High End Systems DL.2, User Manual

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CHAPTER 4
DMX Programming Basics
36 DL.2 User Manual
By utilizing two DMX channels for a single parameter, 65535 values become available for
controlling and adjusting parameter functions. This is known as 16-bit DMX. You can adjust 16-
bit DMX values in both coarse and fine increments. The first channel of the pair provides coarse
control changes of the DMX value in increments of 256. The second channel provides fine
control and changes of the DMX value in increments of 1.
Lighting Consoles
Lighting consoles differ in many aspects and it is important to understand how your console
operates with DL.2 fixtures.
Fixture Libraries:
Many sophisticated lighting consoles utilize pre-made fixture libraries. A fixture library consists
of profiles for various types of lighting fixtures and devices. Each profile corresponds to the
fixture’s DMX protocol and allows for ease of programming. Depending upon the manufacturer
of your lighting console, some DL.2 parameters might have different labels for parameter names
and functions than are listed within this manual. Consult your lighting console manual for
further information.
Using DL.2 Servers with a WholeHog Console
Adding a Fixture
The DL.2 fixture consists of three different “fixture types” in the Wholehog 3 library systems.
This allows for ease of programming as well as the ability to adjust quickly for any of the various
DMX protocol options. There are three basic “fixtures” used to control a single DL.2 unit. The
Motion fixture type controls the actual moving yoke, projector, and integrated camera. The
Global fixture type controls the global graphic engine functions such as intensity, keystone
correction, viewpoint, etc. The Graphic fixture type controls each graphic object functions such
as opacity, object, media, etc. The DL.2 protocol allows for 1, 2, or 3 graphic objects, and the
Axon media server is a DL.2 fixture without the motion fixture type.
In the Fixture Schedule or Add Fixtures window of Wholehog software, add 1 motion, 1 global,
and 3 graphic “fixtures” for each complete DL.2 unit. The best way to organize your patching is
to assign user numbers for these items. Patch the motion first, the global second, and the
graphic fixture types last. For example, set up user numbers 1-5 that correspond to DL.2 fixture
number 1, where user number 1 is the motion, 2 is the global, and 3-5 the graphic fixture types.
DMX Output Displays
Although all lighting consoles output the same 512 DMX channels per universe, the on-screen
labeling often differs. Parameter functions are displayed in either alpha-numeric descriptions
(strobe 1), percentage (0-100%) or decimal (0-255 for 8-bit and 0-65535 for 16-bit). Consult
your lighting console manual for further information.