NSI MC 1616 Memory Lighting Controller Operation manual

NSI MC 1616 Memory Lighting Controller

Introduction

• You are entering a new era of microprocessor controlled stage lighting technology. The powerful NSI Micro-Plex designs involve the electrical marriage of microprocessor technology and digitally controlled multiplexing. The result is a control package with the flexibility for a variety of innovative applications.
• The NSI MC 1616 Lighting Console features an advanced microprocessor based design containing many benefits found in today’s personal computers. This technology provides for the option of adding programmable Memory Scene Masters and Chase effects to the simplicity of a familiar two scene console.
• The NSI Micro-Plex technology found in all NSI products allows components of your lighting system to be interconnected by way of standard 3-conductor microphone cables or audio snakes. Up to 128 individual control signals may be transmitted to dimmer packs through a single microphone cable and the returned phantom power eliminates the need for AC power cords on NSI controllers. This makes the remote placement of the MC 1616 Lighting Console easy and convenient.
• The NSI MC 1616 Lighting Console represents our continuing commitment of leading the industry in defining technological advances for stage lighting.
• Welcome to the era of microprocessor controlled stage lighting!

Installation\Setup

Power Supply Requirements

• The MC 1616 Lighting Console requires a source of 15 volts DC (at least 250 MA) to operate satisfactorily. When used with NSI dimming equipment, power is provided through the Micro-Plex microphone cord connection system when connected to the dimmers.
• If the console is equipped with the optional DMX-512 output and used with DMX-512 controlled dimmers or if the microphone cable length exceeds 100 feet, the external power supply jack can be used to apply power to the console. Use the power supply provided with the DMX-512 option or call your dealer for assistance in obtaining a proper supply. Make sure that the plug on any power supply not supplied through NSI is configured so that the center connector is positive.

Dimmer Equipment Connection

• Connecting the MC 1616 Lighting Console to NSI dimming equipment is very simple. You need only connect a single 3 conductor audio cable (standard microphone cable equipped with a 3-pin XLR type connector) to either of the jacks marked MICRO-PLEX on the rear apron of the console. It doesn’t matter which jack is used, two jacks are provided for convenience. Connect the other end of the cable to the NSI dimming equipment.

If the console is equipped with the DMX-512 option, connection to the dimming equipment is provided through the 5 pin XLR type connector located on the rear apron of the console. This connector adheres to the USITT standard on DMX-512 and will support up to 16 dimmer channels with one 3 wire cable. Since remote power is not provided on this connector, the power supply included with the DMX-512 option must be used.

Overview

Front Panel

1. Channel Levels
2. Manual Scene Sliders
3. Bump Buttons
4. Pattern Buttons
5. Tap Sync
6. Go Button
7. Manual Button
8. Audio
9. Add
10. Glide
11. Program
12. Blackout
13. Audio Level
14. Chase Rate
15. Fade Rate
16. Master Level

• These 16 LED’s show the current intensity of each of the console control channels.
• These 16 slide controls are used to control and/or program the intensities of channels 1 -16.

• These 16 buttons are used to bring an individual channel, to full intensity. They also are used for quick pattern programming.
• The 16 Pattern Select buttons are used for activating any of the 16 static scenes or chase patterns stored in memory. Press and hold will bypass fading.
• Repeatedly tapping this button establishes the chase rate.
• When the Go button is pressed, all lights will fade to the current channel levels represented by the channel level sliders. Press and hold will bypass fading.
• Provides ‘‘real time’’ operation of the channel level sliders when the Manual mode is active. Press and hold will bypass fading.
• Activates audio sync of chase rate and audio intensity effects.
• Changes the mode of the Pattern buttons to ‘‘add’’ instead of ‘‘kill’’.
• Causes patterns activated after Glide is turned on to fade or ‘‘glide’’ between steps. Activates Program mode for programming of patterns and audio intensity.
• Each tap will clear functions in the following order: GO, Patterns, Manual. Press and hold will bypass fading.
• This slider controls the sensitivity of the audio automatic gain control circuit. Adjust for best effect with audio.
• This Slider controls the speed at which the patterns sequence (chase).
• This slider sets the initial fade in and out of patterns and other functions.
• This control sets the maximum level to stage. It does not affect the Channel level Leds.

Rear Panel

1. Micro-Plex Outputs
2. DMX-512
3. AUX DC Power
4. Audio Input
5. Configuration Dip Switch
6. MIDI In/Out/Thru

• These 2 outputs provide NSI’s microphone dimmer connection via a 3 pin XLR type connector. Either connector may be used (1-Male, 1-Female).
• This optional output is used to provide dimmer control information to dimmers using this protocol. Its 5 pin Female XLR connector conforms to the USITT standard.
• This input jack allows a standard wall transformer rated at 15v DC (at least 200 MA) to provide power to the MC 1616 console.
• This jack accepts a line level audio input signal to synchronize chase and provide audio intensity effects.
• These switches allow customization of some console functions.
• Midi ports for connection to a sequencer or MIDI storage device.

Operation Guide

General

• The MC 1616 Lighting Console consists of a manual 16 channel scene, a set of bump buttons, and 16 programmable memories that can be static scenes or chases. The console is designed to allow tailoring to your needs.
• To give the user channel intensity feedback, channel intensity LED’s are provided above each of the slide controls. These LED’s show relative intensities from all console functions and are not affected by the Master control.

Configuration

• The MC 1616 has several features that can be customized to your applications. If changes are desired, please see the section on Console Configuration.
• IMPORTANT: If this is the first time you will be using the console or if you experience any problems such as dimmers not responding or other unusual operation, the configu-ration may have been accidently changed. See section on Console Configuration.

Bump Buttons

• Underneath the channel level slide controls are 16 momentary push buttons. These buttons are used to bump each individual channel to full intensity regardless of the Blackout button or the setting of the Master control.
• Note: In Programming mode, the bump buttons serve a special function and will not affect stage lighting.

Pattern Select Buttons

• The 16 Pattern Select buttons are used for activating any of the 16 static scenes or chase patterns stored in memory. A tap of any of the Pattern Select buttons will light the LED above the button and cause the pattern or scene stored in memory to fade in at the set fade rate. A second tap of the button will cause the LED to go off and the pattern or scene will fade out at the set fade rate.
• Pressing and holding down any of the Pattern Select buttons will bypass the set fade rate and cause all patterns or scenes to fade in or out instantly (after a short delay).
• Pattern Select buttons operate normally in the ‘‘kill’’ mode, whereas pressing one button will ‘‘kill’’ other patterns that are active and cause them to fade out while the selected pattern fades in. If the button is held down then the fades are instant.
• Pressing the Add button will put the patterns in the ‘‘add’’ mode and all patterns will operate independently of each other.
• The console may be configured such that the top row of patterns (1-8) may be locked into the ‘‘add’’ mode. See section on Configuration.

Tap Sync Button

• The Tap Sync button is used to set and synchronize the chase rate (the rate at which all patterns will sequence) by tapping the button several times. The chase rate will synchronize to the time of the last two taps. The LED above the Tap Sync button will flash at the new chase rate. The chase rate may be set anytime whether or not a pattern is running.
• Tap Sync will override any previous setting of the chase rate control slider until the slider is moved again.

Chase Rate Slider

• The Chase Rate slider adjusts the chase rate (the rate at which all patterns will sequence). The rate is indicated by the red led located directly above the Tap Sync button.
• To disable chasing, move the Chase Rate slider up and then all the way down. Moving this slider will always override Tap Sync.

Fade Rate Slider

• The MC 1616 has an autofader to provide automatic crossfades from one pattern or scene to another. The Fade Rate slider determines the speed at which the fade will occur. The fade will happen instantly when this control is in the fully down position and causes increasingly slower fades as the control is raised. Fade rate is overridden by pressing and holding most functions.

Glide Button

• The Glide button is used to turn on and off the Glide mode. Any pattern selected after the Glide mode is turned on will fade or ‘‘glide’’ between chase steps instead of instantly changing. The rate of the change is determined by the time between steps (chase rate).
• The Glide mode is activated by tapping the Glide button until the Glide led lights. The Glide mode is turned off by again tapping the button. Turning on or off the Glide mode will not affect patterns that are already running.

Audio Button and Slider

• Audio chase sync may be activated by tapping the Audio button until the led above it lights and then by adjusting the sensitivity control for desired effectiveness. The patterns will sequence on the audio beat (if discernable) in conjunction with the Tap Sync or Chase Rate slider. If a chase rate is set, then the chase will resynchronize at each audio beat. If audio alone is desired, move the Chase Rate slider up and then all the way down to disable. Pressing the Audio button a second time will disable the Audio mode.
• Audio intensity effects may be programmed into any channel by using the Program button. This will cause desired channels to flash to audio whenever the Audio mode is on. See the section on PROGRAMMING.

Manual Button

• The Manual button allows manual intensity control of the 16 lighting channels. The first tap of the manual button will light the led above it and cause the channels to fade up to the intensity set by the channel level sliders. After the fade up is complete, changes to the lighting levels can be made by simply moving the channel level slide controls.
• A second tap of the Manual button will cause the led above it to go out and the lighting levels set by the slide controls will fade out at the set fade rate. Pressing and holding the Manual button will bypass the set fade rate and cause the manual scene to fade in or out instantly.
• All channel levels set by the Manual scene will be added to levels produced by other console functions with the greatest level having precedence.
• The Manual scene may be reset by a second tap of the blackout button if the console is so configured. The Manual scene may also be configured to be locked on, disabling the Manual button. See section on configuration.

Channel Level Sliders

• The Channel Level Sliders are used to vary the output levels of the 16 individual control channels. These levels can be used in programming patterns or scenes. They can also be used to directly control the channel levels on stage through the use of the Manual button. If the Manual scene is locked on, then these sliders will always control stage levels. See section on Console Configuration.
• All channel levels set by the Manual scene will be added to levels produced by other console functions with the greatest level having precedence.

Go Button

• The Go button causes all lights to fade to the current levels represented by the settings of the Channel Level sliders. The lighting levels will be added to the Pattern scenes and any other active scenes or functions with the greatest level having precedence.
• Changing the channel level sliders and pressing the Go button additional times, will cause the old scenes to fade out and new scenes to fade in.
• Pressing and holding the Go button will bypass Fade rate and cause the scene to change instantly.
• You may clear the Go scene by tapping the Blackout button once.

Add button

• The Add button changes the mode of the Pattern buttons. Normally the Pattern buttons are in a ‘‘kill’’ mode, whereas pressing any Pattern button will ‘‘kill’’ other active Pattern buttons. This way only one pattern is on at a time.
• The Add mode is activated by pressing the Add button and illuminating the LED above it. When active, Pattern buttons will not ‘‘kill’’ other patterns allowing multiple patterns to be on at a time. Pressing the Pattern buttons a second time will deactivate them.
• Note: The Add mode may be configured to affect only the bottom row of pattern buttons, leaving the top row independently in the ‘‘kill’’ mode.

Blackout Button

• Each tap of the Blackout button will cause functions to deactivate or ‘‘clear’’ in the following order.
  • Go function.
  • Patterns.
  • Manual Mode.
• It may require up to three taps of the Blackout button to entirely clear all functions.
• The Blackout Led will light when the Go function, all patterns, and the Manual scene button have been deactivated.
• Lights affected by each function will fade out at the set fade rate.
• Pressing and holding down the Blackout button will bypass the set fade rate and cause the selected functions to fade out instantly.

Master Slider

• The Master slide control provides proportional level control over all console functions to stage with the exception of the Bump buttons. For example:
• Whenever the Master slide control is at minimum all stage outputs will be at zero except for any resulting from a Bump button.
• If the Master is at 50% all stage outputs will be at only 50% of their current console settings except for any resulting from a Bump button.
• If the Master is at full all stage outputs will follow the console settings.

Program Button

• The Program button is used to program chase patterns or static scenes into the pattern memory or to program audio intensity effects. For programming details see the next section on PROGRAMMING.

Programming Control Functions

Patterns

• Up to 16 Patterns may be stored in the memory of the MC 1616 and may be recalled at the touch of a button. A Pattern may be either a single scene (static scene) or a sequence of scenes (chase). All programming is stored in non-volatile memory which retains information for at least 10 years, even when power is removed.
• A chase pattern consisting of steps in which the lights on either fully on or fully off may be programmed very quickly for any of the Pattern buttons. The Bump buttons are used to create the chase steps. Follow these steps to quick program a chase:

1. Tap the Program button until the LED above it lights. If the LED does not light, the memory lock is on.
2. Select the pattern to program by tapping one of the 16 Pattern Select buttons causing the LED above the button to flash. This will erase the current memory programming for this button.
3. Press and hold the desired Bump buttons(s) for this step of the chase. The levels will not appear on the stage but will be displayed on the channel level LEDs.
4. Releasing all the bump buttons will automatically program this step into memory. Repeat step 3 until the desired number of steps is programmed.
5. Tap the Blackout button to exit from the programming mode.

Programming Chase Using Sliders

• Static scenes or Chase sequences with varying levels may be programmed into any of the Pattern Select buttons using the Slide controls.
• Programming in this manner will provide control over channel intensity for each step, but pattern memory will be used up eight times as fast as when using the bump buttons.

Follow these steps to program patterns using the slide controls:

1. Tap the Program button until the LED above it lights. If the LED does not light, the memory lock is on.
2. Select the pattern to program by tapping one of the 16 Pattern Select buttons causing the LED above the button to flash. This will erase the current memory programming for this button.
3. Move the channel level slide controls to the levels desired for this step of the chase. The levels being programmed will not appear on stage unless the Manual scene is selected using the Manual button.
4. Tap the Program button to program this step into memory.
5. If programming a static scene, tap the Blackout button now to exit the programming mode. If programming a chase pattern, repeat steps 3 and 4 until the desired number of steps is programmed. Tap the Blackout button when done to exit the programming mode.

NOTE: If the Program LED extinguishes before the blackout button is tapped, the memory is full.

Audio Sync

• An audio signal may be supplied to the MC 1616 console via the phon0 jack located on the back of the unit. The audio signal can be used to synchronize the chases to the beat of the audio and to affect the intensity of predetermined channels.

Synchronizing Chase Patterns

• To synchronize chases; activate the audio mode by tapping the Audio button until the LED above it lights. Now activate a chase pattern and move the Chase Rate control to the minimum position. Move the Audio Sensitivity slide control slowly up until the desired effect is achieved.

Programming Audio Intensity Effects

• The Audio mode may be programmed to flash desired channels to the intensity of the audio signal whenever the Audio mode is on by following these steps:

1. Tap the Program button until the LED above it lights. If the LED does not light, the memory lock is on.
2. Select channels to be affected by audio by moving the corresponding channel level sliders to maximum, and move the remaining channel level sliders to minimum.
3. Tap the Audio button to program the audio intensity effects into memory.

Console Configuration

Rear Panel Dipswitch

The 8 Dipswitches on the rear panel serve special functions as follows:

Factory default is all switches off (up):

1. MEMORY LOCK:
   • OFF (up) = Unlocked
   • ON (down) = Locked
2. MICROPLEX MODE:
   • OFF (up) = Normal
   • ON (down) = Special
3. CONFIGURE TAP BUTTON
   • OFF (up) = Tap Sync
   • ON (down) = Manual step chase
4. CONFIGURE LOCK:
   • OFF (up) = Unlocked
   • ON (down) = Locked
5. PATTERN 1-8 ADD MODE:
   • OFF (up) = Normal
   • ON (down) = Always ADD mode
6. MANUAL SCENE:
   • OFF (up) = Normal
   • ON (down) = Not deactivated by Blackou
7. MANUAL SCENE:
   • OFF (up) = Normal
   • ON (down) = Always activated.
8. RESERVED:

Memory Lock

• The entire memory of the MC 1616 can be physically locked to prevent accidental changes to the programmed patterns or scenes. This is highly recommended whenever the console is not expected to be reprogrammed for a period of time.
• If programming is attempted on a locked console, the Program LED will not light upon tapping the Program Button.

1. TO LOCK MEMORY: Place Dipswitch #1 in the ON (down) position.
2. TO UNLOCK MEMORY: Place Dipswitch #1 in the OFF (up) position.

MIDI Settings

To change MIDI settings follow these steps:

1. Place both dipswitch #1 and #4 in the OFF (up) positions.
2. Hold scene select buttons 13-16 down at the same time while applying power to the unit
3. Select Midi setting desired by pressing the appropriate Pattern Select button as listed below and follow instructions. The currently defined setting will be indicated on the channel level LEDs by a flashing LED.

Pattern #1: MIDI SEND CHANNEL Pattern #2: MIDI RCV. CHANNEL

• After pattern #1 or #2 is pressed, the current MIDI channel is displayed by lighting the corresponding channel level LED. To change channel; tap the Bump button of the corresponding channel. When done, tap the Blackout button followed by another Pattern Select for additional settings or tap Blackout again to exit MIDI Setting Mode.

Pattern #3: MIDI MEMORY DUMP

• Pressing button #3 prepares the console for a Memory Dump to a MIDI disk or any other MIDI storage unit. The dump is approximately 32K bytes. To initiate, press Pattern #3 button again. When the transfer is complete, the pattern select LED will flash. At this press the Blackout button to leave the MIDI Setting Mode.

MIDI Implementation

The MC 1616 will send and receive MIDI program changes according to the following table:

PROG CHNG NUMBER FUNCTION

• 0 – 15 Turn on patterns 1-16
• 16 – 31 Turn off patterns 1-16
• 97 Blackout
• 113 Glide off
• 114 Glide on
• 123 Step Change
• 124 Manual On
• 125 Manual Off

Note On / Note Off

• The MC 1616 will transmit and receive Note On and Note Off data via the bump buttons. Velocity is transformed into channel intensity and note numbers correspond to the following lighting channels.
• NOTE NUMBER CHANNEL
• 96 – 111 1 – 16

Control Changes

• Control change #1 is sent whenever a Pattern, Manual, or Blackout button is pressed. The current fade rate is sent as a value of the control change. When receiving a control change #1, the current setting of the fade rate slider is overridden until the slider is moved.

System Exclusive

• A System Exclusive Message is sent as a memory dump. Upon receiving the Sys Ex, the console will erase and reload memory automatically.

Specifications

Console Specifications

• Control Channels 16
• Dimmers 16
• Patterns (memory) 16
• Maximum Steps approx. 400 total
• Memory Non-volatile EEPROM (approx. 10 year retention)
• Dimmer Outputs NSI Micro-plex DMX-512 (optional)
• Input Power 15 volts DC, minimum 250ma.
• Dimensions (HxWxD) (2 3/4″ x 16 5/8″ x 9″)
• Weight (approx.) 5.0 lbs

Trouble Shooting

Checklist

• Manual mode will not turn off.
  • Configuration set wrong, see section on Console Configuration.
• Tap Sync does not sychronize chase
  • Configuration set wrong, see section on Console Configuration.
• Fade rate intermittent.
  • Holding down some buttons will override faderate and cause an instant fade.

NSI Technical Services 503-682-6228

Warranty

NSI Corporation Limited Warranty

• NSI Corporation warrants new electronics products to be free from defective materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase to the original owner when purchased from an authorized NSI dealer.
• The purchaser is responsible for completing and mailing to NSI, within 15 days of purchase, the warranty registration card enclosed with each product. NSI products that have been subject to accident, alteration, abuse, or defacing of the serial number are not covered by this warranty. The normal wear and tear of items such as knobs, jacks, and switches are not covered under this warranty.
• If your NSI product requires service during the warranty period, NSI will repair or replace, at its option, defective materials provided you have identified yourself as the original owner of the product to NSI or any authorized NSI dealer. Transportation charges to and from an authorized dealer or the NSI factory for repair shall be the responsibility of the owner. All products returned to NSI must have factory authorization for return prior to shipping.
• NSI Corporation is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages resulting from defect or failure other than repairs of the NSI product subject to the terms of this warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other agreements and warranties expressed or implied except as may be otherwise required by law.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the NSI MC 1616 Memory Lighting Controller?

The NSI MC 1616 is a lighting controller designed to program and control lighting scenes for various applications.

What is the purpose of this lighting controller?

The NSI MC 1616 is used to create and execute lighting scenes and effects for stage performances, events, and installations.

How many channels does this controller support?

The NSI MC 1616 typically supports 16 channels for controlling individual lighting fixtures or groups.

Can I control both dimmers and moving lights with this controller?

Yes, the controller is designed to control both dimmers and moving lights, allowing for versatile lighting control.

What is memory lighting?

Memory lighting refers to the ability to store and recall lighting scenes or presets for different parts of a performance or event.

How many scenes can this controller store?

The controller can often store a range of scenes or presets, with the NSI MC 1616 supporting 16 programmable scenes.

Does this controller have a built-in interface or display?

Yes, the NSI MC 1616 usually features a built-in interface and display for programming and controlling scenes.

Can I control this lighting controller remotely?

Some models might offer remote control options through compatible devices or accessories, but it's best to check the specifications.

Does this controller support MIDI or DMX communication protocols?

The NSI MC 1616 might support DMX communication protocol for controlling lighting fixtures.

Can I program fade times between scenes?

Yes, many lighting controllers, including the NSI MC 1616, allow you to program fade times between scenes for smooth transitions.

Is this controller suitable for both small setups and larger productions?

Yes, the NSI MC 1616 is designed to be versatile and can be used for both small-scale setups and larger productions.

Does the controller support chase or sequence programming?

Chase or sequence programming might be supported, allowing you to create dynamic lighting effects that run through a sequence of scenes.

Can I connect multiple NSI MC 1616 controllers for more channels?

It might be possible to daisy-chain or link multiple controllers for more channels, but check the product specifications for compatibility.

Can I backup or transfer my programmed scenes to a computer?

Some controllers might offer backup or transfer options, but the specifics can vary based on the model.

Is this controller compatible with LED lighting fixtures?

The controller's compatibility with LED fixtures can vary based on the fixtures and the controller's capabilities.

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