Related Topics
Pharos products are designed to operate on an Ethernet network for maximum scalability and the range can be split into two classes:
The primary processing "brains" in a system, designed to operate as single, stand-alone units or co-operatively as a scalable system, automatically synchronised and managed over the network. All Pharos Controllers have an integrated web interface for remote management.
Controllers use TCP/IP for communication and, as a result, need to be correctly configured, typically via USB, see Controller connection.
Once the Controllers have been connected they are then uniquely associated with Controllers in the Designer project, see Controller association.
The TPC is an advanced lighting controller with an integrated, customisable, capacitive touch screen. It outputs up to 512 channels of eDMX and is able to output multiple protocols simultaneously. See Controller properties.
When using a TPC that is connected to an EXT the TPC functions in largely the same way. The extra output and triggering options provided by the EXT will be seamlessly applied to the TPC when the Controller Type in the Network tab reads "TPC+EXT".
Three models are available for DMX & eDMX lighting control, the LPC 1 (512 control channels), the LPC 2 (1024 control channels) and the LPC 4 (2048 control channels). The LPC 4 can output up to 1024 channels as local DMX - the remaining channels must be output as eDMX. All 2048 channels may be output as eDMX.
The LPC X is available for eDMX and DVI control with capacities ranging from 20 universes (LPC 20; 10,240 control channels) to 200 universes (LPC 200; 102,400 control channels).
Unlike common DMX frame store devices they are extremely powerful and flexible and can be configured in numerous ways to suit the application, see Controller properties.
The AVC is the solid state equivalent of two DVD players and a vision mixer, with live input, all under seamless show control. AVCs can operate stand-alone or in conjunction with one or more LPCs to provide a truly integrated lighting and audio visual control solution, see Controller properties.
The original LPC 1/2 hardware supports up to two Expansion Modules which provide additional functionality; in effect expanding the Controller's interface capabilities. Expansion Modules are thus tightly coupled to a Controller and can not be used stand-alone nor remotely. Expansion Modules have varying configuration options, see Expansion Modules.
NOTE: The Expansion Modules are being discontinued. Their functionality is being replaced by the enhanced connectivity of the revised Lighting Playback Controller (LPC) and new Remote Devices (RIO). For further information, please contact support.
The Pharos range includes various Remote Devices that augment one or more Controllers with additional remote inputs, outputs and user interfaces.
Remote Devices can only be powered by the PoE network, use multicast UDP for communication and have varying configuration options, see Remote Devices.