SwiftTec DMXmanager, DMXtheatre and DMXdj

Quick Links

Overview

The SwiftTec DMXmanager, DMXtheatre and DMXdj software gives control of DMX channels via one or more controllers. The number of DMX universes that can be controlled and the features available depend on the licence purchased and the software being run, as shown in the table below:

 

  DMXtheatre
DMXdj
DMXmanager
Intended Users Theatres and smaller drama groups DJ's All Users
No. of DMX Universes 1 1 2, 4 or unlimited depending on licence
Scene Manager
Effects Manager
Scene and Effects Groups
DMX Maps

 

Getting Started

On startup the DMXmanager will look something like the following:

DMXmanager

The precise layout depends on the program being run. The display has a number of distinct sections

Back to Quick Links

 

Devices

The devices section shows a number of images, each one representing a single device. The actual display will depend on the kind of device and it's current status. Underneath each icon is the assigned name for that device.

Devices can be edited by right-clicking on the required device and selecting Edit.

In this example each device is represented by 2 circles. The larger one shows the current status, the smaller circle show the colour that will be projected when the lamp is at full brightness.

For simple devices (e.g. single dimmers for par cans) a filter colour can be set via the right-click menu to match the gel that has been inserted on the actual device. For LED RGB lights and lights with built-in filters the display reflects the programmed colour.

You can take the following actions:

Left-click on a device to view in the Selected Device area. Device editing is described in more detail here.

 

Controls

Controls

There are two basic controls available in all modes:

The Beat Window (Trigger)

Left-Clicking repeatedly on this control will set the beat according to how quickly the clicks occur. The beat is used to fire "Beat" triggers (see Scenes and Effects).

The Manual Trigger

This control will light green whenever a scene or effect is waiting for a manual trigger event. Click on the trigger window to fire the trigger.

 

Universes

This section show one control window for each DMX Universe registered in the system. Each windows shows which controller the Universe is connected to (if any) and shows a light (red=not running, green=running, grey=no controller) to show the status of the universe.

You can take the following actions:

 

Scenes and Effects

Scenes and effects are user-defineable presets which have the following attributes:

Scene and frame editing is described in detail here.

Scenes  vs Effects

Back to Quick Links

 

Selected Devices

When a device is selected by left-clicking on a device in the device list it's controls are displayed in the Selected Device area. The actual display depends on the actual device configuration. The following example is a simple moving head device lamp:

A typical selected device 

In this example we have the following components:

Above the controls is a representation of the device status and it's name.

The actual controls displayed will depend on the device configuration. Controls are available for the following:

All other controls will be displayed as a fader. More controls will be added as development of the product continues.

Above each fader is a number representing the current DMX value being sent to the channel. Beneath each fader the DMX channel number is displayed.

Device editing is described in detail here.

 

Quick Links

 

General Controls

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

Clicking on this button will generate and display a DMX map. The map is generated using HTML and displayed in the current browser to make it easy for the map to be saved and/or printed. This option is not available for all products.
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.
Creates a new setup
Load a previously saved setup from a file
Save the current setup (overwrites the current setup) or prompts for a new name if new
Save the current setup in a new file.

Back to Quick Links

 

Licensing the Software

Licences are purchased from the SwiftTec online shop ( http://shop.swifttec.co.uk/ ) and are available to unlock the various versions of the 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

Back to Quick Links

 

System Requirements

In order to run the DMXmanager software you the following:

Computer

Graphics / Monitor

The 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 universe, but is ideal for small installations.

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.

Back to Quick Links

 

Back to documentation index