User Guide

Avolites Pearl 2000 Operators Manual - page 12
P2000MAN.DOC 19/10/99 17:59
1. Read Me!!
1.1 How to use this manual
The manual is designed to achieve two objectives; firstly to get the new user
of the Pearl 2000 up and running very quickly, and secondly to provide a fast
reference book for the more experienced operator. Pearl 2000 represents
changes in both hardware and software from other preceding Pearl models,
and a seasoned user of older models may want to skip straight to Appendix
1. Differences between Pearl 2000 and previous versions to acquaint
themselves with the changes that they will encounter.
If you are using a Pearl for the first time and are keen to get going, save
yourself the embarrassment of blowing the board up by reading section 1.2
of this chapter. Then go straight to either Chapter 2 Getting started with
Conventional lights if you have only simple Dimmer-based lamps, or Chapter
3 Getting started with Intelligent Fixtures if you have other DMX Fixtures, or
a combination of the two. These will tell you how to patch and control
Dimmer Channels and Intelligent Fixtures, and build a simple Memory and
Chase. In some cases, the first three chapters of this manual will be
practically everything you ever need to read.
The other chapters are designed to be completely self-contained for dipping
in to or reading as a whole. The idea is that if you read the chapter on
Chases, for example, this should tell you everything in the world that there is
to know about a Chase, starting with the simple stuff and leading you on
through the more complicated aspects. This means there is necessarily
some material repeated from the ‘get you going’ chapters, so that the later
sections remain self contained.
Where appropriate there is a help and hints problem solving section at the
end of each chapter too.
Terms are defined in the glossary
1.2 Am I using a Pearl 2000?
New Pearl 2000’s have a ‘Pearl 2000’ legend on the front panel, but to
establish if an older desk has been upgraded, you will need to check with
your supplier to find out if the hardware has been changed to allow a VG
monitor to be driven and facilitate the extra DMX outputs. You will also need
to check the software version number to see if the software has been
updated. (See 14.7.1 Finding your Software Version number). It is possible
that the software has been upgraded without the hardware modifications,
which makes no difference to the operation, except that you cannot run a
monitor, you will not have all four DMX 512 outputs and certain labels on the
buttons will be missing or wrong. You will find all these changes summarised
in Appendix 1. Differences between Pearl 2000 and previous versions.
New Pearl 2000’s are now shipped with VGA output as standard, and
although Pearl 2000 software will run without one, there are some new
functions for which the VDU is required.