Lasergrafix Midas Controller/PM20

[stupidsexyflanders]

Hi , i have got my hands on a Midas controller to use as back up but i dont have a contact or manual for it. I think its a rebranded PM20 or PM21 . I someone could help would be much appreciated . Thanks

Aaron

[mixedgas]

I have one of those.
It will take me a day or two to get out the manual. PM20.

There is a access code to change/program settings, and a access code to just bloody run the thing. I'll try to get back to you asap, but I am working 12 hour days trying to save a lab laser project, so just hold your breath a while. Access codes are hardwired, so should be possibly the same as mine. Mine are on a sticker on the unit, so I never memorized them. Nice desk.

Got any LEDs when it powers up?

Steve

[stupidsexyflanders]

Thanks Steve , no hurry . I will have a look for any sticker codes. It powers up ok but i havent connected it to my projector yet .

[Yag]

I have one of those, they're pretty good fun, though they have no blanking connections (I wired the shutter control to intensity so I can use the "flash" functions)

Code wise, I have 9, 11, 10, 12 as a "clear" command to empty the scene banks, you may have to do this if the internal backup battery (little varta memopak thing) has gone flat and it's got corrupted. Worth leaving it plugged in for a bit if that's the case and giving it a charge.

I have code 1, 4, 2, 5 to use and edit.

If you want to add text, you'll need a PC XT keyboard. When editing, the "F1" key accesses text entry.

The 15 pin connector pinout is in this thread:-

http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...highlight=pm20

Good luck getting it to work, they can be a bit iffy, but considering the age that's not surprising! Mine needed a new backup battery before it started behaving reliably.

[p1t8ull]

Mine needed a new backup battery before it started behaving reliably.

And if it has a linear rather than switcher PSU, the filtering caps may need attention if you see some small cap (tant I think) damage on the mainboard

[stupidsexyflanders]

Ok , the code 1425 works to able to use it. I just need to know how to setup and store . Im going to remove the 15 pin and fit the standard 25 pin connector . So on my projector all i need are the X , Y and to connect the blue and green red as per ILDA . That way i can use a standard 25 way cable to connect.

Had a look inside , its definatly a PM 20 . Any news on the manual as im unsure if the pinout is the same as in the thread .

[stupidsexyflanders]

Hi , ok have replaced battery pack , unit powers up and once unlocked it runs through some sequences , all buttons work except the yellow one , next to the AUX button. Does anyone know what this button does as it wont come on . Also once connected to my projector it doesnt output anything , Thanks.

[Yag]

Dug mine out of from under the bed!

The yellow button next to the right of the Aux is flash/shutter. This controls the signal to the shutter connection (I have this wired to intensity on my ilda, for single coloured diode projectors.) The yellow button to the left is "shift" and selects the second function of the other buttons. It's indicator does not work, but you can test it by holding it down and pressing any button that has a second function e.g. size/pos if it's working, the shift indicator above the cross of cursor keys will light.

As for not outputting, I'd get a scope on it if you can, and probe for activity on the X and Y initially. Colours and shutter can be probed with a meter, as they don't modulate, they're simply on or off. All scenes default to a circle when it's cleared, so as soon as it's powered on, you should see a sine wave on X and Y (I think that's right for a circle, long time since A level physics!) either way, you'll see an AC voltage that will show up on a scope, X and Y should show the same.

I never really had a manual, but figured most stuff out, to program a scene:-

Select a scene (grey button)

Choose what goes in it (beam, pattern or logo)

Choose pattern or logo using up down cursor

Set scan rate using left right cursor

Set Size and position by selecting these (use shift) and adjusting with cursor keys.

Set animation using Mod (shift again) select with up/down cursor speed on left right.

Store stores in scene.

You can store a chase to a scene button, I'll have to check how to do that! Fader adjusts playback speed of chase in auto mode, manual mode steps on button press, audio on beat (shite unless you feed it a filtered signal of just bass) I'll add how to program a chase when I've tried it.

If you hit F1 on a connected XT keyboard, you can load text in to the selected scene, fader alters scroll speed in this case. Store to keep that text in that scene button.

[stupidsexyflanders]

Well the pm20 is now all up and running . Everything works but the one thing i dont know how to do is to create a chase from the scenes. As of yet i havent been able to find a manual for it i was hoping someone would know how to do it. Thanks. Also if anyone has an old XT 83 key keyboard they would like to sell me , please let me know. Cheers

[Yag]

I think you create chases in to scenes rather than chasing the scene banks. I will have a play with mine and let you know. Certainly the auto/manual/sound buttons affect chased steps in a Chase within a scene.