Zero88 ORB Series User manual

English 2.0
Quick Start Guide
ORB Series

1
Introduction
This Manual
This manual describes the operation of the ORB Series of lighting desks. This chapter contains an overview
of the capabilities and controls of the ORB desks.
The Quick Start Tutorial chapter is designed to get you up and running with the desks, but is not a substitute for the
whole manual. For more detail on each function, the full manual is divided into chapters, one for each major area of
control.
The ORB Series are two powerful lighting desks which can be set up in many different ways - experience is the best
way of fully learning the desks. Through time you will develop your own operating style.
Throughout this manual the following conventions are used:
References to front panel controls, buttons and lights appear in capital letters, for example:
GRAND MASTER, COLOUR, <UDK3>.
Soft buttons which appear on the monitor are displayed as follows:
[Desk Setup], [Values].
Syntax keys which appear on the LCD screen above the main keypad are displayed as follows:
{Knockout}, {Close}, {Merge}.
The ORB Series
The ORB Series of lighting control desks come from a heritage of control system development which spans almost
15 years. The software base, ZerOS, is also featured on the Frog 2 and Leap Frog 48 & 96 ranges. The hardware
combines the latest in high tech embedded processing with powerful, ergonomic control interfaces.
The ORB features a traditional theatrical layout, including ten playback faders capable of functioning as playbacks or
submasters. This console is ideal for users who wish to playback in a traditional theatrical format, with a pre-built cue
stack.
The ORB XF replaces these ten playback faders with 60 Multi Function Faders (MFFs) which can function as Channels,
Submasters or Playbacks. This console is more suited to users who require exibility in playback and a simpler
programming approach.
The following section is a summary of the main functions of the ORB Series of lighting desks.

2
Introduction
Graphical Interface
The ORB Series of desks operate a graphical interface which is provided by up to two external monitors.
All the setup, programming, playback and output information is displayed graphically on the monitor screens.
Each desk provides two XGA outputs on the rear panel. The monitors are used extensively to display information
and shortcut buttons.
Two touch screens can be connected to each desk via VGA and USB ports as an option to provide you with easier
input facilities.
Keys on the front panel enable quick and direct access to the various monitor screens.
Cursor keys and an internal trackball on the front panel allow you to move around the monitor. These functions may
also be be mimicked using a USB keyboard and mouse.
Command Line
The primary method of programming the ORB Series desk is via a command line, which is displayed on the monitors.
Commands can be entered using the front panel keys, control wheels, external keyboard or by clicking on objects with
the mouse or trackball. Each command must be actioned by the ENTER key.
Above the command line is a 'Suggested Commands' bar which indicates the next available keys in your command syntax.
Control Channels
Both desks have 2048 channels of control. These can be assigned and patched as any number of Fixtures, across the
4 DMX universes available.
Fixtures
Every device controlled by an ORB Series desk is known as a Fixture. Fixtures can be a simple generic dimmer channel,
or a complex DMX device such as a colour scroller, LED xture or moving head (eg VL3000, MAC 700). Any item
controllable via a DMX signal can be assigned as a xture on the desk.
In the ORB Series, dimmer channels are a simple xture with one parameter. Moving heads, moving mirrors, LED and
Video systems controlled by DMX are xtures with multiple parameters.
Within the Fixture Library, the ORB Series desk is told which channels control which parameters of the xture. These are
then grouped into Position, Colour and Beamshape.
Fixtures can be given a user dened name and number, for ease of reference.
Fixtures can be patched to any of the DMX output channels (1- 512) on any of the DMX universes (1- 4).
Fixture parameters can be manipulated from within the Output Window, from where they can be added to cues, palettes,
submasters, user dened keys, or macros.
Cues, Cue Stacks and Playbacks
The ORB Series allows you to record cues, for use in any of the 1000 user programmable cue stacks. Each cue can have
a number, name, trigger, a wait time (auto cues) and a set of delay and fade times. It is possible to give each parameter
of each Fixture their own individual fade and delay times in each cue.
The ORB provides 10 playbacks, which can be switched between 100 pages. The ORB XF also has 1000 cue stacks,
accessible through the bottom 20 MFFs and the Master Playback.

3
Groups
The desks provide 1000 user denable groups. Automatic groups for each xture type in the schedule can be generated
from the Setup area if required.
Palettes
The desks provide 1000 user programmable palettes for each of the four attributes (Colour, Beamshape, Position and
Effects).
User Definable Keys (UDKs)
The desks provide 20 pages of 10 User Denable Keys. The UDKs may be assigned to Groups, Fixtures, Palettes,
Effects, Cues, or channel data.
Multi Function Faders (MFFs)
The ORB XF is equipped with 60 Multi Function Faders. These can be used in various ways;
Faders 1- 40 can be used as Channels or Submasters
Faders 41- 60 can be used as Channels, Submasters or Playbacks
In each of these modes there are various settings to dene the behaviour of these faders. These functions are detailed
later in this manual.
Submasters
Submasters are scenes stored onto faders. These are played back by raising the fader and are removed from the
output by lowering the fader.
The ORB provides 20 pages of upto 60 Submasters. The Submasters may be played back via DMX In or by converting
the Playback Masters into Submasters.
The ORB XF provides 20 pages of upto 60 Submasters which are mapped to the Multi Function Faders.
Intensity and Attribute Control on the ORB Series
The desks have two distinct channel types: Intensity channels and Attribute channels (Colour, Beam and Position).
The main difference is that Intensity channels can be ashed, are mixed with their source's Master Fader and the
GRAND MASTER, and can have distinct Fade Up and Fade Down times.
When you play back a cue, park a channel, or manually manipulate a channel in the programmer, you give ownership
of the channel to that specic area of the desk.
When a channel is owned the programmed value (or series of values if it is dened as a chase or effect) is output.
However, the previous owner(s) are not forgotten, and go into a history list.
When an item is released, it loses it's place in the history, whether it currently owns them or not. The most recent
owner in the history will then regain ownership, and hence control the output of that channel.
If a channel is not owned by any source, then it will output zero for an Intensity channel, or it's default value for an
Attribute channel.
You can toggle a Source View for the Output Window by using the syntax VIEW {Source}. This will show you where
the values are coming from.

4
Front Panel Controls
ORB
This section of the manual describes the controls and displays on the front panel of the ORB Series desks.
The ORB front panel controls have been divided into the following sections:
Figure 1 - ORB Front Panel Controls
Grand Master and
Blackout (Page 6)
Playbacks (Page 7) User Denable Keys
(UDKs) (Page 11)
Control Wheels
(Page 12)
Keypad & Syntax
Keys (Page 10)
Function Keypad
(Page 9)
Master Playbacks
(Page 8)

ORB XF
The ORB XF front panel controls have been divided into the following sections:
Figure 2 - ORB XF Front Panel Controls
Grand Master and
Blackout (Page 6)
Multi Function Faders
(Page 8)
User Denable Keys
(UDKs) (Page 11)
Control Wheels
(Page 12)
Keypad & Syntax
Keys (Page 10
Function Keypad
(Page 9)
Master Playbacks
(Page 8)
5

6
Grand Master and Blackout
Figure 3 - Grand Master and Blackout
Grand Master and Blackout
The GRAND MASTER fader
allows you to temporarily limit
the output values of all dimmer
channels. The Grand Master
level is displayed on the monitor
screen task bar. In normal
operation the Grand Master
should be at 100%.
The BLACKOUT key enables
you to lock the dimmer outputs
from the desk at 0%, regardless
of the level of the Grand Master
Fader. Pressing the BLACKOUT
key toggles between enabled
and disabled. The red LED in the
BLACKOUT key ashes when
blackout is enabled and BLK is
displayed on the monitor screen.

7
Playbacks
Playbacks - ORB
Playbacks are used as the main programming and playback area of ORB. These playbacks can function in one of two
ways - as Cue Lists (also known as Cue Stacks), or as Submasters.
The ORB has 10 playbacks, which can be paged between Page 1 and Page 100. Each page contains a new set of
10 playbacks, giving a total of 1000 playbacks available for programming.
Each playback has a number of controls available:
Figure 4 - Playbacks
A number of additional controls are available for releasing cue stacks and activating cue stacks on the Master Playback.
These are detailed in later sections.
The Master Fader
allows you to
override the
programmed
dimmer level.
A PAUSE key
temporarily stops
a fade whilst in
progress. Double
pressing the PAUSE
key acts as a BACK
function.
The GO key
advances to the next
programmed cue on
that stack.
A SELECT key
allows you to select
the playback for
programming or
manipulation on the
Master Playbacks.
The STACK PAGE
key is used to select
the required page
of playbacks, by
entering the required
number in syntax
(eg STACK PAGE 5
ENTER).
The currently active
page is indicated
on the LCD screen
above each play-
back, together with
the stack name,
current and next cue
information.

Multi Function Faders - ORB XF
Multi Function Faders are used as the main programming and playback area of the ORB XF. These faders can function
in one of three ways - as Channels (Dimmers), Submasters (Scenes) or Cue Stacks (Playbacks).
The ORB XF has 60 MFFs, which can be paged to access all the channels, submasters and cue stacks on the desk.
Each MFF has a number of controls available:
Master Playbacks
The master playbacks allow for more advanced playback control: ORB XF
ORB
Figure 6 - Master Playbacks
8
Multi Function Faders & Master Playbacks
Figure 5 - Multi Function Faders
The bottom bank of
MFFs can also be
used as Playbacks.
In this mode, the
Flash button is used
as a GO button.
The Release key can be used to
release any of the Playbacks.
The (Select) Stack button can be
used for selecting a particular cue
stack for editing.
Two playback faders can be
assigned as A/B crossfade masters
or as an Intensity master and
override fader for the stack.
Large GO and PAUSE keys run and
stop cues on the selected stack.
The Fader Func. button is used to
switch the function of the MFFs.
Each Multi Function
Fader in the top
two banks offers
two possible
functions - Channel
or Submaster.
Below each MFF is
a ash button which
can be used to
ash, select, solo or
otherwise modify a
channel. The exact
behaviour of this
button is dened
by the type of fader
assigned.

9
Function Keypad
Function Keypad
Figure 7 - Function Keypad
SETUP is used to enter and
exit SETUP and to congure
programmed items.
CUE ONLY is used when
programming to prevent the
changes in a cue applying to
later cues.
UPDATE allows you to merge
new information into existing
data.
NAME is used to set a name on
any programmed item.
DELETE is used to remove
programmed items.
TIME and DELAY are used to
adjust the fade and delay times.
COPY TO & MOVE TO are used
to relocate and copy data from
one place to another.
The CLEAR key is used to clear
out data from the programmer,
releasing those channels from
control.
TRY CUE lets you try out a
crossfade before programming
the cue.
LOAD allows you to bring back
a programmed item into the
programmer for alteration.
GROUP species a range
of channels to be controlled
together.
CUE and SUB allows you to
specify where you wish to record,
edit and playback information.
RECORD is used to store an
item.
TRACK allows you to record
cues tracking forwards from that
point.
SMART TAG allows you
to engage the Smart Tag
function to automatically tag
required channels.
BLIND allows you to enter and
leave BLIND mode, which can be
used for adjusting cues without
affecting the output of the desk.
VIEW allows you to alter the
monitor screen layouts and recall
programmed views.

Keypads and Syntax Keys
Figure 8 - Keypads and Syntax Keys
10
Keypads & Syntax Keys
The syntax keys (and LCD)
follow syntax and provide
additional functions according
to what you've entered.
The + and - keys are used
for relative adjustment of
levels. e.g. 1 @ +10 ENTER
The / key is used for
separating cue & stack
numbers, or fade up/down
times.
The numeric keys (0-9) are
used for entering numeric
data (eg group no, palette no,
cue no, channel levels, DMX
addresses etc).
The UNDO key undoes the
last command entered.
The MACRO key allows you
to record and run macros to
speed up programming.
The SHIFT key alters the
function of most keys on the
desk.
The backspace key (f)
moves the last instruction
entered on the command line.
The . key is used to indicate
decimal points in cue names
and in syntax for setting 0%
intensity.
The ENTER key is used for
conrming of completing
commands.
The AT (@) key is used when
setting intensity levels or
DMX addresses.
The FULL key is used to set
the intensity of the selected
xture(s) to FULL (ie 100%).
The THRU key is used for
selecting a range of items.
The AND key is used for
adding items to a list.
The EXCEPT key is used for
removing items from a list.

11
User Definable Keys
User Definable Keys (UDKs)
In addition to playbacks, ORB Series desks feature 10 User Deneable Keys (UDKs) which can be assigned to many
different functions.
Figure 9 - User Definable Keys (UDKs)
The current contents of the UDK
are displayed on the LCD display,
together with the current page
number.
The UDK page (ORB) can be
changed by pressing the UDK
PAGE button and entering the
required number in syntax (eg
UDK PAGE 4 ENTER). On ORB
XF this function uses the PAGE
key and a {UDK} softkey.
Pressing SHIFT and a UDK
opens the UDK Window on the
monitor to display the contents
of the UDKs.
Each key can be assigned a
different function (Macro, Palette,
Scene, etc) and action (Flash,
Latch, Solo, etc).
The HELP key (ORB XF) can be
used to access the online help
on ORB XF. On ORB, the ? in
the top right hand corner of the
monitor screens opens the Help
system.

12
Attribute & Cursor Keys & Control Wheels
Attribute & Cursor Keys & Control Wheels
Figure 10 - Attribute & Cursor Keys & Control Wheels
The attribute keys (POSITION,
COLOUR, BEAM and EFFECTS)
are used when adjusting xture
parameters and also when
recording, referencing and
outputting palettes and effects.
Each of these keys contains
a yellow light, which is lit when
the attribute is selected.
The MORE key pages the
Syntax Keys to display more
options.
The intensity wheel is used for
adjusting the intensity of the
currently selected xture(s).
The intensity level is displayed
on the LCD screen above the
wheel.
The three control wheels are
used for setting and adjusting
xture parameters and other
data levels. The parameters that
are currently assigned to the
control wheels are shown on
the LCD, together with their
current value.
The trackball and three
trackball buttons are used for
manipulating the mouse on the
monitor screens, and also for
Position control of moving
lights. See page 143 of the
full User Manual for more
information.
The arrow keys are used to
move around elds on the
active monitor screen.

Attribute & Cursor Keys & Control Wheels
13
Front Panel Controls
Quick Start Tutorial
Getting Started
Prior to powering up the desk, it is essential to attach all the peripherals you require. Both desks have support for
a USB Keyboard and Mouse, two XGA monitors (or touch screens) and a desk light on 3 pin XLR. These must be
connected before powering up as subsequent connection could result in software or hardware malfunctions.
Once you've connected all the peripherals you require, power on the desk using the switch on the rear panel. If you
see no immediate response, check you have the power switch set to ON, and that the IEC lead is rmly attached to
the power inlet.
When you power on the desk, the desk will run through its power up routine and after a short while you will be
presented with the desk software in its default conguration.
Setting Up the Desk
Before you start programming cues etc, you will need to set up the desk.
The desk comes with a default patch of channels - on ORB, 1 to 96 are assigned to DMX addresses 1 to 96 on DMX
universe 1 as standard Dimmer xtures. On ORB XF, 1 to 240 are assigned to 1 to 240 on DMX universe 1. If this
situation matches your installation then you can skip ahead from this section.
Press the SETUP key to display the Setup Window on Monitor 1.
Setup is intended to give you access to the core settings for the ORB desks. As such, you shouldn't need to enter
the Setup area during a show. It is, however also used for saving and loading of show les, so during programming
you may wish to enter Setup occasionally to take a backup.
Adding Fixtures
Once in the Setup screen, the rst task you need to perform is to assign the xtures in your rig to the desk’s xture
schedule.
Press the [Patch Wizard] button on the monitor using the trackball, using the left click button above the ball.
The Patch Wizard will appear and guide you through adding some xtures.

14
Grand Master and Blackout
Figure 11 - Patch Wizard (Step 1 - Manufacturer Selection)
First the wizard allows you to select the xture manufacturer.
Scroll down or use the cursor keys to select the required manufacturer (eg MARTIN). If you have a keyboard connected,
you can press the M key to jump straight to manufacturers beginning with M.
Press the [Next] button (or ENTER on the keyboard) to move to the next step.
Figure 12 - Patch Wizard (Step 2 - Fixture Selection)
Scroll down or use the cursor keys to select the required xture type (eg MAC 700 Prole).
Note - Fixture Types
If the xture type you require is not in the xture library stored on the desk you can import the xture type - see Setup
chapter in the full manual for full details.
Quick Start Tutorial

15
Quick Start Tutorial
Press the [Next] button to select the xture Mode. It is important that the mode set here matches the mode set on the
xture itself - if in doubt, consult the xture operating manual for full details.
Figure 13 - Patch Wizard (Step 3 - Mode Selection)
Once the Mode has been selected, press the [Next] button to move on and enter the DMX address for the xture.
If you have not yet set this on the xtures themselves, press the [Next Address] button and the desk will calculate
a DMX address for you based on the existing patch information.
It is important here to ensure that the correct DMX universe is selected.
Figure 14 - Patch Wizard (Step 4 - DMX Address Entry)
Once the address is congured, press the [Next] button and enter the quantity of the xture required. The monitor screen
will tell you the number of xtures and control channels remaining to ensure you do not exceed these limits.
The nal step in the Patch Wizard is to assign a xture number to the xtures. The xture number is the number you will
refer to the xture as within the desk software. Enter the number and press [Finish].

Figure 15 - Patch Wizard (Step 5 - Quantity)
The Patch Wizard is now complete and your xtures have been assigned. The xtures should now have moved to their
Home positions.
You can repeat the Patch Wizard for every group of xtures you have.
Exiting Setup
Once you have nished making changes to the setup, press the [SETUP] button to leave Setup. The indicator light
will go out to inform you that you have exited Setup mode.
16
Quick Start Tutorial

17
Main User Interface
Main User Interface
Figure 16 - Main User Interface
The command line shows the
commands you've entered on
both monitors.
The cue stack window shows
the selected cue stack and all
the cues which that stack
contains.
The group window shows
groups of all your xtures.
The Output Window is central to the operation of the ORB Series. It is
recommended that the Output Window is displayed on one of the monitor
screens when programming cues, palettes, UDKs etc. The colour coding
also helps to see what direction a channel has faded.
The palette windows show the
various recorded palettes and
can be clicked to access a
palette (or pressed if using a
touchscreen).

18
Controlling Dimmers
Controlling Dimmers
The intensity parameter of xture(s) can be controlled by entering commands directly via the numeric keypad
or by using the corresponding control wheel.
Intensity levels can be set for a single xture or a number of xtures using the following syntax:
1 @ N ENTER
This sets the intensity output of xture 1 to N %.
1 FULL ENTER
This sets the intensity output of xture 1 to 100 %.
2 AND 3 @ N ENTER
This sets the intensity output of xtures 2 and 3 to N %.
2 AND 3 FULL ENTER
This sets the intensity output of xtures 2 and 3 to 100 %.
5 THRU 10 @ N ENTER
This sets the intensity output of xtures 5 to 10 to N %.
5 THRU 10 EXCEPT 7 @ {wheel}
This sets the intensity of channels 5,6,8,9,10 to the level on the wheel
5 THRU 10 FULL ENTER
sets the intensity output of xtures 5 to 10 to 100 %.
Using the Control Wheel
The Intensity channel of a xture can also be adjusted by control wheel.
First select the xture(s) required as described above and then use the intensity wheel to adjust the level.
The output value is shown on the LCD screen above the corresponding control wheel.
Using the MFFs (ORB XF only)
The Intensity channel of a xture can also be adjusted by using the MFFs on ORB XF.
First ensure that the MFFs are running in Channel mode – this is indicated by the LED in Fader Func. being lit Green.
If the MFFs aren’t in Channel mode, press Fader Func., then select {Channels} {1-60} on the Syntax LCD.
With the MFFs in the correct mode, channels can be adjusted by moving the appropriate fader. If a channel already
has a level, for example set through syntax, then you must ‘grab’ the level by moving the fader up to the present
value. Once that value is grabbed, the MFF gains control.
Tip - No Intensity Output?
If the intensity output levels do not change when you send any of the above commands to a xture, or adjust
the intensity level using the wheel, check that the GRAND MASTER fader is at full and the BLACKOUT button
is off. If the selected xture(s) have a Shutter parameter, check that the shutter is open. Check that the
Highlight key is not active by holding SHIFT and pressing HOME. For more troubleshooting tips, see page
156 of the full user manual.