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maXim Operator Manual
Utilities
LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
Page 57 of 66
Each maXim model has its own version of the software. Note which model of console you are
upgrading and select the correct one when you download the software from the web site.
mLINK is a communication program that runs on a PC based computer. It is used to communicate
with a maXim to load new operating software into it. The mLINK cable connects a personal
computer (PC) comm port to the maXim (DMX512 Universe1 connector).
On power up, the maXim sends a request out of its DMX outlet asking if an mLINK program is
listening. If mLINK is not there, the maXim continues on and ignores any further communications.
If mLINK is there it responds and the maXim and mLINK then establish a communications channel.
At this point, mLINK tells the maXim that it has new software to be loaded and instructs the maXim
to go into programming mode.
mLINK then sends the new program to the maXim.
At the end of this operation, the maXim starts to run the new software
PREPARING FOR SOFTWARE UPGRADE
•
The mLINK program is designed to run on any type of Windows system, although it will also run
on a DOS based system. It will not operate on Apple, Unix or Linux systems.
•
Create a subdirectory on the C: drive named “mlink” for the mLINK program.
•
Copy the distribution file (named mLinkZip.exe) from the website or off the floppy provided, into
this directory. This is a self-extracting zip file.
•
Open a Command Prompt (DOS) window and change to the directory created above. This is
usually a command similar to
cd \mlink
•
Type “mLinkZip” (without the quotes) followed by the enter button.
This will extract several files into the mLINK directory. These are:
mlink56.exe
The upgrade utility program.
ms.bat
Default batch file for the maXim S control desk.
mm.bat
Default batch file for the maXim M control desk.
ml.bat
Default batch file for the maXim L control desk.
mxl.bat
Default batch file for the maXim XL control desk.
mxxl.bat
Default batch file for the maXim XXL control desk.
mlink.pdf
An Adobe PDF of this help file.
If you have purchased the mLINK kit from LSC, the following files will also be extracted into the
mLINK directory.
mx12v???.s19
Software for the maXim S desk.
(where ??? is the version number).
mx24v???.s19
Software for the maXim M desk.
(where ??? is the version number).
mx36v???.s19
Software for the maXim L desk.
(where ??? is the version number).
mx48v???.s19
Software for the maXim XL desk.
(where ??? is the version number).
mx60v???.s19
Software for the maXim XXL desk. (where ??? is the version number).
These were the current software for the maXim when your mLINK kit was purchased. The latest
version of the maXim software can always be obtained from our Internet site listed above.
UPGRADING YOUR MAXIM
•
Before you begin, turn the maXim
OFF
.
•
The mLINK program connects to your computer via one of its serial communication ports
(COM1 or COM2). The default is COM1, which is usually a 9-pin D style connector. On your
computer a mouse or modem may be using COM1. In this case COM2 can be used.
•
Connect the mLINK cable to the DMX output connector on the maXim (Universe 1 for L, XL and
XXL), and to the COM1 or COM2 port on your PC. If using COM2 you may need to obtain an
adapter to enable the 9-pin cable to connect to the 25-pin connector on the computer (supplied
as part of the purchased mLINK kit). See also the note below.