Lithium-Ion Battery Warnings & Information 3
What’s In The Box? 4
Getting It Out Of The Box 4
Powering Up! 4
Getting A Hold Of Us 4
Safety Instructions (Don’t Stick Your Hand In The Toaster!) 5
2. Meet The Puck 3: Unplugged™ LED PAR Can 6
Features 6
DMX Quick Reference (3 and 6-Channel Modes) 6
The Puck 3: Unplugged
3. Setup 8
Fuse Replacement 8
Connecting A Bunch Of Puck 3: Unplugged™ LED PAR Cans 8
Data/DMX Cables 8
Cable Connectors 9
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh? 9
Take It To The Next Level: Setting up DMX Control 9
Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode) 10
Mounting/Rigging 10
Using this fi xture with the wiCICLE® Wireless DMX System 11
4. Operating Adjustments 13
™ Pin-up Picture 7
Using the Battery System 13
DMX Mode & DMX Mode Selection 14
Master/Slave Mode 14
Sound Active Mode 14
Custom Color Display 15
Fixture running hour display 15
Additional Operating Help 15
Troubleshooting 16
5. Appendix 17
A Quick DMX Lesson 17
Keeping The Puck 3: Unplugged™ As Good As New 18
Returns (Gasp!) 18
Shipping Issues 18
Tech Specs 19
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 2
LITHIUM-ION BATTERY WARNINGS & INFO
1. CAUTION! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY AND/OR
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE, DO NOT TAMPER WITH THE CHARGING CIRCUITRY IN THIS FIXTURE. The use of other types of chargers may result
in personal injury or equipment damage. Under no circumstances attempt to
connect the battery pack to any power supplies or other equipment that is not
specifi cally and expressly designated for use with this model
battery pack.
2. USE THE LITHIUM ION BATTERY PACK ONLY WITH EQUIPMENT SPECIFICALLY AND EXPRESSLY DESIGNATED FOR USE WITH THIS MODEL
BATTERY PACK. Use with other equipment may result in fi re, electric shock,
personal injury, and/or damage to equipment.
3. AVOID DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS. Do not
charge the battery pack in damp or wet conditions. Avoid using the pack in
direct exposure to rain or snow. Do not use the battery pack or charger in the
presence of explosive gases or fl ammable materials.
4. AVOID USING OR STORING THE BATTERY PACK IN EITHER
EXTREME COLD OR EXTREME HOT TEMPERATURES. The battery pack
will disable itself under conditions of extreme heat (above 60 °C) and may not
function to full performance under conditions of extreme cold (below –20 °C).
Storage at elevated temperatures (above 25 °C) will shorten the life of the battery pack.
5. DO NOT BURN OR INCINERATE BATTERY PACKS. Battery packs
may explode causing personal injury, fi re, and/or damage. Fumes
resulting from burning of battery packs may be toxic.
6. DO NOT DROP, CRUSH, IMPACT, OR MECHANICALLY ABUSE
BATTERY PACKS. Cease use of fi xtures that have suffered a sharp
impact, been dropped, run over, or damaged in any other way. Such
impacts may cause internal damage that is not externally visible and
that, over time, may cause short circuits, battery cell leakage, or other
events that may lead to fi re, personal injury, and or equipment damage.
7. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE BATTERY PACK. There are no user
serviceable parts within battery packs. Disassembly may result in short
circuiting or other damage that may cause fi re, personal injury, and/or
other damage.
8. AVOID CONTACT WITH BATTERY CHEMICALS. If a battery pack
leaks battery chemicals, avoid any contact with skin, eyes, or mouth. In
the event of contact with skin, wash immediately with soap and water
and rinse with vinegar. For eye contact, begin fl ushing with clean water,
immediately call for medical help, and continue fl ushing for 20 minutes or
until medical help arrives.
exceptions.
11. STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE. Avoid leaving the fi xture in direct sun-
light, vehicle cabs, compartments, or unventilated storage buildings during hot
summer conditions. Under extreme temperature conditions damage may occur.
Elevated temperatures in general shorten the life of your battery pack.
Page 3
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. B Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
• 1 x Puck 3: Unplugged™ Flat LED PAR Fixture
• 1x Mounting Bracket & 2 Knobs
• 1x IEC Power Cord
• This Eloquently Written User Manual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulations on purchasing the sweetest battery powered LED PAR can on
the market! Based on our world famous Puck3™ and taking into account all
the enhancements of Puck 3NX™, THEN adding our proprietary ultra long-life
intelion™ Lithium-Ion Battery System give you a fi xture with TONS of output, fl exibility and fantastic battery-powered run time.
Now that you’ve got The Puck 3: Unplugged™ (or hopefully, Pucks!), 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 fi xture
must be returned to the factory, it is important that the fi xture be returned in
the original factory box and packing.
Powering Up!
All fi 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 fi xtures have a voltage select switch, so please
verify that the fi xture you receive is suitable for your local power supply. See
the label on the fi xture or refer to the fi xture’s specifi cations chart for more
information. A fi xture’s listed current rating is its average current draw under
normal conditions. Check the fi 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 fi xture may result if the line
voltage applied does not match the voltage indicated on the voltage selector switch. All fi 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
W220 N1531 Jericho Ct. Suite E, Waukesha, WI 53186 USA
support@blizzardlighting.com
www.blizzardlighting.com
414-395-8365
Page 4
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011-2012 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 decal or rear panel of the fi xture.
• This product is intended for indoor use only.
• To prevent risk of fi re or shock, do not expose fi xture to rain or moisture.
• Make sure there are no fl 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 fi xture using a safety chain. NEVER carry the fi 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.
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. B Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 5
2. MEET The Puck 3: Unplugged™ Flat LED PAR
Can
CONTROL FEATURES
• Superior color mixing via 9x 3-watt TRI-Color LEDs
• Variable electronic strobe
• Variable electronic dimmer
• Built-in automated programs via DMX and master/slave
• Built-in sound active programs
• Full color mixing in standalone and master/slave
• RGB Dimming (3-Channel) and extended (6-Channel) DMX modes
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
• Ultra Long-life intelion™ Lithium-Ion Battery System
• Durable acrylic lens protector for added LED protection
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 6
Figure 1: The Puck 3: Unplugged™ Pin-Up Picture
Dual Mounting
Yokes
Super Fly TRI-Color
LEDs
Acrylic Lens
Protector
Figure 2: The Rear Connections
DMX InDMX Out
LED Control Panel / Menu
wiCICLE Power Switch
Flat as a pancake!
AC Power In/Out
Fixture Power Switch
Not Shown: Battery Charge
Indicator
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. B Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 7
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
With a fl 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 The Puck 3: Unplugged™ Flat LED PAR
Cans
You will need a serial data link to run light shows using a DMX-512
controller or to run shows on two or more fi xtures set to sync in mas-
ter/slave operating mode. The combined number of channels required
by all the fi xtures on a serial data link determines the number of fi x-
tures the data link can support.
Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line.
Also, connecting more than 32 fi 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 fi xtures on a serial data
link is 32 fi xtures.
Data/DMX Cabling
To link fi 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.
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
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 8
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 fi x-
ture’s chassis ground. Grounding the common can cause a ground
loop, and your fi 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.
Step 2: Connect the female connector of the
DMX cable to the fi rst fi xture’s male connec-
tor (input). Note: It doesn’t matter which
fi xture address is the fi rst one connected.
We recommend connecting the fi xtures in
terms of their proximity to the controller,
rather than connecting the lowest fi xture
number fi rst, and so on.
Step 3: Connect other fi xtures in the chain
from output to input as above. Place a DMX
terminator on the output of the fi nal fi xture
to ensure best communication.
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 fi rst fi xture.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the
fi rst fi xture which will have a (female) 3 pin connec-
tor to the input connector of the next fi 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 fi xture and so on.
A quick note: Often,
the setup for MasterSlave and Standalone
operation requires that
the fi rst fi xture in the
chain be initialized for
this purpose via either
settings in the control
panel or DIP-switches.
Secondarily, the fi 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 confi guration.
Mounting & Rigging
This fi 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
fi xture using a suitable “C” or “O” type clamp. The clamp should be
rated to hold at least 10x the fi 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 fi xutres overhead.
Adjust the angle of the fi xture by loosening both knobs and tilting the fi xture. After fi 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 fi xture will be exposed to rain,
high humidity, extreme temperature changes or restricted ventilation.
USING THIS FIXTURE WITH THE wiCICLE® WIRELESS
DMX SYSTEM
In addition to the unbridled thrill you already received the fi rst time you plugged
in your fi xture, you’ll be delighted to know
that This fi xture also works seamlessly with
our wiCICLE
• ONLY fi xtures bearing this logo are certifi ed for use with the wiCI-
®
without external power.
CLE
®
Wireless DMX system, without additional power.
• Unauthorized modifi cation and/or using the wiCICLE
unapproved fi xtures may cause damage to the wiCICLE
®
with
®
or
fi 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
®
malfunction and damage to the wiCICLE
• wiCICLE
®
transmitters have additional power requirements
or fi xture.
and therefore cannot be powered directly from the fi xture. You
will need to utilize the supplied AC/DC adaptor to drive wiCI-
®
transmitters in your system.
CLE
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 11
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. B Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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 dilligence, and that is the removal of extraneous DMX signals from your lighting rig
BEFORE proceeding.
SO: BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE, YOU SHOULD DISABLE ANY
BUILT-IN PROGRAMS IN THE FIXTURES YOU WISH TO CONNECT AND/
OR SET THEM AS SLAVES PRIOR TO RETURNING THEM TO DMX MODE
(IF APPLICABLE). Most fi xtures contain a built-in automatic, sound
active or custom program which is designed to operate with the fi xture
NOT connected to a DMX chain.
Some of these programs will automatically run unless the fi xture is set to slave
mode. These fi xtures typically sense DMX automatically and switch to DMX
mode upon receiving DMX signal (our Pucks do that!)
®
If you plug a wiCICLE
ter, “chances are good that the wiCICLE
“receiver” into an autosensing fi xture set as a “mas-
®
“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 fi xture and
verify it is receiving power (the STATUS LED should illuminate.)
®
2. Connect the AC/DC adaptor to the 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
NOTE: “GROUP” number
also corresponds to the
“GROUP” setting on our
LightCaster™ wireless DMX
Transceiver.
· 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 chan-
nel group, connect the transmitter to the DMX controller or the DMX out of a
fi 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 fl ash
lished.
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!
GREEN slowly until communication is estab-
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 12
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
Using The Battery System
The Puck 3: Unplugged™ features our proprietary intelion™ LithiumIon internal battery system which allows the user to the fl exibility to
operate their light fi xture without AC power for up to 20 hours.
The battery system’s built-in microprocessor controls charging and
overall battery health, so all you need to do is plug and play. A charge
indicator on the back of the fi xture turns from
charging is complete.
IMPORTANT:
A full charge is obtained after charging the fi xture for at least 4 hours.
The fi xture will automatically stop charging when the battery is in opti-
mal condition.
Display color/fade/chase, strobe, wiCICLE operation, and environmental factors including ambient temperature will all impact battery life.
Depending on program, battery life may range from 3 to 20 hours,
however, thanks to intelion™ battery management, the output of the
fi xture is extremely fl at over its entire run time.
RED to GREEN when
Light output (Luminous Intensity) at noted times:
(All fi gures are measured in Lux at 1 meter, Time in hours/minutes)
Approx. maximum run times with full charge, at 68F (20C):
COLOR PRESETCOLOR NAMERUN TIME
COL 1Red 22.25 Hours
COL 3Green11.5 Hours
COL 3Blue8 Hours
COL 4Yellow / R+G 8.25 Hours
COL 5Cyan / G+B5 Hours
COL 6Magenta / R+B7.75 Hours
COL 7White / R+G+B5 Hours
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. B Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 13
NOTE: After making any adjustment, hold the <MENU> button for approximately
3 seconds, otherwise the fi xture will return to the correct mode after approxi-
mately 10 seconds.
DMX Mode
Allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller.
1.) The default mode for the fi xture is DMX, which appears as Addr on the LED
Readout. Use the <ENTER> button then the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to
choose a channel between
2.) To change between 3 and 6 channel DMX mode, select
<ENTER>. Select either
Allows you to link up to 32 units together without a controller.
1.) Use standard DMX cables to daisy chain your units together via the DMX connector on the rear of the units.
2.) Choose a unit to function as the Master. Select MAST. The master unit must
be the fi rst unit. Finally, chain the units together using DMX cable.
Master
3.) Select slave function by using the <UP>/<DOWN> keys to reach SLAV in
the Master/Auto menu on the slave units, and they will react in the same as the
Master.
Slave
NOTE: Fixtures in slave mode will display “
Return the fi xture to master mode to use it as a standalone fi xture.
4.) On the master fi xture, use the <UP>/<DOWN> keys to reach SHND, which
allows you to select the Master/Slave mode.
SLNd then NASt to confi rm.
SLNd then SLAu to confi rm.
STBY“ (Standby). This is NORMAL.
Sound active
Auto mode
Color preset
Fade Mode
NOTE: Speed 1 = Fastest (Approx. 1.5 sec. per color), Speed 8 = Slowest (Approx.
2 min. per color).
SoUn then <ENTER> to confi rm.
CoLo then Auto, then <ENTER> to confi rm.
CoLo then CoL 1 - CoL 7, <ENTER>.
FAdE then SP 1 - SP 8, <ENTER>.
Page 14
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
To set a custom color in Master/Slave / Standalone Mode:
Using this function, you can select any color by adjusting the Red, Green and Blue values
from 0-255. You may also adjust the color balance of the fi xture.
Please note that modifying the values in this step will affect ALL modes, therefore
we recommend resetting all levels to their highest value (255) after using this
mode.
1.) Select
2.) Choose
3.) Using the <UP>/<DOWN> keys, select the color you wish to display by
varying Red/Green/Blue intensity between 0 and 255, then hit <ENTER> to
confi rm each color choice.
4.) Select Color preset mode as instructed above, then select
<ENTER> to confi rm.
To Show the Fixture Running Hours:
1.) Select
NAnu from the control panel, then hit <ENTER>.
rEd, GrEE, or bLuE, then hit <ENTER> to confi rm.
CoL 7. then
FhrS from the control panel, then hit <ENTER> to confi rm.
Stuck? Want More
Information?
Check out our
helpful tutorial video
HERE:
http://youtu.be/xVKhmV-v0jA
That should tell you everything you need to
know!
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. B Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 15
Troubleshooting
SymptomSolution
Fixture AutoShut Off
Beam is DimCheck optical system and clean excess dust/grime. Also
No Light OutputCheck to ensure fi xture is operating under correct mode, IE
Chase Speed
Too Fast/Slow
No PowerCheck fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.
Blown FuseCheck AC cord and circuit for damage, verify that moving
Slow MovementVerify that 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if
No Response to
Audio
Check the fan in the fi 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 fi 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.
sound active/auto/DMX/Etc., if applicable. Contact service
for more information.
Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.
parts are not restricted and that unit’s ventilation is not
obstructed
applicable. Also check that speed channels are set appropriately.
Verify that the fi xture is in “Sound Active” mode.
Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.
Fixture Not
Responding /
Responding Erraticly
Intermittant
Lamp
Remote Doesn’t
Work
Fixture Moving
On Its Own
Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely.
Use Only DMX Cables.
Install a Terminator.
Check all cables for defects.
Reset fi xture(s).
Check lamp for properly installation.
Relamp, lamp may have reached end of life.
Verify remote control cable is installed properly and securely.
Verify remote is correct type (CA-9 or other as applicable.)
Verify proper mode of operation. Is the fi xture in “Auto”
mode?
If your problem isn’t listed, or if problems persist,
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 16
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 fl 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 classifi 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 fi 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 fl 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 defi ned standard.
DMX is connected using a daisy-chain confi guration where the source connects to the input
of the fi rst device, the output of the fi 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 fi xtures are used, the fi rst fi xture might
be set to start at channel 1 so it would respond to DMX channels 1 through 6, and the next
fi 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 fi 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 fi 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 fi 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 fl exible, robust, and scalable, and its ability to control everything
from dimmer packs to moving lights to foggers to lasers makes it an indispensible tool for
any lighting designer or lighting performer.
The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. B Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 17
Keeping Your Puck 3: Unplugged™ As Good As New
The fi xture you’ve received is a rugged, tough piece of pro lighting equip-
ment, 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 fi 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 fi xture running cool and prevent damage from overheating.
In transit, keep the fi 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
fi xtures.
Common sense and taking care of your fi 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 satistfaction 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 fi nd yourself with a fi xture that isn’t
behaving like a good little fi 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 fi xture for transit, and whenever possible, use
the original box & packing for shipping.
When returning your fi 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 fi 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.
Random Answer: (eye hip arm leg ear toe jaw rib lip gum)
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The Puck 3: Unplugged Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC