Effect generator examples
86
Xciter user manual
9.
Set the ‘Cdlay’ or channel delay value to 90 degrees. This will make the fixtures move in a circle. This
parameter only works if you have multiple channels selected, like pan and tilt in this example. With ‘Cdlay’
you can create a delay between the channels instead of setting a delay for each channel separately with
‘Coffs’.
10.
Set the ‘Fdlay’ or fixture delay value to 180 degrees. This will cause each fixture to move on another part of
the circle. ‘Fdlay’ only works if you have multiple fixtures selected.
11.
In most cases, you will want the fixtures to be delayed equally across the effect. Span is a great tool for
doing this. You can set the span from 0-359 degrees. Set this value to 359 degrees if you want the fixtures
to be delayed across the entire effect. Press the bump button under span to apply the span. Xciter
calculates the fixture delay and puts it in Fdlay.
12.
Exit the effects dialog with [ESC].
Of course you can still change the base value of a channel while the effect is running on it. For pan and tilt you
can use the joystick while you are in the effect generator dialog. To adjust the base value of other channels,
you need to return to the programmer by pressing [ESC]. You can always go back to the effect dialog to adjust
the effect on the channel. In fact you can swap freely between the effect dialog and the programmer until you
get your scene just right.
11.2
How to create a dimmer chase
1.
Select at least 2 fixtures of the same type.
2.
Open the dimmer (DIM) and shutter (SHUT or STROB).
3.
Close the dimmer (DIM) again but leave the shutter (SHUT or STROB) open, because the effect is coming
on top of it. We will use a positive direction square wave (SQR25).
4.
Access the effects dialog from the advanced menu of the scene editor.
5.
Select the DIM channel and assign generator number 11 to it.
6.
On the left side you see the current shape that will run on top of the DIM channel. This is ‘sine by default’.
Press the softkey next to it. Xciter shows the list of available shapes.
7.
Use SCR1 to scroll through the list until you see Sqr25. Select it by pressing the corresponding softkey on
the right side.
8.
Set the ‘Speed’ value to 40 and the ‘Swing’ value to 255. This will make the dimmers flash on and off.
The parameter ‘Speed’ determines the rate of flashing. The parameter ‘Swing’ determines the maximum
intensity of the dimmer. Unlike the example with the circle, the Sqr50 shape only drives the channel to one
extreme (in a positive direction). If you increase the swing, the dimmer will open more when it flashes. If you
decrease it, the dimmer will open less.
9.
Set the ‘Fdlay’ or fixture delay value to 30 degrees. This will cause a delay between the flashing of the
dimmers. This parameter only works if you have multiple fixtures selected. Once you got the hang of the
effect generator, you can create dimmer chases in a few seconds. But most of all, you can instantly change
the behavior of the chase with this parameter. Example: Set the value higher to create a more random
flashing.
10.
In most cases, you will want the fixtures to be delayed equally across the effect. Span is a great tool for
doing this. You can set the span from 0-359 degrees. Set this value to 359 degrees if you want the fixtures
to be delayed across the entire effect. Press the bump button under span to apply the span. Xciter
calculates the fixture delay and puts it in Fdlay.
11.
If your fixtures are standing or hanging in a row, you may want to make a kit scanner. To achieve this you
can put the effect generator in bounce mode. Hold the SHIFT button while you press the softkey next to the
shape (Sqr25).
12.
When you use bounce mode and do not divide your fixtures evenly across the effect you may see a gap in
the dimmer chase. Xciter also has a solution for this. Put Coffs on 90 degrees and hold the SHIFT button
while you press the bump button under the parameter Span. This action will cause the fixtures to be divided
symmetrically around the zero point of the effect (see following illustration). Repeat step 12 until you get a
good result.