(This is an abbreviated online example of the official MiniMad User Guide. For a more comprehensive overview download the official guide from here)
The MiniMad is an all-in-one dedicated media playback device for video and LED mapping, based on the Raspberry Pi platform. Easy to use, small, and versatile, it can be a reliable replacement for a computer in audiovisual installations.
MiniMad works with an SD-card that contains both the system and the software. It can either be installed with MiniMad Video to play video-mapping, or with MiniMad Light to play recorded DMX sequences.
Turning the MiniMad on is as simple as plugging it in. To avoid physically plugging it in and out, you can use an AC power-switch.
Depending on the chosen export settings, you can either safely disconnect the MiniMad from power, or you may be required to shut it down properly to avoid data-corruption on the SD-card.
Data-corruption can happen if power is cut while the MiniMad is writing to the SD-card. This occurs:
If you use any of these features, do not cut the power directly. Instead, perform a proper shutdown using the MiniMad buttons (Hold Red + Blue for 2.5 seconds), a USB keyboard (Q), the MiniMad Controller, or via OSC. The green LED will blink 6 successive times to indicate the device can be safely electrically powered-off.
Activating Your SD-Card:
If you flash your MiniMad SD-card or use an SD-card from another MiniMad unit, you must activate it. Insert the card, connect an HDMI display, plug in the power, and follow the on-screen procedure. The red LED will blink rapidly when activation is required and stop once activated.
Flashing Your SD-Card:
Flashing is necessary if a newer system version is available, you are using a brand new SD-card, or the system suffers data corruption. Download the latest MiniMad system image from the MadMapper Downloads page and use the Etcher tool to flash the SD-card.
In MadMapper, click File > Export Video Mapping to MiniMad. (FFmpeg Tools installer is required). You can either insert the SD-card directly into your computer or export over the network to a remote MiniMad.
For simple setups (like a single fullscreen quad with no color correction), MadMapper will offer to switch on Fullscreen maximum quality mode to output up to 1080p30. Note: Mapping and color correction controls are disabled on the MiniMad when this mode is active.
Connect multiple MiniMad units to the same ethernet network (via a switch) to synchronize media playback automatically. Movie synchronization happens across units playing a movie with the exact same frame count and framerate. Any media-related action (pause, restart, mode change) made on one MiniMad happens instantly across all connected units.
In MadMapper, once your DMX fixtures are set up, open Tools > MadLight Recorder. Click "Start Recording" to capture your DMX output, and optionally select an audio track. You can edit the in/out frames in the sequence list.
Click Export to MiniMad. By default, MiniMad uses the same DMX interface as MadMapper, but you can select a different one. For ArtNet, sACN, or OSC control, you can choose Automatic (DHCP) or Manual network configuration.
MiniMad can play audio through its mini-jack connector or via an external USB system-compliant audio device. Make sure to plug in the USB audio device before powering the MiniMad on. If the audio device draws too much power, use an externally-powered USB hub.
The MiniMad listens to OSC commands on port 1111 and declares itself via Bonjour. In MadMapper, you can create a new MiniMad Controller module to get full control of the device, mapping parameters to Keyboard, MIDI, OSC, BPM, or Cues.
You can attach any USB keyboard as a remote control. Key shortcuts include: