Introduction
To simplify integration with third party lighting consoles and control systems, PixLite® Mk3 supports partial configuration file (.conf) imports.
This supports the ability to upload partial .conf files to configure specific elements of a PixLite® Mk3 device’s configuration while leaving the remainder untouched.
This trigger profile provides a standardized two-channel control arrangement for PixLite® Mk3 when using SHOWTime™ - the internal playback engine included on all PixLite® Mk3 devices.
- DMX Channel 1 controls live intensity.
- DMX Channel 2 selects either Live Mode or one of 24 SHOWTime™ triggers.
Modify the start channels and universe input source within the PixLite® Mk3 configuration interface.
This also allows lighting console operators to patch a known DMX profile without needing to manually explain or set up the full trigger definitions before or during install. We’ve provided a download link to a ready to use partial .conf file below for triggering.
Download
Lighting Console Set Up:
DMX Channels, Names and Levels
Default Scene Fixed Colors:
To ensure an output to the pixels, the pre-defined triggers currently reference static colors:
Pre-defined Trigger Colors
What is a .conf File?
A .conf is the configuration file exported from a PixLite® Mk3 controller. PixLite® Mk3 supports importing partial .conf files, which means a file can be used to update only specific parameters while not touching or overwriting the remainder of your configuration.
What Do the triggers.conf File Do?
Loading the triggers.conf file to your setup provides control for live intensity (master brightness) and SHOWTime™ trigger recall (via SHOWTime™) based on a standardized profile/model.
It uses two DMX channels:
In Live Mode, PixLite® Mk3 maps incoming Art-Net or sACN data to the configured pixel outputs.
When a trigger range is selected on Channel 2, PixLite® Mk3 switches to SHOWTime™ playback and runs the corresponding trigger action e.g. scene playback.
What is a DMX Fixture Library?
A fixture library is a built-in collection of DMX fixture profiles used by a lighting console. Each profile describes a specific lighting fixture and maps its DMX channels to the relevant console controls, such as intensity, color, pan, tilt, zoom, or effects.
These predefined profiles allow users to select a fixture from the library and control its functions without manually assigning every channel. In practice, the fixture library acts as the translation layer between the lighting console and the connected fixture, so the console knows which control should operate each fixture function.
What Does the DMX Fixture Profile Do?
The DMX fixture profile file tells a lighting console how to represent and control PixLite Mk3 as a fixture when using the triggers.conf. It does not configure PixLite Mk3 directly, instead it defines how the console should present the available control channels. The DMX fixture profile is downloadable from individual console manufacturer libraries or GDTF.
How This Helps End Users?
Instead of a technician configuring triggers for PixLite® on the fly and telling a console operator what channel does what, the .conf allows users to standardize on a way to trigger PixLite® from their lighting console, reducing guesswork between operators and technicians with pre-built resources to reduce friction.
How To Use It?
Lighting Console:
- Patch the DMX fixture profile or import the GDTF of the fixture file from your lighting console fixture library to the relevant channel.
- You will see an option for intensity (brightness) and an attribute for "Gobo" or similar as defined by your console manufacturer.
- Set brightness to full (or desired value) on ch1 to get maximum output.
- By default, PixLite® will be set to Live Mode this allows any eDMX (Art-Net/sACN) being directed at the device to be mapped to the pixels.
- Use ch2 to trigger the SHOWTime™ playback engine within PixLite® to play back files from the microSD card.
Level 0 -> 9 = Live Mode, Levels 10 -> 19 = Trigger 1, Levels 20 -> 21 = Trigger 2, etc.
Fixture Library Availability
At the time of writing, the PixLite® Mk3 DMX fixture profile has also been added to the following fixture libraries:
PixLite® Mk3 Setup
Import the .conf file to the devices you want to use this functionality on from within the Management tab.
Management Tab
Upon completion navigate to the Pixel Outputs tab.
Live intensity will now be enabled. Tailor this to fit the channel and universe of your choice. (To use DMX, ensure the Aux Port is configured as an Input).
External Intensity Channel
Next, navigate to the Triggers tab and modify the input source to be the same universe as the intensity channel set in the previous step.
Triggers Interface
By default, each trigger triggers a static color (defaults show in the table below). Modify each trigger to reference a specific scene or playlist as you have named them on your microSD card within PixLite®
Commonly Asked Questions
What If I Want To Use Fewer Triggers Than 24?
That's fine, either delete, disable or repurpose the triggers the .conf defines within the Triggers page of SHOWTime™.
Can I Change What Each Trigger Does?
Yes. Each trigger can be modified to reference the required scene or playlist stored on the PixLite® Mk3 microSD card. The default static colors are only provided as a starting point and means to verify and aid setup.
Can I Build My Own .conf Files?
Absolutely, start by exploring a .conf file from a PixLite® controller then remove or modify its contents using a text editor or IDE. You could make it relevant to SHOWTime™, or any other function of PixLite® you want to configure easily.