Variable data output by means of drivers

In addition to cue output it is also possible to send variable data - even continuously. Input for data variation is via data objects or control panel fields as well as via external input device linked up with data objects. See also Using external input devices. This allows interaction and control of special devices such as Motion Bases, etc.

The necessary precondition is the existence of a suitable driver which needs to be created by the user her/himself. For this purpose commands with parameter Value and the corresponding DriverLoop commands are used. See also Creating drivers.

Right-click some free space of category Devices and select Add port Serial/LAN.
Under General settings select the required type of communication:
If you want control via a serial port, click Serial port and select the corresponding port.
If you want control via a network, click on IP address / Port and enter address, server or device port and the control protocol. The server is always the computer or device this computer (being the client) is to be hooked up to.

For a serial connection, select the parameters in accordance with the device requirements under Configuration serial port. Click on OK.
Under Serial / LAN click the plus sign next to the folder All devices for the serial port to be displayed. Right-click Serial port and select Properties.

Continue at item 5 with the Driver settings.

1. When you have already started a multidisplay project, master and clients should already be available and the serial ports of the clients can be used. If this is not the case, create a multidisplay project and set up the presentation network.
2. Click on the plus sign next to Client PC and All devices for the serial ports to be displayed.
3. Right-click Serial port and select Properties.

Please keep in mind that in dependence on the interval (...is predetermined by the driver) variable data output requires a distinctly higher amount of data to be transferred than simple commands. With a high data traffic within the network and short intervals this may be noticeable.
Which serial port on the client is addressed, can be seen in the Media Pool in the device port line. Show.

In this example it is Com 1 (A). If you want to configure the serial interfaces you need to highlight the PC on the left (B) for the interfaces to be listed on the right.

Continue at item 5 with the driver settings.

When there is an error message, ensure that every command in the driver with Value parameters has a DriverLoop command, too. Moreover, any commands referring to a DriverLoop command must not contain any data or number parameters.

When testing drivers or eliminating faults, you can deactivate execution of DriverLoop commands by removing the checkmark next to Enable driver loop.

These value addresses can now be saved and used as data objects or control panel fields. They actually work like DMX data objects or control panel fields. The values that are output for 0 and 100 per cent have been specified in the driver by entering minimum and maximum values. The relevant factor for linkage with the corresponding command block is the driver address (e.g. V3) and column PC Port/Address in the Media Pool.