Pearl 2008 Pearl Tiger Operator’s Manual
Pearl 2008 Manual - 16th July 2007
Useful Avolites phone numbers:Avolites England Sales and service* (+44) (0) 20 8965 8522 Service out of hours* (+44) (0) 831 17 8888 Fax (+44) (0) 20 8965 0290 Email name@avolites.com Website http://www.avolites.com Distribution of Avolites products in USA:Avolites America Sales and service* (+1) 423 938 2057 Fax (+1) 423 938 2059 *Before contacting Avolites for service enquiry please ensure that you have the product serial number and the Software version.
This manual was written by Tim Mitchell, Sabre Technology Ltd http://www.sabretechnology.co.
T U T O R I A L C O N T E N T S 1. WELCOME TO THE PEARL 1 2. PATCHING 7 3. CONTROLLING DIMMERS AND FIXTURES 15 4. PALETTES 19 5. SHAPES 23 6. MEMORIES 27 7. CHASES 35 8. THEATRE STACK 41 9. THE GRAPHICS TABLET 45 10. RUNNING YOUR SHOW 47 11. ADVANCED FEATURES 51 12. INTRODUCTION TO INTELLIGENT LIGHTING 53 13. INTRODUCTION TO AVOLITES CONSOLES 55 14. CHANGES IN THE LATEST PEARL SOFTWARE 59 R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L C O N T E N T S 1.
Pearl 2008 Manual - 16th July 2007
Pearl 2008 Pearl Tiger Tutorial
Pearl 2008 Manual - 16th July 2007
1. Welcome to the Pearl - Page 1 I N T R O D U C T I O N 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.
Page 2 - 1. Welcome to the Pearl 1.2 Finding your way about on the Pearl 2008 Mode select keyswitch Preset handles Playback page select roller Master faders Main display Playback faders & flash buttons Control wheels Menu softkeys Fixture page buttons Command buttons Numeric keypad and controls The Pearl might initially appear to have an alarming number of sliders and buttons on it, but don’t be scared of it.
1. Welcome to the Pearl - Page 3 • The Control wheels are used to set control values on the fixtures, and to set chase speeds and fades. • The Menu softkeys (labelled A – G) are used to select control options. The display next to the buttons shows what each one will do. The options for each key change depending on what the console is doing.
Page 4 - 1. Welcome to the Pearl the types of fixture you are using (you can show different things using the View button, see page 112). Across the bottom of the display, the current page of memories is shown. The “A B” at the right side of the screen shows which functions are currently assigned to the control wheels. 1.3 Finding your way about on the Pearl Tiger The Pearl Tiger is very similar to its larger brother but has been cut down in a few areas.
1. Welcome to the Pearl - Page 5 1.5 The Pearl simulator You can download a free Pearl simulator from the Avolites website, which runs on a PC. This allows you to work on the Pearl even when you haven’t got the real console with you. You can patch the desk, and program shows using the Avolites Visualiser, then save the show to disk and load it into the real console. The simulator operates almost exactly like the real Pearl. 1.
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2. Patching - Page 7 C H A P T E R 2. T W O Patching In • • • this chapter: how to set up the Pearl to control dimmers and fixtures. patching dimmers patching moving light fixtures setting addresses on the fixtures So, you have your fixtures and dimmers all connected up with DMX cables and the Pearl connected to the end of it. (If you have a big rig, you might find it easier to learn the basics using a few dimmers and a few moving lights, and leave the rest of it till you’re an expert).
Page 8 - 2. Patching Clearing the Pearl Î Turn the mode keyswitch to “System” Î Select softkey A [Service] Î Select softkey F [Wipe]. Î Press F [“Wipeall], to confirm. The memory will be wiped. Î Turn the key to “Program” to prepare for programming. Mode keyswitch The Pearl is now pristine and new, with all options set to default, and all memories empty, ready for you to start your show. 2.2 Patching dimmers Each dimmer channel you want to use has to be allocated to one of the handles.
2. Patching - Page 9 Î Press the last Swop button (handle 30) Î Release the first Swop button, then the last Swop button Î Each handle will be patched in order to a dimmer channel. Î Press Exit when you have finished patching. You can also patch more than one dimmer channel on the same handle. This can be useful when you have several lights on different dimmer channels, but you always want to control them together.
Page 10 - 2. Patching You can patch multiple dimmer channels to the top faders by holding down the AVO button, then holding the first swop button, then pressing the last button of the range to be patched. You might need to grow a third hand, or borrow someone else’s, to accomplish this. While you are in Patch mode, the VDU screen shows a DMX channel grid to tell you which channels you have patched so far and which are free. Dimmers and fixtures are identified by different letters, dimmers are always “a”.
2. Patching - Page 11 Î Press the Swop button on handle 11 to patch the fixture you have selected to handle 11. Î The display will show the block of channels occupied by the fixture. Î Patch more fixtures, or press Exit when you have finished. You can continue to patch this type of fixture at the next free DMX address by pressing the next Swop button you want to use. You can also patch a range of fixtures by holding down the first button in the range and pressing the last button, as with dimmers.
Page 12 - 2. Patching Displaying the DMX address for fixtures 2.6 Î Press the View button (next to the numeric keys) Î Press D [Fixture Patch] Î The display will show a list of the handles to which you have patched fixtures or dimmers, with the DMX line and address (e.g. A24 is address 24 on DMX line A). Î One handle on the list has an arrow next to it. In the lower part of the screen, more information is shown for this fixture.
2. Patching - Page 13 compatibility with earlier consoles. You should get into the habit of saving your show regularly to guard against that unexpected moment when the worst happens. The USB socket is on the front edge of the console for the Pearl 2008 and on the rear panel of the Pearl Tiger (on a small number of Pearl 2008 consoles it is on the rear panel). It only takes a minute or so to save the contents of the Pearl.
Page 14 - 2. Patching [Fixture patch], then use the Down Arrow button to scroll to show Handle 31; the display shows the DMX address where the handle is patched). How do I patch a Mac600 to handle 10? Press Patch, then B [Choose a fixture]. Press F [More] until one of the softkey options is Martin. Press the softkey for that option. Press F [More] until one of the softkey options is MMac600m4. Press the softkey for that option. Wait for the Pearl to load the personality.
3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures - Page 15 C H A P T E R 3. T H R E E Controlling dimmers and fixtures In this chapter: how to control dimmers and fixtures manually. • controlling fixtures and dimmers • changing attributes • using and creating groups • align and fan functions • viewing the console output Having patched all the dimmers and fixtures you want to use, you are ready to start operating them. This chapter explains how you do this.
Page 16 - 3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures You can select dimmers or fixtures patched to the top faders by holding down the AVO button and pressing the Swop button for the fader below. Tiger: 3.3 To select dimmers or fixtures patched to handles 31-60, hold down the AVO button and press the Swop button for handle 130. Changing attributes of fixtures Having selected the fixtures you want to control, you then need to select the attributes (pan, tilt, colour etc.) of that fixture that you want to change.
3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures - Page 17 automatically deselected the next time you press a fixture select button. 3.4 Using groups If you’ve got several units of one fixture type, you often want to select them all at the same time. To avoid lots of swop-button-pressing, the Pearl allows you to put fixtures or dimmer channels into groups, which you can then use to select all the fixtures just by typing the group number.
Page 18 - 3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures 3.6 Fan mode Fan mode automatically spreads out a selected range of fixtures to produce a fan of light beams, like rays of sunlight. The first and last fixtures of the range are affected most, and the central fixtures are affected least. The amount of fan can be set using the wheels. Note: The order in which you select the fixtures sets how the fan effect works. The fixtures you select first and last will be the ones which change most.
4. Palettes - Page 19 C H A P T E R 4. F O U R Palettes In this chapter: how to use palettes to set colours, gobos and positions. • Using palettes to set values • Creating your own palettes • Setting which attributes are recorded in a palette • Shared and individual palettes When you are controlling your lighting, it would be nice to instantly call back a position such as centre stage, or a particular colour like red, blue etc, rather than having to set the value on the wheels every time.
Page 20 - 4. Palettes should turn red. Î To go back to the list of palette pages, press G [Pages]. Î Press Exit when you have finished with palettes, as other functions don’t work while in Palette Select mode You can also apply palettes 1-30 by pressing the grey Palette/Flash buttons below the preset faders. While you hold the button, the top line of the display shows the legend for the attribute (White, Green etc). When you release the button, the palette is applied.
4. Palettes - Page 21 Yellow/Cyan/Magenta buttons will light, showing that these attributes will be recorded. Î Type “101” on the keypad and press Enter to store the colour. Î Press Store Palette again. Î Press the Tilt-Pan attribute button. Î Type “22” on the keypad and press Enter to store the position. If you press the “Dimmer” attribute button before storing, this will store in the palette all the attributes which you have changed.
Page 22 - 4. Palettes the “Æ” button again and point the next fixture. When all fixtures are positioned, press Store Palette and type 21 on the keypad, then press Enter. The position only (because the Tilt/Pan button was selected) will be stored in palette 21.
5. Shapes - Page 23 C H A P T E R 5. F I V E Shapes In • • • • this chapter: how to use the shape generator selecting a shape positioning setting size and speed coarse and fine spread The Pearl, in common with other Avolites consoles, has a shape generator (sometimes known as an Effects Generator on other consoles). This allows you to quickly create exciting light shows using lots of movement and changes, with the minimum of programming.
Page 24 - 5. Shapes Î Enter the Shape Generator menu by pressing Softkey G (from the main menu). Î Press A [Playback a shape] Î Press A [Circle 1] to select a circle shape Î The shape will be applied to all selected fixtures. There are a wide range of different shapes available in the list, use Softkeys F and G to look through the different pages.
5. Shapes - Page 25 Î Set the position using the wheels. Î Set the wheels back to Size/Speed and change the size of the shape back to where you want it. Shapes on other attributes such as colour, gobo, focus, dimmer and iris are absolute and are not affected by the current attribute setting, unless the shape description includes “User” or “Usr”. User shapes are relative and are centred around the fixture’s current settings. 5.
Page 26 - 5. Shapes in rainbow colours. Press Softkey D and use the wheels to set the speed of changes and the number of colours used (the size of the shape). Note: Rainbow shapes only work with fixtures capable of RGB colour mixing.
6. Memories - Page 27 C H A P T E R 6.
Page 28 - 6. Memories This is important, because when you fade in a memory you normally just want the fixtures to fade up in their proper position, colour and gobo, you don’t want the fixtures moving and changing colour (though you can do this if you need to). The fixture personality file tells the Pearl which channels of a fixture are HTP and which are LTP. Normally, only dimmer attributes are HTP, and everything else is LTP. 6.
6. Memories - Page 29 Recording a memory 6.4 Î Press Clear to clear the programmer. This ensures that you are starting with a clean slate. Î Set up a nice effect using the fixtures and dimmers. You can include shapes in a memory if you want. Remember! Only the fixtures/dimmers you have changed will be recorded in the memory. Î Press Memory. Î Roll the Roller to the segment you want to use. The active segment is the one nearest the playback faders. “A” is a good one to start on.
Page 30 - 6. Memories on the new playback on the new page. The roller has 10 segments. There are 3 buttons next to the roller allowing 3 pages of roller. 6.6 Labelling the roller & naming memories The idea of the roller is that it gives you a handy location for writing the name of each memory you’ve saved. Stick a strip of tape across the roller and every time you save a memory, write a brief description of it on the roller segment above.
6. Memories - Page 31 memory. 6.8 Deleting a memory If you want to clear a memory so you can store something else in it: Deleting a memory Î Press Delete (one of the blue command buttons) Î Press the Swop button of the playback you want to delete Î Press the Swop button again to confirm the delete. If the memory is linked to other memories, the others will not be affected. 6.
Page 32 - 6. Memories example, if you have a memory which contains position, colour and gobo information for 8 fixtures, you can use the Include function to load only the colour information for 4 of the fixtures into the programmer. You could then “include” position information from another memory into the programmer, and build up a new memory using information from several existing memories. Using Include Î Press the Include button. Î Select the fixtures from which you want to take settings.
6. Memories - Page 33 more selective mode of operation where it only records the changed attributes. You can choose the mode by holding down the Avo button and pressing Softkey C. The display shows the current setting of the option. 6.13 • Record by fixture: This is the normal mode of the Pearl. It means that when you record a memory, all attributes of every fixture that you have changed are recorded in the memory.
Page 34 - 6. Memories Clear your memories should work. How do I save a memory using the positions from another memory? Select the fixtures you want to use with the Swop buttons. Press ML Menu then Softkey A to turn on the fixtures. Press Include, then the Tilt/Pan attribute button. Press the Swop button of the memory whose positions you want to use. The position information for the selected fixtures will be recalled from the memory.
7. Chases - Page 35 C H A P T E R 7. S E V E N Chases In this chapter: how to record chases • explanation of chases • programming a chase • running a chase • setting speed and crossfade • stacks and sequence control • editing a chase • sound activation of chases As well as being used for recalling static memories, the playback faders on the Pearl can also be used for recalling chases. All the same page select, copy and delete functions are available. 7.
Page 36 - 7. Chases Î The display shows the step number Î Press the playback Swop button to record the step. The information from the programmer is stored as Step 1 of the chase. Î Press Clear, set up the lighting for the second step, then press Swop again to save step 2. Î When you have saved as many steps as you want, press Clear, then press Exit or Softkey F to finish.
7. Chases - Page 37 then the playback Swop button for the chase you want to connect to. If you’ve changed the speed using the wheels and you want to go back to the saved speed, press Connect then A [Clear temporary speed]. 7.5 Naming chases You can set a legend for chases in exactly the same way as you did for a memory. In addition, you can label individual steps of a chase if you are using the steps as cues. The reference manual tells you how to do this. Labelling a chase 7.
Page 38 - 7. Chases 7.7 Copying a chase Chases can be copied in exactly the same way as memories. Copying a chase Î Hold down the Flash button of the chase you want to copy. Î Press the Swop button of the playback you want to store it in Î You can change the Roller page while you are holding down the Flash button, if you want to copy a chase to a different page. The new chase will be a linked copy of the old one.
7. Chases - Page 39 Î Press the Go button to go on to the next cue. You can also set a text label for each cue. The Pearl will show you the label for the current cue and the next one coming up. The reference manual tells you more details about this. 7.10 Sound activation of chases The Pearl can use bass, mid or treble (low, medium or high) frequencies from its audio input to trigger chases. Any chase can be programmed to respond to Bass, Mid or Treble frequency triggers.
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8. Theatre stack - Page 41 C H A P T E R 8. E I G H T Theatre stack In this chapter: the Pearl’s theatre mode • Setting theatre mode • Theatre controls • Plotting a cue • Naming a cue • Setting fade times for a cue • Jumping to a cue • Running the show Theatre mode makes the Pearl behave like a standard theatrical console, allowing you to program your whole show as a sequence of cues, and play it back just by pressing the Go button. Playback faders 12-15 become dedicated cue masters.
Page 42 - 8. Theatre stack The buttons above 13, 14 and 15 are Stop (blue) and Go (grey) buttons for each of these functions. 8.3 Plotting a cue You can set up the levels for a cue either by using the preset faders and control wheels to set the levels you want, or by typing in the channel number and the level. You can store moving light positions in theatre cues as well as dimmers.
8. Theatre stack - Page 43 8.4 Naming a cue Type the step number to be named, then press E [Set Legend]. Enter the legend on the QWERTY keyboard. While you are typing, the input is shown on the VDU screen. The name of the live cue and the next cue is displayed in the cue list on the VDU screen. 8.5 Setting fade times for a cue You can set fade in, fade out and “wait” times for each cue. Press C [Set Times] to show the options. This will set the times for the current cue.
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9. The graphics tablet - Page 45 C H A P T E R 9. N I N E The graphics tablet In this chapter: using the graphics tablet with the Pearl • Using the tablet • Functions available on the tablet The graphics tablet is an accessory to the Pearl. On “Touring” versions of the Pearl it is fitted to the right of the console in the flight case. It allows you to use a pen to select fixtures, groups, colours, and position the fixtures by simply drawing with the pen.
Page 46 - 9. The graphics tablet 9.2 Functions available on the tablet To select a fixture or a group, just press the pen onto one of the fixture pads or group pads. The first 60 fixtures are available on the tablet. Only the first 30 groups are available on the tablet. The Swop button LEDs on the handles will light up to show you which fixtures are selected, as if you had pressed the actual console buttons. You can control the position of the fixture by drawing on the Stage area of the tablet.
10. Running your show - Page 47 C H A P T E R T E N 10. Running your show In • • • • • 10.1 this chapter: running your show with the Pearl Showtime Run modes Master faders Channel mimics Manual control during a show It’s showtime… When you have finished programming (or you’ve run out of time) and it’s showtime, the most important thing is to back up the show to disk (see end of section 2 on page 12 for instructions). Having done that, turn the key to Run.
Page 48 - 10. Running your show 10.4 Manual control during a show (“busking”) If you have not had as much programming time as you would have liked, you might need to make up some additional effects during the show. This is sometimes called “busking”. You can create instant variations by recalling palette values to modify your existing programs. The Pearl can fade to the palette values for added effect. You need to be in Takeover Run mode to do any of this .
10. Running your show - Page 49 You can use “Record by channel” mode when programming to set some memories to only affect position, and other memories to set colours, gobos, add shapes, and so on. By combining two or more memories you can produce a much wider range of effects than if all your memories set all the attributes.
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11. Advanced features - Page 51 C H A P T E R E L E V E N 11. Advanced features Hopefully, by working through this tutorial manual, you now know how to set up the Pearl, control fixtures with it, save memories and chases and use them in a show. We have tried to stick to the basics, but the Pearl can do many more things than we have told you so far. The reference manual expands on all the information in the previous chapters.
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12. Introduction to intelligent lighting - Page 53 C H A P T E R T W E L V E 12. Introduction to intelligent lighting This section is for those who have not used intelligent lighting much before, who are put off by dip switches, lights that move unexpectedly and strange digital control systems that fly down microphone cables. 12.1 Ordinary lighting Standard lighting consists of a variety of light bulbs connected to dimmers.
Page 54 - 12. Introduction to intelligent lighting goes back to channel 1 again. All the units connected to the DMX receive all the channels, and you tell them which channels to respond to by setting the “base channel” or “DMX address” on each unit. The computer inside the fixture waits for the correct channels to come up, then reads in the levels for those channels.
13. Introduction to Avolites consoles - Page 55 C H A P T E R T H I R T E E N 13. Introduction to Avolites consoles If you have used intelligent lighting before, this section explains the thinking behind how Avolites consoles work and tells you what everything is called. 13.
Page 56 - 13. Introduction to Avolites consoles Memories and Chases (sequences). These are stored in the 15 Playback Faders across the near edge of the console. Up to 30 different Pages of playbacks are available using the Roller and Roller Page buttons. The roller provides a handy surface for writing a note of what is stored in each playback. When you save a memory or chase, the console only saves settings you have changed using the wheels (it does not save the current output state).
13. Introduction to Avolites consoles - Page 57 see what colour, position etc. you are going to get. This is useful when “busking” the lighting (modifying your programming) during a show. The console allows you to fade between palettes (Timed Palettes) to give smooth live changes.
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14. Changes in the latest Pearl software - Page 59 C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N 14. Changes in the latest Pearl software If you are used to using the Avolites Pearl console, this section gives you a quick rundown of the differences between the Pearl you know and love and the new version of software. There are some exciting new features. 14.1 USB disk drives The Pearl 2008 software now allows you to save and load show files, personality files and system software from a USB pen drive.
Page 60 - 14. Changes in the latest Pearl software This function requires Range information to be supported by the personality file for the fixture. If an updated personality file including the Range information becomes available, there is a function to update the Range table for the patched personalities in the console, so you don’t have to repatch. This is in the Utilities section of the System menu. 14.
Pearl 2008 Pearl Tiger Reference Manual
Pearl 2008 Manual - 16th July 2007
R E F E R E N C E 1. 2. 3. 4. M A N U A L C O N T E N T S SETTING UP THE CONSOLE 109 1.1 Connecting up 1.1.1 Connecting mains power 1.1.2 Connecting DMX lines 1.1.3 Connecting MIDI devices 1.1.4 Connecting audio 1.1.5 Other back panel connections and controls 1.1.6 The desk lamp 109 109 109 110 110 110 111 1.2 Operating 1.2.1 Operating modes 1.2.2 Saving to and loading from disk 1.2.3 The front panel controls 1.2.4 View screens 1.2.5 Pearl Tiger 111 111 111 112 113 115 PATCHING 117 2.
5. 4.2 Playback 4.2.1 Recalling a palette value 4.2.2 Palette pages 4.2.3 Setting a palette to all fixtures (Quick palette) 4.2.4 Recalling only some attributes from a palette 4.2.5 Setting a palette to fixtures in a memory (Filtered palette) 136 136 137 137 138 138 4.3 Edit 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 138 138 138 139 Editing and deleting palettes Naming a palette value or page Viewing the contents of a palette 4.4 Timing 4.4.1 Recalling a palette with a fade time 4.4.2 Master fade time 139 139 140 4.
7. 8. 9. CHASES 159 7.1 Create 7.1.1 Programming a chase 159 159 7.2 Playback 7.2.1 Running a chase 7.2.2 Connecting a chase to the controls 7.2.3 Setting speed, crossfade and direction 7.2.4 Manually controlling the chase steps 7.2.5 Viewing chase steps 160 160 160 160 161 162 7.3 Edit 7.3.1 7.3.2 7.3.3 7.3.4 162 162 162 163 164 Adding more steps to the end of a chase Inserting steps into a chase Editing a chase using Unfold Editing a chase which is running 7.4 Copy 7.4.
9.1 Create 9.1.1 Connecting the tablet 9.1.2 Using the tablet 9.1.3 Selecting fixtures on the tablet 9.1.4 Changing the position of the fixtures 9.1.5 Changing colours and other attributes 9.1.6 Recalling palette entries (focuses) 9.1.7 Storing palette entries (focuses) 9.1.8 Programming functions on the tablet 9.1.9 Tablet status on the VDU monitor 180 180 180 180 180 181 181 181 181 182 9.2 Advanced options 9.2.1 Extending the tablet cable 182 182 10. RUNNING THE SHOW 183 10.1 Playback 10.1.
12.2 User functions 12.2.1 The Wipe menu 12.2.2 Disk functions 12.2.3 USB drive troubleshooting 13. OTHER FEATURES 197 197 197 198 201 13.1 System Configuration 13.1.1 Utility menu 13.1.2 USB Stick Options 13.1.3 Service mode 13.1.4 AVOS2 functions 13.1.5 Upgrading earlier Pearl software to Pearl 2008 version 13.1.6 Installing the latest Pearl application software 13.1.7 Installing new fixture personalities 13.1.8 Troubleshooting Invalid License 13.1.9 Hardware WIPEALL mode 13.1.
1. Setting up the console - Page 109 C H A P T E R 1. O N E Setting up the console This chapter contains: Connecting mains power; connecting DMX lines; connecting MIDI devices; connecting audio; the disk drive; other back panel connections and controls; desk modes. 1.1 Connecting up 1.1.
Page 110 - 1. Setting up the console 1.1.3 Connecting MIDI devices The Pearl has the usual MIDI IN and OUT connections. It can read MIDI information and use it to trigger a show, and it can output MIDI information in response to user actions on the controls. This means you can record a show straight into a MIDI sequencer by operating the show yourself using the buttons and sliders. The MIDI operation of the console is described in section 13 on page 208. 1.1.
1. Setting up the console - Page 111 The brightness control sets the intensity of the display’s backlight. 1.1.6 The desk lamp The desk lamp plugs into the socket in the top left hand corner of the Pearl and can be switched to Off, Dim or Full using the switch next to it. The desk lamp uses a 12V, 5W halogen lamp. 1.2 Operating 1.2.1 Operating modes The Pearl has a key-operated switch on the right hand side of the panel which allows you to select the operating mode of the console.
Page 112 - 1. Setting up the console 1.2.3 The front panel controls Mode select keyswitch Preset handles Playback page select roller Master faders Main display Playback faders & flash buttons Control wheels Menu softkeys Fixture page buttons Command buttons Numeric keypad and controls • The Preset Faders control individual dimmer channels and fixture intensities. The 2 buttons below the faders select and flash fixtures. Each fader and buttons is called a “Handle”.
1. Setting up the console - Page 113 1.2.4 • The Menu softkeys (labelled A – G) are used to select control options. The display next to the buttons shows what each one will do. The options for each key change depending on what the console is doing. Softkey commands are shown in the manual with square brackets like this: A [Chase Parameters] • The Numeric keypad and other control buttons are used to enter values and change controls on the console.
Page 114 - 1. Setting up the console • Fixture Patch: Press View then Softkey D. The top part of the display shows a list of handles with the fixtures patched to them. An arrow shows the active fixture; some fixture types will display further information (such as how to set the fixture’s dip switches) in the bottom part of the display. • Chase times: Press View then Connect. If a chase is running the display will show information about the steps in the current chase.
1. Setting up the console - Page 115 controls do not operate while you are viewing the programmer, you need to press Exit to return to normal. 1.2.5 • View Shapes: Press View then softkey E. The display shows information about active shapes. • View Fixture Notes: Press View then softkey F, then select a patched fixture type from one of the softkeys. Fixture notes from the personality file (if it contains any) will be displayed on the VDU. Press Exit to get back to normal.
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2. Patching - Page 117 C H A P T E R 2. T W O Patching This chapter contains: Fixture handles; patching dimmers; patching moving light fixtures; checking the patching; changing the DMX address; moving a fixture to a different handle; deleting a patched fixture; patching options.
Page 118 - 2. Patching and dimmers to Groups, which can be useful if you usually select the same set of fixtures together. Groups are described in the next chapter. 2.1.2 Patching dimmers Each dimmer channel is allocated to one handle. If you want to link dimmers together, you can allocate several to the same handle. 2.1.3 1> Press Patch, then A [Dimmer] 2> On the top line of the display, the Pearl shows the DMX address it is going to patch at.
2. Patching - Page 119 because they have more attributes to control, such as pan, tilt, colour etc., where a dimmer channel just has intensity. When you patch a fixture, you will see on the display that it occupies a block of DMX channels rather than just one. The Pearl uses a “personality” system to control fixtures. There is a personality file in the Pearl for most types of fixture, which tells it what attributes are available and how to control them.
Page 120 - 2. Patching don’t want it any more. 2.1.4 • Some fixtures can only be patched at certain DMX addresses. This is usually described in the fixture instruction manual. If this information is included in the fixture personality, the Pearl will not allow you to patch the fixture at an illegal address, and will offer the next valid address instead.
2. Patching - Page 121 2.2 Edit 2.2.1 Changing the DMX address of a fixture You can re-patch a fixture to a different DMX address or a different DMX output line. All programming is kept. 2.2.2 1> Press Patch (if you’re not already in Patch mode). 2> Press E [Repatch Fixtures]. 3> Use the numeric keypad to enter the new DMX address of the fixture. If you want to change the DMX output line, press E [Select a DMX line] and choose a new output line by pressing A B C or D.
Page 122 - 2. Patching 2.4 Advanced options 2.4.1 Patch Utilities The Pearl allows several options to be set for each fixture or dimmer when it is being patched. The Patch Options menu is accessed by pressing F [Patch Utilities] while you are in patch mode. Set the options before you start programming, because memories will play back differently when the options are on. The options are: A: Invert - Allows you to invert an attribute of a fixture, so when you set zero the output will be full.
2. Patching - Page 123 2> Press the Swop buttons of the fixtures you want to change 3> Repeat from 2 to change other fixtures. D: Set DMX lines - The Pearl has 4 DMX output lines, this option lets you set which connectors they come out of. You can output the same DMX line from more than one connector if you want to. The console shows the current settings of the DMX outputs on the VDU screen. You need the VDU screen connected to set this option, as the settings are not shown on the on-board display.
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3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures - Page 125 C H A P T E R 3. T H R E E Controlling dimmers and fixtures This chapter contains: Selecting fixtures and dimmers for control; changing attributes of the selected fixtures; using groups; selecting fixtures one at a time; the align and flip buttons; killing off a fixture; entering levels as numbers; the ML menu and tracking; viewing the output.
Page 126 - 3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures 3.1.2 Changing attributes of the selected fixtures “Attributes” are the functions of the fixture, like pan, tilt, colour, dimmer, etc. You select which attributes you want to modify using the buttons on the right edge of the console Attribute select buttons and set values using the wheels at the bottom of the Pearl. The attributes available depend on the fixture type. Dimmer channels only have a dimmer attribute.
3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures - Page 127 display. The personality fixture must have Range Tables for this to work. 3.1.3 Selecting attributes from the softkeys You can directly set attributes from the softkeys. 3.1.4 1> Press E [Select an attribute or table] from the main menu 2> Select an attribute type to set.
Page 128 - 3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures If you have selected a range of fixtures, or a group, the Pearl has functions to step through the selected fixtures one at a time. This can make it easier to program a range of fixtures because you don’t have to select each one manually. This mode uses the “Sequence Control” buttons which are normally used for controlling chases. 3.1.
3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures - Page 129 Flip button alternates between them. This allows you more freedom to make movements without hitting the pan stop. 3.1.7 1> Select the fixtures to flip. 2> Press ML Menu twice (option A should be Flip) 3> Press A [Flip]. • The other functions on the ML menu are described at the end of the chapter. “Killing off” a fixture or dimmer Sometimes during a show you might want to “kill” a fixture or dimmer from the stage output.
Page 130 - 3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures 4> Press 0 - 9 for the intensity (0=0%, 1=10%, 2=20%, 3.5=35%), or Softkey G again for 100% 5> Press the decimal point key and another digit for more accurate control 6> Press Channel again to get back to normal (the Exit button does not operate in this mode) Other things you can do by numeric entry: 3.1.9 • The softkey options are B: Blackout, D or G: set to 100%, E:up by 5%, F:down by 5%.
3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures - Page 131 3.1.10 Fan mode Fan mode automatically spreads out the values on a selected range of fixtures. If used on pan and tilt, the result is spreading out “rays” of light beams. The first and last fixtures of the range are affected most, and the central fixtures are affected least. The amount of fan can be set using the wheels. As with shapes, the order in which you select the fixtures sets how the fan effect works.
Page 132 - 3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures described in section 3.1.6 on page 128. Option E “Record group” is used to group fixtures for easy selection as described in section 3.1.4 on page 127. Option F allows you to turn the Pearl’s 3D stage tracking mode off or on. You can also do this from the graphics tablet (see page 180). When tracking mode is on, the pan and tilt controls set the position on the stage rather than absolute DMX values.
3. Controlling dimmers and fixtures - Page 133 your lights will be pointing at peoples’ feet all the time). 3> Select option A “Top left”. This stores the positions. 4> Point them all so they light someone standing at the back right hand corner, then select option B “Top right”. 5> Repeat for the front corners of the stage using options C and D to store the positions. 6> Press Enter to complete the process. 7> The Pearl will go away and do lots of calculations.
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4. Palettes - Page 135 C H A P T E R 4. F O U R Palettes This chapter contains: About palettes; shared and individual palettes; recalling a palette; storing a palette; palette masks. When programming a show you will find that you frequently use certain positions, colours, etc. Like an artist’s palette, the Pearl lets you store these settings so you can recall them at the touch of a button rather than having to find them on the wheels every time. There are 10 pages of 20 palette entries.
Page 136 - 4. Palettes for colour, some for gobo and so on. There are 200 palettes available so you don’t need to mix them up. 4.1.4 Storing a palette This is how you save a palette value: 1> Press Clear to clear the programmer. 2> Select the fixtures for which you want to store palette values. Select one fixture only to record a shared palette entry. 3> Using the attribute buttons and wheels, set the attributes you want in the palette entry.
4. Palettes - Page 137 any fixture of the same type. Individual palettes will set individual values to each fixture. 4.2.2 2> Select the attributes you want to recall from the palette.
Page 138 - 4. Palettes Quick Palettes to work. 4.2.4 Recalling only some attributes from a palette You can recall only selected attributes out of a palette entry using the Focus button. Press Focus, then select the attributes you want to recall on the Attribute buttons, then enter the palette number.
4. Palettes - Page 139 the type set to “All” no matter what fixtures you select. Legends saved with the fixture type set to “All” will be shown whenever the “All” fixture type is selected. You change the fixture type for which you are setting the legends using softkey G [Set fixture type]. 1> Hold down the AVO button and press G [Set Legend]. 2> Check the Fixture Type is correct (shown on the top line of the display).
Page 140 - 4. Palettes A maximum of five timed palettes can be fading at any one time. 4.4.2 Master fade time You can set a master fade time so that all palettes will fade over that time. 1> Press Focus. 2> Press G [Options]. (If G shows [Pages] then press it to return to the main Palette menu, then G will show [Options]). 3> Press A [Set Master Time] 4> Type the time in seconds and press Enter to save. If you set a master fade time, no palettes will get put in the programmer.
5. Shapes - Page 141 C H A P T E R 5. F I V E Shapes This chapter contains: Selecting a shape; changing the size and speed of a shape; spreading a shape across multiple fixtures; editing shapes which are running. The Pearl, in common with other Avolites consoles, has a shape generator. This allows you to quickly create exciting light shows using lots of movement and changes, with the minimum of programming. A shape is simply a sequence of values which can be applied to any attribute of a fixture.
Page 142 - 5. Shapes 5.1.2 • You can change the base value of a shape (e.g. the centre of a circle) by changing the attributes using the wheels in the usual way. You can reduce the Size to zero (see next section) to help you see what the base value actually is. • You can run more than one shape at a time by repeating the above procedure. You can run several shapes on one fixture. • Press G [Shape Generator], then B [Edit a shape] to show what shapes are running.
5. Shapes - Page 143 the shape across each fixture. 5.1.4 1> In Shape Generator menu, press C [Set wheels to Spread]. 2> The left hand wheel controls the Fine Spread. The right hand wheel controls the Coarse spread. 3> Keep the Fine Spread at zero while you adjust the Coarse spread to the desired value, or the output can get confusing.
Page 144 - 5. Shapes highlighted. You can make more than one shape active. 5> Press Enter when you have finished 6> The speed, size and spread controls will now affect all the shapes you have set to be active. Any changes you make to a shape will affect all fixtures which are running that shape. If you applied the same shape several times to different fixtures, you can change each copy of the shape independently. 5.3 Advanced options 5.3.
5. Shapes - Page 145 two playbacks applying shapes to the same fixtures, this option allows you to merge the shapes or override previous shapes with the latest one) 6> D [Set memory to mode x] sets the current memory mode of the playback. To activate options A & B, the memory mode needs to be Mode 1 or 2. This is described in the next chapter. 7> E [Toggle shape offset] allows you to remove the offset caused by a shape when it is stopped.
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6. Memories - Page 147 C H A P T E R 6. S I X Memories This chapter contains: HTP and LTP channels; how the Pearl works when programming; recording a memory; playing back a memory; changing playback pages; setting fade times for a memory; copying and deleting memories; the include function; editing memories; the “off” button; blind mode; recording the stage using snapshots; using shapes in memories.
Page 148 - 6. Memories to get a result. It also lays you open to problems if you don’t keep tabs on what you are doing. (This is known as Tracking mode on other consoles). When you press Clear, all fixtures are cleared from the programmer. You should get into the habit of pressing Clear before you start to program a memory, or you can end up recording fixtures you don’t want. You also need to press Clear when you finish programming, because any functions in the programmer will override playbacks.
6. Memories - Page 149 playback Swop button, then enter a name using an external Qwerty keyboard. The text is shown on the VDU screen. Press Enter to store it, then Exit to finish. 6.1.3 • You can also label the current playback page this way, by pressing A [Current Page] instead of the playback Swop. • If you forgot to bring your Qwerty keyboard, you can use the Swop buttons of Presets 1-26 for capital A-Z, and the Flash buttons for lower case a-z (these keys are shown on the VDU screen).
Page 150 - 6. Memories few different memories - one for the shape, one for the base position. You can either use “Record by channel” mode, and not set the position, or use the “Off” function to achieve this effect. 6.1.5 Viewing the programmer contents You can view the contents of the programmer on the VDU screen by pressing View then G [VDU Views] (unless already in the VDU views screen) then D [Programmer]. Down the left hand side of the window, a list of fixtures in the programmer are displayed.
6. Memories - Page 151 memory starts to fade in, and stay there until another value is set. (You can set the value this happens at using the User settings menu). The fixture personality file tells the Pearl which channels of a fixture are HTP and which are LTP. Normally, only dimmer attributes are HTP, and everything else is LTP. If a fixture does not have an intensity control channel, the Gobo channel is defined as HTP to make sure the fixture blacks out when a memory is turned off. 6.2.
Page 152 - 6. Memories You can edit any part of a memory you have already saved simply by making the changes and saving the new information on top of the memory. 6.3.2 1> Press Clear to empty the programmer. 2> Turn on the memory you want to edit, so you can see what you are doing. Turn off all other memories to avoid confusion. 3> Select the fixtures you want to change, and make the changes. 4> Press Memory. 5> Press the Swop button for the memory you are editing.
6. Memories - Page 153 include. Press Enter. The selected attributes of the selected fixtures will be loaded into the programmer. 6.3.3 6> Repeat from 2 to include other attributes from the same fixtures, or repeat from 1 to include other fixtures. • If you want to put the whole memory into the programmer, ensure no fixtures are selected and the Dimmer attribute is selected, then press Include, then the Playback Swop button for the memory to include. Everything will be placed in the programmer.
Page 154 - 6. Memories other fixtures. 6.3.4 7> Press Memory. 8> Press the Swop button for the memory you are editing to save the changes. Unchanged information is not affected. • Attributes which are Off are shown on the screen. (The stage output will not change as the output values remain at their last settings). • Attributes or fixtures set to “Off” can be turned back on again by selecting them in the usual way and changing them using the wheels.
6. Memories - Page 155 To create a linked copy: 1> Hold down the Flash button of the playback you want to copy. 2> If you want to copy to a different page, move the Roller to the new page. 3> Press the Swop button of the playback where you want to store the copy. Release both buttons. • To create a Photocopy, press the blue Photocopy button before pressing the playback Flash button • If you have named the memory you copied, the linked memory will have the same name, as will a photocopied memory.
Page 156 - 6. Memories The effect of the times is shown in the following picture. The times you enter are also affected by the memory mode: • Mode 0 - No timing information is used. The settings on softkeys C, D and E are ignored. The HTP channels fade with the 0-100% position of the playback fader. • Mode 1 - Channels fade as set by the HTP and LTP fade times (except Instant LTP channels). If you enter times for a Mode 0 memory, it will automatically change to Mode 1.
6. Memories - Page 157 middle of a show without upsetting the current lighting state. Obviously, as you can’t see the changes you are making, you will need to have a good idea of what values to set. 1> Hold down AVO and press F [Blind Mode]. 2> If you don’t want to use the contents of the programmer, press Clear. 3> Make changes to your fixtures as usual. Use the screen or the Graphics Tablet to help you set the right positions, colours etc. 4> Save your changes as usual.
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7. Chases - Page 159 C H A P T E R 7. S E V E N Chases This chapter contains: Programming a chase; running a chase; setting speed, crossfade and direction; manually controlling the chase steps; setting step times and unlinking; editing a chase using unfold; editing a chase which is running; copying chases; sound activation of chases; chase options. As well as being used to store static memories, the playback faders on the Pearl can also be used to store chases (sequences of static memories). 7.
Page 160 - 7. Chases • You can set a label for the chase by holding down AVO and pressing G [Set Legend], then pressing the Swop button for the chase, as with memories. • There is no limit to the number of steps in a chase provided there is enough free memory in the Pearl. 7.2 Playback 7.2.1 Running a chase To run a chase, raise the fader of the playback. (You can also use the Flash/Swop buttons if you are in Normal Run mode). The chase will start to run.
7. Chases - Page 161 The wheels are normally assigned to control the Speed and Crossfade of the chase when you turn it on. You can save a speed with the chase, so that every time you play it back, it runs at the same speed. 1> Press A [Chase Parameters]. 2> Set the speed you want using the left hand wheel. 3> Press A [Save Speed]. • If you are in Run mode, you can also set the chase speed by tapping G [Tap twice to set speed] in time with the music.
Page 162 - 7. Chases 7.2.5 Viewing chase steps You can preview the output of a chase step on the display. The chase does not have to be connected or running. 1> Press View. 2> Press the Swop button of the chase to view. 3> Choose the attribute to view by pressing one of the Attribute buttons. 4> Use softkeys F and G to step through the chase, or type a new step number and press Enter. • Values with a “P” indicate that a palette has been stored in the step; the number is the palette number.
7. Chases - Page 163 7.3.3 Editing a chase using Unfold The Pearl has a powerful chase editing system. The Unfold button places each step of a chase on one of the playback faders as if each step was a memory, allowing you to turn on and edit each step individually. Tiger: If a chase has more than 10 steps, the Tiger Wing must be connected to access steps 1115 on each page.
Page 164 - 7. Chases 7.3.4 Editing a chase which is running You can also edit chase steps while you are running the chase, without using Unfold. Make sure the step you are editing is not in the middle of a fade, or you might get unexpected results next time you run the chase. 1> Start the chase by raising the fader. (if Links are On, press the Stop button to pause the chase) 2> Keep pressing the Stop button to step on to the step you want, or type the step number you want, press Connect then Stop.
7. Chases - Page 165 7.5 Delete 7.5.1 Deleting chases You can delete a chase exactly the same as a memory. Press the blue Delete button, then press the Swop button of the playback containing the chase. Press the swop button again to confirm the delete. 7.5.2 Deleting a step from a chase You can delete a step from the connected chase by pressing the blue Delete button, typing the step number to be deleted, pressing Enter then A [Yes].
Page 166 - 7. Chases F [LTP Wait] - Delay before the LTP channels start to move • 7.6.3 You can enter minutes as part of the time - press the decimal point twice, a colon (:) will appear. e.g. to enter 20 mins 10.5 seconds, type 20..10.5 (the display will show 20:10.5). Setting times and links for individual steps You can set the fade in and fade out times independently for each step/cue.
7. Chases - Page 167 deleted. 7.6.4 Viewing timing information You can view the timing settings of a connected chase by pressing View then Connect. (when View is set to LCD views; if the top line of the display shows “VDU views” when you press View, press G [LCD views]) For each step, the first line shows the step number, whether links are off or on for that step (Off=”-”, On=down arrow), and whether the step is Simple (S) or Complex (C).
Page 168 - 7. Chases 2> Press E [Sound to Light] to select Low, Mid or High trigger. 3> Turn the key to Run mode and press E [Enable sound to light] (this is the global Sound to Light enable). 3> When the chase is turned on, it will step in time to the sound signal 4> Press E, again, to turn off sound activation. • Turn the chase links Off and set fade times to zero to get a true sound to light chase.
7. Chases - Page 169 turned on) Skip first wait and fade time (Both wait and fade times are missed when the chase is first turned on) Wait and Fade for all steps C [Manual mode allowed / disallowed] – If set to Allowed, lets you manually fade a paused step by turning the left hand wheel for the HTP channels and the right hand wheel for the LTP channels. D [Speed wheel allowed / disallowed] - Lets you change the chase speed using the left hand wheel.
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8. Theatre stack - Page 171 C H A P T E R 8. E I G H T Theatre stack This chapter contains: Setting theatre mode; theatre controls; plotting a cue; naming a cue; setting fade times; jumping to a cue; running a theatrical show; advanced options. Theatre mode allows you to use the Pearl like a standard theatrical console, where you program your show as a sequence of cues, then run the show just by pressing the Go button at the appropriate moment. Playback faders 12-15 become dedicated cue masters.
Page 172 - 8. Theatre stack Fader 15 controls the LTP fade timer, when it is stopped. The Swop and Flash buttons above 13, 14 and 15 are Stop and Go buttons for each of these functions. 8.1.3 Plotting a cue Plotting a cue is very similar to saving a memory. You need to be in Program mode to record cues. The Pearl refers to cues as “Steps”. 1> If you are not already in “Theatre mode” press B [Theatre Stack Programming] at the main menu. 2> Press Clear to make sure the programmer is empty.
8. Theatre stack - Page 173 Connect (next to the wheels) . • 8.1.4 If you want to run a chase from a cue, you can use an Autoload to do this (see section 8.4) Running a chase or memory with a cue (Autoload) If you want to run a chase as part of a cue, or automatically turn on an existing memory, you can assign an Autoload to the step. Autoloads can either turn on or turn off a playback. A Fade Up autoload will turn on a playback, a Fade Down autoload will turn it off. 1> Press A [Advanced].
Page 174 - 8. Theatre stack [Set Times]. to show the options. You can also press the Live Time button (next to the wheels) to set the times for the current step. 1> Press Softkey A-F to select the time parameter to set (the times are described below). 2> Type the new time value using the numeric keypad and press Enter 3> Press G to set Link on or off. If link is On the next cue will run automatically after the Wait Out time. If off, you run each step manually using the Go button.
8. Theatre stack - Page 175 8.3 Playback 8.3.1 Running a theatrical show If you have just been editing, you may need to type 1 then F [Cut to Live] to set the console to cue 1. You should also turn the key to “Run” to make sure you can’t accidentally change anything. The LCD display shows the current (live) cue/step and the next cue/step numbers. To the right of this, bargraphs show the progress of the fades (see page 167 for more detail on the bargraphs).
Page 176 - 8. Theatre stack then pressing Connect (next to the wheels). The cue is loaded but does not start until you press the Go button. • When the Add/Flash master is at zero, the Theatre Stack Go function of the playback Flash buttons is disabled. When the Swop master is at zero, the Stop function of the blue playback swop buttons is disabled. 8.4 Edit 8.4.1 Editing a cue You can edit a cue you have saved as follows: 8.4.2 1> Press Clear. 2> Ensure the Dimmer attribute is selected.
8. Theatre stack - Page 177 You can delete all steps by pressing A [Delete All Steps]. 8.6 Advanced options 8.6.1 Advanced theatre options Press A [Advanced] to display the Advanced theatre options menu. The options are: A [Renumber] – Renumbers all cues to whole numbers. B [Assign a fade up autoload] – Assigns a memory or chase which will be automatically loaded and run when the fade-in for the cue starts. C [Assign a fade down autoload] – Allows you to turn off a memory or chase when the cue starts.
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9. The graphics tablet - Page 179 C H A P T E R 9. N I N E The graphics tablet This chapter contains: Connecting the graphics tablet; using the tablet; selecting fixtures on the tablet; changing the position of the fixtures; changing colours and other attributes; storing palette entries; other functions. The graphics tablet is an accessory to the Pearl. On “Touring” models it is fitted in the flightcase to the right of the console.
Page 180 - 9. The graphics tablet 9.1 Create 9.1.1 Connecting the tablet The tablet is connected to the Serial port on the Pearl. It is powered through the serial port. You must turn off the Pearl when connecting the tablet. The pen or puck should also be plugged into its socket on the rear of the tablet. Some tablets have an on/off switch on the rear. The power LED on the tablet should be lit, and when you touch the pen to the tablet surface, the status LED should light up.
9. The graphics tablet - Page 181 the tablet Stage area. If you press the pen on the Nudge pad, the tablet will go into Nudge mode. Now when you draw on the Stage area of the tablet, all selected fixtures will move relative to their current positions. This can be useful if you want to slightly reposition a fixture or a group of fixtures. Press the pen on the Absolute pad to turn off this mode. The top right corner of the VDU shows A for Absolute or N for Nudge.
Page 182 - 9. The graphics tablet The tablet has a selection of other function pads down the right hand side, including Locate Fixture, Flip, Select All, Clear (programmer), Off, Record Memory etc. These have the same functions as pressing the appropriate button on the Pearl. You can create a group using the tablet, just select the fixtures you want in the group, press the pen on the Record Group pad, then on the group pad where you want to save the group.
10. Running the show - Page 183 C H A P T E R T E N 10. Running the show This chapter contains: Run modes, channel mimics, master faders, manual control during a show 10.1 Playback 10.1.1 Run modes When you finish programming, back up the console to disk before you start the show (see page 197). Then turn the key to Run mode to make sure you can’t accidentally change anything.
Page 184 - 10. Running the show Normally you would set this at full, and use it if you need to quickly fade out all the lights. Tiger: The Pearl Tiger does not have Preset Masters. 10.1.3 Manual control during a show (“Busking”) If you have not had as much programming time as you would have liked, you might need to make up some additional effects during the show. Fortunately the Pearl is designed with this in mind and there are lots of features to spice up your life.
10. Running the show - Page 185 10.2 Options 10.2.1 Two-preset mode You can use the top and bottom preset faders to control dimmers patched on the 1-30 faders in a standard “two preset” mode, using the A and B Masters as preset masters. In this mode, fader 31 controls the same dimmer as fader 1, fader 32 controls the same as fader 2, and so on. This allows you to set up two different lighting states and fade between them using the A and B masters, as you would on a basic lighting desk.
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11. Automated playback (script files) - Page 187 C H A P T E R E L E V E N 11. Automated playback (script files) This chapter contains: Script files, using script files in Run mode. Script files are a powerful feature of the Pearl which allow you to record a show in real time using the playback faders, then play back the show automatically, synchronised to an external MIDI time code source, or using the Pearl’s internal clock.
Page 188 - 11. Automated playback (script files) otherwise the playback faders will not be recorded. 11.1.2 What is recorded in the script file The script file records two types of action: When a playback fader is raised, the script file records • The playback number, roller segment and roller page number • The timecode setting when the fader starts to move • The time taken for the playback fader to move from the trigger point to full.
11. Automated playback (script files) - Page 189 using the keypad. Or just press Enter to set the timer to zero. 4> Press E [Connect Timer] to run the script file to the timecode. 5> The timer will run and the script file will replay. • You can use Time of Day as timecode by pressing C [Clock Timecode] from the select timer source menu. This can be useful if the Pearl is running time-related lighting shows. • You can jump to a step by typing the step number on the keypad and pressing Enter.
Page 190 - 11. Automated playback (script files) internal timer, the timer is started. The option changes to [Pause Script file] when selected. 11.2.4 Looping and running script files on power up The Pearl can be configured to run script files on power up, and to loop the script file (if using internal time code). This is useful for unattended operation in exhibitions. In the Script file main menu, Press G [Script File parameters] to set these options.
11. Automated playback (script files) - Page 191 The VDU screen, having more space, shows more detail of the steps. 11.3.2 Editing an action This allows you to change the playback number, or to set a “ramp down” for a playback, or to change the fade in/out time. Select the step to be edited using the up and down arrow keys, then press D [Assign Action]. The options are: A [Load]: followed by the swop button of the playback to be loaded. Changes the step to a fade in of the playback you select.
Page 192 - 11. Automated playback (script files) To enter a new timecode from the keypad, press C [Assign TC from input], type in the new timecode value on the keypad and press D [Assign TC to step from input]. Timecode is displayed and entered as HH/MM/SS.FF (hours, minutes, seconds, frames – frames are 1/25th of a second). The top line of the display shows you the timecode you are entering. Alternatively, press D [Assign TC to step] to use the current timecode setting. 11.4.
11. Automated playback (script files) - Page 193 re-order the display into the correct order. The functioning of the script file is not affected. 11.5 Copy 11.5.1 Copying a script file Press G [Script file parameters]. Select the script file to be copied using the up and down arrow keys. The current script file is highlighted. Press the blue Photocopy button. Type in a number for the newly copied script file. Press Enter to confirm or exit to cancel. 11.6 Delete 11.6.
Page 194 - 11. Automated playback (script files) To reset the internal timer to 0, just press Enter. B [Record script file] - This option lets you create a new script file as described in section 11.1.1. If there is already a script file, the Pearl will check you want to overwrite it (if not, select No and use option C below to work on another file). C [Select script file] - Lets you select which script file you want to work on. The display shows a list of script files.
12. Setup - Page 195 C H A P T E R T W E L V E 12. Setup This chapter contains: The user settings menu; Wipe modes; Disk functions The Pearl is very easy to customise to your preferred way of working. The main options are contained in the “User settings menu”. 12.1 User Settings 12.1.1 The User Settings menu This menu is obtained by holding down the AVO button and pressing C [User Settings]. You can also turn the key to System mode and press C [User Settings].
Page 196 - 12. Setup 9. Fader ON > x (vv) - Sets the level of the fader at which LTP channels turn on when fading in a memory or chase. X is the percentage value, vv is the raw DMX value 10. Fader OFF < x (vv) - Sets the level of the fader at which LTP channels turn off when fading out a memory or chase. This has to be at least 2 values below the “on” value. The Pearl will not let you set an incorrect value. 11.
12. Setup - Page 197 G [Default settings] - sets all settings back to the defaults. 12.1.2 Setting the Wheel acceleration The control wheels allow you to set 16-bit control values to the fixtures, and have an acceleration function so you don’t have to spin the wheel for hours if you need to make large changes to the fixtures. Hold down the AVO button and press the 2 button to set the different wheel acceleration curves. The current curve is shown on the main part of the screen.
Page 198 - 12. Setup will now display a list of all available saved versions of your show arranged in date order. Press the relevant softkey to load it or Exit to cancel. If using the floppy drive, the Pearl displays the name of the show on the disk. This is shown on the VDU screen only. Press Enter to load it or Exit to cancel. B [Save show to disk] - Saves the contents of the console to disk.
12. Setup - Page 199 prevent the Pearl from accessing the drive. Usually utility software provided with the USB drive will allow you to disable it, so that the drive can be used like a normal USB Drive.
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13. Other features - Page 201 C H A P T E R T H I R T E E N 13. Other features This chapter contains:Setting the Pearl’s clock & other utility functions; using MIDI commands with the Pearl; Service mode; hardware WIPEALL mode. 13.1 System Configuration 13.1.1 Utility menu The Utility menu is accessed by turning the key to System, then pressing G [Utilities]. A [Set clock] - The Pearl has a built-in real time clock.
Page 202 - 13. Other features data, delete individual shows, wipe all the personality data, wipe all the data from a USB drive, or synchronise fixture personality data. All these operations can be performed on either the internal drive or an external memory stick. A [Backup] - Allows you to back up all the data on a drive. You can back it up to either another directory on the same drive, or a different drive. All shows and personality data is backed up.
13. Other features - Page 203 ‘AVOLITES’ directory, while ‘F – Wipe Fixtures’ deletes ‘AVOLITES/FIXTURES’. If you wish to keep other files on your memory stick you should keep them out of these two directories, that way the desk will never touch them, even if you do a ‘F – Wipe’. The directory structure is the same on ‘AVOCACH’ as it is on any external drives. 13.1.
Page 204 - 13. Other features Chips on the Borris motherboard are properly seated. The correct procedure to follow after a Bus error has occurred is to send the bus error log to softwareteam@avolites.com together with a brief description of events just before the Bus error and if possible the show files and the key log (see D [Tests] Æ E [View Key History] D [Tests] - Displays another menu allowing you to test various hardware in the system. B [Read FIX.
13. Other features - Page 205 personalities and shows. It also adds a licensing system to prevent copyright infringements. The upgrade happens in 3 parts. First the underlying AVOS operating system must be upgraded and a licence key entered, then the application software must be upgraded, and finally all the fixture personalities will need to be copied onto the internal USB drive.
Page 206 - 13. Other features 6> Wait until “100% completed” appears, then press Exit. If the message “Failed” appears or the system halts for a long time before 100% is reached, the disk is probably faulty. Download the software again onto another disk and try again. 7> Press 1 [Wipeall and start system] followed by Enter to restart the main program. Do not use A [Start system] as the new software may not be compatible with the data stored internally in the memory.
13. Other features - Page 207 7> Close the console and refasten it. If you do the above then restart the console without selecting “Start the System”, you may not be able to get the console to run. Use the following procedure to start the console. This procedure is also another way to get into AVOS mode. 1> Turn off the console and open as described above. 2> Fit the AVOS link. On Borris 3 motherboards this is in the bottom right corner by the 4-digit display.
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13. Other features - Page 209 13.2 MIDI functions The Pearl can respond to or output MIDI note information which emulates certain buttons being pressed or faders being moved. The console can also respond to MIDI Timecode, which is used with script files. If you want to know more about MIDI, a good book to read is MIDI Systems and Control by Francis Rumsey; Published by Focal Press, ISBN 0-240-513000-2.
Page 210 - 13. Other features To Turn Off a playback, send a note on command with velocity=0. The Pearl does not recognise MIDI note off ($8n) commands. Stop/run/step a chase etc: after touch ($An pp cc) Note number (pp) = playback number, from 0 - 19 (decimal) Aftertouch value (cc) = control codes: $00 stop chase $01 run chase $02 restart from step 1 $03 fade to next step using programmed fade times $04 Snap directly to next step 13.2.
13. Other features - Page 211 13.3 The stage remote (riggers remote) The Pearl can be used with the optional Avolites Stage Remote. This is a small hand-held controller which connects to the console by a 25 pin serial cable. The cable can be connected either way round and can be plugged and unplugged at any time. The remote is useful when setting up a show as you can leave the console at the back of the venue and use the Stage Remote to operate it from the stage.
Page 212 - 13. Other features 13.4 • To disable the remote, press EXIT then 0 0 0. • You can check if the remote is enabled or not by pressing the blank button on the bottom left. If the LEDs flash once the remote is disabled, if they flash twice it is enabled. Pearl Tiger: installing the Tiger Wing The Pearl Tiger has an optional “wing” which can be plugged in to provide playback faders 11-15. This makes the number of playbacks the same as for the Pearl 2008.
14. The Personality File System - Page 213 C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N 14. The Personality File System If you can’t find the personality for the fixture you’re using, or you want to know how to create a personality file, this section has the details. 14.1 Help, I can’t find a personality for my fixture Avolites has a large library of fixtures on the website at http://www.avolitesdownload.com/Personality%20Library/Default.asp which can be downloaded quickly onto floppy disk or USB memory stick.
Page 214 - 14. The Personality File System desks. 14.2.3 Personality File Keyword Order Keywords should appear in the following order:DEVICE ... TYPE ... DEVICEADDRESS ... DAEND ... MINDMX ... MAXDMX ... DIVBY ... MIRROR ... DMX ... DMX ... TEXT ... END PFTABLE ... PFEND MACRO ... MEND 14.2.
14. The Personality File System - Page 215 Setting the device to:- 8 channels used patched from 512 downwards and the next line sets a device for 10 channels and patched from 001 to 512 TYPE 1 10 D 14.2.6 Fixture switch settings This allows the desk to display the exact switch settings required to configure a fixture for a given DMX address and to ensure it is set in the correct mode. The display can be configured in virtually any way required.
Page 216 - 14. The Personality File System ; %16 : isolates lower 4 bits ; 16: reverses the 4 bits ; 9. Second variable passed is (d/20)/16 ; (d/20) : dmx/20 giving the fixture number ; /16 : isolates the upper 4 bits.
14. The Personality File System - Page 217 MIRROR 1 170 110 Where:MIRROR is the keyword 1 indicates moving mirror a 2 in this field indicates a moving head instrument. 170 is the maximum pan movement. 110 is the maximum tilt movement. 14.2.8 The DMX/Preset Layout The DMX/PRESET LAYOUT will appear in the following format:DMX A B C D E F G H I J K L ; comment A B C D E F G H I J K L; comment END Where DMX is the keyword to tell the desk dmx, preset and fader information follows.
Page 218 - 14. The Personality File System G: This is the link to the user tables and identifier for PAN and TILT. This will be explained in the TABLES section. This entry can run from A to F and 0 (zero) meaning no table entry. H: This must always be 1 (The checksum facility has been removed). I: This defines the channel name. This should be in inverted commas and can be up to 11 characters long and it may include spaces. This will be used on screen to identify the channel.
14. The Personality File System - Page 219 The first number indicates which tablet attribute button the table will be available on. The final numbers are the actual DMX channel numbers. The next lines contain the actual focus information and is defined as follows:“focus name” palette entry number channel level(s) When “focus name” this is the name given to the focus. This can be up to 11 characters and can include spaces. It must begin and end with double quotes.
Page 220 - 14. The Personality File System running the next step. When used it must be followed by a 1. This field is for future use. • Time is the delay time in units of 0.1 seconds and is in hexadecimal. 3 seconds would be 2E Macros must terminate with the statement MEND A typical example macro is:MACRO “HOME” 1 18 20 ; send instrument to home position “data” 0 FF 0 “delay” 1 20 “data” 0 0 FF “delay” 1 20 ; wait about 2.5 seconds “data” 0 0 40 “delay” 1 40 ; wait about 5 seconds “data” 0 0 0 MEND 14.
14. The Personality File System - Page 221 ; "High End Cyberlight mode 1", 20 DMX channels, filename :hecyber1.per ; ; Date By Description ; 26-05-94 Salzedo created ; 10-08-94 Anwar revised dmx slots ; 07-09-94 J.B.Toby revised for Pearl use/relocation of channels ; 11-11-94 J.B.Toby revised to match PerManML ; 22-05-96 S. Anwar Pan/Tilt channel identification & Resolution inserted ; 04-03-96 S.
Page 222 - 14. The Personality File System ;12. The Highlight level of this channel ;13.
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15. Glossary of terms - Page 225 15. Glossary of terms 4D TRACK The unique Avolites moving light Tracking system available using the Graphics Tablet. ABSOLUTE Mode for colours and positions on the Graphics Tablet in which the output of the Fixture corresponds directly with the position of the stylus on the Tablet. See NUDGE. ADD Type of flash button which adds the output being flashed into the existing output of the console. Now referred to as FLASH buttons.
Page 226 - 15. Glossary of terms the replicas results in the same change to all of them. See PHOTOCOPY. CROSSFADE Or X FADE. A change in lighting state in which all HTP channels are assumed to be ON. HTP channels which are not explicitly set at a level will fade to zero. LTP channels follow Move Fade rules. See MOVE FADE DEVICE See FIXTURE.
15. Glossary of terms - Page 227 determining the output level of a Channel held in more than one Playback Channel. The Channel outputting the Highest value at any given time will always determine the level of the Channel. Also see LTP. INCLUDE A means of transferring the contents of a Memory or Chase Step into the Programmer. INDIVIDUAL STEP TIMES Times programmed into one individual Chase Step from the TIMES menu. These steps are called COMPLEX STEPS. See GLOBAL CHASE TIMES, SIMPLE STEP, COMPLEX STEP.
Page 228 - 15. Glossary of terms musical instruments (such as keyboards) and other devices such as computers, sequencers and sound and lighting consoles. ML MENU Stands for Moving Light Menu. MOVE FADE A change in lighting state in which only those channels that are ON change in level. NUDGE Mode for colours and positions on the Graphics Tablet in which the output of the Fixture changes relative to the movement of the stylus on the Tablet. See ABSOLUTE.
15. Glossary of terms - Page 229 SHAPE A preprogrammed effect available which is applied to an Attribute. It can then be customised and stored in a Memory. SHARED PALETTE A Palette in which information is only stored for one Fixture, but is available to all Fixtures of that type. SIMPLE STEP A Chase Step which does not have Individual Step Times programmed into it, and hence will use Global Chase times. See COMPLEX STEP, GLOBAL CHASE TIMES, INDIVIDUAL STEP TIMES.
Page 230 - 15. Glossary of terms WHEEL B Pearl 2008 Manual - 16th July 2007 This is the right hand wheel. It is used to control the lower Attribute of each Attribute Bank.
16. Index - Page 231 16. Index Pages in the Tutorial section have numbers below 100. Pages in the Reference manual have numbers above 100.
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