Astera AX5 Service Manual

AX5

TriplePAR™

User Manual

Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

1 CONTENTS

2 Package Contents ............................................................................................................................. 4

3 CE and FCC Conformity .................................................................................................................... 4

4 Safety and Handling ........................................................................................................................... 5

4.1 Bracket .......................................................................................................................................... 6

4.2 Hanging The AX5 ......................................................................................................................... 8

4.3 Backside threads ......................................................................................................................... 9

4.4 Kickstand ...................................................................................................................................... 9

4.5 Filter .............................................................................................................................................. 10

4.6 Battery ......................................................................................................................................... 11

4.7 Battery Icon and Status LED .................................................................................................... 11

4.8 Charging ..................................................................................................................................... 12

4.9 Charging Case .......................................................................................................................... 12

4.10 AC Wiring .................................................................................................................................... 13

5 Specification ...................................................................................................................................... 14

6 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................. 14

7 Operation ........................................................................................................................................... 15

7.1 Ship Mode .................................................................................................................................. 15

7.2 AsteraRGB Color Space .......................................................................................................... 15

7.3 Ways to Control ......................................................................................................................... 16

7.4 Control By Infrared with ARC1 ................................................................................................ 16

7.5 Control by the AsteraApp™ ................................................................................................... 17

7.6 Control by Wireless DMX .......................................................................................................... 17

7.7 Control by wired DMX .............................................................................................................. 17

7.8 Control Panel ............................................................................................................................. 18

7.9 Status Screen ............................................................................................................................. 18

7.10 Main Menu Options .................................................................................................................. 19

7.11 Menu Shortcuts .......................................................................................................................... 19

7.12 INPUT SELECT ............................................................................................................................... 20

7.13 Select a Static Color ................................................................................................................. 21

7.14 DMX Settings .............................................................................................................................. 22

7.15 DIMMER CURVE ......................................................................................................................... 25

7.16 DMX FAIL ..................................................................................................................................... 25

7.17 RUNTIME ...................................................................................................................................... 26

7.18 UNPAIR CRMX ............................................................................................................................ 27

7.19 STANDALONE ............................................................................................................................. 28

7.20 AC FAILURE (EMERGENCY LIGHT) ........................................................................................... 29

7.21 INFO ............................................................................................................................................. 30

7.22 RESET SETTINGS ........................................................................................................................... 30

8 Using the Light with the AsteraApp™ ............................................................................................ 31

8.1 Pair your Light with the AsteraApp™ .................................................................................... 31

8.2 Powerful Light Control .............................................................................................................. 32

8.3 Change the Color ..................................................................................................................... 32

8.4 Create a Set ............................................................................................................................... 33

8.5 Targeting Lights .......................................................................................................................... 34

8.6 Changing The Effect ................................................................................................................ 35

8.7 List of Effects ............................................................................................................................... 36

8.8 Chaser Effects in Depth ........................................................................................................... 37

8.9 The Main Screen ........................................................................................................................ 38

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

8.10 Brightness .................................................................................................................................... 39

8.11 RUNTIME ...................................................................................................................................... 40

8.12 Anti-Flicker .................................................................................................................................. 40

8.13 Theft Alarm ................................................................................................................................. 41

8.14 Enter and Leave Standby........................................................................................................ 42

8.15 DMX Settings .............................................................................................................................. 43

9 Menu Overview ................................................................................................................................. 44

10 Views and Dimensions ...................................................................................................................... 45

11 Version History .................................................................................................................................... 47

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

This instruction manual is part of the device and persons operating the device must have
access to it at any time.
Safety precautions mentioned in the instruction manual must be observed.
If the device is being sold, this instruction manual must be included.

This manual is valid for lights with firmware version 5.6.6 and up.

Translations

If the device is being sold, this instruction manual must be translated into the national
language of the destination country.

If discrepancies occur in the translated text, the original instruction manual must be used to
solve them for the manufacturer must be contacted.

Contact Information

Astera LED Technology GmbH

Stahlgruberring 36
81829 Munich
Germany

[phone]

Technical support

Europe: [phone]

USA: [phone]

Asia: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

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©2017, Astera LED Technology GmbH

All rights reserved

Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

2 PACKAGE CONTENTS

 TriplePAR™
 Filter FLOOD
 Filter WALLWASH
 Quick Start Guide

3 CE AND FCC CONFORMITY

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

FCC statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device,pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

EU Declaration of Conformity

These products comply with the RED (Radio EquipmentDirective) of the European Union
(2014/53/EC). This equipment meets the following conformance standards: ETSI EN 301 489-1
V1.8.1; ETSI EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1; ETSI EN 300 328 V1.81; EN 609 50.

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

4 SAFETY AND HANDLING

Before you operate this unit read the manual carefully. Always make sure to include the
manual if you pass/rent/sell the unit to another user. Keep in mind that this manual cannot
address all possible dangers and environments. Please use your own caution when
operating. This product is for professional use only. It is not for household use.

 Do not operate the unit in areas of high temperature conditions or

under direct sunlight. It will cause abnormal function or damage the
product.

 Always use a suitable safety wire when mounting the light

overhead.

 Connect the safety wire only to the intended safety mount.
 Always follow local safety requirements.

 Only qualified personnel may repair this product.
 Do not open the product housing.
 Do not apply power if the light is damaged.
 Do not submerge the light into any liquid.
 Do not replace LED light source by yourself.
 Caution, risk of electrical shock

 Do not directly look into the light.
 It can cause harm to your eyes.
 Do not look at the LEDs with a magnifying glass or any other optical

instrument that may concentrate the light output.

 Use only Astera approved accessories to diffuse or modify the light

LI-ION Battery: A rechargeable lithium ion battery is built into this unit.

beam.

 The exterior surfaces of the light can become hot, up to 70°C

(158°F) during normal operation.

 Ensure that accidental physical contact with the device is

impossible.

 Install only in ventilated locations.
 Do not cover the light.
 Allow all lights to cool before touching.
 Keep 0.3m (12in) from objects to be illuminated.

 Only authorized personal may service the battery.
 Do not place in fire or heat.
 Do not use or charge the light if it is damaged.
 Avoid bumping or plunging, it may cause fire or explosion.
 Never store the battery when fully drained.
 Always recharge immediately when empty.
 Make sure to fully charge all units before storing them.
 Partially charged batteries will lose capacity.
 Fully recharge every 6 months if not used.
 The battery may only be replaced with an original spare part from

Astera.

 Follow applicable laws and regulations for transport, shipping, and

disposal of batteries. For details on recycling lithium, lithium­phosphate, and lithium-ion batteries, please contact a government
recycling agency or your waste-disposal service.

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

 Always charge with the flight case open.
 It is recommended to charge at a temperature between 15°C and

35°C

 The light contains a lithium ion battery.
 Don't throw the unit into the garbage at the end of its lifetime.
 Make sure to dispose is according to your local ordinances and/or

regulations, to avoid polluting the environment!

 The packaging is recyclable and can be disposed.

4.1 BRACKET

FOLDABLE BRACKET:

U-shaped enclosure

286º

Leg Latch

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

CARRYING THE AX5:

The AX5 is fitted with a foldable bracket. This is beneficial for storage, transportation and
charging because the legs fold parallel to each other. The handle allows carrying of 1 or 2
AX5 per hand.

REMOVING THE BRACKET:

STEP 1: Push the bracket-lock sliders inwards.

STEP 2: Slide the bracket upwards.

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

Safety Wire

Carabiner

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

4.2 HANGING THE AX5

THREAD AND BOLT:

The thread fixing and bolt are for hanging the AX5. The thread fixing is 3/8” and it can be
removed by removing the 2 screws to fit other clamps. The location hole in the bracket is

14.2mm. This 3/8” thread fitting works with the same bolt that is used to hang AX1 and AX3
Lamps.

Location hole in the
bracket

3/8” Thread

Screws

Bolts

SAFETY WIRE AND CARABINER:

When hanging the AX5 it is to be secured with a safety wire and carabiner, each able to hold
at least 40kg. Make sure the light cannot drop more that 20cm in case the primary mounting
fails.

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

M6 Bolt

M6 Threads

M6 Threads

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

4.3 BACKSIDE THREADS

The AX5 TriplePAR™ has 4 M6 threads on its backside for special installations. The M6 threads
are covered with a bolt that needs to be unscrewed before the threads can be used.

4.4 KICKSTAND

The AX5 TriplePAR™ is fitted with a kickstand that can be used to tilt the AX5
It can be used to tilt the AX5:

STEP 1: Press the button, the kickstand will jump out

STEP 2: Adjust the kickstand while holding the button pressed

STEP 3: Rotate the kickstand for fine-tuning

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

4.5 FILTER

INSERT A FILTER:

STEP 1: Slide the filter noses into the matching slots. When using the Wallwash Filter,

make sure to align its triangles with the charging pins to ensure its elliptical
beam gets displayed correctly.

STEP 2: Open the filter release by either pressing the button from the side or pulling it

from the top outwards.

STEP 3: Press the filter down firmly, then stop holding the filter release to lock in the filter

REMOVE A FILTER:

Open the filter release, put your finger into the cutout half-circle and lift the filter out.

FILTER EFFECT:

(Without Filter)

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Perfect Spot

13˚beam

Flood

32˚ beam

(FLOOD Filter)

WallWash

17˚ x 46˚ beam

(Wallwash Filter)

Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

4.6 BATTERY

While running on battery, the light adjusts its output to meet the required minimum runtime. It
can be set by the control panel (see chapter 7.17) or the AsteraApp™ between one and
twenty hours.

The battery is specified to last for 300 full discharge cycles. Its runtime will have decreased to
70% by then. To increase the battery life it is recommended to recharge as early as possible
and not let the light run until the battery is depleted.

If operated below 20°C, the battery runtime may be slightly shorter than predicted. This is also
true if the lights are stored for a long time at cold temperature right before they are used.

The light is constantly monitoring the LED temperature and dims down the brightness if it
exceeds 65°C. That ensures a save and long-live operation but in a hot environment the
brightness might be slightly lower.

NOTE:

Always store the lights with full battery.
Depleted batteries must be recharged immediately, otherwise their performance will suffer.

ATTENTION:

The battery may be only replaced with an original Astera replacement battery.

4.6.1 STANDBY

By using the AsteraApp™, the light can be set to a special standby mode.

In that mode, its ouput is switched off, the CRMX receiver is powered down and it enters a
state of low power consumption.

A full battery will supply the TriplePAR™ roughly 20 days in standby mode.

To light leaves the standby mode if the ENTER key is pressed or the standby mode is left by the
AsteraApp™.

4.7 BATTERY ICON AND STATUS LED

The Battery Status LED is designed for being used before an event. All fixtures should have a
green Status LED to ensure that the battery lasts for your upcoming event. If it is another color,
recharging is recommended.

While the light is connected to AC, the Status LED will be blue. While it is charging, the Battery
Icon will start the charging sequence. Once the battery is fully charged the battery icon on
the display will show all 3 bars (as below). If the battery is already fully charged and the
power cord is plugged in, the display will show a battery with moving bars for approx. 30-60
seconds after which it will stop and the icon will show a full battery.

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

4.8 CHARGING

Charge the light immediately after use.

If charged in a flight case, make sure it is open. It is recommended to charge the lights at an
ambient temperature between 0°C and 35°C. A normal charge cycle will take five to seven
hours, but may take much longer if the light is hot.

The light is designed to be charged while powered off. If it is connected to AC and powered
on, it may charge at reduced current if enough power is available and the battery
temperature is below 45°C.

The light has an automatic battery bypass switch, so it can safely be used wired, this will not
cause wear to the battery.

4.9 CHARGING CASE

Insert light into a tray of the charging case. The orientation/polarity does not matter. Make
sure the charging case is connected to the AC power.

Charging…
[===== ] 50%

Fully Charged
[===========]100%

TOO HOT: 60°C
[====== ] 50%

TOO COLD:-5°C
[====== ] 50%

ERROR:#5
[====== ] 50%

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The battery is being charged.

The battery is fully charged. The LCD backlight will turn off.

The battery cannot be charged, it is too hot. The charger will
start once it has cooled down below 45°C.

The battery cannot be charged, it is too cold. The charger will
start once it has heated up to at least 5°C.

The battery cannot be charged, the error number should be
mentioned to the service.

Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

4.10 AC WIRING

The light is equipped with Neutrik True1 Powercon input and output connectors. With this
cable the light can be charged or wired for permanent installations.

They are rated IP65 even while a connector is plugged in.

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Astera LED Technology GmbH

User Manual for AX5 TriplePAR™ 2017-11-09

5 SPECIFICATION

LED power: 45W
Illuminants: 3 x 15W RGBAW Philips LEDs
Luminous Flux*: 1080Lm (bei Weiß 3200K)
Emittance*: 4800lx (2m; Weiß 3200K)
Beam Angle: 13°
CRI: Up to 92
Input Voltage: 90-264V 47-63Hz 1.8A/115VAC 1.0A/230VAC
Inrush Current: COLD START 70A/230VAC
Battery Runtime: up to 20hrs (seamless runtime)
Wireless Module: EU: 868.0-869.7 MHz

US: 902-928 MHz

2.4 GHz

Operating Temperature: 0°C – 40°C

32°F – 104°F

Relative Humidity: 0%-100%
Size with bracket:
Size without bracket:
Weight: 3.40 kg

IP Rating: IP65

* Typical Values

L148.1mm x W193.6mm x H213.5mm / 5.83” x 7.62” x 8.40”
Ø153.2mm x H140.5mm / Ø6.03” x H5.53”

7.5lbs

6 TROUBLESHOOTING

The fixture does not turn on.

The battery may be empty. Connect it to the AC and try again.
A new AX5 needs to be connected to AC power for a few seconds to disable its shipping
mode.

The fixture turns on and the display is on, but the LEDs do not emit light.

The fixture could be set to BLACKOUT mode, set to display black color or is operating in DMX
mode and doesn’t receive a valid signal. It is good practice to do a RESET SETTINGS (Chapter

7.22) between setups.

The fixture is not working correctly - it does not display the color or effect chosen.

The fixture may still be operating under a previous setting. It is good practice to do a RESET
SETTINGS (Chapter 7.22) between setups.

After completing a RESET SETTINGS, the fixture still cannot be controlled by AsteraApp™.

Make sure the RADIO PIN (Chapter 7.21) of the fixture and AsteraApp™ is the same.

The fixture does not run long enough on battery.

The required RUNTIME can be set. It defaults to 5h. To achieve a greater battery runtime, set
the RUNTIME to the required value. Alternatively, program the fixture to only display colors
that use less power, such as Red, Green and Blue.
If the runtime is still too short, consider that it is reduced slightly if the battery is very cold.

The power cable is connected but the fixture is not charging.

The battery may be fully charged. Refer to chapter 4.6.1 for more details. The fixture will only
commence charging when its battery has a temperature of 45° or less. Turn the fixture off and
let it cool down; once cold enough, it will start charging. If it still not charging, consult our
website.

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