Blizzard Kontrol 6 Users Manual

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BLIZZARD LIGHTING, LLC

WISCONSIN, USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GETTING STARTED 3

1.1 What’s In The Box? 3

1.2 Getting It Out Of The Box 3

1.3 Powering Up! 3

1.4 Getting A Hold Of Us 3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 4

1.5 Instructions on Our Instructions 4

2. INTRODUCTION 5

2.1 Features 5

2.2 General Overview 5

2.3 Nifty, Spiffy Diagram (front) 5

2.4 Nifty, Spiffy Diagram (back) 6

2.5 Common Terms 7

3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 8

3.1 Setup 8

3.1.1 Setting Up The System 8

3.1.2 Fixture Addressing 8

3.1.3 The LED Display Screen 8

3.1.4 Resetting The System 9

3.2 Programming 9

3.2.1 Entering Programming Mode 9

3.3 Color/Scene Preset Programming Mode 9

3.3.1 Creating A New Color/Scene Preset 9

3.3.2 Color/Scene Preset Delete Mode 9

3.4 Chase Programming 10

3.4.1 Creating A New Chase 10

3.4.2 Inserting a Chase Step 10

3.4.3 Deleting a Chase Step 10

3.5 Playback 11

3.5.1 Manual Control Mode 11

3.5.2 Color/Scene Preset Mode 11

3.5.3 Chase Playback Mode 11

3.5.3.1 Auto Mode 12

3.5.3.2 Music Mode 12

3.5.3.2 Manual Mode 12

3.5.4 Playback Override 12

3.5.5.1 Strobe Setup 13

3.5.5.2 Strobe Playback 13

3.5.6 Blackout 13

3.6 USB Functions

3.6.1 Data Backup 14

3.6.2 Data Load 14

3.6.3 Firmware Update 14

4. APPENDIX 16

4.1 A Quick Lesson On DMX 16

4.2 Keeping Your KONTROL 6 As Good As New 16

4.3 Returns (Gasp!) & Shipping Issues 16

4.5 TECH SPECS! 17

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1. GETTING STARTED

1.1 What’s In The Box?

• 1x KONTROL 6™ DMX Controller

• 1x 9VDC, 300ma (minimum) AC/DC Adaptor

• A Warranty Card & Warranty Info

• This Lovely User Manual

1.2 Getting It Out Of The Box

We could tell just by lookin’ atcha. You’re a bit of a control freak, aren’t ya? Just kidding! CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve purchased a GREAT little DMX controller! Bravo! Now that you’ve got your KONTROL 6™, you should carefully unpack the box and check the contents to ensure that all parts are present and in good condition. If anything looks as if it has been damaged in transit, notify the shipper immediately and keep the packing material for inspection. Again, please save the carton and all packing ma-

terials. If a xture must be returned to the factory, it is important that the xture be

returned in the original factory box and packing.

1.3 Powering Up!

All xtures must be powered directly off a switched circuit and cannot be run off a

rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer channel is used solely for a 0% to 100% switch.

AC Voltage Switch - Not all xtures have a voltage select switch, so please verify that the xture you receive is suitable for your local power supply. See the label on the xture or refer to the xture’s specications chart for more information. A xture’s

listed current rating is its average current draw under normal conditions. Check the

xture or device carefully to make sure that if a voltage selection switch exists that it is

set to the correct line voltage you will use.

Warning! Verify that the voltage select switch on your unit matches the line

voltage applied. Damage to your xture may result if the line voltage applied

does not match the voltage indicated on the voltage selector switch. All

xtures must be connected to circuits with a suitable Ground (Earthing).

Getting A Hold Of Us If something is wrong, just give us a call or send an email. We’ll be happy to help, honest.

Blizzard Lighting N16 W23390 Stoneridge Dr. Suite E Waukesha, WI 53188 www.blizzardlighting.com 414-395-8365 Email: support@blizzardlighting.com

Disclaimer: The information and specications contained in this document are subject

to change without notice. Blizzard Lighting™ assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may appear in this user manual. Blizzard Lighting™ reserves the right to update the existing document or to create a new document to correct any errors or omissions at any time. You can download the latest version of this document from www.blizzardlighting.com.

Author: Date: Last Edited: Date:

W. Komassa 12/26/2012 J. Thomas 6/19/2014

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Please keep this User Guide for future use. If you sell the unit to someone else, be sure that they also receive this User Guide.

• ALWAYS make sure that you are connecting to the proper voltage, and that the line voltage you are connecting to is not higher than that stated on the

decal or rear panel of the xture.

• This product is intended for indoor use only.

• To prevent risk of re or shock, do not expose xture to rain or moisture.

• Make sure there are no ammable materials close to the unit while operating.

• The unit must be installed in a location with adequate ventilation, at least 20in (50cm) from adjacent surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are blocked.

• ALWAYS disconnect from the power source before servicing or replacing fuse and be sure to replace with same fuse size and type.

• ALWAYS secure xture using a safety chain. NEVER carry the xture by its head. Use its carrying handles.

• DO NOT operate at ambient temperatures higher than 104°F (40°C).

• In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using the unit immediately. NEVER try to repair the unit by yourself. Repairs carried out by unskilled people can lead to damage or malfunction. Please contact the nearest authorized technical assistance center. Always use the same type spare parts.

• NEVER connect the device to a dimmer pack.

• Make sure the power cord is never crimped or damaged.

• Never disconnect the power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.

• Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while it is on.

Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the housing or attempt any repairs yourself. In the unlikely event your unit may require service, please contact Blizzard Lighting at support@blizzardlighting.com.

1.5 Instructions on Our Instructions

We try to make these manuals easy to read and as fun as reading an instruction manual can be. Because there are buttons, switches, sliders and knobs galore on most of our products, it makes sense to refer to things in a consistent fashion. So, when you see text formatted in certain ways, it should say to you “Hey! Look at me! I MEAN something, dammit!”

Special Text What It Means

LED

<MENU> Button <X> to be pressed

MENU --> SHMD A sequence to be followed

000 <-> 255 A range of values

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Text displayed on the xture’s LED control panel

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Features

• DMX512/1990 Standard

• Controls 16 xtures of up to 12 channels, 192 channels total

• 18 preset scene/color banks, 9 per page

• Record up to 18 chases with up to 200 scenes per chase

• 6 sliders for direct control of channels

• Built-in microphone for music mode

• Auto mode program controlled by fade time sliders

• DMX out: 3-pin XLR

• LED information display

• Blackout function and instant strobe with variable speed fader

• USB Backup/Restore of Data

2.2 General Overview

The controller is a universal intelligent lighting controller. It allows the control of 16 xtures composed of 12 channels each and up to 18 programmable scenes. Eighteen chase banks can contain up to 200 steps composed of saved scenes or manual inputs in any order. Programs can be triggered by music, automatically or manually. All chases can be executed at the same time.

On the surface you will nd various programming tools such as 6 RGBAW+UV universal channel sliders, quick access xture and scene but-

tons, and an LED display indicator for easier navigation of controls and menu functions.

2.3 Nifty, Spiffy Diagram (front)

3 4

7 8 9 11 12

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Number Button/Fader/Connection Does...

Fixture Select Buttons Fixture selection.

Fixture Indicator LEDs Indicates the xture(s) currently selected.

Scene Select Buttons / LEDs

Chase Select Buttons / LEDs

Channel Faders

Edit/REC Button Enters programming mode, records a step in a chase.

Insert/Tap Button

DEL/Clear Button Deletes Scenes/Chases, clears current fader output.

Chase Time Fader

Fader Page Select Button

Fade Time Fader

Strobe Speed Fader

Blackout Button & LED Stops all output from the controller.

Universal bump buttons representing scene location for storage and selection.

Universal bump buttons representing chase location for storage and selection.

Adjusts DMX values - Channel 1-6 may be adjusted after

pressing the respective xture select button.

Inserts a step in a chase while in programming mode, or allows tap control of chases in playback mode.

Sets the chase time in AUTO mode, 1=slowest, 10=fastest.

Toggles between control of the rst or 2nd 6 DMX channels per xture

Sets the fade time in AUTO mode, 1=fastest, 10=slowest.

Sets the speed of the strobe effect, 1=slowest, 10=fastest.

Strobe Button / LED Triggers the strobe function (momentary button)

Scene/Chase Page Select Buttons

LED Display

LEFT/RIGHT Buttons

Run Mode Button & LEDs

USB Disk Interface

Mounting Holes

Power Switch Really? C’mon!

DC Power Input Connector Plug in ONLY the included AC/DC adaptor here.

DMX Output Connector 3-pin DMX output - this is where all the magic happens

2.4 Nifty, Spiffy Diagram (back)

Toggles between control/playback of Scene/Chase Page A or B.

Displays pertinent information about the current operation of the controller. See page 9 for more details.

Selects the current bank, steps through chases in MANUAL mode, adjusts the sound sensitivity and the length of time each chase runs when running multiple chases.

Selects between AUTO/MUSIC/MANUAL modes and displays current operating mode.

For attachment of an optional USB disk drive, for backup/ restore of scenes/chases.

Allows you to securely fasten the controller to the surface of your choice, also works nicely for holding pens, pencils, and other small round things you always have laying around.

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2223 21

2.5 Common Terms

The following are common terms used in intelligent light programming, so pay attention! We’ll be using them throughout the manual.

• Blackout is a state by where all lighting xtures light output are

set to 0 or off, usually on a temporary basis.

• DMX-512 stands for Digital MultipleX is an industry standard digital communication protocol used in entertainment lighting equipment. For more information read the DMX Primer and DMX Control Mode Sections later in the manual.

• Fixture refers to your lighting instrument or other device such as a fogger or dimmer of which you can control.

• Programs are a bunch of scenes stacked one after another. It can be programmed as either a single scene or multiple scenes in sequence.

• Scenes are static lighting states.

• Sliders are a delicious small burger or sandwich, but here they

are used in the same context as faders.

• Chases can also be called programs. A chase consists of a number of scenes stacked one after another.

• Stand Alone refers to a xture’s ability to function indepen- dently of an external controller and usually in sync to music, due to a built in microphone.

• Fade Slider is used to adjust the time between scenes within a chase.

• Speed Slider affects the amount of time a scene will hold its state. It is also considered a wait time.

• Shutter/Strobe is a mechanical device in the lighting xture

that allows you to block the lights path. It is often used to lessen the intensity of the light output and to strobe.

• Patching refers to the process of assigning xtures a DMX

channel.

• Playbacks can be either scenes or chases that are directly called to execution by the user. A playback can also be considered program memory that can be recalled during a show.

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3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 Setup

3.1.1 Setting Up The System

Plug the AC to DC power supply to the system back panel and to the mains outlet.

Plug in your DMX cable(s) to your intelligent lighting as described in the

xtures respective manual. For a quick lesson on DMX see the DMX Primer section in the Appendix of this manual.

3.1.2 Fixture Addressing

The controller is programmed to control 12 channels of DMX per xture, therefore the xtures you wish to control with the corresponding FIXTURE

buttons on the unit, must be spaced 12 channels apart.

Fixt. #

1 1 1 9 97 1, 6, 7

2 13 1, 3, 4 10 109 1, 3, 4, 6, 7

3 25 1, 4, 5 11 121 1, 4, 5, 6, 7

4 37 1, 3, 6 12 133 1, 3, 8

5 49 1, 5, 6 13 145 1, 5, 8

6 61 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 14 157 1, 3, 4, 5, 8

7 73 1, 4, 7 15 169 1, 4, 6, 8

8 85 1, 3, 5, 7 16 181 1, 3, 5, 6, 8

DMX Start

Address

Binary DIP Switch

Settings

(SET TO ON POSI-

TION)

Fixt. #

DMX Start

Address

Please refer to your individual xture’s manual for detailed DMX addressing

instructions. The table above refers to a standard 9-DIP Switch binary con-

gurable device.

Binary DIP Switch

Settings

(SET TO ON POSI-

TION)

3.1.3 The LED Display Screen

KONTROL 6 features a 4-position LED display which provides information about the current mode, function and status of the controller. The messages displayed on the screen are detailed here:

LED Display Means...

S000-S200

D000-D255 F01.0 - F20.0

S0.10-S30.0 F0.00-F30.0 T0.10-T30.0 M001-M100 L001-L200 01Yc-10No

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When a Chase Preset is selected, displays the current chase scene being played back. The display will step through chase steps based on the current output mode (Auto/Music/Manual)

DMX value currently being assigned by the active xture control fader.

While holding down the <STROBE> button, displays the current strobe speed,

1-20 ashes per second

Chase scene time. From 0.1-30 seconds per step.

Chase fade time. From 0.1-30 seconds per step.

Tap tempo time, used in auto control mode.

Sound sensitivity, used in music control mode.

Loop Time. The time a chase will loop before moving to the next selected chase.

Displayed when the user selects channels to be used by the strobe function Yc= Strobe Enabled (Yes), No=Strobe Disabled.

3.1.4 Resetting The System

WARNING: This will reset the controller to its factory defaults. ALL PRO-

GRAMS AND SETTINGS WILL BE ERASED!

1. Turn the unit off.

2. Press and hold <EDIT/REC>, <RUN MODE> & <DEL/CLEAR>

3. Turn the unit on while you continue to hold <EDIT/REC>,<RUN

MODE> & <DEL/CLEAR>

4. The display will read rESr, then ot, then u2.0, then D000. At that

point, release all 3 buttons.

5. The settings will be reset to factory defaults.

3.2 Programming

Regardless of whether you are programming a chase or scene, you must rst

enter programming mode.

3.2.1 Entering Programming Mode

1. Press and hold <EDIT/REC> for 3 seconds.

2. The Program/REC LED indicator will blink, indicating programming is active.

3. The LED indicators for any previously programmed scenes in the current bank and any previously programmed chases will blink.

4. Programming mode is now active.

3.3 Color/Scene Preset Programming Mode

This allows the user to create a preset color/scene which can be used to

override current xture output and may also be used in chase programming.

3.3.1 Creating A New Color/Scene Preset

1. Enter programming mode as described in Section 3.2.1.

2. Using the <FIXTURE SELECTOR> button(s), select the xtures to include in the Color/Scene Preset.

3. Adjust the xture(s) output using <CHANNEL FADERS 1-6> as desired.

4. Press <EDIT/REC>.

5. Select the desired scene page using <SCENE PAGE>.

6. Press <SCENE 1-9>. All LEDs will ash quickly.

7. Repeat steps 1-6 to add additional presets if desired.

8. Hold <EDIT/REC> for 3 seconds to exit programming mode. The LED indicator above the <EDIT/REC> button will extinguish.

3.3.2 Color/Scene Preset Delete Mode

This allows the user to delete a previously programmed preset color/scene.

1. Enter programming mode as described in Section 3.2.1.

2. Select the desired scene bank using <LEFT/RIGHT>.

3. Hold <DEL/CLEAR>, then press the <SCENE 1-9> button you wish to delete.

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4. All LEDs will ash 3 times, and the LED indicator for the selected scene will now remain off. The scene has been deleted.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 to delete additional presets if desired.

6. Hold <EDIT/REC> for 3 seconds to exit programming mode. The LED indicator above the <EDIT/REC> button will extinguish.

3.4 Chase Programming

A chase is a sequence of different scenes or steps which are called one after another. KONTROL 6 can store up to 18 programs of 200 scenes each.

3.4.1 Creating A New Chase

1. Enter programming mode as described in Section 3.2.1.

2. Using the <CHASE 1-9> button, select the chase you wish to program.

3. Using the <FIXTURE SELECTOR> button(s), select the xtures to include in the chase step.

4. Adjust the xture(s) output using <CHANNEL FADERS 1-6> as desired, OR, to use a previously programmed scene/color preset:

5. Select the desired scene bank using <LEFT/RIGHT>.

6. Press <SCENE 1-9>.

7. Press <EDIT/REC>. All LEDs will blink 3 times to indicate the rst step has been stored successfully.

8. Repeat steps 2-6 to store additional steps if desired. Up to 200 steps may be stored in each chase. If 200 steps have been stored in a chase and the user attempts to store an additional step, the LED display will read FULL.

9. Hold <EDIT/REC> for 3 seconds to exit programming mode. The LED indicator above the <EDIT/REC> button will extinguish.

NOTE: After scene programming, press the <DEL/CLEAR> button to clear any output, to avoid inadvertently overwriting a scene/color preset.

3.4.2 Inserting a Chase Step

1. Enter programming mode as described in Section 3.2.1.

2. Using the <CHASE 1-9> button, select the chase you wish to modify.

3. Press the <INSERT/TAP> button. The LED indicator will illuminate and the current step will display on the LED display. If there are no steps in the chase, the display will read ST00.

4. Use the <LEFT/RIGHT> buttons to select the position for the inserted step.

5. Using the <FIXTURE SELECTOR> button(s), select the xtures to include in the chase step.

6. Adjust the xture(s) output using <CHANNEL FADERS 1-6> as desired, OR, to use a previously programmed scene/color preset:

7. Select the desired scene bank using <LEFT/RIGHT>.

8. Press <SCENE 1-9>.

9. Press <EDIT/REC>. All LEDs will blink 3 times to indicate the rst step has been stored successfully. If no data has been stored, the LED display will read NULL.

10. Repeat steps 2-9 to store additional steps if desired. Up to 32 steps may be stored in each chase. If 32 steps have been stored in a chase and the user attempts to store an additional step, the LED display will

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read FULL.

11. Hold <EDIT/REC> for 3 seconds to exit programming mode. The LED indicator above the <EDIT/REC> button will extinguish.

3.4.3 Deleting a Chase Step

1. Enter programming mode as described in Section 3.2.1.

2. Using the <CHASE 1-9> button, select the chase you wish to modify.

3. Press the <INSERT/TAP> button. The LED indicator will illuminate and the current step will display on the LED display. If there are no steps in the chase, the display will read ST00.

4. Use the <LEFT/RIGHT> buttons to select the step to delete.

5. Press the <DEL/CLEAR> button. All LEDs will blink 3 times, indicating the delete has succeeded. The steps following the deleted step will move up one step, and the chase will be one step shorter. If the last step is deleted, the previous step will be displayed. If there are no steps to delete, the LED display will read NULL.

6. Repeat steps 2-5 to delete additional steps as desired.

7. Hold <EDIT/REC> for 3 seconds to exit programming mode. The LED indicator above the <EDIT/REC> button will extinguish.

3.5 Playback

The KONTROL 6 features three different playback modes: Manual Control Mode, Scene/Color/Scene Preset Mode, and Chase Mode. Additionally, the user may trigger step changes in chase mode in one of three ways: Automatically (Auto Chase Mode), Via audio signal detection (Music Chase Mode), or Manually (Manual Chase Mode). We’ll look at all the options now.

3.5.1 Manual Control Mode

Allows the user to create a precise static color using KONTROL 6’s six control

faders.

1. Ensure that BLACKOUT mode is not selected, IE that the LED indicator above the <BLACKOUT> button is not lit.

2. Using the <FIXTURE SELECTOR> button(s), select the xtures to be controlled.

3. Adjust the color output using <FADER 1-6> as desired.

3.5.2 Color/Scene Preset Mode

Allows the user to display one of up to 18 previously programmed color preset.

1. Ensure that BLACKOUT mode is not selected, IE that the LED indicator above the <BLACKOUT> button is not lit.

2. Select the desired scene page using <SCENE PAGE A/B>.

3. Select the desired scene/color preset using <SCENE 1-9>.

3.5.3 Chase Playback Mode

Allows the user to display one or more of up to 18 previously programmed chases in sequence.

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1. Ensure that BLACKOUT mode is not selected, IE that the LED indicator above the <BLACKOUT> button is not lit.

2. Select the desired scene page using <SCENE PAGE A/B>.

3. Press <CHASE 1-9> to run a chase directly. The corresponding LED indicator will illuminate.

4. If you wish to run additional chases in sequence, select additional chases to run by again pressing <CHASE 1-9>. The rst chase selected will have its LED indicator lit. Subsequently selected chases

will have their LED indicators ash once per second.

5. Now, select the playback mode for the chase; Auto, Music or Manual.

3.5.3.1 Auto Mode

In auto mode, the chases will automatically move through their individual steps based on the chase and fade times set using the <CHASE TIME> and <FADE TIME> faders.

1. Follow the steps indicated in Section 3.5.3.

2. Press the <RUN MODE> button until the LED indicator for AUTO mode is illuminated.

3. Using the <CHASE TIME> fader, adjust the time each step will be displayed, between 0.1 and 30 seconds per step. The LED display will indicate the current time.

4. Using the <FADE TIME> fader, adjust the time each step will be displayed, between 0.1 and 30 seconds per step. The LED display will indicate the current time.

5. Using the <LEFT/RIGHT> buttons, adjust the number of times to loop each chase. This function is only applicable when 2 or more chases are being run in sequence.

6. Finally, you may override the chase/fade times set using the faders by using the <INSERT/TAP> button. Press the <INSERT/TAP> button and the LED indicator will begin to blink.

7. Press the <INSERT/TAP> button again and the LED indicator will be extinguished. The amount of time between successive button presses will be the new chase time.

8. Adjusting the <CHASE TIME> or <FADE TIME> faders will override this setting.

3.5.3.2 Music Mode

In music mode, the chases will automatically move through their individual steps based on the beat detected via the internal microphone.

1. Follow the steps indicated in Section 3.5.3.

2. Press the <RUN MODE> button until the LED indicator for MUSIC mode is illuminated.

3. Using the <LEFT/RIGHT> buttons, adjust the sound sensitivity to achieve optimal beat detection.

3.5.3.2 Manual Mode

In manual mode, the chases will move through their individually steps only when triggered manually by the user.

1. Follow the steps indicated in Section 3.5.3.

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2. Press the <RUN MODE> button until the LED indicator for MANUAL mode is illuminated.

3. Using the <LEFT/RIGHT> buttons, move through the steps in the selected chase.

3.5.4 Playback Override

Allows the user to manually override the current output while in Color/Scene Preset or Chase Playback Mode.

1. Ensure that BLACKOUT mode is not selected, IE that the LED indicator above the <BLACKOUT> button is not lit.

2. Using the <FIXTURE SELECTOR> button(s), select the xtures to be controlled.

3. Adjust the color output using <FADER 1-6> as desired.

4. To return to Color/Scene Preset or Chase Playback Mode, press <DEL/

CLEAR>.

3.5.5.1 Strobe Setup

Allows the user to set the channel/channels which will be controlled by the

strobe function, for each xture.

1. Enter programming mode as described in Section 3.2.1.

2. Press the <STROBE> button.

3. Using the <FIXTURE SELECTOR> button(s), select the xtures to setup.

4. Using the <LEFT/RIGHT> buttons, select the channel to adjust.

5. To enable the strobe function on the channel selected, press the <EDIT/REC> button.

6. To disable the strobe function on the channel selected, press <DEL/

CLEAR>.

7. Repeat steps 2-7 to adjust additional channels/xtures as desired.

8. Hold <EDIT/REC> for 3 seconds to exit programming mode. The LED indicator above the <EDIT/REC> button will extinguish.

3.5.5.2 Strobe Playback

Allows the user to strobe the current playback. Note: Strobe operates even when the <BLACKOUT> button is active.

1. Press and hold the <STROBE> button. All currently selected/operat-

ing xtures will strobe.

2. Using the <STROBE SPEED> fader, adjust the strobe speed, from 1 to

20 ashes per second.

3. Release the <STROBE> button, and strobing will stop.

3.5.6 Blackout

Allows the user to stop all xture output immediately (except while strobing is

active).

1. Press the <BLACKOUT> button. All output will cease. The LED indicator will illuminate.

2. Press the <BLACKOUT> button again, and playback will resume.

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3.6 USB Functions

KONTROL 6 is capable of saving/loading scene and chase data from USB drives, using the USB jack on the unit’s front panel. During USB operation, KONTROL 6’s LED display will show the following information, depending on mode.

LED Display Means...

SAvE LoAd UP-Ft01-Ft16 ot FAIL

Indicates KONTROL 6 is currently in Data Backup/Save Mode.

Indicates KONTROL 6 is currently in Data Load Mode.

Indicates KONTROL 6 is currently in Firmware Update Mode.

Displays the current le number to be written/loaded

“OK,” indicates that the current le operation was successful.

Indicates that the current le operation was unsuccessful. Try a different USB

device or program.

3.6.1 Data Backup

Allows the user to save scene and chase data to a USB Flash “Thumbdrive.”

1. Press and hold the <RUN MODE> & <LEFT> buttons to enter Data Backup Mode.

2. KONTROL 6’s LED display will show “SAvE.”

3. Use the <FIXTURE SELECTOR 1-16> buttons to select the le name, “FILE1 - FILE16.”

4. Once backup is complete, KONTROL 6 will display the “OK” message

(ot) as indicated above

3.6.2 Data Load

Allows the user to load scene and chase data from a USB Flash “Thumbdrive.”

1. Press and hold the <RUN MODE> & <RIGHT> buttons to Enter Data Load Mode.

2. KONTROL 6’s LED display will show “LoAd.”

3. Use the <FIXTURE SELECTOR 1-16> buttons to select the le name, “FILE1 - FILE16.”

4. Once data load is complete, KONTROL 6 will display the “OK” mes-

sage (ot) as indicated above

3.6.3 Firmware Update

Allows the user to upgrade KONTROL 6’s internal rmware from a USB Flash

“Thumbdrive.”

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WARNING: AFTER STARTING FIRMWARE UPGRADE, DO NOT POWER DOWN KONTROL 6 UNTIL THE UPGRADE FINISHES!!! UNPLUG ALL FIXTURES FROM KONTROL 6 PRIOR TO PROCEEDING.

1. Turn the unit off.

2. With the unit off, press and hold the <EDIT/REC> & <LEFT> buttons.

3. Continue to hold the button combination until KONTROL 6’s LED dis-

play shows “UP--.”

4. Release the button combination, then press any button to proceed with the upgrade.

5. Once upgrade is complete, KONTROL 6 will display the “OK” message

(ot) as indicated above.

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4. APPENDIX

4.1 A Quick Lesson On DMX

DMX (aka DMX-512) was created in 1986 by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) as a standardized method for connecting lighting consoles to light-

ing dimmer modules. It was revised in 1990 and again in 2000 to allow more exibility.

The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) has since assumed control over the DMX512 standard. It has also been approved and recognized for ANSI

standard classication.

DMX covers (and is an abbreviation for) Digital MultipleXed signals. It is the most common communications standard used by lighting and related stage equipment.

DMX provides up to 512 control “channels” per data link. Each of these channels was originally intended to control lamp dimmer levels. You can think of it as 512 faders on a lighting console, connected to 512 light bulbs. Each slider’s position is sent over the data link as an 8-bit number having a value between 0 and 255. The value 0 corresponds to the light bulb being completely off while 255 corresponds to the light bulb being fully on.

DMX data is transmitted at 250,000 bits per second using the RS-485 transmission standard over two wires. As with microphone cables, a grounded cable shield is used to prevent interference with other signals.

There are ve pins on a DMX connector: a wire for ground (cable shield), two wires for

“Primary” communication which goes from a DMX source to a DMX receiver, and two wires for a “Secondary” communication which goes from a DMX receiver back to a DMX

source. Generally, the “Secondary” channel is not used so data ows only from sources

to receivers. Hence, most of us are most familiar with DMX-512 as being employer over

typical 3-pin “mic cables,” although this does not conform to the dened standard.

DMX is connected using a daisy-chain conguration where the source connects to the input of the rst device, the output of the rst device connects to the input of the next

device, and so on. The standard allows for up to 32 devices on a single DMX link.

Each receiving device typically has a means for setting the “starting channel number”

that it will respond to. For example, if two 6-channel xtures are used, the rst xture

might be set to start at channel 1 so it would respond to DMX channels 1 through 6,

and the next xture would be set to start at channel 7 so it would respond to channels

7 through 12.

The greatest strength of the DMX communications protocol is that it is very simple and robust. It involves transmitting a reset condition (indicating the start of a new “packet”), a start code, and up to 512 bytes of data. Data packets are transmitted

continuously. As soon as one packet is nished, another can begin with no delay if

desired (usually another follows within 1 ms). If nothing is changing (i.e. no lamp levels change) the same data will be sent out over and over again. This is a great feature of

DMX -- if for some reason the data is not interpreted the rst time around, it will be

re-sent shortly.

Not all 512 channels need to be output per packet, and in fact, it is very uncommon

to nd all 512 used. The fewer channels are used, the higher the “refresh” rate. It is

possible to get DMX refreshes at around 1000 times per second if only 24 channels are being transmitted. If all 512 channels are being transmitted, the refresh rate is around 44 times per second.

DMX has become the standard for lighting control. It is exible, robust, and scalable,

and its ability to control everything from dimmer packs to moving lights to foggers to lasers makes it an indispensable tool for any lighting designer or lighting performer.

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4.2 Keeping Your KONTROL 6 As Good As New

The KONTROL 6 you’ve received is a rugged, tough piece of pro lighting equipment, and as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you. That said, like anything, you’ll need to take care of it if you want it to operate as designed. You should absolutely keep the unit clean, especially if you are using it in an environment with a lot of dust, fog, haze, wild animals, wild teenagers or spilled drinks.

Cleaning the surface routinely with a suitable cleaner is useful for keeping the faders clean and in good operating condition.

In transit, keep the controller in a case. You wouldn’t throw a prized guitar, drumset, or other piece of expensive gear into a gear trailer without a case, and similarly, you shouldn’t even think about doing it with your shiny new lighting controller.

Common sense and taking care of your controller will be the single biggest thing you can do to keep it running at peak performance and let you worry about designing a great light show, putting on a great concert, or maximizing your client’s satisfaction and “wow factor.” That’s what it’s all about, after all!

4.3 Returns (Gasp!)

We’ve taken a lot of precautions to make sure you never even have to worry about sending a defective unit back, or sending a unit in for service. But, like any complex piece of equipment designed and built by humans, once in

a while, something doesn’t go as planned. If you nd yourself with a xture that isn’t behaving like a good little xture should, you’ll need to obtain a

Return Authorization (RA).

Don’t worry, this is easy. Just send an e-mail to support@blizzardlighting. com, and we’ll issue you an RA. Then, you’ll need to send the unit to us using a trackable, pre-paid freight method. We suggest using USPS Priority

or UPS. Make sure you carefully pack the xture for transit, and whenever

possible, use the original box & packing for shipping.

When returning your controller for service, be sure to include the following:

1.) Your contact information (Name, Address, Phone Number, Email address).

2.) The RA# issued to you

3.) A brief description of the problem/symptoms.

We will, at our discretion, repair or replace the xture. Please remember that

any shipping damage which occurs in transit to us is the customer’s responsibility, so pack it well!

4.4 Shipping Issues

Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper, and must be reported to the carrier immediately upon receipt of the items. Claims must be made within seven (7) days of receipt.

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4.5 TECH SPECS!

Weight & Dimensions

Length 10.2 inches (255 mm)

Width 5.6 inches (142 mm)

Height 2.75 inches (69.5 mm)

Weight 3.25 lbs (1.5 kg)

Power

Operating Voltage 9-12 VDC, .3A (From included power supply)

Thermal

Max. Operating Temp. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient

Control

Protocol USITT DMX-512

DMX Channels 192

Output 3-pin XLR Female

USB Data Format

USB Specication 1.0

Disk Format FAT16 / FAT32 ONLY

Maximum Disk Size 4GB

Other Information

4 in every 8 math teachers think that they should be 1 in every 2 math teachers.

Warranty 2-year limited warranty.

KONTROL 6 Manual Rev B.

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Your mom misses you! Write her a quick note here! (And

give this page a reason for living).

KONTROL 6 Manual Rev B.

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KONTROL 6 Manual Rev B.

Page 20

Blizzard Kontrol 6 Users Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual