Brookshire Software LLC

Below are some of the more commonly asked questions about the RAPU.  If you don't find what you need here, feel free to contact us at TechSupport@BrookshireSoftware.com.

  1. What are the minimum system requirements?
  2. How do I order the RAPU?
  3. What is included with the RAPU?
  4. How many devices can I control with the RAPU?
  5. What power supply is required for the RAPU?
  6. How do I get started with the RAPU?
  7. I receive the error message "The third party "lame_enc.dll" is required to create this MP3 file."
  8. Can the RAPU be triggered from a TTL signal?

1.  What are the minimum system requirements?

Visit the System Requirements page for details.
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2.  How do I order the RAPU?

Proceed to our online order page

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3.  What is included with the RAPU?

Visit the System Requirements page for details.

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4.  How many devices can I control with the RAPU?

The RAPU can control 64 non-DMX devices at variable frame rates at addresses 0-63.  You can select any 64 tracks from VSA for use with the RAPU.  The RAPU can control 128 DMX devices. If you are using the BoC DMX board, note that each servo takes two addresses locations (so, for example, a maximum of 64 BoC servos could be controlled).  For all other devices and boards, each servo, motor, or relay uses only one address location.

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5.  What power supply is required for the RAPU?

The RAPU ships with a wall transformer (120VAC, 60Hz) that provides the necessary power.  If 120VAC at 60Hz is not available, the user may substitute a power supply capable of delivering +6VDC to +8VDC at 400mA. 

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6.  How do I get started with the RAPU?

Check out this PDF guide for a step-by-step setup with the RAPU.

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7.  I receive the error message "The third party "lame_enc.dll" is required to create this MP3 file."

The RAPU can only play MP3 files with a 44.1kHz sample rate and a 128kbps bit rate.  For best performance, it is recommended that the original VSA routine be created with such MP3 files.  Otherwise, the audio file must be converted to a compatible a format when uploaded to the RAPU.  This conversion may cause a loss of timing quality, as the converted MP3 file may play slightly differently.

When it is not convenient to use properly formatted MP3 files in VSA, the RAPU Manager can use a third party encoder to seamlessly convert the audio to a compatible MP3 format.  The RAPU Manager supports the LAME 3.96.1 MP3 encoding technology.  LAME is freely distributable under the LGPL and it is the end-user's responsibility to obtain properly licensed versions of all software.  The "lame_enc.dll" may be compiled from source code or downloaded as a binary file.  Once you have obtained the "lame_enc.dll" file, copy it into "C:\Program Files\Brookshire Software\RAPU Manager" or the directory where you installed the RAPU Manager.

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8. Can the RAPU be triggered from a TTL signal?

The RAPU, as shipped, has an "undocumented" and unsupported feature which allows a trigger to start the first routine. See this PDF for details.

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