Unpacking: Thank you for purchasing the TripleFlex by American DJ®.
Every TripleFlex 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 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. Please
do not return this unit to your dealer without contacting customer sup-
port rst.
Introduction: The TripleFlex is a DMX intelligent, triple mirror LED
scanner. The TripleFlex can operate as a stand alone fixture or in a
Master/Slave configuration. The TripleFlex has three operating modes;
sound active mode, show mode, and DMX control. For best results use
fog or special effects smoke to enhance the beams projections.
Customer Support: American DJ® provides a toll free customer
support line, to provide 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
To purchase parts online visit http://parts.americandj.com
12/09
Warning! To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or re, do
not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
Warning! This may cause severe eye damage. Avoid looking directly
into the light source at all times!
User Instructions
American DJ® - www.americandj.com - TripleFlex Instruction Manual Page 2
TripleFlex General Instructions
TripleFlex Safety Precautions
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. Please
keep this manual with the unit, for future reference.
• 3 Operating Modes - Sound Active, Show Mode, and DMX Control
• Internal Microphone
• Digital Display for Address and Function Setting
• UC3 Controller (Not Included)
TripleFlex Warranty Registration
The TripleFlex carries a 3 year (1095 days) limited warranty. Please fill
out the enclosed warranty card to validate your purchase and warranty. You may also register your product online at www. americandj.
com. 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.
TripleFlex Handling Precautions
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
American DJ®.
American DJ® will not accept any liability for any resulting damages
caused by the non-observance of this manual or any unauthorized
modication to this unit.
For Your Own Personal Safety, Please Read and Understand This
Manual Completely Before You Attempt To Install Or Operate
This Unit!
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock or 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 volt age 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 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.
• 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 out doors voids all warranties.
• 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 18 for cleaning details.
• Heat -This fixture should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
• The fixture should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance.
B. The appliance has been exposed to rain or water.
C. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance.
Terminatio n r educes si gnal errors and
avo ids sig nal transm issi on prob lems
and interference. It is alway s advisa ble
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
TripleFlex Set Up
Power Supply: The American DJ® TripleFlex contains an electronic
ballast, which will auto sense the voltage when it is plugged into the
power source. With the electronic ballast you do not need to worry
about wall voltage, this unit can be plugged in anywhere. Also be sure
to only use the included I.E.C. power cable supplied with the unit.
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal pro-
tocol used by most lighting and controller manufactures 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 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. Therefore, the first fixture controlled
by the controller could be the last fixture in the chain. 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.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX and Master/Slave
Operation): The TripleFlex can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol.
The TripleFlex can be a 4 or 9 channel DMX unit. The DMX address
is set electronically using the controls on the side
panel of the unit. Your unit and your DMX controller require a approved DMX-512 110 Ohm Data
cable for data input and data output (Figure 1). We
recommend Accu-Cable DMX cables. If you are
making your own cables, be sure to use standard
110-120 Ohm shielded cable (This cable may be
purchased at almost all professional 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 cannot be split.
Notice: Be sure to follow 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.
Figure 2
XLR Male Socket
1 Ground
2 Cold
3 Hot
Figure 3
Special Note: Line Termination.
used, you may need to use a terminator on the last unit to avoid erratic
behavior. A terminator is a 110-120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is con-
Figure 1
nected 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 Z-DMX/T) will decrease the possibilities of erratic
behavior.
512 data cables for DATA transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin DMX
xtures may be implemented in a 3-pin DMX line. When inserting standard 5-pin data cables 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)
System Menu: When making adjustments you can press
ENTER to conrm your setup or you can wait 8 seconds for
automatic setup. To exit without making any adjustments
press the MENU button.
ADDR -DMX Address Setting.
1. Tap the either the MENU, UP, or DOWN buttons until “ADDR”
is displayed, press ENTER.
2. The current address will now be displayed and ashing.
Press the UP or DOWN buttons to nd your desired address.
Press ENTER to set your desired DMX address.
CHND - This will let select your desired DMX mode.
1. Tap the either the MENU button until “CHND” is displayed,
press ENTER. Either “4CH”, or “9CH” will be displayed
2. Tap the UP or DOWN buttons to choose your desired DMX
mode and press ENTER to conm and exit.
mode is off.
1. Tap the MENU button until “SHND” is displayed, press
ENTER.
2. “Sh X” will now be displayed, “X” representing a number
between 0-10. Programs 1-10 are factory programs, while “Sh
0” is random mode. Press the UP or DOWN buttons to nd your
desired show and press the ENTER, then press and hold the
MENU button for at least 3 seconds to conrm.
SOUN - Sound Active mode.
1. Tap the MENU button until “SOUN” is displayed, press
ENTER.
2. The display will show either “ON” or “OFF”. Press the UP or
DOWN buttons to select “ON” to activate sound active mode, or
“OFF” to deactivate sound active mode.
3. Press the ENTER, and then press and hold the MENU button
for at least 3 seconds to conrm.
SLND - This will let you set unit as a master or slave in a
master/slave conguration.
1. Tap the MENU button until “SLND” is displayed, press
ENTER. Either “MAST”, “SL 1” or “SL 2” will be displayed.
2. Tap the UP or DOWN buttons until your desired setting is
displayed, press ENTER to conm.
NOTE: In a Master/Slave conguration you can set one xture
to Master and then set the next xture to “SL 2”, the xtures will
now have contrast movement to each other.
SHND: SH0 -10- Show modes 0-10 (Factory programs).
For show mode to run properly, make sure sound active
BLND - Blackout or Stand by mode.
1. Tap the MENU button until “BLND” is displayed, press
ENTER. Either Yes or No will be displayed.
2. To activate Blackout tap the UP or DOWN buttons until “Yes”
is displayed, press ENTER to conm. The xture will now be in
Blackout mode. To deactivate Blackout mode, select “No” and
press Enter.
LED - With this function you can have the LED display
turn off after 10 seconds.
1. Tap the MENU button until “LED” is displayed, press ENTER.
2. The display will show either “ON” or “OFF”. Press the UP or
DOWN buttons to select “ON” to keep the LED display on at
all times, or “OFF” to switch to have the LED display switch off
after 10 seconds.
3. Press ENTER to conrm.
DISP - This will “ip” the LED display 180º.
1. Tap the MENU button until “dISP” is displayed, press ENTER.
2. Either “dISP” or “dSIP” will now be displayed. Press the UP or
DOWN buttons to select one or the other.
TripleFlex System Menu
VER - With this function you can display the version soft-
ware of the xture.
1. Tap the MENU button until “VER” is displayed, press ENTER.
2. The software version will now be displayed. Press MENU to
exit
RSET - Use this function to reset the unit.
3. Press the ENTER, and then press and hold the MENU button
for at least 3 seconds to conrm.
MANU - With this function you can manually test the tilt
feature.
1. Tap the MENU button until “MANU” is displayed, press
ENTER. “TILT” will now be displayed and the light beam will stop
in one direction.
2. Press the UP or DOWN buttons to manually adjust the tilt
position. Press the MENU button to exit.
TEST - This function will run a self test program.
1. Tap the MENU button until “TEST” is displayed, press ENTER.
2. The xture will now run a self test.
FHRS - With this function you can display the running time
of the xture.
1. Tap the MENU button until “RSET” is displayed, press ENTER.
2. The xture will now reset
1. Tap the MENU button until “FHRS” is displayed, press
ENTER.
2. The running time of the xture will now be displayed. Press
MENU to exit.
American DJ® - www.americandj.com - TripleFlex Instruction Manual Page 11
American DJ® - www.americandj.com - TripleFlex Instruction Manual Page 12
TripleFlex Operation TripleFlex Operation
BlackoutBlackout the unit
Function
1. White Strobe
2. Color Strobe
Show Select
Show 1-10
Mode
Sound Strobe
(LED OFF)
Show
(LED ON)
Operating Modes: The TripleFlex can operate in three different
modes. In each mode you can run the fixture as a stand alone
fixture or in a master/slave confiugration. This next section will
detail the differences in the operating modes.
• Sound Active mode -
The fixture will react to sound, chasing through the built-in programs.
• Show mode -
Choose 1 of 10 show modes to run.
• DMX control mode -
This function will allow you to control each individual fixtures traits
with a standard DMX-512 controller such as the Elation® Show
Designer.
™
Master-Slave Operation This function will allow you to link up to 16
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 approved DMX data cables, daisy chain your units togeth-
er 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 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 termina tor at the last fixture.
2. On the Master unit find your desired show and set that show by
pressiing the ENTER button.
3. On the slave units tap the MENU button until “SLND” is dis-
played, and Press ENTER.
4. The slave units will now follow the Master unit.
on pages 5-7 as well as the set-up specifications that are includ ed 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. Follow the instructions on page 9 to set the DMX address.
6. For longer cable runs (more than a 100 feet) use a terminator on
the last fixture.
7. For help operating in DMX mode consult the manual included
with your DMX controller.
Sound Active Mode: This mode allows either single unit or several
units linked together, to run to the beat of the music.
1. Tap the MENU button until “SOUN” is displayed, and press
ENTER.
2. Tap the UP or DOWN buttons to choose either OFF or ON, and
press ENTER, then press and hold MENU for 3 seconds to con-
rm.
3. The optional UC3 Controller (not included) may be used to con trol different functions including blackout.
Show Mode: In this mode you can choose 1 of 10 show modes to
run.
1. Tap the MENU button until “SHND” is displayed, and press
ENTER.
2. Tap the UP or DOWN buttons until you nd your desired show,
and press ENTER then press and hold MENU for 3 seconds to
con rm. See pages 9-10 for more info.
3. The optional UC3 Controller (not included) may be used to con trol different functions including blackout.
TripleFlex UC3 Control
Universal DMX Control: This function allows you to use a Elation®
universal DMX-512 controller to control the chases and patterns,
dimmer and strobe. A DMX controller allows you to create unique
programs tailored to your individual needs.
1. The TripleFlex can be a 4 or 9 DMX channel fixture. See pages
15-17 for detailed description of the DMX values and traits.
2. To control your fixture in DMX mode, follow the set-up procedures
2 CHASE SPEED
0 - 249 SLOW - FAST
250 - 255 SOUND ACTIVE
3 MOVEMENT
0 - 7 NO MOVEMENT
8 - 38 MOVEMENT 1
39 - 69 MOVEMENT 2
70 - 100 MOVEMENT 3
101 - 131 MOVEMENT 4
132 - 162 MOVEMENT 5
163 - 193 MOVEMENT 6
194 - 224 MOVEMENT 7
225 - 255 MOVEMENT 8
4 STROBING
0 - 7 ON
8 - 255 STROBING SLOW - FAST
Channel Value Function
1 0 - 255 MIRROR 1 0˚ - 45˚
2 COLOR MACROS LED 1
0 - 7 OFF
8 - 15 COLOR 1
16 - 23 COLOR 2
24 - 31 COLOR 3
32 - 39 COLOR 4
40 - 47 COLOR 5
48 - 55 COLOR 6
56 - 63 COLOR 7
64 - 71 COLOR 8
72 - 79 COLOR 9
80 - 87 COLOR 10
88 - 95 COLOR 11
96 - 103 COLOR 12
104 - 111 COLOR 13
112 - 119 COLOR 14
120 - 127 COLOR 15
128 - 135 COLOR 16
136 - 143 COLOR 17
144 - 151 COLOR 18
152 - 159 COLOR 19
160 - 167 COLOR 20
168 - 175 COLOR 21
176 - 183 COLOR 22
184 - 191 COLOR 23
192 - 199 COLOR 24
200 - 207 COLOR 25
208 - 215 COLOR 26
216 - 223 COLOR 27
224 - 231 COLOR 28
232 - 239 COLOR 29
240 - 247 COLOR 30
248 - 255 COLOR 31
Locate and remove the unit’s power cord. Once the cord has been
removed located the fuse holder located inside the power socket.
Insert a flat-head screw driver into the power socket and gently pry
out the fuse holder. Remove the bad fuse and replace with a new one.
The fuse holder has a built-in socket for a spare fuse be sure not to
confuse the spare fuse with active fuse.
TripleFlex Cleaning
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 out side 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.
TripleFlex Trouble Shooting
Trouble 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 rear panel of the unit.
3. Be sure the fuse holder is completely and properly seated.
Unit does not respond to sound;
1. Low frequencies (bass) should cause the unit to react to sound.
Tapping on the microphone, quiet or high pitched sounds may
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY (VALID FOR USA ONLY)
A. American DJ, Inc. hereby warrants, to the original purchaser, American DJ and American
Audio products to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a prescribed
period from the date of purchase (see specic warranty period on reverse). This warranty shall be
valid only if the product is purchased within the United States of America, including possessions
and territories. It is the owner’s responsibility to establish the date and place of purchase by acceptable evidence, at the time service is sought.
B. For warranty service you must obtain a Return Authorization number (RA#) before
sending back the product. Contact American DJ, Inc. Service Department at 800-322-6337. Send
the product only to the American DJ, Inc. factory. All shipping charges must be pre-paid. If the
requested repairs or service (including parts replacement) are within the terms of this warranty,
American DJ, Inc. will pay return shipping charges only to a designated point within the United
States. If the entire instrument is sent, it must be shipped in it’s original package. No accessories
should be shipped with the product. If any accessories are shipped with the product, American DJ,
Inc. shall have no liability whatsoever for loss of or damage to any such accessories, nor for the
safe return thereof.
C. This warranty is void if the serial number has been altered or removed; if the product is
modied in any manner which American DJ, Inc. concludes, after inspection, affects the reliability
of the product; if the product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than the American DJ,
Inc. factory unless prior written authorization was issued to purchaser by American DJ, Inc.; if the
product is damaged because not properly maintained as set forth in the instruction manual.
D. This is not a service contract, and this warranty does not include maintenance, cleaning
or periodic check-up. During the period specied above, American DJ, Inc. will replace defective parts at its expense with new or refurbished parts, and will absorb all expenses for warranty
service and repair labor by reason of defects in material or workmanship. The sole responsibility
of American DJ, Inc. under this warranty shall be limited to the repair of the product, or replacement thereof, including parts, at the sole discretion of American DJ. All products covered by this
warranty were manufactured after January 1, 1990, and bear identifying marks to that effect.
E. American DJ, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in design and/or improvements
upon its products without any obligation to include these changes in any products theretofore
manufactured. No warranty, whether expressed or implied, is given or made with respect to any
accessory supplied with products described above. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable
law, all implied warranties made by American DJ, Inc. in connection with this product, including
warranties of merchantability or tness, are limited in duration to the warranty period set forth
above. And no warranties, whether expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability
or tness, shall apply to this product after said period has expired. The consumer’s and/or Dealer’s
sole remedy shall be such repair or replacement as is expressly provided above; and under no
circumstances shall American DJ, Inc. be liable for any loss or damage, direct or consequential,
arising out of the use of, or inability to use, this product.
This warranty is the only written warranty applicable to American DJ and American Audio
Products and supersedes all prior warranties and written descriptions of warranty terms and
conditions heretofore published.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY PERIODS:
• All American Audio Products = 1-year (365 day) Limited Warranty (except V-Plus Series Ampli-
ers)
• All American Audio V-Plus Series Ampliers = 3-year (1095 day) Limited Warranty
• American DJ Lighting and American DJ Branded Products = 1-year (365 day) Limited Warranty
(Such as: Special Effect Lighting, Intelligent Lighting, UV lighting, Strobes, Fog Machines, Bubble
Machines, Mirror Balls, Par Cans, Trussing, Lighting Stands etc. excluding Laser Products, lamps,
and Star Tec Series)
• American DJ Laser Products and Star Tec Products = 90-Day Limited Warranty
• American DJ L.E.D. Products = 3-year (1095 day) Limited Warranty (excluding motors which
have a 1-year (365 day Limited Warranty)
American DJ® - www.americandj.com - TripleFlex Instruction Manual Page 19