CONTROLLING CONVENTIONAL DIMMERS

The Show Designer 3 can control up to 128 conventional dimmers. They can be programmed from the flex faders or by entering percentage values using an external keyboard. Dimmers must first be patched using the “Patch Conventional Dimmers” menu as explained in the menu chapter of this manual. To use the flex faders as dimmer controls, you must go to the “Select Flex Fader Mode” menu and select “conventional dimmers”. You can switch the flex fader mode at any time without losing anything you have already programmed. The flex faders provide 16 pages of 8 faders for a total of 128 dimmers. You can freely switch pages using the page up and down buttons using any fader that is patched to a dimmer.

NOTE: The flex master fader and the grand master fader must be at maximum in order to get the full range of output for conventional dimmers. All conventional dimmers will be scaled by first the flex master and finally the grand master faders. All conventional dimmer outputs will also be set to 0 whenever a blackout is in effect.

DIMMER CONTROL USING A KEYBOARD

If you have a PS2 keyboard attached to the SD3 you can set dimmer levels using the numeric keypad. To do this, first press the F12 key on the keyboard to enable dimmer entry. “Dimmer:” will be displayed on the top line of the display followed by a blank space. Enter a dimmer number from 1 to 128, you will have to convert the page and fader numbers to a single number. For example, dimmer fader 1 on page 3 will be dimmer 17. Press “enter” on the keyboard, “Level:” will appear next to the dimmer number. Enter a percentage value from 0 to 100 followed by the enter key. Do not press the percent key. If you want to select a range of dimmers, type a minus sign (-) between the first and last dimmer number. For example Dimmer: 1-10, followed by “enter” then followed by the level and then “enter”. You can only select a single dimmer or a range of consecutive dimmers.

To exit the dimmer entry display, press F12 on the keyboard or press any function switch on the SD3 when you are ready to do something else.

As when entering fixture channel values, the SD3 will keep track of any changes you make so that you can save the current stage look as a scene at any time.

CREATING A MULTI DIMMER PLAYBACK (Proportional Dimmer Patch)

To put a group of dimmers on one fader for playback purposes do the following:

First clear the scene edit memory by pressing and holding the blackout switch until the LED goes out.

Then select the dimmers to be used by moving the flex faders to the desired levels or by entering the dimmer values using a keyboard as described above. Record this as a scene by pressing “record” then “scene” followed by an available scene number button. Assign this scene to a playback by pressing “record” followed by any playback flash button, then “scene” followed by the scene number you just saved. If you want to use the flex faders for playback, switch the flex fader mode to playback before assigning the scene to the fader. Make sure the playback is running in “HTP mode”. Refer to the following chapters on scenes and playbacks for more information.

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Elation Professional 1.15 manual Controlling Conventional Dimmers, Dimmer Control Using a Keyboard
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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.
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