| Stage lighting console runs Windows XP Embedded |
Apr. 13, 2008
 Danish firm Martin Professional has built a professional lighting and effects console around a Pentium M-based computer running Windows XP Embedded. The "Maxxyz Compact" can control up to 32,000 fixtures with 1,000 cuelists and up to 32 DMX512 universes, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of Martin's Maxxyz Compact)
DMX512 (digital multiplex 512) is an RS485-based standard for sending commands unidirectionally to stage fixtures including lights, controllers, faders, dimers, fog machines, and more. As implied by its name, DMX512 supports only 512 channels per data link, but modern equipment such as the Maxxyz Compact can work with multiple 512-channel "universes."
The Maxxyz Compact console measures 28.7 x 27.6 x 11.8 inches, and holds four USB-linked modules, one of which is a "Cerebrum" (seen at top right in the picture above). This is a Pentium-M based computer that runs Windows XP Embedded and has a 12.1-inch touchscreen, plus an internal 2.5-inch hard drive of unspecified capacity.
The installed version of Windows XP Embedded is dedicated to providing the console's user interface, and is described as "not user accessible." The computer can, however, be removed (above left) and used independently without the rest of the console, for controlling temporary installations in hotels, cruise ships, or the like.
 
The Maxxyz Compact's onboard computer is removable or controllable via keyboard
The Cerebrum has a DVD-RW drive, but the drive is not intended for movie playback. Another built-in is a keyboard that slides out from the front of the Maxxyz Compact (above right).
The Maxxyz Compact features a customized graphical user interface, aimed at helping users control up to 32,000 fixtures. Four standard DMX channels, with 2048 channels each, are expandable to 32, for a total of 16,384 channels. The device can control the company's Maxedia range of video panels, and has an extensive fixture library including all known manufacturers, 65,000 possible presets, and an effect generator for automated programming of complex effects, Martin says.
Features and specifications listed by Martin for the Maxxyz Compact include:- User interface:
- 10 x motorized playback faders, each with one dynamically labeled LCD button (to
identify/activate playback) and two function-assignable buttons
- 4 x digital fader belts for fixture parameter control
- 10 x dynamically labeled digital LCD buttons for parameter groups, functions, effect parameters, fanning, global timings
- Grand master fader and button
- Trackball with pan/tilt control switch
- 16 x view buttons, 2 x view scroll buttons
- 10 x pause/back buttons
- 10 x go buttons
- 10 x flash buttons
- 5 x customizable function keys, LCD buttons
- Customizable highlight / lowlight function
- Next/last fixtures/groups
- Left/right mouse button
- Digital encoder wheels for window scrolling and screen/desk lamp intensity
- I/O:
- 4 x DMX universe outputs -- 5-pin locking XLR
- VGA port
- Artnet for addition of up to 32 DMX universes -- RJ-45
- Maxxyz/Maxedia multiple controller link -- RJ-45
- 4 x USB 2.0
- MIDI in/out/thru (MIDI show control, MIDI notes, MIDItimecode), 5-pin DIN
- SMPTE timecode in -- 3-pin XLR
- LTC timecode in -- BNC
- 3 x desk lamp connectors (XLR)
- Dimensions -- 28.7 x 27.6 x 11.8 inches
- Weight -- 68.3 pounds
Martin did not release pricing information for the Maxxyz Compact. However, the device appears to be available now.
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