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USER'S GUIDE FOR BiT BOPPER 1.6 for the Atari Falcon The World's First User's Guide Published on the World-Wide Web! Always up-to-date. Easy to navigate. Saves trees. Saves time.

This on-line version created: July 21, 1995 Updated: Tuesday November 7, 2000 Document number: 14-52 Issue: 4.71 Comments, suggestions, corrections: bitbop@owonder.com

CONTENTS

ABOUT About Falcon BiT BOPPER Acknowledgements   1. READ THIS FIRST   2. PLUGGING IN & TESTING - PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY Connecting an audio signal Connecting to a video display Check Video Mode A hands-free test and demo...   3. THE BASICS - PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY Introduction to BiT BOPPER Introducing the VideoGobo(tm) Operating BiT BOPPER   4. GUIDED TOUR - PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY Getting going Gaining control More about VideoGobos! Hello World! Final steps   5. REFERENCE Audio Trigger Level Adjust All Clear (Resets VideoGobos) Auto Motion Damping (AMD) Auto Random VideoGobo Change VideoGobo Bank Select Beat Color Change Beat VideoGobo [S]equence Bump Capture and Save Color Bars Cyber[W]riter [C]ycle Cycle and Color RESET Delete PhotoImage Delete VideoGobo [D]rift Colors [E]xchange (swap) VideoGobos Force OFF Freeze [G]lide Heads Up Display (HUD) [H]old iCUE Alarms Recall iCUE Store iCUE iCUE Directory - New For Version 1.6! View contents of iCUE - New For Version 1.6! Create iCUE Sequence Delete iCUE Sequence Edit iCUE Sequence Playback iCUE Sequence Loop iCUE Sequence Playback - New For Version 1.6! [i]lluminate Lock Import PhotoImage(s) Install Software Upgrade Impot VideoGobo(s) [J]am VideoGobo(s) [K]aleidoscope VideoGobo(s) VideoGobo VideoGobo Layer Select VideoGobo [L]ayer Swap VideoGobo LIVE mode! Load PhotoImage Load VideoGobo Make VideoGobo Metronome MIDI Learn MIDI Reactive [M]ix Color Filters [O]ne Color Lock Panic/Abort Button Preview PhotoImages Preview VideoGobos Apply Primary Color Filter [Q]uieten [R]amZapper Sequence Bounce VideoGobos Silent Color Apply Spectrum Color Filter Transparency Mask [U]ser Logon Video [B]op [V]irtual Rhythm [Z]apFlash   APPENDICES Primary Color Filter Table Spectrum Color Filter Table Trouble Shooting   ADVANCED USERS Things to try... Creating VideoGobos Creating PhotoImages Falcon file management Falcon hardware

ABOUT FALCON BiT BOPPER SOFTWARE ENGINEERING Timothy Wilson MIDI Guy: Mark Pappakostas SOFTWARE CONCEPTION & DESIGN, VIDEOGOBO(tm) DESIGN Alex Blok THE INNOVATION BiT BOPPER(tm) technology invented by Alex Blok for O WONDER in 1979. And there will be more... Copyright © O Wonder 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 All Rights Reserved. BiT BOPPER, CyberWriter, iCUE, RamZapper, Sonovista, Video Bop, Video Bopping, VideoGobo, Witness The Beat!, ZapFlash are all trademarks of O Wonder. Atari is a registered trademark of Atari Corporation. Falcon is a trademark of Atari Corporation. Reproduction of this document in any manner without express written permission from the copyright holder is forbidden.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Atari Corporation Nick Baker (Phase I) Steve Belcher J., R., E., & T. Blok Diane Boxill David Brooks John Brothers Brian and Kate Christman / Archaos Jack 'the formula' Corsello Geoff-Dean Design Spectrum, Palo Alto The Edge Danceclub, Palo Alto (See it there!) Jeanne Edwards Robert Ellington Mathew Dodder Russell Fish Andrew Fisher Lowell Fowler & all the wonderful people @ High End Systems T & J Gottelier @ WWG Michael Groh Paul Grosjean Mark Holtz Holly Kaslewicz & TaeYun Roe Mark Keilaus Daniel Kottke Tom Lacey Neil Lee David Levine, Tod Rundgren and Michele Gray at Nutopia Digital Video George 'MIT' Mitsuoka Johnny NG (Phase II) Mark Pappakostas Jimmy Patrick Derek Rickles Noel Saw Mike Scully Stefan G George Taylor Mat Thompson Forrest Warthman & Cherry LeBrun Timothy Wilson (Phase III) THANKS GUYS!

1 - READ THIS FIRST! CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of the BiT BOPPER Video Synthesizer and Video Typewriter system from O WONDER. A revolutionary product that uses advanced computer graphics and audio processing technology to provide you and your audience with the most original live graphics system ever devised. While we are sure you are impatient to get going, please take a little time to follow the first three chapters. Once you have done this, the hardest part will be over, and you will be ready to create dynamic visuals like nothing else on Earth! Help In the event you are unsure what to do when installing or using BiT BOPPER, or think something is wrong, please repeat the instructions given. Still no luck? Check Trouble Shooting in the APPENDIX. If that doesn't help, please contact your authorized BiT BOPPER dealer, or you may contact O Wonder direct. But make sure you have your questions written down and have noted the steps you carried out when experiencing a problem. This will make it easier for someone to help you.

SAFETY! Like many videographic devices, BiT BOPPER's animated output may affect those subject to epileptic fits. Therefore, we ask that the BiT BOPPER operator ensures any people who may be troubled by this condition are informed prior to its use.

2 - PLUGGING IN Connecting an audio source Using an audio attenuator, the Falcon computer may be connected to any audio device with a Line Level audio output, such as: Mixing Desk or Pre-Amplifier. Compact Disc player or Cassette deck. Video Cassette Recorder (VCR). Multimedia Computer or Video Game system. Domestic or Professional HiFi System. Alternatively, a microphone may be connected directly without the use of an attenuator. Connecting a Line Level Audio Signal Look for the Audio/Line Out output(s) on your audio source. Plug the audio attenuator into the Microphone input at the rear of the computer. (The audio attenuator reduces the level of the line level audio signal to that expected by the microphone input.) Connect a phono/RCA type cable* to the audio attenuator. *Not supplied. Connect the other end of the phono cable to your audio source. The Microphone Input at the rear of the computer Connecting a Microphone A microphone may be used in situations where it is not possible to obtain a direct line input, however, BiT BOPPER's audio analyzing system may be triggered inadvertently if there is a lot of unwanted ambient sound that microphones are liable to pick up. Connect the microphone to the Microphone input at the rear of the computer. The attenuator is not required. If your microphone has a 1/4" (6mm) jack plug, you will need to obtain an adapter to convert it to 1/8" (2.5mm). Stereo Audio BiT BOPPER does not require a stereo audio signal. However, in the circumstances listed below, you may need to purchase an additional audio attenuator and a twin minijack to stereo minijack 'Y' splitter and provide a stereo audio signal to BiT BOPPER: Some audio recordings may provide stereo signals where one channel will be significantly different from the other. New features may be introduced into BiT BOPPER that will require a stereo audio signal.

WARNING! NEVER CONNECT THE COMPUTER TO THE LOUDSPEAKER TERMINALS ON AN AUDIO SYSTEM. THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE.

Connecting a video display The computer can be connected directly to any type of video display such as those listed below: Video Projector. Video Wall. Video Monitor. Flat Panel Video Display. Or the video signal may be routed through other video devices, such as: Video Mixers. Video Distribution amplifiers Video Effects Systems. Video Cassette Recorders. Multimedia Computers (with video input.) Choosing a position for the video display If you are using BiT BOPPER in a nightclub, on a stage or other live environment, ensure the video displays are not liable to be washed out by ambient lighting, sunlight, fog machines etc. Connect the video cable to the Monitor Output on the rear panel of the computer Connecting to a video device or display Locate the supplied video cable and plug the larger 19 pin connector into the Monitor output at the rear of the computer. Connect the phono/RCA plug end of the video adapter to the Video Input on your video display or device. Connecting a Desktop Monitor via a Video Distribution Amplifier Certain installations may require the use of a desktop monitor. In particular if the remote video display is out of sight of the BiT BOPPER operator. To connect more than one video display to the computer requires the use of a Video Distribution Amplifier, These are low cost devices readily available from your audio visual retailer. The above diagram shows a typical BiT BOPPER system with a video distribution amplifier providing an additional signal for connection to a desktop monitor Connect the Video Output to the video distribution amplifier Video Input. Using readily available video cables, connect one video distribution amplifier output to the desktop monitor, and another to the remote video display. If more outputs are available, then additional video displays may be connected.

Check the Video Mode is set for your country IMPORTANT! If you have just purchased your BiT BOPPER, you must check the video mode is set for your country. You will only need to do this once, unless you move your BiT BOPPER system to another country. Press the [Help] key on the keyboard to display the Vision Control menu. Use the arrow keys to select the PREFERENCES option. Highlight the Video Mode item. If you are in North America or Japan, the video mode will need to be set to NTSC. For Europe, it must be set to PAL. If you are unsure which video system is in use in your country, please ask your local video expert. If you need to change the Video Mode, highlight the correct setting and press the [Return] key.

A hands-free test and demo... Now that you have successfully installed your BiT BOPPER system, you deserve a rest. (Even if you are impatient to learn the system!) We have included a fully automatic demonstration mode that will not only confirm you have installed your system correctly, but provide a short, but effective overview of BiT BOPPER's capabilities (although we think you will be able to do a lot better as you graduate to CyberJockey status and program your own effects!) Check the video display(s) are switched on. Run the software. After the software has gone through its initialization process, the BiT BOPPER logo image will be displayed. After this disappears, an effect, image or message based iCUE will be triggered automatically, depending on the setting of the On Start Up option in the Vision Control PREFERENCES menu. The software is now ready.... Switch on your audio source - and "pump up the volume". A high energy dance track would be ideal. Don't worry if you have no audio source at this stage as the demo uses BiT BOPPER's Virtual Rhythm feature to simulate a beat... Press the [Help] key on the keyboard to display the Vision Control menu. Highlight the Demo option using the [Up] and [Down] keys. Now press [Return] or the [Right] arrow key to activate the Demo... Enjoy! The demo was created using BiT BOPPER's iCUE Sequencer. To abort the demo sequence at any time, press [Clr/Home] at least once. At the end of the demo, please read THE BASICS and GUIDED TOUR chapters of this User's Guide in order that you may learn how to create effect like that shown in the demo.

3 - THE BASICS

Introduction to BiT BOPPER BiT BOPPER is a proprietary software/hardware mix that allows for the spontaneous display of computer images and text onto a variety of video displays such as video walls, video projectors, video monitors or televisions. At the heart of the groove lies O Wonder's ingenious BiT BOPPER(tm) Dynamic Graphics from Audio technology that animates and colorizes special computer images (VideoGobos) in response to an audio source, operator interaction, MIDI control - or all three methods together! With a little imagination and experimentation, some spectacular and sometimes enchanting visual effects may be generated for use at: Music and dance venues Television studios Architectural projects Corporate presentation or anywhere else where dramatic or romantic visuals are required to create a unique and sometimes enchanting environment. Additionally, the CyberWriter intelligent video typewriter and PhotoImage photo-realistic slide-show features turn BiT BOPPER into the most eye catching interactive advertising and promotional medium ever devised.   It's all real-time! In the past, such capability would require hours in a video editing suite and would subsequently only be available pre-recorded, making live use ineffective. With BiT BOPPER, you can now interact with the machine, improvising as you go, ensuring that each show is exclusive to your audience. Introducing the remarkable iCUE If you would rather work with pre-set or automated effects, a massive digital memory allows ANY VideoGobo Effect PhotoImage CyberWriter Message to be stored as an 'iCUE' (Intelligent CUE) for instant recall at any time. Interactive or Automatic BiT BOPPER has been designed to allow you to switch between different features and special effects at the press of a button. In most cases, the response is instant. Ideal for live use where split second timing it critical. Alternatively, if you wish to let the system do all the work for you, iCUEs may be joined together using the timer based iCUE Sequencer to produce an automatic "lighting-by-video" show. How does BiT BOPPER work? BiT BOPPER can be thought of as a digital slide projector, with the VideoGobo or PhotoImages electronic "slides" that are "projected" onto your video display. By combining different VideoGobos with BiT BOPPER's range of special effects and color filters, you can create a myriad of kaleidoscopic or organic visuals. And to provide even more creative potential, any two VideoGobos can be layered one atop the other to form a completely new effect. And by using a range of Transparency Masks that govern how much of the back VideoGobo image is visible through the front VideoGobo, a near limitless permutation of new patterns can be created. VideoGobos are stored on the computer's internal hard disk. Any individual VideoGobo can be accessed and displayed instantaneously. Alternatively, VideoGobos may be loaded off the hard disk into RAM (Random Access Memory) in BANKS of up to 10 VideoGobos at a time. When VideoGobos are in RAM, they may be displayed at very high speeds using an innovative range of automatic or sound triggered sequencing effects.

Introducing the VideoGobo(tm)   What is a VideoGobo? A VideoGobo is the digital equivalent of the optomechanical "gobo*" used in conventional theater, studio and nightclub lighting. VideoGobos allow spectacular audio or user animated graphics to be generated. *Pronounced "Go Bow". Simplified diagram of a conventional gobo in action In conventional lighting, a light blocking stencil (gobo) with a pattern cut out or etched into it is placed in front of a lightsource. This in turn projects the light pattern onto a surface such as a dance floor or wall. Electric stepper motors spin the gobos while different colored and shaped filters placed in front of the light source are used to provide a variety of optical effects. Motorized mirrors are often used to direct the light beam from lighting rigs mounted above a dance floor or studio. VIDEOGobos are computer graphic images, (technically known as "bit maps") therefore they can be colored, illuminated, manipulated and sequenced in a manner that would be difficult or impossible using conventional gobos. VideoGobos can be of any design, ranging from basic abstract shapes and logos, through to complex mathematical fractal patterns. Digitized video images, photographs or artwork can also be used to great effect. A library of VideoGobos is supplied with BiT BOPPER, however, additional images may be imported. (See Advanced Chapter.) Like conventional gobos, VideoGobos can be colored using a range of Color Filters. Technically speaking... A VideoGobo is a bit map image that BiT BOPPER can manipulate and animate in real-time using advanced color cycling and image processing techniques. VideoGobos are by default grayscale images - that is, no specific colors are assigned to the pixels until the user or the software re-defines the palette using BiT BOPPER's range of Color Filters.

Operating BiT BOPPER BiT BOPPER's functions are all operated by pressing a specific key or key combination on the computer keyboard. The keys have been specially chosen to make operation as obvious and convenient as possible. In most cases, the key corresponds to the first letter of that function. For example, the [K] key will Kaleidoscope a VideoGobo, the [G] key will cause the VideoGobos to Glide - and so on. Keyboard Layout The keyboard is divided up into 4 main areas: The Main Keyboard This is where each of BiT BOPPER's features or visual effects are turned ON or OFF. The [Shift], [Alternate], [Control] and [Esc] keys have special functions that depend on the feature being used. The Arrow Keys Depending on which mode BiT BOPPER is in at the time, the [Up], [Down], [Left] and [Right] arrow keys are used to navigate the Vision Control menu or to make fine adjustments to the characteristics of particular BiT BOPPER effects during live use. The Numeric Keypad These keys are used the most. The numbers are used in conjunction with the [Enter] key to load VideoGobos, PhotoImages, Spectrum Color Filters, iCUEs and iCUE Sequences. The [+] and [-] keys are used for selecting VideoGobo layers. The [*] key is used to perform any iCUE related function. The Function Keys These are primarily designed to provide single keypress access to up to 100 iCUEs for use during a live performance. They are also used for VideoGobo Jamming. VideoGobo Banks are loaded by holding down a [Shift] key and pressing the appropriate function key. The Hardware The 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive is used for importing files, for making backups and to Capture & Save BiT BOPPER's imagery. The Disk Access Lamp illuminates whenever the built-in hard disk or floppy drive are in use. NEVER remove a floppy disk while the disk access lamp is lit.

4 - GUIDED TOUR Step-by-step instructions to help you become familiar with operating BiT BOPPER

Getting going Switching On Check the computer is connected to a remote video display and an audio source, as described in the PLUGGING IN chapter. Switch on the audio source. Ideally, play a good dance track. Switch on the computer using the power switch at the rear of the unit. The software will go through a short initialization process where it loads various data files into memory. If this is the first time your system has been used, then iCUE 1 from the SYSTEM User Area* will be displayed automatically. (*More on that later.) If the audio trigger level is correct, then a VideoGobo pattern should begin animating in synchronization with the audio source. Adjusting the Audio Trigger Level Hold down the [Control] key and tap the [Up] or [Down] until the image appears to animate well with the music. If you would like some form of visual feedback, use the HUD... The Heads Up Display (HUD) This provides on screen visual feedback when operating the majority of BiT BOPPER's 'live' features. The HUD is ideal when you are learning the system, or making fine adjustments. You would not use it during an actual live performance. Hold down [Control] and press [Tab] to switch ON the HUD. Now adjust the Audio Trigger Level again. An on screen bargraph and numeric readout will appear for as long as you are making any adjustments. The Audio Trigger Level you just set will be remembered by the system permanently, or until it is re-adjusted. To switch the HUD OFF, hold down [Shift] and press [Tab]. Assigning USER Numbers BiT BOPPER stores iCUEs in 10 different User Areas on the hard disk. User area 0 is reserved for the System where factory preset iCUEs for demonstration purposes are stored. However, user areas 1 to 9 are free for use by operators of your system. At this stage, you should assign yourself and any colleagues a user number between 1 and 9. You can also assign a 12 character name to each user number as a reminder. To set-up the User Names, you need to use Vision Control, BiT BOPPER's menu driven visual interface...

Gaining control...   Vision Control Vision Control is an easy to use visual interface for setting up various BiT BOPPER parameters and preferences, and for programming the iCUE Sequencer and Alarms. It also allows you to perform a range of filing operations such as installing additional VideoGobos, backing up iCUEs etc. For now, we will use Vision Control to enter the user names of those who will be operating your BiT BOPPER system. Don't worry if no one else is about, you can add more names later. Press [Help] to display Vision Control. The MAIN Menu will appear. Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to browse through the menu items until the PREFERENCES Menu item is highlighted. Some items may be off the screen. If so, scroll through until you find the item you want. Sub-Menus & Option Lists If a menu item is followed by three dots, like this..., then selecting that item will display another sub-menu or sometimes, a dialog box or table where you may be required to enter some information. On the other hand, if a menu item is followed by a colon, like this: then an Option List will appear to the right of that menu item. To go to a Sub-Menu or to move the highlight bar into an Option List, use the [Right] arrow key. Now use the [Up] and [Down] keys to highlight the Assign Usernames... item. Press [Return] or the [Right] key to select it. Highlight a User Number for yourself. Type in your name (up to 12 characters) and press [Return]. Repeat from step 5 for your other colleagues, or you can enter their names on another occasion. The user names will be permanently remembered by BiT BOPPER until they are changed. Press [Help] to exit Vision Control. Logging On Each time BiT BOPPER is switched on, you need to tell it which user you are so the system knows where to store (or recall) your iCUEs. Someone else may have used the system before you, and if you don't log on, you may be working in their user area! To find out which user is selected, press [Help] to display the Vision Control menu. The current user number and name will be displayed in the top right of the screen. To log on, press the [U] key followed by your user number. For example, if you are user number 1, then you would press [U] then [1]. The system will permanently remember who last logged on and select that User Area when it is next switched on. User Area 0 is reserved for the system.

More about VideoGobos! Previewing VideoGobos VideoGobos are loaded and displayed by typing in a number on the numeric keypad and pressing the [Enter] key. First of all you may want to Preview the supplied VideoGobos and choose one or two to use for this tutorial. Press [Help] to display Vision Control. Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to highlight the VIDEOGOBO Menu item. Select the VIDEOGOBO Menu item by pressing the [Right] or [Return] key. Highlight and select the PREVIEW VideoGobos item The VideoGobos on the hard disk will be displayed in groups of 4, with the corresponding VideoGobo number shown in one corner. Browse through the VideoGobos using the [Left] and [Right] keys. Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to jump through the VideoGobos ten at a time if you wish. There are 60 VideoGobos supplied with BiT BOPPER. Ten of the images are similar fractal images which are used for the VideoGobo Bank based effects. You will learn about VideoGobo Banks later. Make a note of the numbers of one or two VideoGobo patterns you like. Press [Esc] to abort from PREVIEW and return to Vision Control. Press [Help] or [Esc] to exit Vision Control and return to Live mode. Live mode is when BiT BOPPER is not in Vision Control mode, or displaying any text or PhotoImages on the screen. To exit directly from any part of the Vision Control menu hierarchy back to Live mode, press [Help]. Loading a VideoGobo Using the numeric keypad, key in a VideoGobo number and press [Enter]. The VideoGobo will be loaded. If music is playing, then the VideoGobo will animate in sync with the music. You can manually "Bump" the image by pressing the [Space Bar] on the keyboard at any time. It is important to note that certain VideoGobos work better than others. For sound-to-light effects, the spirals and radial patterns are best. Changing the Color of a VideoGobo Colors may be applied to VideoGobos using a variety of methods: Applying Primary Color Filters These are listed in the APPENDIX and are applied directly using the number keys along the top of the main keyboard, NOT the numeric keypad. Press [6] and the VideoGobo should turn red. (If it isn't already.) If the colors appear to be changing on their own, press the [Clr/Home] key to turn OFF any special effects that may happen to be ON. The [Clr/Home] key is situated near the [Help] key. Press the other number keys to try the other Primary Color Filters. Keys 8 and 9 will have no effect as BiT BOPPER is currently in Single Layer VideoGobo mode. Applying Spectrum Color Filters Spectrum Color Filters are a range of professionally created color filters. Some are made up of a mix of colors, while others are based on 'fades' or 'washes' of particular color tones. Spectrum Color Filters are listed in the APPENDIX and are applied using the numeric keypad. Press the [.] key on the numeric keypad. Type in a number based on your selection from the REFERENCE or APPENDIX chapters. Press [Enter]. If you wait too long before pressing [Enter], BiT BOPPER will time out and you will need to repeat from step 1 again. [D]rifting Colors Drift causes the colors making up a VideoGobo to blend randomly through both the Primary and Spectrum color filter tables. Press [D] to switch Drift ON. The colors will gently change. To switch Drift OFF, either press [D] on its own, or hold down [Shift] and press [D]. Holding down [Shift] while pressing a command key ensures that feature (in this case Drift) is absolutely definitely switched OFF! Beat Color Change For a dramatic effect, the Spectrum color filters can be changed on the Beat using the Beat Color Change feature. Press [A]. On each beat, a random spectrum color filter will be applied to the VideoGobo. To turn this feature OFF, press [A] again. Adjusting the Color Cycling Speed Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to adjust the Cycle speed. Alternatively, while keeping one of the [Shift] keys pressed, press one of the numbers along the top of the keyboard. [Shift]+[1] selects the slowest cycle speed, while [Shift]+[0] is the fastest. (Very fast cycle speeds will sometimes create strange results due to a variety of optical illusions.) Although the cycling Direction is triggered on the beat, the [Left] and [Right] arrow keys can be used to do this manually, alternatively, press the [Space Bar] to 'Bump' the image. The [Space Bar] simulates the effect of an audio beat. VideoGobo Illumination Notice that the VideoGobo 'lights up' in response to the beat of the music. When the music falls silent, the screen will turn black. However, by using the Illuminate Lock control you can force the VideoGobo to remain illuminated, even when there is no beat. Press the [i] key on the keyboard to 'lock' the Illumination of the VideoGobo. Although the VideoGobo remains illuminated when the music falls silent, the cycling direction will still change on the beat. (If Illuminate Lock doesn't switch ON when you first press [i], press [i] again.) Press [i] again to turn Illuminate Lock OFF. The [O] key can be used to turn [O]ne Color Lock ON or OFF. This leaves one of the colors making up a VideoGobo illuminated creating an interesting effect. Try it! (It is possible that One Color Lock may already have been switched ON when the demo system iCUE was recalled automatically on startup.) Special Effects Press the [K] key to [K]aleidoscope the VideoGobo. This reduces the image by one quarter and then produces reflected copies. Press the [G] key to make the image [G]lide. If there is music playing, the image will bounce around changing direction on the beat. To vary the Glide speed, hold down [Alternate] and press [G]. Release both keys and then press a number along the top of the keyboard between [1] and [9]. [1] is slowest, [9] is fastest. See the REFERENCE chapter for more details on the above effects. Break Time - Go Wild! Press the [R] key. You are witnessing the [R]amZapper, an effect designed for those moments when the music's energy level reaches critical! Press [R] again to turn RamZapper off. In the Reference chapter you will learn how to vary the RamZapper speed. Like all BiT BOPPER effects, RamZapper may be activated at any time. And you can still adjust the Color Filters, Cycle Speed and other controls while the effect is in action. IF IN DOUBT, PRESS [Clr/Home] [Clr/Home] resets or switches OFF the various VideoGobo effects, returning the on screen visuals to a sense of normality! Introducing Layering BiT BOPPER has the capability to layer one VideoGobo on top of another. This allows a wide variety effects to be achieved because the two images may be manipulated and colored independently of each other. Double-click the [+] or [-] key to switch BiT BOPPER into dual layer mode. Although you can use the [+] or [-] keys along the top of the main keyboard area, it is best to use the keys on the numeric keypad as this is where your fingers will spend most of their time when operating BiT BOPPER. Press the [-] key to select the back layer. Use [Control]+[P] to browse through the VideoGobo library and pick a design you like. (Soon you will remember your favorite designs). Press [Esc] to turn Preview OFF. Incidentally, you can use Preview at any time, but remember, it is best to preview your VideoGobos before a live show! Using the numeric keypad, key in the number of the VideoGobo and press the [Enter] key. The VideoGobo will be loaded into the selected layer. Now press the [+] key to select the front (top) layer. Load a VideoGobo into the front layer. The VideoGobo will appear on top of the first VideoGobo you chose. Use the number keys along the top of the keyboard to change the color of the front VideoGobo. The [+] and [-] keys are used to make a particular layer 'active' so you can apply any BiT BOPPER special effect to an individual layer - with the exception of [G]lide, which makes both layers Glide together. Selecting Both Layers Pressing the [X] key will make both layers active so you can apply an effect to both layers simultaneously. Press [X]. Press [K] and the Kaleidoscope effect will be applied to both layers. If one of the layers was already Kaleidoscoped, then it will be un-Kaleidoscoped. To make an individual layer active again, press [+] or [-]. Layer Swapping Press the [L] key to switch the layer position of the VideoGobos. This will move the VideoGobo in the background into the foreground layer and likewise, the foreground VideoGobo into the background layer. Applying Transparency Masks Hold down the [Control] key and press keyboard keys [1] to [5] in turn to select different Transparency Masks. These effect how much of the front VideoGobo is made transparent to the back layer VideoGobo. A table of Transparency Masks is shown in the APPENDIX chapter.

Hello World!   Introducing the CyberWriter Press the [W] key and keep your eyes on the keyboard, not the video screen. Very carefully, (preferably using just one finger), type the following on the keyboard: Hey guys, the writing is on the screen!   There is no need to press [Return] as the CyberWriter will automatically format your message. You can use [Return] to force a new line. If you think you made a typing error, press the [Delete] or [Backspace] key to erase the previous character. When you have finished typing, press the [Enter] key on the numeric keypad. Quick, watch the screen... Your message will appear in Page mode layout. Press any key to remove the message from the screen and return to live mode. If you do not press a key after the message has been displayed, it will automatically be removed after a timeout period set using the Vision Control CYBERWRITER Menu. Changing the text color To change the color of the text, hold down [Alternate] and press [W]. Release the keys. Quickly press a number between [0] and [7] to select a Primary Color for the text. See Primary Color Filter table in the APPENDIX chapter. Using the on screen editor If you are not performing live and want to be able to see what you are typing a line at a time, switch on the Heads Up Display (HUD) by pressing [Control]+[Tab]. Changing CyberWriter Modes CyberWriter can display text in Page mode, (like the previous example), or Ticker-Tape mode, where the text is displayed in a line that scrolls across the screen. Hold down [Control] and press [W]. Type in another message, remembering to press [Enter] on the numeric keypad when you are finished. The ticker-tape text will appear. Further control of CyberWriter The Vision Control CYBERWRITER Menu provides complete control over the CyberWriter's features. This is covered in the CyberWriter section of the Reference chapter. Storing messages as iCUEs Any CyberWriter message may be stored as an iCUE allowing you to recall your own preset messages at the press of a key, or you can incorporate CyberWriter based iCUEs into iCUE Sequences and Alarm programs. See the CyberWriter section of the REFERENCE chapter for details on how to store messages as iCUEs.

Final Steps   The remarkable iCUE The iCUE is the single most powerful feature of BiT BOPPER. Literally ANYTHING that BiT BOPPER is currently displaying on the video screen may be stored for later recall. iCUEs work by storing all the attributes associated with whatever is on the screen. For example, if there are two layered VideoGobos being displayed, then the VideoGobo filenames, Color Filter numbers, Cycle Speed values, Transparency Mask numbers and other information will all be stored in the iCUE. iCUEs may be recalled individually as and when you desire, or sequenced together with the easy to use iCUE Sequencer that allows totally automated light shows to be created. And because CyberWriter messages and PhotoImages can also be stored as iCUEs, BiT BOPPER can be programmed to display advertisements and other promotional messages within your VideoGobo light show. Alarms can be programmed to display individual iCUEs or iCUE Sequences at preset times on particular days. Storing your creation as an iCUE Check your [U]ser area is selected by pressing [U] and then your User Number. (Between 1 and 9). Press the [*] key on the numeric keypad. Using the keypad, key in a number between 1 and 9999. Press the [*] key on the keypad again to Store the iCUE. The disk access lamp will light up for a split second while the iCUE is being stored. Using the iCUE log at the back of this User's Guide, make a note of the iCUE number and your own name for the iCUE for your reference. You may like to make copies of the iCUE log page as you will no doubt create several hundred iCUEs over time. Depending on the space available on the hard disk, up to 10,000 iCUEs may be stored in each User Area. Displaying hard disk information Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select ABOUT... At the bottom of the About page, the amount of space available on the hard disk is displayed on Kbytes. (1000Kbytes equals 1Megabyte.) For information on how much space is used up by the various types of BiT BOPPER files, see the TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION at the very end of this user's guide. Press [Help] twice to return to live mode. Recalling a Stored iCUE Using the numeric keypad, press the [*] key and then key in the number of the iCUE you wish to recall. Press [Enter] on the numeric keypad and the iCUE will be displayed. As an alternative to using the keypad to recall iCUEs, the first 100 iCUEs may be recalled using the Function Keys above the keyboard area. This is described later in the REFERENCE chapter under Recall iCUE.   CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed the Guided Tour of BiT BOPPER. This chapter has only touched the surface of BiT BOPPER's capabilities. By trying out the various features detailed in the following Reference chapter, you will be able to benefit from BiT BOPPER's extraordinary power and flexibility. Go blow their minds!

5 - REFERENCE Alphabetical reference to all BiT BOPPER commands and features

All Clear (VideoGobo Reset) Control [Clr/Home] Description This simultaneously switches OFF all VideoGobo special effects or sequence features such as [G]lide, [K]aleidoscope, Video[B]op, [R]amZapper etc ensuring the VideoGobo will be displayed as close to its original form as possible. [Clr/Home] also switches OFF the Heads Up Display (HUD). [Clr/Home] is ideal if you forget which effects you have switched on, or simply to get back the original VideoGobo image - which may become unrecognizable after being manipulated using BiT BOPPER's array of visual effects! Tutorial Press the [Clr/Home] key to reset the VideoGobo(s). When in dual layer mode, pressing [X] and then [Clr/Home] will reset both VideoGobos. See Also Panic/Abort button. Audio Trigger Level Adjust Control Increase sensitivity: [Control]+[Up] Decrease sensitivity: [Control]+[Down] Description This provides control over the audio level used to trigger sound synchronized effects. Tutorial Hold down the [Control] key and press the [Up] or [Down] keys. The level you set will be remembered by BiT BOPPER ready for the next time the system is used. Visual Feedback If you are not performing live, switch ON the HUD (Heads Up Display) for visual feedback by holding down [Control] and pressing [Tab]. The bargraph display provides a visual representation of the numeric value shown below it. Once you have made your adjustments, [Shift]+[Tab] will turn HUD OFF again. Auto Motion Damping (AMD) Control ON: [Control]+[D] Force OFF: [Shift]+[Control]+[D] Description This feature effects [G]lide and [C]ycle. When AMD is turned ON, the Glide and Cycle speeds are automatically set to their slowest settings. Then each time a beat is detected by the system, Glide and Cycle will increase in speed. When there is a lull, Glide and Cycle will automatically slow down again (Dampen). This has the effect of ensuring the on screen imagery more accurately reflects the tempo and mood of the audio signal. Tutorial Hold down [Control] and press [D] to turn AMD ON or OFF. To best see AMD in action, press [V] and type in [3] [0] [Enter] on the numeric keypad to set the Metronome to 30 BPM. Notice how the image slows down between the simulated beats. Press [V] [V] to switch the Metronome OFF. Things you should know AMD is a PREFERENCES feature, this means that its status will be remembered by BiT BOPPER, even if the computer is switched OFF and back ON. If an iCUE that uses AMD is recalled, then AMD will be set to the state programmed into the iCUE - and that includes any iCUEs that are recalled when the system starts up. Hints and Tips AMD is best suited to types of audio were the energy and tempo varies quite a lot, such as classical (the 1812 is best), speech, electronic, new age or romantic pop. If you find that AMD makes the imagery animate too quickly or over react, try adjusting the Audio Trigger Level to a lower setting. Experiment by turning [G]lide OFF and [C]ycle ON, or the other way around. The effects can be quite interesting. See Also [G]lide [C]ycle [V]irtual Rhythm Metronome Auto Random VideoGobo Change Control ON/OFF: [Control]+[A] Force OFF: [Shift]+[Control]+[A] Description Every so often a different VideoGobo will be randomly chosen from the currently selected VideoGobo Bank. Ideal if the system is to be left unattended. Tutorial Hold down [Control] and press [A] key to switch Auto Random VideoGobo Change ON or OFF. Hints and Tips This feature is useful if you have to leave BiT BOPPER unattended for a short while and wish to ensure the on screen imagery does not grow boring!     VideoGobo Bank Select Control Bank VideoGobos Keypress 1 1-10 [Shift]+[F1] 2 11-20 [Shift]+[F2] 3 21-30 [Shift]+[F3] 4 31-40 [Shift]+[F4] 5 41-50 [Shift]+[F5] 6 51-60 [Shift]+[F6] 7 61-70 [Shift]+[F7] 8 71-80 [Shift]+[F8] 9 81-90 [Shift]+[F9] 10 91-100 [Shift]+[F0] Description Certain features require that the first 100 VideoGobos on BiT BOPPER's internal hard disk be loaded into the system's Random Access Memory (RAM) in banks of 10 VideoGobos at a time. These features include: Beat VideoGobo Sequence [J]am [R]amZapper [S]equence Bounce Video[B]op Tutorial Hold down either of the [Shift] keys. Press one of the function keys to select the appropriate VideoGobo bank. There will be a short delay as the 10 VideoGobos are loaded off BiT BOPPER's hard disk into memory. Hints and Tips Due to the short delay as a VideoGobo bank is loaded into memory, it is recommended that you select a desired VideoGobo bank in advance of using any features that use VideoGobo banks. BiT BOPPER is supplied with 60 VideoGobos. Therefore, banks 7 to 10 will be empty. To view the VideoGobos on your system, use the Preview VideoGobos feature. See Also Beat VideoGobo [S]equence [J]am VideoGobo(s) [R]amZapper Sequence Bounce Video [B]op Beat Color Change Control ON/OFF: [A] Force OFF: [Shift]+[A] Description At each beat, a randomly selected color filter will be applied to the VideoGobo(s). A combination of both Primary and Spectrum Color Filters is used. Tutorial Press the [A] key. To switch Beat Color Change OFF, press [A] or [Shift]+[A]. See Also Beat VideoGobo [S]equence Bump Metronome [V]irtual Rhythm Beat VideoGobo [S]equence Control ON/OFF: [S] Force OFF: [Shift]+[S] Description The VideoGobos in the selected VideoGobo bank will be sequenced through on each beat. Tutorial Press [S]. This feature only works in single layer mode, therefore if BiT BOPPER is in dual layer mode, then it will automatically switch into single layer mode until the feature is switched OFF again using [S] or [Shift]+[S] See Also Bank Select Beat Color Change   Bump Control [Space Bar] Description Pressing the [Space Bar] has the same effect as a loud beat and will function whether an audio source is connected or not. Bump is also used to program the [V]irtual Rhythm feature. Tutorial Keeping your eye on the screen, tap the [Space Bar]... If [i]lluminate Lock is OFF, then the VideoGobo(s) will be temporarily illuminated. If [i]lluminate Lock is ON and Color [C]ycling is ON then the Cycling will change direction. If [G]lide is on then the Glide direction will change. If Video[B]op is ON then the VideoGobo sequence will be animated. If Beat VideoGobo Sequence is ON then the next VideoGobo in the selected bank will be displayed. If [Z]apFlash is ON, then the VideoGobo will flash. See Also [V]irtual Rhythm Metronome [Q]uieten   Capture and Save Control [Control]+[F10] Description Allows you to save a precise copy of whatever is on the screen to a DOS formatted 3.5" floppy disk. Ideal for importing BiT BOPPER imagery into other computer software applications, or for review purposes. The file is saved in the BMP image format. Capture & Save can be used at any time including when CyberWriter text is on the screen or when Vision Control is active. The exception is when a PhotoImage is being displayed. There may be other restrictions to. Each screen file occupies approx 90KBytes. Tutorial Insert a DOS Formatted 3.5" floppy disk into the disk drive on the right hand side of the computer. Create the effect you wish to capture. We recommend that Freeze ([Control]+[F]) is used if you wish to capture an animating pattern or message at a precise moment. Hold down the [Control] key and press function key [F10]. Carefully (you will not see what you are typing), type in up to 8 characters as a filename. The file will be saved to the floppy disk in the .BMP format. Remember, do not eject the disk until the Disk Access Lamp has gone out! If you used Freeze, then remember to switch it OFF using [Esc] or [Clr/Home]. See Also Freeze   Color Bars Control ON: [Control]+[F1] or select from the Vision Control UTILITIES Menu. OFF: Any Key Description This feature is provided to assist with setting up a video display or television. 8 vertical bars colored in order of luminance value are displayed, with the brightest color (white) on the left, and black on the right. When tuning in a television and / or adjusting the controls on a television or video display, ensure the correct colors are displayed, as shown in the drawing. Tutorial Hold down [Control] and press [F1] to display the color bars. The color bars will appear as shown in the picture. To remove the color bars press any key. BiT BOPPER will return to whatever it was doing. Cyber[W]riter Control Default Mode: [W] Other Mode: [Control]+[W] Description The CyberWriter is a powerful video typewriter designed to display easy to read and eye-catching messages. The CyberWriter has two modes, Page mode and Ticker-Tape mode. Page mode displays lines of text a "page" at a time. Each page of text may be up to 7 lines long, depending on the typeface size. What makes Page mode special is the automatic formatting feature that sizes the text to fit the screen. Ticker-Tape mode scrolls the text across the screen like the electronic signs used in stock trading rooms. Whichever mode you use, CyberWriter messages may be stored as iCUEs for recall at any time, or as part of an iCUE Sequence. CyberWriter messages are displayed over any VideoGobo patterns on the screen creating an eye-catching effect. Tutorial, Page Mode The [W] key is used to enter text into the CyberWriter in the default mode, while [Control]+[W] will enter the opposite of the default mode. For example, if the default CyberWriter mode is Page mode, then [Control]+[W] will enter Ticker-Tape mode. The default mode is setup using the Vision Control CYBERWRITER Menu. For the first tutorial, we will use Page mode: Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the CYBERWRITER Menu. Set the Default Mode to PAGE Mode. (Remember to press [Return] to confirm.) Press [Help] to exit Vision Control. Color Selection Hold down the [Alternate] key and press [W]. Now release the keys and press a number row key between [0] and [7] to select a Primary Color Filter to apply to the text. The Primary Color Filter selected for the text will be remembered until changed again. Press [W] to enter edit ('write') mode. Preferably using one finger (to avoid typing mistakes), key in your message. If you want to start a new line, press [Return]. To send the message to the screen press [Enter] on the numeric keypad. For example: Dance The [Return] Night [Return] Away! [Enter]   Using the Line Editor If you want to see what you are typing a line at a time, switch ON the Heads Up Display (HUD) by holding down [Control] and pressing [Tab]. (Not advised during a live performance!) [Shift]+[Tab] turns the HUD OFF. Erasing mistakes Press the [Delete] or [Backspace] keys to erase the last character(s) typed. Alternatively, press [Esc] to abort from text input and start again by pressing [W]. Message Timeout Messages will be displayed on top of the VideoGobos and will remain on the screen for a timeout period set using the Vision Control CYBERWRITER Menu. Text Overflow If you type more than one page full of text, then as much text as possible will be squeezed onto the screen, however, three dots (...) will appear at the end of the last word. When you see this, you can press a key to display the next page of text, or the next page will automatically be displayed at the end of the timeout period. To store the CyberWriter message as an iCUE you will need to use the Store iCUE command while the message is still on the screen. To keep (Hold) the message on the screen for ever, press the [H] key. Press any key to remove the message. Aborting Press any key to remove Page mode text before the end of the timeout period. Tutorial, Ticker-Tape Mode Color Selection Like Page mode, ticker-tape text can appear in any of the 8 primary colors. However, you can use Vision Control to choose the color of the background "tape" that the text appears on. If you select Auto, then the tape color will be chosen for you, and will be specially matched for the best contrast with the text color, set using [Alternate]+[W] [0]-[7]. Assuming Page mode is the default mode, press [Control]+[W] to enter ticker-tape mode. Type in your message. You need not press [Return] between lines, as ticker-tape displays everything on one continuous line. Press [Enter] when you are done. The message will scroll continuously, or until the timeout period set using the Vision Control CYBERWRITER Menu. The start and finish of a ticker-tape message is indicated by a series asterisks, see below: Happy Birthday John ***** Happy Birthday J   Speed Selection - New for Version 1.6!   Use the Ticker-Tape Speed item to choose from the three ticker-tape speeds (Slow, Medium & Fast). Please note that on some systems, faster speeds may cause the text to flicker. To save a ticker-tape message as an iCUE, use the Store iCUE command. Aborting To immediately abort a ticker-tape message, press [Esc]. To abort at the end of the current message loop, press any key. Things you should know While a message is on the screen, other than Freeze, [H]old and Store iCUE, no features may be used. CyberWriter allows up to 230 characters to be entered in any one message. The CyberWriter cannot be used while BiT BOPPER is displaying a PhotoImage.     [C]ycle Control ON/OFF: [C] Force OFF: [Shift]+[C] Speed Adjust: [Shift]+[1]-[0] Fine Adjust: [Up] or [Down] Cycle Direction: [Left] or [Right] Arrows or [Space Bar] Description Cycling is an technique whereby the colors making up a VideoGobo are animated. The cycle direction reverses on each beat, or it may be controlled manually. If Auto Motion Damping (AMD) is switched ON, then the cycle speed will vary in proportion to the beat intensity. Tutorial Press the [C] key to switch Cycle ON or OFF. To vary the Cycle speed either use the [Up]] and [Down] keys or hold down one of the [Shift] keys and press a number between [1] and [0] along the top of the keyboard. [1] is the slowest, while [0] is the fastest. To reverse the Cycle direction, either press the [Space Bar] or use the [Left] and [Right] arrow keys. Hints and Tips Try turning Cycle OFF while [I]lluminate Lock is OFF. If there is no audio present, press the [Space Bar] to bump the image. Another interesting effect can be created in dual layer mode: Press one of the layer select keys, [+] or [-], and then switch cycle OFF on one of the layers. Now press the [X] key to select both layers, and finally press the [C] key a few times. The effect of the Cycle control will alternate between each layer. See Also Cycle and Color RESET   Cycle and Color RESET Control Reset: [Control]+[C] Continue: [C] Description This feature switches off Color Cycling and resets the positions of the individual colors making up the Color Filters. This is particularly useful when using VideoGobos that are based on scanned in images, such as photographs etc. Tutorial Hold down the [Control] key and press [C]. The color cycling will stop and the colors will be reset. To best see the effect, switch ON [I]lluminate Lock. To continue color cycling again, press the [C] key. See Also [C]ycle   Delete PhotoImage Control [P] [n] [Delete] Description This allows you to individually delete PhotoImages from the hard disk. Once a PhotoImage has been deleted, it cannot be recovered. This feature is ideal for removing unwanted PhotoImages and freeing up hard disk space. Tutorial Press [P]. Using the numeric keypad, key in the number of the PhotoImage you wish to delete. DO NOT PRESS THE [Enter] key! Press the [Delete] key. There will be a prompt allowing you to abort or continue. Follow the instructions on the screen. If you confirm the deletion, the selected PhotoImage will be deleted. Things you should know If an attempt is made to recall an iCUE based on a PhotoImage that has been deleted, then the iCUE will not recall. See Also [C]ycle Preview PhotoImages   Delete VideoGobo Control [n] [Delete] Description This allows you to individually delete VideoGobos from the hard disk. Once a VideoGobo has been deleted, it cannot be recovered. This feature is ideal for removing unwanted VideoGobos and freeing up hard disk space. Tutorial Using the numeric keypad, key in the number of the VideoGobo you wish to delete. DO NOT PRESS THE [Enter] key! Press the [Delete] key. A preview of the VideoGobo you chose to delete will be displayed along with a prompt allowing you to abort or continue. Follow the instructions on the screen. If you confirm the deletion, the selected VideoGobo will be deleted. Things you should know If an attempt is made to recall an iCUE based on a VideoGobo that has been deleted, then the iCUE will not display properly, or at all. See Also Load VideoGobo Preview VideoGobos   [D]rift Colors Control ON/OFF: [D] Force OFF: [Shift]+[D] Description Single Layer Mode - BiT BOPPER will randomly cycle through the complete range of Spectrum Color Filters. The effects can be very enchanting. Dual Layer Mode - When Spectrum Color Filters are applied to layered VideoGobos, 16 of the 256 possible colors making up the Spectrum Color Filter are displayed on each layer. By switching [D]rift ON, BiT BOPPER will cycle through all 256 colors of the Filter displaying 16 colors at any one time. The Drift speed is governed by the Cycle speed. See [C]ycle for details on adjusting the cycle speed. If Cycle is OFF then Drift will not function. Drift is best understood through experimentation. Tutorial Select Single or Dual Layer Mode by double clicking the [+] or [-] keys. If in dual layer mode then select a layer by pressing one of the [+] or [-] keys. Press [D] to switch Drift ON. See Also [H]old   [E]xchange (swap) VideoGobos Control [E] [Source filename] [Enter] [E] [Destination filename] [Enter] Description This useful feature allows you to swap the places of any two VideoGobos. Tutorial Press [E]. Using the numeric keypad, type in source VideoGobo filename and press [Enter]. Now key in the destination VideoGobo filename and press [Enter]. For example: [6] [5] [Enter] [7] [3] [Enter] will swap VideoGobo 65 with 73. Things you should know Swapping VideoGobos will not effect any iCUEs they are used in. This is because iCUEs do not use VideoGobo filenames for reference, but a unique VideoGobo serial number given to each VideoGobo when it is installed on BiT BOPPER.   Force OFF Control [Shift]+[appropriate key] Description Sometimes it is convenient to know that you have absolutely definitely switched an effect or function OFF. With some of BiT BOPPER's features, it is difficult to tell if the feature is ON or OFF, in particular with effects like [D]rift, [Z]apFlash etc. Tutorial Hold down a [Shift] key while pressing the appropriate command key. For example, to make sure [D]rift is OFF, hold down [Shift] and press [D]. That's it! To make sure the Heads Up Display (HUD) is definitely OFF before you start a live performance, hold down [Shift] and press [Tab]. See Also All features activated using the alphanumeric keys.   Freeze Control ON: [Control]+[F] OFF: [F] or [Esc] or [Clr/Home] Force OFF: [Shift]+[F] Description This freezes whatever BiT BOPPER is currently displaying on the screen and is primarily designed for use with the Capture and Save feature. When Freeze is ON, no other BiT BOPPER keys will work, other than those used for Capture and Save and the keys which are used to turn Freeze OFF again. Tutorial Hold down [Control] and press [F] to Freeze whatever BiT BOPPER is displaying. Press [F] again to unfreeze the screen. See Also Capture and Save   [G]lide Control ON/OFF: [G] Speed Adjust: [Alternate]+[G] then [1]-[9] Force in Compass Direction: [Shift]+Numeric keypad number key Force in Linear Direction: [Shift]+[Up] [Down] [Right] or [Left] Arrow OFF: [Shift]+[G] or [Shift]+[5] on numeric keypad. Description The VideoGobo(s) will Glide across the screen. The Glide direction will change on the beat. Glide works in two ways: If you press the [G] key, then the VideoGobo(s) will bounce around in all 8 compass directions. If [Shift] + any of the number keys on the numeric keypad are used, then the VideoGobo(s) will Glide in the selected compass direction. The number keys represent the 8 compass directions. For example, [Shift]+[9] on the numeric keypad will make the VideoGobo(s) Glide diagonally from South/West to North/East until a beat reverses the direction. Tutorial Press the [G] key or [Shift] + a numeric keypad number to switch Glide ON. To vary the Glide speed hold down [Alternate] and press [G]. Release the keys and immediately press a number between [1] and [9]. [1] is the slowest, while [9] is the fastest. By pressing [Control]+[D], Auto Motion Damping (AMD) will be turned ON or OFF. When ON, the Glide and Cycle speed will temporarily increase in proportion to the beat. When the beat is less intense, the Glide and Cycle speeds will be dampened automatically. To switch Glide OFF, press [G] on the keyboard, [Shift]+[G] or [Shift]+[5] on the numeric keypad. Hints and Tips If you used the [G] key to switch Glide on, wait for the VideoGobo(s) to center and hold down the Bump key [Space Bar] for an interesting effect - the image will appear to wobble about its center. Things you should know It is not possible to adjust the Glide speed while AMD is ON. When Glide is ON, HUD will not function. See Also Auto Motion Damping (AMD) [K]aleidoscope   Heads Up Display (HUD) Control ON: [Control]+[Tab] OFF: [Shift]+[Tab] Or use the Vision Control PREFERENCES Menu. Description The HUD provides on screen feedback when particular features are switched ON or OFF, or when adjustments are made. It also provides an on screen line editor for the Cyber[W]riter. Unless you want to add a hi-tech look to your production, the HUD would not be used during a live performance or when making a video recording. However, it is ideal when pre-programming iCUEs, or learning how to operate BiT BOPPER. Tutorial Hold down [Control] and press [Tab] to turn the HUD ON. Alternatively you can switch ON the HUD from the Vision Control PREFERENCES Menu. As an example, press [K] to turn Kaleidoscope ON or OFF. You will see the word Kaleidoscope ON appear in the lower left of the screen. The HUD message will disappear after approx 5 seconds, or when another features is selected. If the system is in dual layer mode, then two lines will appear showing the status of each layer. "+" indicates the front (top) layer, "-" the back (bottom) layer is selected. Adjust the Audio Trigger level by holding down [Control] and pressing the [Up] or [Down] keys. Now press [W] to type in a message using the Cyber[W]riter. You will be able to see the text as you type it in at the bottom of the screen - a line at a time. When [Return] is pressed, you can type (and edit) the next line. And so on until [Enter] is pressed. To turn the HUD off, hold down [Shift] and press [Tab] or use the Vision Control PREFERENCES Menu. Things you should know HUD does not function when using [G]lide, or any of the VideoGobo Bank based features such as [R]amZapper, [S]equence Bounce etc. There may be some other features that HUD ignores too. See Also Cyber[W]riter   [H]old VideoGobo, Message, iCUE Sequence (Single Layer Mode Only when using VideoGobos) Control ON: [H] OFF: Switches OFF automatically after each use. Description Hold effects two BiT BOPPER features: Hold VideoGobo: Hold works in single layer mode only and allows the current VideoGobo to be held in place on the screen while another is loaded in. Depending on the selected Transparency Mask, the first VideoGobo will be made transparent to the second VideoGobo creating a totally new effect. Do not confuse the Hold feature with dual layer mode. The Hold feature does not treat the VideoGobos as layers, but in fact merges the VideoGobos into one new image. CyberWriter: Hold may be used to keep a Page mode message on the screen until a key is pressed. VideoGobo Tutorial Ensure the system is in single layer mode. Load in a VideoGobo of your choice. If there is no audio source present, switch on [i]lluminate Lock, [V]irtual Rhythm or Metronome. Press the [H] key. Select a Transparency Mask. Now load in a different VideoGobo. It will be "pasted" on top of the first VideoGobo you loaded. You can now store the resulting image as an iCUE. ONLY THE FIRST TWO VIDEOGOBOS YOU LOADED WILL BE STORED AN AN iCUE. To add another VideoGobo to the 'pile', press [H] again and load another VideoGobo! Things you should know A maximum of two VideoGobos are stored as an iCUE, even if you have layered more than one image by repeatedly pressing [H] and loading in additional VideoGobos. If you want to store a multi-layer VideoGobo formed using [H]old, you can use the Make VideoGobo feature to convert whatever is on the screen into a VideoGobo and then save it to disk. Re-load it and use [H]old again to increase the image complexity. (See Make VideoGobo in the Reference chapter.) Hints and tips Some spectacular effects can be created by combining different Transparency Masks and VideoGobos. Try [D]rift too! CyberWriter Tutorial While a CyberWriter Page mode message is on the screen, press [H] to hold the message on the screen. Press any key to remove the message, or display the next page in the case of multi-page messages. See Also Make VideoGobo Transparency Mask Cyber[W]riter   iCUE Alarms Control Vision Control ALARM Menu. Description This powerful feature allows BiT BOPPER to run fully automatically, or to display messages and advertisements at preset times during each day. You can program up to 10 different alarms in 10 different Alarm Group - equalling a total of 100 individual alarms. An alarm can trigger an iCUE Sequence or an individual iCUE. Set the TIME & DATE first! Before you can use the Alarms, BiT BOPPER's internal clock just be set to the correct TIME & DATE. This is done from the Set Time & Date... item in the Vision Control PREFERENCES menu. The Time is displayed at the top left of the Vision Control panel. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Highlight and select the ALARM Menu item. You can select from a range of days and day groups to suite your needs. Select the Alarm Group you desire and press the [Right] key. A table will appear where you can enter up to 10 alarms for that day or day group. Turning an Alarm ON and OFF Check the cursor is in the STAT column and press [Return] to toggle the alarm between ON and OFF. Setting the Alarm Time Move the cursor into the TIME column and key in the time in 12 hour format starting with a 0 (zero) for times under 10 o'clock. By default the time will be set to PM, but pressing the [A] key will set AM. Press [P] to set back to PM. For example, to set an alarm for 9:30pm, type 0930P Selecting the Item Type & Number Move the cursor into the TYPE column and press [i] if the alarm is to trigger an individual iCUE, or [S] if it is to trigger an iCUE Sequence. In the ITEM column, key in the item number. That is, the number you used when saving the iCUE or iCUE Sequence. Setting the User Number For iCUE based alarms, key in the User Number of the iCUE in the USER/SEQUENCE column. For iCUE Sequence alarms, the iCUE Sequence name is automatically displayed in the User/Sequence column. Press [Return] or [Down] to move onto the next alarm row, or press [Esc] to exit. Alarm Group Priorities If you have a large number of alarms programmed, it is inevitable that some will overlap. Please note the following rules: Everyday has priority over... Weekday has priority over... Weekend has priority over... The individual days It is up to you to manage the alarms so they do not clash. Alarms Trigger in LIVE mode! BiT BOPPER must be in LIVE mode for the Alarm(s) to trigger. Aborting iCUE Sequences As with manual playback of an iCUE Sequence, [Clr/Home] will abort the playback of an alarm triggered iCUE Sequence. Things you should know Any alarms programmed will be repeated each week until turned OFF from the STAT column in the appropriate alarm group programming table. You can switch ON or OFF the complete alarm system from the Master Alarm Control menu item in the ALARM Control menu. Although the Master Alarm Control does override the individual alarms, it does not effect the individual STAT settings. See Also Create iCUE Sequence Store iCUE   Recall iCUE Control Recall iCUE n: [*] [n] [Enter] using numeric keypad Bank Access: SEE BELOW Description iCUEs can be recalled at any time by any of the following methods: Using the numeric keypad to directly access any of the (possible) thousands of iCUEs that can be accommodated on the hard disk. Using the Function Keys along the top of the keyboard in conjunction with the numeric keypad. Playing back an iCUE Sequence. Tutorial Check you are in your User Area by pressing [U] and then your user number. Press the [*] key on the numeric keypad. Using the numeric keypad, key in the number of the iCUE you wish to recall. Press the [Enter] key on the numeric keypad. The iCUE will be recalled. If the iCUE is based on a VideoGobo that you have since deleted from the hard disk, then the iCUE will no longer recall, or will not recall as originally created. To recall any of the first 100 iCUEs using the Function Keys, first select an iCUE bank by pressing a number key on the numeric keypad. Bank 0 contains iCUEs 1 to 10 Bank 1 contains iCUEs 11 to 20 Bank 2 contains iCUEs 21 to 30 and so on. For example, to recall iCUE 45: Press [4] on the numeric keypad. Press [F5] on the Function Key strip. iCUE 45 will be recalled Hints and Tips Using the Function Keys to recall iCUEs is ideal for live performance work where you could group different types of iCUE into the different banks. See Also Create iCUE Sequence Store iCUE View contents of iCUE iCUE Directory   Store iCUE Control Store iCUE n: [*] [n] [*] Description ANYTHING displayed by BiT BOPPER can be stored as an iCUE (Intelligent CUE). iCUEs work by storing all the attributes associated with what is on the screen, such as VideoGobo pattern, Color Filters, Cycle Speed, Transparency Masks (dual layer mode only), Special Effects etc. The exception is CyberWriter messages which are stored independently of any underlying imagery. Tutorial Make sure you are in your User Area by pressing [U] and then your user number. Press the [*] key on the numeric keypad. Using the numeric keypad key in the number of the iCUE you wish to store between 1 and 9999. Press the [*] key on the numeric keypad. The iCUE will be stored on BiT BOPPER's internal hard disk in your chosen user area. CyberWriter iCUEs If you are storing a CyberWriter message as an iCUE, it is important to remember that only the text is stored, not any VideoGobo images lying under the text. This allows you to display CyberWriter iCUEs on top of any VideoGobo images already on the screen. If you specifically want to display a message over a particular VideoGobo pattern, then store the VideoGobo pattern as an iCUE, and recall it before recalling the CyberWriter iCUE. PLEASE NOTE: No warning is given if you attempt to overwrite a previously stored iCUE. See Also Create iCUE Sequence Recall iCUE View contents of iCUE iCUE Directory   iCUE Directory - New for Version 1.6! Control Vision Control iCUE Menu Description Allows you to view the iCUE files in the currently selected user area. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Highlight the iCUE Menu item and press the [Right] arrow or [Return] key. Highlight the iCUE Directory item and select it. A table of iCUE filenames will appear. The letters after each filename indicate the iCUE type: (V) = A VideoGobo based iCUE. (C) = A CyberWriter (text) based iCUE. (P) = A PhotoImage based iCUE. If there are more iCUEs than will fit in the table, then use the [+] and [-] keys to browse. Viewing the contents of the iCUE Use the arrow keys to highlight the iCUE that interests you and press [Return]. Deleting an iCUE Use the arrow keys to highlight the iCUE you wish to delete, and press [Delete]. Press [Esc] to exit the iCUE Directory table. See Also Store iCUE Recall iCUE View contents of iCUE Playback iCUE Sequence Edit iCUE Sequence Delete iCUE Sequence iCUE Alarms View contents of iCUE - New for Version 1.6! Control Vision Control iCUE Menu Description Allows you to view the contents (such as VideoGobo filenames etc) making up an iCUE. Tutorial From Vision Control Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Highlight the iCUE Menu item and press the [Right] arrow or [Return] key. Highlight the iCUE Directory item and select it. A table of iCUE filenames will appear. Use the arrow keys to highlight the iCUE that interests you, and press [Return]. A list of the files making up that iCUE will appear. Press [Esc] to exit the iCUE Contents table. See Also Store iCUE Recall iCUE iCUE Directory Playback iCUE Sequence Edit iCUE Sequence Delete iCUE Sequence iCUE Alarms   Create iCUE Sequence Control Vision Control iCUE Menu Description The iCUE Sequencer allows up to 99 iCUEs to be strung together in a timed sequence. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Highlight the iCUE Menu item and press the [Right] arrow or [Return] key. Highlight the Create iCUE Sequence item and select it. The iCUE Sequence editing table will appear. If you are starting a new sequence, you need not enter a start TIME for the first step unless you specifically want there to be a delay before the first iCUE is displayed, so press the [Tab] or [Right] key to highlight the next cell. Key in the User Area number where the first iCUE is located. The cursor will automatically move to the next cell. In the iCUE column, key in the iCUE number and press [Return] to move the cursor to the next sequence step. Entering the time Now enter the relative time that the iCUE will appear at. (That is, the time from when you actually playback the iCUE Sequence.) This is entered in HOURS, MINUTES and SECONDS. You do not need to type the colon (:). This will be inserted for you. For example, if you want the iCUE to be recalled 1 minute and 30 seconds into the sequence, then enter 00:01:30. Press the [Tab] or [Right] key to highlight the next cell. Repeat from step 5 until you have created your iCUE Sequence. Correcting Errors Highlight the cell containing the error and re-type the entry. Deleting a Step To Delete a step, highlight a cell in the appropriate row and press [Alternate]+[X]. To Save your iCUE Sequence Press the [*] key on the numeric keypad. Enter 32 character iCUE Sequence name and press [Return]. Enter filename from 1 to 99 and press [Return]. The iCUE Sequence will be saved. See Also Edit iCUE Sequence Delete iCUE Sequence Playback iCUE Sequence Loop iCUE Sequence Playback iCUE Alarms Delete iCUE Sequence Control Vision Control iCUE Menu. Description This allows you to delete an iCUE Sequence from the hard disk. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the iCUE Menu. Select the Delete iCUE Sequence item. Highlight the sequence name you wish to delete. Press the [Delete] key. The iCUE Sequence will be permanently deleted from the hard disk. See Also Create iCUE Sequence Edit iCUE Sequence Playback iCUE Sequence Loop iCUE Sequence Playback Edit iCUE Sequence Control Vision Control iCUE Menu. Description Allows you to edit a previously created iCUE Sequence. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the iCUE Menu. Select the Edit iCUE Sequence item. Highlight the sequence name you wish to edit. Press the [Return] or [Right] key. The iCUE Sequence editing table will be displayed. Use the arrow and [Tab] and [Return] keys to move the cursor around the table and edit the table using the steps described in the Create iCUE Sequence section of the Reference chapter. When you have finished editing a PREVIOUSLY created iCUE Sequence, press [*] to save the edited sequence under the previous sequence name and number, else press [Esc] to abort without saving any of your changes. See Also Create iCUE Sequence Delete iCUE Sequence Playback iCUE Sequence Loop iCUE Sequence Playback Playback iCUE Sequence Control Vision Control iCUE Menu or [/] [0-99] [Enter] using the numeric keypad. (That first character [/] is a forward slash.) Description iCUE Sequences created using the iCUE Sequencer may be recalled at any time and will run automatically until paused or aborted. Tutorial iCUE Sequences may be run either from the numeric keypad (which means you will need to know the iCUE Sequence number), or from the Vision Control iCUE Menu. Playback from Vision Control Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the iCUE Menu. Select Playback iCUE Sequence. Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to scroll though the sequence names. The sequence will begin playback as soon as you press the [Return] or [Right] key. Playback from the Numeric Keypad Press the [/] (slash) key on the numeric keypad. Key in the sequence file number using the numeric keypad. Press [Enter]. The sequence will immediately begin playback. Pausing Sequence Playback To Pause the sequence, press [H] (hold). To continue, press any key. Please note that the timer stops running while the system is in pause mode. Aborting Sequence Playback To abort the sequence press [Esc] or [Clr/Home]. See Also Create iCUE Sequence Delete iCUE Sequence Edit iCUE Sequence Loop iCUE Sequence Playback Things you should know iCUE Sequences are not stored in User Areas and are therefore available to all users. Loop iCUE Sequence Playback - New for Version 1.6! Control Vision Control iCUE Menu or Description This will loop the playback of iCUE Sequences between 1 and 10 times, or forever. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the iCUE Menu. Select Playback Loop and choose from the options. Press [Return] to confirm. Now, when you select iCUE Sequence Playback, the sequence will repeat according to the Playback Loop setting. See Also Create iCUE Sequence Delete iCUE Sequence Edit iCUE Sequence Playback iCUE Sequence Return to CONTENTS [i]lluminate Lock Control ON/OFF: [i] Force OFF: [Shift]+[i] Description Under normal operation, when there is no audio, the colors making up a VideoGobo decay to black. By switching ON [I]lluminate Lock, all the colors remain illuminated until you switch Illuminate Lock OFF again. Tutorial Press the [i] key to lock the illumination of the selected VideoGobo. Although the sound-to-light effect will no longer function, the Color Cycling Direction and other effects such as [G]lide will continue to be triggered by the beat. Press [i] again to switch Illuminate Lock OFF. Hints and Tips Illuminate Lock can be used to create moving wallpaper effects, perhaps in an environment where no audio source is connected to BiT BOPPER. Try using [G]lide and [K]aleidoscope with [I]lluminate Lock switched ON. Try various Transparency Masks with two layered VideoGobos. See Also [O]ne Color Lock [V]irtual Rhythm Return to CONTENTS Import PhotoImage(s) Control Vision Control PHOTOIMAGE Menu Description This feature allows you to install additional PhotoImages onto the BiT BOPPER system from a PC (DOS) formatted floppy disk. For images to be installed onto BiT BOPPER's hard disk, they must conform to any one of the industry standard graphics standards as detailed in the ADVANCED chapter. Tutorial Read any instructions supplied with your new VideoGobo(s). Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the PHOTOIMAGE Menu. Insert the disk containing the PhotoImage(s) into BiT BOPPER's floppy disk drive. Select Import PhotoImage(s)... The PhotoImage(s) will be installed on the system. IMPORTANT! Do not eject the floppy disk while the Disk Access Lamp is illuminated. To preview the new PhotoImage(s), use the Preview PhotoImage feature. Things you should know Any PhotoImages already on the hard disk with the same filename as those being imported from the floppy disk will be overwritten. High resolution PhotoImages can occupy over 1 Megabyte of hard disk space. (That's a lot!) Bare this in mind before installing too many images. You can check how much space is left on the hard disk using the Vision Control ABOUT option. See Also Delete PhotoImage Preview PhotoImages Return to CONTENTS Install Software Upgrade Control Vision Control UTILITIES Menu or [Control]+[Shift]+[U] Description On occasion, upgrades to the BiT BOPPER system software will be made available on a floppy disk. BiT BOPPER includes a built in automatic installation system that allows you to upgrade your system quickly and conveniently. Provided you sent in your BiT BOPPER registration card (or registered via the Internet), you will be notified when such upgrades are available. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Check the version number of the software, this is shown at the top of the Vision Control screen. If you do not have the latest version of the software, then proceed as follows: Insert the upgrade floppy disk into the disk drive on the right of the computer. Select the UTILITIES Menu. Select Install Software Upgrade... The new software will be installed automatically. This takes approximately one minute, depending on the number of files being installed. After the completion message appears, eject the floppy disk and then reset the system using the button at the rear of the unit. The new software will run. Refer to any documentation supplied with the upgrade disk for instructions on how to operate the new software. Return to CONTENTS Import VideoGobo(s) Control Vision Control VIDEOGOBO Menu or [Control]+[Shift]+[i] Description This feature allows you to install additional VideoGobo images from a PC (DOS) formatted floppy disk. For images to be installed for use with BiT BOPPER, they must conform to any one of the industry standard graphics standards as detailed in the ADVANCED chapter. If the VGX symbol shown on this page appears on O Wonder or 3rd party VideoGobo libraries, then compatibility is guaranteed. Tutorial Read any instructions supplied with your new VideoGobo(s). Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the VIDEOGOBO Menu. Insert the disk containing the VideoGobo(s) into BiT BOPPER's floppy disk drive. Select Import VideoGobo(s)... The VideoGobo(s) will be installed on the system. IMPORTANT! Do not eject the floppy disk while the Disk Access Lamp is illuminated. To preview the new VideoGobo(s), select the Preview VideoGobo... item. Things you should know Any VideoGobos already on the hard disk with the same filename as those being installed from the floppy disk will be overwritten. See Also Delete VideoGobo [E]xchange (swap) VideoGobos Preview VideoGobos Return to CONTENTS [J]am VideoGobos Control ON/OFF: [J] Force OFF: [Shift]+[J] Description While Jam is switched ON, the ten function keys along the top of the keyboard are each assigned one of the VideoGobos in the currently loaded VideoGobo bank. By pressing any of the function keys, the appropriate VideoGobo will be instantaneously displayed in single-layer mode. You can even run your fingers up and down the function keys to 'scratch' the VideoGobo bank! Tutorial Load in the VideoGobo bank you wish to Jam by holding down [Shift] and pressing the appropriate function key. Press [J] to turn Jam ON. Now press any function key to instantly display the appropriate VideoGobo. For example, [F3] will display the 3rd VideoGobo in the selected bank. Like all VideoGobo Bank based features, Jam will automatically switch BiT BOPPER into single layer mode. Try running your fingers up and down the function keys to scratch. This scratching effect is most obvious with a series of similar VideoGobos, such as a 'fractal fly-through', an animated face, logo etc. Try loading in Bank 6, which is factory installed with a fractal fly-through. Jam can be switched OFF by pressing [J] again. Things you should know Remember, the function keys are also used as a method to recall iCUEs in conjunction with the numeric keypad. To do this, you will need to switch Jam OFF. It is possible to load another VideoGobo bank while Jam is ON. See Also VideoGobo Bank Select MIDI Reactive Return to CONTENTS [K]aleidoscope VideoGobo(s) Control ON/OFF: [K] Force OFF: [Shift]+[K] Description The selected VideoGobo will be reduced in size by one half and then mirror replicated, creating a new pattern. Tutorial If in dual layer mode, press [+] or [-] to select a layer, or press [X] to select both layers. Press the [K] key to Kaleidoscope the selected VideoGobo(s). To undo the Kaleidoscope effect, press [K] again. Hints and Tips Kaleidoscope only works well on certain VideoGobo designs. It is best used in conjunction with the [G]lide effect. See Also [G]lide Return to CONTENTS VideoGobo Layer Select (Dual Layer Mode Only) Control Select Front Layer: [+] Select Back Layer: [-] Select Both Layers: [X] Description Before you load in a VideoGobo, apply a Color Filter or a Special Effect, you need to specify a VideoGobo layer. (Dual layer mode only.) Tutorial If the system is in single layer mode, double click either the [+] or [-] keys. Press the [+] key on the numeric keypad or the keyboard to select the front layer. Load in a VideoGobo or apply a Color Filter or effect to that layer. Press the [-] key on the numeric keypad or the keyboard to select the back layer. Load in a VideoGobo or apply a Color Filter or effect to that layer. To select both layers, press the [X] key on the keyboard. With both layers selected, any Color Filter or effect will be applied to both layers. Switching to single layer mode Double click the [+] key to put the front VideoGobo into single layer mode, or [-] to put the back VideoGobo into single layer mode. See Also [L]ayer Swap Return to CONTENTS [L]ayer Swap (Dual Layer Mode Only) Control Layer swap: [L] Description This feature is used when BiT BOPPER is in dual layer mode and VideoGobos have been loaded into both layers. By performing a layer swap, the VideoGobo positions and their attributes are reversed, that is, the VideoGobo at the back is moved to the front and the front VideoGobo is moved to the back - along with any applied colors or special effects. Remember to ensure that the two layers do not contain the same VideoGobo design, else Layer Swap will have no apparent effect, unless a special effect such as [K]aleidoscope has been applied to one of the VideoGobo layers. Tutorial Press [L] to swap the positions of the VideoGobos. Hints and Tips Experiment with different Transparency Masks after performing a Layer Swap. See Also Layer Select Transparency Mask Return to CONTENTS LIVE mode! This is an important term that you will come across throughout this user's guide. BiT BOPPER is in Live mode when it is NOT: Displaying Vision Control. Displaying a CyberWriter message. Displaying a PhotoImage. Displaying Color Bars. Awaiting data input, such as an iCUE filename, CyberWriter message, VideoGobo filename etc. Frozen. IE, the system is in Freeze mode. You can tell if the system is in Live mode because you will be able to load and manipulate VideoGobos. Return to CONTENTS Load [P]hotoImage Control [P] [n] [Enter] (Numeric keypad.) Description Near photographic quality images may be installed and displayed using BiT BOPPER. Ideal for advertising, promotion and special events. The images should be created using personal computer graphics software according to the instructions in the ADVANCED chapter. Tutorial Press [P] There are one or two demonstration PhotoImages on the hard disk. They will be numbered 1, 2 etc. Using the numeric keypad, type in the number of the image you wish to display. Press [Enter] on the numeric keypad. The PhotoImage can be stored as an iCUE while it is still on the screen. Press any key to remove the image. The system will revert to whatever it was doing prior to displaying the PhotoImage. Things you should know High resultion PhotoImages, or PhotoImages stored in certain file formats may take time to load, to recall as iCUEs and to preview. For loading speed and to save hard disk space, we recommend using images created at 384x240 pixel resolution. This is the minimum resolution that will fill the whole screen. See also Preview PhotoImages Delete PhotoImage Return to CONTENTS Load VideoGobo Control [n] [Enter] (Numeric keypad.) Description This loads a VideoGobo into the selected layer. If BiT BOPPER is in single layer mode, then the VideoGobo will be loaded into the single layer. If BiT BOPPER is in dual layer mode, then the VideoGobo will be loaded into the layer selected using the [+] or [-] keys. If you select both layers by pressing [X] first, then the same VideoGobo will be loaded into both layers. Tutorial If the system is in dual layer mode, select a layer using the [+] or [-] keys, else proceed to step 2. If you wish to preview the VideoGobos before loading, use the Preview VideoGobo feature first. You cannot load a VideoGobo while previewing the VideoGobos, you must exit Preview mode first. Using the numeric keypad, type in the VideoGobo number and press [Enter]. The VideoGobo will be loaded. Return to CONTENTS Make VideoGobo (Single Layer Mode Only) Control [n] [*] using the numeric keypad. Description This feature works in Single Layer Mode when the system is in Live mode and saves whatever is on the screen as a new VideoGobo. Tutorial Using the numeric keypad, type in the filename for the new VideoGobo and then press the [*] key. The new VideoGobo image will be saved to the hard disk. If an attempt is made to overwrite another VideoGobo, an on screen warning will be given. You can load the VideoGobo in the normal way. Hints and Tips Make VideoGobo is ideal for creating complex VideoGobos for use in conjunction with the [H]old feature. See Also [H]old VideoGobo   Metronome Control Start programming: [V] Type in BPM (Beats Per Minute): Numeric keypad End programming and start: [Enter] OFF: [V] [V] or [V] [Esc] Description Metronome allows you to key in a Beats Per Minute (BPM) accurate rhythm pattern that will then be used by BiT BOPPER in exactly the same way as [V]irtual Rhythm, a connected audio source or Bumping. This feature is ideal when: It is not possible to connect an audio source to BiT BOPPER. The audio source is of poor quality. BiT BOPPER misses an occasional beat. Alternatively you can use Metronome in conjunction with an audio source and [Bump]. Tutorial Ensure there is a VideoGobo based image on the screen ready to be animated. If the image is currently being effected by an audio source, this is OK. Metronome overrides the audio input. Press the [V] key to switch the Virtual Rhythm programmer on. Using the numeric keypad OR the main keyboard if you prefer, key in a BPM value, for example 120. Press [Enter] or [Return] to start the Metronome. The Metronome will keep going forever or until it is turned OFF. To switch the Metronome OFF, either double click the [V] key, or press [V] and then the [Esc] key. Hints and Tips Metronome is an ideal way to create near perfect sound-to-light synchronization when there is no suitable audio source available. Things you should know When Metronome is ON, all other BiT BOPPER functions remain operable. The Metronome setting is stored as an iCUE along with whatever VideoGobo effect is on the screen. When the iCUE is recalled, the Metronome will be started immediately the [Enter] key is pressed. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed with very fast or very slow BPM values. See Also [C]ycle [V]irtual Rhythm Bump [Q]uieten [Z]apFlash MIDI Learn Control Vision Control MIDI Learn Menu Description This allows you to trigger the playback of iCUEs and iCUE Sequences using MIDI Events such as MIDI notes, parameters or program changes from any device that outputs MIDI data. It is possible to assign up to 20 MIDI Events. Tutorial Connect the MIDI OUT of your MIDI device to your computer's MIDI IN port. Setting up the MIDI channels Select the Monitor Channel menu from the MIDI Learn menu and set it to the lowest MIDI channel that you want to monitor. Select the Monitor Thru Channel menu from the MIDI Learn menu and set it to the highest MIDI channel that you want to monitor. All channels within this range will be monitored. Learning MIDI commands Select the Learn MIDI Commands item on the Vision Control MIDI Learn menu. The cursor will start in the first STAT (status) cell. Press [Return] to toggle it. The cursor will automatically move to the FUNCTION cell. Press [Any Key] on the computer keyboard. BiT BOPPER is waiting for the first MIDI Event (This event may be a Program value, Parameter value or MIDI Note ON signal). It will time out in approximately 10 seconds. Press a key or button on your MIDI device and BiT BOPPER will learn that trigger and display the appropriate information in the FUNCTION cell. The cursor will move to the TYPE cell. Press [i] if you wish to assign an iCUE to the FUNCTION, or [S] for an iCUE Sequence. The cursor will move to the ITEM cell. In the ITEM cell, key in the number of the iCUE or iCUE Sequence and press [Return]. The cursor will move to the USER/SEQ cell. If the ITEM is an iCUE, then key in it's User Number, else the iCUE Sequence filename will be displayed automatically. Press [*] to save the MIDI settings. Press [Help] to exit Vision Control and return to LIVE mode. Sending the appropriate MIDI Event to BiT BOPPER will trigger the iCUE or iCUE Sequence assigned in the MIDI Learn table. Editing the MIDI Settings At any time, you can modify the learned MIDI settings by returning to the MIDI Learn table. See Also MIDI Reactive Create iCUE Sequence Store iCUE MIDI Reactive Control Vision Control MIDI Reactive menu Description This allows you to use your MIDI device to trigger various BiT BOPPER effects and features. With all these features, BiT BOPPER will need to be in LIVE mode before you can trigger them with your MIDI device. Be sure to refer to the user's guide supplied with your MIDI device. Tutorial Setting up the MIDI channels Select the Monitor Channel menu from the MIDI Reactive menu and set it to the lowest MIDI channel that you want to monitor. Select the Monitor Thru Channel menu from the MIDI Reactive menu and set it to the highest MIDI channel that you want to monitor. Selecting None allows you to monitor only the lowest channel selected. All channels within this range will be monitored. Velocity Trigger Adjust... This sets the threshold which a MIDI Note On velocity value must exceed to act as a beat trigger. It has the same result as pressing the [Space Bar]. (Bumping.) We suggest switching BiT BOPPER's audio input OFF by pressing [Q]uiet. Select Velocity Trigger Adjust from the MIDI Reactive menu. Use the [Left] and [Right] arrow keys to adjust the value. Press [Return] to save and exit. Press [Esc] to abort. Note Frequency Adjust... This allows you to adjust BiT BOPPER's sensitivity to the rate of incoming MIDI Note On events. Select Note Frequency Adjust from the MIDI Reactive menu. Use the [Left] and [Right] arrow keys to adjust the value. At 100% the system will be set at 1:1. The higher the % value, the more notes BiT BOPPER will perceive. Press [Return] to save and exit. Press [Esc] to abort. Pitch Bend Scratching: This allows you to proportionally link the keyboard pitch bend control to the VideoGobos in the loaded VideoGobo bank. Switch [J]am ON by pressing [J]. Use the [Arrow] keys to move the highlight bar into the option menu. First: When the pitch bend control is in its neutral position, the first VideoGobo in the bank will be displayed. Moving the pitch bend control all the way up will display the last VideoGobo in the bank. Middle: When the pitch bend control is in its neutral position, the middle VideoGobo in the bank will be displayed. Moving the pitch bend control all the way up will display the last VideoGobo in the bank. Moving it all the way down will display the first VideoGobo. If you move it up and down quickly, you will be able to scratch the VideoGobo sequence. MIDI Keyboard Jam: This allows you to display VideoGobos in the VideoGobo bank using a MIDI keyboard. The keyboard is divided into 10 zones, each zone is assigned a VideoGobo in the VideoGobo bank. Switch [J]am ON by pressing [J]. Jam on your MIDI keyboard! Change Colors Using: Velocity: The applies Primary Color Filters to VideoGobos in proportion to the MIDI keyboard velocity. The higher the velocity, the lighter the color. Note Freq: The applies Primary Color Filters to VideoGobos in proportion to the MIDI keyboard note frequency. The more notes played, the lighter the color. Position: This divides a MIDI keyboard into 7 zones within the keyboard note range, each zone corresponding to a Primary Color Filter. The lower notes display darker colors, the higher notes display lighter colors. Cycle Speed Using: Velocity: The Cycle speed varies in proportion to the MIDI keyboard velocity. The higher the velocity, the faster the color cycling. Note Freq: The Cycle speed varies in proportion to the MIDI keyboard note event frequency. The more notes played, the faster the color cycling. Glide Speed Using: Velocity: The [G]lide speed varies in proportion to the MIDI keyboard note velocity. The higher the note velocity, the faster the VideoGobo(s) will glide. Note Freq: The [G]lide speed varies in proportion to the MIDI keyboard note frequency. The more notes played, the faster the VideoGobo(s) will glide. VideoGobo Sequence Speed: Velocity: The VideoGobo Sequence speed varies in proportion to the MIDI keyboard note velocity. The higher the note velocity, the faster the VideoGobo(s) will be sequenced through. Note Freq: The VideoGobo Sequence speed varies in proportion to the MIDI keyboard note frequency. The more notes played, the faster the VideoGobo(s) will be sequenced through. Switch Sequence ON by pressing [S] or [Control]+[S] RamZapper Speed: Velocity: The VideoGobo RamZapper speed varies in proportion to the MIDI keyboard velocity. The higher the velocity, the faster the VideoGobo(s) will be randomly displayed. Note Freq: The VideoGobo RamZapper speed varies in proportion to the MIDI keyboard note frequency. The more notes played, the faster the VideoGobo(s) will be randomly displayedh. Switch [R]amZapper ON by pressing [R]. Hints and Tips Switch ON AMD for more responsive visuals. See Also Auto Motion Damping (AMD) [G]lide [J]am VideoGobo(s) MIDI Learn [Q]uieten [R]amZapper Sequence Bounce VideoGobos VideoGobo Bank Select [M]ix Color Filters (Single Layer Mode Only) Control Mix next color filter: [M] Description This feature allows you to mix any two Color Filters. You can mix any two Primary Color Filters, a Primary Color Filter and a Spectrum Color Filter, or any two Spectrum Color Filters. It works by coloring one half of the VideoGobo with the first color selected, and the other half with the second color selected. Some interesting new color effects can therefore be created. Like all BiT BOPPER effects, your newly colored VideoGobo(s) can be stored as an iCUE. This feature only works in single layer mode. Tutorial Check you have a VideoGobo displayed. Press the [M] key on the keyboard. Press one of the number row keys between [0] and [7] to apply a Primary Color Filter or apply a Spectrum Color Filter by using the numeric keypad. The new Color Filter will be mixed with the previous. By pressing [M] again you can mix another Color Filter with the last color you selected by repeating from step 3. and so on. See Also Apply Primary Color Filter Apply Spectrum Color Filter   [O]ne Color Lock Control ON/OFF: [O] Force OFF: [Shift]+[O] Description When One Color Lock is switched ON, a single color making up the selected VideoGobo(s) will remain permanently illuminated, even during a quiet period. If [i]lluminate Lock is switched ON, then [O]ne Color Lock will automatically switch OFF. Tutorial Press the [O] key to switch One Color Lock ON. To switch One Color Lock OFF press [O] again. To best see the effect of One Color Lock, press the [Q] key to disable the audio input. Press [Q] again to re-enable the audio input. Things you should know If the color filter has any black content, then the effect of One Color Lock will not be seen because black colors cannot be illuminated. One Color Lock is overridden if [i]lluminate Lock is ON. The effect of One Color Lock will not be seen when certain Transparency Masks are used in Dual Layer Mode. Hints and Tips Try selecting different VideoGobos while One Color Lock is on. Some interesting effects can be obtained. See Also [i]lluminate Lock Panic/Abort Button Control Panic/Abort: [Esc] Description This feature has been provided to provide a quick get out if you forget what you are doing, or think you may have made an error. Pressing the [Esc] key at the top left of the keyboard aborts whatever BiT BOPPER is currently doing and if BiT BOPPER is not already in Live mode, will eventually display iCUE 1 in the currently selected User Area. This of course assumes there is an iCUE 1 in the selected User Area. We recommend you store your favorite effect as iCUE 1. When in Live mode: iCUE number 1 in the selected User Area will be recalled. When in Vision Control: You will be moved back up the menu hierarchy to the MAIN Menu. At the MAIN Menu, pressing [Esc] or [Help] will exit Vision Control returning BiT BOPPER to Live mode. When inputting text into the CyberWriter or a dialog box: The text input mode will be aborted. When keying in an iCUE or VideoGobo number: The numeric input mode will be aborted. When there is a CyberWriter message on the screen: The message will be removed. Tutorial Press [Esc]. That's it! Preview PhotoImages Control Vision Control PHOTOIMAGE Menu or [Shift]+[Control]+[P] Browse: [Left] and [Right] Jump in units of 10: [Up] and [Down] Exit: [Esc], [P] or [Return] Description This feature allows you to browse through the PhotoImages on the hard disk. Preview is not recommended for us during a live performance. Large (high resolution) images may take time to appear. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the PHOTIMAGE Menu. Select Preview PhotoImages... The PhotoImages on the hard disk will be shown four at a time at one quarter their normal size. The PhotoImage number will be displayed in the corner of each image. Use the [Left] and [Right] keys to browse continuously. Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to jump in units of 10 PhotoImages. To exit Preview, press [Esc], [P] or [Return]. BiT BOPPER will return to whatever it was doing before Preview was used. See Also PPreview VideoGobos Preview VideoGobos Control Vision Control VIDEOGOBO Menu or [Control]+[P] Browse: [Left] and [Right] Jump in units of 10: [Up] and [Down] Exit: [Esc], [P] or [Return] Description This feature allows you to browse through the VideoGobos on the hard disk. Preview is not recommended for us during a live performance. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the VIDEOGOBO Menu. Select Preview VideoGobos... The VideoGobos on the hard disk will be shown four at a time at one quarter their normal size. The VideoGobo number will be displayed in the corner of each image. Use the [Left] and [Right] keys to browse continuously. Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to jump in units of 10 VideoGobos. To exit Preview, press [Esc], [P] or [Return]. BiT BOPPER will return to whatever it was doing before Preview was used. See Also Preview PhotoImages Apply Primary Color Filter Control (Main keyboard only) [0]-[7] in Single Layer mode [0]-[9] in Dual Layer mode Description Primary Color Filters may be applied to the selected VideoGobo(s), CyberWriter text and used as a Silent Color for VideoGobos. Except for colors [8] and [9] which are special, colors [0] through to [7] are fades based on the 8 primary colors. (See table.) Tutorial VideoGobos Refer to the Primary Color Filters table and choose a Filter. Press one of the number keys along the top of the main keyboard. The Primary Color Filter will be applied to the VideoGobo(s). CyberWriter You can use the Vision Control CYBERWRITER menu to select a text color, or in live mode, press [Alt]+[W] followed by the required primary color key. See Also [D]rift Colors [M]ix Color Filters Apply Spectrum Color Filter [Q]uieten (Disable Audio Input) Control ON/OFF: [Q] Force OFF: [Shift]+[Q] Description This will disconnect the audio input from BiT BOPPER's Dynamic Graphics from Audio engine. Ideal if you wish to generate ambient effects that are not effected by the audio source. Tutorial Press the [Q] key to disable the audio input. Press [Q] again to re-enable the audio input. Hints and Tips If [i]lluminate Lock is turned on while Quieten is on, then some pleasant wallpaper effects can be created using [G]lide and [K]aleidoscope. Because the audio source is disabled, the Glide direction and Color [C]ycling will not change direction - unless you use the [V]irtual Rhythm or Metronome features or Bump using the [Space Bar]. See Also Bump [V]irtual Rhythm Metronome [R]amZapper Control ON/OFF: [R] Speed Adjust: [Alternate]+[R] then [1]-[9] Force OFF: [Shift]+[R] Description This randomly picks and displays the VideoGobos in the selected VideoGobo Bank. If used at its highest speeds, RamZapper creates a dramatic animation effect. If the VideoGobos in the selected bank are similar, then the RamZapper effect will be less obvious. Tutorial Press the [R] key to switch RamZapper ON. BiT BOPPER will automatically switch into single layer mode. To vary the RamZapper speed hold down [Alternate] and press [R]. Release the keys and immediately press a number between [1] and [9]. [1] is the slowest, while [9] is the fastest. To switch RamZapper OFF, press [R] again. BiT BOPPER will revert to whatever it was doing before [R]amZapper was switched ON. Like most other VideoGobo effects, it is possible to change the color filters and [C]ycle speed etc while RamZapper is in use. Hints and Tips RamZapper is ideally used in short bursts, perhaps during the fast high energy part of a piece of music.   Sequence Bounce VideoGobos Control ON/OFF: [Control]+[S] Speed Adjust: [Alternate]+[S] then [1]-[9] Force OFF: [Shift]+[Control]+[S] Description This sequences back and forth through the VideoGobos in the selected VideoGobo bank. If the VideoGobos in the selected bank are similar, then the RamZapper effect will be less obvious. Tutorial Hold down [Control] and press [S] to switch Sequence Bounce ON. BiT BOPPER will automatically switch into single layer mode. To vary the Sequence speed hold down [Alternate] and press [S]. Release the keys and immediately press a number between [1] and [9]. [1] is the slowest, while [9] is the fastest. To switch Sequence Bounce OFF, hold down [Control] and press [S]. BiT BOPPER will revert to whatever it was doing before Sequence Bounce was switched ON. Like most other VideoGobo effects, it is possible to change the color filters and [C]ycle speed etc while Sequence Bounce is switched on. Hints and Tips Sequence Bounce is best used when the selected VideoGobo bank contains a series of images that create an impression of movement when sequenced together, such as a fractal fly-through, an animated face, a rotating logo etc. Silent Color Control Vision Control VIDEOGOBO Menu or [Alt]+[C] [0]-7] Description This feature allows you to choose what color the screen shows when [i]lluminate Lock is OFF and there is no beat, either from an audio source, [V]irtual Rhythm or Metronome. By default, the Silent Color is black, but you can select from any of the Primary Color Filters. Tutorial Press [Help] to activate Vision Control. Select the VIDEOGOBO Menu. Highlight the Silent Color item and then use the [Right] key to move the highlight bar over to the Option List on the right. Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to select a Silent Color. Press [Return] to confirm your selection. Press [Help] to exit Vision Control. See Also [i]lluminate Lock Metronome [V]irtual Rhythm Apply Spectrum Color Filter Control [.] [n] [Enter] using numeric keypad. Description This feature allows you to apply a Spectrum Color Filter to the selected VideoGobo(s). A Spectrum Color Filter is a mix of colors specially designed by graphic artists to add an enchanting or dramatic rainbow of color to a VideoGobo. Spectrum Color Filters work best when BiT BOPPER is in single layer mode as all 256 colors making up the filter will be visible. When the system is in dual layer mode, 16 of the colors are visible. If [D]rift is switched on in dual layer mode, then the system will cycle through all 256 colors. Tutorial Refer to the Spectrum Color Filters table and choose a Filter. Press the [.] key on the numeric keypad. Type in the filter number using the numeric keypad. Press the [Enter] key on the numeric keypad. The Spectrum Color Filter will be applied to the VideoGobo(s). See Also [D]rift Colors [M]ix Color Filters Apply Primary Color Filter Things you should know Future releases of the BiT BOPPER software will allow additional Spectrum Color Filters to be installed onto BiT BOPPER's hard disk. These will be numbered greater than 19.   Transparency Mask (Single Layer Mode only, except for [H]old) Control See Transparency Mask Table in the APPENDIX. Description Designed to provide control over how layered VideoGobos interact, Transparency Masks govern how much of the front VideoGobo is transparent to the back VideoGobo. Also effects [H]old VideoGobo. Tutorial To apply a transparency mask, hold down the [Control] key and press the appropriate number key along the top of the keyboard. The selected Transparency Mask will be applied to the VideoGobo in the front layer position. Hints and Tips Experiment with different combinations of VideoGobos, Color Filters, Special Effects and Transparency Masks and you will be able to create a near infinite variety of visual effects. Remember that whenever you create an effect you like, it can be stored as an iCUE for recall in the future. See Also [H]old   [U]ser Logon Control User Logon: [U] [0]-[9] Description This feature allows up to 9 different people to share the same BiT BOPPER system, without the inevitable conflicts as your iCUEs are overwritten or erased by another person! User numbers [1] to [9] should each be assigned to a BiT BOPPER operator. Any iCUEs Stored will be stored in the appropriate User Area. For example, if you are User No. 3, then provided you press [U] followed by [3] before you use the system, then any iCUEs you create will be stored in User Area 3. And to recall these iCUEs, you would need to ensure User Area 3 is still active. (You only need check if you think someone else has used the system since you last used it.) It is possible to switch users at any time. For example, if during a performance a second person (for example, User 5) arrives to take over from you, then they can instantly press [U] [5] and their iCUEs will be accessible. If they leave, you can switch back to your iCUEs by pressing [U] [3]. If BiT BOPPER is switched OFF and back ON later, it will remember which user number was last selected. Tutorial Assign yourself and any colleagues a User Number between 1 and 9. Press [U]. Using the number row keys at the top of the keyboard, or the numeric keypad, press a number between [1] and [9]. The Disk Access Lamp will light as the User Area information is stored on the hard disk in the BiT BOPPER PREFERENCES file. When the system is next switched on, the last selected User Area will be selected automatically. To provide a reminder of who is assigned which user number, you can select Assign Usernames... from the Vision Control PREFERENCES Menu to enter the names of each user alongside the user numbers. User Area [0] User area [0] is reserved for System iCUEs which are supplied for test and demonstration purposes. When User Area [0] is selected. Although System iCUEs may be viewed, they cannot be erased or overwritten, and if you try and SAVE an iCUE into User Area [0], the iCUE will in fact be saved into the User Area last chosen. Video [B]op Control ON/OFF: [B] Force OFF: [Shift]+[B] Description The VideoGobos in the selected bank are sequentially displayed in proportion to the intensity of the beat. For example, if bank 1 is selected which contains VideoGobos 1 to 10, as shown in the drawing, then while there is no beat, VideoGobo 1 will be displayed. A moderate beat would display VideoGobo 1 then 2 then 3, while a more intense beat would display 1 through to 9, or even 10. Each time the beat falls 'silent', the reverse occurs and the VideoGobos will decay back to VideoGobo 1. Tutorial Load Bank 6 by holding down the [Shift] key and pressing [F6]. Bank 6 contains a 'fractal fly through' which is ideal for demonstrating Video Bopping. Press the [B] key to switch Video Bop ON. BiT BOPPER will automatically switch into single layer mode. The audio source, Metronome, [V]irtual Rhythm or Bumping will 'Bop' the VideoGobos! To switch Video Bop OFF, press [B] again. BiT BOPPER will revert to Live mode. Like other VideoGobo bank effects, it is still possible to change the VideoGobo bank, color filters and cycle speed when Video Bop is in use. Hints and Tips Video Bopping is best used when the selected VideoGobo bank contain a series of images that create an impression of movement when sequenced together, such as a fractal fly-through, an animated face or a rotating logo. See Also Audio Trigger Level Adjust Bump Metronome VideoGobo Bank Select [V]irtual Rhythm [V]irtual Rhythm Control Start programming: [V] Tap out rhythm pattern: [Space Bar] End programming and start: [Any key] OFF: [V] [V] or [V] [Esc] Description Virtual Rhythm allows you to manually tap out a rhythm pattern that will then be used by BiT BOPPER in exactly the same way as a connected audio source or Bumping. This ingenious feature is for use when it is not possible to connect an audio source to BiT BOPPER, the audio source is of poor quality or BiT BOPPER misses an occasional beat. Alternatively you can use Virtual Rhythm in conjunction with an audio source and the Bump key! Tutorial Press the [V] key to switch the Virtual Rhythm programmer on. IMMEDIATELY begin tapping the [Space Bar] in sync with the ambient music, or use your own preferred rhythm pattern. Once you have tapped out any repeat rhythm pattern, press ANY KEY for the last beat - that is, pressing any key on the keyboard acts as the final beat in your sequence. It is important to remember this! The sequence will now be repeated forever or until Virtual Rhythm is turned OFF. To switch Virtual Rhythm OFF, either double click the [V] key, or press [V] and then the [Esc] key. Hints and Tips Virtual Rhythm requires a little practice, but once mastered is an ideal way to create near perfect sound-to-light synchronization when there is no suitable audio source available. Things you should know Virtual Rhythm is intelligent! It is possible to program irregular rhythm patterns into the system. When Virtual Rhythm is switched on, all other BiT BOPPER functions remain operable. Unlike Metronome, Virtual Rhythm is not stored with iCUEs. See Also Bump Metronome [Q]uieten Vision Control Control VISION CONTROL ON/OFF: [Help] Browse Menu items: [Arrow] keys Select item: [Right], [Return] or [Enter] Move to Option List: [Right] arrow key Browse Option List: [Up] or [Down] Go back: [Esc] or [Left] arrow key Exit VISION CONTROL: [Help] from anywhere [Esc] from MAIN Menu Description The VISION CONTROL menu provides an easy to use on screen interface for pre-programming off-line features, such as the iCUE Sequencer and Alarms, system preferences, file importing, file backup, MIDI setup etc. Tutorial Press the [Help] key to display the Vision Control MAIN Menu. Navigation Use the [Up] and [Down] keys to move the highlight bar through the menu items. The Vision Control menu system displays a maximum of 10 items on the screen. To access items off screen, simply scroll through the items to reach the item you want. If a menu item is followed by three dots (like this...) then selecting that item will take you to another sub-menu or other dialog panel. Highlight the ABOUT... item from the MAIN Menu by using the [Up] or [Down] keys. Select that item by pressing the [Right] arrow or [Return] key. Information on BiT BOPPER will be displayed. Press the [Esc] or [Left] key to exit the ABOUT... panel and return to the MAIN Menu. Highlight the PREFERENCES Menu... item using the [Up] and [Down] keys and press [Return] to select it. The PREFERENCES Menu will appear. At the PREFERENCES Menu highlight the On Start Up item. This allows you to choose what BiT BOPPER does when it is switched on. If a menu item is followed by a semi-colon (like this:) then when you highlight that item, an Option List will automatically appear to the right of the item. An Option List will appear to the right of the On Start Up item. The previously selected option will be surrounded by an outline rectangle. Use the [Right] or [Return] key to move the highlight bar into the On Start Up option list. Now use the [Up] and [Down] keys to select a startup option for BiT BOPPER. For this example, if it is not already selected, choose System iCUE 1. Press [Return] to confirm the selection and the setting will be saved to the hard disk. The above selection method is used for all Vision Control menu items. To Exit Vision Control To exit Vision Control press [Help]. Press [Esc] or [Left] arrow to backup through the menu hierarchy to the MAIN Menu. Things you should know There may be menu items within Vision Control that are not covered in this User's Guide. If this is the case, the feature may be self explanatory - and may include a few lines of help text that appear at the base of the Vision Control menu. [Z]apFlash Control ON/OFF: [Z] Force OFF: [Shift]+[Z] Description This is a highly effective strobe effect. When ZapFlash and [i]lluminate Lock are both OFF, the colors making up a VideoGobo are illuminated in proportion to the intensity of the beat. However, with ZapFlash ON, all the colors are illuminated simultaneously, whether [i]lluminate Lock is ON or OFF. Tutorial Press the [Z] key to switch ZapFlash ON. When ZapFlash is on, all other effects can still be used, for example, [G]lide can be switched ON too. To switch ZapFlash OFF, press [Z] again. Hints and Tips ZapFlash is most effective in a darkened room. See Also [i]lluminate Lock

APPENDICES

Primary Color Filter Table 0: Black   1: White 2: Yellow 3: Cyan 4: Green 5: Magenta (Purple) 6: Red 7: Blue   8: Random Silky* 9: Random Psychedelic*   *Available in Dual Layer VideoGobo mode only.   To apply a Primary Color Filter to a VideoGobo If in Dual Layer VideoGobo mode, select a layer first using the [+] or [-] keys. (Press [X] first to select both layers.) Press the appropriate number keys along the top of the main keyboard. To apply a Primary Color Filter to the CyberWriter Hold down the [Alternate] key and press [W]. Release the keys and immediately press a number between [0] and [7] along the top of the main keyboard.

Spectrum Color Filter Table 0: Blooded Chrome 1: Rust 2: Candy 3: Cheesecake 4: ColorPie 5: Fifties 6: Foil 7: JellyFish 8: Oasis 9: Pastel1 10: Pastel2 11: Prism 12: Refraction 13: Sahara 14: Stripes 15: Sunshine 16: Thermal 17: Vanilla 18: Volcanic 19: Yuletide   To apply a Spectrum Color Filter to a VideoGobo If in Dual Layer VideoGobo mode, select a layer first using the [+] or [-] keys. (Press [X] first to select both layers.) Using the numeric keypad, press [.], enter the filter number and then press [Enter].

Transparency Mask Table 1111111111111111: [Control]+[1] All Opaque 1111111100000000: [Control]+[2] Last Half Transparent 0000000011111111: [Control]+[3] First Half Transparent 1010101010101010: [Control]+[4] Alternate Transparent 1100110011001100: [Control]+[5] Alternate Pairs Transparent [Control]+[9] Black Areas Only Transparent 0000000000000000: [Control]+[0] All Transparent   To apply a transparency mask Hold down the [Control] key and press the appropriate number along the top of the keyboard.

Trouble shooting Startup The screen flashes, but no image is displayed Did you program the Vision Control PREFERENCES: On Start Up option to run an iCUE or iCUE Sequence that does not exist, or is in a different User Area? (Only iCUE 1 in the selected User Area or iCUE Sequence 1 can be programmed to run on startup.) Visual There is a black or colored band at the side(s) of the image Is the image you have loaded complete? That is, was it created at the full resolution suggested in the ADVANCED chapter under Creating VideoGobos or Creating PhotoImages. On NTSC (USA, Japan etc) Falcon computers running versions of the BiT BOPPER software earlier than 1.6, the video output can sometimes display an image with bars on the right and/or left edges. To fix this problem, please upgrade to BiT BOPPER 1.6. No VideoGobo(s) are visible Is there a VideoGobo loaded? To find out, tap the [Space Bar]. If you don't think there is a VideoGobo loaded, load one and try again. The Transparency Mask may be set to All Opaque therefore preventing you from being able to see through the top layer. Try a different transparency mask. (Dual Layer Mode only.) The Transparency Mask may be set to All Transparent therefore the top layer will not be visible. Try a different transparency mask. (Dual Layer Mode only.) The color may be set to black. Try a different Color Filter. [D]rift may have been turned ON then OFF, leaving a dark portion of a Spectrum Color Filter. [i]lluminate Lock may be OFF. Therefore, if the audio source is silent, then the VideoGobo will not be visible. Press the [Space Bar] to simulate a beat. If [Z]apFlash is ON, or [i]lluminate Lock is OFF, then the VideoGobo(s) will not be visible unless:   There is an audio source present. Virtual Rhythm/Metronome is in use. The Bump feature [Space Bar] is used. The image is bouncing around the screen out of control Auto Motion Damping (AMD) and [G]lide may be ON. Try switching AMD OFF or adjusting the Audio Trigger Level so that the AMD system is less sensitive. This will ensure the Glide direction only changes on loud beats. The [G]lide speed may be set too fast. Slow the Glide speed down. Remember, you cannot adjust the Glide speed if AMD is ON. PhotoImages do not display correctly Is the Video Mode set correctly for your country?   iCUEs An iCUE will not recall or is different to that originally stored The VideoGobo(s) used in the iCUE may have been deleted from the hard disk. Did you store the iCUE under a different number? Do you log on with the same User Number that you used before storing the iCUE? Perhaps another user stored a different iCUE in place of your iCUE. The function keys do no recall iCUEs Are there iCUEs in the selected iCUE Bank? You may have inadvertently pressed a numeric keypad number key, switching the system into a different iCUE Bank. For example, if you only have iCUEs numbered 1 to 35 in your user area, and you pressed [4] on the numeric keypad, you will not be able to access those iCUEs. You need to press [1], [2] or [3] on the numeric keypad first. Do you have your User Area selected? The Alarms do not function Is the TIME & DATE set correctly? If not, set it from the Set Time & Date option in the Vision Control PREFERENCES menu. Does the iCUE or iCUE Sequence you wish to trigger actually exist? Is it in the User Area you specified? The iCUE Sequence loses accuracy Is the Video Mode set correctly for your country?   Audio No Sound-to-Light Response Check the connections between BiT BOPPER's audio input and your audio source. Check the audio source is routed through BiT BOPPER. Check the audio source is of the correct level. If not, adjust the audio sensitivity. Adjust the audio sensitivity.   MIDI (Relevant to users of BiT BOPPER Version 1.5 only) The MIDI parameters are lost when I re-boot There is a bug in Falcon BiT BOPPER version 1.5. Please contact us to upgrade to version 1.6.   General The system will not respond BiT BOPPER may be in edit or data entry mode...   Did you press [*] to Store or Recall an iCUE and forget to finish your operation? Did you press [W] and forget to type in a CyberWriter message? Did you press [P] and forget to load a PhotoImage? If in doubt, press the [Esc] key.   Freeze may be ON. Switch it OFF. The system appears to have hung Sometimes it may look as though the software has frozen or lost control, but in fact this may just be because you have a particular set of effects applied. If you are convinced there is a problem, wait at least 10 seconds for any automatic timeouts to end, then press [Esc], followed by [Clr/Home]. Then recall an iCUE or press [Help] to display Vision Control. If none of the above are successful, press the reset button at the rear of the unit to re-boot the system. The system appears to be driving itself Are any of the Alarms switched ON? If so, then an iCUE or iCUE Sequence may have been triggered automatically. You can disable all the Alarms using the Alarm Master Control item on the ALARM Control menu item in VISION CONTROL. Are either or both of the MIDI modes (LEARN or REACTIVE) switched ON? If so, then any MIDI signals being received by BiT BOPPER may be triggering iCUEs, iCUE Sequences or particular effects or features. If so, switch OFF the relevent item.

ADVANCED USERS

Things to try... Bouncing Images Check the system is in Live mode. Press [Clr/Home] to switch OFF any effects. Load in a radial patterned VideoGobo that you know color cycles well. Apply a Spectrum Color Filter, or [M]ix of color filters. Switch ON Auto Motion Damping (AMD). Press [V] and type 50 [Enter] to set the Metronome to 50 BPM. The image should spin back and forth, with the color cycling slowing down between the beats. Now press [S] to sequence through the VideoGobos in the currently selected VideoGobo bank on the beat. Pre-programming It is possible to make adjustments to BiT BOPPER attributes at any time, whether the related feature or effect is switched ON or OFF. For example, you can change VideoGobo banks at any time, not just when using features that use VideoGobo banks, such as [R]amZapper, [V]ideo Bop etc. This and other such examples are listed below. The benefits of pre-programming are that you can set up your next live effect without affecting what is currently visible on the screen, provided such adjustments are not made to a feature currently in use. Features that may be pre-programmed VideoGobo banks may be changed at any time. Cycle Speed may be adjusted, even if [C]ycle is switched OFF. Cyber[W]riter color may be set, even if you are not going to type in a message. And the color set will be retained for ever, or until next adjusted. [D]rift can be turned ON or OFF whether [C]ycle is ON or OFF.[G]lide speed may be adjusted, even if [G]lide is OFF. [R]amZapper and [S]equence Bounce speeds may be adjusted, even if they are switched OFF. It is not possible to make adjustments in the following circumstances: While Freeze is on. While Vision Control is active. While typing in a Cyber[W]riter message or entering information into a dialog box. When entering any information, such as immediately after having pressed [*] to store or recall an iCUE. Displaying VideoGobos as Static Images You may wish to display logos or scanned images with BiT BOPPER, ideally as close to their original form as possible. The best way to do this is to follow the steps below: Load in your VideoGobo(s). Switch into the desired mode, single or dual. If in dual layer mode, select the desired layer. Else... Press [Clr/Home] to reset any special effects etc. Check [i]lluminate Lock is ON. If not, press [i]. Reset any color cycling by performing a [Control]+[C]. This will switch OFF color cycling and return the color palette to it's original form. This is especially noticeable when using Primary Color Filters. Apply a Primary Color filter. Using Spectrum Color Filters will make complex images, such as digitized or scanned logos, faces etc difficult to make out, hence it is best to use a Primary Color Filter, ideally white. (Color [1]) If you are in Single Layer Mode, try using [M]ix to mix any two color filters.

Creating VideoGobos It is possible to install addition VideoGobos onto your BiT BOPPER system. You can create your own using popular graphics software available on personal computers, or purchase custom VideoGobos or libraries of VideoGobos from 3rd parties. Possible sources of VideoGobos 3rd party VideoGobo developers. (See next page.) Your own ideas and artwork. Scanned logos, photographs, illustrations, paintings etc. Mathematical (chaos) patterns, such as Mandlebrot and Julia Set fractals. Recommended Computer Graphics Software SOFTWARE PUBLISHER COMPUTER PLATFORM Adobe PhotoShop Adobe PC, Mac, Sun or Silicon Graphics Kai's Power Tools (KPT)* MetaTools (HSC) PC, Mac, Sun or Silicon Graphics Corel Photo-Paint Corel PC Deluxe Paint Electronic Arts Amiga   *KPT requires PhotoShop.   VideoGobo Technical Specification SOURCE resolution: 640 x 480 or 384 x 240 SOURCE formats: BMP, GIF, RAW (PhotoShop RAW) DESTINATION Resolution: 384 x 240 Bit depth: 8bit grayscale File size: 93KBytes Filename format: Number followed by appropriate suffix (see below) Acceptable Source Formats for VideoGobos FORMAT REQUIRED FILENAME SUFFIX EXAMPLE BMP .BMP 61.BMP GIF .GIF 62.GIF RAW .RAW 63.RAW A quick guide to creating your own VideoGobo(s) Although BiT BOPPER can import images created at 640 x 480 pixel resolution, these will be scaled by BiT BOPPER during the import process, and a certain amount of degradation is likely. Therefore try and source your VideoGobo image at 384 x 240. For a VideoGobo to be imported onto BiT BOPPER, the file name must be a number between 1 and 999 ending in the appropriate file format suffix. (See above.) Before saving your VideoGobo(s), please note the following: BiT BOPPER is supplied with 60 VideoGobos numbered from 1 to 60*. Additional VideoGobos should therefore be given numbers greater than 60.   BiT BOPPER allows the first 100 VideoGobos (numbered 1 to 100) to be accessed in BANKS of 10 at a time. These banks are used for sequencing effects. As an example, if you want to create a sequence of VideoGobos to go into Bank 7, name them 61.??? to 70.??? (Where ??? is the appropriate suffix - see above.) Copy the VideoGobo(s) onto a PC formatted 1.44MByte floppy disk. To install your VideoGobos onto a BiT BOPPER system, see Import VideoGobo(s) in the REFERENCE Chapter. The VideoGobo eXchange format (VGX) If an image has been specially created for use as a VideoGobo (and can be successfully installed and displayed on BiT BOPPER, or other BiT BOPPER technology product), then it conforms to O Wonder's VideoGobo eXchange Format (VGX ). If the VGX symbol shown on this page is displayed on any VideoGobo libraries or equipment, then compatibility is guaranteed. To display the VGX logo on your own VideoGobo library or on an item of equipment requires a license from O Wonder.

Creating PhotoImages It is possible to install addition PhotoImages onto your BiT BOPPER system. You can create your own using popular graphics software available on personal computers. Possible sources of PhotoImages Photo CD CD-ROM disks*. (Images would need to be copied from the CD-ROMs onto a floppy disk.) *Ensure any such images are copyright free. 3rd party companies. Your own ideas and artwork. Scanned logos, photographs, illustrations, paintings etc. Mathematical (chaos) patterns, such as Mandlebrot and Julia Set fractals. Recommended Computer Graphics Software SOFTWARE PUBLISHER COMPUTER PLATFORM Adobe PhotoShop Adobe PC, Mac, Sun or Silicon Graphics Kai's Power Tools (KPT)* MetaTools (HSC) PC, Mac, Sun or Silicon Graphics Corel Photo-Paint Corel PC Deluxe Paint Electronic Arts Amiga *KPT requires PhotoShop.   PhotoImage Technical Specification SOURCE resolution: Any resolution up to 768 x 480 SOURCE formats: BMP, GIF, 24bit TARGA (8 bit TARGAs will not work.) DESTINATION Resolution: Same as SOURCE, up to 768 x 480 Bit depth: 16bit color File size: Up to approx 1.2MBytes Filename format: Number followed by appropriate suffix (see below) . Acceptable Source Formats for PhotoImages FORMAT REQUIRED FILENAME SUFFIX EXAMPLE BMP .BMP 10.BMP GIF .GIF 11.GIF TARGA .TGA 12.TGA A quick guide to creating your own PhotoImage(s) BiT BOPPER can import images from any resolution between 16x16 pixels up to 768x480. Unlike VideoGobo importing, no scaling is performed. The image is shown as is. For a PhotoImage to be imported onto BiT BOPPER, the file name must be a number between 4.??? and 999.???. (Where ??? is the appropriate suffix - see above.) Before saving your PhotoImage(s), please note the following: BiT BOPPER is supplied with approx 3 PhotoImages numbered from 1 to 3. Additional PhotoImages should therefore be given numbers greater than 3. Copy the PhotoImage(s) onto a PC formatted 1.44MByte floppy disk. To import your PhotoImage(s) onto a BiT BOPPER system, see Import PhotoImage(s) in the REFERENCE Chapter. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. PhotoShop is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. Corel is a trademark of Corel Corporation. VideoGobo is a trademark of O Wonder.

Falcon file management Understanding the information provided in this section will allow you to perform backups of all, or portions of the BiT BOPPER software. You can also transfer files to other BiT BOPPER users by copying the required files (such as VideoGobos, PhotoImages etc) onto a PC formatted floppy disk. To get to the desktop environment While the software is up and running, there are two methods with which to get to the Falcon desktop: Hold down [Shift]+[Control] and press [Q] or Select VISION CONTROL: UTILITIES Menu...: Quit to desktop... The Falcon desktop environment To understand the Falcon desktop environment, please refer to an Atari Falcon handbook. The desktop works in a similar manner to an Apple Macintosh or Windows 95 desktop. That is, files may be dragged and dropped. The files supplied with Falcon BiT BOPPER There are over 150 files supplied with Falcon BiT BOPPER. This section lists the various folders that hold these files, starting at the top of the hiararchy. WARNING! Erasing, overwriting or modifying any of the files named here will cause the BiT BOPPER software to crash, or perform incorrectly. ROOT ASSIGN.SYS EXTEND.SYS AUTO (Folder) SPDGDOS.PRG SPDOFNTS (Folder) Contains 16 font files. BBOP (Folder) The files within the top level of the BBOP hiararchy are all essential system files. These include: BITBOP.PRG (This is the main system file.) MENUS MESSAGES iCUE (Folder) This contains the USER and SYSTEM iCUEs. The USER iCUEs reside in their own folders that are created when you create a new USER area. For example, if you logon as User 3, a folder named "USER3" will be created within the iCUE folder. USER 3's iCUEs will subsequently be stored in the USER3 folder. Via the Falcon desktop environment you can drag iCUEs from one iCUE folder to another. The SYSTEM iCUEs reside outside of the USER iCUE folders in the iCUE folder. The SYSTEM iCUEs are the factory installed demo iCUEs. Do not erase or rename these iCUEs, else the BiT BOPPER demo will not function correctly. You can COPY (duplicate) the SYSTEM iCUEs into USER iCUE folders if you wish. PHOTO (Folder) This is the PHOTOIMAGE folder. There are two or three factory installed demo PHOTOIMAGEs in this folder. If you install any additional PHOTOIMAGES, ensure they are not named the same as the demo images, unless you specifically wish to overwrite the demo images. It is possible that at least one of the supplied PHOTOIMAGES is used in the demonstration iCUE Sequence, therefore, best leave well alone, unless you do not require the demo iCUE Sequence. SEQUENCE ICU (Folder) iCUE Sequences are stored in this folder. There are two copies of the demo iCUE Sequence in this folder named 99 and 100. There are technical reasons for the two copies. If you wish to use the demo, please do not erase either copy. SPECTRUM (Folder) The SPECTRUM COLOR FILTERS reside in the SPECTRUM folder. 20 factory installed SPECTRUM COLOR FILTERS are supplied, numbered from 0 to 19. SYSTEM PHI (Folder) This folder contains the SYSTEM PHOTOIMAGES. These are critical to system operation, and if removed, will prevent the software from functioning. VGX (Folder) This is where the VIDEOGOBOs are stored. No less than 60 VIDEOGOBOs are suppied with BiT BOPPER, and some of these supplied VIDEOGOBOS are used by the demo iCUE Sequence. (Two additional VIDEOGOBOs, 200 and 201 have been added recently) Therefore, it is best you do not delete or overwrite VIDEOGOBOs 1 to 60 and 200 and 201 - else the demo will not work properly.

Falcon Hardware Monitor Output Pinout The above shows the monitor output connector at the rear of the Falcon. By making up your own cable, you can obtain a high quality RGB signal.

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