MC-Showtime user manual
All measurements are in millimeters 120 Blackout Sequence Fast Special Medium Slow 50 Auto Trig Manual Lamp On 8.8. Auto Reset Music Trig Music Position Enter Strobe For M4 114 78 109 143 109 P/N 35000097, Rev. A. © 2001 Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MC-Showtime setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 AC power connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Data connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Button functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INTRODUCTION MC-Showtime controls four or more MX-x scanners (MX-1 or MX-4, depending on the MC-Showtime model you have) automatically, manually, or using any or all of the 30 supplied 6-scene sequences. MCShowtime can also control CX-color changers, as well as Synchrozap QX250 and Acrobat intelligent effects. Note that when referring to MX-1, or MX-4 scanners in this manual, we refer to them generically as “MX-x” scanners.
• Use only a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical codes and has both overload and ground-fault protection. • Refer all service to a qualified technician. • Do not expose the device to rain or moisture. • Do not open the device or remove any part; there are no user-serviceable parts inside. UNPACKING The MC-Showtime controller comes with: • 1.
MC-SHOWTIME SETUP AC POWER CONNECTION Warning! For protection from electric shock, the fixture must be grounded (earthed). The AC mains supply shall have overload and ground-fault protection. The fixture’s mains lead must be fitted with a gro un ding-type cord cap that fits your power distribution cable or outlet. Consult a qualified electrician if you have any doubts about proper installation.
DATA CONNECTION A reliable data connection begins with the right cable. Microphone cable cannot transmit data reliably over long distances or for long periods. For best results, use only cable designed for RS-485 applications. One cable for connecting the first fixture is included; you will need additional cables to connect additional fixtures. Your Martin dealer can supply suitable cable in various lengths.
THE CONSOLE The console on the MC-Showtime controller consists of seven buttons and a two-digit LED display. Blackout Sequence Fast Medium 2nd Slow 8.8. Auto Trig Manual Position Auto Lamp On Music Reset Music Trig Enter (Strobe) Some buttons have two functions; second functions are indicated in yellow text. To activate these second functions, press and hold the QG button, and then press the button for the function. The QG button works like the shift key on a computer keyboard.
BUTTON FUNCTIONS Button Function %ODFNRXW Is used to blackout all the fixtures. To re-activate the fixtures, press %ODFNRXW again. If you press and hold this button then it operates as the QG button. QG When you press and hold QG, you can access the second functions on other buttons (indicated with yellow text). QG operates like the shift key on a computer keyboard. 0DQXDO Each time 0DQXDO is pressed a trigger will be sent and the next scene in the pre-programmed sequence will start.
Button Function 0XVLF The 0XVLF button acts as a switch to turn music trig mode on and off. When music trig mode is activated, the built-in microphone is used to synchronize the trig rate with the music. The associated indicator in the LED display will blink at the trig rate. To deactivate music trig mode, press the 0XVLF button, or the $XWR button. Note that if no trig mode is active then the fixtures will not change to the next scene.
FIXTURE SETUP The MC-Showtime controller is designed to operate together with a minimum of four MX-x scanners, as well as a range of other fixture types. This section details these fixtures, their associated DMX addresses, as well as rigging considerations.
DMX ADDRESSES Fixtures should be se t to the following DMX addresses: Fixture type DMX address MX-x (for best results rig in DMX pairs where the two fixtures in each pair are directly across from each other.) 1, 25 7, 31 13, 36 19, 43 Acrobat 49 CX-4 55 SyncroZap 61 CX-2 67 For information on how to set DMX addresses for the different fixture types, refer to the associated user manual for that fixture type. These are available on the Martin web site at: http://www.martin.dk.
SAMPLE CONFIGURATIONS The following are three sample rigging configurations. DMX addresses appear in parentheses. Recommended confi guration We recommend that you rig at least eight MX-x scanners and an Acrobat: Acrobat (49) MX-x (1) MX-x (25) MX-x (7) MX-x (31) MX-x (13) Effect area MX-x (19) MX-x (37) MX-x (43) Minimum confi gurati on You can effectively operate the MC-Showtime controller with only four MX-x fixtures.
Configurati on using all supported fixture types The following schematic illustrates a sample rigging pattern that uses all of the supported fixture types: CX-4 (55) CX-2 (67) Acrobat (49) CX-2 (67) CX-4 (55) MX-x (1) MX-x (25) MX-x (7) MX-x (31) Effect area MX-x (13) MX-x (37) MX-x (19) MX-x (43) CX-4 (55) 14 CX-2 (67) Synchro Zap (61) CX-2 (67) CX-4 (55)
ALIGNING MX- X FIXTURES To achieve the best results the MX-x scanners are rigged opposite each other, divided into DMX pairs. For example an MX-x scanner with DMX address 1 is rigged directly opposite an MX-x scanner with a DMX address of 25. See “DMX addresses” on page 12 for a list of the DMX pairs, and refer to the rigging samples in the previous section. Note that this configuration is not required and you can also expect good results when the fixtures are rigged in a line.
OPERATION This section describes the operating features available with the MC-Showtime controller. SWITCHING ON THE CONTROLLER To switch on the MC-Showtime unit: 1 Connect the data link to the MC-Showtime unit. 2 Power-up the fixtures. 3 Connect the power cable to the MC-Showtime unit. The MC-Showtime controller will go into lamp-on mode (LO will appear blinking in the LED display), and will send lamp-on commands to the fixtures for 60 seconds, or until you press Enter.
PRE-PROGRAMMED SEQUENCES The MC-Showtime controller is delivered with 30 preprogrammed sequences, each containing six scenes. The sequences are numbered from 1-30. The effects in sequences: • 1-10 have relatively slow, smooth, rates of action and movement. These sequences could be more appropriate for slower music. The indicator on the console for these sequences is labelled 6ORZ. • 11-20 have rates of action and movement that are neither especially slow, nor fast, smooth, nor erratic.
Sel ecting sequences for execution You can select any of the following sequence options using the S and T buttons next to the LED display on the console: Sequence Any individual sequence, from 1 to 30. Fast Medium Slow Auto Trig Music Trig Sequence Fast Medium Slow Auto Trig Music Trig Sequence Fast Medium Slow Auto Trig 18 Music Trig Any appropriate sequence from the range of available sequences.
Sequence Fast Medium All sequences with medium movement and action. Each of the ten medium sequences is played 12 times. Execution starts at sequence 1, runs through to sequence 10 (shown as 0), and then starts again. Slow Auto Trig Music Trig Sequence Fast Medium All sequences with fast movement and action. Each of the ten fast sequences is played 12 times. Execution starts at sequence 1, runs through to sequence 10 (shown as 0), and then starts again.
Synchronizing the trig rate to the musi c In music trig mode, which is the default mode when the MC-Showtime controller is activated, the built-in microphone is used to synchronize the trig rate with the music. The 0XVLF button acts as a switch to turn music trig mode on and off. When this mode is activated, the associated indicator in the LED display will blink at the trig rate. Auto Trig Music Trig To deactivate music trig mode, press the 0XVLF button, or the $XWR button.
During auto trig mode, the associated indicator in the LED display will blink at the trig rate. Auto Trig Music Trig Sendi ng manual trig pulses To send a single trigger pulse press 0DQXDO. This may be used on its own, with no function selected, or to supplement sound-activated triggers. BLACKOUT Press %ODFNRXW to black out the fixtures. Press %ODFNRXW again to restore the light output. STROBE To interrupt the current scene and strobe all the fixtures, press and hold 6WUREH .
FIXTURE CONTROL Acti vating fixtures To activate all of the fixtures, press and hold the QG button, and then press /DPS RQ. Resetting fi xtures To reset all of the fixtures, press and hold the QG button, and then press 5HVHW.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem LEDs fail to light. Fixtures fail to respond to controller. Probable cause(s) Remedy No power. Check that power is switched on and cables are plugged in. Internal circuit breaker open. Disconnect the controller for several minutes to reset the circuit breaker. Consult service technician if problem reoccurs. Bad data connection. Inspect data cables and connections, repair or replace damaged cables. The data link is not connected. Connect data link. Missing termination.
Problem Fixtures respond to blackout and manual trig but not to music. 24 Probable cause(s) Remedy Volume is too low. Place speakers closer to fixtures or increase volume. Damaged microphone or other component. Refer fixture for service if problem occurs in stand-alone modes. Refer MCShowtime to service if it occurs in music trig mode.
SPECIFICATIONS HARDWARE • • • • Compact metal housing 7-button 2-digit display 3-pin female XLR data out connection Built-in microphone • • • • Easy execution of shows Slow, medium, fast and auto-selection of show Blackout, strobe and manual override 30 different 6-scene sequences • • • Sound Manual Automatic PLAYBACK FACILITIES TRIG SOURCES DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): • • 143 x 114 x 78 mm (5.6 x 4.5 x 3.1 in) WEIGHT 1 kg (2.2 lb.
AC SUPPLY • • • Input: 3-prong IEC male socket EU: 220 - 250 V / 50 Hz US: 110 - 120 V / 60 Hz POWER & CURRENT CONSUMPTION • • 3 W, 15 mA @ 230 V 6 W, 30 mA @ 120 V • • • • 1.
