VXCO Lighting Systems DMXCreator512MK2 User manual

User Manual
VXCO Lighting Systems
Switzerland
Email: [email protected]
Homepage: http://www.dmxcreator.com

DMXCreator Manual
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1 TABLE OF CONTENT
1 TABLE OF CONTENT ........................................................................................................ 2
REVISIONS:.............................................................................................................................. 3
2 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 A BOUT THIS MANUAL .............................................................................................................................4
2.2 L ANGUAGE ............................................................................................................................................4
3 THE CONCEPT................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 T HE H ARDWARE I NTERFACES ................................................................................................................5
4 INSTALLATION.................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 V ERIFICATION OF PACKAGE CONTENTS ...................................................................................................8
4.2 S UPPORTED O PERATING S YSTEMS ........................................................................................................9
4.3 S YSTEM R EQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................................9
4.4 I NSTALLATION OF S OFTWARE ...............................................................................................................10
4.5 H ARDWARE I NSTALLATION ...................................................................................................................10
5 WORKING WITH THE DMXCREATOR .............................................................................11
5.1 S TARTING THE SOFTWARE ...................................................................................................................11
5.2 C ONFIGURATION OF I NTERFACE WITHIN THE S OFTWARE ........................................................................11
6 THE SOFTWARE STRUCTURE........................................................................................12
6.1 S HOW .................................................................................................................................................12
6.2 S EQUENCE .........................................................................................................................................13
6.3 S CENE ................................................................................................................................................13
6.4 M ULTISEQUENCE ................................................................................................................................13
6.5 C UE ...................................................................................................................................................13
6.6 T HE M ASTER -M ODE ............................................................................................................................14
6.6.1 The different Master Modes ......................................................................................................14
7 DMX-SETUP ......................................................................................................................15
7.1 C HANGING THE DMX S TARTING A DDRESS ...........................................................................................16
7.2 R EMOVING FIXTURES FROM A S HOW ....................................................................................................16
7.3 S ETTING OF DMX- ADDRESS ON THE FIXTURES .....................................................................................17
7.4 D ELETING THE ENTIRE SETUP ...............................................................................................................17
7.5 C REATING A PRINTABLE DMX- SETUP REPORT ......................................................................................17
7.6 O PENING THE P ANEL D ESIGNER ..........................................................................................................17
7.7 A UTOMATIC I CON A RRANGEMENT ........................................................................................................17
7.8 E XIT THE DMX- SETUP .........................................................................................................................17
8 WORKING SURFACE........................................................................................................18
8.1 T RANSPORT - BAR .................................................................................................................................18
8.1.1 Elements in detail......................................................................................................................19
8.1.2 The Trigger Modes....................................................................................................................20
8.1.3 The Fade-Modes.......................................................................................................................21
8.1.4 The Scene Tool.........................................................................................................................22
8.2 T HE P LAN ...........................................................................................................................................23
8.2.1 The DMX-Monitor......................................................................................................................24
8.2.2 The Fader Panel........................................................................................................................24
8.2.3 The Plan / Multiplan...................................................................................................................25
8.2.4 The V/T-Editor ...........................................................................................................................26
8.2.5 The Track-Editor........................................................................................................................31
8.2.6 The Fixture Group Window .......................................................................................................34
8.2.7 The Sequence List.....................................................................................................................35

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8.2.8
The Multisequence Player.........................................................................................................36
8.2.9 The Cue-List..............................................................................................................................37
8.2.10 The Media-Player ......................................................................................................................37
8.2.11 The 3D Visual Emulator.............................................................................................................37
8.2.12 The Matrix Editor.......................................................................................................................43
8.2.13 The Multimedia Timeline Editor.................................................................................................46
8.3 T HE F IXTURE P ANEL ...........................................................................................................................49
8.3.2 The B/D/Z Buttons.....................................................................................................................50
9 THE MENUS ......................................................................................................................51
9.1 T HE S HOW M ENU ................................................................................................................................51
9.2 T HE S EQUENCES M ENU ......................................................................................................................51
9.3 T HE S CENES M ENU .............................................................................................................................51
9.4 T HE O PERATION M ENU .......................................................................................................................52
9.5 T HE S ETTINGS M ENU ..........................................................................................................................53
9.6 P HYSICAL M ASTER ..............................................................................................................................61
9.7 T HE V IEW M ENU .................................................................................................................................69
9.8 T HE F IXTURES M ENU ..........................................................................................................................69
9.9 T HE H ELP M ENU .................................................................................................................................69
10 STAND ALONE MODE...................................................................................................70
11 THE PANEL DESIGNER.................................................................................................80
12 TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................83
12.1 S UPPORT INFORMATION AND H OTLINE ..............................................................................................83
REVISIONS:
Doc.
version Date Software Version Changes
V1.0 15.10.00 V5.58 Initial
V1.1 24.04.01 V5.62 3D Visual Emulator, CMY-RGB,
V1.2 15.08.02 V5.7x Update Position Memory, DMX-Off, Panel structure, Dimmer, Focus
V1.3 15.02.03 V5.80 General refresh, added Remote control function and other details
V1.4 25.08.03 V5.81 Added DMXCreator512Basic Interfaces
V1.4 02.02.04 V5.81 Minor changes and corrections
V1.6 21.09.05 V5.87 Updated to 32 Multisequence Players, lots of details
V1.7 15.07.07 V5.93 Lots of new features, support for DMXCreator1024+
V1.9 29.08.08 V5.94K Expanded Stand Alone, Colour Master, Fade Bar, Save options
V2.0 13.10.09 V6.46 Support for 2’048 channels, new design…
V2.1 09.02.11 V6.50 Added DMXCreator128
V2.2 24.08.13 V6.61 New features like TouchPanel, Plan settings and more
V2.3 29.11.15 V6.95 Added new features and details

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2 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the DMXCreator! With this versatile and modern “tool”, the only limit to your light
show is your imagination! For club use, rental companies or architectural lighting, the DMXCreator is the
right choice for any number of professional tasks!
Here are some of the main features of the DMXCreator:
- PC-lighting controller for Windows™ based systems
- Suitable for desktop, industrial or notebook personal computers
- Control of fixtures using the dedicated DMX512 interfaces
- DMX input (available on DMXCreator512MK2, DMXCreator1024+, and DMXCreator1024
interfaces) with multiple possibilities for routing, recording or controlling
- Simultaneous control of up to 4’096 channels and fixtures, with a maximum of 256 DMX512
channels per fixture
- 128 output channels with the DMXCreator128 Interface
- 512 output channels (1 Universe) with the DMXCreator512Basic and DMXCreator512MK2
Interface (LPT)
- 1024 output channels (2 Universes) on the DMXCreator1024 and DMXCreator1024+ Interface
(USB)
- “Autonome (stand alone) mode” with DMXCreator512MK2 and DMXCreator1024+ for usage
without a PC
- “3D Visual Emulator” to preview the pre-programmed Show without physically connected fixtures
- Music trigger using the PC’s soundcard
- 32 “Multi Sequence Players”
- Graphical Pan/Tilt “Track Editor”
2.1 About this manual
We have attempted to lay out this manual as simple as possible. Many functions of the DMXCreator are
self explanatory and easy to understand. This manual is meant to introduce you to the world of the
DMXCreator, and to convey to you the basic skills to work with this versatile system. Of course, it also takes
a certain amount of creativity and fantasy to create an impressive light Show.
We encourage you to read through this manual attentively. For the fastest results, it is a good idea to try out
everything on your DMXCreator as we go along. This, of course, is also possible without having the actual
interface or fixtures attached to your computer.
All features are described in detail and some of them have visual aids to assist easy learning.
Software features described in this manual will be presented using square brackets.
E.g.: [load Show]
2.2 Language
The basic language of the DMXCreator software is English. However, if you like to have the main menus in
another language, open the “Help” menu and load the file dmxcreator.key from the corresponding folder.
on your installation CD or our homepage.
CD-ROM: Directory ...:\DMXCreator Software\Software\Language patches
On the internet: http://www.dmxcreator.com

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3 THE CONCEPT
The DMXCreator control system is composed of two parts in principle:
1. The PC- software
2. The DMX512 Hardware – Interface
In order to facilitate live shows, further devices can be used connected either to the PC, or directly to the
DMX512 hardware interface. For example: DMX fader desks, Midi keyboards etc.
3.1 The Hardware Interfaces
The Interfaces provide the gateway between your PC and your DMX512 compatible fixtures (i.e. scanners,
moving heads, fog machines etc.). To run the DMXCreator software you have to use one if this dedicated
interfaces. No third party interface will work.
The DMX Software is able to control the following DMX512 hardware interfaces:
1. DMXCreator512Basic & DMXCreator 128: USB-interface, 512 (128) channels of output, power
supplied through USB- port.
The DMXCreator128 is upgreadeable to 512 output channels. Please visit our homepage
www.dmxcreator.com to get more information on how to proceed.
2. DMXCreator512MK2: LPT interface, 512 channels of output, 512 channels of input,
autonome (stand alone) mode with keyboard control, external power supply (included in
shipment for some countries)
USB 2.0
DMX ouptut (3 Pin)
LPT connector
DMX Output
DMX input
PS-2 connector for keyboard

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Newer interfaces have a small pull relief loop on the side next to the DC socket. Loosen the screw and
thread the cable through the loop, and then refasten the screw.
3. DMXCreator1024: USB-interface, 1024 channels of output, 512 channels of input, power supplied
through USB-port
4. DMXCreator1024+: USB-interface, 1024 channels of output, 512 channels of input power supplied
through USB-port or through external power supply (included in shipment for some countries).
Pull relief loop for DC cable
Power supply
USB 1.0 connector
DMX Input
DMX Outputs 1 & 2
Link-LED (flashes during USB
transmission)
SD card holder
Midi IN connectorPS-2 connector for keyboard
USB 2.0 connector
Switch for USB or
external power supply

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Your DMX512 capable fixtures can be connected directly to the hardware interface. Make sure to only use
cables suitable for transmission of DMX512 data (No standard microphone cables!). Close each data line
using a 120 Ohm line terminator (connect terminator to the DMX-output of the last fixture in the line).
DMX input
DMX outputs 1 & 2
Power supply connector
(supplied*)
Pull relief loop for DC cable

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4 INSTALLATION
4.1 Verification of package contents
Please verify that you have received all components of the system. In case that something is missing,
please contact your DMXCreator dealer immediately.
DMXCreator512Basic & DMXCreator128:
- DMXCreator DMX512 hardware interface cable
- CD-ROM
- Printed manual
DMXCreator512MKII:
- 1 DMXCreator DMX512 hardware interface (red)
- 1 Centronics cable
- 1 CD-ROM
- 1 Power supply (AC, 9-12V, 700mA. Polarity is insignificant), may not be included in some
countries
- Printed manual
DMXCreator1024:
- DMXCreator DMX512 hardware interface (blue)
- USB (A to B) cable 1,8m
- CD-Rom
- Printed manual
DMXCreator1024+:
-1 x DMXCreator DMX512 Hardware Interface (orange)
-1 x USB (A to B) cable
-1 x CD_ROM
-1 Power supply (AC or DC, 9-12V, 700mA. polarity is insignificant), may not be included in some
countries
-1 x Printed manual
-1 x SD-Card min. 512MB

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4.2 Supported Operating Systems
The operating systems supported are dependent on the DMX512 interface used:
OS
DMXCreator512MK2
DMXCreator128,
512Basic
&
1024
&
1024+
Windows 95b OK (up to version 5.88) OK (up to version 5.88)
Windows 98 / SE OK (up to version 5.88) OK (up to version 5.88)
Windows ME Millennium OK (up to version 5.88) OK (up to version 5.88)
Windows 2000 OK (up to version 5.88) OK (up to version 5.88)
Windows NT OK (up to version 5.88) - (no USB-support)
Windows XP (use SP3) OK OK
Windows Vista 32bit OK (Administrator Mode) OK
Windows Vista 64bit - OK
Windows 7/8 32bit - OK
Windows 7/8/10 64bit - OK
4.3 System Requirements
PCs are flexible systems, and there are any amounts of possibilities to combine hardware and software.
The base for a stable work with the DMXCreator lies in a stable PC system. The DMXCreator software has
proven in countless tests that it works without problem on systems using a standard configuration.
The DMXCreator carries out millions of calculations per second, so that virtually all parameters are
rendered parallel and in real-time. The CPU load is mainly dependent on the following criteria:
- Number of occupied DMX512 channels
- 3D Visual emulator in use or not
- Single or Multi Sequence use
- DMX input enabled / disabled
- Audio trigger with low-pass filter enabled / disabled
Here a few tips on how to increase the stability of your PC:
1. Do not run other applications simultaneously to DMXCreator
2. Disable any Windows power save faction!
3. Un-install interfering printer drivers or printer management software (only DMXCreator512MK2)
4. Connect the interface directly to the PC whenever possible. Avoid intermediate devices like Zip drives
on the parallel port (DMXCreator512MK2), or USB Hubs.
Besides having the right operating system, and free ports for your interface, please be advised of the
following absolute minimum system requirements:
- IBM compatible PC
- Minimum Pentium CPU/ 100 Mhz
- 32 MB RAM
- VGA graphics card with SVGA resolution (800 X 600, 256 colours)
- 10 MB available hard disk space
- CD-ROM drive (for installation)
- Mouse

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Recommended system requirements for full use of all features:
- Minimum Intel Core 2 processor with 2.6Ghz
- 1 GB RAM
- Fast graphics card with UXGA resolution
- Soundcard / MIDI-Interface
4.4 Installation of Software
The next step is to install the DMXCreator software. Close all running applications on your PC.
Please make sure, that the DMXCreator Hardware interface is not connected to the PC right now.
1. Start up your computer
2. Insert the shipped product CD into the CD-Rom drive
3. Wait until the CD-Menu appears. (If no menu appears after 20seconds, change to your CD-Rom drive
and click on “Menu.exe”)
4. Choose “Install DMXCreator Software Vx.xx”
5. Setup will guide you through the installation process. Please also follow the driver installation for the
USB interfaces.
Once DMXCreator is installed, you can start it by clicking on the DMXCreator icon located in the
programs folder of the Windows start menu.
You can also find new software versions on our website at http://www.dmxcreator.com
If you install a software version above 6.0, it will be installed parallel to versions previously installed on the
PC. These versions may be de-installed separately. No Data will be deleted.
4.5 Hardware Installation
USB Interfaces: During the software installation you will be prompted to connect the USB interface and the
drivers will be installed automatically.
Warning!
Never disconnect a DMX512 interface while in use! This can lead to system crashes. VXCO Lighting
Systems will not be held responsible for any damages incurred through such misuse.
DMXCreator512MK2:
1. Plug the shipped Centronics cable to the DMX512 interface
2. Plug the other side of the cable to the free printer connector of your computer (LPT)
3. Connect the power supply to mains
4. Plug the power supply connector to the DMX512 interface (If your interface is equipped with a black
latch near the AC/DC connector, you may pull the power wire trough the latch to prevent unwanted “pull
off’s”
5. During work, the LED does Shows the beat detection trigger of the internal microphone circuit. This is
used in standalone mode only.
Note: Be sure that the printer port mode of your PC is set to bidirectional EPP / ECP mode. You can check
and change this in the Bios setup of your PC (at boot time). If your Printer port mode is not in this mode,
you may encounter problems if using the DMX-input or downloading a Show into the interface box for
standalone mode.