Learn how to cycle through your video inputs and switch to them using BOSS FS-5U and FS-6 foot switches with audio cables. This helps you operate your Roland switcher without sitting in front of it.
In this example, we have 3 cameras we want to switch between, and they appear on Inputs 1 through 3 on the multi-view. We will use Macros and the Sequencer to do this.
- In the menu, Inputs refer to the boxes on the Multi-View and 16 Input-View, not the physical input connectors HDMI 1-8 and SDI 1-8.
- Any HDMI or SDI input connector can be assigned to an Input in the Video Assign menu.
Create the Macros
Create 3 Macros, each one will select an Input as your PST source, which appears as PVW on the multi-view.
In this example, HDMI inputs 1-3 are assigned to Input 1-3. The PST source is Input 2 and appears on PVW.
Settings
- Menu > Macro > List Edit > Macro 1 > Add New Function
- Function > PGM/PST Select
- PGM CH > ----
- PST CH > INPUT 1
- Menu > Macro > List Edit > Macro 2 > Add New Function
- Function > PGM/PST Select
- PGM CH > ----
- PST CH > INPUT 2
- Menu > Macro > List Edit > Macro 3 > Add New Function
- Function > PGM/PST Select
- PGM CH > ----
- PST CH > INPUT 3
Macro 1's settings in the RCS software.
Notes
- You can erase an existing Macro using the Initialize setting.
- You have 100 Macro slots, and you can use any Macro number you want to create these.
- Once you create the first Macro, you can copy it and edit the copy to save time.
- Remember to set PGM CH to "----", this tells the switch to not change that setting. It is the first option for that setting.
Create the Sequence
To execute these Macros using a foot switch, we need to add them to the Sequencer.
In this example, steps 1-3 on the list are assigned to the 3 Macros we created.
Settings
- Menu > Sequencer > Initialize > Yes
- Menu > Sequencer > Repeat Execute > On
- Menu > Sequencer > List Edit > 1
- Function > Macro
- Exec > Macro 1
- Menu > Sequencer > List Edit > 2
- Function > Macro
- Exec > Macro 2
- Menu > Sequencer > List Edit > 3
- Function > Macro
- Exec > Macro 3
Sequencer list settings in the RCS software.
Notes
- Erase the current list using the Initialize setting in the menu (not available in RCS).
- The only Sequencer steps should be the Macros you created.
- Once you create the first Sequencer step, you can copy it and edit the copy to save time.
- Do not turn on Auto Sequence.
Foot Switch Setup
FS-6
- Button A cycles forward through your inputs, you will see them change in the PVW window on the multi-view.
- Button B swaps PVW with PGM, using a mix dissolve or wipe with Auto, or instantaneous with Cut. Press the Transition button to switch between Mix and Wipe.
- Use a single TRS cable connected to CTL/EXP 1 on the back of the Roland switcher.
Settings
- Menu > CTL/EXP > CTL/EXP 1 > CTL/EXP Type > CTL A & CTL B
- Assign - CTL A - Category > Sequencer
- Assign - CTL A - Value > Next
- Assign - CTL B - Category > Take
- Assign - CTL B - Value > Auto or Cut
FS-6 & FS-5U
- FS-6 Button A cycles backwards and Button B cycles forward through your inputs, you will see them change in the PVW window on the multi-view.
- FS-5U swaps PVW with PGM, using a mix dissolve or wipe with Auto, or instantaneous with Cut. Press the Transition button to switch between Mix and Wipe.
- Use a single TS or TRS cable connected to CTL/EXP 2 on the back of the Roland switcher.
Settings
- Menu > CTL/EXP > CTL/EXP 1 > CTL/EXP Type > CTL A & CTL B
- Assign - CTL A - Category > Sequencer
- Assign - CTL A - Value > Previous
- Assign - CTL B - Category > Sequencer
- Assign - CTL B - Value > Next
- Menu > CTL/EXP > CTL/EXP 2 > CTL/EXP Type > CTL A & CTL B
- Assign - CTL A - Category > N/A
- Assign - CTL A - Value > ---
- Assign - CTL B - Category > Take
- Assign - CTL B - Value > Auto or Cut
Notes
- The FS-5U only uses CTL B, it does not recognize CTL A.
- The FS-5U does not use a battery, it is a passive device.
- The FS-6 uses battery power whenever a cable is connected to it, disconnect after use.
Testing
Turn on the Sequencer by pressing and holding the On button for 2 seconds.
Use the foot switch to cycle through inputs on PVW and press the assigned Take button to output it to PGM.