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 ToughPar™ V12 LED 5
Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The ToughPar™ V12 Pin-up Picture 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7
Connecting A Bunch Of ToughPar™ V12 PAR Cans 7
Data/DMX Cables 7
Cable Connectors 8
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh? 8
Take It To The Next Level: Setting up DMX Control 8
Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode) 9
Mounting/Rigging 9
4. Operating Adjustments 10
Navigating The Control Panel 10
Control Panel Menu Structure 11
DMX Mode 12
Master/Slave Mode 12
Standalone (Program) Mode 12
Manual Color Adjustment 12
DMX Channel Values In-Depth 13
Troubleshooting 14
5. Appendix 15
A Quick DMX Lesson 15
Keeping Your ToughPar™ V12 As Good As New 16
Returns (Gasp!) 16
Shipping Issues 16
Tech Specs 17
The following accessories are available for this xture. But the lone wolves that they are, they must
be purchased separately. Contact your authorized Blizzard Lighting dealer for pricing!
• DMX-EXT: 3-Meter IP-Rated DMX Extension Cable
• PWR-EXT: 3-Meter IP-Rated Power Extension Cable
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulations on purchasing one of the toughest PAR xtures anywhere! Now that you’ve got your
ToughPar™ V12 (or hopefully, V12’s!), 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.
• Please keep this User Guide for future use. If you sell the unit to someone
else, be sure that they also receive this User Guide.
• ALWAYS make sure that you are connecting to the proper voltage, and that
the line voltage you are connecting to is not higher than that stated on the de-
cal or rear panel of the xture.
• This product is intended for indoor use only.
• To prevent risk of re or shock, do not expose xture to rain or moisture.
• Make sure there are no ammable materials close to the unit while operating.
• The unit must be installed in a location with adequate ventilation, at least
20in (50cm) from adjacent surfaces. 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.
CAUTION! The ToughPar™ V12 utilizes a high-output switch-mode
power supply with an internal fuse. Under normal operating condi-
tions, the fuse should not require replacement. The fuse is eld
replaceable, however it is an advanced procedure suited to qualied
individuals. Should your ToughPar™ V12 fuse require replacement,
please contact Blizzard Lighting for instructions, or to return your unit
for service.
Connecting A Bunch of ToughPar™ V12 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 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 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 datagrade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to
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
Cables must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR
connector on the other end. (Duh!)
CAUTION: Do not allow contact between the common and the x-
ture’s chassis ground. Grounding the common can cause a ground
loop, and your xture may perform erratically. Test cables with an
ohm meter to verify correct polarity and to make sure the pins are not
grounded or shorted to the shield or each other.
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh?!?
If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5 pin to 3 pin adapter.
They are widely available over the internet and from specialty retailers If you’d like to build your own, the
chart below details a proper cable conversion:
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.
All the goodies and different modes possible with the ToughPar™ V12
LED are accessed by using the control panel on the rear of the xture.
There are 4 control buttons below the LED display which allow you to
navigate through the various control panel menus.
<MENU>
Is used to navigate to the previous higher-level menu item.
<UP>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in ascending order.
<DOWN>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in descending order.
<ENTER>
Is used to select and conrm/store the current selection.
The Control Panel LED Display shows the menu items you select from
the menu map on page #11. When a menu function is selected, the
display will show immediately the rst available option for the selected
menu function. To select a menu item, press <ENTER>.
Press the <MENU> button repeatedly until you reach the desired
menu function. Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to navigate the
menu options. Press the <ENTER> button to select the menu function
currently displayed, or to enable a menu option. To return to the previous option or menu without changing the value, press the
<MENU> button.
No Function
Fade In (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
Fade Out (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
Fade In / Fade Out (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
Multicolor Fade (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
Fade In / Fade Out, Auto Run
Color Jump (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
No Function
Fade Speed
Fade Speed (Slow <--> Fast)
32-Bit Dimmer
As set in the control menu display
Mode 0 = 8-bit, 256 dimming steps
Mode 1 = 32-bit, 0-25% intensity range
Mode 2 = 32-bit, 0-50% intensity range
Mode 3 = 32-bit, 0-75% intensity range
Mode 4 = 32-bit, full intensity dimming
No Function
Fade In (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
Fade Out (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
Fade In / Fade Out (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
Multicolor Fade (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
Fade In / Fade Out, Auto Run
Color Jump (Ch. 9 Controls Speed)
No Function
Fade Speed
Fade Speed (Slow <--> Fast)
Page 13
DMX Values In-Depth (5-Channel Mode)
Ch.ValueWhat It Does
1000 <--> 255Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
2000 <--> 255Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3000 <--> 255Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4000 <--> 255Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5000 <--> 255White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
DMX Values In-Depth (4-Channel Mode)
Ch.ValueWhat It Does
1
000 <--> 255
000 <--> 255Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
2
3
000 <--> 255White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4
000 <--> 255Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
RGB Color Mixing
Troubleshooting
SymptomSolution
Fixture Auto-Shut
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.
Blown FuseCheck AC cord and circuit for damage, verify that moving parts are
Slow MovementVerify that 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.
No Response to
Audio
Fixture Not
Responding /
Responding Erraticly
Intermittent
Lamp
Fixture Moving
On Its Own
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.
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 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 xture(s).
Check lamp for properly installation.
Relamp, lamp may have reached end of life.
Verify proper mode of operation. Is the xture in “Auto” mode?
If your problem persists or isn’t listed contact support@blizzardlighting.com.
DMX (aka DMX-512) was created in 1986 by the United States Institute for Theatre
Technology (USITT) as a standardized method for connecting lighting consoles to lighting
dimmer modules. It was revised in 1990 and again in 2000 to allow more exibility. The
Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) has since assumed control over
the DMX512 standard. It has also been approved and recognized for ANSI standard clas-
sication.
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.
The greatest strength of the DMX communications protocol is that it is very simple and
robust. It involves transmitting a reset condition (indicating the start of a new “packet”),
a start code, and up to 512 bytes of data. Data packets are transmitted continuously. As
soon as one packet is nished, another can begin with no delay if desired (usually another
follows within 1 ms). If nothing is changing (i.e. no lamp levels change) the same data will
be sent out over and over again. This is a great feature of DMX -- if for some reason the
data is not interpreted the rst time around, it will be re-sent shortly.
Not all 512 channels need to be output per packet, and in fact, it is very uncommon to nd
all 512 used. The fewer channels are used, the higher the “refresh” rate. It is possible to
get DMX refreshes at around 1000 times per second if only 24 channels are being transmitted. If all 512 channels are being transmitted, the refresh rate is around 44 times per
second.
In summary, since its design and evolution in the 1980’s DMX has become the standard
for lighting control. It is exible, robust, and scalable, and its ability to control everything
from dimmer packs to moving lights to foggers to lasers makes it an indispensable tool for
any lighting designer or lighting performer.
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 Authori-
zation (RA).
Don’t worry, this is easy. Just send an email to support@blizzardlighting.com,
and we’ll issue you an RA. Then, you’ll need to send the unit to us using a
trackable, pre-paid freight method. We suggest using USPS Priority or UPS.
Make sure you carefully pack the xture for transit, and whenever possible, use
the original box & packing for shipping.
When returning your xture for service, be sure to include the following:
1.) Your contact information (Name, Address, Phone Number, Email address).
2.) The RA# issued to you
3.) A brief description of the problem/symptoms.
We will, at our discretion, repair or replace the xture. Please remember that
any shipping damage which occurs in transit to us is the customer’s responsibility, so pack it well!
Shipping Issues
Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper, and
must be reported to the carrier immediately upon receipt of the items.
Claims must be made within seven (7) days of receipt.