Simulate
Keyboard ShortcutsThe simulator allows you to preview your programming on the Layout:
The window comprises 3 sections: The main portion of the window is your Layout. Top right are the simulator controls with time counter, and below them any programmed triggers. Note that the time counter shows simulated time not real time.
NOTE: The simulator cannot be used with VLC layouts.
Simulator modes
Timeline mode
Use this mode to simulate a single timeline, typically the one you are editing. Select the timeline and press Start to simulate, press Reset to reset the timeline.
Project mode
Use this mode to simulate the whole project and verify your trigger programming and timeline interaction. Any triggers created will appear on the right hand side and can be activated by clicking on them. Activating a trigger will automatically start the simulator clock, press Reset to reset all timelines and triggers.
Simulator controls
The Simulator Play controls are replicated on the Timeline Toolbar, and either can be used to control the simulated timeline.
Start/
Pause
Toggles between Start and Pause accordingly, the keyboard spacebar can also be used.
Skip backwards & forwards
When the simulator is running or paused these buttons skip backwards or forwards in 10 second increments.
Reset
Resets the simulator, the simulated triggers (Project mode only) and releases playback so, if Output Live is enabled, the venue will go to black (fixture defaults).
Rate Slider
Adjusts the simulator's playback speed (not the timeline's programming) from 0x (paused) > 1x (normal, default position) > 60x (fastest).
NOTE: Reset does not reset this setting so remember to set it back to 1x (normal) when you've finished.
Timeline Mode play head (Timeline mode only)
In Timeline Mode, when simulating a timeline in Timeline mode, the simulator's current playback position is marked by the play head; a black vertical line and arrow on the timeline ruler:
You can grab the play head for manual positioning by clicking on and dragging the arrow along the ruler, akin to "scratching" since you are now driving the simulator by hand at whatever speed and in whatever direction you choose, very useful for examining transitions in detail for example - easiest with the simulator paused.
You can also make the simulator jump (when running or paused) by just clicking on the ruler at the required target time, very useful for getting and keeping the simulator in an area of interest, particularly with long timelines.
Testing trigger variables
Any triggers which capture variables have a widget that allows values to be tested. These variables take the form of a comma-separated list and can either be numbers or text strings. Text strings should be bounded with double quotes.
For example, entering: 100, 50, "ABC", "100" would inject variable indices 1>4 with the values 100 (number), 50 (number), ABC (text) and 100 (text).
Testing trigger conditions
Conditions are not tested by the simulator.
Simulating timecode
By default, for any timeline that has been set to use a timecode source (see timeline properties) the simulator will emulate the timecode. If, however, a Controller is connected and receiving real timecode then the simulator can instead be made to track this real timecode by selecting Time Source from the Timecode drop-down menu.
Output Live
Output Live is not possible without associated and patched Controllers but this allows you to view the programming on the installation itself without having to upload repeatedly after every iteration. The Output Live button can also be found in the Scene view to facilitate the programming of the Scenes, particularly setting the position parameters.
Output Live completely overrides the LPC's playback engine with all calculations instead being performed within Designer.
NOTE: If your controller/s is/are password protected, you will need to login to the controller/s from the Network Mode
Output Live Mask
Using an Output Live Mask, you can choose which fixtures are output to when you use Output Live. The Output Live Mask can be used to filter which Groups, Layouts, Universes, Controllers or DALI Interfaces can have the Output Live data applied to.
Multiple Layouts
If your project includes multiple Layouts, then tabs will be available across the top to choose between them. This will include Normal Layouts and VLC Layouts.
VLC Layouts
To Simulate VLC output, your computer will need to include support for OpenCL 1.2. You can choose which computer hardware should be used for this support from the Simulate Preferences. If your computer doesn't support OpenCL 1.2 then you won't be able to simulate VLC output.