(2018)
Vis Insita
Vis Insita
Vis Insita
Vis Insita
Vis Insita
(2018)
Vis Insita
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
(2018)
A software interface that provides instant and intuitive control of Eos using the Midi Fighter Twister controller.
Twistereos
(The video is a bit outdated but gives you the idea !)
ABOUT
1. TwisterEos
2. The Midi Fighter Twister (MFT)
3. Why this controller ?
​
IMPLEMENTATION
​1. Setting up the MFT
2. First steps with TwisterEos
2.1. Downloading and launching
2.2. Overview of the interface
2.5. Presets
2.6. FCB mode
2.7. FADER mode
2.8. Eos Snapshots
​
VARIOUS NOTES
1. Futur dev
2. Versions
3. Contact
4. Thanks
​
TECHNICAL COMPLEMENT
​
​
rec_edited.jpg)
Midi Fighter Twister - DJTech Tools
Main interface of TwisterEos
Foreword
- TwisterEos is an open-share interface designed primarily for my own use. Although it seems to work great for most users, it is not tested with the specifications of a commercial application (on multiple OSs for example). Please use it knowningly and take note of the limitations and known bugs at the bottom of this page.
- TwisterEos requires very little configuration and learning. As this documentation is meant to be as explanatory as possible, it may seem the opposite.
- I am not affiliated to ETC or DJTech Tools with this app.
​
​
ABOUT
​
1 - What is TwisterEos ?
​
TwisterEos is a software interface for direct control of ETC's Eos software using the Midi Fighter Twister (MFT) controller, without the need for time-consuming mapping.
It is aimed at lighting designers and lighting technicians who want a hardware control surface for software parameters such as faders, automatic fixture attributes, snapshots, macros or the intensity wheel.
It offers complete pre-assignment of Fighter Twister buttons, optimized for Eos, while allowing customization of certain parameters (fixtures parameters you wish to control, snapshot numbers, macros, etc.) via a simple graphical interface.
It runs under Windows 10+ and macOS (as well as in the Max software with which it was created), and makes the Fighter Twister directly ready for use with Eos, with intuitive ergonomics.
Unlike the majority of control interfaces encountered for Eos, TwisterEos realistically emulates the behavior of the encoder wheels of physical Eos consoles, making control of FCB parameters simple and fluid.
​
With TwisterEos, the Eos GUI responds in real time to commands from the Fighter Twister (e.g. parameter display in the Encoder Display), and conversely, feedback from Eos is displayed on the MFT LEDs (e.g. fader level and type).
In addition to the initial commands offered by the MFT's buttons, logical and easily memorized button combinations managed by TwisterEos increase the controller's possibilities and the number of directly accessible commands.
TwisterEos enables the Midi Fighter Twister to :
-
Control 18 pages of 10 faders, with for each fader the level, the Bump, the Group/Assert and the Load keys.
-
Control the Master fader and the Rate.
-
Control all the FCB parameters (coarse/fine/superfine adjustment, Home, Min, Max) in displaying them in the Eos Encoder Display in the same way as an ETC's Programming Wing.
-
Emulate the level wheel with a permanently accessible rotary knob.
-
Recall 24 customizable Eos Snapshots.
-
Recall 6 customizable Eos Macros.
TwisterEos doesn't install anything on your computer; it's an executable file. Once the application is open, it runs in the background without you having to intervene.
Each TwisterEos customization can be saved as presets that can be instantly recalled, multiplying its already extensive possibilities.
2 - The Midi Fighter Twister (MFT)
​
The Midi Fighter Twister is a MIDI control surface designed by the American firm Dj TechTools. It is composed of 16 precision rotary encoders with push button, ring of LEDs for feedback, and 6 surface buttons on the sides (3 on the left side and 3 on the right side).
​These controls are replicated within 4 banks , thus offering access to up to 134 different MIDI parameters, all configurable via Midifighter Utility, the dedicated Mac/PC editor.
3 - Why this controller?
Never having found a cheap control surface with motorized linear potentiometers quiet enough to use during an theater play in the middle of an audience, I ended up abandoning the idea and only using rotary knobs with endless course and feedback (= encoders with LED segments).
Certainly the feeling is not the same as a fader but for me it is the best compromise for the moment, while waiting for the miracle control surface (reliable, compact, silent, easily configurable and cheap!).
But even a good controller only with knobs is not so easy to find.
​
After numerous attempts, my choice fell a few years ago on the MFT mainly for the following reasons:
​
-
Build quality, robust, compact, easy to carry on tour.
-
Accuracy of rotary potentiometers.
-
Fully configurable, with features that few other control surfaces have.
-
Simple and powerful PC editor.
-
Can be used for other purposes with other software.
-
Easily resellable.
-
Silent.
​
Disadvantages:​
-
A little bit expensive, but the price is justified in my opinion (you can find it used at less than $180).
-
Push buttons maybe a bit stiff.
​
To sum up, the Fighter Twister is confined to only 16 physical rotary knobs, but with high quality design and with a powerful and well thought-out editor allowing them to be exploited to the maximum of their possibilities.​
IMPLEMENTATION
1 - Configuring the Fighter Twister
First of all, you have to configure the controller internally using Midifighter Utility, the dedicated editor provided by DJTech Tools. This operation only has to be carried out once.
You will also need the configuration file specific to the use of MFT with TwisterEos "TEos_MFT_config" (Google Drive link, but no Google account required).
Once these files have been downloaded and Midifighter Utility installed on your computer, connect the Fighter Twister via USB without going through a hub .
You can go through a hub later to use it, but it is not recommended to do so to configure it.
​
- Open Midifighter Utility.
- Check the firmware version on the top left and update it if necessary (important!) by following the instructions on this link. The latest version is dated June 8, 2023.
The file to install is the first one starting with "Twister 0050---.hex" (and only that one).
- Reset the MFT to factory settings (especially if you bought it used) by going to Tools/Midi Fighter/Factory Reset and confirming the reset.
- Go to File/Import and select the downloaded TEos_MFT_config file.
- Click on the blue "SEND TO MIDIFIGHTER" button at the bottom of the editor to transfer the configuration to the controller.
- Close Midifighter Utility.
- Unplug and replug the controller.
​
The configuration is saved in the MFT's internal memory. This operation therefore only needs to be carried out once.
It is possible that an update of TwisterEos may require the MFT to be reconfigured with a new file. This will be specified in the release notes. It is recommanded to disconnect and reconnect the MFT after the transfer for the new file to take effect.
Midifighter Utility interface
2 - First steps with TwisterEos
2.1 - Downloading and launching
​
Note: this version of TwisterEos (2.21) has been tested with Eos 3.2.5 b13.
​
You can download the latest version of TwisterEos by clicking on the Google Drive link below (no Google account required):
Once the file is unzipped, open the main directory.
Inside are several files and folders (including a folder named "resources").
These files must always stay together in the same main folder and the "resources" folder must not be deleted, modified or renamed, otherwise the application will not work.
​
• Windows 10+
TwisterEos doesn't require any installation. Simply double-click on the "TwisterEos.exe" file in the main folder to launch the application. The file must remain in its folder, but for convenience you can easily create a shortcut on your desktop (right-click on the file --> "Send to" --> Desktop).
When you first open TwisterEos, you may see a Windows Defender firewall window. You must allow access to use the application.
​
• MacOS
Unzip the .dmg package and then Ctrl+click on the TwisterEos icon that appears on your desktop (this manipulation with Ctrl is necessary to open an application not known to Apple).
2.2 - Overview
[A]- Network configuration.
[B] - Presets management.
[1] - Active mode view (Fader or FCB).
[2] - Snapshots.
[3] - Alt (alternative) buttons.
[4] - Pages buttons.
[5] - Level wheel.
[6] - Selection of the FADER mode.
[7] - Selection of the FCB mode.
TwisterEos can be seen as an interpreter allowing the MFT and Eos to communicate with each other.
On the one hand, it receives MIDI commands from the MFT and translates them into OSC to send them to Eos.
On the other hand, it receives OSC messages from Eos that will modify in MIDI the LED display on the MFT.
​
​
No command to Eos can be made directly from the TwisterEos graphical interface (by clicking on an encoder symbol with the mouse for example).
To control a parameter in Eos, you must use the MFT.
The TwisterEos graphical interface is used to visualize and customize certain parameters such as fixtures attributes, Snapshots and Macros.
These customizable parameters are all highlighted in dark blue (except for the network parameters [A]).
It is these parameters that are stored in the TwisterEos preset system ([B]).
The interface is divided into two main areas: the upper panel, which allows general management of the application (network configuration and management of presets) and the large lower window representing the Midi Fighter Twister controls.
​
TwisterEos is entirely designed around two distinct modes:
â–º The Fader mode for managing the Eos faders.
â–º The FCB mode for managing the FCB parameters of the automatic projectors.
The two buttons [6] and [7] on either side of the MFT (and in the TwisterEos window) select the mode and display the corresponding commands in the main window [1].
Important note: the 10 encoders in window [1] are relative to both modes, and the commands associated with them differ according to the mode selected.
The other encoders are independent of the mode and the associated commands are always the same, whatever the mode selected.
Fader mode
FCB mode
• Page window [4]
​​
Fader and FCB modes are organized in several pages that can be recalled via the Page buttons.
The color of the Page buttons LEDs changes according to the selected mode (FADER: fuchsia, FCB: blue-green).
This is the way of quickly identifying the active mode on the MFT.
​
A special page for each mode can be accessed by pressing the Page1 and Page2 buttons simultaneously, namely the MacroFad page and the EncoDis page respectively in Fader and FCB mode.
​- PUSH : page selection.
​- PUSH Page1 + PUSH Page2 : selection of the special page.
- ROTATION : no action.
• Alt buttons [3]
​
The Alt1 and Alt2 buttons can be seen as the ALT key on a computer keyboard: used in combination with some of the other buttons on the MFT, they allow you to give them a different functionality than the basic one.
Only the Push of these two encoders has an action. The rotary has no effect.
- PUSH : Alt1 (or Alt2) to be used in combination with others encoders.
- ROTATION : no action.
• Level wheel [5]
The level wheel is common to both modes in order to be permanently accessible whatever the selected mode.
​- PUSH : [Select Last].
- ROTATION : level wheel.
• Contextual help
​
In order to simplify the use of TwisterEos without having to resort to this online documentation, a small contextual help appears after one second when you hover the mouse over an element of the graphic interface.
2.4 - Network configuration
​
Good news: it is no longer necessary to use an external active IP address to enable TwisterEos to communicate in OSC with Eos. You can simply enter the IP address 127.0.0.1 in Eos setup :
- Go to Setup / System settings / Show Control / OSC.
- Enter the address 127.0.0.1 in the "OSC UDP TX IP Address" field.
- Check that the "OSC RX" and "OSC TX" buttons are enabled and that the RX and TX ports are set to 8000 and 8001 respectively.
​
In TwisterEos, leave the default settings in the top-left window (if you have no particular reason to change them).
OSC settings in TwisterEos
OSC settings in Eos
Note 1: if you have problems communicating between TwisterEos and Eos, please try disabling your firewall for TwisterEos (or for Max if you use TwisterEos in Max).
​
Note 2: if needed, you can still use the old method with an active external IP address.
Please go to the Troubleshooting section for more information.
​​​2.5 - TwisterEos Presets
The TwisterEos preset system allows you to save and instantly recall all of your settings manually customized in the interface (in the dark blue fields).
These include FCB parameters, Snapshot and Macro numbers, color forcing pads, CustoMap button status, etc.
​
You can save up to 11 presets:
- Save a preset: [Shift] + Click in a small grey box.
- Update a preset: select the preset to be modified, make the changes, then do [Shift] + Click in its box again.
- Copy a preset : select the preset to be copied then [Shift] + Click in the destination box.
- Delete a preset: select the preset to delete and click on "Clear active".
- Delete all the presets: click on "Clear ALL".
You can enter a name for each preset in the text field below the boxes. This name will be saved in the preset itself when you save it.
- Preset 1 is loaded by default when you open the application.
- Preset 11 is an empty preset by default allowing to start from scratch without having to empty all the fields one by one. It is therefore advisable not to overwrite it (although it is of course possible).
All the presets can be exported to a file and then re-imported via the Import and Export buttons.
TwisterEos automatically loads the last imported file when it is opened (not the last saved file).
If a change is made to a preset, a save window will open automatically when you close the interface to propose you to save the file again.
2.6 - FCB (Focus Color Beam) mode
The FCB mode is obtained by clicking on the FCB button [7] on the interface or on the controller.
It allows you to check the MFT's button specifications for this mode and to choose the fixture attributes you wish to control with the MFT. Three pages of 10 parameters each are availlable.
To choose a parameter you want to control with an MFT encoder:
- Select one of the three FCB pages on the MFT
- Select the fixture in Eos
- Select its parameter from the drop-down menu of the encoder in TwisterEos.
​
Note: this process makes the interface easier to read by displaying only the parameters of your fixtures and avoiding having dozens of useless parameters displayed in the drop-down menus all the time.
The list of parameters in the drop-down menus is automatically updated in real time according to the fixture(s) selected in Eos. If several different fixtures are selected, their parameters are added together in the drop-down menus.
A parameter remains assigned to an encoder until a new parameter is selected to replace it.
If the parameter assigned to the encoder is common to different types of projectors (such as pan or tilt, which are regularly found) the encoder will work for all fixtures having that parameter.
Parameter button
- ROTATION: adjustment of the parameter.
- PUSH + ROTATION: coarse adjustment.
- ALT1 + ROTATION: super fine adjustment.
- ALT1 + PUSH: Home position of the parameter.
- ALT2 + ROTATION: Min and Max of the parameter (counterclockwise=Min, clockwise=Max).
- ALT2 + PUSH: parameter softkey
Note: animations of the LED rings confirm that the ATL1 or ALT2 button combinations have been executed.
​
The color of the MDT LED segments is set automatically according to the parameter categories from Eos:
​
- Intensity: red
- Focus : green
- Color : fushia
- Shutter: orange
- Image: yellow
- Form : purple
​
These colors were chosen arbitrarily for TwisterEos and the MFT and have no correspondence in Eos.
​- PUSH: selection of parameter pages 1 to 3
- ROTATION: no action
Note: this system of organization by page of 10 FCB parameters is specific to TwisterEos; it does not reflect an identical system in Eos (unlike the fader pages).
About the Page buttons in FCB mode
FCB mode
CustoMap option
​- Activation/deactivation button of the CustoMap mode
When this option is enabled, the FCB mode in TwisterEos controls the display of the categories and parameter pages of the selected Custom Map in the Encoder Display in Eos.
Thus, if you create a Custom Map with the same settings in Eos as your FCB mode in TwisterEos (in the same order, with the same distribution within the different pages) you will be able to view your settings in the Encoder Display when you adjust them.
This option does not change the overall working principle of the standard FCB mode in TwisterEos. It is only a "convenience" option that allows you to view the parameters you are adjusting with the MFT in the Encoder Display in real time.
The CustoMap option eliminates the need to manually select parameter categories in the Encoder Display.
As soon as you change the level of a parameter on the MFT, it is automatically displayed in the Encoder Display.
When the CustoMap mode is activated in TwisterEos:
- The MFT's Page buttons trig the Intens, Focus and Color softkeys respectively in the Eos Encoder Display (the Shutter, Image and Form categories cannot be selected for the moment).
- Successive presses on a Page button increment the page numbers represented by the small white dots under the category name in the Eos Encoder Display.
â–º The white LEDs on the MFT's Page buttons correspond to these white dots.
â–º Since TwisterEos FCB pages have 10 parameters and a parameter page in Eos displays a maximum of 4 parameters, the number of pages per category cannot exceed 3 :
​
• The first line of MFT encoders corresponds to page 1 (4 parameters maximum).
• The second line corresponds to page 2 (4 parameters maximum).
• The third line corresponds to page 3 (2 parameters maximum).
The first 3 LEDs on the encoders indicate the selected page in Eos.
​With the Custom Map option enabled in TwisterEos, the 3 Page buttons select the Intens, Focus and Color softkeys in the Eos Encoder Display.
​Warning: since Eos does not return any OSC information for selecting parameter categories, TwisterEos has no way of knowing what changes the user has made directly from the Encoder Display. The CustoMap option in TwisterEos is therefore unidirectional, i.e. it only works in the TwisterEos to Eos direction.
This is not a problem in itself, but it does require some care. If a category has been selected directly in the Encoder Display and a difference in display appears with the MFT, simply reselect a page or category from the MFT and the two will match again.
Note 1: Page 1 of the categories is systematically called up by default when a category is changed.
Note 2: As a reminder, custom maps are configured in Eos from the Encoder Map Editor Tab 40. Although the categories remain named Intens, Focus and Color in Eos custom map mode, you can configure any type of parameter, including parameters that do not belong to these categories!
EncoDis page
The EncoDis page lets you manage FCB parameters using the MFT's first four encoders, and select categories (Intensity, Focus, Color, etc.) using the Push of the following 6 encoders, in the same way as an ETC's programming wing.
With the EncoDis page, the Fighter Twister automatically displays the parameters in the Eos Encoder Display. So you do not need an external LCD screen to visualize and adjust them.
{1} - Selection of the EncoDis page.
​
{2} - Selection of the FCB categories.
​
​{3} - Parameter wheels.
​The EncoDis page is accessed by pressing the Page 1 and Page 2 buttons {1} simultaneously in FCB mode.
The encoders at the top of the MFT {3} then become four parameter wheels and the Push of the next six encoders {2} selects the categories (Intens, Focus, Color, Shutter, Image and Form) in the Encoder Display .
The fixtures you select in Eos automatically map to the four encoders according to the selected category and the page in that category.
The LED segments take on the color of the category, in this case orange for the Shutter category (see Frame 4 below).
Successive presses of the category encoders increment the pages within this category.
The white LEDs around the MFT encoders also indicate the page: one LED = Page 1, two LEDs = Page 2, three LEDs = Page 3, etc. (see frame 5 below, example of page 1 selection for the Shutter category).
{4} - The 4 "parameter" encoders on the MFT.
The LED segments automatically adjust to the color of the selected category.
{5} - Example: Page 1 of the Shutter category is selected.
Note: the six category buttons have their own color, identical to the colors of the standard FCB mode.
The functionalities of the four encoders as well as those related to the Alt1 and Alt2 buttons remain unchanged compared to the standard FCB mode:
- ROTATION: adjustment of the parameter.
- PUSH + ROTATION: coarse adjustment.
- ALT1 + ROTATION: super fine adjustment.
- ALT1 + PUSH: Home position of the parameter.
- ALT2 + ROTATION: Min and Max of the parameter (counterclockwise=Min, clockwise=Max).
- ALT2 + PUSH: parameter softkey
Similarly, for the six Category buttons :
- ALT1 + PUSH: Home of the category.
- ALT2 + PUSH : softkey of the category (writes the category name in the Eos command line).
Note1: just like the CustoMap option in standard FCB mode, the EncoDis page is unidirectional, i.e. it only works in the TwisterEos to Eos direction. If a category has been selected directly in the Encoder Display and a difference in display appears with the MFT, simply reselect a category from the MFT and the two will match again.
Note2 : to deselect the EncoDis page, simply reselect a page from 1 to 3.
Video presentation of the EncoDis page
2.7 - Fader mode​
The Fader mode is obtained by clicking on the FADER button [6] on the interface or on the controller.
It allows you to check the MFT buttons layout for this mode, to manually configure the Eos snapshots that can be recalled when changing fader pages, and if necessary, to force the color of the LED segment of the encoders to match the fader mode selected in Eos.
The color of the 10 encoders in TwisterEos and on the MFT automatically adapts to the content of the selected Eos fader page.
- ROTATION : level of the fader
- PUSH : [BUMP]
- ALT1 + PUSH : [Grp/Assert]
- ALT2 + PUSH : [Load]
Automatic adaptation of the color of the encoders LED according to the faders content
When changing fader pages, the color of the LED below the MFT's encoders adapt automatically to the type of content of the Eos faders. The ETC color code was tried to be respected as much as possible: golden yellow for Subs, green for Cue Lists, red for Grand Master, brown for Palettes and Presets, etc. (a bit difficult with the rather basic color of the MFT's LEDs).
In addition, a fader with no content in Eos will appear off in TwisterEos and on the MFT.
Manual color forcing of an encoder according to the fader mode
Unfortunately, it was impossible to do the same thing with the fader mode chosen (Additive, Inhibit or Effect) because Eos does not send this information when changing pages. If you change the mode of a fader in Eos, it can happen that its color and the color of the LED below the MFT encoder differs.
To avoid this visual inconvenience, it is possible to manually force the color of an encoder in TwisterEos using the small dots to the right of each encoder :
- Cross: cancels the "forcing" of the color
- Red dot: forces the color of the encoder to red (i.e. for a fader in Inhibit mode)
- Yellow dot: forces the color of the encoder to yellow (i.e. for a fader in Effect mode)
Just like the FCB settings, the color forcings (and their cancelation) need to be saved in a TwisterEos preset so that they can be retrieved in a later session (the dots are on a dark blue background! ;-) ).
​
Warning: when you change presets, it is necessary to recall the fader page you are on with the MFT so that the forced color of the encoders is updated (both in the TwisterEos interface and on the MFT itself).
Functions of the Page buttons in Fader mode
- PUSH: pages from 1 to 3.
- DOUBLE PUSH*: pages from 4 to 6.
- ALT1 + PUSH: pages from 7 to 9.
- ALT1 + DOUBLE PUSH: pages from 10 to 12.
- ALT2 + PUSH: pages from 13 to 15.
- ALT2 + DOUBLE PUSH: pages from 16 to 18.
- ROTATION: no action
Fader button
* Press it twice as fast as you would with a double click on a mouse.
The 18 fader pages are therefore divided into 6 banks of 3 pages each (bank #1: pages 1 to 3 - Bank #2: pages 4 to 6 - Bank #3: pages 7 to 9 - Bank #4: pages 10 to 12 - Bank #5: pages 13 to 15 - Bank #6: pages 16 to 18).
Even if you don't use all the pages, you can take advantage of this division and organize your pages more easily by choosing, for example, which type of fader will be in each bank (standard subs in bank #1, special subs in bank #2, effects in bank #3, etc.).
​
Note: the animation of the Page button LED segment is specific to each bank:
- Bank 1: steady LED
- Bank 2: flashing LED
- Bank 3: 1 pulse
- Bank 4: 1 pulse then 2 flashes
- Bank 5: 2 pulses
- Bank 6: 2 pulses then 2 flashes
Mnemonic: Alt1 = 1 pulse, Alt2 = 2 pulses. Double push = 2 flashes.
An unique Eos snapshot number that will be called up at the same time as the fader pages can be specified in the small boxes under the encoders (see Eos Snapshot).
A snapshot of each of the 18 fader pages can thus be created in Eos (Tab 28) and recalled each time the corresponding button is pressed on the MFT.
The same applies to the special MacroFad page.
Use the mouse hover in the TwisterEos interface to check which page the boxes correspond to.
Fader mode
Special MacroFad page
In Fader mode, the key combination Page1 + Page2 gives access to the special MacroFad page allowing to control the Master fader and the Rate of Eos with the encoders 1, 2 and 3 of the MFT.
It also gives access to 6 customizable Macros as well as the Eos Fader hardkey.
​The MacroFad page is accessed by pressing the Page1 and Page2 buttons simultaneously in Fader mode ({5}).
MacroFad page on the MFT.
{1} - Master Fader.
When activated, the GO Auto Reset and Q End Auto Reset buttons automatically initialize the Rate to 100% when the GO is pressed and at the end of a cue, respectively. The main purpose of these functions is to avoid forgetting the Rate at a value other than 100% after manipulating it during a transfer.
This feature can also be activated/deactivated directly from the MFT by double-pushing the encoder. Activation switches the buttons on in the state in which they have been manually configured in the interface (either one on, the other, or both). Deactivation switches both buttons off.
As soon as one of the two buttons is switched on, the encoder's LED segment flashes.
The state of these buttons are stored in TwisterEos presets.
Important note: In order to obtain the expected behavior with the Rate encoder programmed in TwisterEos, you need to configure Eos fader 8/page 100 as in the screenshot below.
It must be configured with cuelist 1 and in "3x" so that the Rate fader corresponds to the tenth fader on the page:
​Encoder 1:
- PUSH: Go​.
- ROTATION: fader level.
- ALT1 + PUSH: Stop/Go Back.
{2} - Rate Fader.
​- PUSH: no action.
- ROTATION: Rate adjustment between 0% and 200%.
- ALT1 + PUSH: Reset the rate to 100%.
- ALT2 + PUSH: Eos [RATE] key.
- DOUBLE PUSH: activation/deactivation of "GO Auto Reset" and "Q End Auto Reset" functions as configured from the TwisterEos interface.
{3} - Eos [Fader] button.
​- PUSH : Eos [FADER] key.
- ROTATION : no action.
{4} - Customizable Macro buttons.
​- PUSH : triggers the macro configured in the field below.
- ROTATION : no action.
Encoder 2 :
- PUSH: no action
- ROTATION: fader level.
- DOUBLE PUSH : active/deactive "Linked"
When activated, the Linked button connects the right master fader to the left one, turning only the latter to perform symmetrical transfers. The main purpose of this function is to enable you to use just one hand to perform this type of transfer, and to do so more precisely.
For more convenience, this feature can be activated/deactivated directly from the MFT by double-pushing encoder 2. The double Push has a "toggle" action, i.e. it activates/deactivates the function alternately. Activating the button sends the value from encoder 1 to encoder 2 when turned. Deactivating it disengages the two encoders, restoring their original independant functionality.
As soon as the Linked button is switched on, the LED segment of encoder 2 flashes.
The state of the Linked button is stored in TwisterEos presets.
The box under each encoder allows you to choose the Macro number that will be called.
This number is highlighted in blue, so it will be saved in the TwisterEos presets.
To make sure that no Macro is called, enter "0" (the box turns dark blue).
You can enter the number either with your computer keyboard or with the mouse wheel (hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard for more precise scrolling).
{1} - Master fader.
​
{2} - Rate Fader.
​
{3} - Eos Fader hardkey.
​
{4} - Customizable Macro buttons.
​
{5} - Selection of the MacroFad page.
2.8 - Eos Snapshots
Each of these boxes in TwisterEos allows you to select a Snapshot that will be recalled in Eos when you press the corresponding button (note the number in the Snapshots box in orange, which differentiates it from the Macro box in light green)..
It is thus possible, for example, to create a "Fader" and an "FCB" snapshot in Eos which will be recalled each time the "Fader mode" or "FCB mode" button on the MFT is pressed.
The other two buttons on either side allow you to recall any snapshot of your choice.
Similarly, you can create snapshots with an individual view of each of the 18 fader pages that will be called up when the corresponding Page button is pressed and thus view your virtual fader in Eos at the same time as you operate the MFT.
The number specified will correspond to the Snapshot triggered by the first Page button of each bank.
Snapshots of the other two pages are automatically incremented by 1 by TwisterEos.
For example, if you enter "101" in the Snapshot box marked "1>3", the Page 1 button will trigger Snapshot 101, the Page 2 button will trigger Snapshot 102 and the Page 3 button will trigger Snapshot 103.
You can therefore choose Snapshot number "n" for the first page of each bank, and those for pages 2 and 3 will automatically be numbered "n+1" and "n+2".
​
A Snapshot number can also be specified for the TwisterEos MacroFad page.
​
Snapshot numbers are shown in boxes on a blue background, so they will be saved in TwisterEos presets.
If you don't want any Snapshots to be recalled, enter "0" (the box turns dark blue).
VARIOUS NOTES
1 - Futur dev
- Implementation of the TCP protocol to further facilitate OSC configuration between Eos and TwisterEos and make the MFT totally plug and play.
- Management of the size and rate of the Effects (difficult because no native OSC in Eos for these controls...).
- Added pages 4 to 6 to the standard FCB mode to interact with the Shutter, Image and Form categories in the Eos Encoder Display when the CustoMap option is activated in TwisterEos.
- Option to add a second MIDI controller for Fader mode (NanoKorg, Xtouch, etc.).
-...
2. Limitations and known bugs
​
Limitations:
- Only the Intens, Focus and Color categories (with 3 pages per category) are managed by TwisterEos via the Custom Map mode. The Shutter, Image and Form categories are not taken into consideration (but remain of course usable directly from Eos).
- In a network configuration (with one Eos in Master and another in Backup for example, or another with distant Augment3D), TwisterEos will only work if all Eos are configured to the same user.
Known bugs :
- Some users have experienced some configuration difficulties when they first opened TwisterEos, but these have usually been resolved after a few exchanges.
A Troubleshooting section has being written to help you solve the most common cases.
- On EncoDis page, it can happen that there are mismatches between the FCB parameters and the encoders that are supposed to control them. This happens in particular with machines whose category pages are not complete (for example a machine with two Color pages but whose first page has only three parameters out of the four) or when several machines of completely different types are selected in Eos.
To be seen in use... Thanks to give me your feedback if you notice any errors.
3 - Versions
Version 2.21 (current) - March 17, 2024.
​
In Fader mode
Correction of a bug with encoder n°2, which sends wrong data (when it passes around 13%).
Version 2.2 - February 03, 2024.
​
This version doesn't require the internal MIDI reconfiguration of the MFT.
​
General
TwisterEos now works with the local IP address 127.0.0.1. It is no longer necessary to have an active external IP address (see section Network configuration).
In Fader mode
- Addition of fader pages 7 to 18 directly accessible via "Alt (1 or 2) + Page" buttons combination.
> Caution: Snapshot implementation for the Page buttons has been modified (see section 2.8 Snapshot Eos).
- Changed the behavior of Alt1's Hop-hop command, which unfolded/unfolded the ZIC but with the Eos Encoder Display displayed if open. The command is now equivalent to the F9 ("Displays") key on the computer keyboard and displays the CIA regardless of the Encoder Display's state (open or closed).
- Correction of a bug with the color of LED segment on fader encoders, which did not turn green when the fader was set to Cuelist in Eos.
MacroFad Page
- Correction of a bug with the two Master Fader encoders, which went from 1 to 99% instead of 0 to 100%.
- Added a "Linked" button for the Master Fader, allowing you to link the right fader to the left and use only the latter for symmetrical transfers.
- Added "GO Auto Reset" and "Q End Auto Reset" buttons, which, when activated, reset the fader rate to 100% on GO and cue end respectively. The main purpose of these functions is to avoid forgetting the Rate at a value other than 100% after manipulating it during a transfer.
For greater convenience, the "Linked" and "Auto Reset" buttons can be activated/deactivated directly from the MFT. Please refer to the MacroFad Page section for further information.
In FCB mode
Mac users can now also open/close the Eos Encoder Display using the Hop-hop command on the Alt1 encoder. Please refer to the Tips and Tricks section for further information.
​
Version 2.1 - March 23, 2023
In FCB mode
- Added control of Min and Max of FCB parameters via the command Alt2 + Rotation.
- Added global Home for selected fixtures via the special command Alt1 + Alt2 for 0.5s (see "special commands" in the Tips and Tricks section).
- Flashing LED rings for global Home command confirmation.
In Fader mode
- Fixed the bug that sometimes blocked the faders at 100% when using the Bump repeatedly and quickly.
- General improvement of the Bump implementation to reduce involuntary fader value changes when pressing the Push of the encoder.
- Flashing LED rings for faders Home command confirmation.
Version 2.0 - January 17, 2023
This version requires the internal MIDI reconfiguration of the MFT with the provided file.
(disconnect and reconnect your MFT after uploading the file).
In FCB mode
- Implementation of the EncoDis page to manage FCB parameters using four automatically mapped MFT encoders and their display in the Eos Encoder Display.
In Fader mode
- Added features to the MacroFad page (formerly called Master Fader Page), including the management of the Eos Rate and the ability to call customizable Macros.
- The boxes for color forcing are now highlighted in light blue when a forcing is activated in order to keep the same logic as the other parameters that can be saved in the presets.
General
- Improved ergonomics and readability of the GUI.
- Improved the preset system (automatic selection of created presets).
- Detection of wrong IP addresses or wrong format (the address blinks in red for a few seconds).
- Added informative popup messages.
- Fixed minor bugs.
​
​
- Version 1.6 - 11/17/2022
- Version 1.51 - 08/30/2022
​
- Version 1.5 - 07/07/2022
​
​- Version 1.4 - 05/21/2022
​
- Version 1.3 - 05/02/2022
​
​- Version 1.2 - 04/26/2022
- Version 1.0 - 03/24/2022
4 - Contact
​The best way to stay informed about TwisterEos updates and news is the dedicated Facebook page:
For any questions or suggestions, if possible please use the comments below the posts to share with others or direct messaging me for more specific things.
​
If you don't have Facebook, you can contact me via the others links at the top of this page.
​
5. Thanks
A big thank you to Thibault d'Aubert, Eos trainer and head of the lighting department of the Théâtre National de Strasbourg (France), for his suggestions, his constructive feedback and his minutious beta tests.
Thanks also to the users who give me bug feedback and who contribute to the improvement of TwisterEos (Vincent, Sébastien, Tim, Mitch, Gregory, Ross...).
Thanks to Grégoire and Junn for their help on the mac compilation.
And finally, thanks to those who just take the time to tell me that it works fine and that they are happy! :-)
TECHNICAL COMPLEMENT
1. Troubleshooting
This section will give you some ideas for investigating malfunctions in TwisterEos or your MFT.
If you still can't get your MFT to work and you plan to contact me, please specify :
- Your operating system (Windows or mac) and its version
- The version of TwisterEos you are using
- The version of Eos you are using
- And describe what seems to work and what doesn't
having of course read carefully sections 1 and 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of this online documentation.
Note: It is also a very good idea to have in mind the small diagram in section 2.2 to know how the MFT, TwisterEos and Eos communicate with each other.
In any case, to identify the problem:
- Start by eliminating all potential external sources of problems: use only a minimal configuration with your Eos computer and the MFT connected directly (without using a USB hub). Disconnect the computer from any network (but leave your network card or Wi-Fi enabled). Disconnect any other USB and MIDI devices.
- Next, open only TwisterEos (give it time to launch) --> at this point the three LED segments of the Page encoders at the bottom of the MFT should be blinking alternately, indicating that the MFT is receiving MIDI from TwisterEos.
- Now try selecting the Fader mode and FCB mode with the MFT's side buttons facing you the most, as well as switching pages with the Page encoder push buttons --> the TwisterEos GUI should respond to these commands, indicating that it is receiving MIDI from the MFT, even though it hasn't yet set up anything on the network.
- If this is not the case, your MFT is not communicating with TwisterEos (so there is no need to open Eos) --> see the first point below.
- If it does, you can continue prospecting using the other points below.
• Problem: my MFT doesn't seem to communicate with TwisterEos.
The MFT communicates with TwisterEos via MIDI.
To check if your MFT is recognized by TwisterEos, go to File / MIDI setup.
--> "Midi Fighter Twister" must be checked in the Inputs and Outputs columns in the "On" column.
If this is not the case, it may be that the MFT is recognized by Eos or another software (a MIDI device can only be recognized in one application at a time).
For the same reason, think to close Midifighter Utility after uploading the MFT config file and before launching TwisterEos.
Check if MIDI is enabled in the Eos setup. Go to System / Show Control / USB MIDI/SMPTE and check the status of the "USB MIDI/SMPTE" button. If it is activated and you see the Midi Fighter Twister in the table on the right it is probably Eos that has taken over the MFT and TwisterEos cannot see it.
For this reason, it is recommended to disable MIDI in Eos if you don't need it, and to start TwisterEos first, before Eos, and before any other third-party application.
​• Problem: my MFT controls the intensities in Eos (Level Wheel) but not the faders or FCB parameters.
​
This problem is usually encountered when TwisterEos is running but not receiving OSC messages from Eos.
To be sure, select and deselect projectors in Eos --> the little white dot next to Rx Port OSC in the upper left corner of TwisterEos should be blinking.
If it is not, make sure:
- You have entered the correct IP address in the Eos setup, and that it is the correct IP address.
- You have disabled your firewall for TwisterEos and/or Max.
- Be in User 1 (bottom right of the main Eos window).
- Isolate your computer from any other computer networks in order to limit the sources of problems and do your tests.
Furthermore, to synchronize with Eos, TwisterEos needs you to manually call up a fader page and an FCB page from the MFT after launching the application (this is why you see these flashing messages at launch).
So don't hesitate to switch pages several times at the start, especially after setting up your IP address in TwisterEos.
​• Problem: I can't launch TwisterEos at all.
If for some unknown and weird reason you can't open TwisterEos directly on Windows or mac, it can be opened using the free trial version of Max and the .mxf file in the main directory of TwisterEos:
​
- Go to the Cycling `74 website.
- Download and install the latest version of Max for your operating system.
- Go to the TwisterEos folder and open the "TwisterEos.mxf" file with Max.
Note: the trial version of Max allows you to create and save patches for a period of 30 days. After this period, the Save options will be disabled but you can continue to open patches, including TwisterEos.
The mxf files are read-only Max patches, it is not possible to modify them.
​
Check that there are no problems when starting TwisterEos in Max.
To do this, open the Max console with Ctrl+M and check that no lines in the console are highlighted in red.
If this is the case, there is a problem.
In particular, Max may not be able to find certain external libraries that are necessary for TwisterEos to function, such as the library named "CNMAT" containing the [OSC-route] object.
If this is your case, you can install it manually. To do this:
- Check that your computer is connected to the internet (to be able to download the package).
- In Max, go to the "File" tab then to "Show package Manager".
- In the search bar at the top right, type "CNMAT" and install the proposed package.
- Restart TwisterEos
​
It also happens that Max does not find a library named "11strokes2". This is not a big deal at this point, it is only used for a very localized special function of TwisterEos and does not affect the general functioning of the application.
​​• Problem: TwisterEos controls some parameters in Eos but not others, and seems to react erratically.
​
Sometimes a new version of TwisterEos requires you to update the MFT via the Midifighter Utility with the configuration file provided . When doing this, I strongly recommend that you disconnect your MFT from the USB port for a few seconds after the transfer is complete and then reconnect it so that the new configuration can be reset in the internal memory.
Sometimes the configuration file is not loaded correctly into internal memory during the transfer, and the buttons do not configure themselves with the MIDI messages they are supposed to send.
To be sure, you can monitor the MIDI messages that the MFT sends directly with TwisterEos :
- In TwisterEos, click in the lower right corner of the Network Setup window, in the area just to the right of the white OSC receive indicator dot. This will open three small fields below with the MIDI signals that are coming into TwisterEos.
- Operate the various MFT controls and check that the incoming MIDI messages match those in the four illustrations below for each of the two modes and two sub-modes of TwisterEos.
â–ºThe first number shown is the MIDI channel (Ch) number and the second is the note (or CC) number. For example 1-12 means Channel 1, Note 12 (or CC 12).
â–ºFor each encoder, the message in the center corresponds to the Push and the one in the upper left to the rotary potentiometer.
MIDI messages for the FADER mode (MFT bank 1).
MIDI messages for the MacroFad mode (MFT bank 2).
MIDI messages for the FCB mode (MFT bank 4).
MIDI messages for the EncoDis mode (MFT bank 3).
If you notice differences between the signals sent by the MFT displayed in the small monitoring windows and those it is supposed to send, you can try to:
• Do a factory reset of the MFT:
With the Midifighter Utility, go to Tools / Midifighter / Factory Reset.
• Load an alternative factory firmware:
With the Midifighter Utility, go to Tools / Midifighter / Load Factory Firmware and try one of the four suggested firmware.
• Reload the configuration file.
​
For unexplained reasons, some users have experienced errors when loading the configuration file into the MFT. They apparently managed to solve this problem by "persisting", i.e. by trying to load the file several times in a row (unplugging/plugging the MFT each time) until the MIDI messages sent by the MFT ended up being the correct ones...
It also seems that being connected to the internet when opening Fighter Utility can also help loading the configuration file (since the application, when opening, checks the firmware version and suggests an update if necessary).
​• Problem : IP address 127.0.0.1 doesn't work.
Check that you are using a version of Eos higher than 3.1.x. If not, the local address 127.0.0.1 will not work. Update your Eos software to the latest version supplied by ETC and available on the website.
​
For Mac users, it's possible that an older version of the OS is preventing TwisterEos from working with the local IP. For information, the OS on which TwisterEos was tested with the address 127.0.0.1 is Sonoma 14.2.1.
If, for any reason, the 127.0.0.1 IP address still doesn't work, you can always try the old method, using an external active IP:
The IP address to be entered in TwisterEos is that of the online network adapter in Eos.To find out this address, launch Eos, then in the launcher (ETCnomad shell) go to Settings / Network and check the IP address displayed for the online network adapter in green:
IMPORTANT: in order for Eos to send OSC data to TwisterEos, the IP address must also be entered in the "OSC UDP TX IP Address" field (exactly the same address, not another one from the same range).
Note: even if TwisterEos and Eos are on the same computer, it is necessary to have an active connection.
The localhost address or 127.0.0.1 does not work in Eos (unfortunatly).
For more details on my own configuration, please visit the Tips section.
Then, for TwisterEos to receive the OSC information from Eos, you must configure the network settings in TwisterEos, in the top left window:
- Launch Eos (in Master mode)
- Open the CIA at the bottom of the main screen (keyboard shortcut: F9 + up arrow)
- Go to Setup / System Settings / Show Control / OSC
​
The transmit (TX) and receive (RX) OSC ports in Eos must be enabled and must match those in TwisterEos:
- The TX OSC port in TwisterEos must be the same as the OSC UDP RX port in Eos.
- The RX OSC port in TwisterEos must be the same as the OSC UDP TX port in Eos.
The default ports in TwisterEos are those of Eos, namely 8000 and 8001. If you have no particular reason to change them, you can leave them as they are.
​If you have problems communicating between TwisterEos and Eos, please try disabling your firewall for TwisterEos (or for Max if you use TwisterEos in Max).
The network configuration is not saved in the TwisterEos presets except in preset 1 (see next paragraph 2.5 - TwisterEos presets).
To avoid having to reconfigure the network parameters each time you open the application, you can fill them in and then create a preset 1 (or update it if it already exists), export your project and import it again.
As the preset 1 of the last imported project is loaded by default when the application is opened, its network parameters will become the default ones.
When a network setting is entered that differs from the one saved in preset 1, it will turn white instead of light blue.
2. Tips and tricks
​​In this section you'll find some tips on how to use TwisterEos with the MFT as well as some "hidden" or slightly "exotic" key combinations, especially with the Alt and Pages rotary knobs (supposed to have no action!... 😉 ).
Beware, even if these key combinations (and the associated commands) keep a certain logic with the rest of the interface, some of them are a little odd! They are therefore for users who are already familiar with TwisterEos.
If you are a new user, please skip this section for the moment !
Special button combinaisons
​
There are two kinds:
- Those common to both modes (Fader and FCB), located on the Page buttons.
- Those specific to each mode, located on the Alt buttons.
Some of them are a special kind of manipulation that we will call "Hop-hop" and that consists in quickly turning an encoder about 1/8 turn counterclockwise and then immediately clockwise about 1/4 turn.
A little tricky, but very handy!
​
• Commands common to both modes:
​
â–ºHop-hop with Page2 encoder: Sneak Enter
â–ºHop-hop with Page3 encoder: Shift+Clear (clears the Eos command line).
Note: no Hop-hop on Page1 encoder for the moment !
• Commands specific to each mode:
​
In Fader mode:
â–º Holding Alt1 + Alt2 for 0.5s: initializes to Home the 10 faders of the current page.
(Note: this command clears the Eos command line beforehand).
â–º Hop-hop with the Alt1 encoder: deploys/folds the CIA.
â–º Alt1 + Fader View side button: activates FCB View (equivalent to FCB View button).
(Explanation: since I place the MFT on the left side of my computer, this sometimes saves me from having to use my right hand to switch to FCB View. This way I can access almost all the commands with my left hand and keeping my right hand on the keyboard).
In FCB mode:
â–º Holding Alt1 + Alt2 for 0.5s : clear the Eos command line and sends "select_last home enter".
This command thus instantly puts in Home the selected fixtures in Eos.
â–º Hop-hop with the Alt1 encoder: deploys/folds the Eos Encoder Display.
â–º Hop-hop with the Alt2 encoder: activates/deactivates the "Custom" softkey (in the Encoder Display).
Tips
• Since it is very quick to switch between the standard FCB mode and the Encodis mode thanks to the Page buttons that are always accessible, it is convenient to use both modes in parallel:
- the standard FCB mode to manage your current or favorite parameters, organized on the three pages as it is most convenient for you and as you are used to,
- the EncoDis mode to manage more occasional parameters.
• Nothing prevents you from selecting the same parameter several times among the three pages of the standard FCB mode. So you can decide for example to dedicate each page to a type of machine, and put back in each one the parameters they might have in common (like pan and tilt perhaps for example).
• It's handy to be able to call up Snapshots with the Page buttons in Fader view, but this can sometimes be bother, especially in show playback.
Since it's easy to duplicate a preset in TwisterEos, don't hesitate to make a second preset by clearing these Snaphots boxes.
Also, don't hesitate to make a "basic" Snaphot in Eos that you can come back to whenever you're a little lost, and that you can configure on one of the MFT's side buttons, which are permanently accessible.
• All the MFT buttons that have an encoder behavior have their central LED lit (blue for the FCB wheels, red for the level wheel).
These LEDs are sometimes difficult to see when the MFT is laid flat. A small support to tilt it at 45° (or more) allows to see all the LED rings and to materialize the location of the side buttons at the same time. ;-)
• About the need for Eos to connect to an "external" active IP
/!\ this point has not been updated since TwisterEos 2.2 in January 2024.
However, the method described remains valid.
Often, software installed on the same computer and supposed to be able to communicate over a network can do so via the generic localhost address 127.0.0.1, but unfortunately not Eos.
It needs an active "external" address to connect to (the ones I mentioned at the beginning of part 2.4).
This can be wifi or wired, it doesn't matter, but Eos needs to find an IP address somewhere.
For example, if you're on Eos Nomad with a laptop and ETC's Gadget, you can connect via Wifi to a location (if there is Wifi in that location), BUT this means that your Wifi card will probably be configured in DHCP with an automatic IP address that you'll have to enter in Eos (and therefore in TwisterEos) at each new location, which isn't practical.
What's more, for a number of reasons that I won't go into here but which I'm sure you're all aware of, it's not at all advisable to be connected to Wifi to run a show, and even less so to a venue's Wifi.
The ideal solution is to be autonomous and have your own Wifi router. On the one hand, you'll be able to connect your computer to it via a wired connection (Ethernet), thus avoiding any worries about disconnection. What's more, this router will enable you to use a Wifi remote control for Eos with your smartphone.
As this router will always have the same IP address (you'll have configured it yourself manually), you'll only have to set up TwisterEos, Eos and your remote control once with this address, and then everything will work straight away, wherever you are and whatever your Eos session.
For my part, I opted for this nano router from TP-Link. I've configured it in Wifi Access Point mode, and in Smart IP with 192.168.0.100 as the starting address. Unless there's a conflict, this is the address that Eos will detect and that you'll need to enter in the Eos OSC setup as well as in TwisterEos.
The coverage isn't exceptional and my remote control sometimes disconnects, but I don't mind too much (it reconnects in 2 clicks), and no worries on the computer side of course, since it's connected via Ethernet.
As my laptop has no RJ45 port, I use a small USB/RJ45 adapter, to which I also connect my MFT, my ETC dongle and the receiver for my wireless mouse.
Below, a gallery with screenshots of my router configuration.
• Setting up TwisterEos with Eos Client.
If you have an installation with two networked Eos, one configured as Master and the other as Client, and you wish to use your MFT with the Client, this is possible.
To do this, you need to open TwisterEos on the Client (there's no need to open it on the Master).
Since in this case only the Master receives and sends OSC, the IP addresses must be configured as follows:
- The IP address of the Master must be entered in TwisterEos.
- The IP address of the Client must be entered in the Client and the Master OSC setup.
OSC ports do not need to be modified (RX 8001 and TX 8000 for Client and Principal, and RX 8000 and TX 8001 for TwisterEos).
• Sensitivity of MFT Fader encoders.
​
You can modify the sensitivity of the 10 Fader encoders so that they react to the velocity of rotation: the faster you turn the encoder, the greater the influence on fader level. This can be very useful in concert, for example, if you want to have more reactivity on the faders without sacrificing precision.
To do this, go to Midifighter Utility, the MFT editor:
- Select "Bank 1" on the right above the MFT display.
- Click on "MULTIPLE" in the bottom right-hand corner of the window.
- Select the 10 Fader encoders (the orange ones).
- On the left, on the Sensitivity field, choose "Velocity Sensitive".
- Click on "SEND TO MIDIFIGHTER" to upload the changes to the MFT.
​
If you're not satisfied with the change, just do it again, choosing "Responsive" instead of "Velocity Sensitive" (or re-import the original configuration file).
Remember to always close Midifighter Utility before opening TwisterEos (and conversely).
​
Note: this is one of the few customizations possible in MidifFighter Utilty. Modifying the sensitivity (or any other parameter) of other encoders may have unexpected consequences in the functioning of TwisterEos.
-
© 2024 Nicolas Bazoge
All rights reserved
