Blizzard Lighting Micro SwitchBlade User Manual

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MICRO

Blizzard Lighting, LLC

www.blizzardlighting.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SwitchBlade™ Micro Moving Head Fixture 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 SwitchBlade™ Micro 5

Main Features 5 Control 5 DMX Quick Reference 5 The SwitchBlade™ Micro Pin-up Picture 6

3. Setup 7

Fuse Replacement 7 Connecting A Bunch Of SwitchBlade™ Micro Fixtures 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 Lighting Stand Mounting 9

4. Operating Adjustments 10

Navigating The Control Panel 10 Control Panel Menu Structure 11 DMX Mode 12 Set The DMX Starting Address 12 Select the DMX Channel Mode 12 Auto, Stand-Alone, & Built-in Program Modes 12 Auto Mode 12 Sound Active Mode 12 Manual Adjustments 12 Reverse Pan 12 Reverse Tilt 12 Reverse (Flip) the Menu Display 12 Restore Default Settings 13 Pan/Tilt Motor Reset 13 DMX Channel Values In-Depth 13 Troubleshooting 13

5. Appendix 15

A Quick DMX Lesson 15 Keeping Your SwitchBlade™ Micro As Good As New 16 Returns (Gasp!) 16 Shipping Issues 16 Tech Specs 17 Luminous Intensity 18 Dimensional Drawings 18

Page 2

1. GETTING STARTED

What’s In The Box?

• 1 x SwitchBlade™ Micro Moving Head Fixture

• 1 x Mounting Bracket

• An Ever-So-Handy Power Cord

• This Lovely User Manual

Getting It Out Of The Box

Congratulations! You have just purchased one totally tiny, totally cool quad-color mini

moving head xture that is sure to make a giant impression anywhere it goes! So now

that you’re the proud owner of a SwitchBlade™ Micro (or hopefully, MICROS!), 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 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. Ste E Waukesha, WI 53118 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:

J. Thomas 5/30/2014 J. Thomas 5/30/2014

Page 3

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

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.

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2. MEET THE SWITCHBLADE™ MICRO

MAIN FEATURES:

• Mini moving head tted with 1x CREE® 15w R/G/B/W 4-in-1 LED

• Blazing fast 540° pan and 270° tilt

• User selectable 11 or 13 DMX channels

• Full RGBW color in standalone & DMX mode

• Sharp 8 degree beam angle

• Outstanding quad beam effects

• Built-in sound active programs

• Built-in automated programs via master/slave

• Built-in sound activated programs via master/slave

• 3-pin male input and 3-pin female output

• wiCICLE® Enabled functionality allows plug-and-play operation with our wiCICLE® Brand Wireless DMX system

CONTROL:

• USITT DMX-512 (11/13 Channels)

• 3-pin Input/Output

• 4-button menu with LED display

DMX Quick Reference (11/13-Channel Modes)

Channel 11-Channel Mode 13-Channel Mode

1 Pan (0-540°) Pan (0-540°)

2 Tilt (0-270°) Tilt (0-270°)

3 Fine Pan (fast <--> slow) Fine Pan (fast <--> slow)

4 Fine Tilt (fast <--> slow) Fine Tilt (fast <--> slow)

5 Pan/Tilt Speed (slow <--> fast) Pan/Tilt Speed (slow <--> fast)

6 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%) Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

7 Strobe (slow <--> fast) Strobe (slow <--> fast)

8 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%) Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

9 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%) Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

10 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%) Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

11 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%) White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

12 --- Built-in Programs, Sound Active

13 --- Motor Reset (150-200)

Page 5

Figure 1: The SwitchBlade™ Micro Pin-Up Picture

Head / Arms

Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Enclosure

Figure 2: The Rear Connections

High Power 4-in-1

RGBW LED

4-Button LED Control Panel

Cooling

Vents

On/Off Switch

DMX In

Power In

Page 6

DMX Out

3. SETUP

Fuse Replacement

With a at head screwdriver, wedge the fuse

holder out of its housing. Remove the damaged fuse from its holder and replace with exact same type fuse. Insert the fuse holder back in its place and reconnect power.

Connecting A Bunch of SwitchBlade™ Micro 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.

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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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

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:

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.

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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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 consisting 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 Master-Slave and Standalone operation

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 stability. Do not mount to

surfaces with unknown strength, and ensure properly “rated” rigging is used

when mounting xtures 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.

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.

• 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.

Lighting Stand Mounting

This xture comes with an easy to use stand mounting bracket. Please make

sure the lighting stand you use is rated to safely hold the weight of this unit and do not over-extend the lighting stand. For the safety of yourself, your audience,

and the xture... always take advantage of the use of the stand’s safety pins!

Page 9

USING THIS FIXTURE WITH THE wiCICLE® WIRELESS DMX SYSTEM

In addition to the unbridled thrill you already

received the rst time you plugged in your xture, you’ll be delighted to know that This xture also works seamlessly with our

wiCICLE® Wireless DMX system, without additional power.

• ONLY xtures bearing this logo are certied for use with the wiCICLE®

without external power.

• Unauthorized modication and/or using the wiCICLE® with unapproved xtures may cause damage to the wiCICLE® or xture.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS BLIZZARD LIGHTING RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE FROM SUCH OPERATION.

• Fixtures bearing the above logo MUST only use cable and connectors which separate chassis/case ground from cable shielding. Cabling with the shield connected to the connector’s case/chassis may cause malfunc-

tion and damage to the wiCICLE® or xture.

• wiCICLE® transmitters have additional power requirements and

therefore cannot be powered directly from the xture. You will

need to utilize the supplied AC/DC adaptor to drive wiCICLE® transmitters in your system.

WE HAD THIS SPACE, SO WE FIGURED WE’D DRAW YOU A PICTURE:

Antenna Housing & 1/2-wave Antenna

Antenna ferrule & articulation joint

Stainless Steel Housing

Recessed Selector Button

Status LED

3-Pin XLR Connector (Male on transmitter, Female on receiver model)

Page 10

Each wiCICLE® acts as both a transmitter and a receiver, depending on whether a DMX source is applied to the integral XLR connector. This is an extremely powerful feature of the system, however, it also requires 1 piece of due diligence, and that is the removal of extraneous DMX signals from your lighting rig BEFORE proceeding.

SO: BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE, YOU SHOULD DISABLE ANY BUILTIN PROGRAMS IN THE FIXTURES YOU WISH TO CONNECT AND/OR SET THEM AS SLAVES PRIOR TO RETURNING THEM TO DMX MODE (IF APPLI-

CABLE). Most xtures contain a built-in automatic, sound active or custom program which is designed to operate with the xture NOT connected

to a DMX chain.

Some of these programs will automatically run unless the xture is set to slave mode. These xtures typically sense DMX automatically and switch to DMX mode

upon receiving DMX signal (our Pucks do that!)

If you plug a wiCICLE® “receiver” into an autosensing xture set as a “master, “chances are good that the wiCICLE® “receiver” will begin transmitting the master

program. Most times, this is undesirable, and taking the two seconds to switch these programs off will solve a lot of ails.

Got that done? Good! Then let’s proceed!

1. Plug the wiCICLE® Receiver into the “DMX IN” connector of the xture and verify it is receiving power (the STATUS LED should illuminate.)

2. Connect the AC/DC adaptor to the wiCICLE® Transmitter and verify it is receiving power (the STATUS LED should illuminate.)

3. Press the RECESSED SELECTOR BUTTON on the Transmitter to select the operating channel group. (The system will store this setting for future use)

The 7-Color Status LED will change color to indicate the current channel group:

· GROUP 1: RED

· GROUP 2: GREEN

· GROUP 3: YELLOW

· GROUP 4: BLUE

· GROUP 5: VIOLET

· GROUP 6: CYAN

· GROUP 7: WHITE

4. Follow the same procedure on the Receiver to select the channel group.

5. Once both the transmitter and receiver(s) are both set to the same channel

group, connect the transmitter to the DMX controller or the DMX out of a xture

on your DMX chain.

6. Once a DMX signal is provided to the transmitter, the status LED will blink RED slowly until communication is established with the receiver. The status LED on

the receiver(s) will ash GREEN slowly until communication is established.

7. Once the clearest channel is auto-selected, the status LEDs will blink quickly on both the transmitter and receiver. NOTE: The color of the LED DURING operation does not indicate channel group, instead it indicates whether the unit is transmitting or receiving. That’s It!

NOTE: “GROUP” number also corresponds to the “GROUP” setting on our LightCaster™ wireless DMX Transceiver.

Page 11

4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS

The Control Panel

All the goodies and different modes possible with the SwitchBlade™ Micro 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>.

Use the <MENU> button to navigate the main menu options. Press the <ENTER> button to select the menu function currently displayed. Then use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll through any submenu options, and press <ENTER> to save. To return to the previous option or menu, press the <MENU> button.

Page 12

Control Panel Menu Structure

A001 A001 - A512

CH13

CH --

CH11

Au --

Au01 - Au02

SO.ON

Sond

SO.OF

H000 - H255

Y000 - Y255

r000 - r255

nAnu

G000 - G255

b000 - b255

U000 - U255

rPoF

rP --

rPon

To choose the DMX address

13-channel DMX mode

11-channel DMX mode

Auto mode (1=fast, 2=slow)

Sound Active = On

Sound Active = Off

Pan (0° <--> 540°)

Tilt (0° <--> 270°)

Red dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

Green dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

Blue dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

White dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

Reverse Pan = Off

Reverse Pan = On

rtoF

Reverse Tilt = Off

rt --

rton

rdoF

Reverse Tilt = On

Reverse Display = Off

rd --

rdon

dFoF

Reverse Display = On

Restore default settings = No

dF --

dFon

rSt

<ENTER> Motor Reset

Page 13

Restore default settings = Yes

DMX Mode

Allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller.

Set the Starting DMX Address:

The default mode for the xture is DMX, so the rst menu item that you can edit is the

starting DMX address.

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach A001.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select a DMX channel from 001-512.

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Select the DMX Channel Mode:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach CH--.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select either CH11 or 13CH mode.

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Auto, Stand-Alone, & Built-in Program Modes:

Allows a single or Master/Slaved units to run factory installed programs at user selectable speeds.

Auto Mode:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach Au--.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select either Au01 (fast) or Au02 (slow).

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Sound Active Mode:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach Sond.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select either So.on (On) or So.of (Off).

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Manual Adjustments:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach nAnu.

2.) Navigate the submenu using the <UP/DOWN> buttons until you reach H--- (Pan), Y--- (Tilt), r--- (Red). 9--- (Green), b--- (Blue), or u--- (White) then hit <ENTER>.

3.) Using the <UP/DOWN> buttons, select your desired value for each between

x000-x255, then hit <ENTER> to conrm.

Reverse Pan

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach rPoF.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select either rPoF (Off) or rPon (On).

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Reverse Tilt

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach rtoF.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select either rtoF (Off) or rton (On).

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Reverse (Flip) the Menu Display

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach rdoF.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select either rdoF (No) or rdon (Yes).

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Page 14

Restore Default Settings

This will restore all of the default settings including pan/tilt reversal and the starting DMX address.

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach dF0F.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select either dF0F (No) or dF0n (Yes).

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Pan/Tilt Motor Reset

1.) Navigate the menu using the <MENU> button until you reach rSt.

2.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

DMX Values In-Depth (13-Channel Mode)

Channel Value What It Does

1 000 <--> 255 Pan (0-540°)

2 000 <--> 255 Tilt (0-270°)

3 000 <--> 255 Fine Pan (fast <--> slow)

4 000 <--> 255 Fine Tilt (fast <--> slow)

5 000 <--> 255 Pan/Tilt Speed (slow <--> fast)

6 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

7 000 <--> 255 Strobe (slow <--> fast)

8 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

9 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

10 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

11 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

Built-in Programs, Sound Active

No Function Red Green Blue White Red+Green Green+Blue Blue+White Red+White Red+Blue Green+White Red+Green+Blue Green+Blue+White Red+Blue+White Red+Green+White Red+Green+Blue+White Color Snap (Slow <--> Fast) Color Fade (Slow <--> Fast) Sound Active Mode

No Function Motor Reset No Function

000 <--> 010 011 <--> 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 <--> 200 201 <--> 240 241 <--> 255

000 <--> 149 150 <--> 200 201 <--> 255

Page 15

DMX Values In-Depth (11-Channel Mode)

Channel Value What It Does

1 000 <--> 255 Pan (0-540°)

2 000 <--> 255 Tilt (0-270°)

3 000 <--> 255 Fine Pan (fast <--> slow)

4 000 <--> 255 Fine Tilt (fast <--> slow)

5 000 <--> 255 Pan/Tilt Speed (slow <--> fast)

6 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

7 000 <--> 255 Strobe (slow <--> fast)

8 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

9 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

10 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

11 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

Troubleshooting

Symptom Solution

Fixture AutoShut Off

Beam is Dim Check optical system and clean excess dust/grime. Also

No Light Output

Chase Speed Too Fast/Slow

No Power Check fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.

No Response to Audio

Fixture Not Responding / Responding Erratically

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.

ensure that the 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.

Check to ensure xture is operating under correct mode, IE

sound active/auto/DMX/Etc., if applicable. Contact service for more information.

Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.

Verify that the xture is in “Sound Active” mode.

Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.

Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely. Use Only DMX Cables. Install a Terminator. Check all cables for defects.

Reset xture(s).

If your problem isn’t listed, or if problems persist,

please contact support: support@blizzardlighting.com.

Page 16

5. APPENDIX

A Quick Lesson On DMX

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.

Dimensional Drawings

4.9 in

(12.4 cm)

9.4 in (23.7 cm)

2.4 in (7.2 cm)

5 in

(12.7 cm)

Page 17

2.9 in

(7.3 cm)

4.9 in

(12.3 cm)

Keeping Your SwitchBlade™ Micro 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 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.

Page 18

Tech Specs!

Weight & Dimensions

Length 4.9 inches (12.3 cm)

Width 5 inches (12.4 mm)

Height 9.4 inches (23.7 mm)

Weight 4.41 lbs (2 kg)

Power

Operating Voltage AC 100-240VAC, 47-63 Hertz

Power Consumption 35w

Light Source

LED 1* 15-watt R/G/B/W CREE® LED

Optical

Beam Angle 8 degree

Luminous Intensity

Lux/m

Red Green Blue White All

3,760 3,397 5,690 6,780 16,890

985 961 1,457 1,872 6,710

Thermal

Max. Operating

104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient

Temp.

Control

Protocol USITT DMX-512

DMX Channels 11 or 13 Channels

Input 3-pin XLR Male

Output 3-pin XLR Female

Other Operating Modes Standalone, Master/Slave, Auto, Sound Active

Other Information

I just wanted to waste a little more time. Okay, that should do it.

2-year limited warranty, does not cover mal-

Warranty

function caused by damage to LED’s.

Page 19

Enjoy your product!

Our sincerest thanks for your purchase!

--The team @ Blizzard Lighting

Blizzard Lighting Micro SwitchBlade User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual