Parameter Master are a type of Master available in DMXControl 3, which allows you to live manipulate the values of device functions (e.g., dimmers) as well as effect parameters (Peak, Size, Phase, ...). As a general rule, the Parameter Masters can only be applied to device functions or effect parameters that do not specify a speed (frequency in Hertz or time in seconds or milliseconds).
The Parameter Masters have a default value range of 0 to 100, which they pass as a value to the respective function or parameter. This range can be adjusted in the properties of each Parameter Master, allowing, for example, a value range of 180 to 540 to be passed to the phase of an effect. In the input assignment, the selected value range always corresponds to the normalized value range for linearly changeable values of 0 to 1, simplifying the linking with other nodes, etc.
Usage
Creating New Parameter Masters
There are two ways to create a new Parameter Master:
- One can create it in the Project Explorer under the Master branch. Here, each new Parameter Master automatically gets a sequential number.
- If you prefer a custom number instead of the sequential one, you can enter the name of the desired Parameter Master, including its number, in the Device Control in the corresponding device function or parameter.
The schema is that the type of master is defined as an internal keyword for DMXControl 3 (here ParameterMaster) and its sequential number. Both the keyword and the sequential number are enclosed in curly brackets { ... }. In the following example, {ParameterMaster 1} is assigned to the amplitude of the bump effect:
|
| Figure 1: Application of the Parameter Master in the Device Control |
If the desired Parameter Master does not yet exist in the project, it will be automatically created upon confirmation of the input. Therefore, creating the Parameter Master via the Project Explorer is not necessarily required. You can use any other number when entering, such as {ParameterMaster 32} or {ParameterMaster 4942}, to store, for example, complex fanings or several device functions or effect parameters in a single scene.
Fanning with Parameter Masters
In addition to simple usage, the normal Fanning operators can be used to fan in any conceivable combination: multiple Parameter Masters in a sequence or in combination with a static value. For example, entering {ParameterMaster 1} > {ParameterMaster 2} generates a linear fanning between the values set for Parameter Master 1 and Parameter Master 2. With the input of {ParameterMaster 2} in this context, Parameter Master 2 will automatically be created in the project, if it does not already exist.
Storing and Addressing Parameter Masters
After entering the values for device functions and effect parameters, this setting is stored in a Scene (Cue) or a Preset. When the scene is executed through the associated Scene List or the preset, the Parameter Master is loaded in the background. Once the value of the Parameter Master is changed, the corresponding property adjusts. The value changes can be made either through the master window, through the Executors, or via the Input Assignment.
Other Usage Possibilities
Parameter Masters can also be used outside of scene lists in a project, for example, exclusively for operations in the Input Assignment. One option, for example, is for a Parameter Master to provide the same values in several connection sets and thus serve as a flag function.
|
If you need additional Parameter Masters in your project, they can currently only be created through Device Control. The procedure follows the same schema as if you were using the Parameter Master in an effect or for a device function. After entering this input and pressing the Enter key, the new Parameter Master will be added to the project, and the content of the programmer can be deleted. Corresponding improvements are already in progress. |
Settings
The Parameter Masters offer the following settings in the properties (Properties).
| Setting | Possible Parameters | Default value | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English GUI | ||||
| Kernel Settings (Kernel properties) | ||||
| Name | Default Text Schema | ParameterMaster ... | Internal name of the Parameter Master, which serves as the keyword for all uses. | |
| Master number | Numeric value | Internal number of the Parameter Master. | ||
| Display name | Any text | ParameterMaster ... | Descriptive, freely assignable name for the Parameter Master, such as "Dimmer Spots," "Dimmer LED PARs," "Phase Effects," ... . | |
| Min | Numeric value | 0 | Minimum value that is passed to a device function or effect parameter, etc. | |
| Max | Numeric value | 100 | Maximum value that is passed to a device function or effect parameter, etc. | |
External Control
The Parameter Master can be controlled via the Input Assignment and returns corresponding values. The following nodes exist, which can be linked to the corresponding inputs and outputs: