I had the opportunity to work with LightShark and created videos on how the LightShark LS-1 and LS-Core work. In this article, I will go over the basics of each video and how to get started.
While it looks like a “PC Wing”, the LightShark is not like a PC Wing because it’s a console that runs the software on the console.
You’re able to use a phone, tablet, or computer to operate the interface without having to connect to the internet. With this, it’s unlikely it will crash and there are no computer updates to interrupt the show, etc.
How to Get Started
To get started with the LightShark LS-1 Console you will power it on by the Power Switch that is located on the back panel. On the LCD Screen, you will first see the loading screen. As the console boots up you will see that SSID will display your console’s unique name and IP Address, making the network live.
To connect your console with a computer or tablet you will use the default network name which should be listed on the console’s LCD Screen (ex. lightsharka123) and the default password is sharkjaws. Once you get logged in be sure to change the password so that your console is secured.
Launching the Lightshark Interface
Once you have connected to the network you will launch the web browser and go to 2.0.0.1 or lightshark.work. This will bring you to the Lightshark Interface. To get the full you screen on Google Chrome, click menu, and then Add to Home Screen. You will have the LightShark icon on your home screen and able to launch the full screen.
You can do same with IOS. After you connect to the network you’ll launch Safari or any other web browser and go to 2.0.0.1 or lightshark.work. Press the box with an arrow going up and scroll through the list to select Add to Home Screen.
Basic Functions
The top main functions for this console are Palettes, Virtual Playback, Cue List, Executors, and Program Output.
When working with the LightShark LS-1 you will notice that functions you use on the interface will light up on the console and vice versa.
With the Virtual Playback, you have 30 Playback options. On the interface, you can either scroll through or select banks 1 – 3 that have 10 playbacks each.
When using the interface; on the top left corner, you will see 3 dots which is the Main Menu. When you click this you will be able to access the critical functions of the LightShark. You will be able to Save, Load, or Add the new Shows within LightShark. You can also Power Down and Refresh if needed. From this screen, you will be able to access Preferences in the lower right corner.
In Preferences, you will be able to access your User Preferences which include setting the day and time. As well as your Startup and Clear Mode. You also have DMX Setup and Network Setup. In the Network, you can adjust your Ethernet, DMX Streaming, and Wireless settings.
Adding the Fixtures
To add fixtures click the Main Menu (3 dots located on the top left corner). From there select Patch and then Add Fixtures. You can choose from either Recently Used or Add by the Brand and Model. Once you add the fixture you can assign the Mode. You will also have your Advanced options which include Universe, Start Channel, and Offset.
Once you’ve added your Fixtures you can go back to the Main Screen and see that your Fixtures are available. Once you select your fixture you can adjust the Intensity and Shutter from either the Parameter Wheels or using the Interface. Also to note you have the Fine Selector which is good to use if you need more control of adjusting your lights.
Parameters: You will also have the option to select colors, gobos, and patterns.
Connecting Via Ethernet
To set up a Visualizer or to connect with a wired connection you will connect the LightShark Console to your computer with an Ethernet Cable.
Next, you will set your IP Adress to a 2. range to keep your IP Address in the same subnet as the console (exp. 2.0.0.2). Then, you will set your Subnet Mask to 255.255.0.0.
Once you’ve set up your Network you will open a Web Browser and go to 2.0.0.1 or lightshark.work.
Recording Cuelists
To record a cuelist you’ll first want to go to the Main Menu, Load, Select USB, and upload your Show. Once you upload it just double click the show and it’s loaded.
Once your show is loaded you will be directed back to the main screen. To get started with your fixtures select group and then select find. The console will find the fixtures and set them in a Standard Position.
Go to Palettes, select the desired color, and click Record. Assign to a Fader or you can assign it the number above the fader on the console.
You can also use the Parameters to select a specific color, position, and effects of the lighting. In the position tab you can adjust lighting effects, size, speed, and offset. Once you have it set up you can click record and select the Cue.
To see what you recorded just click Clear. Select the recorded Cuelist to play through the recorded cues.
Additional Cuelist Options
You can review the Cuelist options by clicking the 3 dot menu option under the cuelist. On the menu, you can review your Playback options and Trigger Options.
Modifying Cues and Cuelist Options
Delete a Cue: To delete a cue you will first select the cue and either use the delete key in the interface or use the delete on the console.
Copy a Cue: To copy a cue simply select the cue and click Copy in the interface. Then select the list you want the copy saved to.
Move a Cue: To move a cue you will select the cue, press Move on the interface, and select where you want the cue to be moved to.
Adjusting the Wait Time: By default, your cues will run in order and follow the next cue. Located on the Cuelist you will be able to adjust your wait time as needed.
For Additional Options in the LightShark Interface, you can visit the Cuelist Menu which is located below the Cues and is the 3 Dot Button.
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Using FX
To add effects to your lighting you will go to Palettes, Select Fixture Group, Find, and then select FX on the right-hand side.
In this section, you can set the Intensity, Position, Beam, and Color. You will also have the option to set the Size, Speed, and Offset. Once you have everything set just click Record and assign the Cue Number.
On the lower section of the Interface, you can select the top Cue section to modify any additional settings.
Executors
To set up Executors just select executors, Edit, and you will have your list of recorded cues. Select the cuelist, copy, and then the designated box.
Rename a Cuelist: To rename a cuelist just select the cuelist and hold until the box comes up for you to rename the list.
Record Cues Directly to the Executor: Go to Palettes, select your Fixture Group, set up your color and functions as needed. Without clearing go to Executor, select record, and the destination.
Edit Mode: In edit mode, you can color code your cues and select the highlight color. To exit just click Edit.
In the Executor section, you will notice that you have Vertical columns and Horizontal columns. Vertically the cues will override each other. Horizontally the cues will play together.
User Palettes
To design a specific position or even create a unique color all you need to do is to select the fixtures, find, and adjust any settings as needed. You have Intensity, Position, Beam, Advanced, Gobo, Color, and FX. Once you’re done just hit Record and the destination.
Rename: To rename simply select the created function and hold until the box comes up for you to rename it.
Importing Fixture Profiles
First, you will need to download the Fixture Library update from the Work Pro website. Then, copy it onto a Pin Drive. Insert the Pin Drive into the Data Port.
On the interface go to the Main Menu, File Manager, and select USB. You should see the file ending in fixpkg. Select Import, then the fixpkg file, and the Import button will be highlighted until the download is complete. Once the download is complete you will be able to see the fixture file uploaded.
Upgrading Software
Before you update your LightShark make sure you give it enough time to do the update. To download the latest version visit the Work Pro website and download the update onto a thumb drive. The, insert the thumb drive into the Data Port.
On the interface got to the Main Menu, File Manager, and select USB. You should see a file ending in lsupdt. Click Open, select the file, and a box will come up asking if you want to confirm the update. Select Yes and allow the console to reboot. You will need to reconnect your devices after the reboot. You will be able to log into the Interface and in the Main Menu, you can verify that the latest update was installed.
LightShark Fixture Editor
To add a fixture go to the Fixture Editor. Select Create New. You can name it, select the mode, and amount of channels. Select the channel, assign the parameters, and then click Save.
You can find the new fixture by selecting the Brand, Model, and then click patch.
To edit a fixture go to the Fixture Editor and select Create Fixture from Library. Select the Brand, model, and then Mode. Edit as needed and then click Save.
