MicroTech User`s Manual Version 2.0 - Techni-Lux
Contents
1. faulty cables or external sources of interfer ence The MicroTech can be placed at the end of a DMX line after passing through multiple cables and pieces of equipment If each connection is flexed or any other intermittent failure occurs the MicroTech will immedi ately register a number of DMX errors helping to determine the physical point at which a data link problem exists MicroTech DMX User s Manual 19 Display Type Function EUP dI5PLRU EYPE The display type function is used to select the type of numeric display that is used in the display channel function When the display type function is entered one of three types will be shown on the display e P r Percent display 0 to FL e JEL Decimal display 0 to 255 e HEd Hexadecimal display 00 to FF The display type can be changed by pressing the Y and A buttons When the desired display type is selected pressing the Mode button will return the MicroTech to the function menu The display type only affects the chan nel levels shown in the display channel function All other functions always display their values in normal decimal format Percent Display The percent display type shows channel levels in the familiar number for mat used by many DMX consoles The possible values range from 0 to 99 followed by FL full Decimal Display The decimal display type shows channel levels in their full 8 bit resolution in base 10 notation normal counting numbers The poss2. which helps to determine if the dimmer is at fault or the console is simply not keeping up with the fade operation 18 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Error Count Function Err Error Lount The error count function is used to determine if there are any sources of transmission errors on the DMX data link When the error count function is entered the display will show the number of DMX errors detected on the data link Whenever the error count function un is entered the count is cleared to zero and the display shows 0 Each time the MicroTech detects a transmission error on the data link the displayed error count is incremented by 1 This function can be used to determine if the DMX data link is receiving any interference from other sources If the error count function is entered and the display continues to read 0 then the DMX data link is receiving a clean signal The Status LED will flicker each time the MicroTech receives a channel update from the DMX source If no DMX signal is being received the Status LED will remain off and the display will show If the MicroTech detects an intermittent data error the Status LED will signal with a long short flashing pattern The LED will immediately resume flickering unless additional errors are detected Finding Bad Connections and Intermittent Problems The error count function can be used to help track down intermittent prob lems such as weak connections
3. dt ED zs mn a ce Y GA GAA no IR CC HD DD oe NG 4 Up and Down Buttons em ac gs eee teh Room RA SURE ACA EA ee 4 Mode Button su venu RR IR eure ee Ree era RUNE NR MEE 4 DMX Input Output Connectors FFY FR n 4 OMO SWILE eael ascen WR Pe Hog RR Ca snp RC du Rent aed 5 Battery Compartment YF FFI A FF A ee 5 AC Power INPUT saer RYD EIR UD ee Rer RR pon eter mo eee 5 Using the MicroTech DMX 1 eie Reden eee LL mr ee 6 Selectinga Functiol ie us eee Sed Rr eee e DA eges da E uin 6 Changing Channel Levels 0 00 RR FF a 7 Display Channel Function ss irean sarati iant aaa ena e a a e 8 Determining the Source of Glitches nananana aaran 9 Channel Finder Function 0 0 00 cece eee iui 10 Locating a Console Channel 0000 00 Y 10 Channel Test Function incase aie ba RU Raga eh dea ak wal dU 11 Testing a Dimmer Pack YY Y YE Yu RG 12 Testing a Color Scroller VFYYY FF Y ua 12 Testing an Intelligent Fixture lt V Y uu uu 12 Scene Output Function L Y FY FFR RF Y 13 Using the MicroTech as a Console Backup 13 Testing Fixtures with the Scene Output Function 13 scene Edit FUNCION nui ui aa eed ais ge estes REAA based ae e Rr nda 14 Testing Fixtures with the Scene Edit Function 15 Testing Fixtures with 16 bit Control Channels 15 Scene Rec
4. soon as the MicroTech detects that the incoming DMX data is removed by unplugging the console or if the con sole fails the channel test mode will begin transmitting data Micro Tech DMX User s Manual 11 Channel Test Function continued Testing a Dimmer Pack To test a dimmer pack and or the lamps connected to the dimmer connect a DMX cable from the MicroTech s output connector to the dimmer pack Select the dimmer s first channel number using the Y and A buttons If the dimmer is working properly the dimmer s first channel will turn on Use the V and A buttons to select the other channels of the dimmer pack The channel test level can be raised and lowered to verify the dimming behavior of the dimmer and or lamp under test Testing a Color Scroller After selecting the channel number of the scroller raise and lower the chan nel test level to cause the scroller to advance through each color frame The all channels mode can be used to test more than one scroller at a time The all channels mode is also useful if you would rather not locate the specific channel number that a scroller is addressed on Testing an Intelligent Fixture To test an intelligent fixture connect the MicroTech s output connector to the fixture with a DMX cable Select the fixture s first channel number using the Y and A buttons Each of the intelligent fixture s channels can be tested sequentially using the Y and A buttons which
5. transmitted to the stage live Any changes made to the scene occur immediately When the scene edit function is entered the MicroTech requests that the scene number to edit is chosen The display shows an E followed by the currently chosen scene number Use Y and A to select the scene number to edit Press Mode to begin editing the selected scene The right hand deci mal point on the display lights when a non empty scene is selected After the scene number is chosen the MicroTech begins transmitting the scene and the display shows the currently selected channel number The V and A buttons are used to change the selected channel Holding Y or A down causes the channel to change more guickly For even faster channel changing press the Mode button while holding down either the Y or A buttons To change the output level of the selected channel press and hold the Mode button While the Mode button is pressed the display changes to show the channel s level While Mode is pressed the Y and A buttons raises and lowers the channel s level The channel level display is shown in the format chosen in the Display Type function percent decimal or hexadecimal For the highest degree of con trol over the channel level switch the Display Type to either decimal or hexadecimal which provides full 8 bit resolution for each channel If the MicroTech detects incoming DMX data while in the scene edit mode the MicroTech will not attempt to trans
6. typically exercises each of the fixture s motors individually The channel test level can be raised and lowered to test the operation range of each of the fixtures parameters For the highest degree of control over the test level switch the Display Type to either decimal or hexadecimal which provides full 8 bit resolution for each channel To test more than one parameter of an intelligent fixture at once see the sec tions about the scene record edit and output functions 12 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Scene Output Function But 5CEnE UubtPut The scene output function is used to transmit any of the 30 scenes stored in the MicroTech s non volatile memory This function is also used to auto matically provide a backup scene to the stage if the console fails While in the scene output function the display shows an o and the scene number being output Pressing V and A changes the current scene output The Status LED will flicker while scene data is being transmitted an empty scene will cause the Status LED to remain off Also the right most decimal point on the display lights when a recorded scene is selected If the MicroTech detects incoming DMX data while in the scene output mode the MicroTech will not attempt to transmit any data and the display will periodically flash in signifying that the unit is receiving DMX input from an external source As soon as the MicroTech detects that the incom ing DMX data is remove
7. TM MicroTech DMX User s Manual Version 2 0 Status Bown up DMX DAC Quip ad Techni lux Interactive Interactive Technologies Inc l nteract Ive 300 Golf Brook Circle Suite 204 Longwood FL 32779 6113 USA Technologies 407 786 8642 407 786 8643 fax info interactive online com http www interactive online com Document D0102C Interactive Technologies Inc 300 Golf Brook Circle Suite 204 Longwood FL 32779 6113 USA Phone 407 786 8642 Fax 407 786 8643 Email info interactive online com support interactive online com Web http www interactive online com The MicroTech DMX firmware design and documentation are copyrighted by Interactive Technologies Inc The firmware used in the MicroTech DMX embodies valuable trade secrets proprietary to Interactive Technologies Inc and is licensed not sold and may not be duplicated in any way MicroTech DMX and the Interactive Technologies logo are trademarks of Interactive Technologies Inc All trademarks referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners Specifications subject to change without notice Copyright 1996 98 Interactive Technologies Inc All rights reserved worldwide Printed in the United States of America Contents Introduction ses Ge ge ei biciveadees t ESO DEN REED Dod DE bode 2 Getting Started si GU e Yd DG UD DDOD UD DDRUD GR 3 LED Display ti Wu Pr ed Fd aoe natn eee ew A dL Bea 4 SLATS
8. at the MicroTech is working on recording the scene Erasing a Scene Enter the scene record function select the scene number to erase make sure that no DMX input is connected to the MicroTech and then press Mode to record the scene When the MicroTech attempts to record a scene when there is no DMX input the display briefly shows no InP to warn that no input was present and the scene will be erased Exiting the Scene Record Function without Recording If the scene record function is accidentally entered use the W and A buttons until is displayed no scene is selected Pressing the Mode button when no scene is selected will exit the record mode without recording any thing 16 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Data Length Function LEn dHEH LEnLEH The data length function is used to observe the number of dimmers that are being transmitted by a DMX console While in the data length function the number of dimmers being received is displayed The number of dimmers will be in the range of 1 to 512 The Status LED will flicker each time the MicroTech receives a channel update from the DMX source If no DMX signal is being received the Status LED will remain off and the display will show If the MicroTech detects an intermittent data error the Status LED will signal with a long short flashing pattern The LED will immediately resume flickering unless additional errors are detected The data length function is u
9. ble for generating its DMX signal continues to operate properly Even though your show may come grinding to a halt the MicroTech has no way to detect that a problem has occurred In this case either remove the DMX cable from the console or shut off the console This will allow the MicroTech to take over the stage without interference from the console Ll The data length function is not showing what the console is set to Some consoles always transmit their maximum number of dimmers even if the console s settings are configured for less In this case the unused dim mer levels are still transmitted but the console always transmits them at a zero level This is not a bug in either the MicroTech or the console If you are concerned about the operation of your console please consult your con sole s operator s manual Ll My fixtures are exhibiting erroneous behavior but the error count function is not detecting any problems It is possible that the error is occurring farther down the data link than where the MicroTech is connected Try connecting the MicroTech to the data link at a point beyond the problem It is also possible that the console is transmitting the false information Use the display channel function to verify that the channels in question are being transmitted at a constant value It is also possible that the fixture in question is at fault If possible try con necting a different fixture at that location 24 MicroT
10. d by unplugging the console or if the console fails the scene output mode will begin transmitting data immediately This feature allows the MicroTech to be used as a console backup unit Using the MicroTech as a Console Backup Since the MicroTech will not output a scene until it detects the absence of a DMx signal the MicroTech can be placed in line between the console and the DMX equipment While the console is controlling the DMX equipment enter the scene output function and select the desired backup scene number As soon as the console is switched off the DMX cable is disconnected the console fails or loses power the MicroTech will immediately begin transmit ting the selected scene without allowing the stage to go to black Testing Fixtures with the Scene Output Function The scene output function can be used to test all of the fixtures in a rig by simply recording a scene or multiple scenes that simultaneously exercises all of the fixtures that need to be checked With these scenes recorded the MicroTech can be used to quickly test the rig without the console When testing intelligent fixtures it is useful to record scenes that operate all of the fixtures parameters at once MicroTech DMX User s Manual 13 Scene Edit Function Edt 5CEnE Ed It The scene edit function is used to modify the channel levels of any of the 30 scenes stored in the MicroTech s non volatile memory While editing a scene the current scene is
11. d Down Buttons The Y and A buttons are used to change the information on the LED dis play such as the channel number scene number or selected function The exact use of V and A varies from function to function Mode Button The Mode button is used to alternate between the function menu and the selected function See section on Selecting a Function for more informa tion about the operation of this button Within some functions the Mode button is also used to change the level of a dimmer channel To access this feature press and hold the Mode button while using the Y and A buttons DMX Input Output Connectors The DMX input and output connectors are used to connect the MicroTech to the DMX data link The connectors are wired straight through allowing DMX to pass through the MicroTech while it is monitoring the data or if the MicroTech is switched off The MicroTech only attempts to transmit DMX through its output connector when no input signal is applied to the input connector 4 MicroTech DMX User s Manual On Off Switch The On Off switch turns the MicroTech on and off All of the MicroTech s memory for scenes and function settings is maintained while the MicroTech is turned off and even if the batteries are removed Battery Compartment The MicroTech uses two standard AA size alkaline batteries to operate without the AC adaptor Use only standard 1 5V AA batteries in the MicroTech Depending on the funct
12. ech DMX User s Manual Ll The MicroTech is displaying symbols that are difficult to understand This problem is not yours but the MicroTech s The design of the MicroTech incorporates a three digit LED display that can only show letters that can be displayed in the 8 pattern commonly found in clock radios The following list shows all of the possible messages that the MicroTech can display and their english translation diS dI5PLHU CHRnnEL gt DIS Display Channel CHF LHRnnEL F indEr gt CHF _ Channel Finder ESE LHRnnEL EESE gt TST _ Channel Test But 5cEnE UutPut gt OUT Scene Output Edk ScEnE Ed tt gt EDT Scene Edit rEL 5cEnE rEcord gt REC Scene Record LEn dREH LEnLEh gt LEN Data Length rHt UPdREE rREE gt RAT Update Rate Err Error Count gt ERR Error Count ESP dJSPLHH ESPE gt TYP Display Type PEr gt PER Percent JEL gt DEC Decimal H d gt HED Hexadecimal U Eo FL gt 0 to FL to 255 gt 0 to 255 OG Eo FF gt 00 to FF no InP gt No Input MicroTech DMX User s Manual 25 Specifications Functions pep Channel Function View any channel 1 512 Three display modes Percent 0 to FL Decimal 0 to 255 Hexadecimal 00 to FF Full 8 bit resolution for decimal and hexadecimal display modes Channel Finder Function Displays channel number of channel that is tracking up or down Holds last channel number for 1 second Channel Test Function Transmits test level to
13. ed Determining the Source of Glitches Use the Display Channel function to locate the source of glitches random flashes and other odd behavior Place the MicroTech in line with the DMX chain while the console is operat ing the eguipment in guestion Scroll to the channel number of a dimmer scroller or moving light parameter that is acting erratically The MicroTech displays the actual output of the console If the channel level is constant and the fixture is having problems then the error is in the fixture If the channel level is changing then the problem is in the console Sometimes the console can be sending very minor changes in level that are not normally seen when the MicroTech is displaying channel levels in per centage format 0 FL Switch the Display Type to either decimal or hexa decimal to observe the full 8 bit resolution of a console channel See the section on the Error Count Function for additional features that can help to track down the source of DMX errors Micro Tech DMX User s Manual 9 Channel Finder Function CHE LHRnnEL F indEr The channel finder function is used to determine the actual output channel or dimmer that a console channel is patched to While in the channel finder function the display continuously shows a spinning dash that signifies that the MicroTech is waiting for a channel to change values As soon as any channel level being received rises above 50 or drops below 50 t
14. he display immediately shows the channel number that is changing After a short pause the display returns to its waiting state If more than one channel crosses the 50 mark in a single DMX update only the lowest numbered channel that changes is displayed The Status LED flickers if DMX input is present and it remains off if no DMX input is present If the MicroTech detects an intermittent data error the Status LED will signal with a long short flashing pattern The LED will immediately resume flickering unless additional errors are detected Locating a Console Channel To determine which dimmer a console channel is patched to simply enter the channel finder mode and then raise and lower the console channel As the output passes 50 the MicroTech displays the dimmer number that the console channel is patched to For example if console channel 5 is patched to dimmer 27 moving channel 5 on the console will cause the MicroTech to display 21 10 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Channel Test Function ESE CHAnnEL EESE The channel test function is used to check dimmers and or other DMX equipment While in the channel test function the MicroTech transmits DMX data to equipment connected to the DMX output connector While in the channel test function the display shows the channel number currently being tested This channel is being transmitted at the channel test level level while all other channels are transmitted at the off or zer
15. ible values range from 0 to 255 Hexadecimal Display The hexadecimal display type shows channel levels in their full 8 bit resolu tion in base 16 notation The possible values range from 00 to FF 20 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Special Functions The functions described in this section are used to display the MicroTech s firmware version number invoke the unit s self test and to erase the unit s memory These functions are typically used by the factory however they may be of interest to you so they are documented here for completeness Determining the Firmware Version Number With the MicroTech turned off press and hold the Mode button While holding the Mode button down turn on the MicroTech The LED display will show the firmware version number This manual describes the features included in firmware version 2 0 0 Higher versions may contain bug fixes and or new features Pressing any of the three buttons on the MicroTech will return the MicroTech to normal operation Self Test and Memory Initialization The MicroTech contains a function which performs a self test of the unit as well as erase all of the MicroTech s non volatile memory Use this function to clear the MicroTech s memory and to have the unit perform its self test Warning Invoking the Self Test and Memory Initialization will remove all recorded scenes the the MicroTech s non volatile memory Make sure any important scenes are saved befo
16. ions used the MicroTech typically oper ates for more than 20 hours continuously on a single pair of batteries AC Power Input The MicroTech can be powered by an external AC adaptor instead of using battery power through this connector Use only the specified AC adaptor with the MicroTech Micro Tech DMX User s Manual 5 Using the MicroTech DMX This section describes each of the individual functions that the MicroTech DMxX performs See Selecting a Function for information on how to choose which function is currently active The remainder of this section describes the operation of each function in detail Selecting a Function Pressing the Mode button at any time returns the MicroTech DMX to the function menu A three letter abbreviation of the currently selected function appears on the display Pressing the Y and A buttons cycles through each of the MicroTech s available functions Pressing the Mode button again enters the selected function The following list shows the functions available through the function menu and each function s corresponding three letter abbreviation di5 Display Channel CHF Channel Finder ESE Channel Test DuE Scene Output Edt Scene Edit rEL Scene Record LEn Data Length rHE Update Rate Err Error Count EgP Display Type If while browsing through the function menu you stop pressing the W and A buttons the display will begin to scroll the name of the function af
17. mit any data and the display will periodically flash in signifying that the unit is receiving DMX input from an external source As soon as the MicroTech detects that the incoming DMX data is removed by unplugging the console or if the console fails the scene output mode will begin transmitting data immediately This feature allows the MicroTech to be used as a console backup unit 14 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Scene Edit Function continued Testing Fixtures with the Scene Edit Function The scene edit function can be used to test all types of fixtures as it has the highest degree of flexibility for changing channel levels While editing a scene the scene s channels are transmitted live allowing precise control over all 512 channels in the scene While editing a scene each of the scene s 512 channels can be raised and lowered independently of each other allowing intelligent fixtures with mul tiple channels of control to be tested easily Simply scroll forward and back through the fixture s addressed channels and raise and lower each channel s level Unlike the Channel Test Function each channel retains its last pro grammed level allowing an entire cue to be assembled For the highest degree of control over the channel level switch the Display Type to either decimal or hexadecimal which provides full 8 bit resolution for each channel Testing Fixtures with 16 bit Control Channels When an intelligent fixt
18. o level The channel number can be changed by pressing the Y and A buttons Holding down the Y and A buttons causes the channel to change more guickly For even faster channel changing press the Mode button while holding down either the Y or A buttons To change the channel test level press and hold the Mode button While the Mode button is pressed the channel test level is displayed Use the V and A buttons to change the channel test level The level is displayed in the format chosen in the Display Type Function Advancing past channel 512 or below the all channels mode begins select ing from each of the 30 scene memories Any channel that is recorded as a non zero level in the chosen scene will be output at the channel test level The display shows an a followed by the selected scene number This fea ture allows dimmer groups to be defined for which each dimmer in the group can be raised and lowered simultaneously Advancing past scene group 30 or below channel 1 enters a special all channels mode While in this mode every dimmer channel is transmitted at the channel test level The display shows ALL while in this mode This feature is useful to guickly test dimmers and scrollers when the address of the unit is not Known If the MicroTech detects incoming DMX data while in the channel test mode the MicroTech will not attempt to transmit any data and the display will periodically flash in As
19. of the channel that is being monitored After a short pause the current level of the selected channel number will appear on the display As the output level of the console changes the number displayed on the MicroTech updates immediately Pressing the Y and A buttons changes the channel number that is being displayed While the channel number is being adjusted the Status LED remains lit Holding down the Y and A buttons causes the channel number to change more guickly For the fastest channel change press the Mode button while holding down either Y or A The Status LED will flicker each time the MicroTech receives a channel update from the DMX source If no DMX signal is being received the Status LED will remain off and the display will show If the MicroTech detects an intermittent data error the Status LED will signal with a long short flashing pattern The LED will immediately resume flickering unless additional errors are detected The level of the selected channel can be displayed in one of three format types The display types available are percent decimal and hexadecimal The percent display shows the channel level from 0 to FL 100 the deci mal display shows the channel level from 0 to 255 and the hexadecimal dis play shows the channel level from 00 to FF See the section on the Display Type Function to choose one of these three display types 8 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Display Channel Function continu
20. ord Function 0 00 cece eee eee 16 Erasing a Scene usce etapa non ate bade ERU Wide aa A niet 16 Exiting the Scene Record Function without Recording 16 Data Length Function sse seed ERE RETE RR Gale ee ae 17 Update Rate FUNCION eie xps ERR X ee eh eek eee usar va e 18 Error Count FUNCION ome yep Rents ERR RE DR RF 19 Finding Bad Connections and Intermittent Problems 19 Display Type Function llle IIIA 20 Percent Display uic screened ve oh oy Po E ar CERE EH A 20 Decimal Display Y Y een 20 Hexadecimal Display ee ER mede si agentura pisitan ms 20 Sp cial FUNCIONS is ew o Go daU a Rete dern Galaga d 21 Troubleshooting end rete ERS Rete e me om knew lanes d 22 SpecilicaliOn ee GN A ace E a Ea cete GNU ade weet Gr Wd dens ame RG 26 MicroTech DMX User s Manual 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the MicroTech DMX The MicroTech DMX is a powerful yet simple to use multi purpose hand held DMX receiver transmitter Its useful functions for debugging prob lems testing equipment and controlling fixtures combined with its small size light weight and battery operation makes it a perfect addition to your toolbox The MicroTech DMX s features make it easy to m Debug console output by viewing the actual output levels of each dimmer channel Test dimmers and other fixtures without a console or controller Record and playback up to 30 scenes snap
21. r showing channel levels in the Display Channel Channel Test and Scene Edit functions Three display modes Percent 0 to FL Decimal 0 to 255 Hexadecimal 00 to FF Power Supply Battery Operation Uses 2 AA size alkaline batteries Battery life is typically greater than 20 hours of continuous opera tion depending on functions used AC Operation Powered from AC wall adaptor MicroTech DMX User s Manual 27 Optional Equipment Replaceable DMX Connector Panel Standard 5 pin XLR male female data connectors amp pin XLR male female data connectors Accessories Nylon carrying case with belt clip Physical Characteristics Length 3 97 101 mm Width 2 38 60 mm Height 1 50 38mm Weight 7 3 0z 209 g including batteries Note In order to maintain the highest possible product quality Interactive Technologies reserves the right to change specifications without notice Some of the available functions may be altered over the life of the product 28 MicroTech DMX User s Manual
22. re performing this operation With the MicroTech turned off press and hold both of the Y and A buttons While holding these buttons turn on the MicroTech The LED display will guickly cycle through its test seguence illuminating each digit If the MicroTech passes its other internal tests it will initialize its internal memory During memory initialization the display shows a spin ning segment If the memory fails to initialize the MicroTech will restart the self test seguence If the tests and initialization pass the MicroTech will enter the function menu If an internal problem is detected a result code will be displayed for factory use Micro Tech DMX User s Manual 21 Troubleshooting m The MicroTech is not turning on If you are trying to use the MicroTech with batteries make sure that the bat teries are inserted in the correct direction and that the batteries are not dead If the combined battery voltage drops below 0 7 volts the MicroTech will not turn on If you are trying to use the MicroTech with the AC adaptor make sure that the adaptor is getting power perhaps the outlet is switched off Also make sure that the adaptor you are using is the one that was supplied for use with the MicroTech If the MicroTech still does not turn on contact technical support for addi tional help 1 The MicroTech returns to the function menu while using a function The MicroTech s batteries are becoming too weak Replace
23. seful when it is unclear how many dimmers a given console is transmitting If a dimmer or fixture in a rig is not respond ing to the console a quick check to make sure that the console is transmit ting enough information can sometimes help to resolve the problem MicroTech DMX User s Manual 17 Update Rate Function rHE UPgREE rREE The update rate function is used to observe how quickly a DMX console is transmitting level updates to each dimmer or other DMX equipment When the update rate function is entered the display momentarily displays a spinning segment while the MicroTech calculates the rate at which the console is transmitting DMX updates The rate will then be displayed as updates per second Each second the MicroTech re calculates the transmit rate of the console The Status LED will flicker each time the MicroTech receives a channel update from the DMX source If no DMX signal is being received the Status LED will remain off and the display will show 0 zero updates per second If the MicroTech detects an intermittent data error the Status LED will signal with a long short flashing pattern The LED will immediately resume flickering unless additional errors are detected The update rate function is useful when trying to determine why a dimmer or other fixture is not reacting smoothly to a fade from one level to the next This function will display how quickly the dimmer is receiving information from the console
24. shots for automatic console backup and or for testing fixtures L4 Locate patched output channels of a console using the channel finder function m Detect errors on the DMX data link caused by faulty cables or other interference m View other console parameters such as DMX packet length and update rate 2 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Getting Started The following figure shows the basic layout of the MicroTech DMX Battery Compartment EH Displa underneath SPEM Status LED Down Up Button Button Power AC Power On Off Input Switch Mode Button TM microTech DMX Data Link Receiver Transmitter Interactive Technologies Inc DMX Input DMX Output DMX Input DMX Output Connector Connector MicroTech DMX User s Manual 3 LED Display The MicroTech DMX uses a three digit LED display to show the information provided by the MicroTech s different functions This display is also used to choose a function through the function menu While selecting a function from the function menu the display shows both three letter abbreviations and a scrolling title for the selected function Status LED The Status LED flickers when the MicroTech is receiving or transmitting DMX data It remains off when no DMX data is present and while selecting functions through the function menu The Status LED also warns of DMX errors while receiving DMX by flashing a long short pattern each time an error is detected Up an
25. sible that the console is not transmitting enough dimmers to include the channel that is being operated Use the data length function to determine how many dimmers are being transmitted by the console 1 The channel test function is not operating any equipment Make sure that there isn t any other signal applied to the DMX data link Sometimes consoles that are connected to the data link can appear not to be transmitting any data but actually are asserting a signal to the data link that cannot be overridden by the MicroTech Try disconnecting any other con sole from the data link completely The scene output function is not operating any equipment Make sure that the selected scene number has a snapshot recorded into it If the scene has data recorded into it the Status LED will flicker each time the scene is sent through the DMX output connector Also make sure that there isn t any other signal applied to the DMX data link Sometimes consoles that are connected to the data link can appear not to be transmitting any data but are actually asserting a signal to the data link that cannot be overridden by the MicroTech Try disconnecting any other console from the data link completely MicroTech DMX User s Manual 23 1 The MicroTech does not take over the stage when the console fails Sometimes when a console has a problem like if the front panel locks up or the operating system crashes the portion of the console that is responsi
26. single selected dimmer to one of 30 dimmer groups or to all dimmers simultaneously Quickly scrolls through all 512 channels Test level can be raised or lowered to desired value Automatically yields to any other external source of DMX Scene Record Function Records up to 30 static scenes snapshots in non volatile EEPROM memory Each scene may contain up to 512 dimmer levels Memory retention greater than 40 years without battery power Scene Edit Function Edits any of 30 scenes in non volatile EEPROM memory Channel levels may be independently raised and lowered to any desired value Scenes are edited with live output to DMX equipment Automatically yields to any other external source of DMX 26 MicroTech DMX User s Manual Scene Output Function Transmits any of 30 scenes from non volatile EEPROM memory Easily steps from scene to scene Automatically yields to any other external source of DMX Acts as a console backup if external DMX signal is lost due to con sole failure Data Length Function Displays the number of dimmers being transmitted by the console Update Rate Function Calculates the speed at which console is transmitting new channel levels Display is in updates per second Error Count Function Monitors DMX line for transmission errors Displays accumulated total of errors received to facilitate cable and or connection checking ie aa Type Function Changes the display type used fo
27. ter a short delay This feature is to help avoid confusion if you don t immediate ly recognize a function title 6 MicroTech DMX User s Manual For example if you stop at the d 15 function the following name begins scrolling past the display d SPLAY CHAnnEL Note The 7 segment displays used in the MicroTech DMX can only show let ters that can be represented by the standard 8 LED pattern that is com monly found in clock radios Changing Channel Levels In several of the MicroTech s functions channel numbers are selected by using the Y and A buttons The Channel Test and Scene Edit functions also have the ability to change channel levels In these functions press and hold the Mode button While the Mode button is held down the display shows the output level instead of the channel number the right hand decimal point lights when a level is displayed While holding down the Mode but ton the Y and A buttons change the level Holding down the Mode button in these function does not return to the function menu Briefly pressing and releasing the Mode button without using Y or A returns to the function menu as it does in all other cases MicroTech DMX User s Manual 7 Display Channel Function d 5 d I5PLRU CHRnnEL The display channel function is used to view the actual output levels of a console or any other DMX transmitter When the display channel function is entered the LED display briefly shows the number
28. the batteries and try again 1 The MicroTech is operating but not receiving data Make sure that the DMX source is actually working by attaching a working piece of equipment to the source It is possible that the MicroTech is func tioning properly and telling you that the DMX source is broken If the source is transmitting data it is possible that the DMX transceiver in the MicroTech has been damaged by connecting the MicroTech to a very strong signal that is not DMX If this happens typically the MicroTech will not be able to transmit data either try the channel test or scene output modes Contact technical support for additional information 22 MicroTech DMX User s Manual T The channel finder function is not displaying a channel when the console channel is operated There are several possibilities that cause the channel finder function to not display a channel The channel finder only displays a channel number when the channel rises above or falls below 50 Make sure that you are causing the channel to track across the 50 mark It is possible that the con sole s patch is set to restrict the output of the channel in question to lower than 50 which would cause the MicroTech not to display the channel number It is also possible that the console channel that you are operating is not patched to any dimmer This means that there really isn t any output to be detected when the console channel is manipulated It is also pos
29. ure has 16 bit control channels i e for Pan and Tilt the fixture is actually receiving two separate 8 bit control channels which it combines for more accurate control When testing these types of fixtures with the MicroTech one fixture channel will operate as a coarse adjustment of the parameter and the following channel will operate as a fine adjustment of the parameter This is preci cely the same behavior that would be observed if the fixture was operated from a standard conventional lighting not a moving light DMX console MicroTech DMX User s Manual 15 Scene Record Function PEL SCEnE rEcord The scene record function is used to store up to 30 scenes in the MicroTech s non volatile memory For information about how to playback scenes from MicroTech s memory see the Scene Output Function When the scene record function is entered the MicroTech displays r Use the Y and A buttons to select a scene number from 1 to 30 The scene un number will appear after the c When the desired scene number is reached pressing the Mode button will cause the MicroTech to take a snapshot of the current DMX input and record it into the selected scene Depending on the number of channels being transmitted by the console that is connected to the MicroTech it may take several seconds for the MicroTech to record the scene While the scene is being recorded the display shows a spinning segment that denotes th
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