XLR
socket is wired pin 1 to ground, pin 2 to signal cold (-), and pin 3 to signal hot (+).
Connect the LightCorder’s DMX output to the DMX input of the first fixture. Or
simply disconnect the link from the controller output and connect it to the
LightCorder.
DMX in
To read and record DMX data, connect the output of the controller or other
transmitting device to the LightCorder’s DMX input. Note that the LightCorder is
serial device: DMX input passes through to the DMX output.
The DMX input provides 120 ohm link termination.
serial cable
male female
2
3
5
2
3
7
9-pin to 25-pin
9-pin 25-pin
4
5
6
serial cable
male female
2
3
5
2
3
5
9-pin to 9-pin
9-pin 9-pin
RXD
TXD
SG
RXD
TXD
SG

10 Setup
MIDI
The 5-pole DIN socket is not used.
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
The LightCorder can be fixed with mounting hardware in a rack, wall, or flat
surface. The required dimensions can be found on the inside of the cover of this
manual.
The LightCorder can also be used as a portable device and operated from any flat
surface. A pair of legs are located at the rear of the device and can be extended to
enhance usability.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
If you want to schedule light shows using a PC then the Martin LightCorder
Scheduler program (included) must be installed on a PC running Windows
95/98/ME/2000/XP.
To install the LightCorder Scheduler:
1 Insert the Scheduler CD-ROM in the computer
2 Open Windows Explorer to display the root folder of the CD-ROM
3 Execute setup.exe and follow the on-screen instructions.
4 For information on using the LightCorder Scheduler, see “Scheduling” on page
29.

Advanced mode 11
A DVANCED MODE 3
All the menus in Advanced mode are described in this section.
The functions available are as follows::
Function Use menu See
page
Recording and playback of shows. “Play/Rec” 12
Viewing DMX input in real time. “DMX Monitor” 14
• Teaching the LightCorder lamp on and off and
dimming commands for the fixtures on the data link
that it will be controlling. This is a required step if you
want the LightCorder to be able to remotely switch
fixtures on and off, before and after playing shows,
and for it to be able to dim fixtures between scheduled
shows.
• Assigning any of the three faders on the LightCorder
to be able to dim fixtures during show playback.
“Control” 14
• Setting the mode that the LightCorder is operating in
• Activating communication with the LightCorder
Scheduler application on a PC
• Setting the date and time - necessary if you plan to
run shows according to a schedule.
• Setting the display contrast
• Calibrating the faders
• Updating the LightCorder’s control software
“Options” 18
• Playing shows
• Renaming shows
• Deleting shows
• Setting the default show. This is the show that will be
used in Fail-Safe mode if the external DMX control
signal fails.
“Show Manager” 22

12 Advanced mode
Note To return to Advanced mode from other modes, simultaneously
press and hold the upper button to the left, and the two upper
buttons to the right of the display.
PLAY/REC
The Play/rec menu is used to record and play back DMX files. The Create
New File option is always shown followed by a list of files that are stored on the
memory card.
Recording
The LightCorder can record up to 32 individual shows on a single memory card.
Note The LightCorder will play a show in a loop unless otherwise
instructed. To avoid sudden scene shifts when a show restarts
it is a good idea to record a similar beginning and ending. For
example, in a show with multiple scenes, record the first scene
again as the final scene.
To record a show:
1 Connect the LightCorder to a DMX control device.
2Fromthe
Play/Rec menu select Create New File .
3 Create a name for the file using the
↑ and ↓ buttons, or the faders (fader 1 =
UPPER CASE characters, fader 2 = lower case characters, and fader 3 =
• Reviewing how much space has been used/is left on
a memory card
• Formatting a memory card
• Labeling a memory card
“Card Manager” 24
Function Use menu See
page

Advanced mode 13
numbers and special characters), to select characters.
Use the
Next Character button to move to the next position.
4 Press
• once you have set the file name.
5 Select the number of channels that will be recorded - 64, 128, 256, or 512. Note
that the number of channels has a direct relationship with the duration that can
be recorded. Recording a high number of channels requires more space so do
not select more channels than are necessary.
6 Select the sample frequency - 10, 20, 30, or 40 hertz. This represents the
frequency at which DMX signals will be recorded and has a direct relationship
on the duration that can be recorded on the memory card (see “How much can
be stored on a memory card?” on page 24). High quality frequencies such as 40
Hz require more memory, but may result in a better result for some effects, such
as movement. Conversely, shows that contain other effects, such as simple
color changes might only need a lower sampling frequency.
7 The LightCorder is now ready to record. To start record press
RECORD . The
LightCorder functions like a tape recorder, saving to the memory card in real
time. During recording you can use the
PAUSE button to break the recording -
press PAUSE again to continue recording.
8 Press
STOP to complete recording. The message ‘ Stopped... ’ will appear.
Playback
To play back a DMX file:
1 Connect the LightCorder to the DMX network that the lighting fixtures are
attached to.
2 From the
Play/Rec menu select the file that you want to play.
3 The show will appear ready to play with the message ‘Stopped...’
A-Z
a-z 0-9/special characters

14 Advanced mode
4Press Play to start the show. During playback you can use the PAUSE button to
break the show - press PAUSE again to continue playback. The show will loop
continuously until stopped.
5Press STOP to end.
DMX MONITOR
The DMX monitor displays DMX information in real time.
The second line of the display shows:
Id An identifier corresponding to the mode that the controller is using
Ch The number of channels being received
Re The frequency, in hertz, at which the controller is transmitting
The lower lines show the DMX channels from 0 to 512 in four columns (0-3. 4- 7,
8-11, and so on). Each row displays the DMX values of four DMX channels. The
column to the left indicates the ID of the first of the four DMX channels that are
displayed in the respective row.
You can use the ↑
and ↓buttons to scroll to a specific channel.
For each channel the monitor displays its current DMX value from 0 to 255.
CONTROL
The control menu is used to set and use control overrides such as lamp on, lamp off,
dim, and also to set the assignable faders on the LightCorder.
Performing a lamp on command
This function can be used to issue DMX lamp on instructions from the LightCorder
provided that these have first been configured (see “Teaching lamp on commands”
on page 15).
To issue a lamp on command:

Advanced mode 15
1 From the Control Menu select Do Lamp on.
2 The message ‘Doing lamp on...’ will appear.
Performing a lamp off command
This function can be used to issue DMX lamp off instructions from the LightCorder
provided that these have first been configured (see “Teaching lamp off commands”
on page 15).
To issue a lamp on command:
1 From the Control Menu select Do Lamp off.
2 The message ‘Doing lamp off...’ will appear.
Teaching lamp on commands
To enable the LightCorder to be able to issue lamp on commands before playing
shows you need to “teach” the LightCorder the DMX settings that achieve this
result.
Warning If you have a relatively large number of fixtures on the data link
it is not a good idea to have them all strike at once as this may
result in fuses blowing. In this case a safer alternative is to
record a lamp-on show with a delay between the lamp strikes on
different channels.
To teach these lamp on instructions:
1 Connect the LightCorder to a DMX control device.
2 From the Control Menu select Learn Lamp on.
3 Set the DMX control device to issue lamp on.
4 Press
• to save the lamp on commands. The message ‘DMX values saved’ will
appear.
5 Select
√ to finish.
To test that the procedure has been successful, perform the steps described in
“Performing a lamp on command” on page 14.
Teaching lamp off commands
To enable the LightCorder to be able to issue lamp off commands after playing
shows you need to “teach” the LightCorder the DMX settings that achieve this
result. To teach these lamp off instructions:
1 Connect the LightCorder to a DMX control device.

16 Advanced mode
2 From the Control Menu select Learn Lamp off.
3 Set the DMX control device to issue lamp off.
4Press • to save the lamp off commands. The message ‘DMX values saved’ will
appear.
5 Select
√ to finish.
To test that the procedure has been successful, perform the steps described in
“Performing a lamp off command” on page 15.
Teaching dimmed scene commands
If there is a gap between scheduled shows and the lamps remain on, the LightCorder
can set all fixtures to a specific scene, usually with all fixtures dimmed, until the
next scheduled show starts.
To take advantage of this function you need to “teach” the LightCorder the
“dimmed scene”. It is up to you whether or not the fixtures are actually dimmed;
you can program any effect.
The LightCorder will issue these instructions whenever a scheduled show ends,
does not restart, is not followed by another scheduled show, and there is no
associated lamp off command scheduled.
To record the dimmed scene settings:
1 Connect the LightCorder to a DMX control device.
2 From the LightCorder Control Menu select Learn Dimmed.
3 Set the DMX control device to achieve the desired scene.
4Press
• to save. The message ‘DMX values saved’ will appear.
5 Select
√ to finish.
Configuring manual intensity control
The three assignable faders are designed to directly control intensity channels
during playback of a show. This enables you to dim up to three groups of fixtures
during playback of any recorded show, and then allows you to return them all to

Advanced mode 17
their relative intensities. This can be done when shows are running in Player or
Schedule modes.
When assigning a fader the LightCorder needs to be “taught”:
• Which intensity channels/fixtures are to be assigned to the fader.
• What intensity each channel/fixture is normally set at during the show. This is
necessary because when you adjust the intensity of multiple fixtures with a single
fader, it is desirable to keep the same relative levels of intensity. For example, if you
have two fixtures running during a show, one which uses an intensity of 128 and the
other which uses 96, then the assigned fader’s maximum value (100%) will result in
a value of 128 on the one channel and 96 on the other channel.
In theory you can assign any channels to these faders, but they are designed
specifically for use with intensity channels.
ASSIGNING A FADER
To configure an assignable fader:
1 Connect the LightCorder to a DMX control device.
2 From the
Control menu select Assign fader
3 Select the appropriate Assign Fader in the menu.
4 From the DMX control device set all non-intensity channels to 0. This enables
the LightCorder to identify the channels that are not to be assigned.
5 Set the intensity channels for each fixture to their normal relative intensity - a
value from 1% to 100%.
6 Press
• to assign the fader and then √ to finish. The fader is now assigned to the
intensity channels and you can use it to issue dim fixtures in real time whenever
a show is being played in Player or Schedule mode.
This process can be repeated for any/all of the three assignable faders.

18 Advanced mode
CLEARING A FADER
To clear a fader of its assignments:
1Fromthe Control menu select Assign fader
2 Select the appropriate Clear Fader in the menu.
3 Select Yes.
4 Select
√ to finish.
OPTIONS
The Options menu is used to:
• Set the mode that the LightCorder operates in
• Activate communication with the scheduling program on a PC
• Set the date and time
• Set the display contrast
• Calibrate the faders
• Update the LightCorder’s control software
Changing to another mode
Modes are used to restrict or modify the functionality that is available for different
tasks and users:
•Player mode is designed for users with no intelligent lighting experience to select
and play a show from those saved on the memory card. No access to recording or
configuration functions is available in this mode. This mode is described in “Player
mode” on page 27.
•Scheduler mode is used for playing back shows according to a schedules developed
using the PC-based LightCorder Scheduler program. Scheduling is described in
“Scheduling” on page 29.
•Pure DMX monitor mode restricts the LightCorder to display DMX information in
real time and is a useful test tool. This mode is described in “Pure DMX monitor
mode” on page 34.
•Fail-safe mode enables the LightCorder to be used as a real-time back-up system if
your DMX controller fails. In this case the LightCorder will start running its default
show until DMX input form the controller is restored. This mode is described in
“Fail-Safe mode” on page 36.

Advanced mode 19
•RS-232 command mode can be used to send instructions from a computer or
computer-based control system (such as the Martin ProScenium) to the
LightCorder. This mode is described in “RS-232 command mode” on page 37.
To change mode:
1 From the Options menu select Change System Mode .
2 Select the appropriate mode.
3 Select
Yes to confirm.
Communicating with a PC
When using the PC-based LightCorder Scheduler this menu is used to activate
communication from the LightCorder
To activate PC communication:
1 Connect the RS-232 cable from to the LightCorder and to a COM port on the
PC.
2 Start the LightCorder Scheduler program on the PC.
3 Configure the appropriate COM port in the Scheduler program.
4 Select
PC Communication from the Options menu on the LightCorder.
5 A message will appear, both in the Scheduler program and on the LightCorder
when communication is successfully established.
Setting the time
To set the time:
1 From the Options menu select Set time .
2 Using the
↑ and ↓ buttons to change the numbers, and the Shift button to
change position, set the time.
3 Press
• to save it and finish.

20 Advanced mode
Setting the date
To set the date:
1Fromthe Options menu select Set date .
2 Using the
↑ and ↓ buttons to change the numbers, and the Shift button to
change position, set the time.
3Press
• to save the date.
Setting the display contrast
To set the contrast on the LightCorder display:
1 Select Set Contrast from the Options menu.
2 Using the ↑ and ↓ buttons, adjust the contrast.
3Press
• to end.
Calibrating faders
To calibrate the assignable faders on the LightCorder:
1 Select Calibrate Fader from the Options menu.
2 Using the
↓ button, read the message and then press → to continue.
3 Move each of the faders through its full range of movement.
4Press • to continue to the Test Faders screen.