Studio - ETC Eos Nomad Software - DMX Lighting Console - Computer Workflow

The purpose of this wiki is to demonstrate how to use the Eos software lighting control system designed by the Electric Theatre Company (ETC).  The Nomad software currently supports a Gadget II hardware unit which controls a single, overhead universe in Studio 4B (CMB 4.118) and Studio 4E (CMB 4.128).  A secondary universe is also accessible and patchable for advanced productions/scenarios.


*The Eos Master Show File for Studio 4B (CMB 4.118) can be downloaded here.

*The Eos Master Show File for Studio 4E (CMB 4.128) can be downloaded here.

Section I - Console Setup - Studio 4B


1.) To use the mobile Eos computer for lighting workflows, please schedule an appointment with the Studio Manager to review and schedule delivery of the system to your studio.

2.) Plug the grey AC power attached to the mobile desk into a stable power source.  In this instance, we are plugging it into the convenience rack power strip in the AV rack of the studio.

3.) Turn on the compact computer located under the desk by pressing its power button.  It will illuminate when powered ON.

4.) Should you prefer to sit or stand at the mobile desk, the height of the desk may be raised/lowered by using the handle under the desk.  Please use caution when making adjustments. 


Please note - raising the desk may require more effort; please use both hand to make careful adjustments.

5.) Once the computer has booted, it will auto-launch the Eos software.  Additionally, the last show file will be loaded automatically.

6.) Locate the provided DMX cable coiled on the mobile desk.  The cable gender should be Female.

7.) Locate the black MAIN DMX box next to the A/V racks.  Plug the DMX cable into the Male port labeled "DMX IN".

Note - the green light on the MAIN DMX Preset box should be replaced with a red light as shown in the referenced image.  This indicates the Eos software is overriding the preset box.

8.) The first step is to create a new show file to work with.  Press the F9 key on the keyboard to display and expand the Browser window.

9.) Using the disclosure triangle for the File Menu, locate the New command. 

10.) Double-click "New" to create a new show file.  If a confirmation window appears, click OK.

11.) The next step is to Merge the patch data from our master show file with our newly created show file.  Using the disclosure triangle for the Merge menu of the Browser window, navigate through the Desktop and ETCNomad folders to the Show Archive folder.


Double-click on the most recent 4B Lighting show file to initiate the merge.

12.) When prompted, select the Patch selection and press OK to complete the merge.


A new window will confirm the success of the merge.

13.) Before moving forward, we should save our show file with the newly merged patch data.  You'll notice your show file is called (untitled)* 


The asterisk indicates the file has been modified and needs saving.

14.) Using the disclosure triangle for the Save As Menu, navigate to the Desktop folder.


Double-click on the Desktop folder to initiate the Save As command.

15.) When prompted, press OK to confirm the Save.

16.) Give your show file a distinguishable name and press the Enter key to confirm the Save.


In this instance, we've labeled our show file as "Show File GRUY - 343 - 4B Final Project"


A new window will confirm the success of the save.

17.) Lastly, open your newly saved file by using the disclosure triangle for the Open Menu, and navigating to the Desktop folder (or wherever you chose to save your file).


Double-click on your newly saved file to open the file.

18.) When prompted, select press OK to open the file.


A new window will confirm the success of the Open command.

We are now ready to start working with the current patches and addresses assigned in Studio 4B!

Section II - Console Operation - Studio 4B - Conventional Non-LED Lighting


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.

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.

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.


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.

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"

Pressing the ENTER key will confirm the command, and energize our 1K Fresnel connected on Circuit #46 at 100%.

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.

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.

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%

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.

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%.

Section II - Console Operation - Studio 4B - LED/Studio Set Lighting


Now that we have created a new show file and explored the software interface a bit, it's time to controlling some RGB instrumets.


Pro-Tip: 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.


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.

We've previously discussed the channels/patches that represent the overhead circuits.  These circuits had an electrical value (0-100%) that represents the intensity of the light.

However, when considering RGB lighting, each color has its own intensity value.  Some RGB instruments may have at least 3 or more separate values (1 for Red, 1 for Green, 1 for Blue) defining its color output.

Luckily, our LED walls are all mapped intelligently to help users change them.


2.) Scrolling in the Live table window will reveal a convenient table labeled DMX512 Decoder 3CH RGB.

3.) Each of these Channels controls the RGB and intensity values for each instrument on the set wall.  Here is a breakdown:


150-155 = Light Box Stack, Stage Left (Bottom to Top)

156-161 = Light Box Stack, Stage Right (Bottom to Top)

162 = Top Rails, Wall A

163 = Bottom Rails, Wall A

164 = Top Rails, Wall B

165 = Bottom Rails, Wall B

166 = Top Rails, Wall C

167 = Bottom Rails, Wall C

168 = Top Rails, Wall D

169 = Bottom Rails, Wall D



Select channels to control
4.) Press F7 to control the Attributes