Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules that receive dimming level information from one of at least two control modules. Each dimmer module includes a microprocessor that provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to dimming level information. Control modules receive industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, convert it to dimming level information, and serially communicate the dimming level information to the dimmer modules. Dimmer modules and control modules are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having a nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if control modules are removed from the rack. An inactive control module can assume control of the rack when an active control module fails.

Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network is disclosed which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establishing lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes a non-volatile memory mounted to a backplane in a rack having a control module slot for receiving a control module, and a plurality of dimmer module slots for receiving dimmer modules. The non-volatile memory stores operational information for the rack, and the control module can be removed from the rack without affecting the information stored in the nonvolatile memory. The non-volatile memory is adapted to store looks which can be invoked by the rack without external control. The rack includes a pull-out tray for receiving the control module, and the pull-out tray includes a back wall which functions as the backplane. The non-volatile memory can be programmed through the control module by a computer or a hand-held controller coupled to the control module. The hand-held controller includes a display and can provide local control of the rack.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules which receive dimming level information from a control module. Each dimmer modules includes a microprocessor which provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to the dimming level information. The control module receives industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, converts it to dimming level information, and communicates the dimming level information to the dimmer modules through serial communication lines. The dimmer modules and control module are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if the control module is removed from the rack. The dimmer modules implement a zero cross prediction method which includes detecting an actual zero cross, calculating an error, and adding the error to the period of a line power signal.