Chapter 2: Dark Fire Robot II Tuning Functions
To start playing, pull the MCK
out
. Dark Fire defaults to being ready to tune to standard tuning. The
selected Chameleon Tone is Gibson Classic; to indicate this, the MCK Display Matrix alternates
between the letters “S” (
S
tandard Tuning) and “G” (
G
ibson Classic).
Instantly Activated Tuning
Once Dark Fire is in default mode from pulling the MCK
out
, here's how to tune to standard tuning
(A=440Hz).
1. Strum all six strings normally at the neck pickup position—not too hard or soft. Do not fret any
strings, or touch the neck, while tuning.
2. The Powerheads will turn robotically, and the MCK's String LEDs will shine various colors to
indicate tuning status. Here's what the colors mean:
Red
(solid):
String not in tune, or not yet tuned
Red
(flashing):
Measuring string frequency
Blue
(solid):
Signal is clipping (the strum was too hard; please strum more softly)
Yellow flashing:
Powerheads turning to tune string. If the corresponding Powerhead is
not turning when its LED flashes yellow, there is a physical or electrical problem.
Purple
solid:
String frequency at extreme end of range
Green
:
Individual string in tune
All LEDs off, except one LED solid
blue
,
green
, or
red
:
Tuning is complete
White (blinking):
Short circuit detected. Check if a string touches the tail piece, the
bridge, a fret, or another string; make sure that strings are cut close to the posts, and
that all strings are in the bridge saddle's center.
White (solid):
Tuning for this string is temporarily on hold; tuning will be completed after
the other strings are tuned, or after the next strum.
3. When the guitar is in tune, all LEDs will turn off except for the currently selected LED position
(either
E
,
A
,
D
,
G
,
B
, or
e
). This will shine solid
blue
,
green
, or
red
, depending on the selected
tuning bank.
4. If all the LEDs don't turn off as described in step 3, strum all six strings again. This may be
necessary if the guitar is considerably out of tune. It should take only one or two strums for
Dark Fire to tune itself; pause briefly (2-3 seconds) between strums.
5. Push the MCK back
in
(unless you also want to use the Chameleon Tone select mode), and
you're ready to play.
Note:
You can change your desired Instantly Activated Tuning (for example, to an alternate tuning),
and even the Calibration if you want “A” to be something other than 440Hz, as described in Chapter
7. You can also change the default Chameleon Tone; see Chapter 3.
Gibson Dark Fire 4.0 manual, page 9