This topic describes how to start and close VisTool RP, and its basic operating principles.

Prerequisites

VisTool RP runs on a Windows 64-bit PC that must be supplied by the customer. A license to run VisTool RP is included with the Power Core RP v2 shipment.

It is expected that the customer has prepared the host PC (as described earlier), and connected the host PC and Power CoreRP to the same management network as the mc2 control system.

Starting the Software

VisTool RP is started by double-clicking on the "VisTool RP" desktop icon. The session loads and connects to the hardware. The Mixer Page is always the first page to appear. 

Providing there are no error messages, the GUI is ready for operation.

Troubleshooting

If a valid software license is not found when you start VisTool RP, then an error message appears. Follow the activation procedure to activate your license. If the VisTool RP license is installed onto a USB dongle, then check that the dongle is connected to the PC!

If a valid Power Core RP v2 license is not found, then the system will not operate as expected. In this instance, check that the license has been activated and that the USB dongle is correctly installed.

If VisTool RP opens but there is a problem with the network connection to Power Core RP v2 or the two A__Mic8 units then the following window appears:

In this instance, check the network cabling and IP settings of the host PC, and then the network settings of the Power Core control port. If the A__Mic8 units are listed as NOT Connected and they are not present, you can disable the associated EmBER+ connections using the Emberhosts.ini file as described in Power Core RP v2 - Installing VisTool.

Closing the Software

To close VisTool RP, click the User button in the top right corner of the screen and select Close App.

Note that this closes the VisTool session only. Power Core RP v2 continues to operate with the current settings, and parameters can be remotely controlled from the mc2 console.

Operating Principles

The VisTool RP user interface is divided into two sections: the dock bar and selected page.

Dock Bar (Headline)

The dock bar is always visible at the top of every page and is used to navigate between pages.

From left to right, it contains the following elements:

  • LAWO logo and product name (Power Core RP v2) - for information only. Touch the logo to see contact information for Lawo Support.
  • Mixer - on-screen control of the Power CoreRP DSP channels
  • Meters - metering for all local inputs, as well as all DSP buses and outputs
  • Routing- configure audio routing for all local IO and DSP
  • Talkback - configure talkback insertion
  • Co-Mixer - on-screen control of a 16x12 mono summing matrix mixer
  • Mic Pre - configure any locally installed microphone preamps or (optionally) up to two Lawo A__Mic8 units
  • Web - opens a generic web browser (within VisTool RP)
  • Snapshot Label - shows the name of the last VisTool snapshot saved or loaded
  • Dock Bar Meter - a PPM meter for the Aux 1 bus
  • System Clock - for information only. The system clock shows the time and date running on the host PC. This can be transferred to Power Core using SoP Explorer (as described later).
  • Health Menu - shows the health of the system. A white tick shows that everything is ok. If there is a problem, then an exclamation mark appears. In each case, touch the indicator to view more information.
  • User Name - Touch the user name to open the user menu. From here you can sign in (or sign out), switch to dock mode, load, save, or delete snapshots, lock the screen, adjust system settings, or close the VisTool RP App.