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 Solar System™ 5
Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The Solar System™ Pin-up Picture 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7
Connecting A Bunch Of Solar System™ 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
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
Static Color Adjustment 12
The Solar System™ Foot Switch Controller 13
DMX Channel Values In-Depth 14
Troubleshooting 16
5. Appendix 16
A Quick DMX Lesson 16
Keeping Your Solar System™ As Good As New 17
Returns (Gasp!) 17
Shipping Issues 17
Tech Specs 18
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 2
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
• 1 x Solar System™ Fixture LED Bar w/Case
• 1 x Tripod Lighting Stand w/Case
• 1 x Foot Switch Controller
• 2 x Mounting Brackets
• This Lovely User Manual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulations on purchasing one of the coolest LED lighting systems anywhere! Now
that you’re the proud owner of a Solar System™ (or hopefully, MORE!), you should
carefully unpack the box and check the contents to ensure that all parts are present and
in good condition. If anything looks as if it has been damaged in transit, notify the shipper
immediately and keep the packing material for inspection. Again, please save the carton
and all packing materials. If a xture must be returned to the factory, it is important that
the xture be returned in the original factory box and packing.
Powering Up!
All xtures must be powered directly off a switched circuit and cannot be run off a
rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer
channel is used solely for a 0% to 100% switch.
AC Voltage Switch - Not all xtures have a voltage select switch, so please verify that the
xture you receive is suitable for your local power supply. See the label on the xture or
refer to the xture’s specications chart for more information. A xture’s listed current
rating is its average current draw under normal conditions. Check the xture or device
carefully to make sure that if a voltage selection switch exists that it is set to the correct
line voltage you will use.
Warning! Verify that the voltage select switch on your unit matches the line
voltage applied. Damage to your xture may result if the line voltage applied does
not match the voltage indicated on the voltage selector switch. All xtures must
be connected to circuits with a suitable Ground (Earthing).
Getting A Hold Of Us
If something is wrong, just give us a call or send an email. We’ll be happy to
help, honest.
Blizzard Lighting
N16 W23390 Stoneridge Dr. Ste E
Waukesha, WI 53188 USA
www.blizzardlighting.com
414-395-8365
Email: support@blizzardlighting.com
Disclaimer: The information and specications contained in this document are subject
to change without notice. Blizzard Lighting™ assumes no responsibility or liability for any
errors or omissions that may appear in this user manual. Blizzard Lighting™ reserves the
right to update the existing document or to create a new document to correct any errors
or omissions at any time. You can download the latest version of this document from www.
blizzardlighting.com.
Author:Date:Last Edited:Date:
J. Thomas1/27/2014J. Thomas3/12/2014
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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.
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 4
2. MEET THE SOLAR SYSTEM™
MAIN FEATURES:
• User selectable 3/5/26 DMX channels
• 4x xtures, each with R:48, G:36, & B:36 (480 total) 10mm LED’s
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)Built-in Programs + Sound Active
Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%) Speed + Mic Sensitivity
Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)Strobe
Dimmer---
Strobe---
Page 5
Figure 1: The Solar System™ Pin-Up Picture
Rugged Black
Aluminum Casings
High Power
10mm R/G/B LEDs
Figure 2: The Rear Connections
AC Power Out
DMX InDMX Out
Adjustable Position
LED Fixtures
Adjustable Height
Tripod Stand
4-Button LED Control Panel
AC
Power In
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 6
Footswitch
Input
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! The Solar System™ utilizes a high-output switch-mode
power supply with an internal fuse. Under normal operating conditions,
the fuse should not require replacement. The fuse is eld replaceable,
however it is an advanced procedure suited to qualied individuals.
Should your Solar System™ fuse require replacement, please contact
Blizzard Lighting for instructions, or to return your unit for service.
Connecting A Bunch of Solar System™ Fixtures
You will need a serial data link to run light shows using a DMX-512
controller or to run shows on two or more xtures set to sync in master/
slave operating mode. The combined number of channels required by all
the xtures on a serial data link determines the number of xtures the
data link can support.
Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line.
Also, connecting more than 32 xtures on one serial data link without the
use of a DMX optically-isolated splitter may result in deterioration of the
digital DMX signal.
The maximum recommended cable-run distance is 500 meters (1640 ft).
The maximum recommended number of xtures on a serial data link is
32 xtures.
Data/DMX Cabling
To link xtures together you’ll need data cables. You should use data-
grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to
electromagnetic interference.
applications. Standard microphone cables will “probably” be OK, but note
that they cannot transmit DMX data as reliably over long distances. In
any event, the cable should have the following characteristics:
2-conductor twisted pair plus a shield
Maximum capacitance between conductors – 30 pF/ft.
Maximum capacitance between conductor & shield – 55 pF/ft.
Maximum resistance of 20 ohms / 1000 ft.
Nominal impedance 100 – 140 ohms
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 7
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:
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 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.
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 8
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 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 conguration.
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.
• 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.
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 9
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the Solar System™
are accessed by using the control panel on the side of the xture.
There are 4 control buttons below the LED display which allow you to
navigate through the various control panel menus.
MODESETUPDOWNUP
<MODE>
Is used to navigate the various modes.
<SETUP>
Is used to enter into the selected mode setup.
<UP>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in ascending order.
<DOWN>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in descending order.
The Control Panel LED Display shows the menu items listed on the
Control Panel Menu Structure on page 11. Use the <MODE>
button to navigate your choices. To edit a setting, push the <SETUP>
button, then use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons again to scroll
through your options.
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 10
Control Panel Menu Structure
d001 d001 - d512 To choose the DMX address
3-CH To choose 3 channel DMX mode
5-CH To choose 5 channel DMX mode
48CH To choose 48 channel DMX mode
Pr-- Pr01 - Pr18 Built-in programs
SP01 - SPFL Speed adjustment (slow <--> fast)
FS 00 - F599 Strobe speed (slow <--> fast)
AU7O n001 - n100 Auto mode
SP01 - SPFL Speed adjustment (slow <--> fast)
FS 01 - F599 Strobe speed (slow <--> fast)
SLAu Sets the xture to run in slave mode
SU-- SU00-SU31 Sound active (-/+ = mic sensitivity)
CL-- CL.r- Display static color RED CL.6- Display static color: GREEN CL.b- Display static color: BLUE CL.r6 Display static color: RED+GREEN CL.rb Display static color: RED+BLUE CL.Gb Display static color: GREEN+BLUE CL.ON Display static color: RED+GREEN+BLUE CL.0F All Static Colors: OFF
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 11
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
readout. To select a different DMX address, hit the <SETUP> button and use
the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select the your desired starting DMX address,
then hit <SETUP> again to conrm your choice.
d001
on the LED
Auto, Master/Slave, Sound Active Modes:
Allows a single or Master/Slaved units to run factory installed programs at user selectable
speeds.
1.) To change the DMX channel mode, use the <MODE> button to scroll to
d001 and hit the <SETUP> button.Push the <SETUP> button again and use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll through your choices of 3-ch, 5-ch or
48ch. Press <MODE> toconrm your choice.
2.) To set the xture in automatic mode, use the <MODE> button to scroll to
AUTO and hit <SETUP>. Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll through the
auto programs n001-n100 and push the <SETUP> button to conrm your
choice. Then you can adjust the chase speed. Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons
to adjust the chase speed setting from SP01 - SPFL (slow <--> fast), and push
the <SETUP> button. Now you can adjust the strobe speed by selecting the
speed adjustment settings of FS01 - FS99 (slow <--> fast).
3.) To set the xture to run one of its 18 built-in chase patterns, use the
<MODE> button to scroll to Pr--, and hit <SETUP>. Use the <UP/DOWN>
buttons to scroll through auto program choices of Pr01-Pr18 and push the
<SETUP> button to conrm your choice. Then you can adjust the chase speed of the program by using the <UP/DOWN> buttons and choose from SP01 SPFL (slow <--> fast), and push the <SETUP> button. Now you can adjust the
strobe speed by selecting the strobe speed adjustment settings of FS01 - FS99
(slow <--> fast).
4.) To use the xture as a slave unit, use the <MODE> button to scroll to SLAu
and hit the <SETUP> button. Your xture will then be in slave mode.
Sound Active Mode:
1.) To use this xture in sound active mode, scroll to SU-- using the <MODE>
button, and hit <SETUP>. Then using the <UP/DOWN> buttons, choose the
built-in sound active chase pattern. Adjusting the settings from SU01 - SU31
will adjust the built-in microphone sensitivity level (low <--> high).
Static Color Adjustment:
Allows the user to display a static color on the xtures.
1.) Use the <MODE> button to navigate to CL-- and hit the <SETUP> button.
2.) From here, you can navigate and set the xtures to display the static
colors of CL.r- (red), CL.6- (green), CL.b- (blue), CL.r6 (red+green), CL.rb
(red+blue), CL.6b (green+blue), CL.ON (red+green+blue), or CL.OF (off).
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 12
The Solar System™ Foot Switch Controller
Pedal 1 - Auto Run
When you step on pedal 1 on the foot controller, it will set your xtures to run in
auto mode. The auto mode program settings are adjustable from the LED control
panel menu.
Pedal 2 - Sound Active
When you step on pedal 2 on the foot controller, it will set your xtures to run in
sound active mode. The built-in microphone sensitivity settings are adjustable
from the LED control panel menu.
Pedal 3 - Freeze
When you step on pedal 3 on the foot controller, it will freeze/suspend the currently running program. Step on pedal 3 again, and the Solar System™ will
continue running the suspended program.
Pedal 4 - Blackout
When you step on pedal 4 on the foot controller, it will blackout the currently
running program. Step on pedal 4 again, and the Solar System™ will continue
running the program where it left off.
*Note: The LED display of the Solar System™ will automatically turn off after 30 seconds
of inactivity.
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
No Function
Program 1
Program 2
Program 3
Program 4
Program 5
Program 6
Program 7
Program 8
Program 9
Program 10
Program 11
Program 12
Program 13
Program 14
Program 15
Program 16
Program 17
Program 18
Sound Active Mode (Channel 2 controls mic sensitivity)
Page 15
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 dened standard.
DMX is connected using a daisy-chain conguration where the source connects to the input
of the rst device, the output of the rst device connects to the input of the next device,
and so on. The standard allows for up to 32 devices on a single DMX link.
Each receiving device typically has a means for setting the “starting channel number” that
it will respond to. For example, if two 6-channel xtures are used, the rst xture might
be set to start at channel 1 so it would respond to DMX channels 1 through 6, and the next
xture would be set to start at channel 7 so it would respond to channels 7 through 12.
Troubleshooting
SymptomSolution
Fixture AutoShut Off
Beam is DimCheck optical system and clean excess dust/grime. Also ensure that
No Light OutputCheck to ensure xture is operating under correct mode, IE sound
Chase Speed Too
Fast/Slow
No PowerCheck fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.
No Response to
Audio
Fixture Not
Responding /
Responding Erratically
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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.
the 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.
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).
Page 16
Keeping Your Solar System™ 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.
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 17
Tech Specs!
Weight & Dimensions
Width
Depth
Height
Weight
Power
Operating VoltageAC 100-240VAC, 50/60 Hertz
Power Consumption42W, .47A
Fuse125V 1A
Power Factor.66
Light Source
LED480x (4x R:48, G:36, & B:36) 10mm LEDs
Optical
Beam Angle30 degree optics standard
Luminous IntensityLux/mRedGreenBlueAll
Main Unit: 22.9”(580 mm), Foot Controller: 17 inches
(432 mm), Power Cord: 16 ft Length
Main Unit: 6.5”(165 mm), Foot Controller: 6 inches
(152.4 mm)
Main Unit: 11.62 inches (295 mm), Foot Controller:
2⅛ inches (5.5 cm)
Main Unit: 10.15 lbs (4.6 kg), Foot Controller: 3.5 lbs
(1.6 kg), Stand: 8 lbs (3.63 kg)
1m1,0001,6301,5604,000
2m4208007601,850
Thermal
Max. Operating Temp.104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Stand
Max. Operating Height8 feet
Control
ProtocolUSITT DMX-512
DMX Channels3/5 or 48 Channels
Input3-pin XLR Male
Output3-pin XLR Female
Other Operating Modes Standalone, Master/Slave, Sound Active, Color Preset
Alias
The chick beacon.
Warranty
Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2-year limited warranty, does not cover malfunction
caused by damage to LED’s.
Page 18
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Solar System™ User Manual Rev. A (c) 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Page 19
Enjoy your product!
Our sincerest thanks for your purchase!
--The team @ Blizzard Lighting
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