PL.Tracker PRO Version update instructions 

The PL.Tracker  is available in two versions: regular and PRO. The MPRO version has some key differences compared to the regular version. It supports multi-universes output and introduces the industry-first virtual master control function, which allows operators to intuitively control the lights without considering the actual hanging position and posture of the fixtures. This feature is especially useful for lights that are hung on the sides or at the back. Additionally, the PRO version introduces a new fixture positioning calibration function, which allows for quick positioning of the fixtures when measurement is inconvenient or difficult.

Update Content:

 

1. Firstly, regarding the iPad version, it offers a dedicated app that provides a more stable and faster connection to the server. This is especially beneficial in situations where multiple iPads are being used for control. The main difference between the iPad and Android versions lies in their remote control methods. The Android version utilizes server screen extension mode for remote control, which requires higher network bandwidth when multiple control devices are involved. When connecting with an iPad, please ensure that the active switch shown in the image below is set to “On.” For the Android version, you will need to install the corresponding remote application, establish the connection, set the monitor ID, and simply click on full screen for operation.

 

2. The virtual master  function aims to enable all fixtures to be controlled based on the position of the virtual master fixture, regardless of the actual positions and postures of the individual fixtures. You only need to set the virtual master fixture to the appropriate position in the main view. This means that no matter where your fixtures are located, when you control the movement of the iPad or smartphone in terms of left-right or up-down, the light beams of your fixtures will correspondingly move on the stage.

With the introduction of this new feature, there have been changes to the follow mode settings on the fixture configuration page. The specific change is that apart from fixture set 1, all other fixture sets now have the option to switch between following the virtual master  target and following fixture set 1’s virtual master  target. In the regular version, the switch is between following fixture set 1’s target and following its own target. The follow mode for fixture set 1 is similar to the regular  version. When activated, the other fixtures will automatically follow the virtual master  target of fixture set 1. However, operators of these other fixtures can also switch the follow mode at any time or exit the follow mode.

 

3. The position calibration function is located in the respective monitor settings and allows for faster positioning of your fixtures. However, please note that if you can manually measure the fixture positions more accurately, it is recommended to rely on manual measurement data.

To use this function, select two coordinate points on the stage as calibration points. The first point position can be the origin position, and then choose another position coordinate based on the actual position of the fixture. If the fixture is in front of the stage, select a coordinate point on the X-axis as the second point. It will be relatively easier to determine the actual coordinates of this point on the stage. If the fixture is positioned on the sides of the stage, select a point on the Z-axis as the second coordinate point.

Once you have set up the two coordinate points, you can activate the calibration mode. Two white lines will be displayed to indicate the connection between the calibration point and the fixture position. Next, adjust the respective PT axis offset options to align the PT axis with point 1. It is recommended to set the fixture’s zoom value to the minimum for better observation. Once the beam is aligned with point position 1, click on “Set Position1” to align the white lines with the line connecting the fixture position and point position1. Repeat the same process for point position 2. After setting the positions of these two white lines, you can click on “Position Calibrate ” to automatically set the fixture position.

After setting the fixture positions, remember to switch to the OFF state to exit the calibration mode. Double-check that there is no significant deviation from the actual fixture positions. If there is a noticeable misalignment, please check the corresponding point coordinates and the angle range settings of the fixtures.

Please note that this function only sets the fixture positions. Adjustments regarding the actual rotational postures of the fixtures still need to be made based on the actual installation posture and beam direction. When all rotational axes (X, Y, Z) are at 0, the fixture is in the default hanging posture. One important thing to note is the PT axis invert issue and any deviation between the P axis and the actual position. If there is any deviation, you will need to adjust the Y-axis rotation value of the fixture.

Tips:

 

 1. When performing position calibration, it is recom

mended to use an iPad or an Android tablet as the control device. The PT a

xis adjustment area is located in the bottom right part of the settings interface on the left side of the tablet. This allows for more convenient operation, and you can even carry the pad onto the stage for more accurate calibration.

2. It’s worth mentioning that the sync options in the 3D space settings section can also synchronize the two coordinate point positions. So, after setting the two coordinate points under monitor 1, you can switch the sync option to keep the corresponding options of other monitors synchronized.

3. If you need to coordinate with an MA console, ensure that the DMX merge rules are set correctly. If set to HTP (Highest Takes Precedence), make sure that the PT axis values for the corresponding fixtures on

 the console are set to their minimum and the PT speed is set to the fastest. If the PT axis of the fixtures does not respond when using a pad or smartphone for control, check that both the PT speed channels on the console side and the control side are set to the fastest speed. For other channels of the fixture, if gobo or effect  are involved, set them up in advance through the channel page to avoid any interference during normal operation. The channel names can be changed as needed.

 

Application direction:

Various performance venues. If you have any suggestions, you can comment below, if you have any questions, please contact us directly.

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