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. These are located at the bottom or middle of the Sensor rack in install racks, or at the top in touring racks. These are beige like the power modules in the rack, and have an LCD screen with buttons (user interface.) User interface will vary depending on whether its a CEM or CEM+ or CEM3. |
| 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. Large "brick" at the bottom of Unison Dimmer Racks or Unison External Racks. This will have an LCD screen on the left with navigation arrows on the right. On the right will also be a sticker that says "Unison Architectural Control Module" with bullet points beneath it; the bullet point filled in is the model of processor. |
| 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 |
| ER/ ER4/ ERn/ ERn4 | External Rack for architectural purposes. ER/ ER4: Unison systems; ERn/ERn4: Paradigm systems. "4" notates how many slots are in the rack. |
| 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 |
| DMX Footprint | How many channels of control, or addresses, a fixture mode has. EX: Direct mode for a CS Spot is 6. |
| 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 |