The EM-ONE design incorporates a two line, 20 characters per line, backlit liquid crystal display for programming and playback information; programming pushbuttons; and LED indicators for status of input and output control signals. The input/output rear panel provides for a variety of applications in its array of receptacles.
The EM-ONE generates a DMX 512 protocol control signal which is available at the DMX 512 output receptacle. This signal may be the only control sent to the dimmers. However, the EM-ONE has been designed to accept a DMX 512 input signal and pile its own DMX 512 onto the incoming signal for a highest-level-takes-precedence hybrid output. The EM-ONE may also accept an AMX 192 signal input and similarly create a hybrid output.
Control of the EM-ONE generated DMX 512 signal is accomplished by front panel pushbuttons and display prompts, by optional Remote Focus Unit, or by Preset Select Stations. The EM-ONE panel and peripheral control may be used to program presets on a dimmer by dimmer basis or the EM-ONE can load from another control console by recording all dimmer levels in a cue as a preset.
Additionally, the EM-ONE is provided with an RS 232 serial port with IBM-PC AT pin-out configuration for future address capability by an external master show controller or personal computer.
The EM-ONE is a fully digital dimmer controller which may be used as a back-up to a primary controller, for control of houselights, as a stand alone controller, or as an interface with portable or temporary dimming equipment.
BACK-UP
As a back-up controller, the EM-ONE works as a separate memory and DMX 512 signal source, piling onto the digital output signal of the primary control console.
The EM-ONE may be set for one of three back-up actions: it can hold the last levels seen prior to a main console failure, it can take all dimmers to zero, or it can fade to a predetermined preset. Once set, the EM-ONE monitors the primary controller's output signal and goes to the programmed back-up action in the absence of a signal. If the back-up action is not changed while in the back-up state, the EM-ONE will return to monitor status and its original state when the primary controller signal returns.
HOUSE LIGHT CONTROL
With remote control devices, the EM-ONE acts as a house light control system. Presets may be programmed for house light control zones and intensities desired, and the presets may be selected by Remote Preset Select Stations which are available in 4, 8, or 16 scene configurations. Remote Preset Select Stations may be located in the control booth, the stage manager's panel, the house manager's station, or other positions where control is required.
In the control booth, a Preset Select Station allows for one touch access of house light settings, leaving the lighting control console operator free to concentrate on stage lighting cues.
STAND ALONE CONTROLLER
The EM-ONE may be used as a stand alone controller for architectural applications and for broadcast and corporate video production where it is desirable to define repeating presets which may be accessed by a pushbutton. The required presets may be programmed by using the EM-ONE front panel display and programming keys, or with the optional remote control unit. Then the presets may be called up with the main panel or with Remote Preset Select Panels. The result is a system which is simple to operate and allows precise repeatability of established presets.
INTERFACE
The EM-ONE acts as an interface where portable dimming equipment is being used with permanently installed dimmer racks or with touring dimmer racks.
For example, if a portable rack of 96 dimmers is to be used with a permanently installed system containing 288 dimmers, it will be easier to program cues if the portable dimmers could be addressed as dimmers number 289 through 384 in sequence with the permanent system. With the EM-ONE, the first dimmer in the portable rack may be designated as the starting dimmer and labeled dimmer number 289, so that the sequence is continuous from dimmer number 1 through number 384.
Whatever the application may be, the EM-ONE offers the operator instant access to any dimmer or any preset, provides a quick and easy way to create, delete or modify presets, and allows viewing of the control signal to any dimmer for troubleshooting problems.