The SideKICK Too 30-Memory DMX Playback Controller¶
The ELC SideKICK Too is a compact 30-memory DMX playback controller with terminal connections. The 30 memories are distributed over 20 button playbacks and 10 fader playbacks. Each memory can store a single lighting state of up to 512 DMX channels or a chase with individual crossfade and duration times. The unit is fitted with DMX input, DMX output and a programmable DMX merger, making it suitable as a standalone controller, a backup desk, or an interface for controlling software applications such as GrandMA onPC.
The SideKICK Too captures data from the DMX input and stores it in memories. Each memory can contain multiple steps, with a total device capacity of 126 chase steps. In addition to playback control, the unit includes master Up and Down controls for intensity from 0% to 200%. These controls can also be configured to adjust playback speed instead of intensity.
The SideKICK Too is powered via USB, either from the supplied USB power adapter or from a connected computer. The USB connection is also used for firmware upgrades and for communication with the AC612 Editor software.
What's in the Box?¶
The ELC Lighting SideKICK Too comes with the following package contents:
- 1 x ELC Lighting SideKICK Too
- 1 x Printed quickstart guide
- 1 x Cable USB 2.0 USB-A to USB-B
- 1 x Power AC adapter 100-240V AC to USB 5.0V 1A with interchangeable plugs
Connections¶
DMX input and output¶
The SideKICK Too includes a DMX input and a DMX output and provides a built-in merger for combining live DMX with stored playback data.
USB¶
The USB connection is used for power, firmware upgrades, and communication with the AC612 Editor software.
Functional overview¶
The SideKICK Too captures DMX data into 30 memories, with 20 memories available on buttons and 10 available on faders. Each memory can be used as a static scene or as a chase. The total desk capacity is 126 chase steps. Stored memories can be recalled directly from the front panel, while the built-in merger supports HTP, LTP and Priority operation.
The User Interface¶
Setup mode¶
The operating mode of the SideKICK Too can be changed by entering Setup mode. This allows configuration of merger mode, memory handling and other operating behaviors.
To enter Setup mode:
- Press and hold the Store button
- Press and hold the Up button
- Wait approximately 10 seconds for the LEDs to start flashing
- Change settings as required
- When no button is pressed for about 10 seconds, the unit stores the current settings and returns to normal operation automatically
Merge mode¶
| Key Up | Key Down | Function |
|---|---|---|
| HTP merge | ||
| LTP merge | ||
| Priority merge (memories of the unit are disabled if a valid DMX signal is on the input) |
Store disable¶
If the LED on the store button is on, then storing new memories is disabled.
Startup memory (at power on)¶
| Key 1 | Key 2 | Key 3 | Key 4 | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No startup memory | ||||
| Memory 1 | ||||
| Memory 2 | ||||
| Memory 3 | ||||
| Memory 4 | ||||
| Memory 5 | ||||
| Memory 6 | ||||
| Memory 7 | ||||
| Memory 8 | ||||
| Memory 9 | ||||
| Memory 10 | ||||
| Memory 11 | ||||
| Memory 12 |
Memory mode¶
| Key 5 | Key 6 | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Swap → only one memory active | ||
| Toggle → switch memory on/off | ||
| Flash → temporary memory |
Fade tables¶
See also: Creating memories
| Key 7 | Key 8 | Table | Fade time 1 | Fade time 2 | Fade time 3 | Fade time 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 seconds | 1 second | 2 seconds | 5 seconds | ||
| 2 | 0 seconds | 5 seconds | 10 seconds | 15 seconds | ||
| 3 | 1 second | 10 seconds | 15 seconds | 20 seconds | ||
| 4 | 5 seconds | 10 seconds | 20 seconds | 30 seconds |
Up/down mode¶
| Key 9 | Key 10 | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Up/Down buttons control intensity | ||
| Up/Down buttons control speed | ||
| Up/Down buttons control intensity, Off/Store buttons control speed (AC612XUB only) |
Master / Slave / Operation mode¶
| Key 11 | Key 12 | Key 13 | Key 14 | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal standalone operation | ||||
| Device is master of a system (contains memories) | ||||
| Slave in a system | ||||
| Last slave in a system (RDM signal is blocked) | ||||
| DMX remote wing with offset 1 | ||||
| DMX remote wing with offset 51 | ||||
| DMX remote wing with offset 101 | ||||
| DMX remote wing with offset 151 |
In master/slave operation, the master device must be first in the DMX line and the slave units are daisy-chained from it. Communication between master and slave devices is performed over RDM through the DMX line. The last unit should be configured as Last slave which will block the RDM signal.
Creating memories¶
Fader memories¶
To store a memory captured from the DMX input into one of the 10 faders:
- Press Store
- Create the required memory using the external DMX source
- Move the chosen fader to full
- Press Store again to save the memory
Selecting the same fader again cancels the selection.
Button memories¶
To store a memory captured from the DMX input into one of the 30 buttons:
- Press Store
- Create the required memory using the external DMX source
- Press the chosen memory button
- Select the fade time using the active fade table
- Press Store again to save the memory
To set blackout or fadeout timing, follow the same method but select the blackout button instead of one of the memory buttons.
Normal operation¶
In normal operation, memories are recalled using the faders or buttons. The master intensity control runs from 0% to 200% and is handled by the Up and Down buttons. If both LEDs are off, the master is at 100%. If the Up LED is on, the output is above 100%. If the Down LED is on, the output is below 100%. Pressing Up and Down together resets the master to 100%.
DMX remote wing operation¶
In DMX remote wing operation, all buttons and faders are transmitted as separate DMX channels. Buttons 1 to 30 are sent as channels 1 to 30. The Down button is sent as channel 31, the Up button as channel 32 and the Store button as channel 33. The faders are sent as channels 41 to 50. The DMX merge is set to HTP. Multiple SideKICK Too units can be used when setting the offset to 51, 101 or 151.
Please note: To get back into the Setup menu, follow the next steps:
- Switch off the device (unplug the USB cable)
- Press and hold both the Up and Down key
- Switch on the device (plug in the USB cable)
The device will now start up in Setup mode (indicated by the blinking LED’s).
AC612 Editor software¶
The AC612 Editor software can be used to create and manage the memories of the SideKICK Too. Each memory can contain multiple steps, and each step can have its own crossfade time and duration. The editor supports both keyboard-based command entry and mouse editing. It can also import and export memories and settings to and from the device over USB.
Editor functions¶
| menu | function |
|---|---|
| File | Create, open, save and save-as memory files |
| Device | View DMX, merge DMX, grab DMX, change settings, import and export device data |
| Edit | Record step, add step, delete step, clear editor, clear memory |
| View mode | Adjust cue list naming to match the device |
| Help | Show software version |
Recording steps¶
Each step in a memory includes:
- step number
- crossfade time
- duration time
If a step duration is set to STOP, playback ends at that step. If no step contains a STOP value, the memory loops continuously. The total device capacity is 126 steps.
SideKICK Too Interface software¶
The SideKICK Too can also be used with offline software through the SideKICK Too Interface software, available from the ELC download center. This software converts the SideKICK Too, or an AC612, into a DMX to Art-Net converter. All DMX generated by the device playback and the DMX input are converted to Art-Net and sent to the selected IP address and universe.
This allows the SideKICK Too, or any other AC612 controller, to function as a controller for Windows‑based lighting control software.
Firmware upgrading¶
Firmware upgrades are performed using the USB Update software.
To update the firmware:
- Power off the device
- Press and hold the Store button
- Connect the device to the computer using a USB cable
- Install USB drivers if required
- Start the USB Update program
- Press Update
- Select the downloaded firmware file
- When the update is complete, exit the program, disconnect the USB cable and power up the device again
Previously created memories may be lost during the update.
Maintenance & Safety¶
Before operating the product, read the user manual thoroughly and pay special attention to all safety requirements.
Cleaning¶
Disconnect all connected supply and signal cables before cleaning the unit. Clean with a dry cloth. Do not use any liquids or aerosols on the unit.
Usage¶
- Do not use the unit near water or moisture.
- Do not block ventilation openings.
- Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not insert objects through ventilation slots.
- Do not install near heat sources.
- Unplug the unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- Do not place the unit on unstable surfaces.
Servicing¶
All servicing must be performed by qualified service personnel. If the apparatus is damaged, exposed to moisture, operates abnormally, or has been dropped, disconnect the mains plug immediately and contact your distributor or technical support.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. Maintenance and service may only be carried out by qualified personnel.