CHAPTER 5
DMX Programming
SHAPESHIFTER User Manual
35
Chapter 5:
DMX Programming
You can program SHAPESHIFTER fixtures in terms of color, intensity, and timing
and can position the LED modules to form single or multiple beams. This chapter
gives a brief overview of DMX programming and describes the parameters.
DMX Programming Overview
A parameter is a fixture attribute that can be controlled to modify the light beam in terms of color,
beam quality and pattern, intensity, or focus (position). DMX programming assigns a DMX value
to each of the fixture’s parameters. A
scene
is one combination of parameter settings. Scenes are
the building blocks for show creation.
Full Speed verses MSpeed Control
Some parameters can be set to operate at full speed or MSpeed (motor speed). Full speed
operations are completed in the shortest length of time after the motor starts moving. With
MSpeed control, change occurs smoothly over the entire MSpeed time value selected. For
example, if you select an MSpeed time of 30 seconds, the motor will gradually change position
until it reaches its new destination at the end of 30 seconds. SHAPESHIFTER fixtures allow
optional MSpeed control for pan and tilt movement parameters.
16-bit Functionality
Several parameters use two channels to provide 16-bit control for very fine adjustment
capabilities.
DMX Programming Options
Using a DMX controller, you can program an unlimited number of looks and retain direct control
over the SHAPESHIFTER fixture at all times. SHAPESHIFTER fixtures also allow Preset
programming through the fixture menu system,
see
Chapter 5: Preset Programming
on page 47.
Programming with a DMX Console
Hog
®
4, Road Hog
®
4, Full Boar 4, and Hedge Hog lighting consoles; and Hog
®
4PC software are
available from High End Systems to control SHAPESHIFTER fixtures (see
Related Products and
Accessories
on page 5). For information on whether your DMX controller supports SHAPESHIFTER
fixtures, contact the controller’s vendor. For information on operating your fixture with a
controller (or control device such as DMX control software), consult the documentation provided
with the controller.
