Control Console User Manual Version 3.0.1 C o p y r i g h t © 2 0 1 1 . E le c tr o n i c T h e a t r e C o n t r o l s , I n c . All Rights reserved. P r o d u c t in f o r m a t i on a n d s p e c i f i c a t i o n s s u bj e c t t o c h a n g e . P a r t N u m b e r : 7219M1210-3.0.
E T C i n t e n d s t h i s d o c u m e n t , w h e t h e r p r i n t ed o r e l e c tr o n i c , to b e p r o v id e d i n i t s e n ti r e t y . E T C pe r m i t s t h e r e p r o d u c t i o n o f m a t e r i a l s i n th i s m a n u a l o n l y f o r n o n - c o m m e r c i a l p u r p o s e s . A l l o t h e r r i g h ts ar e reserved by ETC.
Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Menu Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Text Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Help from ETC Technical Services . . . . . . . .
Clear Device Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Patch Dimmers (INT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Patch by Dimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Patch by Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Patch Independents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Set up Independents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Device Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 General Device Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Shape effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Offset Relations In Shape and Color Effects . . .
Clear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Bump Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Select Fader Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Memory Fader Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Memory Bump Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the SmartFade ML lighting control console. The SmartFade ML console offers a great feature range including hands-on manual control, memory driven operation, and an impressive array of features for systems work. SmartFade ML is perfect for any venue, usable for small touring shows, auditorium productions, or as a stage manager’s remote console. This chapter contains the following sections: Introduction • Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using thi s Manual This manual will hopefully get you up and running in no time. These are the manual conventions. Instructions Instructions are shown in a table with columns for Action, Console and Feedback. Action Console Activate Blackout mode BLACK OUT Feedback Button lights up. No output except from the Independents.* * There may be a comment like this with an asterisk. Menu Directions Many functions require menu navigation.
Help from ETC Technical Services If you are having difficulties, your most convenient resources are the references given in this user manual. To search more widely, try the ETC Web site at www.etcconnect.com. You can ask other users for advice on the ETC forums at www.etcconnect.com/community. If none of these resources is sufficient, contact ETC Technical Services directly at one of the offices identified below. Emergency service is available from all ETC offices outside of normal business hours.
Power-up and Shutdown Procedures Unpack & Connect You can get SmartFade ML up and running in no time. • Unpack • Connect power • Connect DMX to dimmers, moving lights, scrollers and LEDs • Power up Power-up Procedure SmartFade ML uses the power button for power-up and power-down. It is also used to access the operating mode selection menu. Action Console Press and release Feedback The LCD shows the current software version. The button LEDs will light up in the following order: GREEN, RED, rest.
Operating Modes Hold the power button during start-up to enter the Operating Modes menu. This allows you to select different operating modes. Action Console 1. Press and hold (console must be off) 2. Select mode Feedback The LCD shows the Operating Modes menu. Wheel (3) >Full control All functions available >Control & Playback No recording or patch functions. >Playback only All intensity and device direct control functions are disabled as well as record and patch. 3.
Save & Load to Memory Card SmartFade ML uses either a standard SD Memory card or SDHC Memory card as the primary external storage device. Before you can use a new SD card make sure it is formatted correctly (FAT16). See “Format SD Memory Card” on page 9. Note: When using SDHC Memory cards for show file storage, please use the following guidelines for best performance: • Keep your show file names to 8 characters or less.
If a file name has been used, it will save to this name, otherwise it will jump to the Save as menu. Load show from Card This is done from the Save/Load Show menu Menu>Save/Load Show>[Load show] Select the show with the wheel. The default show offered for loading will be the last show, or the lowest numbered recording on the card.
Load Patch from Card This is done from the Save/Load Show menu. Menu>Save/Load Show>[Save as] Select the show with the wheel. Confirm loading by pressing ENTER. The default show offered for loading a patch from will be the lowest numbered recording on the card. The reason for this is that you may want to save a dummy show with just a patch as show 01. Load User Personalities from Card This is done from the Save/Load Show menu. Menu>Save/Load Show>[Load user Pers.] Select the show with the wheel.
Format SD Memory Card SD and SDHC Memory cards are usually pre-formatted. You may need to reformat your card(s) so that they will function with the console. SmartFade supports the following formats on SD and SDHC cards: • SD Memory cards : FAT16 only • SDHC Memory cards : FAT16 or FAT32 only Formatting has to be done in a PC. You will need an SD card reading device connected to your PC. CAUTION: Formatting your SD Card will erase any information stored on the card.
10 Step 3: Right-click on the SD card icon and select Format. This will open the formatting window. Step 4: In the File System field, select FAT. This will establish the card’s file system as FAT16. Step 5: Click Start and then complete the formatting process. SmartFade ML v3.0.
Chapter 1 General Information This chapter gives you the general information you need to get started. This chapter contains the following sections: 1 • Control Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 • Frontpanel Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 • Philosophy of the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 • Data Structure & Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Capacity SmartFade is a simple to use but very powerful lighting console for 48 intensity channels and 24 moving light devices, specifically designed to be usable right out of the box. Intensity channels There are 48 intensity channels. Each intensity channel can control one or more dimmers. They are divided into two groups of 24 (to simplify numbering on the faders).
Frontpanel Functionality This is an overview of the functionality of the frontpanel of your SmartFade ML. Device Selects 1-24 These buttons are used to select Devices, palettes, groups and effects. The buttons under are used to select different modes. LCD Menus The two displays with wheels and buttons are used for menus and device parameters. Faders and Bump buttons The 24 faders can be used to control intensities, parameters and memories or sequences. Select mode with the Faders buttons above them.
Faders & Bump Buttons There are 24 faders. They can be set to control intensities, parameters or memories and sequences. These modes are set with the FADERS buttons. INT A INT B DEVICE INT PARAM 1 PARAM 2 MEMS Each fader has a Bump button below it. This button will light up when there is content, and it will mimic the output of the content by varying its intensity. The button color will vary depending on the type of content. 1 ...
Crossfader The Crossfader consists of a Live and Next fader, plus the Crossfade transport buttons. It can be used for fading between the 199 steps of the programmable Stack, or for singlescene fading into intensities that are set blind in NEXT mode. Stack & Crossfader, page 87 The following buttons are used together with the crossfader NEXT STACK Sequence & Stack Functions These buttons are used to program and edit Sequences in the Mems faders, and the Stack of the Crossfader. See “Sequences” on page 58.
LCD & Wheel Functions The LCD menus provide quick access to functions. Parameters in the LCDs, page 45 Right LCD - Main menu The right LCD, with one wheel, is the main menu for entering and exiting functions. Action Console Feedback Wheel (3) Choices are shown over the wheel. Use the Menu button again to move to subsequent levels, and to accept setting changes. Activate menus Scroll through choices Previous choice < Return to previous menu level. Exit << Cancels out of the menus.
Phi losophy of the Console SmartFade ML is simple to use, and still offers advanced functionality for a rig of conventional lights, moving lights, scrollers and LEDs. There is a direct button for every intensity and device parameter. These functions are accessed from the fader modes. The back-lit buttons make it possible to run SmartFade ML without an additional screen. They offer information about content, fader mode, intensities and color.
Data Structure & Timing The data structure is very simple. The faders offer direct control of intensities and parameters. These levels can be stored in different ways. Groups Device selections can be stored in 24 groups for fast recall. Palettes Device parameters can be stored in three types of palettes for fast recall and to be programmed as referenced sources in memories and sequences. The palette types are FOCUS, COLOR and BEAM. There are 24 of each type.
Chapter 2 Setup The default setup of SmartFade ML allows you to run 48 dimmer channels straight out of the box. Moving lights, scrollers and LEDs always have to be patched, since they require a specific personality corresponding to each type. There are other user Settings for displays and language. These are described in this chapter. This chapter contains the following sections: 2 Setup • DMX Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 • Clear/Set Patch. .
DMX Output DMX (Digital MultipleX) is a worldwide standard (or protocol) that your SmartFade ML uses to communicate with lighting equipment. It is a digital protocol that basically defines a state of “on”, “off” or a percentage of “on”. DMX can be used to control dimmers, moving lights, fog machines, LEDs, scrollers, media servers or any number of other DMX devices. DMX is restricted to a total of 512 (output) channels available in one DMX line (referred to as a universe).
Clear/Set Patch Clear Intensity Patch The intensity patch for INT A and INT B is cleared from the Patch Menu. Menu>Patch>Patch Set/Clear>[Clear INT Patch] Press OK to confirm. Set Intensity Patch 1:1 The intensity patch for INT A and INT B is set 1:1 from the Patch Menu. Menu>Patch>Patch Set/Clear>[Set INT Patch 1:1?] Press OK to confirm. Note: The Device Intensity channels can be used to patch 24 more conventional lights if no Devices are being used. See “Patch by Channel” on page 21.
Patch Dimmers (INT) There are 48 intensity channels that can be patched to two DMX universes (1024 outputs). They are divided into two groups of 24 - fader mode INT A and INT B. The Default Patch SmartFade ML defaults to a “1 to 1” patch mode in DMX universe 1 for dimmers. INT A = DMX1-24 INT B = DMX 25-48 This is the simplest version of a patch and is the most common, as it is easy to remember and provides immediate control with all of your available channels.
Patch by Channel Patching by channel is just as simple as patching by dimmer. The only difference is that the starting point is the intensity channel. By doing it Live you can check what is patched to each intensity channel, and then patch or unpatch more dimmer outputs to this channel. Step 1: Open the Patch: Menu>Patch>[Patch by channel] Step 2: Choose between Live and Blind mode using encoder wheel 3. Press (MENU) to confirm. Step 3: Patching is done in the left LCD.
Patch Independents Independent buttons IND 1 and IND 2 provide two outputs separated from all other controls. They are intended to operate devices such as smoke machines, tab tracks, cue lights, etc. • SOLO does not affect these outputs. • The state or result of the 2 independent outputs is not recordable. The Default Patch SmartFade ML defaults to the last outputs in DMX universe 1 for the independents.
Patch Devices There are 24 device channels that can be patched to two DMX universes (1024 outputs). Each device can have a DMX footprint of up to 48 outputs. There is no default patch since every moving light or DMX device requires a specific prebuilt patching personality (see below). We recommend that you patch all your devices at the same time, to avoid problems with overlapping addresses.
Test the Device As devices are patched, they will be sent to their default or "Home" position. For moving lights, this is usually a centered or 50/50 position for pan and tilt, and all other parameters set to levels corresponding to an open white beam of light. Once patched you can test that the fixtures are controllable. Press DEVICE SEL. The device button (1-24) corresponding to the each patched device shall light up dimly. Press one so it becomes bright (selected).
Device Settings You can invert and/or swap pan and tilt functions individually for every device. This is usually only used when they are not rigged in the same way - to make pan and tilt have the same result on stage. These functions are available from the Device Menu. Go to Menu>Devices> Menu choice Console [Invert Pan] Wheel 2 selects device (DEV). Feedback SEL toggles on/off. [Invert Tilt] Wheel 2 selects device (DEV). SEL toggles on/off. [Swap Pan/Tilt] Wheel 2 selects device (DEV).
Console Setup Erase Functions Erasing data is done from the Setup menu. Menu>Setup>[Erase] The following kind of data can be erased: • All show data • Memories • Sequences • Stack • Palettes Default Times Default times can be set for • Fades in Sequences and Stack. See “Default Fade Times” on page 74. • Move Dark Time. • Palette Time. Crossfade Faders The direction in which the Crossfade faders advance to the next step in STACK mode is set in the Setup menu.
M e m or y R u b b e r b a n d When On, device parameters (non intensity channels) will follow the fader up and back. When Off, the parameters will move to their new positions as you take up a fader and then remain there when the fader is taken down. This is set in the Setup menu. Menu>Setup>[Memory Rubberband] DMX Out See “DMX Out Speed” on page 18. MIDI Settings See “MIDI Settings” on page 27. Language You can choose language for the menus from the Setup menu.
Software Version You can verify what software version your console is running in the Setup menu. Menu>Setup>[Software version] L E D C a l i b r a ti o n The LEDs in the select buttons are used to show color mixing information for palettes. Since LEDs are not always equal, there may be a need to calibrate the white balance or overall brightness. You can calibrate the LED buttons either individually or together. This is done from the LED Calibration menu.
MIDI Setup SmartFade ML includes MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) facilities to provide three primary functions. • Show control systems: SmartFade ML may be set to respond to MIDI data from a time-based sequencer or show control system. This can be MSC or functions from the Basic MIDI implementation of SmartFade ML. The default setting is OFF.
Synchronising Two SmartFades To synchronise playback of two SmartFade consoles, just connect MIDI OUT from console A to MIDI IN on console B. Now the main playback functions are “mirrored” from console A to console B. Functions • GO, PAUSE and STOP will be synchronised*.
MIDI Channel The Basic and Advanced MIDI functions apart from MSC are sent and received on the same MIDI channel. This is set in the MIDI menu. Menu>Setup>MIDI>[Midi Channel] Use the wheel 1 to select MIDI channel 1-16 and press SEL to toggle On/Off. Sending MIDI Controllers This function is designed to allow any control channel in SmartFade ML to control an external device using any MIDI controller 1-127. This is set up in the Controller Patch.
Custom Moving Light Personaliti es Custom Moving Light Personalities SmartFade ML includes a large number of moving light personalities. If, for any reason they do not meet your needs or you have a device that isn’t included, it is also possible to build up to 20 user personalities that are stored with the show. The personalities can be built online, and this is probably the best way to ensure that they are working properly with the intended device.
Edit a Personality Live This is best done with the device connected, since all parameters can be checked live as they are assigned. Note: It is recommended to assign first the intensity and then the shutter parameters in order to see some light output from the device so that the remaining parameters may be more easily identified. Some types of moving light require a particular value to be set on a channel in order to either turn them on, reset them or strike an arc light.
Special - Color Mix CMY, RGB & RAGB Since SmartFade ML simplifies color mixing into Hue and Saturation - and there can be parameters such as CMY, RGB or RAGB, it is important that you assign them in a specific order. Note: Step 1: Choose between CMY, RGB or RAGB by pressing MORE. Step 2: Move the fader corresponding to Cyan and press HUE. Step 3: Move the fader corresponding to Magenta and press HUE again. Step 4: Move the fader corresponding to Yellow and press HUE again.
Example (blind) - Intensity Step 1: Press bump button 1 in parameter page PARAM 1. The parameter fader was as zero% so the HOME value is zero. In the right display you can see that OFFSET 1 is Assigned to: Intensity. Step 2: Note: You can change this to another parameter by pressing a different bump button, or you can select a new offset and assign a parameter to that. You can assign any parameter in the same way as intensity. Color mixing and pan/tilt are slightly different. See below.
Example (Blind) - Pan/Tilt 16 Bit Some devices offer 16 bit resolution for Pan and Tilt. This is controlled by using one channel for Pan Coarse, and a second for Pan Fine (and the same for Tilt Coarse/Fine).The PAN and TILT bumps will toggle the assigned parameter between Coarse and Fine. Note: 36 Step 1: Select the first offset channel with encoder 1. Step 2: Use the PAN parameter (bump button 2) to toggle to pan Coarse. It is recommended to assign a HOME level of 128 to Pan and Tilt.
Special - Fade With Intensity When you have assigned your parameters in live or blind, press (MENU) to go from the Personality Editor to the “Fade with intensity” or “Invert Parameter” configuration. Step 1: Use wheel 3 to select “Fade With Intensity”. Step 2: Press (MENU) to activate. Now use the bump buttons to toggle “Fade With Intensity” mode for each parameter fader in Param 1 and Param 2. The bump button will light up when the FWI mode is active.
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Chapter 3 Program Once you have set up your console to control the dimmers and devices in your rig, you can start programming. This chapter contains the following sections: 3 Program • Intensity Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 • Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 • Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 • Memories . . . . . . . . .
Intensity Channels Intensities for dimmers and devices are set with the faders. Simply press one of the intensity mode buttons and then use the faders to set intensities. The currently selected button is lit in green. INT A INT B DEVICE INT Intensities are piled-on to the output of the console in an HTP manner (Highest Takes Precedence). Intensities may be sourced by a channel fader, a memory fader or the Stack.They are limited by the Master fader and Black out button.
Adjust Channel Range It’s possible to select any channel range and adjust proportionally in the Channel menu. Menu>Channels>[Adjust Channel Range] Menu choice Console Feedback START Wheel 1 Select first channel in range END Wheel 2 Select last channel in range [All] Adjust LEVEL SEL Wheel 3 Selects all channels as channel range. Adjust the levels proportionally Set Channel Range It’s possible to select any channel range and set levels in the Channel menu.
Devices SmartFade ML is specially designed to handle devices, like moving lights, in a very simple and straightforward way. Device intensities and parameters can be set manually with the faders and/or with the LCD parameter menus. See “Intensity Channels” on page 40. DEVICE INT PARAM 1 PARAM 2 Working with devices like moving lights, scrollers and LEDs often requires more preparation than dimmers.
Select Devices Before you can do anything with a device it has to be selected. This is done with the SELECTION buttons and the 24 Device / Palette Select buttons. These are the available select functions Function Activate Device Select mode Select or deselect a device Clear current selection Get previous selection Select all active Select all active from a memory 3 Program Console Feedback This button lights up, and so do the select buttons for all patched devices.
Device Groups A quick way to recall a selection of devices is to store it as a group. There are 24 groups. Record groups Action 1. Select devices 2. Activate recording Console 1 ... 24 PAL/GRP GROUP 4. Record group 1 Selected device buttons are lit to full (Device Select mode has to be active). All buttons that can record in this mode will blink (press CLEAR to exit). RECORD 3. Select groups Feedback GROUP lights up. All 24 select buttons will blink at full.
Device Parameters A device in SmartFade ML can have up to 48 parameters such as pan, tilt, gobo etc. These parameters are automatically mapped to the controls by the personality in the device patch. Parameters for the selected devices are always moved to the last issued value in an LTP manner (Latest Takes Precedence). They are not affected by the Master Fader or Blackout button. Parameters in the Faders When a device is selected all its parameters are mapped into two PARAM fader pages.
C o l o r C on t r o l As soon as a device with color parameters is selected you can control these parameters from the parameter faders and from the LCD parameter control functions. Device types supported include: RGB, CMY, RGBA, RAGCB (Prism Reveal), ROAGI (Selador Fire), RGCBI, (Selador Ice), ROAGCBI (Selador x7). User personalities may be made with RGB, RGBA or CMY mixing The parameter faders provide control of Hue, Saturation, Color wheel 1 and 2 plus MODIFY and Color FX.
Device Palettes To make programming of devices simple, it is possible to store parameters into references, called palettes. Palettes can be recalled with one button press. You can store and recall three types of parameter palettes. See “Palettes” on page 16.
Recall Recorded Palettes Action 1. Select devices 2. Activate a palette mode 3. Select palette Console 1 FOCUS 1 Feedback Selected device buttons are lit to full (Device Select mode has to be active). ... 24 COLOR BEAM This button lights up. All select buttons with a recorded palette light up at full * As soon as a select button is pressed, the palette is activated. The console will automatically return to Device Select mode. ...
Fan Parameters The Fan function makes it possible to quickly spread a range of values across the selected devices on a specific parameter. • There are different fan shapes (linear, V, U and S). • The center point defaults to the device in the middle of the current selection, but you can change it in the Fan menu. • FAN lights up dimmed, and can be used as soon as more than one device is selected. • There is a quick Fan mode, and a Fan menu mode.
Highlight Mode Highlight is a mode designed for when you are adjusting a group of devices one by one. It will bring the selected devices to a dimmed value and allow you to select one at a time at full. All devices that are not selected are set temporarily to zero and cannot be selected. Action 1. Select devices 2. Activate Highlight mode 3. Select a device within the first selection Console 1 Feedback Selected device buttons are lit to full (Device Select mode has to be active). ...
Effects There is a pre-defined library of 33 effects using wave-forms to generate the result. These effects are divided into three categories • Shape (pan/tilt only) • Linear (any parameter) • Color (CMY, RGB and other color mixing systems only). The last button in each row controls the STOP function for each effect type. Note: Effects are stored in Memories and Stack steps. They are referenced as a source, just like palettes.
Note: The shape effects are tailor designed with some common lighting situations in mind. Feel free to experiment in any other way. Remember that a moving head with tilt at 50% will never do a circle or square, it will appear as a figure-8 - it needs to be pointing forward or backward. Here is some information about them. 1. Circle - A circular fading movement 2. Square - A square fading movement 3. Infinity - A never ending journey in smooth moves 4. Lissajou - A pendular movement 5.
Color Effects Color effects are designed to be applied specifically to devices with color mixing systems. Start Color Effects Color effects can be started or edited and then started at the same time. Action 1. Select devices Console 1 2. Activate Effect mode EFFECT 3. Select color effects COLOR 4. Select Linear effect, and target 1 ... 24 Feedback Selected device buttons are lit to full (Device Select mode has to be active). This button lights up.
Linear Effects Linear effects can be applied to any device parameter, and to dimmer intensities. Start Linear Effects The linear effect can only be applied to one intensity channel or parameter at a time. It can be a single parameter for a selection of devices (color, strobe etc). Action 1. Select devices 2. Activate Effect mode 3. Select Linear effect, and target Console 1 ... 24 Feedback Selected device buttons are lit to full (Device Select mode has to be active).
Memories Every intensity and device setting, including effects, can be stored to a memory for playback. There are 12 fader pages with 24 memory faders in each page. This provides a possible total of 288 memories. A recorded memory is indicated in red. The bump button lights up at full if the fader is above zero, contributing to the light output. To select Memories mode for the faders press MEMS. MEMS The current fader page 1-12 is indicated in the bump buttons during a second when MEMS is pressed.
Record Selected Record Selected will only record and play back the selected devices plus all intensity channels. You can mask Focus, Color, Beam parameters and INT A, INT B and INT DEVICE intensity channels from being recorded. Action 1. Activate Record Selected Mask any parameter type, or single parameter, if desirable Console Feedback Buttons that can record in this mode will blink at full. If there is a memory stored already, this button is dimmed (press CLEAR to exit).
Snapshots The Snapshot function is designed to make it easy to capture the current output, and store it as a memory at a later point. • Snapshot can be pressed at any time inside any menu or function. Snapshot captures a complete state of all output intensities and parameters, and stores them into a buffer. This buffer has 10 snapshot positions. If pressed 11 times, Snapshot will overwrite the 1st Snapshot in the buffer. The Snapshot button The button is off when there are no Snapshots recorded.
Sequences A Sequence is a list of up to 24 steps that can be recorded to and played back from faders 13-24. Each fader page carries up to 12 sequences and there are 12 fader pages - so a total of 144 sequences can be recorded. Faders containing sequences in MEMS mode have yellow bump buttons Each step of a sequence can contain one of two items: • One single dimmer or device intensity channel from INT A, INT B or DEVICE INT.
Record a Sequence Action 1. Activate record sequence 2. Choose location (change page if desired) 3. If desired, set the times for this step 4. Select source for this step Console Feedback All buttons that can record in this mode will blink at full in yellow. If there is a memory or sequence stored already, this button will be dimmed (press CLEAR to exit). REC SEQ 13 ... 24 The moment the bump button is pressed, the button will turn yellow.
Stack The Stack sequence is recorded and played back on the Crossfader. It is intended to be the main cue list for a show. The Stack can contain up to 199 steps. Stack steps are arranged as 199 incremental steps with up to 9 decimal insertions allowed between major steps. Each step of a Stack can contain one of three items: • One single dimmer or device intensity channel from INT A, INT B or DEVICE INT.
Record the Stack from Bumps This function allows you to create the Stack with referenced memories or intensity channels. The steps are created as each bump button for a memory or intensity is pressed. Action 1. Activate record sequence 2. Choose Stack 3. If desired, set the times for this step 4. If desired, set Move Dark mode 5. Select a source for this step Console Feedback All buttons that can record in this mode will blink at full in yellow (press CLEAR to exit).
Record a Stack State or “Cue” It’s possible to record any step of the Stack as a unique memory state. In other words it does not reference a memory from any of the fader pages. Set up a look you want to record, including effects. You have two recording choices, Record All (everything you see on stage) and Record Selected. Record All Action 1. Activate record all 2. Choose Stack 3. Select Record step or Update live step.
Record Selected Record Selected will only record and play back the selected devices plus all intensity channels. You can mask Focus, Color and/or Beam and any intensity fader page from being recorded. Action 1. Activate Record Selected 2. Choose Stack Mask any parameter type if desirable Mask any intensity group if desirable 3. Select Record Step (selected step) or Update Live Step (current step). Console Feedback All buttons that can record in this mode will blink at full.
64 SmartFade ML v3.0.
Chapter 4 Edit Once you have started recording information as described in Program you can play back this information, and you can edit it. This chapter is about editing. This chapter contains the following sections: 4 Edit • Edit Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 • Edit Sequences & Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 • Edit Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Edi t Memories Every memory can be edited blind (fader at zero) or live (fader at full). Device parameters are always “live” regardless of fader positions. It is possible to erase all memories at once. See “Erase Functions” on page 26. Edit a Memory Action 1. Activate Edit mode 2. Select memory (change page if necessary). 3. Edit intensities or device parameters Console All buttons with content that can be edited will blink at full (press CLEAR to exit). EDIT 1 Feedback ...
Delete a Memory It’s possible to delete any single memory or sequence directly. Action 1. Activate DELETE mode Console Feedback The console will enter delete mode and you can select any bump button with a memory (or sequence) as a target (press CLEAR to exit). DELETE 2. Select target memory or stack 1 ... 24 When you press a bump button,the memory (or sequence) is deleted. You can press UNDO. Delete Multiple Memories It’s possible to delete several memories directly. Action 1. Hold DELETE 2.
Default Device Times There are two types of default device times. • Move Dark Time = A limiting time that sets a maximum speed for any function, mainly to keep mechanical noise down. This time is used by Move While Dark prepositioning in sequence/Stack and Home. • Palette Time = A time used when activating a palette or using Align. They are both set in the Default Time menu Menu>Setup>Default times[FCB Times] Use encoder wheel 2 and 3 to set the times. Exit menu when done.
Edi t Sequences & Stack Sequence and Stack steps are edited in the same way. The Stack has some extra editing functions since there are unique Stack states and point cues, which don’t exist in sequences. To delete all Sequences and the Stack also See “Erase Functions” on page 26. The functions available for modifying Sequence and Stack steps are Edit, Delete, Insert and Change. For the stack there is also the option of recording up to 9 pointQs between each step.
Delete a Step Step 1: Press EDIT Step 2: Select Sequence by pressing a bump button, or press STACK. Step 3: Select Step (wheel 1) and Action: Delete Step (wheel 3). Press (MENU) to confirm. Step 4: You will be asked to confirm deleting the selected step. Press (MENU) to confirm. Step 5: Exit by pressing EDIT or continue with Actions from Step 2. You can press UNDO to skip and revert to the data previous to this action.
Insert a PointQ Step 1: Press EDIT Step 2: Select Stack by pressing STACK. Step 3: Select Step (wheel 1) and Insert PointQ (wheel 3). The new PointQ step will be inserted after the selected step. Press (MENU) to confirm. Step 4: Use wheel 2 to select which PointQ (0.1-0.9), and then press any bump in any fader page and fader mode. The PointQ is stored as soon as the bump button is pressed. Step 5: Press EDIT to complete, or continue with Actions from Step 2.
Copy a Sequence Action 1. Activate Copy mode Console Feedback This button lights up. All buttons with content will blink at full (press CLEAR to exit). COPY 2. Select source sequence (change page if necessary). 1 ... 24 When this button is pressed, all possible targets for this copy operation will blink. Empty ones blink at full, occupied ones are dimmed. 3. Select target 1 ... 24 As soon as the button is pressed, the source sequence is recorded.
Run Modes There are three run modes for a Sequence: Manual, One Shot and Loop (default). Step 1: Press EDIT Step 2: Press TIME. Step 3: Now press a bump button for a sequence. You will get this display. Step 4: Use encoder wheel 3 to select [Run mode]. Press (MENU) to confirm. Step 5: Select run mode using encoder wheel 3. Press (MENU) to confirm. Menu choice Console Feedback Loop Wheel 3 Default behavior for Sequences (not available for the Stack).
Sequence & Stack Times Each Sequence step can have three times, Up, Down and Wait. In addition to these times there is an overall Rate and Fade time that affect the whole Sequence. These times are set/ changed during playback. Default Fade Times Default fade times are set from the Setup menu.
Edit Step Times Blind It is possible to edit the times blind, for each step of a Sequence or Stack. This is done with the EDIT function. Step 1: Press EDIT Step 2: Press TIME. Step 3: Now press a bump button for a sequence. You will get this display. Step 4: Use encoder wheel 3 to select [Single step]. Press (MENU) to confirm. Step 5: Use encoder wheel 3 to select a step. Press (MENU) to confirm.
Global Time For All Steps It is possible to edit the times globally for all steps of a Sequence or Stack. This is set with the EDIT functions. All previous timing information is replaced and cannot be undone. Step 1: Press EDIT Step 2: Press TIME. Step 3: Now press a bump button for a sequence. You will get this display. Step 4: Use encoder wheel 3 to select [All steps]. Press (MENU) to confirm. Step 5: Use the wheels to set Global Timing for all steps of the select Sequence or Stack.
Edi t Effects All effects need to be edited to be able to use them. This chapter describes how to edit them regardless if the starting point is an empty effect, or an existing one. Edit Shape Effects If an empty effect is started, it will automatically go into Edit Effect mode. Action 1. Select Edit Effect mode 2. Select Effect to edit Console This button lights up. The Effect select buttons light up full, empty ones are dimmed. EDIT EFFECT 1 Feedback ...
Edit Linear Effects If an empty effect is started, it will automatically go into Edit Effect mode. Action 1. Select Edit Effect mode 2. Select Effect to edit Console EFFECT 13 ... 23 Feedback This button lights up. The Effect select buttons light up full, empty ones are dimmed. The selected effect select button will blink. The select parameter menu is opened in the right LCD. Select what parameter type the effect will be applied to by pressing a bump button in PARAM 1 or PARAM 2.
Edit Color Effects If an empty effect is started, it will automatically go into Edit Effect mode. Action Console 1. Select Edit Effect mode EFFECT 2. Select color effects COLOR 2. Select Effect to edit 1 Feedback This button lights up. The Effect select buttons light up full, empty ones are dimmed. The COLOR button will blink. The Color Effect page is selected with color effects 1-11. Buttons with created effects are bright, empty ones are dimmed. ...
Edi t Palettes Palettes are stored as references in memories to speed up corrections in a show. For example, if you have used a COLOR palette Red in several memories and you want this red to be darker everywhere - just update the Red palette. The change will be reflected in all memories that have a reference to this palette. If you had recorded the CMY parameter values for red instead of using palettes, you would have had to update each memory with this red separately and parameter by parameter.
Chapter 5 Playback As soon as you have programmed information you can play it back in different ways. This chapter is about playback functions. This chapter contains the following sections: 5 Playback • General Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 • Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 • Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Functions Master & Black Out function To get light output (at all), the Master needs to be at full, and the Black Out button off. The Master fader proportionally limits all intensity outputs, while parameters for devices are left untouched. As soon as the Master is faded under 100% the Blackout button will blink. The Blackout button instantly sends all intensity outputs to zero. As soon as it is activated the button will light up. Device parameters are not affected by these two functions.
Memories Memories are played back from the faders in MEMS mode. In each of the 12 fader pages the buttons with memories stored will light up dimmed in red when a page is selected. When the fader is contributing to the output, the button will light up in full. Select Fader Page If a fader is above zero when a different page is selected, it will not be updated to the content of the new page until it is brought to zero. Press MEMS twice within 1 second to select page 1 quickly.
C l e a r O u t p u t f r o m M e m or y F a d e r s Action Console Clear output from Memory Faders CLEAR and Feedback MEMS All memory faders will be set to zero. Examples of Using Memory Faders Learning how to use SmartFade ML in different situations, combining the different functions to create shows on the fly, or adapting to different situations is in many ways a matter of your previous experience of moving devices, the time you can spend testing, and your curiosity about what is possible.
Sequences Sequences are played back from the faders in MEMS mode. In each of the 12 fader pages the buttons with stored sequences will light up dimmed in yellow when a page is selected. When the fader is contributing to the output, the button will light up in full. Select Fader Page If a fader is above zero when a different page is selected, it will not be updated to the content of the new page until it reaches zero.
Rate & BPM for Sequences The RATE button can provide Rate, Fade and BPM override for any sequence. This will affect the playback of the whole Sequence temporarily. When a Rate or BPM override is cleared the original times are retained. Press RATE and then the bump button of any sequence. Menu choice Console Feedback Rate Wheel 1 Set a Rate that will scale the total time of the whole Sequence. Fade Wheel 2 Set a balance between the fade and the wait time for all steps. Fade 0% means no fade.
Stack & Crossfader The Crossfader can be used to play back the Stack with up to 199 steps, or for single-scene operation (depending on the state of the STACK and NEXT buttons). General Crossfader Controls The Crossfader consists of a Live and Next fader, plus the Crossfade transport buttons. A crossfade is done by moving the crossfaders from the down position to the up position. This can be changed, See “Crossfade Faders” on page 26.
Jump to Any Step It’s possible to go directly to any step of the Stack with this function. Action Activate GOTO mode Console STACK Feedback (held) As long as the button is held, the display will allow you to scroll to any step. Let go of Stack to transport the whole sequence to this step in Next - ready for the next crossfade. Device Parameters are accumulated and will be executed when GO is pressed. Change Times For The Stack You can activate the TIME button and set/change fade times with the wheels.
Single Scene Crossfading When STACK is off and NEXT is on, SmartFade ML is set up to run like a single-scene crossfading console operating only on intensity levels. NEXT Action 1. Activate Next mode 2. Set intensities 3. Crossfade manually Console Feedback The intensity faders no longer contribute to the live output. NEXT INT A INT B Crossfaders DEVICE INT Set up any intensities manually with the intensity faders. They will not be output. Move the Crossfader pair from bottom to top.
Appendix A Software Update This appendix contains the instructions for updating the software in your SmartFade ML console. There are two ways of updating the software. • Using the SD card • Connecting with USB to a PC Software can be downloaded from the ETC Web site: www.etcconnect.com Please make sure to download the correct software for your console - SmartFade ML and SmartFade use different software. To verify the version that your console is running, See “Software Version” on page 28.
Note: If you have accidentally initiated a software update, you can exit without making any changes by unplugging the console. USB Update To update with USB you need a PC running the Windows operating system (Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows 7). Step 1: Obtain the software update file SMRTFDML.SRC and the USB Download application SFDownloader.exe from the download section of the ETC Web site: www.etcconnect.com Step 2: Connect a USB cable between the SmartFade ML and the PC.
Index Numerics 16 bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 A Adjust Channel Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Align . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 B black out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 82 C Fetch Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 G Global Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Go Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
patch, definition of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 21 Personality Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 PointQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 power-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 R Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Rate & BPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
94 SmartFadeML v2.
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