Breaking Down Technical Terms
"Channel?" "0-10v?" " EMAP" What Does All This Mean?
This article is a glossary of terms and acronyms used throughout ETC's long history in engineering lighting systems and troubleshooting with our customers.
Part One: The Basics
Common terms used in ETC lighting systems and while troubleshooting.
| 0-10v | A control method in which lighting fixtures have control wires that receive 0-10vDC. This 0-10 voltage determines the output level. |
| AAS | Analog Address System: ye olde Architectural system by ETC designed by LMI |
| Address | Refers to the DMX number(s) assigned to the lighting fixture. With ETC fixtures we typically only specify the starting address. EX: The ColorSource PAR for my area 1 backlight's starting address is 301. Because it's in 5-channel mode, it takes up addresses 301-305. |
| AC | Alternating Current: An electrical current where the direction of electron flow changes forwards and backwards periodically. |
| AF Card | Advanced Features Card: an additional circuit board in the dimmer rack that enables additional feedback from the dimmer on a circuit for load and error reporting. |
| AFM/AIR/Blank | Air Flow Module: no electrical components; a placeholder module. Blank Sensor modules are called AFMs, a blank legacy Unison control module was model AIR, elsewhere they are simply called "Blanks." |
| Art-Net | Art-Net is a royalty-free communications protocol for transmitting DMX/ RDM over an Ethernet network. |
| AUX Power | Auxiliary 12V/24VDC power required by certain pieces of equipment. EX: An Echo Power Station Supply |
| Blind | A programming state in a lighting console where changes made will NOT affect live output. |
| BOM | Bill of Materials: a list of what was sold on a job. |
| CEM/CEM+/CEM3 | Control Electronics Module: processors for Sensor systems. |
| Channel | The numerical labeling of a fixture in a lighting control system. This is determined by you in a way that makes sense to you. EX: The backlight for area 1 is Ch. 21. |
| Branch/Circuit Breaker | A safety switch that automatically shuts off a electrical circuit if overload or a short is detected. Commonly used in troubleshooting to turn off incoming power. |
| CME/CMEd/CMEi/CMd | Control modules for Unison systems. |
| Daisy Chain | A connection system where devices are linked in a linear series. |
| DAS | Digital Address System: ye olde architectural system by ETC designed by LMI; successor to AAS, predecessor to Unison. |
| DC | Direct Current: An electrical current where the direction of electron flow is consistent. |
| Delta | A three-phase power configuration where transformer coils are wired in a "triangle," with no neutral conductor. Found in high-current industrial applications ("High Leg" delta) or in maritime power distribution systems where no true ground can be achieved. |
| DHCP Server | A network server that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration information to devices on a local network. |
| Dimmer | A source of power that can control intensity between levels of 0-100%. |
| Dimmer Rack | An enclosure that holds a control processor and multiple dimmer modules. |
| DMX/DMX512 | A universal digital protocol used for entertainment/lighting applications. |
| DR/DRd | Dimmer rack system for architectural purposes. DR: Unison systems; DRd: Paradigm/Echo/SmartLink systems |
| Echo | A distributed architectural control system. Additional Echo-specific terms can be found here. |
| EchoFlex | A wireless distributed architectural control system. |
| EDMX | An ETC proprietary Net2 network protocol. Not to be confused with eDMX, which can generically refer to any network-based DMX protocol. |
| Eos | The software platform of Nomad, Ion/XE, Element/2, Gio/@5, Ti, and Apex. |
| ETC | Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. |
| Face Panel/Keyboard | The assembly of buttons, faders, and knobs you interact with on a lighting console. Not to be confused with an external alpha-numeric keyboard. |
| HTP | Highest Takes Precedence: The higher value will take control. |
| IP Address | A unique network identity that is either assigned by you or a DHCP sever. |
| LED | Light Emitting Diode |
| Live | A programming state in a lighting console where changes made will affect live output. |
| LTP | Latest Takes Precedence: The latest value change will take control. |
| Paradigm | A centralized architectural control system. Modern successor to Unison |
| Patch | The association of channel, address, and fixture type. |
| Ping | A network command to see if one device can reach or communicate with another. |
| POE | Power Over Ethernet. A way to power network devices from the same port and path it receives data. |
| Managed Switch | A network switch that has the ability to be configured with settings. |
| Module Type | The specific model of power module you have. This can be found on the front of the module, on the right hand side by the air vent. EX: D20, R20AF, ELV10 |
| Multicast Signal | A type of data signal over a network where the transmitter wants to send information to multiple receivers at the same time. EX: A lighting console is outputting (transmitting) sACN lighting levels on Universe 1. Only those DMX Gateways programmed to output Universe 1 will receive those levels. DMX Gateways outputting Universe 2 would not receive those levels. |
| Neuron ID | An alpha-numeric ID for a Paradigm station |
| Network | A system of interconnected devices that share data. Additional network-specific terms can be found here. |
| NIC | Network Interface Card: a hardware component that connects a computer to a network. |
| Normally Closed/Normally Open | How an emergency/panic signal is configured. If the device is configured to always see a panic signal (Normally Closed) and then that signal is broken (to an open state), the system will go into an emergency state. Verse visa for Normally Open. |
| Relay Panel | An electrical panel that has multiple relay power supplies in it. EX: Echo Relay Panel |
| sACN | Streaming ACN. A protocol used to transmit DMX levels over an Ethernet network. Modern ETC lighting control products use this as their default network output protocol. |
| sACN Priority | How "loud" the sACN signal is on the network. EX: Device 1 (console) has a sACN priority of 150 it will override Device 2 (Paradigm) which has a sACN priority of 100. |
| Sensor | Dimmer rack system for entertainment purposes. |
| Subnet Mask | A number code that's used in tandem with an IP address to divide a network into smaller sub-networks. EX: All devices with a 255.255.0.0 subnet mask will be able to speak with one another. |
| Unicast | A type of data signal over a network where the transmitter sends information to a single receiver. EX: There's a console and architectural processor on the network; in order from them to communicate with one another and synchronize information, they will send unicast messages directly to one another. |
| Unison | A legacy centralized architectural control system. |
Part Two: Diving Deeper
Specific terms categorized by the field they apply to.
Architectural Control and Power Systems
| 1PH | Single-Phase option kit for Unison DR racks. |
| AAS | Analog Address System: ye olde Architectural system by ETC designed by LMI |
| ACS | LMI's notation for Architectural Control System. EX: AAS is an ACS |
| Address | Refers to the DMX number(s) assigned to the lighting fixture. With ETC fixtures we typically only specify the starting address. EX: The ColorSource PAR for my area 1 backlight's starting address is 301. Because its in 5-channel mode it takes up addresses 301-305. |
| AFM/ AIR | Air Flow Module: no electrical components; a placeholder module. AFM is current notation, AIR is Olde notation seen in Unison dimming racks. |
| ALC | Architectural Lighting Controller EX: A Unison CMEd processor |
| ARCH | Unison Architectural Option Board |
| ARR | Architectural Receiver: Rack-mount. Data receiving device by LMI |
| ARW | Architectural Receiver: Wall-mount. Data receiving device by LMI |
| ATC | Astronomical Time Clock |
| AUX Power | Auxiliary 12V/24VDC power required by certain pieces of equipment. EX: An Echo Power Station Supply |
| AX | Unison Auxiliary Rack: Used to terminate power input for a Unison control system. |
| AX6 | Unison Auxiliary Rack: small size |
| BYP | Bypass option board available for Unison dimmer racks |
| CMB | Unison Control Module - Basic architectural |
| CMBd | Unison Control Module - Basic architectural and dimming |
| CMd | Unison Control Module - Dimming only |
| CME | Unison Control Module - Extended Architectural |
| CMEd | Unison Control Module - Extended architectural and dimming |
| CMEi | Unison Control Module - Extended Architectural with Ethernet option |
| DAS | Digital Address System: ye olde architectural system by ETC designed by LMI; successor to AAS, predecessor to Unison. |
| Dimmer | A source of power that can control intensity between levels of 0-100%. |
| Dimmer Rack | An enclosure that holds a control processor and multiple dimmer modules. The numerical suffix refers to the dimming module slots in the rack. |
| DR/DRd | Dimmer rack system for architectural purposes. DR: Unison systems; DRd: Paradigm/Echo/SmartLink Systems |
| Echo | A distributed architectural control system. Additional Echo-specific terms can be found here. |
| EchoFlex | A wireless distributed architectural control system. |
| EMAP | Electronic Module Architectural Processor: Processor PCB for DAS systems |
| EMAR | Electronic Module - Architectural Receiver |
| EMIR | Old RNC |
| ER4 | External Rack for Unison processors (four slots) |
| FLO | Fluorescent Option board for Unison dimmer racks (for use with 4-wire ballasts) |
| IR | Early RNC (Also see EMIR), Lighting Methods Incorporated product |
| Patch | The association of channel, address, and fixture type. |
| Module Type | The specific model of power module you have. This can be found on the front of the module, on the right hand side by the air vent. EX: D20, R20AF, ELV10 |
| Neuron ID | An alpha-numeric ID for a Paradigm station |
| Relay Panel | An electrical panel that has multiple relay power supplies in it. EX: Echo Relay Panel |
| Paradigm | A centralized architectural control system. Modern successor to Unison |
| Unison | A legacy centralized architectural control system. |
Consoles
| 789 | Keystroke sequence to reset many ETC consoles to default system parameters |
| ACLM | Acclaim series lighting console |
| Address | Refers to the DMX number(s) assigned to the lighting fixture. With ETC fixtures we typically only specify the starting address. EX: The ColorSource PAR for my area 1 backlight's starting address is 301. Because its in 5-channel mode it takes up addresses 301-305. |
| ARRI | ARRI-GB, London dealer that became ETC LTD |
| Blind | A programming state in the console where changes made will NOT affect live output. |
| CH2 | Lighting Methods Incorporated control console |
| Channel | The numerical labeling of a fixture in a lighting control system. This is determined by you in a way that makes sense to you. EX: The backlight for area 1 is Ch. 21. |
| CRRFU | Congo Radio Remote Focus Unit |
| DPS | Dual Processor System |
| DRC | Designers Remote Console |
| DWS | Designers Worksheet for Expression Consoles |
| ECS | Emphasis Control System |
| Eos | The software platform of Nomad, Ion/XE, Element/2, Gio/@5, Ti, and Apex. |
| EXP2 | Expression 2 series lighting console |
| EXP3 | Expression 3 series lighting console |
| EXPN | Expression series lighting console |
| EXPS | Express series lighting console |
| Face Panel/Keyboard | The assembly of buttons, faders, and knobs you interact with on a lighting console. Not to be confused with an external alpha-numeric keyboard. |
| FTB | Full Tracking Backup |
| IMP2 | Impression 2 series lighting console |
| IMPN | Impression series lighting console |
| INST | Insight series lighting console - includes Insight 72 and 108 |
| Live | A programming state in the console where changes made will affect live output. |
| Patch | The association of channel, address, and fixture type. |
Data Signal, Networking, and Computers
| 10 Base 2 | Coaxial cable based Ethernet; also known as "thinnet" |
| 10 Base 5 | Multi-cable based Ethernet; also known as "thicknet" |
| 100BaseFX | Multi-mode or single mode fiber optic Ethernet, 100 Mbps, full-duplex capable |
| 100BaseTX | Unshielded Twisted Pair Ethernet, Category 5, 100 Mbps full-duplex capable |
| 10BaseFL | Multi-mode fiber optic Ethernet, 10 Mbps, full-duplex capable, replaces FOIRL |
| 10BaseT | Unshielded Twisted Pair Ethernet, Cat. 3/4/5, 20 MHz, full-duplex capable |
| ACN | Architecture for Control Networks. An Ethernet-based protocol which was designed to allow entertainment control devices to share information with each other. ETC's Net3 products used ACN for configuration. sACN is an extension of ACN. |
| A-D | Analog signal to digital signal |
| ADC | Analog to Digital Converter |
| Address | Refers to the DMX number(s) assigned to the lighting fixture. With ETC fixtures we typically only specify the starting address. EX: The ColorSource PAR for my area 1 backlight's starting address is 301. Because its in 5-channel mode it takes up addresses 301-305. |
| AF Card | Advance Features Card: an additional circuit board in the dimmer rack that enables additional feedback from the circuit on load and error reporting. |
| AMX | Analog Multiplex control signal |
| Art-Net | Art-Net is a royalty-free network communications protocol for transmitting the DMX/ RDM. |
| ASCII | American Standard Code for Information Interchange |
| ATM | Asynchronous Transfer Mode |
| BGP | Border Gateway Protocol |
| BISDN | Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network |
| Bps | Bits Per Second |
| BRI | Basic Rate Interface |
| CAT 5 | IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet Category 5) |
| CGI | Common Gateway Interface |
| CISC | Complex Instruction Set Computer (processor) |
| CLNP | Connectionless Network Protocol |
| CLTP | Connectionless Transport Protocol |
| CMIP | Common Management Internet Protocol |
| CoS | Class of Service |
| CPU | Central Processor Unit |
| D192 | Digital 192 channels - Colortran digital control signal |
| D-A | Digital to Analog |
| DAC | Digital to Analog Converter |
| Daisy Chain | A connection system where devices are linked in a linear series. |
| DHCP Server | A network server that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration information to devices on a local network. |
| DIP | Dual In-line Package |
| DMX/ DMX512 | A universal digital protocol used for entertainment/ lighting applications. |
| DMX-I | DMX to Composer Interpreter - Irideon control signal converter box |
| ECMUX | Electro-Controls Multiplex digital control signal |
| EDMX | An ETC proprietary Net2 network protocol. |
| EEPROM | Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory |
| EIA485 | Electrical specification for DMX (also see RS485) |
| EPROM | Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory |
| FIFO | First In, First Out (Memory) |
| FTP | File Transfer Protocol |
| GUI | Graphical User Interface |
| HTML | Hypertext Markup Language |
| HTP | Highest Takes Precedence: The higher value will take control. |
| HTTP | Hypertext Transfer Protocol |
| LTP | Latest Takes Precedence: The latest value change will take control. |
| I5M | Response Optical Isolation box - one input, five output |
| IAD | Analog to Digital Convertor (RSVP 96 in) |
| IADR | Analog to Digital Convertor Rack Mount (RSVP 96 in) |
| IC | Integrated Circuit |
| IDA | Digital to Analog Convertor (RSVP 96 out) |
| IDAR | Digital to Analog Convertor Rack Mount (RSVP 96 out) |
| IP Address | A unique network identity that is either assigned by you or a DHCP sever. |
| IPX | Integrated Package Exchange |
| Ping | A network command to see if one device can reach or communicate with another. |
| POE | Power Over Ethernet. A way to power network devices from the same port and path it receives data. |
| Managed Switch | A network switch that has the ability to be configured with settings. |
| Multicast Signal | A type of data signal over a network where the transmitter wants to send information to multiple receivers at the same time. EX: A lighting console is outputting (transmitting) sACN lighting levels on Universe 1. Only those DMX Gateways programmed to output Universe 1 will receive those levels. DMX Gateways outputting Universe 2 would not receive those levels. |
| Network | A system of interconnected devices that share data. Additional network-specific terms can be found here. |
| NIC | Network Interface Card: a hardware component that connects a computer to a network. |
| sACN | A Net3 network protocol. |
| sACN Priority | How "loud" the sACN signal is on the network. EX: Device 1 (console) has a sACN priority of 150 it will override Device 2 (Paradigm) which has a sACN priority of 100. |
| Subnet Mask | A number code that's used in tandem with an IP address to divide a network into smaller sub-networks. EX: All devices with a 255.255.0.0 subnet will be able to speak with one another. |
| Unicast | A type of data signal over a network where the transmitter sends information to a single receiver. EX: There's a console and architectural processor on the network; in order from them to communicate with one another and synchronize information, they will send unicast messages directly to one another. |
Entertainment Power Systems
| AF | Advanced Features: option card available for ETC Sensor dimmer racks |
| AFM/ AIR | Air Flow Module: no electrical components; a placeholder module. AFM is current notation, AIR is Olde notation seen in Unison dimming racks. |
| AUX RACK | Sensor Auxiliary Rack: used to terminate power input for a control system |
| B96F | Analog Breakout Box (female) Centronics to Cinch-Jones |
| B96M | Analog Breakout Box (male) Centronics to Cinch-Jones |
| BL-12 | Brighton Lights 12 channel dimmer pack designed by LMI |
| CEM/ CEM+/ CEM3 | Control Electronics Module: processors for Sensor systems. |
| CC | Constant Current EX: CC20 is a constant current 20a dimmer module |
| CD-80 | Strand Century dimmer rack series |
| D20 | Dimmer Module, 20 ampere maximum load (D20=20Amp, D50=50Amp) |
| Dimmer | A source of power that can control intensity between levels of 0-100%. |
| Dimmer Rack | An enclosure that holds a control processor and multiple dimmer modules. The numerical suffix refers to the dimming module slots in the rack. |
| DIU | Dimmer Interface (ETC/LMI 1983-1988) |
| EC-DA | Electrocontrols Digital to Analog Convertor (RD Card); designed by LMI |
| EM- | Electronic Module - Lighting Methods Incorporated dimming control module for LMI dimming systems |
| EMR | Electronic Module - Receiver for LMI dimming systems |
| HD | High Density Dimming Rack (Older dimming rack) LMI Dimmer |
| ILC | Intelligent Lighting Controls, maker of DMX relay cabinents |
| Module Type | The specific model of power module you have. This can be found on the front of the module, on the right hand side by the air vent. EX: D20, R20AF, ELV10 |
| Relay Panel | An electrical panel that has multiple relay power supplies in it. EX: Echo Relay Panel |
| Sensor | Dimmer rack system for entertainment purposes. |
Fixtures
| Address | Refers to the DMX number(s) assigned to the lighting fixture. With ETC fixtures we typically only specify the starting address. EX: The ColorSource PAR for my area 1 backlight's starting address is 301. Because its in 5-channel mode it takes up addresses 301-305. |
| APS | Architectural power supply |
| AR5 V.1 | Irideon luminare, version 1 (V.2 is version 2) |
| AR500 | trademark name for Irideon line exterior wash luminaire |
| BM | Blank Module |
| Daisy Chain | A connection system where devices are linked in a linear series. |
| EA | Enhanced Aluminum (reflector), standard reflector on Source Four fixtures |
| EDLT | Enhanced Definition Lens Tube: a specific type of lens tube that is engineered to provided heightened sharpness and contrast. |
| IM | Iris Module |
| LED | Light Emitting Diode |
Power and Electrics
| 0-10v | A control method where lighting fixtures have control wires that receive 0-10vDC. This 0-10 voltage determines the output level. |
| 2P&G | "Two Pin and Ground" electrical connector, also known as "Stage Pin" |
| AC | Alternating Current: An electrical current where the direction of electron flow changes forwards and backwards periodically. |
| ASTS | Alternate Source Transfer System |
| Branch/Circuit Breaker | A safety switch that automatically shuts off a electrical circuit if overload or a short is detected. Commonly used in troubleshooting to turn off incoming power. |
| Daisy Chain | A connection system where devices are linked in a linear series. |
| DC | Direct Current: An electrical current where the direction of electron flow is consistent. |
| Delta | A three-phase power configuration where transformer coils are wired in a "triangle," with no neutral conductor. Found in high-current industrial applications ("High Leg" delta) or in maritime power distribution systems where no true ground can be achieved. |
| Dimmer | A source of power that can control intensity between levels of 0-100%. |
| DMM | Digital Multi-Meter |
| DVM | Digital Volt Meter |
| EC-PB | Electronic Control Plug Box |
| EC-PB-DMX | Electronic Control Plug Box (DMX) |
| ELTS | Emergency Lighting Transfer System |
| GTL | Grounded Twist Lock - electrical connector |
| Normally Closed/ Normally Open | How an emergency/ panic signal is configured. If the device is configured to always see a panic signal (Normally Closed) and then that signal is broken (to an open state), the system will go into an emergency state. Verse visa for Normally Open. |
Misc.
| BOM | Bill of Materials: a list of what was sold on a job. |
| EC | Electrical Contractor |
| ETC | Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. |
| ESTA | Entertainment Services and Technology Association |
| FOH | Front of House |
| GC | General Contractor |
| HL | House Left |
| HR | House Right |
| IATSE | Internation Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees |
| IBEW | International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers |
| IEEE | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
| Function | Description | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| This table will not appear in the article and is used to configure the search function. | ||
| Number of Tables Prior to Search ( Integer: 0-99 ) |
This function determines the index of the HTML table where the search should begin. It counts the number of tables that precede the search function. Note: KMS templates ("Caution", "Disclaimer", "Important") contain tables. |
0 |
| Search Bar Placeholder Text ( String ) |
The non-permanent text that serves as a hint or an example of the expected input to be entered by the user. | Search this article here: |
| Hide Non-Matching Rows ( true / false ) |
This function hides the rows in a table that do not contain any text matching the search input. | true |
| Show Table Title ( true / false ) |
Show or hide the element immediately preceding the table when a match is found within the table. In many articles, header elements are used to identify the next table. Example: Paradigm Version history article |
true |
| Highlight Matching Text ( true / false ) |
Highlight the matching text in yellow. | true |
| Hide Rows with Spanned Columns (2+) ( true / false ) |
Automatically hide rows that contain rows with columns spanning two or more rows. This ensures a consistent and organized presentation of the data. Example: Product family rows in the Flat Rate article are hidden. |
false |
| Show Table Headers ( true / false ) |
When a search function matches a query within a table, this function will display the corresponding header row of the table to provide context and improve readability. | false |
| Product Line Prefix ( true / false ) |
Looks for search terms that start with a product line prefix followed by 'XXXX'. Example: Flat rate article and Packing Kit article. 7184A1234 matches 7184AXXXX |
false |
| Show Relative Row ( true / false ) |
When a match is detected in a row, show the row before or after it depending on if row is odd or even. Example: Links the Problem to the Solution row in Repair troubleshooting articles. |
false |
| Titles Title ( true / false ) |
Function that was built to show/hide the H2 elements titling the sections of tables | true |