RACK PALETTE SHOW CONTROL SYSTEM - TRACKING BACK UP SPECIFICATION.
GENERAL.
A.) Overview.
1.) The lighting controller shall be a Strand Rack Palette Rack lighting control system. The lighting controller shall be designed to allow mounting within a 19 inch equipment rack. All controls shall be microprocessor based and specifically designed to provide complete control of stage, studio and entertainment lighting systems.
2.) An open architecture system using non-proprietary interfaces to permit upgradability shall be used.
3.) All equipment shall be designed and manufactured by a company operating a quality system approved to ISO9001. It shall be CE marked and ETL listed.
4.) The console shall consist of a single 19 inch rack mount enclosure with a fully integrated processor. All components within the console housing shall be plug in modules with simple connections to facilitate service support and exchange.
5.) The system shall use a Microsoft operating system to provide a stable graphical user interface.
6.) The lighting control console software shall feature a familiar and easy-to use graphical user interface (GUI) based on the Windows XP Embedded operating software. Software features shall include Off-line Editor, Remote Video, Media Player, Web Browser, E-mail, and PDF writer.
7.) The dedicated Windows XP embedded processor architecture shall deny access to operating system, but shall allow access to an open hard drive for show files. Processor back up shall be supported by the use of any Windows XP computer running the PC version of the lighting control console software.
8.) The lighting control console shall feature a flexible hardware and software design. Control channel counts, automated lighting support, help files, and additional control hardware shall be easily upgradeable.
9.) Minor revisions of operating software and an off-line editor shall be available to the user via download from the manufacturer's web site at no additional cost. Console software shall be upgradeable in the field via Internet download.
B.) Capacities.
1.) The controller shall provide direct control of up to 500 (1500, 3000, 6000, 8000) Control Channels/Attributes. Attributes shall be units of control dedicated to color scrollers and moving lights. For maximum flexibility in configuration and future upgradability console hardware and software shall be available separately.
2.) A minimum of 2000 cues, 3000 groups, unlimited effects, 3000 macros may be stored in internal non-volatile memory and archived to USB keys or a file server. Multiple shows and show file Back ups shall be stored on an internal 80GB hard disk. Industry standard Intel microprocessors (Intel Core Duo) shall be employed.
3.) Multiple show files and backups shall be stored on the system hard disk.
C.) Control Interface.
1.) Multiple playbacks shall be provided. Interaction between each playback shall be user programmable as highest level or latest action takes precedence. Each playback shall operate in automatic, manual fade or manual time modes executing cues while following links, loops and subroutines. Tracking, Move fades and Cue Only modes of operation shall be supported. All channels and attributes shall have separate fade and operation times.
2.) Up to 2 high resolution monitors shall be available on the full Rack Palette for the display of levels, cues, submasters, groups, effects, set-up & patch screens selectable from direct on panel keys.
3.) Attributes shall be excluded from inappropriate masters and shall combine on a latest action takes precedence basis.
4.) An optional detachable alpha numeric keypad for text labeling and control access.
5.) A SMPTE time code, and Midi control card shall also be available.
6.) Cues may be recorded on a standard console and may be loaded via the front panel USB port or directly into the controller via an Ethernet Network.
7.) The following console interfaces shall be provided:
a.) VGA Output 1 (All models).
b.) VGA Output 2.
c.) Keyboard.
d.) USB Ports (3).
e.) Remote Control (Serial).
f.) Universal DMX512 Dimmer Mux I/O 1.
g.) Universal DMX512 Dimmer Mux I/O 2.
h.) Universal DMX512 Dimmer Mux I/O 3.
i.) Universal DMX512 Dimmer Mux I/O 4.
j.) MIDI Input (optional).
k.) MIDI Thru (optional).
l.) MIDI Output (optional).
m.) SMPTE (optional).
n.) Ethernet 10/100BaseT.
8.) The control system shall support the following network protocols to provide optimum connectivity for a wide range of applications:
a.) RS232.
b.) Strand Lighting ShowNet Ethernet Control Protocol.
c.) BSR E1.31, Lightweight streaming protocol for transport of DMX512 using ACN (Draft Standard - Streaming ACN).
d.) Vision.net Architectural Control Protocol.
e.) Art-Net Ethernet Control Protocol.
f.) Pathport Ethernet Control Protocol.
g.) Color Kinetics Ethernet Control Protocol.
h.) ANSI E1.11 - 2004 Entertainment Technology - USITT DMX512-A - Asynchronous Serial Digital Data Transmission Standard for Controlling Lighting Equipment and Accessories.
D.) Console Physical & Electrical.
1.) The controls and electronics shall be rack mounted and shall use an Intel microprocessor and Windows XP embedded operating system.
2.) The unit shall be constructed of galvanized sheet steel and aluminum extrusion with flame retardant ABS controls.
3.) The system shall incorporate a universal 100-120v / 220-240v power supply.
E.) Operational Environment.
1.) The acceptable ambient operating temperature shall be 0 degrees to 40 degrees Centigrade (32 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) and the ambient storage temperature shall be -40 degrees to 70 degrees Centigrade (-40 degrees to 158 degrees Fahrenheit).
2.) The acceptable operation location shall be the equivalent of a good office environment, without excessive dust.
3.) Acceptable humidity levels for operation shall be 5 - 95 percent, non-condensing.
F.) Standards Compliance.
1.) All equipment shall be designed and manufactured by a company operating a quality system approved to ISO9001.
2.) The console shall be CE marked and ETL listed.
PALETTE OPERATING SOFTWARE.
A.) Operating System.
1.) The system software shall be a true 32-bit multi-tasking operating system. Programs using a 16-bit operating system shall not be acceptable. The software shall be user selectable for Tracking style operation or Preset/Whole cue operation at initial system start up. Either operating mode shall be user selectable. A fully graphical interface shall be standard.
B.) Cues.
1.) The console shall default to tracking cue recording. Q Only operation shall be available as a user selected option.
2.) Each cue may have split fade & delay times, a wait time, link & loop parameters, calls for macros & effects, a text label and may be assigned to either playback.
3.) Cue zero shall always be an intensity only blackout cue.
4.) Cues shall have up to 22 parts.
5.) Intensity only and attribute only cues and parts shall be supported.
C.) Recording & Updating.
1.) Cues, groups, submasters, macros, & effects shall be recorded or updated from the keypad. Channel lists may be copied between cues using the Update command key.
D.) Playbacks.
1.) Multiple playbacks shall be available. Interaction between each playback shall be user programmable as highest level or latest action takes precedence operating from either a common or separate cue sheet (sequence list). Each playback shall operate in automatic, manual fade or manual time modes executing fades while following links, loops and subroutines.
2.) Q Only and Tracking modes of operation shall be supported.
3.) Auto-Preheat shall provide an optional automatic means of fading intensity channels to a user defined preheat level before the channels are needed without the need to record extra cues.
E.) Effects.
1.) An unlimited number of text labeled effects containing may be stored with each show. Effects may be played back from cues, submasters or macros.
2.) Chase and build effect types shall be supported as shall forward, reverse, bounce and random directions.
3.) Levels and attributes shall be recorded in every step or shall be randomly generated or inverted or alternatively normal and inverted every cycle.
4.) Discrete in, dwell, out and attribute fade times shall be programmable on a per step basis. Default in, dwell, out & attribute fade times and low & hi levels shall be provided per effect.
5.) Effects shall be chain-able and have overall fade in and out times.
6.) Step control shall be timed, manual or, optionally with , MIDI, SMPTE inputs. Effects may be programmed to start or stop from a cue, run a defined number of cycles, run for a defined period of time or stop only after the last step has completed.
7.) Effects may be programmed as Last action or Highest takes precedence pile on events.
8.) Modifications to running effects may be returned back to the effects memory for re-recording.
F.) Groups.
1.) 3000 Groups may be recorded for fast recall of commonly used stage looks. Groups can be independently recorded or directly recorded from the stage output.
2.) Each group may be assigned a text label.
3.) Attribute groups can also be created to allow grouping of luminaire functions.
4.) Preset focus groups shall also be available.
G.) Patch.
1.) A proportional soft patch shall be provided with provision to edit and switch between either in performance.
2.) Dimmers may be profiled, set with a non-dim trigger value, or unpatched at a level.
3.) Palette OS software shall incorporate a library of luminaires to simplify patching.
4.) Patch displays shall be ordered by channel or by mux output.
H.) Set-up.
1.) Comprehensive set-up screens shall be provided to configure external communications and operation of the console.
I.) Macros.
1.) 3000 user definable macros shall be available. These shall be accessible via ASCII keyboard or by Vision.net button recall stations or any Vision.net Touchscreen.
J.) Archive.
1.) Show archive shall be supported to the systems internal hard disk, a USB key drive, or optional file server.
2.) The file control drop down menu shall provide a means to select the current show from the system disk or file server and to copy a show (or any part of a show) to or from a USB key drive, or the file server.
3.) Shows shall have text labels and a time and date stamp.
4.) The system software shall support the loading and saving of database files formatted in the Strand Palette Format (.SPF), data structure and the importing of the Strand Show File (.SSF) data structure. The Strand Show File data structure provides the Palette with backwards compatibility for any 300, 400 or 500 series Strand Lighting control console.
K.) Printing
1.) The system shall support Portable Document Format (.PDF) printing.
2.) The following printouts may be requested: Patch, Cues, Groups, Subs, Profiles, Macros and Fixtures.
3.) All printouts may have user definable ranges.
L.) Peripherals.
1.) Support shall be provided, as standard, for the connection of a wireless handheld remote control.
2.) Additional peripherals, such as remote video, designer's remote stations, and remote DMX512 stations shall be supported through the integration of additional optional equipment.
3.) Each rack palette shall support and interface to the full range of Strand Vision.net control stations and touchscreens.
M.) Operating Modes.
1.) Tracking Backup: Two controllers or a console and a controller identically configured may be operated as main and full tracking backup.
2.) A Backup Show Controller shall provide a reliable method of continuing a show should the main controller fail. It shall allow all recorded elements of the show; cues, effects & macros to be replayed in their entirety.
3.) DMX512 dimmer or scroller outputs shall be generated from an N21 series node connected to the network. If the main controller is also connected to the network then the N21 series node will manage the merging of DMX512 dimmer or scroller levels from the main controller and the backup. Alternately a DMX512 switch panel may be provided to provide a physical transfer switch.
4.) The Back up shall track and synchronize to the main controller at all times.
N.) Multi-user Operation.
1.) Multiple consoles may be operated as main and designer's remotes. Full control interaction and multiple user log ins shall be supported. Remote consoles shall have their own discrete video displays and command lines. This system shall allow the recording of a show on a console while storing data in the Showcontroller.
2.) The system shall also support channel partitioning by console allowing two or more users to write to a common cue base with separate channel lists. This shall permit a system that shall allow one operator to create fixed luminaire lighting cues while another operator is focusing moving lights. The system shall then be recombined to run a show from a single console.
O.) Off-Line Editor Software.
1.) A Windows XP off-line editor shall be available which shall enable show files to be edited and simulated in real time on any Windows Based PC.
2.) All facilities of the console, including patching, channel control, playbacks, submasters, effects & set-up shall be supported on the off-line editor.
3.) Show files shall be portable between all configurations of console or Rack Palette and off-line editor.
P.) Wireless Handheld Remote Focus Unit.
1.) The Wireless Handheld Remote shall consist of a handheld PDA style device with a built in 802.11 Wireless Ethernet communications system. The remote shall be complete with a color touchscreen LCD Display.
2.) The remote shall support channel addressing and direct dimmer access as well as Cue recall and playback and patching.
Q.) VGA Color Video Monitors.
1.) The Rack Palette shall support computer industry standard VGA color video monitors or color touchscreen monitors.
R.) ASCII Keyboard.
1.) Color coordinated Mini Keyboards, and Full Sized Keyboards, both computer industry standard shall be available.
S.) Vision.net Interface.
1.) The Rack Palette shall provide a full interface to Vision.net button stations for remote macro commands.
2.) Vision.net Fader stations shall provide remote submaster access to any Rack Palette.
3.) Vision.net Touchscreen panels shall provide remote video and full function access to all Rack Palette commands. In addition touchscreen button and fader controls can be used for remote submaster and macro command execution.