NSI TLC16 User manual

TLC 16
MEMORY LIGHTING CONTROLLER
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
OPERATION MANUAL

TLC 16
MEMORY LIGHTING CONTROLLER
OPERATION MANUAL
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
Document Revised: 3/14/95
Copyright 1995
NSI CORPORATION
Wilsonville, OR

Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Installation\Setup
Power Supply Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Dimmer Equipment Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Overview
Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation Guide
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Bump pads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Latch pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pattern Select pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Tap Sync pad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chase Rate Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fade Rate Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Glide pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Audio pads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Add pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Blackout pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Master Level Pads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Program pad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Programming Control Functions
Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Quick Programming Chase Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Programming Chase Using Latches.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Audio Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Synchronizing Chase Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Programming Audio Intensity Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Master Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
TLC 16
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above

Console Configuration
Rear Panel Dipswitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
MIDI Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
MIDI Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Note On / Note Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Control Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
System Exclusive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Specifications
Console Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Trouble Shooting
Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Warranty
NSI Corporation Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
TLC 16
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above

1Introduction
Welcome
You are entering a new era of microprocessor controlled stage lighting technology. The
powerful NSI Micro-Plex designs involve the electrical marriage of microprocessor technology
and digitally controlled multiplexing. The result is a control package with the flexibility for
a variety of innovative applications.
The NSI TLC 16 Lighting Console features an advanced microprocessor based design
containing many benefits found in today’s personal computers. This technology provides for
adding programmable Memory Scenes and Chase effects to the simplicity of a touch panel
console.
The NSI Micro-Plex technology found in all NSI products allows components of your lighting
system to be interconnected by way of standard 3-conductor microphone cables or audio
snakes. Up to 128 individual control signals may be transmitted to dimmer packs through
a single microphone cable and the returned phantom power eliminates the need for AC power
cords on NSI controllers. This makes the remote placement of the TLC 16 Lighting Console
easy and convenient.
The NSI TLC 16 Lighting Console represents our continuing commitment of leading the
industry in defining technological advances for stage lighting.
Welcome to the era of microprocessor controlled stage lighting!
TLC 16
Introduction
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above Welcome
NSI CORPORATION Features and Specifications may change without notice 1

2Installation\Setup
Power Supply
Requirements The TLC 16 Lighting Console requires a source of 15 volts DC (at least 250 MA) to operate
satisfactorily. When used with NSI dimming equipment, power is provided through the
Micro-Plex microphone cord connection system when connected to the dimmers.
If the console is equipped with the DMX-512 output and used with DMX-512 controlled
dimmers or if the microphone cable length exceeds 100 feet, the external power supply jack
can be used to apply power to the console. Use the optional power supply available from
the factory (OPT-00015-0) or call your dealer for assistance in obtaining a proper supply.
Make sure that the plug on any power supply not supplied through NSI is configured
so that the center connector is positive.
Dimmer
Equipment
Connection
Connecting the TLC 16 Lighting Console to NSI dimming equipment is very simple. You
need only connect a single 3 conductor audio cable (standard microphone cable equipped
with a 3-pin XLR type connector) to either of the jacks marked MICRO-PLEX on the rear
apron of the console. It doesn’t matter which jack is used, two jacks are provided for
convenience. Connect the other end of the cable to the NSI dimming equipment.
The console is also equipped with a DMX-512 output. Connection to the dimming equipment
can be provided through the 5 pin XLR type connector located on the rear apron of the
console. This connector adheres to the USITT standard on DMX-512 and will support the
16 dimmer channels with one 3 wire cable. Since remote power is not provided on this
connector, an optional power supply (OPT-00015-0) must be used when DMX is used as the
only output signal.
Fig. 1 Dimmer Output Connectors
Installation\Setup
TLC 16
Power Supply Requirements Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
2Features and Specifications may change without notice NSI CORPORATION

3Overview
Front Panel
1. Channel Levels These 16 LED’s show the current intensity of each of the console control channels.
2. Channel Latch
Pads These 16 pads are used to control and/or program channels 1 - 16.
3. Channel Bump
Pads These 16 pads are used to bring an individual channel, to full intensity. They also are used for quick pattern programming.
4. Pattern Pads The 16 Pattern Select pads are used for activating any of the 16 patterns stored in memory.
5. Tap Sync Repeatedly tapping this pad establishes the chase rate.
6. Audio Activates audio sync of chase rate and audio intensity effects.
7. Add Changes the mode of the Pattern pads to ‘‘add’’ instead of ‘‘kill’’.
8. Glide Causes patterns activated after Glide is turned on to fade or ‘‘glide’’ between steps.
9. Program Activates Program mode for programming of patterns and audio intensity.
10. Blackout Each tap will clear functions in the following order: Latches then Patterns. Press and hold
will bypass fading.
11. Audio Level These pads control the sensitivity of the audio automatic gain control circuit. Adjust for
best effect with audio. The setting is displayed as a relative number from 0 (least sensitive)
to FL (most sensitive).
12. Chase Rate These pads control the speed at which the patterns sequence (chase).The setting is displayed
as a relative number from 0 (stopped) to FL (fastest).
13. Fade Rate These pads set the initial fade in and out of patterns and other functions. The setting is
displayed as a relative number from 0 (fastest) to FL (slowest).
14. Master Level These pads set the maximum level to stage. It does not affect the Channel level LEDs. The
setting is displayed as a relative number from 0 (minimum) to FL (maximum).
15. Display This display indicates the current level setting of the Audio, Chase Rate, Fade Rate, and
Master Level pads. The first tap of the pad will cause the LED above the pad to light,
indicating that the display is showing the respective current level and any changes.
2
12
8
7
610 911
5
4
3
1
15
14
13
Fig. 2 Front Panel TLC 16
TLC 16
Overview
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above Front Panel
NSI CORPORATION Features and Specifications may change without notice 3

Rear Panel
1. Micro-Plex Outputs These 2 outputs provide NSI’s microphone dimmer connection via a 3 pin XLR type connector.
Either connector may be used (1-Male, 1-Female).
2. DMX-512 This output is used to provide dimmer control information to dimmers using this protocol.
Its 5 pin Female XLR connector conforms to the USITT standard.
3. AUX DC Power This input jack allows a standard wall transformer rated at 15v DC (at least 250 MA) to
provide power to the TLC 16 console.
4. Audio Input This jack accepts a line level audio input signal to synchronize chase and provide audio
intensity effects.
5. Configuration Dip
Switch These switches allow customization of some console functions.
6. MIDI In/Out/Thru MIDI ports for connection to a sequencer or MIDI storage device.
3
2
1
4
5
6
Fig. 3 Rear Panel TLC 16
Overview
TLC 16
Rear Panel Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
4Features and Specifications may change without notice NSI CORPORATION

4Operation Guide
General The TLC 16 Lighting Console consists of a manual 16 channel latch and bump pads, and
16 programmable memories that can be static scenes or chase patterns. The console is
designed to allow tailoring to your needs.
To give the user channel intensity feedback, channel intensity LED’s are provided above
each of the channel bump pads. These LED’s show relative intensities from all console
functions and are not affected by the Master control.
Configuration The TLC 16 has several features that can be customized to your applications. If changes
are desired, please see the section on Console Configuration.
IMPORTANT: If this is the first time you will be using the console or if you experience
any problems such as dimmers not responding or other unusual operation, the configu-
ration may have been accidentally changed. See section on Console Configuration.
Bump pads Above the channel latch pads are 16 momentary bump pads. These pads are used to bump
each individual channel to full intensity regardless of the Blackout pad or the setting of the
Master control.
Note: In Programming mode, the bump pads serve a special function and will not affect
stage lighting.
Latch pads Below the channel bump pads are 16 toggle Latch pads. These pads are used to latch each
individual channel to full intensity. These pads are cleared by the Blackout Pad.
Note: In Programming mode, the bump pads serve a special function and will not affect
stage lighting.
Pattern Select
pads The 16 Pattern Select pads are used for activating any of the 16 static scenes or chase patterns
stored in memory. A tap of any of the Pattern Select pads will light the LED above the pad
and cause the pattern or scene stored in memory to fade in at the set fade rate. A second
tap of the pad will cause the LED to go off and the pattern or scene will fade out at the set
fade rate.
Touching and holding down any of the Pattern Select pads will bypass the set fade rate and
cause all patterns or scenes to fade in or out instantly (after a short delay).
Pattern Select pads operate normally in the ‘‘kill’’ mode, whereas touching one pad will
‘‘kill’’ other patterns that are active and cause them to fade out while the selected pattern
fades in. If the pad is held down then the fades are instant.
Touching the Add pad will put the patterns in the ‘‘add’’ mode and all patterns will operate
independently of each other.
The console may be configured such that the top row of patterns (1-8) may be locked into
the ‘‘add’’ mode. See section on Configuration.
Tap Sync pad The Tap Sync pad is used to set and synchronize the chase rate (the rate at which all patterns
will sequence) by tapping the pad several times. The chase rate will synchronize to the time
of the last two taps. The LED above the Tap Sync pad will flash at the new chase rate.
The chase rate may be set anytime whether or not a pattern is running. Tap Sync will
override any previous setting of the chase rate control pads until the pads are touched again.
The Tap Sync button can also be used as a manual sequence button by changing it’s
configuration with the configuation DIP switch (see Console Configuration).
TLC 16
Operation Guide
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above General
NSI CORPORATION Features and Specifications may change without notice 5

Chase Rate
Pads The Chase Rate pads adjust the chase rate (the rate at which all patterns will sequence). The
rate is indicated by the red LED located directly above the Tap Sync pad and by the display
whenever the LED above the pads is lit. Tapping or touching and holding one of the pads
will cause the rate to increase or decrease. To disable chasing decrease the Chase Rate until
the display reads zero.
Fade Rate
Pads The TLC 16 has an autofader to provide automatic crossfades from one pattern or scene to
another. The Fade Rate pads determine the speed at which the fade will occur. The relative
fade rate is indicated by the display in a number from 0 - 100 (100 is indicated as FL)
whenever the LED above the pads is lit. The fade will happen instantly when this the display
shows zero and causes increasingly slower fades as the number is raised. Fade rate is
overridden by touching and holding most functions.
Glide pad The Glide pad is used to turn on and off the Glide mode. Any pattern selected after the
Glide mode is turned on will fade or ‘‘glide’’ between chase steps instead of instantly changing.
The rate of the change is determined by the time between steps (chase rate).
The Glide mode is activated by tapping the Glide pad until the Glide LED lights. The Glide
mode is turned off by again tapping the pad. Turning on or off the Glide mode will not
affect patterns that are already running.
Audio pad
and Pads Audio chase sync may be activated by tapping the Audio pad until the LED above it lights
and then by adjusting the sensitivity control pads for desired effectiveness. The relative audio
sensitivity is indicated by the display in a number from 0 - 100 (100 is indicated as FL)
whenever the LED above the pads is lit.
The patterns will sequence on the audio beat (if discernible) in conjunction with the Tap
Sync or Chase Rate. If a chase rate is set, then the chase will resynchronize at each audio
beat. If audio alone is desired, set the Chase Rate all the way down to zero to disable.
Touching the Audio pad a second time will disable the Audio mode.
Audio intensity effects may be programmed into any channel by using the Program pad. This
will cause desired channels to flash to audio whenever the Audio mode is on. See the section
on PROGRAMMING CONTROL FUNCTIONS.
Add pad The Add pad changes the mode of the Pattern pads. Normally the Pattern pads are in a
‘‘kill’’ mode, whereas touching any Pattern pad will ‘‘kill’’ other active Pattern pads. This
way only one pattern is on at a time.
The Add mode is activated by touching the Add pad and illuminating the LED above it.
When active, Pattern pads will not ‘‘kill’’ other patterns allowing multiple patterns to be on
at a time. Touching the Pattern pads a second time will deactivate them.
Operation Guide
TLC 16
Chase Rate Pads Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
6Features and Specifications may change without notice NSI CORPORATION

Blackout pad Each tap of the Blackout pad will cause functions to deactivate or ‘‘clear’’ in the following
order.
1. Latches.
2. Patterns.
It may require up to two taps of the Blackout pad to entirely clear all functions.
The Blackout Led will light when and all Latch pads have been deactivated.
Lights affected by each function will fade out at the set fade rate.
Touching and holding down the Blackout pad will bypass the set fade rate and cause the
selected functions to fade out instantly.
Master Level
Pads The Master control provides proportional level control over all console functions to stage
with the exception of the Bump pads. For example:
Whenever the Master is at minimum all stage outputs will be at zero except for any resulting
from a Bump pad.
If the Master is at 50% all stage outputs will be at only 50% of their current console settings
except for any resulting from a Bump pad.
If the Master is at full all stage outputs will follow the console settings.
The Master level is indicated by the display in a number from 0 - 100 percent (100 is
indicated as FL) whenever the LED above the pads is lit.
Program pad The Program pad is used to program chase patterns or static scenes into the pattern memory
or to program audio intensity effects. For programming details see the next section on
PROGRAMMING.
TLC 16
Operation Guide
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above Blackout pad
NSI CORPORATION Features and Specifications may change without notice 7

5Programming Control Functions
Patterns Up to 16 Patterns may be stored in the memory of the TLC 16 and may be recalled at the
touch of a pad. A Pattern may be either a single scene (static scene) or a sequence of scenes
(chase). All programming is stored in non-volatile memory which retains information for at
least 10 years, even when power is removed.
Quick
Programming
Chase Patterns
A chase pattern consisting of steps in which the lights are either fully on or fully off may
be programmed very quickly for any of the Pattern pads. The Bump pads are used to create
the chase steps. Follow these steps to quick program a chase:
1. Tap the Program pad until the LED above it lights. If the LED does not light, the memory
lock is on (see Console Configurations)..
2. Select the pattern to program by tapping one of the 16 Pattern Select pads causing the LED
above the pad to flash. This will erase the current memory programming for this pad.
3. Touch and hold the desired Bump pads(s) for this step of the chase. The levels will not
appear on the stage but will be displayed on the channel level LEDs.
4. Releasing all the bump pads will automatically program this step into memory. Repeat step
3 until the desired number of steps is programmed.
5. Tap the Blackout pad to exit from the programming mode.
Programming
Chase Using
Latches.
Static scenes or Chase sequences involving more channels and complexity may be programmed
into any of the Pattern Select pads using the Latch Pads..
Follow these steps to program patterns using the Latch Pads:
1. Tap the Program pad until the LED above it lights. If the LED does not light, the memory
lock is on.
2. Select the pattern to program by tapping one of the 16 Pattern Select pads causing the LED
above the pad to flash. This will erase the current memory programming for this pad.
3. Select the channels to be ON using the latch pads.
4. Tap the Program pad to program this step into memory.
5. If programming a static scene, tap the Blackout pad now to exit the programming mode.
If programming a chase pattern, repeat steps 3 and 4 until the desired number of steps is
programmed. Tap the Blackout pad when done to exit the programming mode.
NOTE: If the Program LED extinguishes before the blackout pad is tapped, the memory
is full.
Programming Control Functions
TLC 16
Patterns Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
8Features and Specifications may change without notice NSI CORPORATION

Audio Sync An audio signal may be supplied to the TLC 16 console via the phono jack located on the
back of the unit. The audio signal can be used to synchronize the chases to the beat of the
audio and to affect the intensity of predetermined channels.
Synchronizing
Chase Patterns To synchronize chases; activate the audio mode by tapping the Audio pad until the LED above it lights. Now activate a chase pattern and move the Chase Rate control to the minimum
position. Move the Audio Sensitivity slide control slowly up until the desired effect is
achieved.
Programming
Audio Intensity
Effects
The Audio mode may be programmed to flash desired channels to the intensity of the audio
signal whenever the Audio mode is on by following these steps:
1. Tap the Program pad until the LED above it lights. If the LED does not light, the memory
lock is on.
2. Select channels to be affected by selecting the Latch Pads to light the respective channel
level LED, and set the rest of the latches to off.
3. Tap the Audio pad to program the audio flash effects into memory.
Master
Controls Each of the master controls, Audio Level, Chase Rate, Fade Rate and Master Level, can be
programmed to come up at preprogrammed level upon power up. To program a control,
follow these steps:
1. Set the control to its desired level.
2. Tap the program pad until its LED is lit.
3. Touch both the up and down pads of the control. The program LED should go out and the
level is now programmed.
TLC 16
Programming Control Functions
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above Audio Sync
NSI CORPORATION Features and Specifications may change without notice 9

6Console Configuration
Rear Panel
Dipswitch The 8 Dipswitches on the rear panel serve special functions as follows:
Factory default is all switches off (up):
#1 MEMORY LOCK: OFF (up) = Unlocked
ON (down) = Locked
#2 MICROPLEX MODE: OFF (up) = Normal
ON (down) = Special
#3 CONFIGURE TAP PAD: OFF (up) = Tap Sync
ON (down) = Manual step chase
#4 CONFIGURE LOCK: OFF (up) = Unlocked
ON (down) = Locked
#5 PATTERN 1-8 ADD MODE: OFF (up) = Normal
ON (down) = Always ADD mode
#6 RESERVED:
#7 RESERVED:
#8 RESERVED:
Memory Lock The entire memory of the TLC 16 can be physically locked to prevent accidental changes to
the programmed patterns or scenes. This is highly recommended whenever the console is
not expected to be reprogrammed for a period of time.
If programming is attempted on a locked console, the Program LED will not light upon
tapping the Program pad.
TO LOCK MEMORY: Place Dipswitch #1 in the ON (down) position.
TO UNLOCK MEMORY: Place Dipswitch #1 in the OFF (up) position.
Console Configuration
TLC 16
Rear Panel Dipswitch Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
10 Features and Specifications may change without notice NSI CORPORATION

MIDI Settings To change MIDI settings follow these steps:
1. Place both dipswitch #1 and #4 in the OFF (up) positions.
2. Hold scene select pads 13-16 down at the same time while applying power to the unit
3. Select MIDI setting desired by touching the appropriate Pattern Select pad as listed below
and follow instructions. The currently defined setting will be indicated on the channel level
LEDs.
Pattern #1: MIDI SEND CHANNEL Pattern #2: MIDI RCV. CHANNEL
After pattern #1 or #2 is touched, the current MIDI channel is displayed by lighting the
corresponding channel level LED. To change channel, tap the Bump pad of the corresponding
channel. When done, tap the Blackout pad followed by another Pattern Select for additional
settings or tap Blackout again to exit MIDI Setting Mode.
Pattern #3: MIDI MEMORY DUMP
Touching pad #3 prepares the console for a Memory Dump to a MIDI disk or any other
MIDI storage unit. The dump is approximately 16K bytes. To initiate, touch Pattern #3 pad
again. When the transfer is complete, the pattern select LED will flash. At this touch the
Blackout pad to leave the MIDI Setting Mode.
MIDI
Implementation The TLC 16 will send and receive MIDI program changes according to the following table:
PROG CHNG NUMBER FUNCTION
0 - 15 Turn on patterns 1-16
16 - 31 Turn off patterns 1-16
97 Blackout
113 Glide off
114 Glide on
123 Step Change
124 Manual On
125 Manual Off
Note On / Note
Off The TLC 16 will transmit and receive Note On and Note Off data via the bump pads. Velocity is transformed into channel intensity and note numbers correspond to the following
lighting channels.
NOTE NUMBER CHANNEL
96 - 111 1 - 16
Control
Changes Control change #1 is sent whenever a Pattern, Manual, or Blackout pad is touched. The current fade rate is sent as a value of the control change. When receiving a control change
#1, the current setting of the fade rate pad is overridden until the pad is moved.
System
Exclusive A System Exclusive Message is sent as a memory dump. Upon receiving the Sys Ex, the console will erase and reload memory automatically.
TLC 16
Console Configuration
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above MIDI Settings
NSI CORPORATION Features and Specifications may change without notice 11

7Specifications
Console
Specifications Control Channels 16
Dimmers 16
Patterns (memory) 16
Maximum Steps approx. 400 total
Memory Non-volatile EEPROM
(approx. 10 year retention)
Dimmer Outputs NSI Micro-plex
DMX-512
Input Power 15 volts DC, minimum 250ma.
Dimensions (HxWxD) (2 3/4" x 17 1/8" x 7")
Weight (approx.) 7.0 lbs
Specifications
TLC 16
Console Specifications Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
12 Features and Specifications may change without notice NSI CORPORATION

8Trouble Shooting
Checklist
Tap Sync does not sychronize
chase •Configuration set wrong, see section on Console Configuration.
Fade rate intermittent. •Holding down some pads will override faderate and cause an instant
fade.
NSI Technical Services [phone]
TLC 16
Trouble Shooting
Software Revision 1.00 version A and above Checklist
NSI CORPORATION Features and Specifications may change without notice 13

9Warranty
NSI
Corporation
Limited
Warranty NSI Corporation warrants new electronics products to be free from defective materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase to the original owner
when purchased from an authorized NSI dealer.
The purchaser is responsible for completing and mailing to NSI, within 15 days of purchase,
the warranty registration card enclosed with each product. NSI products that have been
subject to accident, alteration, abuse, or defacing of the serial number are not covered by
this warranty. The normal wear and tear of items such as knobs, jacks, and switches are not
covered under this warranty.
If your NSI product requires service during the warranty period, NSI will repair or replace,
at its option, defective materials provided you have identified yourself as the original owner
of the product to NSI or any authorized NSI dealer. Transportation charges to and from an
authorized dealer or the NSI factory for repair shall be the responsibility of the owner. All
products returned to NSI must have factory authorization for return prior to shipping.
NSI Corporation is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages resulting from
defect or failure other than repairs of the NSI product subject to the terms of this warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from
state to state. This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other agreements and warranties
expressed or implied except as may be otherwise required by law.
Warranty
TLC 16
NSI Corporation Limited Warranty Software Revision 1.00 version A and above
14 Features and Specifications may change without notice NSI CORPORATION