Chauvet DMX-4 LED User Manual

DMX-4 LED

User Manual

CHAUVET®, 2010, All Rights Reserved
Information and specifications in this User Manual are subject to change without notice.
CHAUVET® assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear
in this manual.

Author: Anthony Chiappone
Revision: 01
Release Date: 12-10-2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN ................................................................................................................................................... 3

WHAT IS INCLUDED ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 3

MANUAL CONVENTIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

ICONS .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4

2. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

PRODUCT OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

3. SETUP .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

AC POWER........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

NOTES ON “SWITCH” OPERATION ........................................................................................................................................................... 6

CHANGING BETWEEN “DIMMER” AND “SWITCH” ........................................................................................................................................ 6

MOUNTING............................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Orientation ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Rigging ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Rigging ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 9

CONFIGURING THE STARTING ADDRESS .................................................................................................................................................. 9

DMX MODE .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

STANDALONE MODE .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9

MENU MAP ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

DMX CHANNEL VALUES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10

4-Channel Personality............................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

2-Channel Personality............................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

1-Channel Personality............................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

5. APPENDIX .................................................................................................................................................................. 11

GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

DMX PRIMER ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

FIXTURE LINKING (DAISY CHAIN) .......................................................................................................................................................... 12

DATA CABLING .................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

DMX Data Cable .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

CABLE CONNECTORS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

SETTING THE STARTING ADDRESS ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion Chart ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Setting up a DMX Daisy Chain .............................................................................................................................................................................. 14

GENERAL MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................................................................... 15

RETURNS PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15

CLAIMS .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 16

CONTACT US ................................................................................................................................................................ . 16

1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN

What is included

 1 x DMX-4 LED
 1 x Power Cord
 1 x Warranty Card
 1 x User Manual

Unpacking Instructions

Immediately upon receiving a fixture, carefully unpack the carton, check the contents to ensure
that all parts are present, and have been received in good condition. Notify the shipper
immediately and retain packing material for inspection if any parts appear damaged from
shipping or the carton itself shows signs of mishandling. Save the carton and all packing
materials. In the event that a fixture must be returned to the factory, it is important that the fixture
be returned in the original factory box and packing.

Manual Conventions

CHAUVET® manuals use the following conventions to differentiate certain types of information
from the regular text.

CONVENTION

MEANING

[10]

A DIP switch to be configured

<Menu>

A key to be pressed on the fixture’s control panel

1~512

A range of values

50/60

A set of values of which only one can be chosen

Settings

A menu option not to be modified (for example, showing the operating
mode/current status)

MENU >
Settings

A sequence of menu options to be followed

ON

A value to be entered or selected

Icons

This manual uses the following icons to indicate information that requires special attention on the
part of the user.

ICONS

MEANING

This paragraph contains critical installation, configuration or operation
information. Failure to comply with this information may render the fixture
partially or completely inoperative, cause damage to the fixture or cause
harm to the user.

This paragraph contains important installation or configuration information.
Failure to comply with this information may prevent the fixture from
functioning correctly.

This paragraph reminds you of useful, although not critical, information.

1. Before You Begin 3 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

Safety Instructions

 Please keep this User Manual for future consultation. If you sell the unit to another

user, be sure that they also receive this instruction booklet.

 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 fixture.

 This product is intended for indoor use only! To prevent risk of fire or shock, do not

expose fixture to rain or moisture.

 Make sure there are no flammable materials close to the unit while operating.
 The unit must be installed in a location with adequate ventilation, at least 20 in (50 cm)

from adjacent surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are blocked.

 Always disconnect from power source before servicing or replacing fuse and be sure to

replace with same fuse source.

 Secure fixture to fastening device using a safety chain.
 Maximum ambient temperature (Ta) is 104° F (40° C). Do not operate fixture at

temperatures higher than this.

 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.

 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.
 Never carry the fixture directly from the cord. Always use the hanging/mounting

bracket.

 Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while it is on.

Please read these instructions carefully. It includes important information
about the installation, usage and maintenance of this product.

1. Before You Begin 4 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

2. INTRODUCTION

Product Overview

LED Display

Power In

Power Switch

Control Buttons

DMX In

DMX Out

Channel Outputs

(1~4)

LED Channel
Indicators

Fuseholders

2. Introduction 5 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

3. SETUP

AC Power

This fixture accepts an input of 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Before powering on the unit, make sure
the line voltage to which you are connecting it is within the range of accepted voltages. Also
make sure that the fixtures you are plugging into the DMX-4 LED match the input voltage.

Input voltage equals output voltage.

To determine the power requirements for a particular fixture, see the label affixed to the back

plate of the fixture or refer to the fixture’s specifications chart. A fixture’s listed current rating

indicates its average current draw under normal conditions.

Always connect the fixture to a switched circuit. Never connect the fixture to a rheostat
(variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer channel is used only
as a 0 to 100% switch.

Always connect the fixture to a circuit with a suitable electrical ground.

Notes on “Switch” Operation

Dimmer/switch packs are primarily intended for lamp-based PAR cans. Connecting a fixture
equipped with an electronic (switching) power supply to a dimmer/pack switch may damage the
fixture or make it work erratically.

The improved DMX-4 LED’s design now allows you to switch on and off loads equipped with

electronic power supplies, such as LED-based luminaries or laser fixtures. However, the DMX-4
LED must be in “switch” mode before connecting this type of loads to it. Please see the
instructions on how to set the DMX-4 LED in switch mode below.

Always make sure that the DMX-4 LED is in switch mode before connecting a load
equipped with an electronic power supply to it. Doing otherwise could damage the load.

Changing between “Dimmer” and “Switch”

The DMX-4 LED has two different methods for controlling the output of the four (4) channels. This
must be set by the user via the control panel.

Please see the steps below for this procedure.

1. Unplug any units from the four output channels.

2. Plug the DMX-4 LED into power.

3. Press <MODE> until ~ appears on the LED display.

4. Press <MENU> until **/**/**/** appears on the LED display. This setting can
be set differently for each of the four channels. Navigate to the desired channel.

5. Using <UP> & <DOWN>, select either  or .  switches the channel to “switch”
method.  sets it into dimmer method.

6. Continue to set this for each of the 4 channels, using the process detailed in the steps
above, until complete.

3. Setup 6 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

Mounting

Orientation

The DMX-4 LED may be mounted in any position, provided there is adequate room for ventilation.

Rigging

Be sure that the structure can support the weight of the fixture. Please see the “Technical
Specifications” section of this manual for a detailed weight listing. Mount the fixture securely. This

may be done with a screw, nut and bolt, or a hanging clamp. The hole in each bracket is 13 mm
in size. When rigging consider routine maintenance and control panel access. Please see the
following notes on installation.

 The back plate may be reversed for an alternate rigging configuration. See the section

on the following page for details on how to do this.

 Safety cables must always be used.

Mounting bracket

3. Setup 7 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

Rigging

The DMX-4 LED ships ready to mount a standard clamp directly to the mounting bracket.
However, if you are using this product with truss or a lighting stand, then there is an alternate
rigging configuration available. This option is ideal for hanging the product without using a
hanging clamp.

Please see the steps below for further details.

1. Unplug power from the product.

2. On the back of the product, locate the six (6) Edison #2 screws.

3. Using a screwdriver, remove these.

4. The mounting bracket will now come off. Be careful not to damage the internal
components of the dimmer, as they are exposed during this step!

5. Flip the mounting bracket (back panel) around.

6. Reattach the panel by securely installing the six (6) screws.

Remove these six
(6) screws

Back Panel

Alternate Rigging

Configuration

3. Setup 8 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Configuring the Starting Address

The DMX-4 LED fixture uses up to four DMX channels. The highest channel that the fixture may
be set to in order to function properly is 509. Any address higher than this will prevent access to
all of the channels.

If this is your first time using DMX, we recommend reading the “DMX Primer” section in the
“Appendix”.

DMX Mode

This is the operating mode which will allow for control with an external DMX controller. You must
set the starting address and personality for this mode.

Please see the instructions below.

1. Press <MODE> to switch between “DMX Mode” and “Standalone Mode”. Switch it to
“DMX Mode”.

2. Press <MENU> until the LED display reads ~.

3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select one of the three personalities.

4. Press <MENU> until the LED display reads ~.

5. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the DMX starting address.

Standalone Mode

This fixture has built-in auto programs with adjustable settings.
Please see the instructions below.

1. Press <MODE> to switch between “DMX Mode” and “Standalone Mode”. Switch it to

“Standalone Mode”.

2. Press <MENU> until the LED display reads ~.

3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select one of the programs.

4. Press <MENU> until the LED display reads ~.

5. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the desired run speed.

6. Press <MENU> until the LED display reads ~.

7. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the desired dimmer level for the program currently
running.

Menu Map

MODE

MENU

DISPLAY

DESCRIPTION

DMX Mode

Starting address

~

Personality



1-channel mode



2-channel mode



4-channel mode

Switch/Dimmer

Switch: 

Dimmer: 



Channel 1 function



Channel 2 function



Channel 3 function



Channel 4 function

Standalone Mode

Program

~

Run speed

~

Dimmer

~

Slow~fast

4. Operating Instructions 9 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

DMX Channel Values

4-Channel Personality

In this DMX personality, the four channels will be controlled by separate DMX channels.

CHANNEL

VALUE

FUNCTION

1

000  255

Dimmer

0%~100%

2

000  255

Dimmer

0%~100%

3

000  255

Dimmer

0%~100%

4

000  255

Dimmer

0%~100%

2-Channel Personality

In this DMX personality, the four channels will be grouped into pairs. Channels 1+2 will be
controlled by DMX channel 1, while channels 3 + 4 will be controlled by DMX channel 2.

CHANNEL

VALUE

FUNCTION

1

000  255

Dimmer

0%~100%

2

000  255

Dimmer

0%~100%

1-Channel Personality

In this DMX personality, the four channels will be grouped together. Channels 1+2+3+4 will all be
controlled by DMX channel 1.

CHANNEL

VALUE

FUNCTION

1

000  255

Dimmer

0%~100%

4. Operating Instructions 10 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

5. APPENDIX

General Troubleshooting

SYMPTOM

POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)

POSSIBLE ACTION(S)

Breaker/Fuse

keeps blowing

 Excessive circuit load

 Check total load placed on the

electrical circuit.

 Short circuit along the power

wires

 Check for a short in the electrical

wiring (internal and/or external).

Device does not

power up

 No power

 Check for power on Mains.

 Loose power cord

 Check power cord

Fixture is not

responding to DMX

 Wrong DMX addressing

 Check Control Panel and unit

addressing

 Damaged DMX cables

 Check DMX cables

 Wrong polarity settings on the

controller

 Check polarity switch settings on

the controller

 Loose DMX cables

 Check cable connections

 Faulty DMX interface

 Replace DMX input

 Faulty Main PCB

 Replace Main PCB

Loss of signal

 Non DMX cables

 Use only DMX compatible cables

 Bouncing signals

 Install terminator as suggested.

 Long cable / Low level signal

 Install amplifier right after fixture

with strong signal.

 Too many fixtures

 Install an optically coupled DMX

splitter after unit #32.

 Interference from AC wires

 Keep DMX cables separated from

power cables or black lights.

If you still have a problem after trying the above solutions, please contact CHAUVET®
Technical Support.

5. Appendix 11 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

DMX Primer

There are 512 channels in a DMX connection. A fixture capable of receiving DMX will require one
or a number of sequential channels. The user must assign a starting address on the fixture that
indicates the first channel reserved in the controller. There are many different types of DMX
controllable fixtures and they all may vary in the total number of channels required. Choosing a
start address should be planned in advance. Channels should never overlap. If they do, this will
result in erratic operation of the fixtures whose starting address is set incorrectly. You can
however, control multiple fixtures of the same type using the same starting address as long as the
intended result is that of unison movement or operation. In other words, the fixtures will all
respond exactly the same.

DMX fixtures are designed to receive data through a daisy chain. A daisy chain connection is
where the DATA OUT of one fixture connects to the DATA IN of the next fixture. The order in
which the fixtures are connected is not important and has no effect on how a controller
communicates to each fixture. Use an order that provides for the easiest and most direct cabling.
Connect fixtures using shielded two conductor twisted pair DMX data cable with three pin XLR
male to female connectors. The shield connection is pin 1, while pin 2 is Data Negative (S-) and
pin 3 is Data positive (S+).

Fixture Linking (Daisy Chain)

You will need a daisy chain to run light shows of one or more fixtures using a DMX controller or to
run synchronized shows on two or more fixtures set to a master/slave operating mode. The
combined number of channels required by all the fixtures on a daisy chain determines the number
of fixtures the data link can support.

To comply with the EIA-485 standard, do not connect more than 32 fixtures on one daisy
chain. Connecting more than 32 fixtures on one daisy chain without the use of a DMX
optically-isolated splitter may result in deterioration of the digital DMX signal.

Maximum recommended cable distance: 500 m (1640 ft)
Maximum recommended number of fixtures on a daisy chain: 32

Data Cabling

To link fixtures together you must obtain data cables. You can purchase CHAUVET® certified
DMX cables directly from a dealer/distributor or construct your own cable. If you choose to create
your own cable please use data-grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less
prone to electromagnetic interference.

DMX Data Cable

Use a Belden© 9841 or equivalent cable which meets the specifications for EIA RS-485
applications. Standard microphone cables cannot transmit DMX data reliably over long distances.
The cable must have the following characteristics:

Type: shielded, 2-conductor twisted pair
Maximum capacitance between conductors: 30 pF/ft
Maximum capacitance between conductor and shield: 55 pF/ft
Maximum resistance: 20 ohms/1000 ft
Nominal impedance: 100 ~ 140 ohms

5. Appendix 12 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

Cable Connectors

Cabling must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR
connector on the other end.

Do not allow contact between the common and the fixture’s chassis ground. Grounding
the common can cause a ground loop, and your fixture 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.

Setting the Starting Address

This DMX mode enables the use of a universal DMX controller device. Each fixture requires a
start address from 1~512. A fixture requiring one or more channels for control begins to read the
data on the channel indicated by the start address. For example, a fixture that uses six DMX
channels and was addressed to start on DMX channel 100, would read data from channels: 100,
101, 102, 103, 104, and 105. Choose start addresses so that the channels used do not overlap,
and note the start address selected for future reference.

If this is your first time addressing a fixture using the DMX control protocol, we suggest jumping

to the “Appendix” section and reading the heading “DMX Primer”. It contains very useful

information that will help you understand its use.

COMMON

DMX +

DMX -

INPUT

OUTPUT

1 3 2

1

3

2

1

3

2

120 ohm ¼ W resistor
between pin 2 (DMX -) and
pin 3 (DMX +) on the
output of the last fixture

To avoid signal transmission problems
and interference, it is always advisable to
connect a DMX signal terminator.

DMX connector configuration

Terminator

5. Appendix 13 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion Chart

If you use a controller with a 5-pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5-pin to
3-pin adapter. The chart below details a proper cable conversion:

3-PIN TO 5-PIN CONVERSION CHART

Conductor

3-Pin Female (Output)

5-Pin Male (Input)

Ground/Shield

Pin 1

Pin 1

Data ( - ) signal

Pin 2

Pin 2

Data ( + ) signal

Pin 3

Pin 3

Not used

Pin 4

Not used

Pin 5

Setting up a DMX Daisy Chain

1. Connect the (male) 3-pin connector side of
the DMX cable to the output (female) 3-pin
connector of the controller.

2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the
controller which will have a (female) 3-pin
connector to the input connector of the next
fixture consisting of a (male) 3-pin connector.

3. Then, proceed to connect from the output as
stated above to the input of the following
fixture and so on.

Universal DMX Controller

Continue the link

This drawing
provides a general
illustration of the
DMX input/output
panel of a lighting
fixture.

5. Appendix 14 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

General Maintenance

To maintain optimum performance and minimize wear, fixtures should be cleaned frequently.
Usage and environment are contributing factors in determining frequency. As a general rule,
fixtures should be cleaned at least twice a month. Dust build up reduces light output performance
and can cause overheating. This can lead to reduced lamp life and increased mechanical wear.
Be sure to power off fixture before conducting maintenance.

 Unplug fixture from power.
 Use a vacuum or air compressor and a soft brush to remove dust collected on external

vents.

 Clean all lenses when the fixture is cool with a mild solution of glass cleaner or

Isopropyl Alcohol and a soft lint free cotton cloth or lens tissue.

 Apply solution to the cloth or tissue and drag dirt and grime to the outside of the lens.
 Gently polish optical surfaces until they are free of haze and lint.

Always dry the parts carefully after cleaning them.

Never spin a fan using compressed air.

Returns Procedure

Returned merchandise must be sent prepaid and in the original packing; call tags will not be
issued. Package must be clearly labeled with a Return Merchandize Authorization Number (RMA
#). Products returned without the RMA # will be refused. Call CHAUVET® and request an RMA #
prior to shipping the fixture. Be prepared to provide the model number, serial number and a brief
description of the cause for the return. Be sure to pack fixture properly; any shipping damage

resulting from inadequate packaging is the customer’s responsibility. As a suggestion, proper

UPS packing or double-boxing is always a safe method to use. CHAUVET® reserves the right to
use its own discretion to repair or replace product(s).

If you are given an RMA #, please include the following information on a piece of paper
inside the box:

1) Your name

2) Your address

3) Your phone number

4) The RMA #

5) A brief description of the symptoms

Claims

Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper; therefore, the damage must be
reported to the carrier upon receipt of merchandise. It is the customer's responsibility to notify
and submit claims with the shipper in the event that a fixture is damaged due to shipping. Any
other claim for items such as missing component/part, damage not related to shipping, and
concealed damage, must be made within seven (7) days of receiving merchandise.

5. Appendix 15 12/10/2010 5:16 PM

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS

Length.......................................................................................................... 8.3 in (210 mm)

Width ........................................................................................................... 7.7 in (194 mm)

Height ............................................................................................................ 2.8 in (70 mm)

Weight .............................................................................................................. 5 lbs (2.2 kg)

POWER

Input power ..................................................................................... 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Output voltage to fixtures ............................................... Input voltage equals output voltage

Output current (max per channel) ..................................................................................... 5 A

Output current (max total) .............................................................................................. 15 A

Fuse size .......................................................................................................... F 6 A, 250 V

INDOOR/OUTDOOR

Rating ..................................................................................................... For indoor use only

THERMAL

Maximum ambient temperature ...................................................................... 104° F (40° C)

CONTROL & PROGRAMMING

Data input ........................................................................... locking 3-pin XLR female socket

Data output ............................................................................ locking 3-pin XLR male socket

Data pin configuration ............................................................. pin 1 shield, pin 2 (-), pin 3 (+)

Protocol ...................................................................................................... DMX-512 USITT

DMX Channels (user-configurable) .............................................................................. 1, 2, 4

ORDERING INFORMATION

DMX-4 LED.......................................................................................................... DMX4LED

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Warranty ........................................................................................... 2-year limited warranty

CONTACT US

WORLD WIDE

General Information ........................................................................................... CHAUVET®

5200 NW 108th Ave

Sunrise, FL 33351

voice: 954-929-1115

fax: [phone]

toll free: 800-762-1084

Technical Support .............................................................................................. CHAUVET®

5200 NW 108th Ave

Sunrise, FL 33351

voice: 954-929-1115 (Press 4)

fax: [phone] (Attention: Service)

World Wide Web ................................................................... http://www.chauvetlighting.com