pathway Cognito, User Manual, Page: 6 / 64

6
Common Tasks to Get You Started
Thank you for purchasing the Cognito™ lighting console. This document will guide you
through the rich but easily-accessible features of the console. With an interface based
on ‘natural language control’, you’ll never look at a DMX chart again.
What to Plug in
First, snap the correct wall plug adaptor onto the 24V power supply that came with
Cognito. Then plug the barrel connector into the DC IN port on the rear of the console.
Finally, plug the power adaptor into an AC power outlet (90-240VAC, 50/60Hz).
Second, plug an XLR cable into DMX Output A (Cognito Starter) or two XLR cables into
DMX Outputs A and B (Cognito Pro512 and Pro1024). The XLR cable is connected to
the DMX distribution or directly to the dimmers and lights you wish to control.
When Cognito is used with DMX-over-Ethernet networks, an Ethernet cable is plugged
into the RJ45 port on the rear of the console. The Ethernet cable connects Cognito to
DMX gateway nodes, such as Pathports®, via an Ethernet switch. The data connection
may also provide power, by supplying Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) to the console.
Cognito outputs data to the Ethernet connection simultaneously with the DMX512 ports.
Power-over-Ethernet may be used simultaneously with the 24VDC power supply.
How to Start the Console
The Power Button near the top of the console will pulse blue when power is connected,
indicating ‘stand-by’ mode. Press the button once to turn the console on. The LEDs
backlighting the bump buttons will flash red and a splash screen will appear.
How to Open a (New) Show
When Cognito starts, the last show is automatically loaded. To create a new show, or
restore a different show, press the Power Button once. Touch Setup then Show File.
Choose from the options to create a new show, restore a backup, or restore a previous
show. If restoring from USB, plug the USB stick into any port, and the option to restore
from USB will appear.
How to Patch a Light
To patch a light in Fixture Grid, you must know the light’s manufacturer, its model type,
its operating mode, and its DMX start address.
First, select the position in the Fixture Grid where you wish to patch the light. The cell’s
outline will turn red. At the bottom of the screen, touch Settings. If necessary, touch
Light Type on the Advanced Tools bar.
Use the red encoder wheel to locate the light’s manufacturer, then the green encoder
wheel to locate the light’s model type and operating mode. For non-moving color-
changing LED lights, look for matching ‘Generic’ operating modes. Touch “Apply”.
The screen will shift to the DMX grid and the DMX Addr icon on the Advanced Tools bar
will be highlighted. Each cell on the DMX grid represents one DMX slot.