Blizzard Lighting Highbeam User Manual

Blizzard Lighting, LLC
www.blizzardlighting.com
Waukesha, WI USA
Copyright (c) 2013
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
HighBeam™ LED 1
1. Getting Started 3
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 HighBeam™ LED 5
Features 5 DMX Quick Reference 5 The HighBeam™ Pin-up Picture 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7 Connecting A Bunch Of HighBeam™ 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 Master/Slave Mode 12 Sound Active Mode 12 Standalone (Program) Mode 12 Manual Color Adjustment 12 DMX Channel Values In-Depth 13-15 Troubleshooting 15
5. Appendix 16
A Quick DMX Lesson 16 Keeping Your HighBeam™ As Good As New 17 Returns (Gasp!) 17 Shipping Issues 17 Tech Specs 18
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
• 1 x HighBeam™ Professional LED PAR Fixture
• 1 x Awesome dual mounting Yoke with locking knobs
• 1 x All important power cord
• This Lovely User Manual
Getting It Out Of The Box
The Highbeam, it is sometimes used as a warning when you are speeding down the highway towards a hidden cop. It can cause road rage if you forget to turn it off in
trafc. It is often a term of “endearment” when it is cold outside (see “Highbeams” in
UrbanDictionary.com). Now its name represents one of the coolest LED par cans on the planet. Now that you’ve got your HighBeam™ (or HighBeams
remember High-
Beams are more useful in pairs that’s why cars have two)
, you should carefully unpack
the box and check the contents to ensure that all parts are present and in good condi
­tion. 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 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! . 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 53188 USA
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:
Stevie Ray 12/5/2013 Stevie Ray 12/5/2013
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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 de-
cal 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. Do not block any ventilation slots.
• 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 turn your HighBeams on in trafc.
• 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.
• Never play with your HighBeam™ in the Bathtub!
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.
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET THE HIGHBEAM™ LED PAR
CONTROL FEATURES
• color mixing and 3-zone pixel control via 7 15W OSRAM Red/Green/ Blue/White 4-in-1 LEDs
• Variable electronic dimming & strobe
• Built-in color & chase macros via DMX
• Built-in automated programs via master/slave
• Built-in sound active programs
• RGBW color mixing ability in standalone mode
• RGBW (4-Ch), RGBW + Dimmer (5-Ch), Pixel Mode (16-Ch), &
Enhanced Pixel Mode (20-Ch) DMX Proles
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
• Housed in Heavy Duty Space Age Polymers
• Super-quiet variable-speed internal Fan Cooling
• Dual mounting brackets for positioning exibility
• Flicker-free constant-current 400hz LED driver
• 3-pin male input and 3-pin female output
• PowerCon™ compatible AC power In/Out connectors
DMX Quick Reference - 16 / 20 Channel Mode
Ch 16 Channel 20 Channel Ch 16 Channel 20 Channel
1 R1 Intensity Dimmer 11 B3 Intensity G3 Intensity
2 G1 Intensity R1 Intensity 12 W3 Intensity B3 Intensity
3 B1 Intensity G1 Intensity 13 R4 Intensity W3 Intensity
4 W1 Intensity B1 Intensity 14 G4 Intensity R4 Intensity
5 R2 Intensity W1 Intensity 15 B4 Intensity G4 Intensity
6 G2 Intensity R2 Intensity 16 W4 Intensity B4 Intensity
7 B2 Intensity G2 Intensity 17 --- W4 Intensity
8 W2 Intensity B2 Intensity 18 --- Strobe Speed
9 R3 Intensity W2 Intensity 19 --- Built in Macros
10 G3 Intensity R3 Intensity 20 --- 32-Bit Dimmer
DMX Quick Reference - 4 (RGBW) / 5 (D/RGBW) Channel Mode
Channel 4 Channel 5 Channel
1 Red Intensity Dimmer
2 Green Intensity Red Intensity
3 Blue Intensity Green Intensity
4 White Intensity Blue Intensity
5 --- White Intensity
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Figure 1: The HighBeam™ Pin-Up Picture
High Power OSRAM 4-in-1
Quad Color LEDs
Dual Mounting Yokes &
Adjustment/Locking Knobs
Figure 2: Behind The Beam
AC Power Out
DMX In DMX Out
Menu Buttons
AC Power In
LED Display
High Tech Space Age Polymer Housing
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! The HighBeam™ 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 qualied individuals.
Should your HighBeam™ fuse require replacement, please contact Bliz­zard Lighting for instructions, or to return your unit for service.
Connecting A Bunch of HighBeam™ 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 high quality data cables (may I
recommend Cool Cables). You should use data-grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to electromagnetic inter­ference
(Cough did I mention Cool Cables?)
For instance, Belden© 9841 meets the specications for EIA RS-485 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
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Cable Connectors
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 x- ture’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:
Conductor 3-Pin Female
(Output)
5-Pin Male (Input)
Ground/Shield Pin 1 Pin 1
DMX Data (-) Pin 2 Pin 2
DMX Data (+) Pin 3 Pin 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.
Step 2: Connect the female connector of the DMX cable to the rst xture’s male connec­tor (input). Note: It doesn’t matter which
xture address is the rst one connected. We recommend connecting the xtures in
terms of their proximity to the controller,
rather than connecting the lowest xture number rst, and so on.
Step 3: Connect other xtures in the chain
from output to input as above. Place a DMX
terminator on the output of the nal xture
to ensure best communication.
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode)
1. Connect the (male) 3 pin connector side of the DMX cable to the output (female) 3 pin connector of
the rst xture.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the
rst xture which will have a (female) 3 pin connec­tor to the input connector of the next xture con-
sisting of a (male) 3 pin connector. Then, proceed to connect from the output as stated above to the
input of the following xture and so on.
A quick note: Often, the setup for Master­Slave and Standalone operation requires that
the rst xture in the
chain be initialized for this purpose via either settings in the control panel or DIP-switches.
Secondarily, the xtures
that follow may also re­quire a slave setting.
Check the “Operating Adjustments” section in this manual for com­plete instructions for this type of setup and conguration.
Mounting & Rigging
This xture may be mounted in any SAFE position provided there is
enough room for ventilation.
It is important never to obstruct the fan or vents pathway. Mount the
xture using a suitable “C” or “O” type clamp. The clamp should be rated to hold at least 10x the xture’s weight to ensure structural sta-
bility. Do not mount to surfaces with unknown strength, and ensure
properly “rated” rigging is used when mounting xutres overhead.
Adjust the angle of the xture by loosening both knobs and tilting the xture. After nding the desired position, retighten both knobs.
• When selecting installation location, take into consideration lamp replacement access (if applicable) and routine maintenance.
• Safety cables MUST ALWAYS be used.
• Never mount in places where the xture will be exposed to rain,
high humidity, extreme temperature changes or restricted ventilation.
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the HighBeam™
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 conrm/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.
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Control Panel Menu Structure
Addr d001 - d512 To choose the DMX address
SLAU SL.AU To run the xture in slave mode
CHnd 4CH 4 channel DMX mode
5CH 5 channel DMX mode
16CH 16 channel DMX mode
20CH channel DMX mode
SP -- SP00 -SP15 Speed adjustments (0-15)
Pr -- Pr00 -Pr20 Built-in programs (0-20)
ASC - AC00 -AC15 Auto mode (0-15)
FAdE FA00 -FA15 Fade settings (0-15)
FLAS FL00 -FL15 Flash / strobe speed (0-15)
rL -- r.000 - r.255 Red dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
GL -- G.000 - G.255 Green dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
bL -- b.000 - b.255 Blue dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
UL -- U.000 - U.255 White dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
SouA So.uA Sound active mode
LED on - oFF Display menu on/off
nodE nod0-nod4 Dimming mode (0-4)
UErn UE2.0 Software version
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Mode
Allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller.
1.) The default mode for the xture is DMX, which appears as
d001 on the LED Readout. To
select a different DMX address, using the <MENU> button, select
Addr,then hit <ENTER>.
Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select the correct address, then hit <ENTER> to conrm.
Setting the DMX Channel Mode:
1.) To select a DMX channel mode, press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or
<DOWN> buttons until the display reads
Chnd and press the <MENU> button. Then use
the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reaches your desired channel mode. Press
the <MENU> button to conrm.
Stand-Alone, Master/Slave, Sound Active Modes:
Allows a single or Master/Slaved units to run factory installed programs at user selectable speeds.
1.) To set the xture in Flash/Fade mode, select
FLAS or FAdE. To conrm, press the
<ENTER> button.
2.) Now, you can adjust the ash settings from
FL00-FL15 or the fade settings from
FA00-FA15. Then press the <ENTER> button to conrm.
3.) To use the xture in automatic mode, select
ASC-, and press the <ENTER> button. Then
use the <UP/DOWN> to choose from
AS00-AS15, then press the <ENTER> button to
conrm.
4.) Adjust the speed of the chase as above using
SP15 (slowest) to SP00 (fastest) then
press the <ENTER> button to conrm.
5.) To set the xture as a slave unit, select
SLAU, and hit <ENTER>. The unit will display a
ashing
SL.AU to indicate it is in slave mode.
Sound Active Mode:
1.) To use sound active mode, select
SouA, then press the <ENTER> button to conrm.
Standalone (Program) Mode:
Allows a single unit to display a variety of colors and programs without a DMX controller.
1.) To set the xture in manual mode, select Pr--.
To conrm, press the <ENTER> button.
2.) Now, select the program by using the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to select
Pr00-
Pr15
. To conrm, press the <ENTER> button.
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> button to select
rL-- (Red Level), GL-- (Green
Level),
bL-- (Blue Level) or UL-- (White Level), then hit <ENTER>.
2.) Using the <UP/DOWN> buttons, select the maximum level for each color between
x000-
x255
(000=off), then hit <ENTER> to conrm.
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth 20-Channel Mode (Enhanced Pixel Mode)
Channel Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2 000 <--> 255 Red 1 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3 000 <--> 255 Green 1 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4 000 <--> 255 Blue 1 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5 000 <--> 255 White 1 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
6 000 <--> 255 Red 2 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
7 000 <--> 255 Green 2 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
8 000 <--> 255 Blue 2 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
9 000 <--> 255 White 2 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
10 000 <--> 255 Red 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
11 000 <--> 255 Green 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
12 000 <--> 255 Blue 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
13 000 <--> 255 White 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
14 000 <--> 255 Red 4 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
15 000 <--> 255 Green 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
16 000 <--> 255 Blue 4 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
17 000 <--> 255 White 4 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
18 000 <--> 010
011 <--> 255
Strobe Off Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)
19
000 <--> 020 021 <--> 030 031 <--> 040 041 <--> 050 051 <--> 060 061 <--> 070 071 <--> 080 081 <--> 090 091 <--> 100 101 <--> 110 111 <--> 120 121 <--> 130 131 <--> 140 141 <--> 150 151 <--> 160 161 <--> 170 171 <--> 180 181 <--> 190 191 <--> 063 201 <--> 210 211 <--> 220 221 <--> 255
Fade, Color Change, Sound Active
No Function Red Green Blue White Red + Green Red + Blue Red + White Green + Blue Green + White Blue White Red + Green + Blue Red + Green + White Red + Blue + White Green + Blue + White Red + Green + Blue +White Macro 1 Macro 2 Macro 3 Macro 4 Macro 5 Sound Active
20
000 <--> 005 006 <--> 055 056 <--> 105 106 <--> 155 156 <--> 205 206 <--> 255
32 Bit Dimmer
As set in the control menu display Mode 0 = 8-bit, 256 dimming steps Mode 1 = 32-bit, 0-25% intensity range Mode 2 = 32-bit, 0-50% intensity range Mode 3 = 32-bit, 0-75% intensity range Mode 4 = 32-bit, full intensity dimming
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth 16-Channel Mode (Pixel Mode)
Channel Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Red 1 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
2 000 <--> 255 Green 1 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3 000 <--> 255 Blue 1 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4 000 <--> 255 White 1 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5 000 <--> 255 Red 2 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
6 000 <--> 255 Green 2 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
7 000 <--> 255 Blue 2 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
8 000 <--> 255 White 2 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
9 000 <--> 255 Red 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
10 000 <--> 255 Green 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
11 000 <--> 255 Blue 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
12 000 <--> 255 White 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
13 000 <--> 255 Red 4 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
14 000 <--> 255 Green 3 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
15 000 <--> 255 Blue 4 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
16 000 <--> 255 White 4 Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
DMX Values In-Depth 5-Channel Mode
Ch. Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
DMX Values In-Depth 4-Channel Mode
Ch. Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
2 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Troubleshooting
Symptom Solution
Fixture Auto-Shut Off
Check the fan in the xture. If it is stopped or moving slower than
normal, the unit may have shut itself off due to high heat. This is to
protect the xture from overheating. Clear the fan of obstructions,
or return the unit for service.
Beam is Dim Check optical system and clean excess dust/grime. Also ensure that
the 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.
No Light Output Check to ensure xture is operating under correct mode, IE sound
active/auto/DMX/Etc., if applicable.
Chase Speed Too Fast/Slow
Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.
No Power Check fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.
Blown Fuse Check AC cord and circuit for damage, verify that moving parts are
not restricted and that unit’s ventilation is not obstructed
Slow Movement Verify that 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.
Also check that speed channels are set appropriately.
No Response to Audio
Verify that the xture is in “Sound Active” mode.
Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.
Fixture Not Responding / Responding Er­raticly
Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely. Use Only DMX Cables and/or check cables for defects Install a Terminator.
Reset xture(s).
Intermittent Lamp
Check lamp for properly installation. Relamp, lamp may have reached end of life.
Remote Doesn’t Work
Verify remote control cable is installed properly and securely. Verify remote is correct type (CA-9 or other as applicable.)
Fixture Moving On Its Own
If this xture moves on it’s own please call an exorcist or a Ghost Buster as your xture may be placed in a haunted location.
If your problem persists or isn’t listed contact support@blizzardlighting.com.
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
5. APPENDIX
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 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 clas-
si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 receiv-
ers. 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.
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.
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HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Keeping Your HighBeam™ As Good As New
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 cli-
ent’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 Authori-
zation (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.
Page 18
HighBeam™ Manual Rev. A © 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Tech Specs!
Weight & Dimensions
Length 10.03 inches (255 mm)
Width 9.73 inches (247.2 mm)
Height 7.87 inches (200 mm)
Weight 6.17 lbs (2.8 kg)
Power
Operating Voltage 90-230VAC, 50-60 Hertz
Fuse 3A 250V
Power Consumption 94W
Light Source
LED 7x 15W 4-in-1 LEDs >50,000 hours.
Lux (Measured)
Red 16,000 @ 1m | 6,100 @ 2m | 1,200 @ 5m
Green 28,500 @ 1m | 10,800 @ 2m | 1,800 @ 5m
Blue 25,600 @ 1m | 9,400 @ 2m | 1,500 @ 5m
White 36,400 @ 1m | 14,500 @ 2m | 2,500 @ 5m
RGBW 71,200 @ 1m | 26,400 @ 2m | 4,300 @ 5m
Optical
Beam Angle 8 degree optics standard
Thermal
Max. Operating Temp. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Control
Protocol USITT DMX-512
DMX Channels 4 / 5 / 16 / 20
Input 3-pin XLR Male
Output 3-pin XLR Female
Other Operating Modes
Standalone, Master/Slave, Sound Active, Color Preset
Thought Provoking
Why doesn’t NASCAR use headlights for night races?
Warranty
2-year limited warranty, does not cover mal
-
function caused by damage to LED’s.
The rest of this page intentionally left blank, so you
may start writing your memoirs.
DISCLAIMER:
The power connector tted to the xture and xture cord are designed for compatibility
with products manufactured by Neutrik AG, Neutrik USA and their related entities, howev
-
er they are not manufactured by, afliated with or endorsed by Neutrik AG, Neutrik USA,
or any related entity. Neutrik® and powerCON® are registered trademarks of Neutrik AG.
Enjoy your product!
Our sincerest thanks for your purchase!
--The team @ Blizzard Lighting
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