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.

The Offline Visualizer

LightJockey includes an offline visualizer so you can see what a fixture is doing in real time, move fixtures within a room, etc.  This part of LightJockey is based on the Martin ShowDesigner software, but it has some limitations from the full MSD package.  However, it is enough to help you with a lot of the basics of programming.  Please note that I don't use the visualizer often.  So you won't read a lot of tips and features associated with it.  I'll give you a few basics, but you're mostly on your own here.

Since the visualizer takes up some computer memory, you'll need a good PC to run it.  Also, I recommend a second monitor, if your computer is capable of supporting two.  Otherwise, you'll have to split your monitor between LJ and the visualizer, and it may be difficult to see what's going on and to control much anyway.

To launch the visualizer, click the "launch" button on the Visualizer line.  A blank room will open up.  You can import scenes other people have created (check the Martin website) or create your own IF you have a full version of Martin ShowDesigner.  To the best of my knowledge it is not possible to create add elements such as trussing, people, scenery, etc., to a visualizer scene.  However, you do have some control over backgrounds, wall colors, etc.  You'll notice on the LJ screen that the O/V toolbar has added new icons once the O/V is running.  These are for different camera view you can save.

But first, let's put some fixtures in.  Only fixtures that are active in the LJ library can be visualized.  To do this, click the "Control" menu in the O/V and then "Read Fixturelist."  The O/V will analyze what fixtures are active and place them in the scene.  At this point, you may choose to save the scene, which is done in the "File" menu.

A couple things about the toolbars.  The first bar has all the typical Windows icons.  New file, save, open, etc.  There's also a diagonal arrow pointing upper left.  You'll need to select this.  Chances are, any odd issues you have will be corrected simply by pressing this icon.

The second toolbar has a Focus Beam icon we'll get to later.  After that are a number of two dimensional view buttons.  You can change the view to stage left, right, front, rear, even straight down or straight up.  Typically, however, you'll use the 3 dimensional view.

The next toolbar allows for camera movements within each view.  You can zoom in or out, and move the camera to different locations.  These take a bit of getting used to so feel free to experiment.

The bottom toolbar allows for different room styles such as hard wall or wire frame, as well as different beam looks.

You'll notice that all the fixtures are in a row based on their fixture number in LJ.  You may choose to move them to different positions.  To do so, hold down the "ALT" key and select one fixture with your mouse.  Drag the fixture to a new position and un-click it.  Typically, all moving head/yoke fixtures appear head down by default.  You can change the orientation of a fixture by selecting it.  Once selected, hit the "ALT" and "ENTER" keys simultaneously.  This will open a dialogue box.  You can change the orientation (Rotation) of a fixture by changing the X, Y, and Z axes.  To make a moving head sit with the head/yoke facing up, type "180" into the Z axis and select OK.  You can change a number of other parameters in this manner, including a fixture's relative position in the room, etc.

I find that the best way to position a fixture in the scene is to go to the front view two dimensional view (2D) and then move one fixture.  Notice that in the 2D views, you also get a pair of cross hairs to help with positioning.  Once you have a fixture set in one view, you can change views and move it again as necessary.  Once you're satisfied with the position, use the "ALT & ENTER" box to show you the relative position of that fixture.  You can then put a mirror fixture in by duplicating some of the numbers and then using a negative number to make it the opposite side of the room.

Open the dimmer icon in LJ, and raise the intensity of some of the channels.  You'll notice that a dimmer pack in LJ is read as the same number of par cans in the O/V.  You have some control over what a par can is doing, such as the beam width and the gel in it, the same way you would when moving a fixture in the O/V.  Select one par can and use "ALT & ENTER".  The dialogue box allows you to select position, orientation, beam width, and has a color picker and many of the popular gel colors from brands such as Rosco, Lee, Gam, etc.

There's another way to focus a par can.  First, bring up the associated dimmer channel to full. You should see one par can come up to full intensity.  Second, select the one par can you wish to focus.  Third, go to the first icon on the second toolbar.  It looks like a beam with a cross in it.  When you position your mouse over it it will say "Focus Beam".  Select that.   In doing so, you'll see a box in the LJ screen.  Near the bottom is a check box with the words "Include Conventional".  Check that box and then select "Update".  Now move your cursor over to the O/V screen and click on the scene.  Your par can should follow your mouse anywhere on screen.

Clear out the sequence you were editing.  Now select the moving light icons in LJ.  You'll notice that they will turn red in the O/V.  Open their shutters and turn the intensity to 100% in LJ.  Select the "Focus Beam" button in the O/V again.  Select the "Update" button in the Focus/Fan box again.  Now move your mouse back to the O/V, click on a spot and move your mouse around.  You'll notice that all the moving lights will follow your mouse around.

That's about it for my knowledge of the Visualizer.  Hopefully, you'll use that as a starting point and pass some tips back to me.