Martin LJ getting started guide by Len Woelfel

This is a supplement to help users of Martin’s LightJockey program, a software-based DMX control system. This will be posted in installments to this sites on an intermittent basis. First and foremost you should read the help menu with the software, and the user manual, available at ftp://ftp.martin.dk/Controller/Lightjockey/lj-Help.pdf You can also find a user forum at http://www.martin.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=14 Whether you are a new user or an experienced hand, I hope you find something of value here. Also, since there is no pre-defined list of topics, please feel free to contact me with input or questions and I will try to respond here.

Installation and Basic Set-Up:

The software for LightJockey is available for free via download, or included with the hardware. The software is available at ftp://ftp.martin.dk/Controller/Lightjockey The most release as of October 15, 2005 is version 2.6.10. Regardless of the operating system (Windows 95 and forward), installation follows standard windows protocols. As the software and hardware installation is covered in substantial detail in the online manual, I’ll cover a couple quick highlights.

Once the installation has completed, close LightJockey and shut down the computer. Install the hardware and turn on the computer. If using newer versions of Windows (ME, XP, etc) the computer will initiate a hardware installation wizard and ask you to identify the hardware drivers. Direct your installation wizard to “HardwareDrivers” directory within your LightJockey folder. Once installed, you can start LightJockey. You will receive a warning advising that the hardware is not configured. Click “Continue with current configuration” and the program will continue to load. Click on the “Set-Up” menu and then select “Hardware Configuration.” Select “Detect DMX Hardware” and the hardware interface should be identified.

To set-up a light show, you must first load in the fixtures you have connected. Select the “Set-Up” menu and then “Fixture Configuration.” You’ll see a list of available fixtures sorted within folders by manufacturer. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll use two Martin Mac 300, two HES Technobeams, and one six-channel dimmer. The fixtures can be set up in any order you choose. You may want the Mac 300 as Fixtures 1 and 18, or the Technobeams as Fixtures 19 and 20, etc. We’ll set up the Mac 300 as Fixtures 1 and 2. Choose that fixture from the directory. You’ll be asked how many fixtures to add and at what fixture number to begin. Once installed, address them using the “Calculate Address” button. Once all fixtures are configured and addressed, click “Save.” You’ll be prompted to “Clear Data from New Fixtures?” Select “Yes.” Once this is complete, close this window. The guide will place icons onto the desktop. Select “Yes” to organize the fixtures in fixture number order. You’re now ready to go. Next time, we’ll talk about some terminology you’ll need to know, some of which is unique to LightJockey.