Zero88 SIRIUS 500 User manual

SIRIUS
500 & 250
OPERATOR'S
MANUAL

M Warnings and Disclaimers
Boring but Necessary
M Temporary Three Phase Supplies
When using a Sirius on portable or
temporary three phase supplies, ALWAYS
unplug the desk before connecting or
disconnecting the portable or temporary
supply.
M Cleaning the Sirius 500 / 250
Cleaning the paint finish on the surround of
the desk: DISCONNECT THE MAINS
SUPPLY. For best results use a soft brush
or moist sponge or cloth, and concentrated
or lightly thinned detergent. Before cleaning
moisten the surface evenly. Afterwards
wipe carefully and sparingly with water or
solvents to avoid a build-up of remainders of
detergent, which may in time prove difficult
to remove. Anti-static foam cleaner may also
be used.
APPLY WITH EXTREME CARE.
WATER/LIQUID CAUSES IRREPARABLE
DAMAGE IF IT PENETRATES THE
PAINTED SURFACE OF THE LIGHTING
CONTROL DESK, AND IS HARMFUL TO
THE ELECTRONICS. ALWAYS FOLLOW
THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS
ON DETERGENTS AND OTHER
CLEANERS.
M Floppy disk backups
Make two disks of all important data.
M Maintenance
Never allow the weight of the desk to rest on
the front panel controls. Place supports
under the surrounding edges.
M Use
This equipment is designed for use as a
lighting control desk only, and is unsuitable
for any other purpose. It should only be
used by, or under the supervision of, an
appropriately qualified or trained person.
M Fixture Data
Zero 88 Lighting Ltd. cannot be held
responsible for the accuracy of the fixture
data supplied with this desk, although every
effort has been made to verify the
information. Where possible manufacturers
fixture data has been used.
M For US Government Users
Embedded BIOS Version 3.1: U.S.
Government Restricted Rights Legend: This
Software is furnished with Restricted Rights.
Use, duplication, or disclosure of the
Software by the U.S. Government is subject
to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data
and Computer Software clause at
48 C.F.R. Sec. 252.227-7013 or in
subparagraphs (c) (1) and (2) of the
Commercial Computer Software-
Restricted Rights clause at 48 C.F.R.
Sec. 52-227-19, as applicable.
/pi/3
M Changes and Updates
Zero 88 Lighting Ltd. reserves the right to
make changes to the equipment described
in this manual without prior notice. E & OE.
M Operators Take Care!
Ergonomic instructions are detailed on
page 1-2. It is important to follow them.
M Trademarks
Trademarks that are the property of other
organisations are hereby acknowledged.
Sirius 500 & 250 Manual
Third issue - Jan 1998
Manual Stock No. 73-640-00
© Zero 88 Lighting Ltd. 1997
Software version: E002 October 1997
(Second Release)
Zero 88 Lighting Ltd.
Usk House
Llantarnam Park
Cwmbran
Gwent NP44 3HD
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]*
Fax: [phone]
* = 24 Hr Answer Phone
e-mail: [e-mail]
web: www.zero88.com
SIRIUS
500 & 250
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section One
Introduction
This Manual 1-1
Ergonomic Instructions 1-2
Overview 1-3
The Desk 1-4
External Connections 1-6
The Desk Controls 1-6
Master Controls 1-7
Section Two
Preset Mode
Introduction 2-1
Preset Controls 2-1
Turning on the Desk 2-2
Entering Presets Only Mode 2-2
Changing the Screen Display 2-2
Outputting a Scene 2-4
Fading Between Scenes 2-4
Timed Crossfades between Scenes 2-4
Flashing a Channel 2-4
Soloing Channels 2-4
Section Three
Program Mode
Introduction 3-1
Memory Controls 3-2
Memory Storage 3-3
Memory Types 3-3
Attribute Selection 3-4
Selecting Memories 3-4
Selecting Memory Numbers 3-5
Editing Times 3-5
Group Buttons 3-5
View Fixture Data 3-6
Find Function 3-6
Programming Memories
Moving Between Brightness Memories 3-7
Moving Between Colour, Beamshape and Position
Memories 3-7
Setting Up the Desk for Programming Brightness 3-7
Programming a Brightness Memory (Scene)
Using Presets 3-7
Programming a Brightness Memory (Scene)
Using 4 Wheel Drive®3-8
Reviewing a Brightness Memory 3-9
Submasters 3-10
/Piii/v3
Viewing the Content of any Submaster 3-10
Transferring to a Submaster Fader 3-10
Programming a Colour Memory
(Full Scene) 3-12
Programming a Beamshape Memory (Full Scene) 3-14
Programming a Position Memory (Full Scene) 3-16
Movement Effects 3-17
Modifying Memories
Editing a Brightness Memory 3-18
Setting up for Editing Brightness Memories 3-18
Adding a Channel to a Brightness Memory 3-18
Editing or Removing a Channel in a
Brightness Memory 3-18
Editing a Group of Channels in a
Brightness Memory 3-19
Editing an LTP Memory 3-19
Memory Removal 3-20
Programming a Zero Memory 3-20
Making a Chase Step Zero 3-20
Deleting a Memory 3-20
Blind Operation
Blind 3-21
Activating Blind 3-21
Blind Programming of a Brightness Memory
(Scene) Using Presets 3-21
Copying a Memory
Copying a Memory 3-22
Setting Up the Desk for Copying 3-22
Copying a Memory (Save As) 3-22
Copying a Memory into the Current Memory
(Copy From) 3-22
Copying Part of a Chase Memory (Save As) 3-22
Creating a Chase Memory from Other Memories
(Copy From) 3-23
Insert
Inserting a Memory 3-23
Programming Chases
Introduction 3-24
Chase Controls 3-24
Programming a Brightness Memory Chase. 3-25
Previewing a Brightness Chase 3-26
Adding or Deleting Steps in a Brightness Chase 3-27
Programming a Colour Memory (Full Chase) 3-28
Programming a Colour Memory (Partial Chase) 3-29
Programming a Beamshape Memory (Full Chase) 3-30
Programming a Beamshape Memory (Partial Chase) 3-31
Programming a Position Memory (Full Chase) 3-32
Programming a Position Memory (Partial Chase) 3-33
TABLE OF CONTENTS
7364000/Piii/v3 iii

Audio Effects
Audio Effects Programming 3-34
Effects Controls 3-34
Programming an Audio Effect Brightness Memory 3-35
Focus Submasters
Focus Submasters 3-36
Programming Focus Submasters 3-36
Hotlinks 3-36
Programming a Hotlink 3-36
Macro Buttons
Programming Macros 3-37
Programming Auxiliary Control Buttons 3-37
Playing a Macro 3-37
Section Four
CueLine Introduction
What is CueLine®? 4-1
CueLine Overview 4-2
Toolbar Buttons 4-2
CueLine Programming
Setting up to Programming CueLine 4-3
Defining Tracks 4-3
Redefining a Track 4-3
Setting Up Cues 4-4
Adding Cues 4-4
Removing a Cue 4-4
Inserting Memories 4-5
Removing a Memory 4-5
Inserting Fades/Transitions 4-6
Editing CueLine Memory Dwell Times 4-6
Editing Fades 4-6
Inserting a Blackout 4-6
Editing Blackouts 4-6
Auxiliary Track
Auxiliary Track 4-7
Adding an On State 4-7
Changing the Default Time 4-7
Saving and Running CueLine
Saving CueLine Programs 4-8
Why Multiple Tracks? 4-8
Clearing CueLine
Accessing Super User 4-9
Resetting CueLine 4-9
Section Five
Setting Up the Desk
Planning 5-1
/Piv/v3
Internal Memory Structure 5-2
Controls 5-2
Navigating SetUp 5-2
Setup: Files
Selecting SetUp Options 5-3
Saving a Show 5-3
Loading a Show 5-3
Saving Operator Fixture Data 5-4
Loading Operator Fixture Data 5-4
Copying a Disk 5-4
Printing, Saving in ASCII Format, and Loading
in ASCII Format 5-4
Formatting the Disk 5-4
SetUp: Illumination
SetUp: Illumination 5-5
SetUp: Desk SetUp
SetUp: Desk Set-Up 5-6
Assigning Fixtures 5-7
Viewing the Current Set-Up 5-7
Clear DMX Patch 5-7
Load Default Set-Up 5-8
Clear Set-Up 5-8
Modifying the Set-Up 5-9
Auto Patch DMX 5-10
Setting the DMX Address and Controls 5-11
Setting Fixture Controls 5-12
Duplicates 5-13
Adding Duplicate Fixtures 5-13
Continuing After Setting the DMX Address 5-14
Setting the Auxiliary Controls 5-15
Adding Duplicate Auxiliary Controls 5-16
Brightness Defaults 5-17
Colour Defaults 5-18
Beamshape Defaults 5-18
Position Defaults 5-18
Movement Effects 5-19
Saving the Desk Set-Up 5-19
Overview 5-20
Set-Up: Fixture Set-Up
Setting Up Fixtures 5-22
Creating a New Fixture 5-22
Editing an Existing Fixture 5-22
Creating a Variant 5-22
Deleting a User Fixture Type 5-22
Subfixtures 5-22
Entering / Modifying Parameter Data 5-22
TABLE OF CONTENTS
iv 7364000/Piv/v3

Entering Parameter Information 5-23
Parameter Details 5-24
Wheel Assignment 5-25
Control Range 5-26
Saving Fixture Data Changes 5-26
SetUp: Stage SetUp 5-26
SetUp: Fixture Control 5-26
Section Six
Run Mode
Introduction 6-1
Run Mode Controls 6-2
Running CueLine
Running CueLine 6-3
Zoom Buttons 6-3
Playback controls
Entering Run Mode 6-4
Playing Back Brightness Memories Using
the Playback Controls 6-4
Replay screen
Replay Screen 6-6
Playback Section 6-6
Brightness Submaster Section 6-6
Colour, Beamshape and Position Sections 6-7
Focus Submaster Section 6-7
Brightness Screen
Brightness Screen 6-8
Pre-viewing a Submasters Output 6-8
Brightness Submasters
Running the Show Manually 6-9
Using a Brightness Submaster Fader 6-9
Accessing a Memory on a Different Page
(Page Overlay) 6-9
Adding a Brightness Memory to a
Brightness Submaster 6-10
Running Chases on Brightness Submasters 6-10
Focus Submasters 6-11
Hotlinks 6-11
Attribute Memories
Introduction 6-12
Live Editing
Overriding a Transition Time 6-13
Modifying Position Live 6-13
Activating Topset 6-13
/Pv/V3
Section Seven
Super User
Introduction 7-1
Accessing Super User 7-1
Clear Memories 7-2
Recovery 7-3
Setting Recovery 7-3
Language Set-Up 7-3
Date and Time 7-3
Exiting Super User 7-3
Appendix Section
Technical Specification
Sirius 250 & Sirius 500
Technical Specifications A-1
Fixture List
Available Fixtures B-1
Glossary
Word List C-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
7364000/Pv/V3 v

/Pvi/V3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
vi 7364000/Pvi/V3

Introduction
This Manual
This chapter gives an explanation of
fixtures and how they are used with the
desk, as well as an overview of the
desk, its controls and functions. The
glossary at the end defines some of the
more technical terms used in the
manual. Once the basics have been
mastered, the manual describes in
easy stages how the desk can be used
to run complete, complex shows.
Within the main text of the manual
references to controls and buttons on
the front panel appear in capital letters;
references to wording appearing in the
memory display and wheel display, or
on the monitor screen, is shown in the
text in italics.
/p1-1/3
This manual may be available in other
language options, however, the English
version remains the definitive version.
The floppy disk supplied with the desk
is NOT for general use. It is supplied
in the unlikely even of operating
system problems. Please store it
carefully as your dealer or Zero 88 may
ask you do use it in the extreme
circumstances of the desk not
operating correctly.
n Figure 1-1:
Sirius 500 Lighting Desk
n Figure 1-2: Sirius 500 desk set-up
Introduction
1
7364000/p1-1/3 1 - 1

Ergonomic Instructions
Research suggests that carrying out
repetitive tasks, possibly associated
with an unfriendly working
environment, can lead to physical
discomfort and even injury, such as
various forms of Repetitive Strain
Injury.
Please read these instructions carefully.
The Sirius 500 & 250 are designed to
be used in a seated position. The
operator must ensure that all pieces of
equipment in the operators position,
including the chair, lighting desk, and
any accessories such as a monitor,
external keyboard and mouse, are
correctly positioned, both individually
and in relation to one another.
Compliance with all local Health and
Safety Regulations must be ensured.
Take sufficient breaks to stop the body
becoming stiff and tense, and to rest
the eyes. Walk around and gently
exercise the muscles particularly in the
hands and shoulders.
N.B. If any pain is felt while using the
equipment, consult a medical
practitioner.
We recommend the following to
improve both comfort and efficiency.
/p1-2/3
Adjust the chair to the correct height,
and ensure that it provides adequate
support to the lower back. The working
surface must also be at the correct
height in relation both to the chair and
to the equipment. Forearms should be
at right angles to upper arms. Feet
should rest flat on the floor. If not, use
a footrest of suitable height for thighs
to be parallel to the floor.
The lighting control desk must be
placed in a comfortable position, as
should the external keyboard and
mouse. Ensure that all are positioned
at the same height. Forearms should
be approximately parallel to the floor.
Consciously relax the hand regularly
when using the wheels and mouse. Do
not grip the mouse too hard. If using a
mouse pad, ensure that the arm still
remains at the correct height.
If using a monitor, ensure that it is
placed at a comfortable viewing
distance, with the top of the display no
higher than eye level when seated.
Glare and bright reflections on the
screen and in the Memory and Wheel
Displays on the front panel of the desk
must be avoided. Frequently focus on
an object in the distance to move the
eyes away from the screen.
Now relax and have fun
using the Sirius Desk!
n Figure 1-3: Ensure the correct desk set-up
1
Introduction
1 - 2 7364000/p1-2/3

Overview
The Sirius 500 is a 512 channel, and
the Sirius 250 is a 256 channel lighting
desk, incorporating many of the
flexible, friendly and robust features of
the original Sirius 24 and 48 models,
but also introducing new techniques
and the latest technology.
The traditional Sirius hallmarks are all
there: Key Switch for changing
between operating modes, two
Presets, Submasters, GO button,
Memory Effects, etc., together with
new features, such as two built-in liquid
crystal displays for operator feedback,
an optional external monitor, external
keyboard and mouse, 4 Wheel Drive
®
for easy control of fixture parameters,
floppy disk backup, and much much
more.
The Sirius 500 & 250 can control all
types of fixture: a single channel fixture
(often referred to as a generic or
conventional), consisting solely of a
lamp; a multichannel fixture, such as a
generic with either a colour scroller or a
gobo rotator; or an intelligent
multichannel fixture, which covers
many types of fixture, such as a
moving mirror fixture (Cyberlight) or a
moving yoke fixture (VL5).
The Sirius 500 & 250 use two types of
control channels to regulate fixtures.
Firstly, Brightness channels control
lamps or dimmers, by means of the
channel Preset faders. The green
output lights on the desk mimic the
DMX Brightness output for that fixture.
/p1-3/3
The second type of channel controls all
non-Brightness attributes (i.e. Colour,
Beamshape, and Position) of
multichannel fixtures, using 4 Wheel
Drive
®
. This makes programming even
the most complex multichannel fixtures
simple and fast. The fixture may have
more than one channel controlling
Colour, Beamshape or Position
attributes. For example, the Colour
attribute could comprise four separate
channels - one each for cyan,
magenta, yellow and a colour wheel.
The Beamshape attribute could have a
gobo wheel, an iris and a shutter. The
individual channels comprising a
Colour, Beamshape or Position
attribute are referred to as parameters.
All fixtures must have a Brightness
channel, which is controlled by the
channel Preset faders. The Desk uses
the Brightness channel numbers as
fixture numbers. Thus the flash buttons
below the Preset faders have two
functions; they can be used both to
flash the Brightness channel, and also
to select fixtures for programming
non-Brightness attributes.
Brightness, Colour, Beamshape and
Position memories are stored in four
separate areas, one for each attribute.
A single memory can record
information about one particular
attribute for all fixtures connected to
the desk.
The desk operating system handles
Brightness and non-Brightness
memories in different ways. Brightness
memories are mixed on the DMX
output on a Highest Takes Precedence
(HTP) basis. This is the traditional way
Two Preset desks mix their outputs to
be interpreted by dimmers. The highest
(or brightest) value is the most
important, and controls the channel. In
HTP a channel value of zero turns the
dimmer off.
Non-Brightness memories are mixed
on the DMX channel on a Latest Takes
Precedence (LTP) basis. This means
that the latest value on a channel is the
most important and controls the
parameters action. In contrast to HTP,
zero is NOT off in LTP, as it is not
possible, for example, to turn a mirror
to an off position. In HTP the highest
(or brightest) value is the most
important, but in LTP all values have
the same importance. Although the
desk manages this for the operator, it
is nevertheless important to
understand this distinction when
running a show.
WARNING
Maintenance
A dimmer or fixture must always be isolated
from the mains supply before proceeding
with any maintenance, even if the channel is
set to zero.
n Figure 1-4: The Sirius 250 Lighting Control Desk
1
Introduction
7364000/p1-3/3 1 - 3