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Now that we have a new show file that contains all of the patching, we need to start controlling some light fixtures. Pro-Tip: Patching can be as simple as linking a light fixture to a circuit. By energizing the circuit, we can illuminate or dim a light fixture to a desired intensity. Alternatively, patching can also be represented as assigning a value to an address. When controlling RGB LED lighting fixtures, each address might control a level of color intensity. By mixing intensity levels of RGB, many colors can be achieved. |
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1.) Press the F9 key several times, until your screen is clear of the Browser Window. There are multiple tabs in the window layout, but let's focus on the 1 Live Table Patched tab. Clicking on the tab will select it. |
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2.) Each square/patch/channel displayed has been assigned a DMX address to control. For simplicity, we've assigned the first 149 addresses to match the twist-lock dimmer/circuits in the room. For example, Patch/Channel 46 in the console software will control its counterpart in the studio. Circuit #46 in Studio 4B is part of the overhead grid system. |
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3.) We can complete the circuit and power the fixture by interlocking the the plug of the fixture (male) and the connector (female). This is easiest accomplished by matching the pins, connecting, and twisting slightly clockwise. | |
| In this example, we've connected a 1K Mole Richardson Baby Junior Solarspot Fresnel (also known as a "HOT" light because they generate substantial heat). Our goal is to use line voltage to adjust the intensity of the bulb, and produce a desirable beam of light. |
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4.) Using the LIVE command line in the Live Table Patch tab, type the circuit you wish to control, followed by the letter "A" key, followed by the percent value of the desired level. In this instance, we have typed "46 A 100" which translates as "Channel 46 at 100% Intensity" |
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Pressing the ENTER key will confirm the command, and energize our 1K Fresnel connected on Circuit #46 at 100%. |
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Additionally, the console will communicate the command has been completed with a diamond symbol at the end of the command line. The Live Table Channel 46 will indicate FL for Full Intensity. |
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5.) Adjusting intensity of a fixture can be achieved several ways. By typing "46 A 50" and pressing the ENTER key, we can dim the Circuit #46 to 50% intensity. |
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Alternatively, you can also adjust the intensity of the light in increments of 10 by using keyboard shortcuts: Shift key and the + key = increases intensity by 10% Shift key and the - key = decreases intensity by 10% |
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ADDING ADDITIONAL LIGHTS 6.) By typing "104 A 50" and pressing the ENTER key, we can energize and dim another 1K Fresnel connected to Circuit #104 to 50% intensity. |
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There is no limit to how many lights/channels/circuits you can control at a single time. However, at some point you may want to turn all of your lights off and clear your selections. One very useful command is the Sneak command. Type "n + 0" which translates as Sneak Live Data Off at 0 seconds of interval time. Pressing the ENTER key will confirm the command, and zero out your active selections. This is a great way to clear out the console, as opposed to individual setting each Channel at 0%. |
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