Frequently asked questions

No light comes out

Check, in this order:

1. The license: without an active license, the DMX output is cut (a gray veil on the Layouts reminds you). "Add a window" → Setup → License tells you why. See License.
2. An output is set up: DMX Output window, at least one line with Active on Yes, with the right network interface, and universes that cover those of your patch. In Unicast, a Destination IP of 0.0.0.0 makes the line inactive. See DMX Output.
3. The patch: a universe without any patched fixture is not sent. The status line of the DMX Output window says "No universe sent" in that case.
4. The Windows firewall: on first launch, it asks you to allow the software; if it was refused, no frame goes out. Allow E&S Lighting for private networks in the firewall settings.
5. The node: it must be on the same network as the chosen interface (same IP address range), and listen to the universes sent (in Art-Net, watch out for the Net.Sub-Net.Universe numbering).
6. The fixtures themselves: a parked fixture stays frozen (see Park); Solo on sets all unselected fixtures to 0.

"Network interface not found" at startup

A DMX output of the show uses a network card that is not on this computer (show coming from another computer, card unplugged, USB adapter). Open DMX Output and choose an interface that is present. The line keeps the old interface, shown as "not found", until you change it.

During a show, a card that disappears is reported in the command line ("Network card not found…"): its outputs are no longer sent until it comes back.

"The machine can't keep up, frames are dropped"

The DMX output calculation can no longer keep up the pace (44 frames per second): too many universes or effects for this computer. The software cuts nothing, it warns you. The DMX Output window shows the calculation time of a frame and the dropped frames. Close other programs, or move to a computer with more cores.

The software won't open a second time

That's intended: only one E&S Lighting at a time per computer (there could only be one DMX output). If it doesn't open at all, it may already be running, hidden: look at the taskbar, or close it in the Task Manager.

I made a mistake

Undo (or Ctrl+Z) cancels the last change; the History window lets you go back several steps at once. See Undo and Redo.

Where is my show saved? How do I back it up?

Every change is written immediately to Documents\E&S Lighting\Shows\<name>.esl: there is nothing to save before closing. To back it up, copy this file, or use Copy on the show in the Shows window. See Shows.

My windows have disappeared

• A main window that is turned off: Windows window, tap its button, it turns back on.
• The windows of a screen: recall a View (see Windows and Views), or reopen them through "Add a window" (a tap on an empty spot).
• Clear the screen (in "Add a window") closes all the windows of the screen: Undo does not bring them back (it is not a change to the show), but a View does.

Touchscreen

Everything is done with your finger: a tap for a button, one finger dragging to select (rectangle), two fingers to scroll a list. The command keypad keys type into the field being edited: no keyboard needed. See Selecting.

Small screen

The interface is designed to work from 1024 × 600. On a small screen, use Views to switch from one layout to another rather than stacking windows, and F11 for full screen.

A fixture is not in the library

Look for it on GDTF Share from the Profiles window, import a .gdtf file from the manufacturer, or create its profile yourself. See Profiles and GDTF.

The software is in English (or in French)

"Add a window" → Setup → Language, then restart the software. By default, it uses the language of Windows.

Does it work without internet?

Yes, for 30 days after the last license check. See License.

I found a bug / I have an idea

The Report a bug / an improvement button, at the top of the window: describe what you were doing, attach the log and the screenshot. You follow up on the website, My reports page. See License.