High End Systems Technobeam manual Programming Overview, What is a Scene?, Macros

Programming Overview

This chapter explains how to create and play back scenes using the fixture’s onboard 16-scene memory, and has a step-by-step example. More information about preset programming can be found on the Technobeam Quick Reference Card (p/n 60600109, v1.0 or later).

What is a “Scene”?

A scene (which can also be called a page or look) is a combination of the constructs you configure. A construct is a unique fixture feature—for example, focus, color or rotating effects. Each scene consists of all of the constructs you select; you can make each scene as simple or complex as you want.

When you play back more than one scene in sequence, it becomes a program (also called a show). A program or show that continuously repeats is called a loop or a chase.

Technobeam fixtures always play back all contiguously-programmed scenes in a continuous loop. The loop plays back until you either turn the fixture off or stop scene playback. You must create the scenes contiguously (in other words, scene 1, scene 2, scene 3, scene 4, and so on without skipping a scene) because the fixture automatically repeats when it encounters the first unprogrammed scene or when all available scenes are programmed.

Stand-alone Operation vs. a Controller

You can use a controller or control device (such as DMX control software), or onboard memory to create and play back scenes, but not both at the same time.

In other words, you cannot create a scene using the fixture’s onboard memory and play it back using a controller. You also cannot use a controller at the same time onboard scenes are playing back.

You can create up to sixteen scenes using a controller and copy the scenes to the fixture’ onboard memory. However, XFAD and DLAY construct values cannot be copied this way, so you must manually (using preset programming) enter values for these two constructs.

Macros

Each Technobeam fixture has 28 selectable macros. A macro is a factory-programmed set of fixture constructs picked for their ability to achieve a dramatic and exciting effect. Using a macro can help you save time while programming your fixture.

Note	You must select the full protocol for the fixture to use
	macros.

4-2 Programming Overview Technobeam® User Manual