Blizzard Lighting Switchblade User Manual Rev A

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Blizzard Lighting, LLC

www.blizzardlighting.com

Waukesha, WI USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SwitchBlade™ 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 Head In The Oven!) 4

2. Meet The SwitchBlade™ LED 5

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

3. Setup 7

Fuse Replacement 7 Connecting A Bunch Of SwitchBlade™ Moving Heads 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 11 Master/Slave Mode 11 Sound Active Mode 11 Standalone (Program) Mode 11 Manual Color Adjustment 11 DMX Channel Values In-Depth 12 Troubleshooting 13

5. Appendix 14

Keeping Your SwitchBlade™ As Good As New 14 Returns (Gasp!) 14 Shipping Issues 14 Tech Specs 15

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1. GETTING STARTED

What’s In The Box?

• 1 x SwitchBlade™ Ultra Sharp LED Moving Head Fixture

• 1 x All important power cord

• A Mounting Bracket and Safety Cable

• Some Styrofoam

• This User Manual

Getting It Out Of The Box

Are you bad? If not you can Beat It. MJ made the SwitchBlade™ famous in his classic 1984 video. We ﬁ gure if someone publicly used a SwitchBlade™ in today’s society they would be the chastised for promoting violence. Since we like a challenge, we introduce to you The SwitchBlade™. You now own a one of a kind Moving Head with one of the sharpest beams in the industry. Now that you’ve got your SwitchBlade™, 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! . 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 N16 W23390 Stoneridge Dr. Ste E Waukesha, WI 53188 USA www.blizzardlighting.com 414-395-8365 Email: support@blizzardlighting.com

Disclaimer: The information and speciﬁ 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 1/5/2014 W. Komassa 1/7/2014

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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. 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 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.

• Carrying a SwitchBlade™ under your jacket may be viewed as a concealed weapon by law enforcement.

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™ LED MOVING HEAD

CONTROL FEATURES

• 1x CREE XLamp MC-E 4-IN-1 10W LED

• 50,000 hours lifespan and low power consumption

• Narrow 2 degree beam angle

• Outstanding beam effects

• High efﬁ ciency LED shutter

• 8 built-in default programs for easy performance

• Amazing beam color splitting effects

• Built-in sound active programs

• 10/12 DMX Channels

• Built-in color & chase macros via DMX, Sound, and Auto Modes

• DMX512, master-slave, sound activated, auto mode

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• 4-button LCD display control panel menu

• Efﬁ cient low noise fan cooling system

• 3-pin XLR connectors IN/OUT

• 420 Lux (R), 492 Lux (G), 610 Lux (B) and 1070 Lux (W) @7M

• 1/4 turn fastening Omega Clamp

DMX Quick Reference - 12 / 10 Channel Mode

Ch 12 Channel 10 Channel

1 Pan Pan 2 Pan Fine Tilt 3 Tilt Speed 4 Tilt Fine Shutter 5 Speed Dimmer 6 Shutter Red 7 Dimmer Green 8 Red Blue 9 Green White 10 Blue Special 11 White 12 Macros

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Figure 1: The SwitchBlade™ Pin-Up Picture

Super Fast Single Arm Rotating Yoke

Ergonomically Correct Handles

High Power OSRAM 4-in-1

Quad Color RGBW LED

Super Sharp

2 Degree Beam

4 Button Controls

and LCD Display

Figure 2: Behind The Beam

DMX InDMX Out

AC Power In

Fuse Power Switch

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3. SETUP

Fuse Replacement

CAUTION! 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 SwitchBlade™ 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 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 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

For instance, Belden© 9841 meets the speciﬁ 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

(Cough did I mention Cool Cables?)

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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 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:

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 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.

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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 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.

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4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS

The Control Panel

All the goodies and different modes possible with the SwitchBlade™ LED are accessed by using the control panel on the front of the ﬁ 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 conﬁ 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 ﬁ 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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Control Panel Menu Structure

NOdE Addr VALU A001 A512 Choose ﬁ xture DMX address

SLAU Set ﬁ xture to Slave mode

SOUN 1P01 Run the ﬁ xture in sound active mode

ALON SO-A Run the ﬁ xture in S/A single/alone mode

NASt S0-N Run the ﬁ xture in Master for S/A mode 1P08 AUTO 1P01

Run built-in programs

ALON A0-A Run Macros in single/alone mode NASt AO-N Run Macros in Master for Master/Slave mode 1P08 rESt ON

OFF

dN11 NOd1

NOd2 10 channel DMX mode

All reset

12 Channel DMX mode

SEt NIC N-00 N-99 Mic sensitivity VEr U-10 Software Version

LOdA ON Reload data

OFF

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 select a different DMX address, using the <MENU> button, select select

Addr,then hit <ENTER>, then select VALU,then hit <ENTER>. Use the <UP/

DOWN> buttons to select the correct address, then hit <ENTER> to conﬁ 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

the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons to select or select

Sound Active or Auto Modes

1.) To select Sound Active or Auto mode, using the <MENU> button, select NOdE, then hit <ENTER>, then using the <UP/DOWN> select

NOd2 and press <ENTER> for 10 channel mode.

dN11 and press the <ENTER> button. Then use

NOd1 and press <ENTER> for 12 channel mode,

SOUN, (for Sound Active mode) or select

AUTO (for Auto Mode) then hit <ENTER>. At this time you will be given the chance to select

one of the 8 pre-programmed macros. Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select the programmed sequence you would like to run, then hit <ENTER> to conﬁ rm.

A001 on the LED Readout. To

NOdE,then hit <ENTER>,

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DMX Values In-Depth

12 CH 10 CH Function Value What It Does

11PAN 000 <--> 255 Pan 2 PAN Fine 000 <--> 255 Pan (ﬁ ne) 32TILT 000 <--> 255 Tilt 4 TILT Fine 000 <--> 255 Tilt (ﬁ ne) 53SPEED 000 <--> 225

226 <--> 235 236 <--> 245 246 <--> 255

64SHUTTER 000 <--> 031

032 <--> 063 064 <--> 095 096 <--> 127 128 <--> 159 160 <--> 191 192 <--> 223

224 <--> 255 75DIMMER 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%) 86RED 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%) 97GREEN 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%) 10 8 BLUE 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%) 11 9 WHITE 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%) 12 10 MACROS 000 <--> 079

080 <--> 099

100 <--> 119

120 <--> 139

140 <--> 159

160 <--> 179

180 <--> 199

200 <--> 219

220 <--> 239

240 <--> 255

Min to Max Speed Blackout By Movement Blackout By All Wheel Changing NoFunction

Shutter Closed Shutter Open Strobe effect Fast to Slow Shutter Open Pulse effect in Sequences Shutter Open Random Strobe effect Slow to Fast Shutter Open

No Function Motor Reset (Hold for 8 seconds) Internal Program 1 Internal Program 2 Internal Program 3 Internal Program 4 Internal Program 5 Internal Program 6 Internal Program 7 Internal Program 8

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Troubleshooting

Symptom Solution

Fixture Auto-Shut Off

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

No Light Output Check to ensure ﬁ xture is operating under correct mode, IE sound

Chase Speed Too Fast/Slow

No Power Check fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction. Blown Fuse Check AC cord and circuit for damage, verify that moving parts are

Slow Movement Verify that 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.

No Response to Audio

Fixture Not Responding / Responding Erraticly

Intermittent Lamp

Remote Doesn’t Work

Fixture Moving On Its Own

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.

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

active/auto/DMX/Etc., if applicable. Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.

not restricted and that unit’s ventilation is not obstructed

Also check that speed channels are set appropriately. Verify that the ﬁ xture is in “Sound Active” mode.

Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable. Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely.

Use Only DMX Cables and/or check cables for defects Install a Terminator. 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 persists or isn’t listed contact support@blizzardlighting.com.

If your problem isn’t listed, or if problems persist, please contact support: sup-

port@blizzardlighting.com.

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Keeping Your SwitchBlade™ 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 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 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.

Page 14

Tech Specs!

Weight & Dimensions

Length 9.05 inches (230 mm) Width 5.90 inches (150 mm) Height 9.45 inches (240 mm) Weight 6.83 lbs (3.1 kg)

Power

Operating Voltage 100-230VAC, 50-60Hz Fuse 4A 250V Power Consumption 35W

Light Source

LED 1x 10w CREE XLamp MC-E 4-in-1 LED’s

Lux (Measured)

Red 9,880 @ 1m | 1,180 @ 3m | 705 @ 5m Green 20,070 @ 1m | 1,970 @ 3m | 840 @ 5m Blue 28,680 @ 1m | 2,240 @ 3m | 1,040 @ 5m White 32,880 @ 1m | 3,140 @ 3m | 1,410 @ 5m

Optical

Beam Angle 2 degree optics standard

Thermal

Max. Operating Temp. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient

Control

Protocol USITT DMX-512 DMX Channels 10 / 12 Channels Input 3-pin XLR Male Output 3-pin XLR Female Other Operating Modes Standalone, Master/Slave, Sound Active, Auto

Other Information

When opening a SwitchBlade, never put your hand over the blade

2-year limited warranty, does not cover mal-

Warranty

function caused by damage to LED’s.

Page 15

Enjoy your product!

Our sincerest thanks for your purchase!

--The team @ Blizzard Lighting

Blizzard Lighting Switchblade User Manual Rev A

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual