Martin LIGHTING DIRECTOR User Manual download pdf (Page 85)

CHAPTER 10 - System maintenance

TRACKER MAINTENANCE

Every time you turn on a tracker its diagnostic LED will flash once, showing that power

has been applied. During MLD operation, the LED may, from time to time, flash when it

is close to any of the ultrasonic speakers. This indicates a strong pulse reception. This

flashing, if it occurs at all, will not harm the tracker in any way.

When the tracker’s LED stays lit all the time, this is a sign that the battery is running

low. Battery life for the tracker should be at least 8 hours of continuous use for alkaline

batteries. One nine volt “transistor radio” battery is required to power the tracker.

When replacing the tracker battery, ensure that the polarity of the battery is correct

(polarity is labeled inside the battery holder). Incorrectly inserted batteries can

seriously damage the transmitter.

Users should also be aware that not all 9 Volt batteries are the same size. They should

standardize on one brand and use it exclusively. This will prevent the battery holder

contact getting bent to fit a particular battery and then fitting too loosely when another

brand is employed, causing intermittent tracker power failure.

Attaching the tracker to performers

The tracker consists of a “belt-pack” and a small ultrasonic microphone connected to

the belt-pack by a thin black cable. The belt-pack may be hidden from view and worn

on the performer’s costume (attached to a belt or inside a pocket). The microphone

should be clipped to the performer’s costume, preferably on his or her shoulder or

head. Try to keep body parts and other objects from blocking the ultrasonic

microphone: the microphone should have a relatively clear line of sight to at least three

speakers at any given time.

The MLD deals with ultrasonic pulse blocking in a robust manner so that a fair degree

of blockage is possible while still maintaining tracking performance. For example, it is

possible to place the microphone on the tip of one of the performer’s shoes, i.e. on the

“toe”, provided there are not too many props or other performers that block it. To

attach the microphone you may sew it directly into the costume or you may use a

safety pin or a microphone mini-clamp. Please note that the provided “pin-type”

attachment may be clipped off if you do not want to use it.

microphone must be pointing up at the speakers,

so normally it has to be perpendicular to the clothes.

you may use solid rubber washers to make two disks that

may help the pin "sandwich" the performer's shirt.

MLD manual 1.1 Page 85

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Martin LIGHTING DIRECTOR User Manual Page 85