ETCnomad with Cobalt

ETCnomad software, when installed on a personal computer running Cobalt software version 7.1 or greater, can be used to control a lighting system, interact with an existing Cobalt lighting control system, or as an offline show file editor.

Note:  See the release note of your Cobalt software version for Windows OS compatibility.

A computer with the Cobalt software and an ETCnomad dongle connected may be used online as a server, backup, or client to another Cobalt family product running the same software version.

Backup capabilities extend only to the number of outputs available on the Cobalt ETCnomad installation.

Note:  A computer with the Cobalt software and no connected dongle can only be used offline to edit or create show files. Cobalt ETCnomad software can communicate with visualization software, but the output will be steppy.

Using Real-Time software on a personal computer:

Using ETCnomad as a server allows you to perform level fading in real time to create a show. The accuracy of your show depends on the computer and software used, so ETC recommends that other activities such as gaming or web surfing be done on other devices. ETC recommends testing all equipment used as a lighting controller after all major changes such as system or software updates.

Note:  If you experience performance issues, first try closing all other running programs, including background tasks.

Software Installation

Note:  For the current Cobalt Family Release Note and other Cobalt specific documentation, please visit the ETC website at etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/Cobalt-Family/.

  1. Plug the provided ETCnomad Dongle into a USB port of the device to which you will be downloading the Cobalt software.
  2. Plug the provided ETCnomad USB drive into a USB port of the same device.
  3. Copy the files to your device from either the USB drive or from the website, etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/Cobalt-Family/ETCnomad-ETCnomad-Puck/Software.aspx.
    • PC:
      • If on the website, click on the file name,Cobalt Family Software vX.X.X with Library X.X.X (Consoles, Light Servers, Nomad, Client and Offline Editor for PC).
    • Mac:
      • If on the website, click on the file name,Cobalt Family ETCnomad Software vX.X.X Library X.X.X for Mac.

    Note:  If you are reinstalling Cobalt software, Click the Repair option at the beginning of the installation process.

  4. Double-click the Cobalt installer file. If you downloaded the latest software version from the ETC website, you will need to extract the zipped files before running the Cobalt installer.
    • Mac Users: Double-click the .DMG file to mount the install drive first, then double-click the Cobalt installer file.
  5. Follow the directions within the installer.

Tip:  The full Cobalt User Manual can be found online at etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/Cobalt-Family/.

Accessory Hardware Compatibility

Refer to your current Cobalt documentation for use of compatible wings and other hardware accessories.