Patch Conventional Dimmers

address or output. To turn auto patch on or off, place the cursor under the words “ON” or “OFF” below “Autopatch”, then use the + or - switch or use data wheel 4 to make the change. You must press “enter” for the change to take effect. If you are turning auto patch on, a warning will appear telling you that some DMX starting addresses may change. Press “yes” to proceed or “no” to exit. Auto patch will automatically assign an address to each moving light fixture in ascending order with each fixture address immediately following the previous fixture. The first fixture will be assigned to DMX out 1 at address 1. After 512 channels have been used, DMX out 2 and then out 3 will be used for any remaining fixtures.

Use data wheel 1 to select fixtures 1-48 to see the starting address and out port assigned to each fixture. You can move the cursor under any of the three digits of the channel number or use data wheel 3 to select a new starting address as long as auto patch is turned off. You must press “enter” to record any change. The message “Done” will appear for 1 second to confirm.

NOTE: Autopatch will automatically place any conventional dimmers at addresses just above the last moving light fixture. If the dimmers are already patched at an address higher than the moving light fixtures, they will not be changed.

The Show Designer 3 supports up to 128 conventional dimmers, these can be dimmer modules controlling par cans, house lights or even things like fog machines. Conventional dimmers are controlled by the flex faders or by typing in dimmer values using an external keyboard. Please read the chapter on using conventional dimmers for additional information.

Each conventional dimmer can be assigned to one of the flex faders. There are 16 pages of 8 flex faders giving you a total of 128 fader assignments that are available. Each dimmer can also control up to eight consecutive DMX channels allowing you to assign a group of DMX channels to a single fader. The entire group will be locked to the same dimmer level as set by the fader. This is useful when you are controlling house lights or whole sections of stage dimmers as a single unit. In addition to selecting the DMX channel and number of dimmers, you can also choose to put the dimmer into manual mode so that it can only be controlled using its fader or flash button (good for fog machines). You can also select the flash button to operate as momentary flash or latching on/off and you can enter a text name for the dimmer. These last three items are programmed using the second page of the dimmer patching menu. Move the underline cursor on the display to the right to get to the second page.

On the first page of the patch dimmers menu, using data wheel 1, select the fader number and page for the dimmer. You can also select the fader by pressing the flash button over the flex fader. The flex faders must be configured as conventional dimmers for this to work. Until the dimmer is patched, all of the other fields will be blank. Use data wheel 2 to select the DMX out and data wheel 3 to select the DMX channel for the dimmer. As soon as you move one of these wheels the next available DMX address will appear in the field. You can then select a different address if needed. Use data wheel 4 to select the number of consecutive DMX addresses to be controlled by this dimmer. In most cases this will be 1. Use the right arrow switch to move the underline cursor all the way to the right side of the display and past to get to the second page of the menu. There, use data wheel 1 to select the operation mode for this dimmer. “Memory” allows the dimmer to be included in and controlled by any memory, “Manual” will exclude the dimmer from memory functions and only allow it to be controlled using its fader or flash switch. Use data wheel 2 to select how the flash button will function, either as momentary flash or latching on/off. You can also enter a name for this dimmer by moving the cursor under the name field and by using data wheels 3 and 4 to enter characters or you can use an external keyboard. After all fields have been set, press “enter” to save.

1.15 specifications

Elation Professional has unveiled its latest update, version 1.15, a significant enhancement that promises to elevate the user experience for lighting professionals and enthusiasts alike. This robust release showcases innovative features, cutting-edge technologies, and user-friendly characteristics that cater to a diverse range of applications, from live events to permanent installations.

One of the standout features of Elation Professional 1.15 is its improved fixture management system. This new system allows users to seamlessly integrate a broader range of lighting fixtures, ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware and software advancements. The intuitive interface guides users through the setup process, making it easier than ever to configure and control various fixtures without extensive technical knowledge.

The software also introduces advanced effects control. Users can now harness the power of dynamic effects pre-sets that provide unmatched creativity in programming. These pre-sets are designed to allow lighting designers to quickly implement eye-catching effects tailored to their specific needs, reducing setup time while maximizing artistic expression. Additionally, a suite of new built-in effects templates enables users to generate complex lighting designs with minimal effort.

In terms of technology, Elation Professional 1.15 is built on a strong foundation of real-time processing capabilities. The software is optimized to handle large numbers of channels and complex sequences, offering reliable performance even in high-demand environments. Its improved protocol support ensures compatibility with various DMX and Art-Net devices, broadening its utility across different theater and concert applications.

Another notable characteristic is the enhanced visualizer. This component allows users to preview their lighting cues in real-time before executing them on stage. The visualizer is instrumental in fine-tuning lighting designs, enabling users to foresee potential issues and adjust parameters on the fly, ensuring a flawless execution during critical moments.

Connectivity has also received an upgrade in version 1.15. The enhanced networking capabilities allow for easier integration with other control systems and devices, facilitating a more cohesive setup for complex installations. Whether you are working in a small venue or a large-scale production, the ability to connect multiple devices without compromising performance is a game-changer.

In summary, Elation Professional 1.15 stands at the forefront of lighting control solutions, boasting advanced fixture management, powerful effects control, optimized performance, an innovative visualizer, and enhanced connectivity. This version aims to empower users with the right tools and capabilities to bring their creative visions to life, further solidifying Elation Professional's reputation as a leader in the entertainment lighting industry.