The F3 User Manual includes a description, safety precautions, installation, programming, operation, and
maintenance instructions for the F3 as of the release date of this edition.
Trademarks
CHAUVET, the Chauvet logo and F3 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Chauvet & Sons, LLC
(d/b/a Chauvet and Chauvet Lighting) in the United States and other countries. Other company and
product names and logos referred to herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright Notice
The works of authorship contained in this manual, including, but not limited to, all design, text and images
are owned by Chauvet.
Electronically published by Chauvet in the United States of America.
Manual Use
Chauvet authorizes its customers to download and print this manual for profession al information pu rposes
only. Chauvet expressly prohibits the usage, copy, storage, distribution, modification, or printing of this
manual or its content for any other purpose without written consent from Chauvet.
Document Printing
For best results, print this document in color, on letter size paper (8.5 x 11 in), double-sided. If using A4
paper (210 x 297 mm), configure the printer to scale the content accordingly.
Intended Audience
Any person installing, operating, and/or maintaining this product should comple tely read thro ugh the guide
that shipped with the product, as well as this manual, before installing, operating, or maintaining this
product.
Disclaimer
Chauvet believes that the information contained in this manual is accurate in all respects. However,
Chauvet assumes no responsibility and specifically disclaims any and all liability to any party for any loss,
damage or disruption caused by any errors or omissions in this document, whether such errors or
omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. Chauvet reserves the right to revise the
content of this document without any obligation to notify any person or company of such revision, howe ver ,
Chauvet has no obligation to make, and does not co mmit to make, any such revisions. Download the latest
version from www.chauvetprofessional.com
.
Document Revision
This F3 User Manual is the 3rd edition of this document. Go to www.chauvetprofessional.com for the latest
version.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Before You Begin....................................................................... 1
What Is Included ........................................................................................... 1
13. Neem contact op ...................................................................... 121
105
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
v
Before You Begin
1. Before You Begin
What Is Included
•4 F3
•1 Seetronic Powerkon
•4 Seetronic Powerkon
®
Power Cord
®
Power Linking Cords
•4 Seetronic Etherkon
•Warranty Card
•User Manual
Claims
Carefully unpack the product immediately and check the container to make sure all the parts are in the
package and are in good condition.
If the box or the contents (the product and included accessories) appear damaged from shipping, or show
signs of mishandling, notify the carrier immediately, not Chauvet. Failure to report damage to the carrier
immediately may invalidate your claim. In addition, keep the box and contents for inspection.
For other issues, such as missing components or parts, damage not related to shipping, or concealed
damage, file a claim with Chauvet within 7 days of delivery.
Manual Conventions
ConventionMeaning
1–512A range of values
50/60A set of values of which only one can be chosen
<SET>A button on the product’s control panel
SettingsA product function or a menu option
®
Signal Linking Cords
Symbols
SymbolMeaning
Critical installation, configuration, or operation information. Not following these
instructions may make the product not work, ca use damage to the product, or cause
harm to the operator.
Important installation or configuration information. The product may not function
correctly if this information is not used.
Useful information.
1
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Before You Begin
Safety Notes
Read all the following safety notes before working with this product. These notes contain important
information about the installation, usage, and maintenance of this product.
This product contains no user-serviceable parts. Any reference to servicing in this
User Manual will only apply to properly trained, certified techn icians. Do not open t he
housing or attempt any repairs.
All applicable local codes and regulations apply to proper installati on of this product.
Personal Safety
•Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while the product is on.
•Always disconnect this product from its power source before servicing.
•Always connect this product to a grounded circuit to avoid the risk of electrocution.
•Do not touch this product’s housing during operation because it may be very hot.
Mounting
•This product is not intended for permanent installation.
•This product is for indoor use only! To prevent risk of fire or shock, do not expose this product to
rain or moisture. (IP31)
•CAUTION: When transferring product from extreme temperature environments, (e.g. cold truck to
warm humid ballroom) condensation may form on the internal electronics of the product. To avoid
causing a failure, allow product to fully acclimate to the surrounding envir onment before connecting
it to power.
•Mount this product in a location with adequate ventilation, at least 20 in (50 cm) from adjacent
surfaces.
•Make sure there are no flammable materials close to this product while it is operating.
•When hanging this product, always secure to a fastening device using a safety cable.
•Never carry the product by the power cord or any moving part.
Power and Wiring
•Make sure the power cord is not crimped or damaged.
•Always make sure you are connecting this product to the proper voltage in accordance with the
specifications in this manual or on the product’s specification label.
•To eliminate unnecessary wear and improve its lifespan, during periods of non-use completely
disconnect the product from power via breaker or by unplugging it.
•Never connect this product to a dimmer pack or rheostat.
•Never disconnect this product by pulling or tugging on the power cable.
Operation
•Do not operate this product if you see damage on the housing or cables. Have the damaged parts
replaced by an authorized technician at once.
•Do not cover the ventilation slots when operating to avoid internal overheating.
•The maximum ambient temperature is 113 °F (45 °C). Do not operate this product at a higher
temperature.
•In the event of a serious operation problem, stop using this product immediately!
If your Chauvet product requires service, contact Chauvet Technical Support.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
2
Introduction
2. Introduction
Product Description
The F3 is a 1 meter by 50 centimeter LED video panel that is ideal for both the installation and rental
markets. It runs on the Novastar control protocol and is fully front & rear serviceable with magnetic LED
modules. This product may be mounted directly on a flat wall, due to the front-service option.
Features
•3.9 mm pitch video panel works with the VIP Drive 43Nova, using the Novastar control protocol
•Black body LEDs accurately reproduce high contrast video quality
•1,000 x 500 mm magnesium die-cast housing makes this product among the lightest in its class
•Magnetic LED modules and modular control box make service fast and easy
•Full front and rear service maximizes installation and maintenance
•Modular system allows for front installation onto a flat structure, maximizing installation flexibility
•Magnetic connection and positioning pins assist in hanging panels
•Dual backup power supplies for more stable displays
•Intelligent modules with dedicated memory improve the image quality and simplify maintenance
•Easily replace the LED masks without tools so your display remains flat even after mishandling
Additional Products
•VIP Drive 43Nova (required)
Optional Accessories
•VIP Media Server
•ArKaos Media Master Express + KN software
•MT-03 LED Module Removal Tool
•F-Series Rig Bar (RB-F50CM, RB F100CM)
Available Signal and Power Cables
•Signal cables (Neutrik® etherCON® CAT6 Signal Extensions)
•ETHERCONEXT18IN
•ETHERCONEXT5FT
•ETHERCONEXT10FT
•ETHERCONEXT25FT
•ETHERCONEXT50FT
•Power cables (Neutrik
•POWERCONEXT18IN
•POWERCONEXT5FT
•POWERCONEXT10FT
•POWERCONEXT25FT
•POWERCONEXT50FT
®
powerCON® Power Extensions)
3
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Introduction
Alignment Conical (x2)
Alignment
Magnets
(x4)
Female Speego
Connection
Male Speego
Connection
Test Button
Power/Signal Indicator LEDs
Threaded
Mounting Hole
Size M12 (x4)
Seetronic
Powerkon
®
In
Seetronic
Powerkon®
Out
Seetronic Etherkon
®
Signal Through Ports
Alignment
Magnet
(x4)
Alignment
Magnets
(x4)
Alignment Conicals
Female Speego
Connection
Carry Handles
Product Overview
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
4
Introduction
LED Module
Pixels per Panel
Each pixel is 1 tri-color LED. The following table provides the pixels per panel in each F3. For detailed
specifications, refer to the Technical Specifications
ParameterF3
Pixels per Panel128 x 256
Total Pixels per Panel32,768
Pixels per LED Module64 x 128
T otal Pixels per LED Module8,192
LED Module Dimensions250 x 500 mm
To calculate the number of panels, horizontally and vertically, supported by a
single VIP Drive 43Nova, you will use:
•The number of pixels per panel.
•The screen resolution you would like to use for your video wall display.
The VIP Drive 43Nova is required to operate an F3 video wall system. Diagrams
of how the F3 panels and the VIP Drive 43Nova connect follow later in this
manual. For detailed information about the VIP Drive 43Nova and panel
calculation examples, refer to the VIP Drive 43Nova User Manual.
table at the end of this User Manual.
5
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Introduction
2.61 in
66.4 mm
17.48 in
444 mm
37.17 in
944 mm
19.69 in
500 mm
39.37 in
1000 mm
Product Dimensions
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
6
Setup
3. Setup
AC Power
Each F3 has an auto-ranging power supply that works with an input voltage range of 100 to 240 VAC, 50/
60 Hz. To determine th e po we r re qu ire m en ts fo r eac h F3, refer to the label affixed to the product. You can
also refer to the Technical Specifications
The listed current rating indicates the maximum current draw during normal operation. For more
information, download Sizing Circuit Breakers from the Chauvet website: www.chauvetprofessional.com
• Always connect the product to a protected circuit (circuit breaker or fuse). Make
sure the product has an appropriate electrical ground to avoid the risk of
electrocution or fire.
• T o eliminate unnecessary wear and improve its lifespan, during periods of non-use
completely disconnect the product from power via breaker or by unplugging it.
Never connect the product to a rheostat (variab le resistor ) or dimmer circuit , even if
the rheostat or dimmer channel serves only as a 0 to 100% switch.
AC Plug
Each F3 comes with a power linking cord to connect power between panels and a power input cord.
This cable has a Seetronic Powerkon
Use the table below as a reference to wire a new plug.
ConnectionWire (U.S.)Wire (Europe)Screw Color
AC LiveBlackBrownYellow or Brass
AC NeutralWhiteBlueSilver
AC GroundGreen/YellowGreen/YellowGreen
chart in this manual.
®
connector to connect to the F3 and an Edison plug for power input.
.
Power Linking
All F3 panels support power linking. Refer to the following table for specifications on each panel.
VoltageF3 Products
@ 120 V, 60 Hz8
@ 208 V, 60 Hz14
@ 230 V, 50 Hz15
Please refer to all applicable local codes and regulations for the proper installation
of this product.
7
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Mounting
2. Male Speego
Connection
3. Female Speego
Connection
1. Threaded Mounting
Holes Size M12 (x4)
1
2
3
1
11
2
222
3
333
4. Mounting
Orientation
Each F3 is constructed of magnesium die-cast. This ensures each panel is stable and easy to install. Each
panel also has convenient built-in handles located on the sides of the backside of the pan el alon g with two
alignment conicals on the top. This combination enables you to easily pick up and securely hold each
panel while mounting and working with the panels.
The F3 can be assembled to provide any number of modular designs. The panels on the top can be
securely hung from a truss or other stable surface. Always hang in a safe position with adequate space for
ventilation, configuration, and maintenance.
Chauvet recommends following the general guidelines below.
•When selecting an installation location, consider ease of access for operation and routine
maintenance.
•Make sure to hang away from any flammable material, as indicated in the Safety Notes
•Never mount in places where rain, extreme temperature changes, or restricted ventilation may
affect it.
•Make sure that the structure and attachment points to which you are hanging the panels can support
the weight.
•Make sure that all load-bearing hardware used can support the weight.
•See the Technical Specifications
for the weight requirement of each F3.
Mounting Points
section.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
8
RB-F50CM Rig Bar Dimensions
1.97 in
50 mm
2.76 in
70 mm
0.39 in
10 mm
19.69 in
500 mm
16.38 in
416 mm
2.56 in
65 mm
1.38 in
35 mm
1.18 in
30 mm
Sold Separately
Sold Separately
2.76 in
70 mm
1.97 in
50 mm
0.39 in
10 mm
39.37 in
1000 mm
36.06 in
916 mm
3.31 in
84 mm
1.38 in
35 mm
1.18 in
30 mm
2.56 in
65 mm
RB-F100CM Rig Bar Dimensions
Mounting
9
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Mounting
Bottom View
T op V ie w
Alignment Magnets
Alignment Holes
Male Speego Connection
Rig Bar
Locking Latch
Rig Bar
Locking Tab
Rig Bar Speego
Spring
Knob
Tightening
Knob
Locking Bar
Alignment Conical (x2)
Rig Bar/Panel Assembly
1.Insert alignment conicals into the alignment holes and allow magnets to connect.
2.Insert the Rig Bar Speego locking bars into the female Speego connections on the F3.
3.Twist the spring knob on the Rig Bar Speego by 90°, until it locks into place.
4.Twist the tightening knob clockwise until F3 is secure to Rig Bar.
5.To detach the Rig Bar from the F3, reverse the previous steps.
• The alignmen t magnets on the F3 and F-Series Rig Bar are designed to temporarily
hold the weight of the panel to allow the user to properly align and tighten th e panel
into place.
• Eith er side of the F3 with female Speego connections can attach to the F-Series Rig
Bar, but only the short side has alignment conicals and magnets. When attaching
the long side of the F3 to the Rig Bar, take care to ensure that the pixels across the
video assembly are aligned properly.
Warning! The magnetic att achments are not load-bearing, and are intended for
alignment assistance only . Do not release panel until the hanging hardware has been
fully secured.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
10
Mounting
Alternative Rig Bar/Panel Assembly
The F3 can be mounted horizontally with the RB-F100CM Rig Bar. Follow the same instructions as in Rig
Bar/Panel Assembly, but take extra care, as the long side of the product has neither alignment conicals nor
magnets.
When mounting horizontally to the RB-F100CM, one of the Rig Bar Speegos will not be used.
11
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Mounting
Attach to T russ Using Optional F-Series Rig Bar
Truss Installation
Refer to the following diagram for truss installation. Chauvet offers the F-Series Rig Bar (sold separately)
specifically designed for hanging the panels.
The M12 and M10 mounting points are not intended for hanging or suspending from
a truss or other overhead structure.
In order to suspend/hang the panels from a truss or other overhead structure, use
the F-series Rig Bars (RB-F50CM or -F100CM, sold separately).
The illustrations above are examples only. Please refer to all applicable local codes
and regulations for the proper installation of the product.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
12
Flat Wall Installation
Mounting Points on a Flat Wall
Rear
Threaded Mounting Holes
Size M12 (x4)
Front
Mounting Holes
Size M10 (x4)
At least 1 mounting point for
every junction (circled above)
must be secured, including
outside edges and corners
M12 bolts must be
used for rear mounting
applications
SAE 3/8 or M10 bolts
are compatible for front
mounting applications
4 columns + 1
= 5 steel struts
Refer to the following diagram for flat wall installation.
Mounting
The 4 rear and front mounting holes are intended for flush mount ins tallation to a flat
surface against the video panels. 1 mounting point for every junction, including
outside edges and corners, must be used in order to maintain structural integrity.
The mounting points are not intended for hanging or suspending from a truss or
other overhead structure.
Chauvet recommends using a VERTICAL steel strut for each column of panels, plus
1, as in the following diagram:
The illustrations above are examples only. Please refer to all applicable local codes
and regulations for the proper installation of the product.
13
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Joining Each F3 (Creating a Modular Design)
Male Speego
Spring Knob
Tightening Latch
Locking Bar
5. Joining Each F3 (Creating a Modular Design)
Vertically Joining the Panels
Each F3 can be easily joined vertically to a truss using an optional rig bar and the 2 female Speego
connections located at the top corners of each panel. Use the male Speego connections at the bottom of
each panel to connect additional panels. These connectors stay recessed when not being used.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
14
Joining Each F3 (Creating a Modular Design)
Vertical Panel Connection
Use the following instructions to join panels vertically:
1.Line up the alignment conicals at the top of each panel, and the alignment mag nets at the top and
bottom of each panel.
2.Push male Speego connections into female Speego connections.
3.Turn the spring knobs clockwise 90°.
4.Turn the tightening latches clockwise 180°, until secure.
15
Warning! The magnetic att achments are not load-bearing, and are intended for
alignment assistance only. Do not release panel until the hanging hardware has
been fully secured.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Joining Each F3 (Creating a Modular Design)
Horizontally Joining the Panels
Each F3 can be easily joined horizontally using the Speego connections on the inside, upper and lower left
sides of each panel.
Horizontal Panel Connection
Use the following instructions to join panels horizontally:
1.Align each of the panels’ male Speego connections with the corresponding female connections
on the panels being added.
2.Push male Speego connections into female Speego connections.
3.Turn the spring knobs clockwise 90°.
4.Turn the tightening latches clockwise 180°, until secure.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
16
Connecting (Cabling) Each F3
Rear Panel ViewUnderside of Service Acces s V iew
Test Button
Power/Signal
Indicator LEDs
Signal Connections
Power In/Out
6. Connecting (Cabling) Each F3
Testing Signal and Power Connections
Each F3 has 2 power sockets and 2 signal ports.
•The Power and Signal connections are located on the underside of the service module of each
panel.
•The Signal ports may be used interchangeably.
•Each F3 has LED indicator lights on the test button in the center of the panel.
•Each panel indicates a successful power connection when the Power indicator light remains red.
•Each panel indicates the presence of a signal when the Signal LED indicator light blinks green
quickly. When the LED blinks green slowly, there is no signal.
Using the F3 Test Button
Each F3 has a Test button, used to ensure all LEDs are functional. Use th e Test button on each panel to
perform a self-test. If self-testing, you must per for m the test individually for each F3. You do not need to
connect to a signal or use software.
When using the T e st button, make sure t he F3 is NOT connecte d to the VIP Drive 43Nova.
To use the Test button, you must connect the power, but do not connect the signal cables. Press the Test
button to toggle through various LED light display configurations.
17
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
Connecting (Cabling) Each F3
Video Signal
VIP Drive 43Nova
Signal Jumper Cable
Etherkon connection to
the first F3 in the series
Video Signal Cable in from
VIP Drive 43Nova maximum
cable length 100 m/328 ft
May be used to run a backup
line to the VIP Drive 43Nova
Connecting Power and Signal Cables
The following sections provide information and diagrams on connecting signal and power between panels.
Refer to the Introduction
Connecting the Signal Between Joined Panels
Signal cable panel connections can use several different configurations. The basic configuration to
connect the signal from one panel to the next is as follows:
1.The source signal is connected to the first panel.
2.A signal cable is then connected fro m the first panel.
3.The connections continue to daisy-chain until all panels are connected.
4.The route of the cables used to make the signal connections can vary.
The following diagram is a recommended suggestion for simple signal connections between panels.
or Operation sections in this User Manual for available cables and item numbers.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
18
Connecting (Cabling) Each F3
Main Power In
Power Linking Cable
Main Power In
Connecting the Power Between Joined Panels
Power cable panel connections can also use different configurations. The basic configuration to connect
the main power supply from one panel to the next is:
1.The main power is connected to the first panel’s Power Input or Output.
2.A power cable is then connected to the first panel’s Power Output and connected to the next
panel’s Power Input.
3.The connections continue until all panels are connected.
Connect power between the panels using the same procedure as the signal only using the Power Input
and Power Output connectors. You must adhere to the power-linking specifications for each F3 model.
Refer to the Power Linking
from a single power connection.
Power linking more panels than recommended will void your warranty and
increase the risk of electrocution or fire!
Refer to the following diagram for an example of power connection from the main and to each connected
panel.
This example is using an F3 power linking 7 panels horizontally @ 120 V.
section for details on the number of panels that can be linked based on voltage
19
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
LED Module Care and Replacement
Connector
Steel Plate
(x2)
LED LOT #
Slide latch to release/
retract magnets
Roll to remove
from module
Squeeze to attach
magnets to module
Magnet (x2)
7. LED Module Care and Replacement
F3 Module
Each F3 has 4 LED modules connected to the panel frame by magnets. Each module has a single
connector that connects to the main processing unit.
LED Lot Numbers
To ensure consistent color matching and output, replace damaged or defective modules with the same
LED lot # as the others on the panel. When combining panels to create full video wall systems (rentals,
permanent installations, etc.) it is highly recommended that the LED lot #’s on each of the panels match.
LED lot #’s can be located on the back of each module.
A and B Modules
The F3 has 2 types of modules, designed to only plug in to the Service Module from one direction. Check
the orientation of the LED LOT # label to determine whether the module is an A type (top half, connector
down) or a B type (bottom half, connector up).
Using MT-03
The MT-03 is speciall y designed to carefully remove and replace the F3 LED module from the front while
the panel is mounted in a video wall setup. Before using this tool, be sure to familiarize yourself with how
this tool works by reading all the module removal/installation procedures.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
20
F3 LED Module Removal with MT-03
Attach to
one or both
areas
1.Identify the module that needs to be removed.
LED Module Care and Replacement
2.Carefully attach the MT-03 to the top and/or bottom of the module to be removed. Place the
MT-03 against the module in the open position, then squeeze the handle trigger in to secure the
magnets to the module.
Damage may occur if the MT-03 is not in the open position when placed against the
module.
21
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
LED Module Care and Replacement
3.With steadily increasing force and keeping as straight as possible, pull the MT-03 back until the
module is released from the frame.
Use caution when removing the module so as not to damage the conne ctor attached
to the back of the module.
4.Carefully roll the MT-03 to the side to remove it from the module.
5.Use the slider on the back of the MT-03 to retract the magnets.
6.Reverse the steps to install the replacement module.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
22
F3 Panel Configuration
Service
Module
The F3 should be front
serviceable for applications
such as mounting against
a flat wall, where there can
be no access to the rear of
the video assembly.
The F3 can be rear
serviceable in any
application where the rear
of the video assembly will
be easier to access than
the front.
8. F3 Panel Configuration
Switching Between Front and Rear Serviceability
The F3 service module can be accessed and removed from either the front of the panel or the rear of the
panel, depending on how the user has configured the panel. Th is allows the panel to be either entirely front
serviceable (default) or entirely rear serviceable, so a technician will not have to walk around an entire
video wall multiple times to service a single panel. Follow the instructions below to switch the F3 from front
serviceability to rear serviceability:
1.Remove the modules as described in LED Module Care and Replacement
2.Remove six screws from the front of the service module.
23
.
Use caution when removing these screws, as the service module will be detached
from the panel frame until the next step is completed.
F3 User Manual Rev. 3
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