Atom Operator Manual Utilities
LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. 35
• OUTPUT......shows current mode, page number, channel levels, submaster levels and contents, master
levels, grab contents and level, fade times, add/kill status and level.
• RECORD......shows the channels to be recorded and the step number, rate and fade if recording a chase.
• PREVIEW / EDIT.....shows the contents of sub masters/pages, grab master, softpatch (Page P for
“channels patched to dimmers. Page C for “dimmers patched to channel”)
• QUICK REFERENCE.....6 pages of help screens.
To select the QUICK REFERENCE pages; hold [FUNCTION], tap [HELP (VIDEO)] (Red S/A 7).
Press [>] or [<] to scroll through the pages. Press [STOP/STEP] when finished.
Video Terminal (Tty)
You may connect a Video Terminal (also known as a TTY) or a personal computer running a terminal
emulation program.
The Atom's RS232C Port should be connected to the communications input of the Video Terminal or to the
serial port (COM port) of a computer with a standard RS232 cable (available from computer stores).
Turning On Tty Preview
To use the TTY preview facility you must turn it ON. Hold [FUNCTION], tap S/A (PREFS).
The display asks “Set TTY Preview on ?”. Press [YES]. The display confirms your selection.
Both the Atom and the video terminal (or computer) must be set for to the same terminal type. The Atom has
a fixed data format so you must setup your Video Terminal or Computer communications program to match
the Atom’s data format.
Setting The Atom
You must initially choose the type of TTY that is to be connected. Once set, the Atom will retain the selection.
After turning on TTY preview (above), press and hold [FUNCTION], tap S/A (PREFS), release [FUNCTION].
The display asks “Set TTY Preview off?”. Press [NO]. The display asks “Set TTY type ?”. Press [YES].
The display shows the “current” type and the Edit wheel allows you to change the setting. Rotate the Edit
wheel to choose from TTY, VT 52 or VT 100. (VT 100 is recommended). When the setting is correct, press
[YES]. If you select [NO], the function is aborted and the original setting is retained.
SETTING THE TERMINAL OR COMPUTER
• If you are using a Terminal, refer to the documentation that came with your terminal and choose the
correct terminal type to match the Atom setting and set the terminal’s data parameters to;
9600 Baud 8 bits 1 stop bit No parity
• If you are using a computer, you need to run a communications program to “emulate” a terminal. Suitable
communications programs include “Microsoft Windows, Terminal” or “Telix” , or you may use your
favourite communications program. Use the communications program to set the data parameters and to
choose the correct terminal type to match the Atom setting;
For example, if you are using a “Microsoft Windows, Terminal” on a computer to emulate a terminal.
From the Settings menu, choose Communications. The Communications dialog box appears.
Select the options as;
Connector, Select the COM port to which the Atom is connected.
Baud Rate, 9600 Data Bits, 8 Stop Bits, 1 Parity, None Flow Control, Hardware
Then from the Settings menu, choose Terminal Emulation. Select; DEC VT 100 (ANSI).
Hint: If you are not using a terminal, turn TTY OFF for maximum Atom operating speed.
13.5 Disk
The Atom may be optionally fitted with a floppy disk drive (located on the right side of the Atom). The disk
format is 3.5 inch double sided, high density, (1.44 MB), which is the same type of disk used with IBM
compatible computers. Up to 9 complete shows may be saved to or loaded from a disk. A show is the entire
contents of the Atom memory including all Scenes, Chases Grab master and Softpatch. Shows are
interchangeable between both models of the Atom. A show recorded on an Atom 24/48, when loaded on an
Atom 12/24, ignores all channel numbers above 24.
You may format a disk in the drive or they may also be formatted and copied on any IBM compatible computer
with a 1.44 MB, 3.5 inch disk drive.
Formatting A Disk
Before you can use a new disk, you need to format it. Formatting prepares the tracks on the disk onto which
all the Atom data will be saved. A disk only needs to be formatted once.
Formatting will erase all existing data on the disk.