What’s In The Box? 3
Getting It Out Of The Box 3
Powering Up! 3
Getting A Hold Of Us 3
Safety Instructions (Don’t Stick Your Hand In The Toaster!) 4
2. Meet The RayGun COB™ LED 5
Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The RayGun COB™ Pin-up Picture 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7
Connecting A Bunch Of RayGun COB™ PAR Cans 7
Data/DMX Cables 7
Cable Connectors 8
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh? 8
Take It To The Next Level: Setting up DMX Control 8
Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode) 9
Mounting/Rigging 9
4. Operating Adjustments 10
Navigating The Control Panel 10
Control Panel Menu Structure 11
DMX Mode 12
Set The DMX Starting Address 12
DMX Channel Mode 12
Master/Slave Mode 12
Auto Mode, Fade/Strobe, & Sound Active Mode 12
Auto Mode 12
Fade Speed 12
Strobe Speed 12
Sound Active Mode 12
Manual Color Adjustment 13
DMX Channel Values In-Depth 13
Troubleshooting 14
5. Appendix 14
A Quick DMX Lesson 14
Keeping Your RayGun COB™ As Good As New 16
Returns (Gasp!) 16
Shipping Issues 16
Tech Specs 17
Congratulations! You’ve found yourself one super bright LED beam xture capable
of producing 16.7 million RGBW mixed colors! Have fun and use it wisely! So now
that you’re the proud owner of a RayGun COB™ (or hopefully, COB’s!), 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 materials. If a xture must be returned to the factory, it is
important that the xture be returned in the original factory box and packing.
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 specications 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. Ste E
Waukesha, WI 53118 USA
www.blizzardlighting.com
414-395-8365
Email: support@blizzardlighting.com
Disclaimer: The information and specications 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.
• 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
cord. 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.
CAUTION! The RayGun COB™ utilizes a high-output switch-mode power
supply with an internal fuse. Under normal operating conditions, the fuse
should not require replacement. The fuse is eld replaceable, however
it is an advanced procedure suited to qualied individuals. Should your
RayGun COB™ fuse require replacement, please contact Blizzard Lighting
for instructions, or to return your unit for service.
Connecting A Bunch of RayGun COB™ Fixtures
You will need a serial data link to run light shows using a DMX-512
controller or to run shows on two or more xtures set to sync in master/
slave operating mode. The combined number of channels required by all
the xtures on a serial data link determines the number of xtures the
data link can support.
Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line. Also,
connecting more than 32 xtures on one serial data link without the use
of a DMX optically-isolated splitter may result in deterioration of the digital
DMX signal.
The maximum recommended cable-run distance is 500 meters (1640 ft).
The maximum recommended number of xtures on a serial data link is 32
xtures.
Data/DMX Cabling
To link xtures together you’ll need data cables. You should use data-
grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to
electromagnetic interference.
applications. Standard microphone cables will “probably” be OK, but note
that they cannot transmit DMX data as reliably over long distances. In any
event, the cable should have the following characteristics:
2-conductor twisted pair plus a shield
Maximum capacitance between conductors – 30 pF/ft.
Maximum capacitance between conductor & shield – 55 pF/ft.
Maximum resistance of 20 ohms / 1000 ft.
Nominal impedance 100 – 140 ohms
Cables must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR
connector on the other end. (Duh!)
CAUTION: Do not allow contact between the common and the
xture’s chassis ground. Grounding the common can cause a ground
loop, and your xture may perform erratically. Test cables with an
ohm meter to verify correct polarity and to make sure the pins are not
grounded or shorted to the shield or each other.
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh?!?
If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5 pin to 3 pin adapter.
They are widely available over the internet and from specialty retailers. If you’d like to build your own,
the chart below details a proper cable conversion:
Conductor3-Pin Female
(Output)
5-Pin Male
(Input)
Ground/ShieldPin 1Pin 1
DMX Data (-)Pin 2Pin 2
DMX Data (+)Pin 3Pin 3
Not Used.No Connection.No Connection.
Not Used.No Connection.No Connection.
Take It To The Next Level: Setting Up DMX Control
Step 1: Connect the male connector of the
DMX cable to the female connector (output)
on the controller.
All the goodies and different modes possible with the RayGun COB™
LED are accessed by using the control panel on the rear of the xture.
There are 4 control buttons below the LED display which allow you to
navigate through the various control panel menus.
<MENU>
Is used to navigate to the previous higher-level menu item.
<UP>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in ascending order.
<DOWN>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in descending order.
<ENTER>
Is used to select and conrm/store the current selection.
The Control Panel LED Display shows the menu items you select from
the menu map on page #11. When a menu function is selected, the
display will show immediately the rst available option for the selected
menu function. To select a menu item, press <ENTER>.
Press the <MENU> button repeatedly until you reach the desired
menu function. Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to navigate the
menu options. Press the <ENTER> button to select the menu function
currently displayed, or to enable a menu option. To return to the
previous option or menu without changing the value, press the
<MENU> button.
COL0 AUTO Auto mode
CO 1 Static color 1
CO 2 Static color 2
CO 3 Static color 3
CO 4 Static color 4
CO 5 Static color 5
CO 6 Static color 6
CO 7 Static color 7
CO 8 Static color 8
CO 9 Static color 9
CO10 Static color 10
C011 Static color 11
C012 Static color 12
CO13 Static color 13
CO14 Static color 14
CO15 Static color 15
Allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller.
Set the DMX Starting Address:
1.) The default mode for the xture is DMX, which appears as ADDR on the LED
readout. To select a different DMX address, hit the <ENTER> button and use the
<UP/DOWN> buttons to select the correct address, then hit <ENTER> to conrm.
DMX Channel Mode:
1.) To use the xture in 4 channel or 7 channel mode, use the <MENU> and <UP/
DOWN> buttons to select CHND and hit the <ENTER> button. Then use the <UP/
DOWN> buttons to select either 4CH or 7CH. Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.
Master/Slave Mode:
1.) To use the xture as either a master or slave unit, use the <MENU> and <UP/
DOWN> buttons to select SLND and then hit the <ENTER> button. Then select either NAST for master, SL 1 for slave mode 1, or SL 2 for slave mode 2. Press the
<ENTER> button to conrm.
Auto Mode, Fade/Strobe Speed, & Sound Active Mode
Allows a single or Master/Slaved units to run factory installed programs at user
selectable speeds.
Auto Mode:
1.) To set the xture in automatic mode, use the <MENU> and <UP/DOWN> buttons
to select SHND, hit <ENTER>. Then use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select COLO
and hit <ENTER>. Then use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select AUTO , and press
<ENTER>. You will then be prompted to select the chase speed by selecting from SP 1
(slowest) to SP 8 (fastest). Then hit <ENTER> to conrm.
Fade Speed:
1.) To adjust the fade speed navigate to FADE, hit <ENTER>, and select SP 1
(slowest) to SP 8 (fastest). Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.
Strobe Speed:
1.) To adjust the strobe speed navigate to STCO, hit <ENTER>, and select between
0-255 (slow <--> fast).
Sound Active Mode:
1.) To use this xture in sound active mode, select SHND, then press the <ENTER>
button. Then select SOUN and hit <ENTER>.
Manual Color Adjustment
Allows the user to adjust the color balance of the xture. These settings are
global, they will effect all modes.
1.) Use the <MENU> and <UP/DOWN> buttons to select NANU and hit the
<ENTER> button.
2.) Then use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll to either RED (red), GREE (green),
BLUE (blue), or Uhlt (White), and press <ENTER>. Select the maximum level for each
color between 0-255 (0=off), then hit <ENTER> to conrm.
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 lighting 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 classication.
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
DMX is connected using a daisy-chain conguration 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.
In summary, since its design and evolution in the 1980’s 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.
The xture 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 xture 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 optics routinely with a suitable glass cleaner will greatly improve
the quality of light output. Keeping the fans free of dust and debris will keep
the xture running cool and prevent damage from overheating.
In transit, keep the xtures in cases. 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 light
xtures.
Common sense and taking care of your xtures will be the single biggest thing
you can do to keep them 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!
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 email 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 xture 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!
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.