Philips 250ML User manual

For Console Software Version 1.1.x & Up

Operation Guide 250ML Lighting Control Consoles
1
Philips Strand Lighting Offices
The material in this manual is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Philips Strand
Lighting assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions which may appear in this manual. For comments and
suggestions regarding corrections and/or updates to this manual, please contact your nearest Philips Strand Lighting
office.
El contenido de este manual es solamente para información y está sujeto a cambios sin previo aviso. Philips Strand
Lighting no asume responsabilidad por errores o omisiones que puedan aparecer. Cualquier comentario, sugerencia
o corrección con respecto a este manual, favor de dirijirlo a la oficina de Philips Strand Lighting más cercana.
Der Inhalt dieses Handbuches ist nur für Informationszwecke gedacht, Aenderungen sind vorbehalten. Philips
Strand Lighting uebernimmt keine Verantwortung für Fehler oder Irrtuemer, die in diesem Handbuch auftreten. Für
Bemerkungen und Verbesserungsvorschlaege oder Vorschlaege in Bezug auf Korrekturen und/oder
Aktualisierungen in diesem Handbuch, moechten wir Sie bitten, Kontakt mit der naechsten Philips Strand Lighting-
Niederlassung aufzunehmen.
Le matériel décrit dans ce manuel est pour information seulement et est sujet à changements sans préavis. La
compagnie Philips Strand Lighting n'assume aucune responsibilité sur toute erreur ou ommission inscrite dans ce
manuel. Pour tous commentaires ou suggestions concernant des corrections et/ou les mises à jour de ce manuel,
veuillez s'il vous plait contacter le bureau de Philips Strand Lighting le plus proche.
Note: Information contained in this document may not be duplicated in full or in part by any person without prior written
approval of Philips Strand Lighting. Its sole purpose is to provide the user with conceptual information on the equipment
mentioned. The use of this document for all other purposes is specifically prohibited.
Document Number: 2-450335-010 Rev. A2
Version as of: 03 February 2014
250ML Lighting Control Console Operation Guide
©2014 Philips Group. All rights reserved.
Philips Strand Lighting - Dallas
10911 Petal Street
Dallas, TX 75238
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Philips Strand Lighting - Auckland
19-21 Kawana Street
Northcote, Auckland 0627
New Zealand
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Philips Strand Lighting - Asia
Unit C, 14/F, Roxy Industrial Centre
No. 41-49 Kwai Cheong Road
Kwai Chung, N.T., Hong Kong
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Philips Strand Lighting - Europe
Rondweg zuid 85
Winterswijk 7102 JD
The Netherlands
Tel: [phone]
Website:
www.strandlighting.com

2
250ML Lighting Control Consoles Operation Guide
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Warnings and Notices
Additional Resources for DMX512
For more information on installing DMX512 control systems, the following publication is available for purchase
from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), "Recommended Practice for DMX512: A Guide
for Users and Installers, 2nd edition" (ISBN: 9780955703522). USITT Contact Information:
USITT
315 South Crouse Avenue, Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13210-1844
Phone: [phone] or 1.315.463.6463
www.usitt.org
Philips Strand Lighting Limited Two-Year Warranty
Philips Strand Lighting offers a two-year limited warranty of its products against defects in materials or
workmanship from the date of delivery. A copy of Philips Strand Lighting two-year limited warranty containing
specific terms and conditions can be obtained by contacting your local Philips Strand Lighting office.
When using electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed including the following:
a. READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
b. Do not use outdoors.
c. Keep dry. This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if exposed to high levels of
humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.
d. Do not mount near gas or electric heaters.
e. Keep away from strong magnetic fields. Do not use or place this device in vicinity of equipment that
generates strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. Strong static charges or strong
magnetic fields produced by equipment such as radio transmitters could interfere with the display or
affect the product's internal circuitry.
f. Equipment should be mounted in locations and at heights where it will not readily be subjected to
tampering by unauthorized personnel.
g. The use of accessory equipment not recommended by the manufacturer may cause an unsafe
condition.
h. Do not use this equipment for other than intended use.
i. Refer service to qualified personnel.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING: You must have access to a main circuit breaker or other power disconnect device
before installing any wiring. Be sure that power is disconnected by removing fuses or turning the
main circuit breaker off before installation. Installing the device with power on may expose you to
dangerous voltages and damage the device. A qualified electrician must perform this installation.
WARNING: Refer to National Electrical Code® and local codes for cable specifications. Failure to
use proper cable can result in damage to equipment or danger to personnel.
WARNING: This equipment is intended for installation in accordance with the National Electric
Code® and local regulations. It is also intended for installation in indoor applications only. Before
any electrical work is performed, disconnect power at the circuit breaker or remove the fuse to avoid
shock or damage to the control. It is recommended that a qualified electrician perform this
installation.

Operation Guide 250ML Lighting Control Consoles
3TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Philips Strand Lighting Offices .......................................................................................................................................... 1
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Warnings and Notices......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Additional Resources for DMX512.................................................................................................................................... 2
Philips Strand Lighting Limited Two-Year Warranty........................................................................................................ 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
About this Guide......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Included Items............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
OVERVIEW
Basic Console Layout................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Console Features and Connections............................................................................................................................................. 7
Power Switch...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Power Input......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Ethernet Port (RJ45) ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Faceplate USB Port (Library Storage)................................................................................................................................ 7
Rear USB Port .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
VGA Out (Monitor)............................................................................................................................................................ 7
MIDI In/Thru...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
DMX512 In (1 Connection)................................................................................................................................................ 7
DMX512 Out (2 Connections) ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Connecting Power....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Glossary of Terms....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Text Conventions........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
CONSOLE SETUP
Main Menu................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Setup ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Record Options ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Lock/Unlock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11
MIDI Setup ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Playback Setup.................................................................................................................................................................. 12
DMX In Setup................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Display Setup.................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Patch.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Patching Conventions....................................................................................................................................................... 15
Patch Screen...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Viewing Patch................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Range Patching ................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Removing Patching Assignment....................................................................................................................................... 17
Patching Intelligent Fixtures............................................................................................................................................. 17
Patch/Unpatch Fixture to DMX Address.......................................................................................................................... 18
Fixture Pages..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Pan/Tilt Options................................................................................................................................................................ 20
OPERATION
Console VGA Monitor Display Attributes............................................................................................................................... 22
Console 7-Inch Display Attributes ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Channels and Channel Levels................................................................................................................................................... 23
Assigning Channel Levels ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Intensity on Encoder......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Releasing Channels........................................................................................................................................................... 24
Recording A Cue ...................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Cue Options ...................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Record (Minus Subs) Cue................................................................................................................................................. 27
Running a Cue .......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
# Pausing A Cue ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Playback Operation................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Cue List..................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Cue List Options............................................................................................................................................................... 29

4
250ML Lighting Control Consoles Operation Guide
Recording a Submaster............................................................................................................................................................. 30
Submaster Pages ............................................................................................................................................................... 30
Submaster Options............................................................................................................................................................ 31
Record (Minus Subs) Submaster .............................................................................................................................................. 34
Recording a Playback ............................................................................................................................................................... 35
Record Playback Options.................................................................................................................................................. 36
Recording an Effect .................................................................................................................................................................. 37
Record Effect Options ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
Cue/Submaster Preview............................................................................................................................................................ 39
Submaster List .......................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Editing a Submaster.......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Editing a Submaster Effect ............................................................................................................................................... 41
Edit a Submaster Playback ............................................................................................................................................... 42
FX List...................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Recording a Group.................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Applying Groups....................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Basic Automated Luminaire Control........................................................................................................................................ 43
Home................................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Paging the Fixture Display ............................................................................................................................................... 45
Tagging and Untagging .................................................................................................................................................... 45
Palettes...................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Recording a Palette........................................................................................................................................................... 46
Applying A Palette............................................................................................................................................................ 46
Accessing Fixtures using Channel Numbers.................................................................................................................... 47
Focus......................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
S9-Show List..................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Automated Luminaire Effects................................................................................................................................................... 48
Archive...................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Save Show......................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Clear Memory / Subs........................................................................................................................................................ 50
Clear Palettes .................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Default Setup .................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Load Show........................................................................................................................................................................ 51
Effects Tutorial ......................................................................................................................................................................... 52
Creating an Intensity Effect.............................................................................................................................................. 52
MAINTENANCE
Reset Desk ................................................................................................................................................................................ 54
Update Software ....................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Update VGA Screen ................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Test Mode ................................................................................................................................................................................. 56
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Specification ............................................................................................................................................................................. 57
Console Capacities.................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Principle Features ..................................................................................................................................................................... 58

Operation Guide 250ML Lighting Control Consoles
5PREFACE
PREFACE
1. About this Guide
Congratulations on your purchase of your Philips Strand Lighting 250ML Control Console. It is a compact lighting
control console, versatile, powerful, and the perfect desk to introduce you to the world of intelligent fixture control.
Every unit has been thoroughly tested and carefully packed before shipment.
Unpack the shipping carton carefully, saving the carton and all packing materials for
possible later use. Refer to"Included Items" for a complete list of items and accessories
that are provided as part of your console.
Note: Check carefully that your product has not been damaged and that there are no
accessories missing. If your product appears to be damaged or missing any accessories,
please do not use the console and contact your Authorized Philips Strand Lighting Dealer
immediately.
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly, as it gives important information
regarding safety, use and maintenance. Keep this manual with the console for possible
future reference.
You can use the QR code (to the right) on any QR code enabled smartphone to connect directly to the 250ML Control
Console product page and download the product manual or other product data.
Note: This version of the Operation Guide covers software version 1.1.x. Should your 250ML Control Console need
to be upgraded, go to www.strandlighting.com and click on the product downloads area in the Support section for the
latest software available.
2. Included Items
Each 250ML Lighting Control Console includes the following items:
• Lighting control console (with integrated video [VGA] card)
• Console dust cover
• Universal voltage power supply
• USB key drive
•LEDdesklamp
• 250ML Console QuickStart Guide (not this document)
Note: Monitors, cables and other accessories are not included and are sold separately. For available accessories,
please contact you local Authorized Strand Lighting Dealer. A list of Authorized Dealers is located on the Strand
Lighting web site at www.strandlighting.com.
250ML Control Console
Product Page

Basic Console Layout 6
250ML Lighting Control Consoles Operation Guide
OVERVIEW
1. Basic Console Layout
Power Switch
DMX512A (RDM) Out
(2 each)
DMX512A (RDM) In
VGA Out
(Monitor)
Power Input
Ethernet Port (RJ45)
USB Port *
MIDI In/Thru
250ML Console - Rear Panel Connections
A B C D F
G
H
I
E
JL K
A. 24 Faders / Submasters
B. Playback Master
C. Programming LCD Display
D. USB Port (showfile storage, USB key sold separately)
E. Main Console LCD Color Display
F. Grand Master
G. Black Out Button
H. Softkeys (10 each)
I. Encoders (4 each)
J. Programming Buttons
K. A / B Playback Controls (with Go and Load buttons)
L. 24 Bump Buttons
Legend
(*For USB LED desk lamp. Not for showfile storage.)
THRU
MIDI T HRU

Operation Guide 250ML Lighting Control Consoles
7OVERVIEW
2. Console Features and Connections
Power Switch
Turns console On or Off. Note, turning off this switch does not disconnect power from console.
Power Input
Power into console from universal (AC to DC) power supply. Refer to the QuickStart guide supplied with console on
how to connect power using provided power supply. The power supply shipped with your 250ML Control Console is
an auto-ranging, universal voltage supply. It operates between 90 to 240 VAC.
Ethernet Port (RJ45)
For future expansion of Ethernet protocols.
Faceplate USB Port (Library Storage)
USB connection for connection of a USB drive to load libraries, save shows, or update console software.
Rear USB Port
USB port for connection of USB LED desk lamp connection. Not for showfile storage.
VGA Out (Monitor)
VGA connection for driving a VGA video monitor. Refer to the QuickStart guide supplied with console for VGA
connections. Note, video monitor sold separately.
MIDI In/Thru
The console provides two standard 6-pin MIDI connectors. The MIDI In can connect to a MIDI generator and the
MIDI Thru can connect to another MIDI device.
DMX512 In (1 Connection)
DMX512 input connection for DMX512 signals from another console or device.
DMX512 Out (2 Connections)
The console provides two standard, female XLR 5-pin connector for connecting to, and controlling, DMX512
devices. DMX512 is for outputting to a universe of DMX devices for your primary output. This can include dimmers,
LED fixtures, and moving lights.
Note: For more information on DMX512, refer to "Additional Resources for DMX512" on page 2.
3. Connecting Power
To connect the power supply:
Step 1. Make sure unit's power switch is set to "Off"
Step 2. Connect DC connector from power supply to DC IN on console.
Step 3. Connect power supply to AC supply source.
Step 4. Turn on console at Console On / Off Switch.
Note: You must connect the console to the lighting system via DMX512 before it is capable of providing control.
Refer to the QuickStart Guide provided with the console for DMX512 connection information.
4. Glossary of Terms
This section covers some of the common terms used throughout this manual.
•Fader / Submaster / Playback - Slider hardware to control the level of stored information.
•Fader / Submaster / Playback Bump Button - button hardware that activates the stored information
on the submaster or playback.
•Playback Master - a master inhibitive slider for all playback data.

Glossary of Terms 8
250ML Lighting Control Consoles Operation Guide
•A and B Master - master inhibitive sliders for A and B playbacks. A is at 100% at the top end of its travel
while the B is at 100% at the bottom end of its travel. This allows the execution of dipless crossfades by moving
both sliders in the same direction.
•GO - advances the next available cue.
•LOAD - allows the preparation for the next cue advanced by the [GO] button.
•Programming LCD Display- this small LCD display will display pertinent information based on the active
item being programmed or played back. This screen also shows the function of the four softkeys labeled (F1) -
(F4).
•Programming Buttons - these allow for traditional Command Line operation for setting levels and storing
items like Cues and Subs.
•Record - command used to store information.
•Cue - cues are items to be played back in time and in sequential order.
•ON - level of 100%. Example: [1] [ON]
•Thru - allows a collection of a range of channels. Example: [1] [THRU] [5] [ON].
•0 thru 9 - numerical entry key for Command Line operation.
•Plus "+" - allows the addition of channels to a Command Line string. Example: [1] [+] [2] [ON]. Also if pressed
without a pre-existing channel list, it will Page Up the channel display. If the Fixture button is selected, it will Page
Up the Fixture display.
•Minus "-"- allows the subtraction of channels to a Command Line string. Example: [1] [THRU] [5] [-] [3] [ON].
This will place 1, 2, 4, and 5 at Full. Also if pressed without a pre-existing channel list, it will Page Down the chan-
nel display. If the Fixture button is selected, it will Page Down the Fixture display.
•AT "@" - command that tells the desk that the next numerical entry is a level of brightness. Example: [1] [@] [5]
[0] [ENTER].
•CLR - clears the Command Line plus releases channels. CLR will remove the last command entered into the
Command Line. In the event that there is nothing entered into the Command Line, [CLR] [CLR] will release all
Selected Channels (in the Red Box) a third [CLR] shall release all Adjusted Channels (Red Text).
•Decimal "." - allows the entry of DMX values rather than percentage values. Example: [1] [@] [.] [2] [5] [5]
[ENTER].
•ENTER - allows the completion of any command entered into the Command Line. Example: [1] [@] [5] [0]
[ENTER], [RECORD] [CUE] [1] [ENTER].
•Arrow Up and Arrow Down (adjacent to the small LCD screen) - Allows the ability to change pages.
•Untag - This button has multiple functions. It can untag (deselect) fixtures, attribute families or individual
attributes. See Tagging and Untagging for details. Selecting SHIFT + UNTAG allows the user entry in the Setup
pages for system configuration settings.
•Home - sets the channel or fixture back to its default position.
•Fixture- fixture is the term for attributed luminaires (LEDs and Moving Lights). This button allows access to the
patched attributed luminaires.
•Position - allows access to programming for position attributes on an attributed luminaire.
•Color - allows access to programming for color attributes on an attributed luminaire.
•Beam - allows access to programming for beam parameters on an attributed luminaire.
•Effect - allows access to programming for effect parameters on an attributed luminaire.
•Group - Allows access to programming a collection of channels or fixtures.
•Grand Master - an inhibitive master for all outputting intensity levels.
•Blackout Button - single button access that will set all outputting intensity levels to zero.

Operation Guide 250ML Lighting Control Consoles
9OVERVIEW
•Main Console LCD Display - primary programming display. This 7-inch color display will display the
Command Line, recording commands, all configuration information, 10 softkey labels and 4 encoder's informa-
tion.
•Shift - used to gain access to the Setup environment as well as access to additional advanced commands.
•Shift + UNTAG = Setup
•Shift + ENTER= Encoder Intensity control on selected channels.
•Shift + Encoders = can gain access to advanced features on some items. For example, on Fade Up /
Fade Down this will allow for time adjustment in 1/10th second.
5. Text Conventions
When a key is referred to in the manual it will be in hard brackets. For instance [RECORD] would refer to the record
button. A softkey command on the LCD screen will be written inside ( ). So for instance the (S9-Enter) would refer to
a softkey option available on the LCD screen. For operational information, refer to "OPERATION" on page 22.
The example in Figure 1 represents any command button like Record used in teaching examples.
Figure 1: Command Button Example
The example in Figure 2 represents any bump button or softkey used in teaching examples.
Figure 2: Bump Button Example