Unpacking: Thank you for purchasing the Fascinator™ by American
DJ
®. Every Fascinator™ has been thoroughly tested and has been
shipped in perfect operating condition. Carefully check the shipping
carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the
carton appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your fi xture for any
damage and be sure all equipment necessary to operate the unit has
arrived intact. In the event damage has been found or parts are missing, please contact our toll free customer support number for further
instructions. Do not return this unit to your dealer without fi rst contacting customer support.
Introduction: This unit use a single color/gobo wheel combination
for vibrant colors and extravagant gobo patterns. The Fascinator™ is
an intelligent fixture that can operate in DMX mode, as a stand alone
sound active piece, or in a Master/Slave configuration. The Fascinator™ comes with several build in programs and is best used in multiples
of four. This piece is best used with a fog or haze machine to enhance
the beam output. When used in DMX mode the fixture requires 3 DMX
channels. When used as a stand alone unit or when used in multiples
linked in a master/slave configuration an optional MINI/C controller may
be used to control a blackout function.
Customer Support: American DJ® provides a toll free customer sup-
port line, to provide set up help and to answer any question should you
encounter problems during your set up or initial operation. You may
also visit us on the web at www.americandj.com for any comments or
suggestions. Service Hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Pacifi c Standard Time.
Voice: (800) 322-6337
Fax: (323) 582-2610
E-mail: [email protected]
Revised 8/01
User Instructions
American DJ
4295 Charter Street
Los Angeles CA. 90058
www.americandj.com
Warning! To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or fi re, do
not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside this unit. Do not
attempt any repairs yourself, doing so will void your manufactures warranty. In the unlikely event your unit may require service please contact
your nearest American DJ® dealer.
To optimize the performance of this product, please read these operating instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with the basic operations
of this unit. These instructions contain important safety information
regarding the use and maintenance of this unit. If you do not wish to
read through the manual, listed below are the master/slave dip switch
setting. Link the units together using microphone cables and follow the
dip switch chart for sound activation mode. Please keep this manual
with the unit, for future reference.
Fascinator™ Product Registration
The Fascinator™ carries a one year (365 days) limited warranty.
Please fill out the enclosed warranty card to validate your purchase.
All returned service items whether under warranty or not, must be
freight pre-paid and accompany a return authorization (R.A.) number.
If the unit is under warranty, you must provide a copy of your proof
of purchase invoice. Please contact American DJ
® customer support
for a R.A. number.
Fascinator™ Features
• Micro-Stepping Motors for Smooth Gobo Transitions
• Internal Microphone with Volume Sensitivity Knob
• Easy Lamp Replacement (ZB-ELC 24v/250w Lamp)
• Optional MINI/C Remote Controller
Fascinator™ Master/Slave Settings
This chart details the Master/Slave dip switch setting for Master/Slave
configuration. Use this configuration only when you will be using your
fixtures in a Master/Slave configuration. Be sure the number 2 function
switch is set to the on position for sound-active operation.
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fi re, do not expose this unit
rain or moisture
• Do not spill water or other liquids into or on to your unit.
• Be sure that the local power outlet match that of the required voltage
for your unit.
• Do not attempt to operate this unit if the power cord has been frayed
or broken.
• Do not attempt to remove or break off the ground prong from
the electrical cord. This prong is used to reduce the risk of electrical
shock and fi re in case of an internal short.
• Disconnect from main power before making any type of connection.
• Do not remove the cover under any conditions. There are no user
serviceable parts inside.
• Never operate this unit when it’s cover is removed.
• Never plug this unit in to a dimmer pack
• Always be sure to mount this unit in an area that will allow proper
ventilation. Allow about 6” (15cm) between this device and a wall.
• Do not attempt to operate this unit, if it becomes damaged.
• This unit is intended for indoor use only, use of this product outdoors
voids all warranties.
• During long periods of non-use, disconnect the unit’s main power.
• Always mount this unit in safe and stable matter.
• Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to
be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them,
paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience recep tacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
• Cleaning -The fixture should be cleaned only as recommended by
the manufacturer. See page 13 for cleaning details.
• Heat -The appliance should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (includ ing amplifiers) that produce heat.
• The fixture should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance.
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain or water.
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
signal to the nest Fascinator™ in the chain. For best results in DMX
or Master/Slave mode terminate this jack if it is the last unit in the
chain. See “Terminator” on page 7.
6. Audio Sensitivity Knob - This adjust audio sensitivity of the
internal microphone (3). Turning the sensitivity knob in the clock wise direction will increase the sensitivity to sound. Turning the
knob in the counter clockwise direction will decrease the fi xture’s
sensitivity to sound.
7. Microphone - This microphone receives external low frequencies
to trigger the unit in Sound-Active and Master/Slave mode.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
ON
289543167
1. Cooling Fan - Keep the fan grill clean. Never block the fan vents,
always allow at least four inches between the fan and any other
surface. Improper cooling may result in premature lamp failure.
2. MINI/C Controller Jack - This is for use the optional MINI/C Black
out controller only. Do not attempt to connect an audio signal
this jack, this will damage the PC board and void your manu factures warranty!
3. XLR Input Jack - This jack is used to accept an incoming DMX
signal or Master/Slave signal.
4. Dip Switches - These switches serve two functions. In master
slave mode these switches are used to assign a specifi c head
address. In DMX mode these switches are used to assign a
DMX address to the unit. In DMX mode each switch corresponds
to a specifi c value based on binary code. See page 7 for a detailed
explanation of DMX binary code.
8. Fuse Holder - This housing stores the 5 amp GMA protective
fuse. Always replace with the exact same type fuse, unless other
wise instructed, by an authorized American DJ
® service technician.
9. Power Cord - Connect only to a matching power outlet. Never use
this fi xture is the ground prong has been removed or broken off.
5. XLR Output Jack - This jack is used to transmit the incoming
DMX signal to another DMX fi xture, or transmit a Master/Slave
You may operate your Fascinator™ in three different ways:
• Stand Alone Mode - The unit will react to sound, chasing through
the built in programs. You may also use the optional MINI/C Remote
to control a blackout function.
• Master/Slave Mode - This mode allows you to daisy chain up to 4
units together to get a synchronized light show that will react to
sound and chase through the several built in programs.
• DMX Mode - This function will allow you to control each individual
fixtures traits with a standard DMX 512 controller such as the
American DJ Show Designer.
Note: Stand-Alone and Master-Slave operation require sound to activate! If the units do not move adjust the volume sensitivity knob on the
rear of the fi xture.
Note: To conserve lamp life, the unit will automatically turn off the lamp
when the fi xture has been inactive for longer than 60 seconds. This is
not a malfunction and will aid lamp and unit longevity by decreasing
heat.
Stand-Alone Operation (Sound Active): This function allows a
single unit to run to the beat of the music. Only use this function when
running a single unit, or when running several units as individuals.
1. To activate the Sound-Active mode refer to “Master Unit” on the Master-Slave DIP SWITCH chart on page 3).
2. The unit will now react to the low frequencies of music via the inter nal microphone.
3. Adjust the audio sensitivity knob on the top of the unit to make the
unit more or less sensitive to sound. Turning the sensitivity knob in
the clockwise direction will increase the sensitivity, turning the knob
in the counter-clockwise direction will decrease the fi xture’s sensi tivity to sound.
4. The optional MINI/C Blackout Controller may be used with this
function for blackout.
Master-Slave Operation (Sound Active): This function will allow
you to link up to 4 units together and operate without a controller. The
units will be sound activated. In Master-Slave operation one unit will act
as the controlling unit and the others will react to the controlling units
™
programs. Any unit can act as a Master or as a Slave.
1. Using standard XLR microphone cables, daisy chain your units
together via the XLR connector on the rear of the units. Remember
the Male XLR connector is the input and the Female XLR connector
is the output. The fi rst unit in the chain (master) will use the female
XLR connector only - The last unit in the chain will use the male
XLR connector only. For longer cable runs we suggest a terminator
at the last fixture.
2. Follow the chart on page 3 for proper unit dip switch settings.
3. The optional MINI/C Blackout Controller may be used with this
function to temporarily blackout the units.
4. After all the units settings have been set and are plugged in, adjust
the sensitivity knob on the rear of the master unit to make them
react to sound.
Universal DMX Control: This function allows you to use a universal
DMX 512 controller as the American DJ® DMX Operator™ or Show
Designer.™ to control mirror movement and the color/gobo wheel. The
use of a DMX controller will allow you to customize the use of fixtures
allowing you to control the rotation direction as well as the rotation
speed. Operating through a DMX controller allows the freedom to
create unique programs tailored to one’s individual needs.
1. The Fascinator™ uses 3 DMX channels. Channel 1 controls gobo
wheel, channel 2 controls the internal mirror dish, and channel 3
controls the dichroic lens movement. See page 14 for detailed
description of the DMX traits.
2. To control your fixture in DMX mode, follow the set-up procedures
on pages 9 - 11 as well as the set-up specifications that are
included with your DMX controller.
3. Use the controller’s faders to control the various DMX fixture traits.
4. This will allow you to create your own programs.
5. When using a DMX controller and setting up for DMX operation
follow the dip switch settings on page 14.
6. For help operating in DMX operation consult the manual included
with your DMX controller.
7. For longer cable runs (more than a 100 feet) use a terminator on
the last fixture.
Power Supply: Before plugging your unit in, be sure the source volt-
age in your area matches the required voltage for your American DJ
Fascinator.™ The American DJ
® Fascinator
™
is available in a 120v and
220v version. Because line voltage may vary from venue to venue,
you should be sure your unit voltages matches the wall outlet voltage
before attempting to operate you fi xture.
®
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal
protocol used as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures
and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from
the controller to the fixture. DMX data is sent as serial data that
travels from fixture to fixture via the DATA “IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR
terminals located on all DMX fixtures (most controllers only have a
DATA “OUT” terminal).
DMX Linking: DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of
different manufactures to be linked together and operate from a single
controller, as long as all fi xtures and the controller are DMX compliant.
To ensure proper DMX data transmission, when using several DMX
fixtures try to use the shortest cable path possible. The order in which
fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not influence the DMX
addressing. For example; a fixture assigned a DMX address of 1 may
be placed anywhere in a DMX line, at the beginning, at the end, or
anywhere in the middle. When a fixture is assigned a DMX address of
1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to address 1 to
that unit, no matter where it is located in the DMX chain.
Dip-switches in DMX mode: This unit uses dip switches to assign a
DMX address. Each dip switch represents a binary value.
Dip Switch 7 address equals 64
Dip Switch 8 address equals 128
Dip Switch 9 address equals 256
Dip Switch 10 - Some unit omit dip switch 10. When a unit does included
dip switch 10 it is used for special functions such as sound activation.
Each dip switch has a preset value. A specific DMX address is set by
combining the dip switches that sum your desired value. For example:
To achieve a DMX address of 21, combine dip switches 1, 3, and 5.
Sense dip switch 1 has a value of 1, dip switch 3 has a value of 4,
and dip switch 5 has a value of 16, the combination of the create a
DMX value of 21.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX and Master/
Slave Operation): The Fascinator™ can be controlled via DMX-512
protocol. The American DJ® Fascinator™ is a four channel DMX unit. The
DMX address is set on the front panel of the Fascinator™. Your unit and
your DMX controller require a standard 3-pin XLR
connector for data input and data output (Figure
1). If you are making your own cables, be sure to
use standard two conductor shielded cable (This
cable may be purchased at almost all pro sound
and lighting stores). Your cables should be made
with a male and female XLR connector on either
end of the cable. Also remember that DMX cable
must be daisy chained and can not be split.
Figure 1
Notice: Be sure to follow fi gures two and three when making your own
cables. Do not use the ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not connect the cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the shield
conductor to come in contact with the XLR’s outer casing. Grounding
the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic behavior.
Caution: Always replace with the exact same type lamp and fuse,
unless otherwise specified by an authorized American DJ® technician.
Replace with anything other than the specified part can damage your
unit and will void your manufactures warranty.
Warning: If, after replacing the lamp or fuse either one continues
Figure 3
Special Note: Line Termination.
When longer runs of cable are
used, you may need to use a terminator on the last unit to avoid erratic
behavior. A terminator is a 90-120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is connected between pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector (DATA + and
DATA -). This unit is inserted in the female XLR connector of the last
unit in your daisy chain to terminate the line. Using a cable terminator
(ADJ part number ZDMX/T) will decrease the possibilities of erratic
behavior.
Termination reduces signal errors and
1
avoids signal transmission problems
3
and interference. It is always advisable
2
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors.
Some manufactures use 5-pin XLR
Figure 4
connectors for DATA transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin XLR fi xtures
may be implemented in a 3-pin XLR DMX line. When inserting standard
5-pin XLR connectors in to a 3-pin line a cable adaptor must be used,
these adaptors are readily available at most electric stores. The chart
below details a proper cable conversion.
3-Pin XLR to 5-Pin XLR Conversion
Conductor5-Pin XLR Male (In)3-Pin XLR Female (Out)
to blow, STOP using the unit. Contact customer support for further
instructions, you may have to return the unit for servicing. Continuing
to use the unit may cause serious damage.
Fuse Replacement: Disconnect the unit’s main power supply. Insert
a standard flat head screw driver in to the fuse holder housing. Turn
the screwdriver in counter-clockwise direction to remove the fuse
holder. Remove the fuse holder to expose the fuse. Remove the old
fuse and discard it. Replace the fuse with the same type. Insert the
fuse holder back into it’s housing and turn it in clockwise direction to
lock the holder in place.
Lamp Replacement: Caution! Never attempt to change the lamp
while the fixture is plugged in. Always disconnect the main power and
allow the unit ample time to cool before attempting to replace the
lamp. Lamp replacement has been made simple by incorporating the
use of a flip-up front cover that is retained by thumb screws.
1. Be sure to follow the proper handling procedures that deal with
halogen lamps.
2. Remove the thumb screw on the top/rear of the unit that holds the
lamp socket assembly cover in place.
3. After removing the thumb screw, pull out the cover from the rear of
the unit to expose the lamp socket assembly.
4. Carefully remove the old lamp and discard it in the trash.
5. Replace the lamp with an exact match and reassemble in reverse order.
Halogen Lamp Warning: This fixture is fitted
with halogen lamps which are highly susceptible
to damage if improperly handled. Never touch the
lamps with your bare fingers as the oil from your
hands will shorten lamp life. Also, never move the
fixture until the lamps have had ample time to cool.
Remember, lamps are not covered under warranty
conditions.
Page 7
Fascinator™ Cleaning
Fascinator™ DMX Traits
Fixture Cleaning: Due to fog residue, smoke, and dust cleaning the
internal and external optical lenses and mirror should be carried out
periodically to optimize light output. Cleaning frequency depends on
the environment in which the fixture operates (I.e. smoke, fog residue,
dust, dew). In heavy club use we recommend cleaning on a monthly
basis. Periodic cleaning will ensure longevity, and crisp output.
1. Use normal glass cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the outside
casing.
2. Use a brush to wipe down the cooling vents and fan grill.
3. Clean the external optics and mirror with glass cleaner and a soft
cloth every 20 days.
4. Clean the internal optics with glass cleaner and a soft cloth every
30-60 days.
5. Always be sure to dry all parts completely before plugging the unit
back in.
Fascinator™ Trouble Shooting
Trou ble Shooting: Listed below are a few common problems that you
may encounter, with solutions.
No light output from the unit;
1. Be sure you have connected your unit into a standard 120V wall
outlet.
2. Be sure the external fuse has not blown. The fuse is located on the
bottom panel of the unit.
3. Remove the lamp cover and be sure the lamp is seated in its
socket properly. Occasionally lamps become loose during shipping
be sure the lamp is push in to its socket all the way.
4. Be sure the fuse holder is completely and properly seated.
Unit does not respond to sound;
The charts below details the DMX traits and the gobo patterns. The
individual trait can only be accessed by an universal DMX controller.
DMX CHANNEL
123
Gobo Wheel
Strobe 2252-255
Function 8240-251
Function 7228-239
Function 6216-227
Function 5204-215
Function 4192-203
Function 3180-191
Function 2168-179
Function 1156-167
Strobe 1144-155
Gobo 11132-143
Gobo 10120-131
Gobo 9108-119
Gobo 896-107
Gobo 784-95
Gobo 672-83
Gobo 560-71
Gobo 448-59
Gobo 336-47
Gobo 224-35
Gobo 112-23
Blackout01-11
Lamp Off00
Mirror Dish Rotation Dichroic Lens Movement
Fast Rotation 255
CW Rotation
Slow Rotation 129
Slow Rotation 128
CCW Rotation
Fast Rotation 01
Stop 00
Function 6235(Fast) ~ 255(Slow)
Function 5214(Fast) ~ 234(Slow)
Function 4193(Fast) ~ 213(Slow)
Function 3172(Fast) ~ 192(Slow)
Function 2151(Fast) ~ 171(Slow)
Function 1130(Fast) ~ 150(Slow)
Fast 129
Automatic Rotation
Slow 48
360˚ 47
Manual Rotation
0˚ 00
1. Low frequencies (bass) should cause the unit to react to sound.
Tapping on the microphone, quiet or high pitched sounds may not
activate the unit.
2. Be sure the SENSITIVITY KNOB (6) is not set to the minimum
position
The center numbers of this chart (1-511) represent a DMX address. The "X"'s
and "O"'s along the top and side of the chart represent dip switch poistion ("X"
for off and "O" for on). Find your desired DMX address from the center chart.
Identify the position for dip switches 1-5 from the chart on the left and dip
switches 6-9 from the chart on the top. Adjust the dip switches on your fixture to
match the position settings of the chart. For fixtures with 10 dip switches; dip
switch 10 is reserved for special functions.
Lamps: ZB-ELC, 24v/250w
Voltage: 120v/60Hz
Dimensions: 20”(H) x 8.5”(W) x 9.25”(D)
with yoke collapsed
Colors Multiple
Gobos: 10, plus spot
Weight: 25 Lbs.
Fuse: 5 Amp GMA
Duty Cycle: 30 min on / 5 min off
DMX: 3 Channels
Sound Active: Yes
Working Position: Any Safe, Secure Position
Warranty: 1 Year (365 days)
Please Note: Specifi cations and improvements in the design
of this unit and this manual are subject to change without any
prior written notice.