High End Systems AXON - Manual (Page 41)

CHAPTER 4
DMX Programming Basics and Quick Start
Axon Media Server User Manual 21
Lighting Console Tips
Lighting consoles differ in many aspects and it is important to understand how your console
operates with DL.3, DL.2 and Axon media servers.
Fixture Libraries:
Many sophisticated lighting consoles utilize pre-made fixture libraries. A fixture library consists
of profiles for various types of lighting fixtures and devices. Each profile corresponds to the
fixture’s DMX protocol and allows for ease of programming. Depending upon the manufacturer
of your lighting console, some parameters might have different labels for parameter names and
functions than are listed within this manual. Consult your lighting console manual for further
information.
Patching Digital Light Fixtures and Axon Media Servers
DL.3 and DL.2 fixtures are patched as three different “fixture types” in the Wholehog 3 library
systems. This allows for ease of programming as well as the ability to adjust quickly for any of
the various DMX protocol options. The Motion fixture type controls the actual moving yoke,
projector, and integrated camera. The Global fixture type controls the global graphic engine
functions such as intensity, keystone correction, viewpoint, etc. The Graphic fixture type
controls each graphic object functions such as opacity, object, media, etc. DL.3 and DL.2
protocol allows for 1, 2, or 3 graphic objects.
An Axon media server had no motion control but utilizes the same Global and Graphic fixture
types. In the Fixture Schedule or Add Fixtures window of Wholehog software, you would add 1
motion, 1 global, and 3 graphic “fixtures” for each complete DL.3 or DL.2 unit, or 1 global, and
3 graphic “fixtures” for each complete Axon unit.
The best way to organize your patching is to assign user numbers for these items. Patch the
motion first, the global second, and the graphic fixture types last. For example, set up user
numbers 1-5 that correspond to the DL.3 or DL.2 fixture number 1, where user number 1 is the
motion, 2 is the global, and 3-5 the graphic fixture types.
DMX Output Displays
Although all lighting consoles output the same 512 DMX channels per universe, the on-screen
labeling often differs. Parameter functions are displayed in either alpha-numeric descriptions
(strobe 1), percentage (0-100%) or decimal (0-255 for 8-bit and 0-65535 for 16-bit). Consult
your lighting console manual for further information.