SwiftTec DMXconsole

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Overview

SwiftTec DMXconsole is a simplified version of the SwiftTec DMXmanager software which gives access to a limited number of DMX channels on a single controller. DMXconsole allows control of 16, 24, 32, 48 or 64 DMX user-defineable channels (depending on the mode selected).

On startup DMXconsole will look something like the following:

DMXconsole

The display has a number of distinct sections

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Faders / Channels

Each fader consists of 3 parts:

The top section shows a simple visual representation of the channel. The actual display will depend on the channel settings. In this example of a dimmer channel the small circle (top-left) shows the colour assigned to the lantern at full brightness. The colour can be changed by the user to represent a filter.

The larger circle shows a representation of the actual projected light according to the dimmer setting. A non-dimmer channel may not display an image.

The second section is a text field that shows the name assigned to the channel by the user. This can be assigned by editing the channel which we will discuss below.

The final section is a representation of the dimmer with it's DMX channel value displayed above and the DMX channel number displayed below. The fader can be dragged up and down using the left mouse button to change the position/value as you would a move slider on a traditional DMX lighting console.

Editing a channel

A channel can be modified by editing it. To edit a channel right-click on the channel using a mouse and select Edit.

Editing a channel

The channel edit section is the same as that used in the DMXmanager, but has some restrictions:

You can edit the following information:

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Scenes and Frames

Scenes are user-defineable device/channel presets which have the following attributes:

Each frame has a type, trigger and duration. Fade and Switch frame types also have a snapshot of device channel states.

Scene and frame editing is described in detail here.

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Console Controls

At the top-right of the console window there are a number of control icons.

Clicking on this button pops up a box with information about the program version and licence. It also includes a Licence Software button which allows you to install a licence key.

If you change the licence you should restart the program for the changes to take effect.
Clicking the help button will display the help installed with the program. You will need a web browser such as Internet Explorer installed in order to read the help files.
The settings button allows you to change the basic settings for the console software, including selection of the DMX controller to be used.
Clicking the power button will switch off the console and exit the program. A warning box



will pop up to prevent you from accidentally exiting the console software.

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Licensing the Software

Licences are purchased from the SwiftTec online shop ( http://shop.swifttec.co.uk/ ) and are available to unlock all modes on the DMXconsole software. When you have purchased and received your licence key click on the info control button and then on the Licence Software button.

In the next screen you will be able to enter the licence key.

When you have completed installing the licence you will need to restart the console

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System Requirements

In order to run the DMXconsole software you the following:

Computer

Graphics / Monitor

The console window requirements depend on the number of channels licenced:

DMX Interface

The following DMX interfaces are supported:

USB DMX
(recommended)

The interface has the following key features.

  • USB Bus powered
  • DMX lines galvanically opto-isolated from the USB bus
  • DMX lines over voltage protected, and current limited
  • Simultaneously send and receive up to 512 channels
  • Minimal host computer resource needed
  • Firmware up-datable over USB
  • High quality resilient line drivers
  • Heavy duty powder coated steel case
  • Affordable and easy to build
  • Compatable with all major O/S

For more information or to order a unit please visit  http://www.usbdmx.com/

ENTTEC DMX USB PRO

The ENTTEC DMX USB PRO interface has similar features to the USB DMX interface:

  • Micro processor enabled
  • 1500 V full isolation (data & power lines to protect your computer from surges)
  • 1 Input & 1 Output connector (there is only one DMX port though)
  • RDM enabled
  • Supports Various 3rd party Controllers/VJs/Tools
  • Internal frame buffering
  • Drivers for Windows, OSX and Linux
  • Universe & user config EEPROM
  • Refresh Rate configurable from 1 to 40Hz with a full 512 channel frame
  • Break configurable from 96uS to 1.3mS
  • MaB configurable from 10.6uS to 1.3mS
  • Upgradeable firmware

For more information or to order a unit please visit ENTTEC. Units can also be ordered from Thomann

Velleman A budget USB DMX controller which can be purchased as a self-build kit or pre-built unit.

Pre-built kit (VM116) available from
Rapid Electronics Ltd
Quasar Electronics

Self-build kit (K8062) available from
Quasar Electronics
CPC

The Velleman device does not perform well for a large DMX universes, but is ideal for small installations and well suited to the DMXconsole application.

If you manufacture DMX controllers for PC (USB, PCI card or other) and would like SwiftTec add support for your controller please contact us for more information.

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