Channel Test Function (continued)
Testing a Dimmer Pack
To test a dimmer pack and/or the lamps connected to the dimmer, connect
a DMX cable from the MicroTech’s output connector to the dimmer pack.
Select the dimmer’s first channel number using the ▼and ▲buttons. If the
dimmer is working properly, the dimmer’s first channel will turn on. Use
the ▼and ▲buttons to select the other channels of the dimmer pack.
The channel test level can be raised and lowered to verify the dimming
behavior of the dimmer and/or lamp under test.
Testing a Color Scroller
After selecting the channel number of the scroller, raise and lower the chan-
nel test level to cause the scroller to advance through each color frame.
The “all” channels mode can be used to test more than one scroller at a
time. The “all” channels mode is also useful if you would rather not locate
the specific channel number that a scroller is addressed on.
Testing an Intelligent Fixture
To test an intelligent fixture, connect the MicroTech’s output connector to
the fixture with a DMX cable. Select the fixture’s first channel number
using the ▼and ▲buttons. Each of the intelligent fixture’s channels can be
tested sequentially using the ▼and ▲buttons which typically exercises
each of the fixture’s motors individually.
The channel test level can be raised and lowered to test the operation range
of each of the fixtures parameters. For the highest degree of control over
the test level, switch the Display Type to either decimal or hexadecimal,
which provides full 8-bit resolution for each channel.
To test more than one parameter of an intelligent fixture at once, see the sec-
tions about the scene record, edit and output functions.
Scene Output Function
Out SCEnE OuTPuT
The scene output function is used to transmit any of the 30 scenes stored in
the MicroTech’s non-volatile memory. This function is also used to auto-
matically provide a backup scene to the stage if the console fails.
While in the scene output function, the display shows an “o” and the scene
number being output. Pressing ▼and ▲changes the current scene output.
The Status LED will flicker while scene data is being transmitted; an empty
scene will cause the Status LED to remain off. Also, the right most decimal
point on the display lights when a recorded scene is selected.
If the MicroTech detects incoming DMX data while in the scene output
mode, the MicroTech will not attempt to transmit any data and the display
will periodically flash ‘In ’, signifying that the unit is receiving DMX input
from an external source. As soon as the MicroTech detects that the incom-
ing DMX data is removed (by unplugging the console, or if the console
fails) the scene output mode will begin transmitting data immediately. This
feature allows the MicroTech to be used as a console backup unit.
Using the MicroTech as a Console Backup
Since the MicroTech will not output a scene until it detects the absence of a
DMX signal, the MicroTech can be placed in-line between the console and
the DMX equipment. While the console is controlling the DMX equipment,
enter the scene output function and select the desired backup scene number.
As soon as the console is switched off, the DMX cable is disconnected, the
console fails or loses power, the MicroTech will immediately begin transmit-
ting the selected scene - without allowing the stage to go to black.
Testing Fixtures with the Scene Output Function
The scene output function can be used to test all of the fixtures in a rig by
simply recording a scene (or multiple scenes) that simultaneously exercises
all of the fixtures that need to be checked. With these scenes recorded, the
MicroTech can be used to quickly test the rig without the console. When
testing intelligent fixtures, it is useful to record scenes that operate all of the
fixtures parameters at once.
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