NB: This information relates to the first model M.24 with maximum 60 channels.
See also the Sales information for Tempus M24
Tempus M.24 has fewer push buttons than a pocket calculator but has the comprehensive facilities of an advanced memory control; it can, if needed, execute concurrently up to six different cues all at different recorded timings, or a sequence of 50 or more cues running consecutively. At any time, even during such multi-part fades, the fader wheel provides immediate control of any one or more channels to meet the unforeseen needs of the moment. Like Galaxy, Rank Strand's most powerful memory system, it is the latest operator action that takes command; like Galaxy it has the same high standards of 16-bit fade processing and 8-bit recording and output accuracy. Any
existing 2 or more preset desk (unless it is a museum piece)
can be used in conjunction with Tempus M.24 and the lighting
contribution of that manual desk can be recorded into the
fast-access memory of the M.24. Tempus M.24 has a multiplexed output so that a single 2-conductor screened cable conveys all intensity information, in serial form, to one or more local Multiplex boxes which each have plug and socket control connections for up to 24 dimmers. |
Tempus
M.24 Fx The
keypad allows any Channel numbers to be assigned at full-on
to any Group Master fader, and Channels can be common to
2 or more groups whose master faders combine on a highest
takes precendence basis. |
Tempus
M.24 is the dimmer intensity memory control for small theatres,
studios and public halls and is so compact and lightweight
that it is also ideal for touring rigs and outside broadcasts.
This
memory stores up to 185 different lighting states for the
maximum of 60 control channels. All, or any part of this
memory can be transferred to and from tape by plug-in addition
of an ordinary domestic cassette recorder. The Tempus M.24
also has an output socket to which a monochrome television
set can be connected for an inexpensive Visual Display Unit
which is not essential, but desirable for faster interrogation
of detail. Another output is provided for a quality CCTV
monitor.
Tempus M.24 - Operation
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Internally
the table-top desk has an output store including each and every
dimmer channel. Whenever Channel control facilities are "used"
these update the intensity levels in this output store. The
contents of this output store, which is mastered by the Memory
master fader, can be recorded into the fast-access memory when
a Memory number has been allocated for future identification.When
any Memory number is recalled the FADE push
initiates a gradual update of the output store to the recalled
intensity levels. If a modification of these levels is then
desirable the Channel control facilities are "used"
in exactly the same way as they were "used" to initiate
the lighting - the latest instruction takes precedence.
Any external multi-preset or auxiliary desk interfaced to the
Tempus M.24 is mastered by the Manual master fader on the M.24
desk; when the output of an external desk is combined with that
of the Tempus M.24 the highest level takes precedence.
At
Switch-On
When the Tempus M.24 desk is switched-on the intensity levels
are restored to the levels existing in the output store when
the equipment was last switched-off; however fades in progress
at that time will not be restore, nor Channel or Memory numbers
selected at that time. The CHANNEL mode of
keypad operation will be selected automatically after a brief
self-checking routine. Check that the Memory master fader is
at 10 (full), that the Manual master fader is at zero, and that
the Dead Blackout switch, immediately above
those faders, is up to the 
position. It is advisable to set the two Fade Duration faders
(below the Time Match legend) to around 5 seconds.
Selecting
Memory or Channel Number for "Use"
The MEMORY or CHANNEL mode
switches determine whether the keypad is to select Memory numbers
or Channel numbers, and also change the numeric display to show
the last-selected number. Pressing MEMORY cancels
CHANNEL mode and its associated L.E.D. indicator,
and vice-versa. However, the last-selected number, whether Channel
or Memory, remains selected and available for "use".
The digits keyed into the keypad appear in the numeric display
above, for verification. CLear cancels the
selection if a mistake is made, but it is not normally necessary
to press CLear before selecting a new number
because once a selection has been "used" the next
digit keyed in is interpreted as the start of a new number selection.
The +1 key increments the selected Channel
or Memory number by one each time it is pressed. If a non-valid
number, beyond the capacity of the control, is attempted then
the display blanks ready for a valid number.
When
a Channel or Memory number is already selected, pressing the
+ key will blank the numerical display and
substitute a + prefix to allow another number to be added to
the selection for simultaneous "use". Similarly the
- key allows a number to be deleted (see Thru
below).
In
Channel mode a consecutive sequence of Channel numbers can be
selected for "use" simultaneously by entering the
lowest number, pressing THRU, and then entering
the highest number of the sequence.
"Using"
Channel Numbers
The normal function of the Fader Wheel is to increase or decrease
the existing intensity levels of Channels selected for "use"
according to the amount, the rate and direction of movement
applied. One full quadrant movement of this continuous wheel
will change the level from zero to full, or vice versa. When
more than one Channel number is "used" each will be
increased or decreased the same amount from their starting levels.
Movement beyond full light, or below zero is ignored, but immediate
control is regained when the Fader Wheel is reversed but the
relative balance is maintained.
When the @ (at) push is pressed this changes
the response of the keypad to "use" selected channels
so that the next digit, or F, entered changes
the intensity level(s) of those channel(s) to the level of the
digit pressed, or to Full. More precise levels are available
by pressing . (decimal point), and then another
digit. If the second number is not preceded by .
then this will be interpreted as the start of a new number selection.
When @ is invoked the + and
- keys used prior to a digit key then increase,
or decrease, the existing intensity level(s) of selected channel(s)
by the keyed-in percentage.
The Level numeric display above the Fader Wheel normally shows
the intensity level, as a percentage of F for
full, or the last-selected Channel number.
Pressing RETURN will change "used",
but still selected Channel numbers, back to their original starting
levels. The adjacent 
(flash) sprung-centre switch changes selected Channels to full
while pressed upwards, or to zero downwards.
"Using"
Memory Numbers to Record Lighting
Both RECord pushes are inoperative unless a
valid Memory number is selected for future identification, and
unless the key has been inserted in the RECord
ENABLE keyswitch and turned clockwise to the
captive position. The L.E.D. indicator adjacent to the pushes
lights momentarily to indicate a successful recording.
The RECord TOTAL push stores
the precise intensity levels of all the "active" lighting
- the source of this is dependent upon either one, or both,
of the Manual and Memory master faders being above zero. The
alternative RECord BLIND push
stores the intensity values preset, but not effective because
the master fader for that source is at zero. Therefore it is
possible to store "active" or "blind" the
intensity levels determined by either the Tempus M.24 desk,
or those determined by an auxiliary desk, or a combination of
both sources, depending on the relative positions of the respective
master faders.
Whenever intensity levels are recorded the settings of the two
Fade Duration faders, calibrated from 0 seconds to 10 minutes,
are also recorded, unless the USE TIME L.E.D.
indicator is lit, in which case any pre-existing recorded time
is preserved.
"Using"
Memory Numbers to Recall Lighting
Select the required Memory number, set the Fade Duration faders
to the timing required and press the FADE push
to initiate a crossfade to the intensity levels previously recorded
with that Memory number. The L.E.D. indicator adjacent to the
push will remain alight during the fade. As soon as the fade
is initiated the Memory number will appear in the Active Memory
numeric display, and the keypad is freed to select a new Memory
number, or Channel number.
The settings of the two Fade Duration faders will determine
the rate of change, which can be accelerated or retarded by
altering those faders. If set to 0 seconds
pressing FADE will execute a snap, switch change;
at the opposite end of the scale 
(infinity) is equivalent to a stop. The left-hand Duration fader
controls only those channels increasing in intensity,
and the right fader those decreasing to allow fade
to be profiled to suit the stage or studio action.
If the USE TIME push is pressed prior to FADE
then the timing will be at the duration settings recorded when
the intensity levels were recorded. These can be matched by
moving each Duration Fader until the TIME MATCH
L.E.D. indicators light. USE TIME can then
be de-selected, by pressing again, and the rate of change modified
manually if required.
Alternatively the Duration Faders can be used as manual masters
- select MANUAL, then press FADE,
next change the two faders to the bottom of the scale to "collect"
the fade and then raise the faders towards the top of the scale.
It is not necessary to complete a fade before starting the next,
not even in MANUAL mode.
Modifying
Channel Levels
The
"active" lighting can be modified at any time, even
during the progress of a fade, by selecting the Channel number(s)
and "using" the Fader Wheel and/or the @
(at) keypad facilities as previously described. There is never
any need to match the initial intensity level(s) before taking
control.
The intensity level content of any Memory number can also be
modified "blind" (before "use") by first
selecting the required Channel number(s), next the Memory number
and then pressing CHANNEL and MEMORY
mode pushes simulataneously while "using" the Fader
Wheel and/or the @ (at) keypad facilities.
The RECord ENABLE keyswitch
must also be on at the time.
"Using"
Memories in Sequence
The SEQuence facility, invoked while the adjacent
L.E.D. is lit, automatically advances the Memory number to the
next each time the FADE push is released -
thus the next Memory number is ready to be "used".
The next Memory number is normally the next in numerical progression,
but LINK allows any sequence to be recorded
by assigning a link number to any Memory number. In Memory mode,
when LINK is pressed the first time, the numerical
display changes to show the link number (if any); a valid number
subsequently keyed in will be recorded as the link number when
LINK is pressed a second time, provided the
RECord ENABLE keyswitch is
on. Link numbers are automatically erased when either of the
RECord pushes are pressed to ensure that a
Link number is a deliberate instruction (not one left in the
memory from a previous production).
If SEQuence is pressed while the ^
(shift) push is also pressed the AUTO
L.E.D. will light to indicate Auto Sequence mode of operation;
this automatically selects the next Memory number and automatically
initiates the next FADE on completion of the
previous change.
By assigning link numbers to the first and last Memory numbers
in a series, and using Auto Sequence, it is simple to arrange
any repeating chase sequence. Auto Sequence can, of course,
be combined with USE TIME to take into account
the Fade Duration times recorded with each Memory number allowing
a precisely-timed, complex programme to be run automatically.
Crossfades,
Move Fades, Dim Fades
A crossfade is, by definition, a fade where the new intensity
levels totally replace the previous lighting. It follows
that only one crossfade can be in progress at any moment in
time, and this is the latest one started. With Tempus M.24 it
is not necessary to complete one crossfade before starting,
on cue, the next.
There are occasions for multi-part and processional cues, when
it is convenient to add the intensity level content
of a Memory number to the existing lighting; these Move fades,
as they are called, are readily available with Tempus M.24 by
prefixing the Memory number with a + sign.
Dim Fades, where those Channels above zero in a Memory number
are subtracted to fade to zero on cue are also possible
by prefixing the Memory number with a - sign.
Either a + or a - prefix can be recorded with the Memory number
for use with the SEQuence facility, or keyed-in
prior to selecting a Memory number for recall. The appropriate
prefix appears in all relevant numeric displays whenever Memory
numbers are used in SEQuence. Move or Dim fades
are initiated in exactly the same manner as normal crossfades
- by pressing the FADE push on cue, but up
to 6 Move or Dim fades can be in progress simultaneously. In
these circumstances the two Time Duration faders allow rate
of change intervention of the latest fade started. Any crossfade
(without a + or - prefix to the Memory number) which is initiated
will automatically predominate.
Move fades can also be arranged so that some Channels fade out
to zero (a normal corssfade would fade out all other Channels).
This is achieved by recording those channels required to fade
to zero with just a . (decimal point) instead
of an intensity level.
Move and Dim fades can also be operated manually by the Fader
Wheel - press Q (which inhibits Memory and
Channel mode), key in the Memory number and move the Fader Wheel
upwards or use the keypad @ (at) facilities
for a switch change. Memory numbers without a prefix will assume
Move fade mode in these circumstances. This facility is also
very valuable for composing new lighting from existing Memory
numbers used as groups complete with intensity level balance.
Memory
to and from Tape
Tempus M.24 has in-built capability to transfer, check, and
recall the intensity level, time, and link number and any +
or - prefix content of Memory numbers from its internal fast-access
memory to a good quality, but not special, tape cassette. No
exotic equipment is required, merely a reasonable quality mono
or stereo domestic cassette recorder. This facility is invaluable
for any form or repertoire, for pre-plotting, and for added
security of detail especially in multiple-user situations where
another operator could, unintentionally, overwrite his or her
lighting on required Memory numbers, if they had the Record
Enable key.
Basically the method of operation is to define the series of
Memory numbers to be transferred by using the THRU
push with the first and last Memory numbers required, then whilst
holding the ^ (shift) push depressed using
the second function of MEMORY to initiate the
WRITE function, or Q for the
CHECK function, or CHANNEL
for the READ function. The TAPE
L.E.D. lights until the transfer is complete and the numeric
display is used to monitor progress.
Dimensions
| WIDTH | DEPTH | MAX HEIGHT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempus M.24 Memory Control | 530mm | 360mm | 190mm (including detachable cover) |
| Multiplex Interface Units | 280mm | 75mm | 200mm |
| Tempus M.24 Fx Patch/Effects Desk | 530mm | 360mm | 140mm (including detachable cover) |
SPECIFICATION
Power
input
220-240 or 110-120V, 47-63Hz
Each unit requires separate power input.
Tempus
M.24 Output
Multiplexed analogue link via 2-core screened cable.
Multiplexed
Interface Unit Output
dimmer drive
0V (Off) to -10V (Full) via 10k ohm & silicon diode.
Optionally 0V (Off) to +10V (Full) via 1k ohm & silicon
diode.
Other control voltages are possible, within the limits +/- 15V.
0371009
Multiplex Unit, 4 x 6 channel, 0V to -10V interface. Connection
via 4 x 2m long control cables each terminated in 8-pin "Bleecon"
plug to mate with Tempus
0371104
Multiplex Unit, 24 channel, 0V to -10V interface 25 way D-type
connector
0371305
Multiplex Unit, 24 channel, 0V to +10V interface 25 way D-type
connector
Input
from Manual Fader Desk or Wing
As for dimmer drive outputs
Control
Channels
In increments of 12, from 24 to 60 maximum. One Multiplex Interface
Unit is required for each 24 channels.
Environment
Operating, 0°C to 35°C, 10% to 90% maximum relative
humidity (non-condensing). "Office" level cleanliness.
Processors
M6803, 8-bit data, 16-bit address
M68B09, 8-bit data, 16-bit address
Cycle
Time
Executive - typically 48ms
Contact Scan - typically 12ms
Fade
Processing Accuracy
16-bit
Recording
Accuracy
8-bit (256 step)
Output
Accuracy
8-bit (256 step)
Fast-Access
Memory
Low-power semiconductor, battery maintained for minimum of a
week. Capacity depends on number of channels fitted. 60 channel
systems have 185 memories available. Smaller systems have 199.
VDU
Mimic Output
Modulated UHF (optionally VHF) 625/525 line, 50/60 Hz field,
with connection via co-axial connector, and 1V positive composite
video with connection via 75 ohm BNC socket.
Tape
Memory Storage
Uses standard domestic audio recorder. 100m Vrms input/output
on standard 5 pin DIN socket; Mono or Stereo.
