Below are some tips for how to get started using Pharos products, as well as answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. We also have comprehensive Online Help Files.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have a special request, please contact our Support team, who will be happy to help.
A Pharos Control system can be connected to any ethernet Network, though complex systems will require more configuration.
Typically we would recommend using simple unmanaged switches such as the Pharos POE as these have no impact on the data transfer.
Managed switches can be used, but care needs to be taken to allow certain multicast data to be transferred: 239.192.38.7, 239.192.38.8
For more information, please see the Network Guidelines AppNote.
There are two main things to consider when specifying a system:
1. Lighting Fixtures
Pharos Controllers are specified by DMX channel count (e.g. RGB LEDs take up 3 DMX Channels), so the quantity and type of these fixtures will determine the controller size. e.g. a project will 250 RGB LEDs, would require an LPC 2 (250*3= 750 DMX channels, 750/512=1.46 DMX Universes). You will need an LPC with a higher universe count than the required channels divided by 512.
If you are using DALI fixtures, different limits apply. Each DALI connection can accommodate a maximum of 64 devices, and each DALI connection requires a RIO D or EXT.
2. Connectivity
Different devices in the range have different connectivity options (e.g. LPC has inputs, MIDI, serial etc. whereas TPC has touchscreen, IR, temperature sensor). The range of RIOs also add connectivity options and these can be connected into the system to improve connectivity.
You will need to decide what connectivity you require to interact with other systems or sensors and select controllers or RIOs that include the required connectivity.
If you need further assistance, please contact Pharos Support.
Windows
Go to your Control Panel (exact process will depend upon your Windows version) and select Network and Sharing Center.
This should list all your current network connections.
Select the required network connection (often called Local Area Connection) by clicking on the blue name.
In the window that pops up, choose details and look for the IPv4 details for your IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway.
To change these settings, go back to the previous window and choose Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then Properties.
In the new window, you can set the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway.
Mac
Go to your System Preferences > Network
Select your Network Connection.
For wired connections, change the dropdown to Manually and enter the required network settings.
For Wireless connections, select Advanced, then TCP/IP then change the dropdown to Manually and enter the required network settings.
The Pharos Controls range is capable of outputting the following protocols:
LPC Status LEDs
The Pharos logo will illuminate when power is applied to the Controller. The red LEDs on the top/front of the Controller indicate the unit’s current status:
TPC Status LEDs
The Status LEDs on the TPC are located on the front under the magnetic overlay and on the back next to the Ethernet connection.
Error Codes
Additionally the red status LEDs are used to indicate any boot failures of the Controller that prevent the unit from going active. Refer to the Pharos Installation Guide for details.
Presuming that the Controller has successfully booted its firmware (thus its Active LED illuminated) then there is a communication problem between the Controller and the PC running Designer:
Ethernet Problems (Network)
Ethernet Problems (One-To-One)
Incorrect Ethernet Cable (CAT5/5E/6) Pairing
Not all electrical installers are aware of the subtleties of Ethernet cabling, in particular the correct pairing scheme. While incorrectly paired short cables may work, longer cables almost certainly won’t or may exhibit intermittent errors. Note that simple continuity testers will NOT expose an incorrectly paired cable.
Firmware Issues
For a Controller (or Remote Device) to appear in the network table, it must be on firmware version v2.x.x. If the controller is on firmware version v1.x.x, the Firmware Migration Tool can be used to upgrade the controller to the correct firmware version.
Controllers must be on the same Ethernet subnet as the PC running Designer. Select the controller and change its IP settings accordingly.
Controllers must be running the same version of firmware as the Designer software. Controllers with incompatible firmware will be highlighted in red. Select the Controller in Network Mode and press Reload Firmware.
No. The free Designer software is the full software package. The latest version of the software and associate utilities can be found on our Designer 2 download page.
Any project file saved in an earlier version of Designer 2 can be loaded by a later version.
Project files are compatible between the PC and Mac versions of the software.
Project files created in Designer v1.x.x are incompatible with Designer 2, but can be converted using the Project Migration Tool (available to download from our Designer 2 downloads page).
A project file saved in a later version of Designer may not be backwards compatible with earlier versions of the software. If in doubt, please contact support.
Occasionally, to reload the firmware via Cloud or through the Web Interface, you will need to find the firmware files on your PC. They can be found in the following way:
Windows: Navigate to “C:\Program Files\Pharos Controls\Designer 2\firmware” or your install directory.
Mac: Find the Pharos Designer App, right click and select “Show Package Contents”. Firmware can be found at “Contents/MacOS/firmware” within the new Window.
Yes, this is allowed by default as long as the installation location (in Windows) or application name (in Mac) are different.
If your fixture isn’t in Designer’s local library, check the Online Fixture Library, accessible from within the software.
If you need a fixture that is the same personality as an existing fixture, you can create a Fixture Alias, and if you need a very similar fixture, you can create a Custom Fixture. More information for this is in the AppNote, Creating Custom Fixtures.
Alternatively, contact support with the DMX specification to get a personality written.
By providing RS232/RS485 serial (including DMX input), MIDI, Ethernet & digital/analog inputs, the LPC can interface with many generic, off-the-shelf products and devices.
Using the built-in web interface, any browser (PC, Mac, Mobile, etc) can utilise the hyperlinks for triggering, and a custom web interface can be designed to provide a user-friendly skin.
Remote Devices provide further interfacing options e.g. remote RS232/RS485, SMPTE/EBU timecode, audio input, DALI, MIDI, etc.
Yes, both Pharos hardware and the Designer software supports RDM addressing and mode setting.
No, not unless you know that a problem you are having would be solved with an update or you need to change the programming and need the new Designer features.
For minor tweaks it’s probably best to install the relevant Designer version and do it with that. As a rule, if it’s working, leave it be.
All Pharos hardware is warranted for 5 years. Please contact support if you are experiencing any issues.
The Pharos product range is manufactured to the highest quality in compliance with international standards. Please refer to the Pharos Installation Guide for more details.
There are a variety of power requirements across the Pharos range, including Power over Ethernet (PoE, 802.3af), low voltage DC and auto ranging mains AC:
