User Guide

1. Welcome to the Pearl - Page 1
Pearl 2004 Manual v1 - 27th August 2004
INTRODUCTION
1. Welcome to the Pearl
This manual is designed to help you get the most out of your Pearl
console. We have divided it into two sections.
• This first section is a tutorial which gives you a step by step guide
of how to carry out the most common functions of the Pearl. If you
are new to the console, working through this part will give you a
good introduction.
• The second section is a reference manual which tells you
everything there is to know about the Pearl.
To help you move between the two sections, we have made the chapter
numbering the same, so if you are using the tutorial and you want
more information, just look for the same chapter number in the
reference manual.
At the back of the reference manual there is a Glossary, explaining
some of the technical terms used in the manual, and an Index which
can be used to find what you need in either section of the manual.
This manual applies to both the Pearl 2000 and the Pearl 2004
consoles.
1.1 Setting up the Pearl
Before you can use the Pearl, you need to connect various things to it.
Ensure the power is off while making these connections.
Important: Firstly check if your console has a voltage selector switch
on the back of the console next to the power socket. If it has, make
sure it matches your mains power. You can set it to 230V or 120V.
If you plug in the power with the switch set wrongly, you will
probably blow up the power supply. This would be a Bad Thing To Do
a few hours before a show.
Connect the mains inlet to an AC power supply.
If you are using the optional external VDU screen, connect a VGA
monitor (640x480 text mode) to the VDU output on the back of the
console. You don’t have to use the VDU screen but it does show some
additional information that is not shown on the console display.
Connect the DMX output(s) to your lighting fixtures or dimmers. The
Pearl 2004 has four DMX output sockets. The Pearl 2000 has only two
DMX sockets, but four DMX lines may be connected to them using a
splitter cable. Chapter 1 in the reference manual has more details on
DMX connections.
Plug in the desk light to the socket on the top left of the console. If you
have a QWERTY keyboard, plug it into its socket. You do not have to
connect a keyboard if you don’t want.
Turn on the power. The console display and VDU screen (if you are
using one) should come alive.