NEON CAPTAIN Radioator User manual

Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Radiator by Neon Captain! Radiator is a powerful and expandable laser
synthesizer capable of creating dynamic abstract and beam patterns. It contains a built in high
performance processor which works as a complete stand alone system and requires no computer or
equipment other than a laser projector or HDMI monitor to operate.
The system is expandable through software updates to add additional content and features. Please
check with Neon Captain for updates. Content you create in the form of presets or ILDA stream
recordings can be backed up to external USB memory. You can store up to 1000 presets in a show and
access them at the touch of a button so you can always have interesting content on hand or store your
unique discoveries for later use.
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Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
In addition to being a powerful laser synthesizer, Radiator can also create laser like visuals using the
internal real time laser raster engine which creates a laser simulation and outputs an HD resolution
video signal over HDMI. Use this for live performances where it is not practical or legal to use a laser
projector, or for video production via the use of an HDMI recorder or capture card.
The complete set of front panel controls offers direct knob per function control of most parameters in
the system so you can play Radiator live just like a DJ controller or electronic instrument. In addition to
the front panel controls, all functions of the system can be controlled via MIDI from a computer,
keyboard or sequencer. Both the panel controls as well as internal parameters can be controlled. The
panel protocol can also be controlled via Ethernet. Please contact Neon Captain for more information.
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Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................1
Hardware Overview...................................................................................................................................4
System...................................................................................................................................................4
Front Panel............................................................................................................................................4
Rear Panel..............................................................................................................................................5
System Operation.......................................................................................................................................6
Starting up and Shutting Down.............................................................................................................6
Laser Safety...........................................................................................................................................7
Synthesizer Signal Path.........................................................................................................................8
Creating and Exploring.........................................................................................................................8
Saving your Work..................................................................................................................................8
Importing and Exporting Data...............................................................................................................9
Updating the System.............................................................................................................................9
Special Key Functions...........................................................................................................................9
Radiator Modules and Screens.................................................................................................................11
Color....................................................................................................................................................12
LFO1, 2 and 3......................................................................................................................................15
Shape A and B.....................................................................................................................................18
Transformer.........................................................................................................................................21
Clone...................................................................................................................................................25
Main Screen.........................................................................................................................................29
Additional Screens and Controls..............................................................................................................30
Preset Manager....................................................................................................................................30
File.......................................................................................................................................................35
Output..................................................................................................................................................39
Util.......................................................................................................................................................42
Features and Specifications......................................................................................................................45
Laser synthesizer.................................................................................................................................45
Rear panel............................................................................................................................................45
Hardware and enclosure......................................................................................................................46
Appendix A MIDI / TCP Panel Protocol...............................................................................................47
Features:..............................................................................................................................................47
MIDI Protocol.....................................................................................................................................47
TCP Protocol.......................................................................................................................................48
Appendix B MIDI Control Protocol......................................................................................................52
Appendix C Color Mod Types...............................................................................................................61
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Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
Appendix D LFO and Shape Warp Types..............................................................................................62
LFO Warp Types..................................................................................................................................62
LFO Shapes.........................................................................................................................................62
Appendix F Transform Types................................................................................................................63
Appendix G Clone Types.......................................................................................................................64
Clone Types.........................................................................................................................................64
Appendix E Shape Warp and Shape Types............................................................................................65
Shape Warp Types...............................................................................................................................65
Shape Types.........................................................................................................................................65
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Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
Hardware Overview
System
The Radiator is a stand alone laser synthesizer system housed in a sturdy aluminum enclosure. It is
based around a powerful quad core ARM System on Module running the Linux operating system. The
system requires 12 24VDC regulated input to operated and consumes less than 6W when operating. It
can provide power to up to two connected USB devices. Power is controlled via a hard power switch so
there is no power usage when the unit is switched off.
Front Panel
The front panel is divided into sections in the same way that internal laser processing blocks are
organized. Each block will be explained in more detail later in this document.
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Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
Control Panel Sections
•COLOR – Controls the color processor module which generates the final output color
•LFO1, 2 and 3 – Three LFOs generate signals to modulate other parameters in real time.
•MASTER – Hard control of the size and output power level as well as a blackout control.
•SHAPE A – Controls the main shape generator to create shapes.
•SHAPE B – Controls the second shape generate to create shapes.
•TRANSFORM – The transform module can distort and transform shapes in 2D and 3D.
•CLONE – The clone module can replicate and animate shapes as well as perform 3D rotations.
•MENU – These controls are used to navigate menus on the internal LCD screen.
•PRESETS – Preset buttons are used to call up and store presets.
Rear Panel
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Figure 1: Radiator Front Panel

Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
Rear Panel Jacks and Controls
•POWER – Main power switch. Make sure to shut down the system before turning off.
•DC IN – Power input for 12 24VDC. Please only use the included power supply.
•AUDIO IN (L and R) – Audio inputs on 1/4” TRS connections for sound reactive effects.
•LFO OUT (1, 2 and 3) – LFO CV outputs on TS minijacks. Output range is 5V to +5V.
•CV IN (1 6) – CV inputs on TS minijacks used to control the LFO modules.
•X/Y OUT – The laser X/Y output on TRS stereo minijack for listening to the laser output.
•ILDA OUT – ILDA analog output on DB 25 pin connector for use with ILDA projectors.
•MIDI IN – MIDI input on standard 5 pin DIN jack.
•MIDI OUT – MIDI output on standard 5 pin DIN jack.
•USB – Dual USB host ports. Use for USB storage and LaserDock/LaserCube only.
•NETWORK – 10/100BASE T Ethernet port for Ether Dream support.
•SYSTEM – Micro USB device port for system upgrade or restore.
•HDMI OUT – HDMI full size output port for laser visualizations. Outputs 1080p60 signal.
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Figure 2: Radiator Rear Panel

Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
System Operation
Radiator is easy to use due to its unified control layout. Except for the master LEVEL and SIZE
controls, all rotary controls on Radiator use endless encoders. This means that any parameter can be
adjusted up or down from its current value. Since there are no end stops, on screen displays are used to
view the value of each parameter as it is controlled. Both continuously variable parameters like levels,
as well as indexed parameters like lists of shapes or effects use the same type of controls.
Pushbuttons are used for momentary or on/off settings. Each button has a full RGB LED located above
it which shines through an opening above the button cap. As presets are changed these LEDs indicate
the current setting of each button control. Preset buttons show the preset color or black if no preset is
stored on the button. The last recalled preset is also indicated by the preset button flashing.
All parameters including those which have a dedicated control on the front panel can be edited on the
LCD screen using the master controls. This allows easier access to some settings. The SELECT and
VALUE knobs are used to navigate the menu and change values. By default, adjusting a control will
cause the LCD screen to display the parameters for that module. A module can also be called up by
preset the SELECT button for that module. If you prefer the adjust the controls without the screen
display changing, this function can be turned off in the Util menu.
Some operations in the screens require confirmation, such as loading or deleting a file. For these
operations the ENTER button is used to confirm the action. Settings can be selectively reset by using
the RESET button as explained later. Finally the SHIFT button can be held down to allow fine control
of a function. It can also be used to exit a menu or screen by double tapping.
Startin up and Shuttin Down
To start up Radiator just flip on the power switch at the rear. The system will start up in less than a
minute or so. For safety it is recommended to turn down the LEVEL and SIZE knobs to make sure that
the laser output does not emit in an unsafe way upon startup. Radiator will always start up in the
Blackout mode. To activate laser output, press the BLACKOUT button. You might want to start with
the LEVEL and SIZE controls reduced as well to make sure you project in a safe area.
When you are finished using Radiator choose the Shutdown option from the main screen and wait until
the system shuts down before switching off the power.
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Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
Laser Safety
Laser safety is important for everyone. Safe use of entertainment lasers will ensure that they continue
to be legal to own and operate. The major safety hazard of entertainment lasers is eye damage. Even a
small laser projector of only a few tens of milliwatts can generate enough concentrated laser energy to
permanently damage the eyesight of a human or animal. For more detailed information about laser
safety we recommend that you contact the International Laser Display Association (ILDA) at
www.ilda.com. The ILDA is a trade organization made up of both amateur and professional laserists
and laser companies and works to promote laser safety. This manual should not be used as official
safety instructions and Neon Captain is not responsible for your use of our products. Contact ILDA or
consult with a trained laser safety expert if you are not sure. We cannot provide advice on safety or
legal aspects of using lasers in your country or region. However, the following are some good
common sense tips that we use when operate lasers.
N n-exhaustive list f safety tips:
•Never allow humans or animals to be in the direct path of a laser beam.
•Do not look directly into a laser projector or at the beam reflected off a shiny object like a
mirror.
•When setting up a projector in a live performance environment make sure that the laser beam
will never be less than 10 feet above the floor.
•Never direct laser beams into an audience. (audience scanning) This requires engineering
calculations and approvals and tightly controlled lasers. Radiator is not intended or suitable for
use as a controller in this type of situation.
•If you are unsure whether lasers would be safe to use in a particular situation, consider using the
HDMI output from Radiator and projecting from a video projector instead.
Prolon in the Life of your Projector
Certain types of laser patterns may cause permanent damage to your laser hardware. Squealing or
whining noises from your laser projector or distorted shapes indicate that your laser's scanner system is
being over driven which may result in premature failure. Avoid large patterns with many sharp corners
and direction changes, and immediately reduce the output size or scan speed if you see rounded corners
or hear squealing or whining noises. Failures due to over driven scanners may not be covered by your
laser projector's warranty.
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Radiator Laser Synthesizer
User Manual
Synthesizer Si nal Path
The heart of Radiator is of course the synthesizer blocks that make up the system. These each serve a
unique function and are wired together internally in a specific way. Some routing options can be
changed but the overall signal path is fixed by design.
Signals generally flow in the following way:
Shape Generators → Transformer → Clone → Color → Master
Several modules such as the Transformer and Clone allow for different combinations of inputs, so it is
possible for instance to pass one shape generator through the transformer while the second shape
generator goes directly into the clone section.
The LFOs are the most flexible modules and can not only feed into each other, but can feed their
signals into almost any variable control in any other module. You can choose as many simultaneous
destinations you wish, making for incredible modulation capabilities.
Creatin and Explorin
The best way to get started learning about Radiator is to just explore each module. Start off with a clean
slate by holding SHIFT and pressing RESET. This restores all controls to their defaults. Turn on the
SHAPE A module and get something simple coming out of the laser output. Adjust the COLOR
controls. Now turn on SHAPE B and adjust the frequency to make some cycloid or Lissajous patterns.
Once you have something interesting try adjusting the other controls and see what happens. All presets
in Radiator are made by building things up from basic elements.
Savin your Work
There is no need to explicitly save your work in Radiator. As you make changes the current state of the
system is automatically stored. When starting up the system all settings you had in use previously are
restored and the currently used show file is loaded automatically.
Read-only Files
It is possible to lock a file so that presets cannot be written to it by accident. This is useful in a live
show situations where you want to preserve your presets in a particular order. When the current show is
set as read only it will not be possible to activate preset storage via the front panel or perform store
operations via the preset screen.
How Shows and Live Presets Work
When adjusting controls, all settings are always saved to disk automatically. This means that shutting
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