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 |
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| 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 | |
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| Effects Manager | |
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| Scene and Effects Groups | |
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| DMX Maps | |
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On startup the DMXmanager will look something like the following:
The precise layout depends on the program being run. The display has a number of distinct sections
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.
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.
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 are user-defineable presets which have the following attributes:
Scene and frame editing is described in detail here.
Scenes vs Effects
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:
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.
At the top-right of the console window there are a number of control icons.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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The settings button allows you to change the basic settings for the console software, including selection of the DMX controller to be used. |
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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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Creates a new setup |
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Load a previously saved setup from a file |
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Save the current setup (overwrites the current setup) or prompts for a new name if new |
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Save the current setup in a new file. |
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
In order to run the DMXmanager software you the following:
The window requirements depend on the number of channels licenced:
The following DMX interfaces are supported:
| USB DMX (recommended) |
The interface has the following key features.
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:
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.