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No. The free Designer software is the full software package. Downloads and updates can be found at our website.
Yes, from v1.2 we have full Mac OS X support and from v1.2.4 universal binary support for both PowerPC and Intel Macs. Project files will be compatible, regardless of the operating system on which they are created.
Any project file saved in an earlier version of Designer can be loaded by a later version. Project files are compatible between the PC and Mac versions of the software.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.
No, instead keep the installers for each version readily available. A reinstall takes just seconds and updates the desktop shortcut.
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. Visit our website for more resources.
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.
Sorry, there isn't one (yet). Remember that accidental drags can be aborted by hitting Esc. For more serious mishaps, Designer can make backup copies of the project every time you save so you can always revert to this last saved version, see below.
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.pdp. 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.
| *.pdp | Pharos Designer Project file |
| *.pde | Pharos Designer Exported project file, contains referenced media & background plan image so can grow quite large, use this to transfer and archive projects |
| *.wrn |
LPC project data file, uploaded to the LPC's memory card or saved to disc for remote web interface upload |
| *.phv | Custom video format used by the AVC |
| *.pha | Custom audio format used by the AVC |
| *.avc | AVC project data file, uploaded to the AVC's memory card or saved to disc for remote FTP upload with the media files |
| *.dat | AVC font file |
| *.pmm | Generating when exporting media slots for media manager |
| *.ptc | User interface file for the Touch Panel Controller |
No, not unless you explicitly store it,as an exported project (*.pde) file, on the Controller's memory card. To do this you must remove the card from the Controller and plug it into the PC or use the File Transfer feature.
Export the project (File > Export or Ctrl + E) and save the *.pde file on one or more of the Controllers and keep a version for yourself safe, together with the relevant Designer installer. If you lose the project file you will have to start from scratch.
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.
If you're keen you can make your own fixture by grappling with the fixture editor. Preferably please contact support with your requirements.
The "flat" mode that addresses each cell/element/pixel 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 pixel 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.
LPCs with serial numbers 006xxx and higher are a revised version of the original hardware. The core functionality is the same, but the revised hardware features improved performance and enhanced connectivity, such as RS485 and DMX inputs. Below is a list of the distinguishing features to help tell the hardware apart from a visual inspection:
The additional features of the revised LPC are:
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, PDAs, 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. and we will continue to add features in future software versions.
The LPC 1, 2 & 4 ships with a 256MB memory card,
However, heavy use of imported media may necessitate an upgrade (256MB stores 2 hours on a fully patched LPC 2) 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 an LPC recovery procedure
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.
The USB connection is all about temporary convenience, hence it’s location on the front of the box; the main connectors may be difficult to get to in a fully wired equipment rack. Out of the box, the initial computer connection is via USB, to set up IP an address in readiness for an Ethernet connection. It is an easy way to connect again locally to edit and upload a project but USB has some disadvantages:
Pharos products can happily sit on any network. They do not broadcast a high volume of messages and will only listen to Pharos specific messages.
With a wireless network access point, any PDA 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 allows the user to enter fixture intensity & RGB values. This also provides a park function as values set here override any programmed values.