Online and Offline Modes
   

In Online Mode, Designer is connected to a Real Workgroup. This allows you to work with or monitor a real lighting system. However, changes that you make to light levels will not be seen in the lighting system unless you are also in Live Mode.

In Offline Mode, Designer is not connected to a Real Workgroup. In this mode, you can start a new workgroup design or load an existing one. Most lighting system design work is carried out in this mode, as it is safe and the lighting system can be tested before installation or implementation begins.

Switch to Online Mode

  1. Click on the Main Toolbar.

  2. The Connect to Workgroup dialog box appears. Choose a real workgroup to connect to from the Available systems list. For more information about the various ways to connect to a real workgroup, see Connecting to the Lighting System.

  3. Click Connect.

Notes:

  • When you switch to Offline Mode while also in Live Mode, Designer will switch to Blind Mode automatically. This is because you cannot be in Live Mode and Offline Mode simultaneously.

  • If no Workgroups are listed, but you expected to see some, then you may have a firewall running that is preventing Designer from seeing available Workgroups. Ensure that, if a firewall is in use, it is configured to allow Designer to communicate freely with the lighting system. If your computer is connected to the lighting system via a computer network, then the network server may also be using a firewall. For more information, see Firewall.

Switch to Offline Mode

  1. Click on the main Toolbar.

  2. You will be prompted to save the real Workgroup to a workgroup design file. For more information, see Saving a real workgroup.

Note:

  • When you switch to Offline Mode whilst in Live Mode, Designer will switch to Blind Mode automatically. This is because you cannot be in Live Mode and Offline Mode simultaneously.

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