Frequently Asked Questions

No. The free Designer software is the full software package. Downloads and updates can be found at our website.

• Microsoft Windows 7/8/10/11 (64bit)
• macOS 10.13.x (High Sierra) – 13.1.x (Ventura)

• Intel Core i3 processor or above
• 2GB RAM
• 1GB free hard disk space
• 1024×768 screen resolution
• OpenCL 1.2 graphics support (for VLC/VLC+ simulation)
• Network connection (for connecting to Pharos hardware)

Any project file saved in an earlier version of Designer 2 can be loaded by a later version.

However, a project file saved in a later version of Designer may not be backward compatible as we reserve the right to make structural changes to improve the product.

Project files are compatible between the PC and Mac versions of the software.

Project files created in Designer v1.x.x are incompatible with Designer 2, but can be converted using the Project Migration Tool.

Yes, provided the installation location (Windows) or application name (Mac) are different.

Yes, provided the installation location (Windows) or application name (Mac) are different (this is allowed by default).

We only capture your details so we can inform you of news and software updates, etc. The data is not distributed to 3rd parties nor used for any other purpose.

For setup and configuration of the hardware we provide an Installation Guide. This is available as a PDF and a printed version is shipped with every Controller. There is user help available within the software (this document), this is also available as a PDF for printing. See our website for digital copies of all documentation.

See system limits and capacities.

During programming, when simulating using Output Live, there is a DMX viewer available in the View menu which displays the DMX values generated by Designer. During Controller playback you can use the web interface to view the Controller's DMX output.

Designer can keep a number old versions of the project file when you save. In the Preferences dialog you can set the number of old files to keep. Before saving your project, Designer will rename the project file on disk by adding the current time and date to the file name, such as my_project_bak_2007-04-18_15-58-09.pd2. If you already have the number of specified backups, the oldest backup will be removed from the disk.

The rest is up to you so save early, save often. Use File > Save As to produce manual backups of the project at each important programming milestone.

Yes, there is an option to download the project file from the controller's Web Interface, or from within Network Mode of Designer

Archive the project (Main Menu> Archive Project) and save the *.archive.pd2 file. This file will include any media that was added to the project file.

Pharos Controllers can send and receive triggers from 3rd party devices over RS232 Serial, RS485 Serial and Ethernet protocols. Programming these all involve entering a string of characters in the trigger parameter pane. These can be entered in three formats; ASCII, Hex & Decimal.

Essentially, the format and string entered depends entirely on the other device. In the Designer trigger/action fields enter exactly the same string as the other device sends, or is expecting to receive. Simply match the string.

Some devices will have a fixed string. For example, the Dynalite button panel sends "1c0164000000ff<c>" if button 1 is pressed. Therefore in an RS485 trigger the same hex characters are entered in the String box.

Other devices may accept customisable messages, allowing meaningful names, descriptions or comments to be entered in an ASCII format (ASCII being standard letters & numbers). In this instance you may create a string in the other device such as "play timeline 6". Then in Designer, the ASCII string entered for the trigger will also be "play timeline 6". The action will be to start timeline 6. For a useful user interface it may be that the user choice and string may be descriptive, such as "red walls, blue ceiling". The trigger string in Designer will be "red walls, blue ceiling", and start the appropriate timeline without the user needing to know what the timeline number is for the desired look.

Variables can also be used within these Serial and Ethernet strings. A message such as "GOxx" is valid, where the xx is replaced with a two digit decimal number which will start the timeline with the corresponding number, rather than having to assign distinct strings to every timeline. In Designer the string would be "GO<2d>" which indicates the system will expect a 2 digit variable. The action would still be Start Timeline, but rather than selecting a specific timeline, set the Variable Index to 1.

A useful tip for programming the Controller is to be connected and utilize the Controller's log. Any messages on the line will appear here, be it in nice friendly ASCII, or other formats. The string can be copied straight out of the log and pasted into the parameters string box - eliminating the possibility for typos, etc. The trigger types can be mapped out in advance with comments and actions, then whatever the other device sends can be grabbed accurately at the time. The log is a great troubleshooting tool for checking what triggers have been received and what actions are fired as a result.

Variables are now hidden behind an Advanced Feature button.

If your fixture isn't in the library within Designer, check the Online Fixture Library.

If you need a fixture that is the same personality as an existing fixture, you can create a Fixture Alias, and if you need a very similar fixture, you can create a Custom Fixture.

Alternatively, contact support with the DMX specification to get a personality written.

The "flat" mode that addresses each cell/element individually with no additional intensity master nor effects/macro channels. Designer has been developed to get the most out of compound fixtures, typically LED battens, tubes and tiles, by driving each element individually, without "help" or complication - virtual intensity channels are created as required and arrays can be constructed onto which effects and media, far more powerful than any built-in function, can be applied and precisely controlled. If in doubt please contact support.

DVI only supports RGB, fixtures that support more colours than this will not be represented as expected .

An issue should be displayed within Designer to warn of this.

By providing RS232/RS485 serial (including DMX input), MIDI,Ethernet & digital/analog inputs, the LPC can interface with many generic, off-the-shelf products and devices. Via the built-in web interface any browser (PC, Mac, Mobile, etc) can utilise the hyperlinks for triggering and a custom web interface can be designed to provide a user-friendly skin. Remote Devices provide further interfacing options e.g. remote RS232/RS485, SMPTE/EBU timecode, audio input, DALI, MIDI, etc.

Yes, the hardware and Designer software supports RDM "Remote Device Management"; an extension to the USITT DMX512 protocol that allows for bi-directional communication with the fixture for remote configuration and diagnostics purposes. addressing and mode setting and we will continue to add features in future software versions.

The LPC 1, 2 & 4 ships with a 2GB memory card and the LPC X and VLC ships with an SSD. Project data is very memory efficient and so it is unlikely that you will need more memory.

However, heavy use of imported media may necessitate an upgrade and so you can easily replace the card for one of greater capacity, please contact support for recommended cards.

The LED status indicators on the Controllers serve a dual purpose. In normal operation they indicate system functionality and activity. In an error state, they provide diagnostics, refer to the Installation Guide for details. There is also a recovery tool that guides you through recovery for all controllers.

The reset button provides a convenient way to cycle power. It has exactly the same effect. There is no recommendation to reset the Controllers periodically.

No, not unless you know that a problem you are having would be solved with an update or you need to change the programming and need the new Designer features. For minor tweaks it's probably best to install the relevant Designer version and do it with that. As a rule, if it's working, leave it be.

Pharos hardware is warranted for 5 years. Please contact support if you are experiencing any issues.

The Pharos product range has been designed for longevity and reliability. There is almost nothing user serviceable apart from a battery for the realtime clock and the DMX driver ICs. Please contact support if you are experiencing any issues.

The Pharos product range is manufactured to the highest quality in compliance with international standards, refer to the product's Installation Guide for details.

Sometimes programming or a hardware error can cause a controller to rest due to the Watchdog straight after booting. This can normally be corrected by removing the project file from the controller's memory card.

Additional, optional, Watchdog Protection has been added such that if the controller reboots more than 5 times, within 90 seconds of startup (each time).

Pharos products can happily sit on any network. They do not broadcast a high volume of management messages and will only listen to Pharos specific messages. However when using a Pharos system with eDMX networks can be slowed down by a large amount of eDMX being transmitted as most protocols utilise network broadcast settings.

NOTE: If an LPC or TPC is used without Network 2 configured, those communications will use the main Management interface.

With a wireless network access point, any mobile device with wireless capability can be set to browse to the Controller's web interface. The web interface includes status monitoring and logging, hyperlinks of all trigger events and a command line.

The BPS and TPC have learning IR sensors, so they can be programmed to respond to any IR remote.

Yes, on the Control page of the web interface there is a command line that can be setup to allow the user to enter fixture intensity & RGB values. Alternatively, the Output page has a Park option to force a channel to a particular level.