1. Programming Controls and Features
2. Legending
3. Chases
4. Theatrical Sequences
5. Password control and Keyswitch
6. Playback Features
7. Audio Triggering of Lighting Effects
8. Other Useful Unique Features
9. Powering down and Accidental powering down
10. Connecting to the Avolites Visualiser
11. MIDI and Timecode
12. Stage Remote
13. Graphics Tablet
14. Time of day running
15. Script files
16. Channels
17. Construction
18. Number of Memories and Pallets
19. AC Power
20. Servicing

21. Avolites Digital Dimmers
22. The ART 4000 Digital Dimming System
23. The ART 2000 Digital Dimming System
24. DMX Splitters
25. Avolites Visualiser
26. Focus Finder

The Avolites Story  ...  so far!!!

In 1975 several members of a touring road crew decided to make better dimmers than those with which they were touring, which seemed to need constant mechanical repair. The dimming range they designed and manufactured became known as the "Avolites FD dimmer".

The success of FD Dimmer placed it as 'the industry standard touring dimmer'.

Following the success of the FD Dimmer the team started designing and manufacturing lighting control consoles.

These consoles were specifically designed to tour and to be able to tackle the harsh problems associated with moving from one venue to another on a daily basis. Namely the console has to work; the stage is a different each day necessitating re programming; and the performance will therefore change and evolve to meet local conditions.

The first consoles were the Avolites 80 - 100 series which set much of the finishing style still in use today with wood and leather finishes. In 1983 the now famous Avolites QM500 series of consoles was created.

The QM500 series consoles had computer memory and a very rapid flash button response time. No easy task with the processors available then!

In the late 80's Avolites was purchased by a large corporate conglomerate, and in 1991 was returned to private ownership, the principle shareholders being the current directors. 

At this time moving lights started to become generally available, and the design team set about creating a range of consoles from scratch to meet the new demands moving lights were placing on lighting designers.

The Rolacue Sapphire

The Rolacue Sapphire was the first console designed to control moving and generic fixtures in the style with which touring designers were familiar from the QM days. Modelled on the previous Rolacue range of consoles but with a totally new set of electronics and software. The console quickly became a touring standard.

Avolites has enjoyed an open door policy. By watching how LDs used the Sapphire and inviting designers and operators to call into Avolites as and when the opportunity arose, we listened to the ideas and suggestions made and put these with our own, the pool of these ideas created a larger console, the Diamond II.

The Avolites Diamond II

The Rolacue Sapphire had been designed to have 512 channels. This was to ensure the channel count was never a limiting factor of the console. In 1991 512 channels seemed a massive number compared to other consoles of 30, 90 or a huge 180! However it soon became clear that with moving lights consuming 20 channels each, more would be required. The Diamond II addressed this by increasing the channel count to 3,072 ~ 6 DMX lines. It's a rare event that requires more.

Users frequently requested a physically smaller console, which could be put in the back of a car and was a 'one person' lift. So the Pearl was designed, based on the very successful Sapphire, but with smaller dimensions. It was launched at PLASA 1995 and became an instant success requiring an immediate increase in the production capacity at Avolites.

The Avolites Pearl 2000

Having designed the Pearl, similar requests started flowing in to do the same with the Diamond. Avolites introduced the Diamond III, two thirds of the size of the Diamond II, easier to place on mid size tours and with nearly as many Playbacks, and subsequently to the development of the Diamond 4.

Console design continued with the Azure 2000 - the smallest console of the Avolites range. With its waterproof panel it is especially suitable for potentially wet and 'hostile' environments.

The Avolites Azure 2000

In 1998 the Rolacue Sapphire was redesigned and became the Sapphire 2000, slimmer, sleeker and more streamlined in design with electronic palettes and a channel increase to 2,048 (incidentally also the number of channels on the Azure and Pearl 2000).

The Avolites Sapphire 2000

To meet Azure demands and at the request of users, the Azure 2000 Shadow, was introduced, based on the Azure but using conventional switch technology, this has rapidly found its way onto major events where operational space is limited but a powerful console is required.

The Avolites Azure Shadow

At the PLASA 2001 show the Diamond 4 was launched. The Avolites Diamond 4 design brief read "...to create a lighting console that is intuitive to operate, and offers minimum operator fatigue so as to produce the fastest most cost efficient creation of stunning shows. The console should be forgiving to the operator both in programming and operation with automated set ups, highly customisable by the user for different events and incorporating an operating surface which will allow creation of complex and intricate scenes and effects both on the fly and, which when recorded and replayed are easily assimilated by the operator, who can intervene effortlessly and seamlessly as the need arises". To meet this we have used many new technologies including 'electronic tape', 'speech recognition', 'networking' and 'high speed processors'.

The speed and power of operation was immediately understood by potential users and orders were placed by leading designers within minutes of the PLASA show opening.

The Avolites Diamond 4

In 1994 Avolites started designing a new dimming system. This came to fruition in 1996 with the introduction of the award winning ART 4000 range. 

The Avolites ART 4000

This retained all the best features and ruggedness of the touring industry standard Avolites FD system but was fully digital, allowing the front 'test' controls to also be used for replaying internal memories, and incorporating twin patchable DMX inputs. A lighting state can be set up from the front of the rack, which is often all that is needed for an exhibition or architectural state. The system is packed with other facilities including 100% duty cycle high rise time chokes virtually eliminating choke and filament noise.

Users of the ART4000 dimming system suggested that with many performances using a mixture of generic and moving lights an easy safe way of combining power distribution and dimming was needed.

With this in mind the ART2000 range was created, with the design brief of being "easy to configure for different requirements from a range of standard components". ART2000 is available in 2 or 4 module frame sizes, each module handling up to 240 Amperes of power. Five module types are available ranging from 32Amp dimmer channels to 16Amp contactor channels and modules specifically designed for the 110 Volt markets. All Art 2000 systems have options for moving light mains distribution and virtually every power and multipin connector is supported.

The Avolites ART 2000

Over the years Avolites have been constantly innovating, striving to provide the best control solutions and allowing designers the maximum creativity whatever the constraints - including budget, environment and time.

In 1996 Avolites won awards for the 4D Tracking system using a Graphics Tablet to control the position of moving lights and more recently for the Focus Finder, a unique product for automatically setting Preset Focuses. Avolites has also been honoured to receive awards for the innovative ART digital Dimmers, the Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond consoles and its customer training.

The Avolites Graphics Tablet

Avolites seeks to look, listen and see what its customers and lighting designers need to perform lighting tasks more easily. We have always had an open door policy and encouraged discussion and feedback. The ideas and the feedback from Lighting Designers who visit us, and whom we meet at training sessions around the world and at Trade Fairs and by observing our products in live use, has enabled us to make Avolites Control amongst the best available in the world. We are able to use this pool of knowledge to respond to ideas rapidly, ensuring products are always at the forefront of control.

The Avolites Focus Finder

You are always welcome to visit our factory and demonstration space in London. Please feel free to contact us if you are ever in the area, where in the British tradition there will always be a cup of tea or coffee and us eager to hear your ideas, wishes and stories.

All Avolites lighting consoles are designed to control Dimmers, Colour Changers and Moving Lights in a coherent, logical and simple manner.

All have been designed with moving lights and colour changers in mind from the outset. No features are 'bolted on'.

Ease of use and speed of operation have been considered paramount in the design, so as to minimise operator fatigue and allow the most 'brain power' to be made available for the 'lighting design'.

Peripherals include a Graphics Tablet for 'Follow Spotting' and instant tracking of moving fixtures to a specific point; a stage remote for recalling and checking of fixtures from a remote position; and connection to the Avolites Visualiser for a graphical representation of the stage.

The wide range of consoles ensures Avolites will have a product for you. All consoles share a common programming style, making it easy to move from one to another with the minimum of retraining. Full operators manuals are available for downloading from the Avolites internet site.

1. Programming Controls and Features

1.1. Selecting Fixtures

There is no need for any additional note pads or pieces of paper. All the fixture labelling is either on the built in writing strips or electronically displayed on the VDU or local displays.

Selecting fixtures and setting levels needs to be simple. Avolites consoles are designed to accommodate the programming styles of different lighting designers, ensuring they can be used on the widest variety of jobs.

On all consoles, fixtures can be selected by absolute fixture number, or by the fixture type followed by its number. On the Azure, fixtures can also be selected by selecting a 'fixture page' followed by pressing a 'fixture select' button. On the Consoles with Preset Faders, fixtures can be selected by pressing the select button below each preset fader.

Indication of the selected fixtures is on the external screens and on panel LEDs or screens, and on the Avolites Visualiser - if this is connected.

1.2. Palettes

Palettes give simple fast selection of pre determined, Position, Colour, Gobo, Focus, Zoom or any other attribute of a moving light or colour changer. etc.

Palettes are automatically loaded when a fixture is patched and can then be modified and added to as required.

Palettes are 'back referenced' when memories are replayed. This means that a change made in a Palette will reflect in any memories recorded with that Palette.

When reprogramming Pan and Tilt Palettes, Avolites Consoles have functions allowing the selected fixture to be 'Highlighted' whilst placing all other fixtures in a 'Lowlight'. This makes it much easier and faster to adjust the position of the selected fixture.

Palettes are legendable - making it easy to find them at any time, perhaps even years later!

The term 'Palette' and 'Preset Focus' can be freely interchanged and have the same meaning.

1.3. Shape Generator

The Shape Generator allows the use of mathematical patterns to control the attributes of moving lights.

This type of control is important because effects that would otherwise take days of programming can be created in seconds. For example to make a selection of moving lights describe a circle, and then to alter the phase between each so that they create a fanned circle on the stage would take hours of conventional programming ..... but this is one of many built in functions.

All Avolites Consoles can run numerous shapes simultaneously, which can be edited as required once stored.

The order in which fixtures have been selected is used to define the order in which a shape will be replayed. 

Parameters such as Speed, Size and Course or Fine Phase are easily be adjustable at any time.

These simple features multiply the number of shape permutations many times ensuring shape effects are unique.

New shapes are user definable and loadable from a standard floppy disk.

1.4. Fan

Fan Mode is a simple tool for altering the level of a channel by differing amounts across the number of fixture selected.

This powerful feature can easily save hours of programming and allow experimentation which would otherwise not be possible because of time constraints.

For example: If three Iris channels are selected with Fan mode turned on, the first channel will reduce in level (making the iris smaller) the second channel will not change in level, and the third channel will increase in level (making the iris bigger).

The Fan Mode function is most commonly used to quickly create 'beam fans'. Fanning the Pan channel will 'fan out' or 'fan in' the beams, and applying Fan on the tilt channel will change the rake angle of the beam fan.

Fan can be applied to any parameter and can be freely used with the shape generator.

The fixture selection order, is the order in which FAN will be applied adding another layer of flexibility and power, minimising the possibility of 'canned' looks.

Fan Mode is selected by pressing a dedicated button with integral LED which flashes upon selection.

Recording and Editing Cues

The word Cue and Memory in this context can be taken to have identical meanings. Recording a Cue requires two button presses - Record followed by pressing a Memory Playback Button.

Once Record is pressed, the memory playbacks indicate which are free and which have previously recorded memories or chases.

Recording and editing a cue uses exactly the same button sequence.
Cues can be replayed in several different ways. These are called the Replay mode. In particular the behaviour of LTP channels when a memory is replayed on a fader is determined by the replay mode.

Mode 1 replays LTP channels as soon as the fader moves above zero, whilst fading HTP channels. Mode 2 replays LTP channels proportionally to the fader position. This for instance allows the fader to move a colour from red to blue and then back to red again. Mode 3, which is only available on the Diamond range, cross fades all other playbacks into the memory being faded.

2. Legending

Avolites Consoles require the minimum of additional pieces of paper. They have been designed to have all the required information displayed either on writing strips or on electronic displays.

Legends are displayed on the VGA on the Azure and Pearl range of consoles and on the VGA screen and on local Displays on the Sapphire and Diamond range of Consoles. Consoles also have additional 'write on and wipe clean' writing strips.

Electronic Legends can be entered from a QWERTY keyboard, in-built into a drawer on the Diamond and fitted into the flightcase on the Sapphire range. On the Pearl and Azure ranges the QWERTY keyboard is external to the desk and optional. When not fitted, legends can be entered by using a shift function which creates a 'keyboard' from other buttons on the desk.

3. Chase, Sequence, Stack and Cue List

We have used the word Chase here to mean a continuous sequence, and the word Stack, (also called Cue Stack and Cue List) to mean a set of steps some of which may follow on automatically and some of which will require the GO button to be pressed to initiate a fade. Sequence is used to define either a Chase or a Stack.

There is no limit to the number of Sequence steps other than available storage memory.

For the 2000 series each Sequence step has six timers associated with it. These are Wait Dimmer In, Wait Dimmer Out, Fade Dimmer In, Fade Dimmer Out, Wait LTP channels, Fade LTP channels, whilst the Diamond 4 has many timers per step and different fixtures or attributes may use different timing information.

Times can range from instant to over 12 hours and are stored in 1/40th second intervals.

The Diamond 4 has many timers available for each step allowing separate times for fixtures and individual fixture attributes.

All Sequence fades are Dipless because it is useful to control the times of HTP (Highest Takes Precedence) channels rising and falling in level separately, and delay either of these in order to create a smooth transition from one scene to another.

LTP (Latest Takes Precedence) channels are required for most attributes other than dimmers or the intensity channel in a moving light or colour changer.

A Chase can have its speed set by using the 'Tap To Set Speed' button allowing easy, live, real time, synchronisation to music.

The different ranges of desks have slightly different control configurations, though all are fully featured. Diamond Consoles have dedicated speed control wheels, whilst the '2000' range shares the Speed wheels with other editing jobs. In all cases the setting of Sequence Speeds and Cross Fades is easy and intuitive. The Azure 2000 and Diamond 4 provides an additional way to set chase speeds by using the FAST, MEDIUM and SLOW buttons.

Sequences and other features can be controlled from an external MIDI source.

On all consoles playbacks can control a single Cue, or a Sequence. The Diamond 4 can also play back Cues and Sequences from the Preset Playbacks.

3.1. Unfold

This feature allows the steps of a sequence to be replayed on the memory faders, giving parallel access to a number of steps. Editing and replaying of edits is very fast. Steps are edited in the same way as a static memory and times can be adjusted and set whilst a sequence is unfolded. Sequences are 'folded' back by pressing the Unfold button a second time. Unfold was invented by Avolites and as far as we are aware, is unique to us.

4. Theatrical Sequences

A special theatrical operating mode is included in all current Avolites Consoles. This can be enabled or disabled depending on the usage of the console from day to day.

Theatre mode uses four Playbacks, a special Theatre Stack and a dedicated set of programming functions making it easy for lighting designers to communicate with the Console via the Console operator. 
The Theatrical suite of functions ensures the Lighting Designer can call out channels knowing the operator can keep up and quickly set levels in different ways, such as 'up a bit', 'up 5%' and 'at 65' etc. Having made edits, it is easy to record scenes and set fade times.

Avolites consoles, having been designed with moving light control from the outset, make editing scenes with moving and generic lights quick and easy.

Once scenes have been set and recorded they may need to be replayed and checked for timing. Therefore setting and adjusting times has been made simple by having dedicated buttons for setting the time of the step that has just run and of the step that will run next.

Because a dedicated Stack is used it is easy to go to any scene by entering its number or using the step forward or back buttons. (The Diamond 4 has a number of Stacks available).

A fade can be initiated by pressing the master GO button or pressing an individual GO button for each part of the fade (HTP In/Out or LTP). A fade inadvertently started (most of us have done this at some time!) can be stopped and reversed by pressing the Stop or Rev button.

The Azure range displays the fade progression on the VGA screen, the Pearl range shows it on the VGA screen and on the LCD screen. The Sapphire and Diamond ranges show it on the dedicated local playback displays.

Preview screens show all the Fade/Wait times and Step information giving an overview of the Stack. Detailed memory screens are selectable, showing which channels are active and the channel levels or Focus numbers used.

At any time fades can be taken over and operated manually, either by using the wheels or using faders.

Steps can be run out of sequence by typing in the next step number required.

Each step can be legended for easy identification.

The theatrical playback can be controlled from an external MIDI source if required. It can also trigger an external MIDI event using the MIDI output.

5. Password control and Keyswitch

Consoles that are used by many people sometimes need to be protected from accidental reconfiguration!

The Diamond, Sapphire and Pearl consoles use a mixture of passwords and a Keyswitch to prevent inadvertent programming. The Azure range uses user definable passwords.

6. Playback Features

Each Console, whilst being general purpose, was designed with a bias towards particular events. For instance the Azure because of its size lends itself to easy portability and fits into small spaces, whilst the Diamond consoles are larger and more suitable for large venues, multi-purpose arenas and tours.

Individual console playback features are listed in the following table:-

All playback faders are high quality faders manufactured specifically for Avolites.

7. Audio Triggering of Lighting effects

At times a light show is required to match musical moods and tempos. Whilst nothing can replace a lighting operator, each console is fitted with a Sound To Light input. Including this to the Diamond range adds to its versatility ensuring it can be used for any event or performance.

The three channel sound to light controller triggers three sequences, which represent the low, mid and high frequencies of the audio input. The audio input can be set to line microphone or low level line. It has automatic calibration and will auto adjust to various musical levels.

Each channel can be enabled or disabled. The input level can be selected as Microphone, low or high level line input.

8. Other Useful Unique Features

8.1. Snapshot

You have it on stage but have no idea which memories or combination of memories is being used, the director says, 'That's it - that's the one!'. No problem. Snapshot will capture it for later incorporation into a Memory or Sequence.

Snapshots are time and date stamped so you can easily establish when it was recorded.

9. Powering down and Accidental powering down

Avolites 2000 Consoles store all the show data in an internally backed battery static RAM. The battery life is in excess of 5 years. The Diamond 4 has an internal hard disk and periodic automatic backup to this. Flash cards, floppy disks and CD RW are all optional backup devices. An optional internal battery supply is also available to keep the consol running in the event of mains failure.

The software for Avolites consoles is stored in Flash memory or on hard disk and can be upgraded from floppy disk, CD ROM and the internet.

10. Connection to the Avolites Visualiser

The Avolites Visualiser is a PC based Virtual stage display system. It is more fully described elsewhere in this brochure, however it is worth noting that all Avolites 2000 and Diamond 4 consoles have a direct 'private' link into the Visualiser making it an extension of the console. When connected in this way, Visualiser displays which fixtures are selected in a graphical way, allowing editing without the real fixtures being turned on. Additionally Blind Editing is fully integrated with the Visualiser.

Visualiser allows you to test ideas without the expense of hiring fixtures and the other costs which are associated with this.

Visualiser and Console can easily be set up in a hotel room extending the programming time available to the designer. Subject to patent restrictions in some countries the Visualiser may be installed internally in the Diamond 4.

11. MIDI and Timecode

11.1. MIDI

Any playback button or fader can be activated by MIDI. This allows remote control of faders memories etc.

In addition a sequence can be started, paused, reset and an individual 'GO' may be performed.

A MIDI keyboard can be connected and the keyboard keys easily mapped to Memory Flash buttons.

MIDI shows can be difficult to set up initially. To help this, Avolites Consoles incorporate a MIDI debug screen which shows all incoming and outgoing MIDI commands.

11.2. Timecode

Avolites Consoles have a MIDI Timecode provision. This allows Sequences and Environments to be synchronised to Timecode.

Avolites can supply at low cost a SMPTE/EBU Timecode to MIDI Timecode converter (Avolites stock number 33-65-3000). The same unit can also act as a Timecode source for 'striping' a tape.

12. Stage Remote

It is often desirable to control channels and dimmers from the stage, for instance when focusing lights. This avoids having to have a desk operator just to turn on and off lights during setting up.

Avolites Consoles connect to the Avolites Riggers Remote which can access, DMX channels, Dimmer Channels and Fixtures.

Within the life of this brochure the Diamond 4 is likely to include voice recognition for some commands.

13. Graphics Tablet

The Graphics Tablet is an extension to all Avolites Consoles. It provides a simple interface for selecting Fixtures and Palettes, moving the beam position, follow spotting with moving lights and mixing colours. The way the graphic tablet is used is unique to Avolites products.

13.1. Followspotting

The Graphic tablet allows a number of moving lights to be controlled in 'follow spot mode' by dragging a pen around the scale stage plan drawn on the underlay of the tablet. Within minimal training, operators can easily pick up a performer anywhere on the stage and follow them around. The tablet has been used to follow ice skaters and dancers which gives an indication of its usefulness. It is also especially useful when plotting a show, since 'at the drop of a pen' one or more fixture can be focused at a point on stage.

13.2. Live Colour Mixing

The Avolites Graphic Tablet offers the fastest possible control of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Red, Green, Blue colour mixing.

Once the pen is put down in the colour mix area, you have instant and direct control of the output colour. By moving the pen in the East/West plane you have control of the available 'Hues', and by moving the pen North/South you have control of saturation. A separate slider bar sets the Luminosity.

The intuitive colour mix area gives you easy access to the 16 million or so possible colours that three channels of 255 levels each offer.

Colours mixed on the tablet can be directly stored into a memory, or recorded into a Palette for recalling later.

14. Time of day running

One of the specific design criteria for the Azure 2000 is to run light effects in retail environments, visitor experiences, theme parks and museums where the same show might run every hour or at the same time each day. It therefore has a timer section allowing complete control of events from its real time clock which includes such things daylight saving etc. More detailed information is available in the Azure operators manual which can be downloaded from the Avolites World Wide Web site. 

14.1. Environments

The Azure range includes an 'Environment' feature. This enables a particular preset desk configuration to be loaded. This might include a number of Sequences, particular memories etc. Because an Environment can be loaded from the real time clock it is very easy to design an operator-free show.

15. Script files

All consoles have synchronisable script files, 20 in the 2000 range and 200 in the Diamond 4, allowing automatic loading and fading of memories and sequences. A script file is created by operating the console controls manually, each operation being recorded as an event and time stamped. Subsequently events can be edited and moved about in time.

Script files can be run manually, from Timecode or from the internal realtime clock.

16. Channels

All Avolites consoles have enough channels for large shows and we have found that the choice of which Avolites console to use or purchase is rarely governed by the number of channels, here is a summary of the number of channels and how they come out of the console.

17. Construction

All Avolites products are designed and built for 'life on the road'. The following table details the material used for each product.

All products are built in a 1.2 mm steel shell ensuring strength giving excellent EMC performance.

Schadow is a registered trade mark.

18. Number of Memories and Pallets

All consoles have an additional 50 Snapshot memories.

19. AC Power

The Azure range operates from any AC mains supply voltage between 90 and 250 volts 45 to 65 Hz. The Diamond, Sapphire 2000 and Pearl 2000 have a voltage select switch allowing operation throughout the world. These consoles use a standard 'PC' type power supply making replacement very simple should this ever be necessary. The Diamond 4 has an optional internal battery backed power supply which will keep the console running in the event of mains failure.

20. Servicing

Serviceability has been considered from the outset in all Avolites designs helping to ensure long product life.

The Diamond range includes a modem for direct connection to Avolites or the Internet.

The '2000' range consoles (including the Azure Shadow) uses an Avolites motherboard with applicable components fitted into high quality turned pin sockets.

All Consoles have spare DMX line drivers fitted internally so they are to hand should they ever be required. DMX outputs are also optically isolated from the serial driver data line to help prevent damage to circuits upstream of the driver in the event of a serious DMX problem.
Full test screens are provided allowing checking of every button, every LED, the encoder wheels, faders, graphics tablet, MIDI, DMX input and Stage/Riggers remote.

The 2000 range has an internal alphanumeric display which is updated as the system powers up. Should there be a fault, this display allows it to be pinpointed.

The Diamond range has front panel diagnostic displays during the power up cycle.

Full schematics and documentation is available to installers and owners. Additional copies of the operators manuals are available in printed form from Avolites, and in electronic form from the World Wide Web site, www.avolites.com

21. Avolites Digital Dimmers

All Avolites dimming systems have been carefully designed to meet a variety of requirements so as to maximise their usage.

There are two ART digital dimming ranges the ART 4000 and the ART 2000.

All systems can be fully loaded and run continuously. Electronic temperature sensing varies the cooling fan speed giving temperature stability regardless of load, whilst also keeping the air flow to a minimum when lightly loaded so both reducing the ingress of dust and dirt and keeping acoustic noise to a minimum.

High rise times mean low filament noise, all Avolites dimmers are designed to deliver studio noise suppression. Individual channel faders allow setting of a fixed scene and checking of loads whilst simultaneously having the useful ability to set up a fixed lighting scene and leave it - without a control desk. The same channel faders can also replay backup memories ensuring a minimum of lighting scenes can always be replayed.

A load check and breaker trip indicator ensures that fault conditions are identified at a glance.

Channel input levels are graphically displayed on the LCD screen.

Art dimming modules automatically track the mains frequency.

All dimmers have a second mechanical safety cut-out which shuts down the unit in the event of overheating, perhaps because a vent has become blocked.

All systems have options for RCB protection and single or two pole circuit breakers.

22. The ART 4000 series specific features

22.1.1. ART 4000 modules

The '4000 series consists of fully self contained modules which can be run 'stand alone' or built into racks complete with a mains distribution system and hot patching.

Modules have in-built diagnostic modes which check the control electronics before turning on any dimmer channel.

Each module has 15 dedicated buttons enabling the most used features to be accessed with a single button press. An LCD display is used for setting the patch information.

Each module has twin DMX inputs with a totally flexible patch arrangement and an analogue input. When the same channel is faded on any two or three inputs, the highest wins.

Each channel can be individually patched to any DMX address.

Modules are protected from an over-voltage situation such as cross phasing, or a poorly connected neutral lead. These can lead to catastrophic failures not only for the dimming module but also for the lamps connected to them. Therefore if an over-voltage occurs the module or system will automatically shut down.

22.1.2. Art 4000 series dimmers mounted into touring frame and flightcase

The ART 4000 series dimmer has a custom designed 19 inch frame available in 48 and 72 channel versions. This frame comes complete with a hot patch and mains distribution system with industry standard power connectors.

The Hot Patch is provided with industry standard multi-pin output connectors. Avolites has probably supplied every possible option and connector and should therefore be able to accommodate any requirements.

The Mains Distribution System provides a set of 'OK' indicators for each phase, neutral and earth connection, as well as voltage metering for these.

23. Art 2000 dimming system

The '2000 series consists of differing plug in power modules, a control module and a custom designed frame fitted into a touring flightcase, complete with mains distribution for the power modules, power supply for the control module, voltage and optional current metering and the hot patch. Each frame can house 4 power modules.

You can easily customise an ART 2000 system by specifying the frame and power module types required. Two frames are available the touring 2 module (T2) and the Touring 4 module (T4). A range of module options is available including 12 channels of 16 Amp dimming (20 Amp for USA) switched power modules and 32 Amp modules. Lower rated circuit breakers may be fitted if required.

The Art 2000 Control module has 15 dedicated buttons allowing easy access to the most important dimmer functions such as patching, test faders on/off, memories etc. The 126 character LCD display gives clear indication of the DMX patching and dimmer levels. Each dimmer channel can be patched to any of the DMX channels on line A and any DMX channel on line B. Alternatively, to make patching easier, when using control desks with a dimmer patch the whole system can be allocated a start address, with each channel incrementing from this. Channels have independent curve selection.

Modules are all plug in and only require a screwdriver to remove and replace.
Hire companies will find that swapping modules to match specific jobs is advantageous. For instance some jobs will require 48 channels of dimming others require 48 channels of Utility power, and some will require a mixture of Dimming and Utility power.

Options exist for an Amp-meter to be fitted. This allows monitoring of phase and neutral currents. Additionally single or two pole circuit breakers can be fitted. Two pole wiring should be clearly specified on the order and this affects both the module and the frame.

Virtually every type of mains input, multipin output and mains protection is available for the ART 2000.

24. DMX Splitters

Avolites was one of the first companies to design DMX consoles and dimming systems. The first system being Q Patch in 1987. As such we have built up a practical knowledge of DMX systems.

Avolites manufactures two models of DMX splitters. These take a DMX line in and isolate it from a number of outputs. This ensures that no single fault on a DMX line can stop all fixtures from working. It also allows lines to run off in different directions.

All splitters can have XLR5 or XLR3 type output connectors wired standard or phase reversed.

All Splitters have spare opto isolators and driver chips fitted internally, so even if the worst happens, spares are always available.

For the technically minded, the screen connection of each isolated output is floating, eliminating potential ground loop problems which can easily occur with temporary installations. 

Both DMX splitters have a universal switch mode power supply utilising a large toroidal transformer. This ensures the unit will work on mains voltages between 80 and 250 volts 50 or 60Hz.

24.1. The Rack Mount DMX Splitter

This fits in a standard 19 inch rack. Taking DMX in and providing a Loop Out and Four Pairs of opto isolated outputs. Internally there is a range of user settable options since each output connector can be patched to any of the isolated outputs.

LEDs monitor the DMX line and indicate that mains is present.

24.2. The Truss Mount Splitter

This splitter has been designed for placing in odd locations. It is manufactured in a rigid plastic tube and is relatively drop proof.

Taking DMX in, providing a Loop Out and Three Pairs of opto isolated outputs. Internally there is a range of user settable options since each output connector can be patched to any of the isolated outputs.

LEDs indicate Power OK, Data present and the status of the Termination switch. The Truss Splitter can be secured to almost anything by using the Velcro straps and steel safety wire. When in sight of an audience the unit is unobtrusive and has been designed to allow tidy cable entry and exit.

The Avolites Visualiser allows 'rigging' and previewing of lighting rigs without lifting a single fixture in the air.

Running on a PC, it can take in DMX or connect to Avolites consoles via a 'local' serial link. When this is used Visualiser can be run on a Laptop Computer.

The Visualiser design was founded from the cumulation of many conversations with lighting designers, who wanted an easy way of seeing what a show would look like without having to rig fixtures, or having to have a degree in CAD operation.

The basis of the Visualiser is 'Drop and Drag', As far as possible the Visualiser operates as an extension of an Avolites lighting console. When it is connected using the local link selected fixtures are identified on the Visualiser making it into a true view screen, showing intensity, colour, gobo and beam angles.

Visualiser has the ability to move any object, or group of objects from DMX, allowing for moving bars, truss and scenery. It is even be possible to run scene changes from the console.

Visualiser is an open system so new fixtures can quickly be created using the Wizard provided.

Many customers report that they have saved the cost of Visualiser by reducing the necessary setup and rehearsal times and that improved shows are possible because of the pre programming opportunities it affords.

Visualiser outputs a report file which contains patching information, the fixture type, and its position within the theatre. This file can be imported into Avolites consoles to automatically configure the patch and train the console for tracking with the graphics tablet.

Visualiser can read DMX using the 1024 channel DMX reader card. This allows connection to any DMX source including those not manufactured by Avolites. The card also allows checking of a DMX signal using the DMX card program supplied with it.

When Visualiser is connected to an Avolites Console it can use the 'local' link to the Console. This provides the benefits listed above and it can be used with Laptop computers.

Visualiser also allows the printing of patch information and automatic training of moving lights for graphic tablet follow spot operation
Owners of Visualiser say the initial investment has been repaid many times from the saving of rehearsal time.

Visualiser is a 32 bit Windows application.

26. Focus Finder

The Focus Finder is a unique development from Avolites. Designed to make setting up easier and less stressful, it won the PLASA product excellence award in 1998.

Focus Finder is a tool for automatically defining position Preset Focuses saving time for the lighting designer who can often be focusing generic lights whilst the Focus Finder is in use.

Focus Finder uses a simple idea. When a light shines on a light sensor a message is passed back to the lighting console to say, 'a light is shining on me'. Focus finder consists of a Transmitter and Receiver. The transmitter houses a light sensor, user switches and the actual radio transmitter. The receiver connects to the console via a standard cable, allowing positioning at the console, or for very large events outside of the transmission range - on the stage using a standard cable to connect the two.

The console moves each fixture in a defined pattern over the stage, eventually the beam of light from the fixture will shine on the light sensor mounted in the Focus Finder Transmitter. This then reports back to the console, initiating a fine search to find the centre of the light beam. The pan and tilt positions are then recorded in the appropriate Preset Focus.

You can use a number of Focus Finders because each finder has a set of switches on it defining the Preset Focus number. Additionally there is a 'Hello' switch which sends a message to the console that that transmitter is in operation and a 'Go' switch which is used to initiate focus finding. The complete system has been designed for single person operation, making it ideal for situations where it takes a long time to get to the stage from the console. To complete the user friendliness of the system, when the Transmitter battery is low a message is displayed on the console VGA screen. Standard batteries are used and the life is typically many days of use.