Chroma Chroma-Q Color Block 2 User Manual

Chroma-Q™

Color Block 2™ System

User Manual

Version 1.0 April 2009

Software Version 2.1

PN: 603-0500

Color Block 2 User Manual 1 V1.0 April 2009

Disclaimer

The information contained herein is offered in good faith and is believed to be accurate.
However, because conditions and methods of use of our products are beyond our control, this
information should not be used in substitution for customer's tests to ensure that A.C.
Entertainment Technologies Ltd. products are safe, effective, and fully satisfactory for the
intended end use. Suggestions of use shall not be taken as inducements to infringe any patent.
A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd. sole warranty is that the product will meet the sales
specifications in effect at the time of shipment. Your exclusive remedy for breach of such
warranty is limited to refund of purchase price or replacement of any product shown to be other
than as warranted.

A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd. reserves the right to change or make alteration to devices
and their functionality without notice due to our on going research and development.

The Chroma-Q Color Block 2 System has been designed specifically for the lighting industry.
Regular maintenance should be performed to ensure that the products perform well in the
entertainment environment.

If you experience any difficulties with any Chroma-Q products please contact your selling
dealer. If your selling dealer is unable to help please contact [e-mail]. If the selling
dealer is unable to satisfy your servicing needs, please contact the following, for full factory
service:

Outside North America: North America:

A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd. A.C. Lighting Inc.
Centauri House Unit #1
Hillbottom Road, 435 Horner Avenue,
High Wycombe, Toronto,
Buckinghamshire, ON.
HP12 4HQ. M8W 4W3
United Kingdom Canada
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]

For further information please visit the A.C. Entertainment Technologies website at
www.ac-et.com.

Chroma-Q and Color Block 2 are trademarks of A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd.

The rights and ownership of all trademarks are recognised.

Color Block 2 User Manual 2 V1.0 April 2009

Table of Contents

1.

Product overview..................................................................................................3

1.1 Chroma-Q Color Block 2 …………………………………………………….. 3

1.2 Chroma-Q Color Block Power Supply Units ……………………………… 3

2. Operation...............................................................................................................4

2.1 Unpacking the units ………………………………………………………….. 4

2.2 Cabling …………………………………………………………………………. 4

2.3 Fixings ………………………………………………………………………….. 7

2.4 Control 9

3. Troubleshooting..................................................................................................20

4. Specification........................................................................................................20

4.1 Technical specifications – Color Block 2 20

4.2 Technical specifications – Color Block Power Supply Units 21

4.3 Photometric Performance 22

4.4 Drawings 22

5. Maintenance........................................................................................................26

6. Battery Replacement ..........................................................................................26

7. Installation...........................................................................................................26

8. Wiring...................................................................................................................26

9. Accessories..........................................................................................................27

Color Block 2 User Manual 3 V1.0 April 2009

1. Product overview

1.1 Chroma-Q Color Block 2

Following the enormous success of the Chroma-Q Color Block™ LED fixture with rental
companies and end users alike, the manufacturer has combined the product's core elements of
modularity and versatility with new single color RGBA optics, 530 lumens output (almost double
the original model) and theatrical grade dimming to create the exceptional feature set of the
Color Block 2 fixture.

With its radically increased color palette and high CRI of 90, the Color Block 2 fixture is a master
at creating vibrant bold colors and subtle theatrical hues. Combined with its built-in variable
color temperature capability, even flesh tones look natural, satisfying all but the most critical
eye.

The four large, camera-friendly LED cells offer performers less glare and mix beautifully for
single color output, virtually eliminating the frustrating color separation shadows normally
synonymous with LED lighting. The beam optics have a soft asymmetrical quality carefully
crafted to give an immediate perfect color blend for uplighting surfaces, yet retain a soft
Fresnel-like edge for direct illumination. At close to twice the output of its predecessor, the
Color Block 2 fixture is bright enough to uplight a 6m / 20 feet set and then some

.

Each Color Block 2 fixture features 48 high output LED set into 12 single optic RGBA clusters
that are grouped into 4 cells which produce an intense, powerful light and vibrant colours
across the spectrum.

The control options incorporate a choice of HSI (Hue, Saturation and Intensity), RGBA (Red,
Green, Blue, Amber), RGB(A) (Red, Green, Blue, with *Magic Amber), RGBI (Red, Green, Blue
with *Magic Amber and Intensity) control modes, and a dynamic Variable Effects Engine
integrated in the software which gives the lighting designer full control over colour and effects
combinations.

The product's lightweight yet robust, heavy gauge aluminium extruded construction houses a
discreet cable management system and additional protection is built around the LED lenses for
a truly road proof fixture.

A range of DMX controlled power supplies are available to accommodate most applications.
Each Color Block Power Supply features XLR4 outputs with a maximum capacity of 5 Color
Block 2 fixtures daisy chained together. See separate PSU user manual for control details.

* Magic Amber is the term used for the unit's ability to bring in Amber when mixing colours that require it

1.2 Chroma-Q Color Block Power Supply Units

Two DMX controlled power supply models are available to accommodate most applications or
operate independently as a stand alone system. Each Color Block Power Supply features
outputs via XLR4. The unit can be controlled remotely via ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A (XLR-5
pin).

Color Block 2 User Manual 4 V1.0 April 2009

Color Block PSU-05B

The Color Block PSU-05B is a power supply suitable for up to 5 Color Block DB4 LED fixtures or
5 Color Block 2 LED fixtures. It can be controlled remotely via ANSI E1.11 DMX 512-A in a
variety of modes to accommodate most applications or can operate independently as a stand
alone system.

The Color Block PSU-05B delivers power and data via 1 XLR4 output. A maximum of five daisy­chained Color Block 2 fixtures can be connected to the PSU-05B. Return lines are not required.
The total cable length of each chain must not exceed 60m/200ft. Two in/out ethernet RJ45
connectors are available for synchronisation.

Color Block PSU-30

The Color Block PSU-30 is a 2U 19” rack mounted power supply suitable for up to 30 Color
Block DB4 LED Fixtures or 30 Color Block 2 LED Fixtures. It can be controlled remotely via ANSI
E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A in a variety of modes to accommodate most applications or can
operate independently as a stand alone system.

The Color Block PSU-30 delivers power and data via 6 XLR4 outputs. A maximum of five daisy­chained Color Block 2 fixtures can be connected to each XLR4 output. Return lines are not
required. The total cable length of each chain must not exceed 60m/200ft. Two in/out ethernet
RJ45 connectors are available for synchronisation.

2. Operation

2.1 Unpacking the units

The Color Block 2 package includes 1 unit Color Block 2 fixture and a Quick Start Guide. We
recommend that you keep the original packaging in case item needs to be returned.

The Color Block PSU-05B package includes 1 unit PSU-05B, IEC power cord and a Quick Start
Guide. The Color Block PSU-30 package includes 1 unit PSU-30 and a Quick Start Guide.

2.2 Cabling

DMX Input control data from an external control console is through an XLR 5-pin cable:

Pin# Function

1 Ground (Screen)
2 Data Minus
3 Data Plus
4 Spare Data Minus
5 Spare Data Plus

Color Block 2 User Manual 5 V1.0 April 2009

Power and control data outputs from the Color Block power supply to the fixture is through an
XLR 4-pin cable. The drain wire should be connected to the chassis of the XLR.

Pin # Function Minimum Cable size

1 Ground (-ve) 2.50mm² (14 AWG)
2 Control data minus (-) 0.35mm² (22 AWG)
3 Control data plus (+) 0.35mm² (22AWG)
4 24V DC (+ve) 2.50mm² (14 AWG)

Chassis Cable shield/drain wire 0.25mm² (24 AWG)

Only genuine Tourflex Datasafe cable is recommended for use with the Color Block 2 system.
Damage will occur if power connections short-circuit to data or ground shield connections.
When assembling XLR4-pin cables, heat shrink should be used on each individual data pin and
the drain wire to prevent short circuits.

The Color Block PSU-05B delivers power and data via 1 XLR4 output. A maximum of five daisy­chained Color Block 2 fixtures can be connected to the PSU-05B. Return lines are not required.
The total cable length of each chain must not exceed 60m/200ft.

It is recommended that a maximum of 20m XLR4 cable length should separate adjacent fixture
units as to avoid signal deterioration.

Note: Maximum of 5 Color Block 2 fixtures per cable. No return cables required.

The Color Block PSU-30 delivers power and data via 6 XLR4 outputs. A maximum of five daisy­chained Color Block 2 fixtures can be connected to each XLR4 output. Return lines are not
required. The total cable length of each chain must not exceed 60m/200ft.

It is recommended that a maximum of 20m XLR4 cable length should separate adjacent fixture
units to avoid signal deterioration.

Note: Due to the higher levels of leakage current of the PSU-30 it is important that the XLR4
cables used are manufactured only to the specification detailed above. It is also important that
the cables are not coupled or uncoupled whilst the PSU is powered and that the PSU is
correctly grounded.

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Color Block 2 User Manual 7 V1.0 April 2009

2.3 Fixings

One of the strengths of the Color Block 2 fixture is its flexible fixing possibilities. The Color Block
2 fixture is supplied with an integral M10 clinch nuts at each end. These can be used to attach
the Color Block 2 fixture to a standard hook clamp or the wide range of Color Block accessories
listed below.

Note: Damage may occur if the bolt is too long (M10x16 maximum). In addition, both sides of
the fixture feature a fixing slot designed to accept an M6 bold head.

The Color Block 2 fixture also features an integral connection system to enable up to five units
to be locked together as a batten (see below).

Note: it is important to ensure that each fixture is also secured with a safety bond. The end
plate of each fixture has a fixing hold to facilitate secondary fixings.

a. Integrated connection system

One end of the Color Block 2 fixture features two protruding locating pins and a catch plate, the
other end has two keyhole slots and a butterfly latch.

1. To connect two fixtures together, firstly mate the two protruding pins from one fixture into
the keyhole slots of the other.

2. Then slide the fixtures together so that they are aligned correctly, taking care to get past the
extended catch plate.

Note: This will be stiff on new fixtures and a twisting action may ease assembly.

3. Finally use the butterfly latch to secure the fixtures together tightly (max 5 units together).

Note: It is important to ensure adequate ventilation to the rear of all Color Block fixtures. Never
place the fixtures directly on the floor pointing upwards when configured as a batten.

Color Block 2 User Manual 8 V1.0 April 2009

The Color Block 2 fixture is supplied with an integral M10
clinch nuts at each end. These can be used to attach the
Color Block 2 fixture to a standard hook clamp.

Note: damage may occur if the bolt is too long. (M10x16
maximum)

b. Batten bracket kit for up to five fixtures

The batten bracket set is supplied as a pair of brackets with fibre washers and thumb wheels.
The batten bracket set can be used for floor mounting (see photo), direct wall mounting and
truss mounting when used in conjunction with hook clamps or half couplers.

c. Yoke kit for single fixture

The yoke kit for single fixture is supplied as a yoke bracket with fibre washers and thumb
wheels.

The yoke kit can be used for floor mounting (see photo), direct wall mounting and truss
mounting when used in conjunction with hook clamps or half couplers.

d. Dual mode yoke kit for single fixture

The dual mode yoke kit for single fixture is supplied with fibre washers and thumb wheels. The
dual mode yoke combines the function of the single yoke and the batten bracket.

e. Blinder frame for four fixtures

The blinder frame is supplied as a yoke bracket, side plates, fibre washers, thumb wheels and
eight M10 bolts.

The blinder frame is designed to truss mount with the use of a half coupler.

Color Block 2 User Manual 9 V1.0 April 2009

The end plates feature two complete sets of fixture fixing holes. Set one hold the fixtures
closely together ensuring equal centres for all sixteen cells. Sets two are adjustable and allow
the Color Block 2 fixtures to be splayed out at varying angles.

f. Hinge kit

The hinge kit is supplied as one complete hinge with fibre washers and M10 bolts.

The hinge kit fits between two Color Block 2 fixtures and offers an angle adjustment of 180 deg.
If used in multiples, unique shapes can be achieved, such as hexagons, octagons etc.

g. Wall bracket for single fixture

The Wall bracket for single fixture is a discreet fixing suitable for fixing a single Color Block 2 to
a wall or set piece. Keyhole slots are provided to for vertical or horizontal fixing.

2.4 Control

The Chroma-Q Color Block 2 is controlled via two models of addressable ANSI E1.11 USITT
DMX512-A power supply units, the 5 way Color Block PSU-05B and the 30 way Color Block
PSU-30.

The Color Block PSU-05B and PSU-30 menu items are accessed via the LCD display and the
following controls:

• Right hand button (red) = Enter (hold for 2 seconds to save)

• Left hand button (blue) = Exit without saving

• Wheel = Adjusts values or scrolls through menu items

The LCD screens shown above are currently at the Home position and display: product name
and model, software version, current DMX address, current control mode and time.

Color Block 2 User Manual 10 V1.0 April 2009

If left unadjusted at a main menu position for 5 second the LCD screen will revert to the Home
position.

a. Control Options

3 channel HSI (Hue, Saturation and Intensity) gives 2 colour channels for hue and saturation and
a separate intensity channel. A separate definable intensity channel is particularly useful when
creating intensity chases or when the grand master is used. The hue channel has 255 different
colours available and the saturation channel specifies the saturation level of that colour. The
saturation channel is fully saturated at full. White is achieved with the intensity channel to full
and the saturation channel at zero.

3 channel RGB (Red, Green, Blue with *Magic Amber) is the more traditional way of controlling
colour changing LED fixtures. Each of the three control channels directly affects the intensity of
the corresponding LED. Colour is mixed by adjusting the levels of the three primary colours.
White is achieved with all channels at full including *Magic Amber.

3 channel RGB(A) + 1 intensity channel (Red, Green, Blue with *Magic Amber and Intensity)
gives 3 control channels directly affecting the intensity of the corresponding LED – Red, Green,
Blue with *Magic Amber, and 1 channel affecting the intensity of all RGB(A) channels.

4 channel RGBA (Red, Green, Blue and Amber) gives 4 control channels directly affecting the
intensity of the corresponding LED – Red, Green, Blue and Amber. Color is mixed by adjusting
the levels of each of the four colors. White is achieved with all channels at full.

Grouping options: grouping by individual “cell”, grouping by “block” and “all”. A Color Block 2
fixture consists of 4 cells. “Cell” grouping allows individual control of each single cell. In “Block”
grouping, the 4 cells in each Color Block 2 fixture are grouped and controlled as 1 block. In “All”
grouping, all fixtures connected to a power supply can be controlled as 1 group.

Internal FX engine: modes 1, 4, and 7 incorporate a comprehensive internal FX engine with
seven variable parameters to create an unlimited amount of unique lighting effects.

* Magic Amber is the term used for the unit's ability to bring in Amber when mixing colors that require it.

b. Control Menu

Use the wheel to scroll through the control menu positions:

Home / DMX Address

To set the DMX start address of the PSU-05B/PSU-30, press Enter, scroll wheel to

adjust DMX start address, press Enter for 2 seconds to save settings.

Control Mode

The PSU-05B/PSU-30 can be set to operate in 16 DMX controlled modes for the

Color Block 2 system (CB2). Go to “System” and select “CB2”. 3 grouping options
are available (cell-grouped, block-grouped, all-grouped) with 5 control options:
HSIFX, HSI, RGB (with *Magic Amber), RGBA, RGBI (with *Magic Amber), pre­programmed looks and stand alone effects. Refer to the list below for details. Press
Enter, scroll wheel to select control mode, and press Enter for 2 seconds to save
control mode settings.

Color Block 2 User Manual 11 V1.0 April 2009

Mode Group Ch

PSU-05B

System: CB2

Ch

PSU-30

System: CB2

1

Variable 67 7FX + 20 x HSI 367 7FX + 120 x HSI

2

Cell 60 20 x HSI 360 120 x HSI

3

Cell 60 20 x RGB (with *Magic Amber) 360 120 x RGB (with *Magic Amber)

4

Block 21 6FX + 5 x HSI 96 6FX + 30 x HSI

5

Block 15 5 x HSI 90 30 x HSI
6 Block 15 5 x RGB (with *Magic Amber) 90 30 x RGB (with *Magic Amber)
7 All 9 6FX + HSI 9 6FX + HSI
8 All 3 1 x HSI 3 HSI
9 All 3 1 x RGB (with *Magic Amber) 3 RGB (with *Magic Amber)

10 Cell 80 20 x RGBA 480 120 x RGBA
11 Cell 80 20 x RGBI (with *Magic Amber) 480 120 x RGBI (with *Magic Amber)
12 Block 20 5 x RGBA 120 30 x RGBA
13 Block 20 5 x RGBI (with *Magic Amber) 120 30 x RGBI (with *Magic Amber)
14 All 4 RGBA 4 RGBA
15 All 4 RGBI (with *Magic Amber) 4 RGBI (with *Magic Amber)
16 Any 1 Look Select 1 Look Select

When DMX is Lost

If DMX is not detected various output options can be selected: Press Enter, scroll

wheel to selection, press Enter for 2 seconds to save settings.
Off - will snap to off
Hold - will hold the last valid DMX state
Trig - will default to Time Trigger operation
Look 1-31 will snap to the Look of your choice

Look Store

The PSU-05B/PSU-30 has 31 internal preset FX Looks for stand alone operation, 1-23

are pre-programmed. To replay a Look in stand alone operation, scroll to Look Store,
press Enter, scroll and select the desired Look and press Enter for 2 seconds to save
settings. To replay a Look with a DMX console, scroll to Control Mode 16 and press
Enter for 2 seconds. Use the DMX console with the assigned channel to playback the
various looks stored. (1-31 looks in 1 single channel)

Note: DMX has priority over internal Looks.

Looks can be recorded to the internal flash memory by users and will be preserved
on power down. However, looks will be returned to default setting if menu 8 Reset is
performed. There are two ways to record a look:

Simple, with DMX console.

Set the PSU-05B/PSU-30 to the desired Control Mode. Use a DMX console to adjust
channel levels and create the desired look or effect. Scroll to Look Store and press
Enter, scroll to desired Look number and press Enter. Press Enter again for 2
seconds to save Look.

Advanced, stand alone. (DMX is unplugged)

Scroll to Look Store and press Enter, scroll to desired Look and press Enter to access
the memory data. The data is presented as two numbers separated by a letter “c”.
The number to the left of the c is the channel number and to the right is the channel
level. Scrolling to the far end of the wheel will show the Mode at which the selected
Look was programmed.

To edit the Mode of a selected Look:
Scroll to Look Store and press Enter, scroll to desired Look and press Enter to access
the memory data. Scroll the wheel to the far end until Mode number is shown and
press Enter. Scroll wheel to adjust the Mode number. Press Enter to toggle back to
the channel numbers.

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To edit the channel numbers and levels of a selected Look:
Scroll to Look Store and press Enter, scroll to desired Look and press Enter to access
the memory data. Scroll the wheel to select the channel number. To edit the channel
level, press Enter and use the scroll wheel to adjust the level (shown as 0-255). Press
Enter to toggle back to the channel number. When the desired effect is created press
Enter for 2 seconds to save Look.

Time Triggers

The PSU-05B/PSU-30 has real time triggering of the internal Looks. Press Enter and

scroll to desired Time Trigger and press Enter. Press Enter to toggle between Day,
Hour (24), Minutes and Look to be triggered, adjusting the setting with the scroll
wheel as desired. Press Enter for 2 seconds to save settings. By default Time
Triggers will occur on all 7 days unless specified. The triggers will only be activated
when the feature “When DMX is Lost” is set to Trig.

Set Day and Time

Press Enter to toggle between Day, Hour (24) and Minutes, adjusting the setting with

the scroll wheel as desired. When the Day and Time is set correctly press Enter for 2
seconds to save settings.

Display Backlight (Displ. Backlight)

The LED display can be set to go off after 5 seconds of no activity. Press Enter, scroll

wheel to On (permanently) or Off (after 5 seconds) and press Enter for 2 seconds to
save settings.

Reset to Default

Press Enter for 2 seconds to reset all menu items to factory defaults:

DMX address = 001, Control Mode = 1 (67 or 367 channels HSI+FX) , DMX Lost =
Hold, Looks = default, Display = On, Frequency = 360, System = CB2

System

The PSU-05B/PSU-30 can be set to operate for the Color Block DB4 system (CB1) and

the Color Block 2 system (CB2). Press Enter, scroll wheel to select CB1 or CB2, press
Enter for 2 seconds to save settings.

Frequency

The PSU-05B/PSU-30 has four frequency settings available - 360, 600, 1200, 2400.

This allows for the LED scan rate to be synchronised with the video camera and
avoid a flickering effect. Press Enter, scroll wheel to select frequency, press Enter for
2 seconds to save settings.

Sync Mode

In normal operation internally generated FX should stay synchronised between the

PSU-05B’s/PSU-30’s for approx 30 minutes. If better synchronisation is required a
timing signal can be run via a RJ45 patch (not crossover) cable between PSU’s. In
order for this to work correctly one PSU-05B or PSU-30 must be designated as the
Master and all the others must be set to Slave.

Press Enter and use the scroll wheel to select Master or Slave. Press Enter for 2

seconds to save setting.

c. PSU-05B DMX Personality Mode 1-3

In mode 1 grouping is variable & in modes 2 -3 each cell is a group
PSU-05B
(v2.1)

Mode 1 (67ch)

7FX + 20 x HSI

Mode 2 (60ch)

20 x HSI

Mode 3 (60ch)

20 x RGB

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Grouping

0-100 Variable grouping range between 1-

20 cells with FX running within the group.
102-206 variable grouping range between
1-20 cells with FX running between the
groups.
209-255 Variable grouping range for every
2

nd

to every 20th cells in a group.

Hue group 1 Red group 1

Color Block 2 User Manual 13 V1.0 April 2009

Channel 2 Colour Speed

0-255 Variable speed of colour scrolling.
From static at 0 to maximum at 255.

Saturation group 1 Green group 1

Channel 3 Colour Fan

0-255 Variable fan of colour between /
within groups. All units are the same
colour at 0.

Intensity group 1 Blue group 1

Channel 4 Colour Range

0 Full spectrum
1-255 Variable limit of spectrum for colour

scrolling. Single colour at 1, full spectrum
at 255.

Hue group 2 Red group 2

Channel 5 Colour Step

0-255 Variable control of smoothness of
colour scrolling. Smoothest is at 0. Most
coarse is at 250. Rate will vary with
scrolling speed. 255 will override effects
and switch to RGB.

Saturation group 2 Green group 2

Channel 6 Intensity Effects

0 Static
1-63 Fade on, fade off. Variable range, 63

the fastest
64-127 Fade on, snap off. Variable range,
127 the fastest
128-191 Snap on, fade off. Variable range,
191 the fastest.
192-255 Snap on, snap off (strobe).
Variable range, 255 the fastest.

Intensity group 2 Blue group 2

Channel 7 Intensity Fan

0-255 Variable fan of intensity effect
between / within groups. All units at the
same intensity at 0. Alternating units on
and off at 255.

Hue group 3 Red group 3

Channel 8 Hue for group 1 Saturation group 3 Green group 3
Channel 9 Saturation for group 1 Intensity group 3 Blue group 3
Channel 10 Intensity for group 1 Hue group 4 Red group 4
Channel 11 Hue for group 2 Saturation group 4 Green group 4
Channel 12 Saturation for group 2 Intensity group 4 Blue group 4
Channel 13 Intensity for group 2 Hue group 5 Red group 5
...and so on up to group 20

Total 67 DMX channels 60 DMX channels 60 DMX channels

d. PSU-05B DMX Personality Mode 4-6

In modes 4-6, the 4 cells of a fixture is a group (Block)

PSU-05B
(v2.1)

Mode 4 (21ch)
6FX + 5 x HSI

Mode 5 (15ch)

5 x HSI

Mode 6 (15ch)

5 x RGB

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Colour Speed

0-255 Variable speed of colour scrolling.

From static at 0 to maximum at 255.

Hue group 1 Red group 1

Channel 2 Colour Fan

0-255 Variable fan of colour between
groups. All units are the same colour at 0.

Saturation group 1 Green group 1

Channel 3 Colour Range

0 Full spectrum
1-255 Variable limit of spectrum for colour

scrolling. Single colour at 1, full spectrum
at 255.

Intensity group 1 Blue group 1

Channel 4 Colour Step

0-255 Variable control of smoothness of

Hue group 2 Red group 2

Color Block 2 User Manual 14 V1.0 April 2009

colour scrolling. Smoothest is at 0. Most
coarse is at 250. Rate will vary with
scrolling speed. 255 will override effects
and switch to RGB.

Channel 5 Intensity Effects

0 Static
1-63 Fade on, fade off. Variable range, 63

the fastest
64-127 Fade on, snap off. Variable range,
127 the fastest
128-191 Snap on, fade off. Variable range,
191 the fastest.
192-255 Snap on, snap off (Strobe).
Variable range, 255 the fastest.

Saturation group 2 Green group 2

Channel 6 Intensity Fan

0-255 Variable fan of intensity effect
between groups. All units at the same
intensity at 0. Alternating units on & off at

255.

Intensity group 2 Blue group 2

Channel 7 Hue for group 1 Hue group 3 Red group 3
Channel 8 Saturation for group 1 Saturation group 3 Green group 3
Channel 9 Intensity for group 1 Intensity group 3 Blue group 3
Channel 10 Hue for group 2 Hue group 4 Red group 4
Channel 11 Saturation for group 2 Saturation group 4 Green group 4
Channel 12 Intensity for group 2 Intensity group 4 Blue group 4
Channel 13 Hue for group 3 Hue group 5 Red group 5

...and so on up to group 5

Total 21 DMX channels 15 DMX channels 15 DMX channels

e. PSU-O5B DMX Personality Mode 7-9

In modes 7-9 all fixtures in the output are a group (All)

PSU-05B
(v2.1)

Mode 7 (9ch)

6FX + HSI

Mode 8 (3ch)

HSI

Mode 9 (3ch)

RGB

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Colour Speed

0-255 Variable speed of colour scrolling.

From static at 0 to maximum at 255.

Hue group 1 Red group 1

Channel 2 Colour Fan

0-255 Variable fan of colour within group.
All units are the same colour at 0.

Saturation group 1 Green group 1

Channel 3 Colour Range

0 Full spectrum
1-255 Variable limit of spectrum for colour

scrolling. Single colour at 1, full spectrum

at 255.

Intensity group 1 Blue group 1

Channel 4 Colour Step

0-255 Variable control of smoothness of
colour scrolling. Smoothest is at 0. Most
coarse is at 250. Rate will vary with
scrolling speed. 255 will override effects
and switch to RGB.

Channel 5 Intensity Effects

0 Static
1-63 Fade on, fade off . Variable range, 63

the fastest
64-127 Fade on, snap off. Variable range,
127 the fastest
128-191 Snap on, fade off. Variable range,
191 the fastest.
192-255 Snap on, snap off (Strobe).

Color Block 2 User Manual 15 V1.0 April 2009

Variable range, 255 the fastest.

Channel 6 Intensity Fan

0-255 Variable fan of intensity effect within
group. All units at the same intensity at 0.

Alternating units on and off at 255.
Channel 7 Hue group 1
Channel 8 Saturation group 1
Channel 9 Intensity group 1

Total 9 DMX channels 3 DMX channels 3 DMX channels

f. PSU-05B DMX Personality Mode 10-11

In modes 10-11 each cell is a group

PSU-05B

(v2.1)

Mode 10 (80ch)

RGBA

Mode 11 (80ch)

RGBI (with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Red group 1 Red group 1
Channel 2 Green group 1 Green group 1

Channel 3 Blue group 1 Blue group 1

Channel 4 Amber group 1 Intensity group 1

Channel 5 Red group 2 Red group 2

Channel 6 Green group 2 Green group 2

Channel 7 Blue group 2 Blue group 2

Channel 8 Amber group 2 Intensity group 2

Channel 9 Red group 3 Red group 3

Channel 10 Green group 3 Green group 3

Channel 11 Blue group 3 Blue group 3

Channel 12 Amber group 3 Intensity group 3

Channel 13 Red group 4 Red group 4

...and so on up to group 20

80 DMX channels 80 DMX channels

g. PSU-05B DMX Personality Mode 12-13

In modes 12-13, the 4 cells of a fixture is a group (Block)

PSU-05B
(v2.1)

Mode 12 (20ch)

RGBA

Mode 13 (20ch)

RGBI

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Red group 1 Red group 1
Channel 2 Green group 1 Green group 1

Channel 3 Blue group 1 Blue group 1

Channel 4 Amber group 1 Intensity group 1

Channel 5 Red group 2 Red group 2

Channel 6 Green group 2 Green group 2

Channel 7 Blue group 2 Blue group 2

Channel 8 Amber group 2 Intensity group 2

Channel 9 Red group 3 Red group 3

Channel 10 Green group 3 Green group 3

Channel 11 Blue group 3 Blue group 3

Channel 12 Amber group 3 Intensity group 3

Channel 13 Red group 4 Red group 4

...and so on up to group 5

20 DMX channels 20 DMX channels

Color Block 2 User Manual 16 V1.0 April 2009

h. PSU-05B DMX Personality Mode 14-15

In modes 14-15 all fixtures in the output are a group (All)

PSU-05B
(v2.1)

Mode 14 (4ch)

RGBA

Mode 15 (4ch)

RGBI

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Red group 1 Red group 1
Channel 2 Green group 1 Green group 1

Channel 3 Blue group 1 Blue group 1

Channel 4 Amber group 1 Intensity group 1

4 DMX channels 4 DMX channels

i. PSU-05B DMX Personality Mode 16

In mode 16 grouping is variable

PSU-05B (v2.1) Mode 16 (1ch)

Look Store

Channel 1 Channel levels and the corresponding Look numbers:

Channel

Level (%)

Look

Channel

Level (%)

Look

Channel

Level (%)

Look

0 OFF 33–35 11 69-71 22
1–2 1 36-38 12 72-74 23
3–5 2 39-42 13 75-78 24
6–9 3 43-45 14 79-81 25

10–11 4 46-48 15 83-85 26
12–15 5 49-51 16 86-88 27
16–19 6 52-54 17 89-91 28
20–22 7 56-58 18 92-94 29

23-25 8 59-61 19 95-97 30

26–27 9 62-64 20 98-100 31

29-32 10 65-68 21

j. PSU-30 DMX Personality Mode 1-3

In mode 1 grouping is variable & in modes 2 -3 each cell is a group
PSU-30
(v2.1)

Mode 1 (367ch)

7FX + 120 x HSI

Mode 2 (360ch)

120 x HSI

Mode 3 (360ch)

120 x RGB

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Grouping

0-100 Variable grouping range between 1-120

cells with FX running within the group.
102-206 variable grouping range between 1­120 cells with FX running between the
groups.
209-255 Variable grouping range for every
2

nd

to every 120th cells in a group.

Hue group 1 Red group 1

Channel 2 Colour Speed

0-255 Variable speed of colour scrolling.
From static at 0 to maximum at 255.

Saturation group 1 Green group 1

Channel 3 Colour Fan

0-255 Variable fan of colour between / within
groups. All units are the same colour at 0.

Intensity group 1 Blue group 1

Channel 4 Colour Range

0 Full spectrum
1-255 Variable limit of spectrum for colour

scrolling. Single colour at 1, full spectrum at

255.

Hue group 2 Red group 2

Channel 5 Colour Step

0-255 Variable control of smoothness of
colour scrolling. Smoothest is at 0. Most
coarse is at 250. Rate will vary with scrolling

Saturation group 2 Green group 2

Color Block 2 User Manual 17 V1.0 April 2009

speed. 255 will override effects and switch to
RGB.

Channel 6 Intensity Effects

0 Static
1-63 Fade on, fade off. Variable range, 63 the

fastest
64-127 Fade on, snap off. Variable range, 127
the fastest
128-191 Snap on, fade off. Variable range,
191 the fastest.
192-255 Snap on, snap off (strobe). Variable
range, 255 the fastest.

Intensity group 2 Blue group 2

Channel 7 Intensity Fan

0-255 Variable fan of intensity effect between
/ within groups. All units at the same
intensity at 0. Alternating units on and off at

255.

Hue group 3 Red group 3

Channel 8 Hue for group 1 Saturation group 3 Green group 3
Channel 9 Saturation for group 1 Intensity group 3 Blue group 3
Channel 10 Intensity for group 1 Hue group 4 Red group 4
Channel 11 Hue for group 2 Saturation group 4 Green group 4
Channel 12 Saturation for group 2 Intensity group 4 Blue group 4
Channel 13 Intensity for group 2 Hue group 5 Red group 5
...and so on up to group 120

Total 367 DMX channels 360 DMX channels 360 DMX channels

k. PSU-30 DMX Personality Mode 4-6

In modes 4-6, the 4 cells of each fixture is a group (Block)

PSU-30

(v2.1)

Mode 4 (96ch)

6FX + 30 x HSI

Mode 5 (90ch)

30 x HSI

Mode 6 (90ch)

30 x RGB

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Colour Speed

0-255 Variable speed of colour scrolling.

From static at 0 to maximum at 255.

Hue group 1 Red group 1

Channel 2 Colour Fan

0-255 Variable fan of colour between groups.

All units are the same colour at 0.

Saturation group 1 Green group 1

Channel 3 Colour Range

0 Full spectrum
1-255 Variable limit of spectrum for colour

scrolling. Single colour at 1, full spectrum at

255.

Intensity group 1 Blue group 1

Channel 4 Colour Step

0-255 Variable control of smoothness of
colour scrolling. Smoothest is at 0. Most
coarse is at 250. Rate will vary with scrolling
speed. 255 will override effects and switch to
RGB.

Hue group 2 Red group 2

Channel 5 Intensity Effects

0 Static
1-63 Fade on, fade off . Variable range, 63 the

fastest
64-127 Fade on, snap off. Variable range, 127
the fastest
128-191 Snap on, fade off. Variable range,
191 the fastest.
192-255 Snap on, snap off (Strobe). Variable
range, 255 the fastest.

Saturation group 2 Green group 2

Channel 6 Intensity Fan

0-255 Variable fan of intensity effect between

Intensity group 2 Blue group 2

Color Block 2 User Manual 18 V1.0 April 2009

groups. All units at the same intensity at 0.
Alternating units on and off at 255.

Channel 7 Hue for group 1 Hue group 3 Red for group 3
Channel 8 Saturation for group 1 Saturation group 3 Green for group 3
Channel 9 Intensity for group 1 Intensity group 3 Blue for group 3
Channel 10 Hue for group 2 Hue group 4 Red for group 4
Channel 11 Saturation for group 2 Saturation group 4 Green for group 4
Channel 12 Intensity for group 2 Intensity group 4 Blue for group 4
Channel 13 Hue for group 3 Hue group 5 Red for group 5

...and so on up to group 30

Total 96 DMX channels 90 DMX channels 90 DMX channels

l. PSU-30 DMX Personality Mode 7-9

In modes 7-9 all fixtures in all the outputs are a group (All)

PSU-30

(v2.1)

Mode 7 (9ch)

6FX + HSI

Mode 8 (3ch)

HSI

Mode 9 (3ch)

RGB

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Colour Speed

0-255 Variable speed of colour scrolling.

From static at 0 to maximum at 255.

Hue for group 1 Red for group 1

Channel 2 Colour Fan

0-255 Variable fan of colour within group. All
units are the same colour at 0.

Saturation for group
1

Green for group 1

Channel 3 Colour Range

0 Full spectrum
1-255 Variable limit of spectrum for colour

scrolling. Single colour at 1, full spectrum at

255.

Intensity for group 1 Blue for group 1

Channel 4 Colour Step

0-255 Variable control of smoothness of
colour scrolling. Smoothest is at 0. Most
coarse is at 250. Rate will vary with scrolling
speed. 255 will override effects & switch to
RGB.

Channel 5 Intensity Effects

0 Static
1-63 Fade on, fade off . Variable range, 63 the

fastest
64-127 Fade on, snap off. Variable range, 127
the fastest
128-191 Snap on, fade off. Variable range,
191 the fastest.
192-255 Snap on, snap off (Strobe). Variable
range, 255 the fastest.

Channel 6 Intensity Fan

0-255 Variable fan of intensity effect within
group. All units at the same intensity at 0.

Alternating units on and off at 255.
Channel 7 Hue for group 1
Channel 8 Saturation for group 1
Channel 9 Intensity for group 1

Total 9 DMX channels 3 DMX channels 3 DMX channels

m. PSU-30 DMX Personality Mode 10-11

In modes 10-11 each cell is a group

PSU-30
(v2.1)

Mode 10 (480ch)

RGBA

Mode 11 (480ch)

RGBI

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Red for group 1 Red for group 1

Color Block 2 User Manual 19 V1.0 April 2009

Channel 2

Green for group 1 Green for group 1

Channel 3 Blue for group 1 Blue for group 1

Channel 4 Amber for group 1 Intensity for group 1

Channel 5 Red for group 2 Red for group 2

Channel 6 Green for group 2 Green for group 2

Channel 7 Blue for group 2 Blue for group 2

Channel 8 Amber for group 2 Intensity for group 2

Channel 9 Red for group 3 Red for group 3

Channel 10 Green for group 3 Green for group 3

Channel 11 Blue for group 3 Blue for group 3

Channel 12 Amber for group 3 Intensity for group 3

Channel 13 Red for group 4 Red for group 4

Channel 13 ...and so on up to group 120

480 DMX channels 480 DMX channels

n. PSU-30 DMX Personality Mode 12-13

In modes 12-13, the 4 cells in a fixture is a group (Block)

PSU-30 (v2.1) Mode 12 (120ch)

RGBA

Mode 13 (120ch)

RGBI

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Red for group 1 Red for group 1
Channel 2 Green for group 1 Green for group 1

Channel 3 Blue for group 1 Blue for group 1

Channel 4 Amber for group 1 Intensity for group 1

Channel 5 Red for group 2 Red for group 2

Channel 6 Green for group 2 Green for group 2

Channel 7 Blue for group 2 Blue for group 2

Channel 8 Amber for group 2 Intensity for group 2

Channel 9 Red for group 3 Red for group 3

Channel 10 Green for group 3 Green for group 3

Channel 11 Blue for group 3 Blue for group 3

Channel 12 Amber for group 3 Intensity for group 3

Channel 13 Red for group 4 Red for group 4

Channel 13 ...and so on up to group 30

120 DMX channels 120 DMX channels

o. PSU-30 DMX Personality Mode 14-15

In modes 14-15 all fixtures in all the outputs are a group (All)

PSU-30 (v2.1) Mode 14 (4ch)

RGBA

Mode 13 (4ch)

RGBI

(with *Magic Amber)

Channel 1 Red for group 1 Red for group 1
Channel 2 Green for group 1 Green for group 1

Channel 3 Blue for group 1 Blue for group 1

Channel 4 Amber for group 1 Intensity for group 1

4 DMX channels 4 DMX channels

Color Block 2 User Manual 20 V1.0 April 2009

p. PSU-30 DMX Personality Mode 16

In mode 16 grouping is variable

PSU-30 (v2.1) Mode 16 (1ch)

Look Store

Channel 1 Channel levels and the corresponding Look numbers:

Channel

Level (%)

Look

Channel

Level (%)

Look

Channel

Level (%)

Look

0 OFF 33–35 11 69-71 22
1–2 1 36-38 12 72-74 23
3–5 2 39-42 13 75-78 24
6–9 3 43-45 14 79-81 25

10–11 4 46-48 15 83-85 26
12–15 5 49-51 16 86-88 27
16–19 6 52-54 17 89-91 28
20–22 7 56-58 18 92-94 29

23-25 8 59-61 19 95-97 30

26–27 9 62-64 20 98-100 31

29-32 10 65-68 21

3. Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is a process of elimination. First, rule out the other field factors (i.e. bad
connections, faulty cables and power supplies). For technical advice and/or parts, please
contact your selling dealer or the offices listed in this manual.

Symptom Possible Cause Solution

Fixture does not respond to DMX
control.

PSU set to wrong or
different DMX address.
Bad cable connecting DMX
control and PSU.
Bad cable connecting PSU
and the fixture.
Bad in/thru connection
between adjacent fixtures.
Fan not working.

Check DMX address and
Mode settings.
Check/replace DMX run
from the console.
Check/replace cable from
PSU to fixture or in/thru
connections.
Call selling dealer if fan is

not working.
Intensity levels of LED are
fluctuating.

Signal deterioration, cable
lengths connecting adjacent
fixtures are too long.

Check the cable length and

configuration.

Fixture does not respond to DMX
control but PSU and all cable
connection are good.

Electronics fault in the
fixture unit.

Call selling dealer.

Noise from fixture unit. Fan malfunction. Check fan and call selling

dealer.

4. Specification

4.1 Technical specifications – Color Block 2

Product Code: CHCB4M2

Dimensions: 250mm x 62mm x 117mm

9.8" x 2.4" x 4.6"

Weight: 1.3kg / 2.8lbs

Power input rating: 48V DC

Color Block 2 User Manual 21 V1.0 April 2009

Control protocol: ANSI E1.1 DMX-512A

Connector in/out: XLR4

Maximum cable run: 60m / 200’

Cooling system: 1 x fan

Construction: Anodised aluminium extrusion

Colour: Black

LED cells: 4

LED per cell: 12 RGBA

Total LED: 48

Optics: Specialised close focus lens

Beam angle: 25º (approx.)

Beam dispersion: Symmetrical direct illumination

CCT: Adjustable 1000 – 10000K

Lamp life: Up to 25,000 hours

Operating temperature: 0ºC to +40ºC

IP rating: IP20

Approvals: EN55103-1, EN55103-2, IEC60950

4.2 Technical specifications – Color Block Power Supply Units

Product code: CHCBPSU05 CHCBPSU30

Dimensions: 279mm × 219mm × 88mm 483mm × 368mm × 89mm
11" × 8.6" × 3.5" 19" × 14.5" × 3.5"

Weight: 3.9kg / 8.6lbs 11.1kg / 24.5lbs

Working Voltage: 100-240VAC 50/60Hz 100-240VAC 50/60Hz

(auto-switching) (auto-switching)

Power consumption: 4A @ 120VAC; 2A @ 240VAC 18A @120VAC; 9A @ 240VAC

Output connectors: XLR4 XLR4

Sync: Ethercon RJ45 in/through Ethercon RJ45 in/through

Control: ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A

Power connector: IEC male chassis Trailing lead
Fuses: 6A 20mm spare included Both live and neutral are fused

110V - 2 x 20A 1.25” ceramic 220V - 2 x 10A 1.25” ceramic

Operating temperature: 0º C to + 40º C 0º C to + 40º C

Body colour: Black powder coated paint Black powder coated paint

IP rating: IP20 IP20

Color Block 2 User Manual 22 V1.0 April 2009

Cooling: 1 x rear mounted fans, 5 x rear mounted fans,
front/rear ventilation required front/rear ventilation required

Approvals: EN55103-1, EN55103-2, IEC60950

4.3 Photometric Performance

Photometric data for colour white Photometric data for colour red
3’/1m 6’/2m 9’/3m 12’/4m 15’/5m 3’/1m 6’/2m 9’/3m 12’/4m 15’/5m
FC 182 49 23 14 8 FC 86 23 11 6 4
Lux 1960 526 246 146 88 Lux 930 247 15 68 41

Photometric data for colour green Photometric data for colour blue
3’/1m 6’/2m 9’/3m 12’/4m 15’/5m 3’/1m 6’/2m 9’/3m 12’/4m 15’/5m
FC 152 41 19 11 7 FC 18 5 2 1 1
Lux 1637 438 203 117 76 Lux 192 51 24 14 9

Photometric data for colour amber
3’/1m 6’/2m 9’/3m 12’/4m 15’/5m
FC 88 24 10 7 4
Lux 952 253 110 72 41

Light Output
Color White Red Green Blue Amber
Output 532 266 445 56 242

4.4 Drawings

Color Block 2 User Manual 23 V1.0 April 2009

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Color Block 2 User Manual 26 V1.0 April 2009

5. Maintenance

With care, the Color Block 2 fixture and power supply units will require little maintenance.
However, as the unit is likely to be used in a stage environment we recommend periodical
internal inspection and cleaning of any resulting dust and cracked oil residue.

Do not spray liquids on the front or rear panel. If the front enclosure requires cleaning, wipe
with a mild detergent on a damp cloth.

6. Battery Replacement

The CR20/32 Lithium battery should last approximately 5 years from the date the battery was
made – note that a 4 year life from date of product sale would not be unexpected when delivery
and manufacturing times are allowed for.

Caution: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the
battery manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations.

7. Installation

Unique Magic Box interlocking enclosure of the PSU-05B facilitates easy rack mounting when
used in pairs and easy truss mounting via captive nut insert. Rack mounting brackets are
available in single unit and dual unit versions, enabling you to customise your equipment rack
or installation by mixing and matching different Magic Box interface units. Ensure adequate
ventilation around the holes in the enclosure. Failure to allow adequate ventilation may result in
premature failure of the unit.

The Color Block PSU-30 must be installed in a 2U rack mounted enclosure and be supported
front and rear. Ensure adequate ventilation around the front and rear of the enclosure. Failure to
allow adequate ventilation may result in premature failure of the unit.

8. Wiring

Power in, mains voltage

PSU-05B: IEC Power Cord
PSU-30: Europe - Live = brown, neutral =blue, earth = green / yellow
North America - Live = black, neutral = white, ground = green

DMX Input - XLR5

Pin# Function

1 Ground (Screen)
2 Data Minus
3 Data Plus
4 Spare Data Minus
5 Spare Data Plus

Power/Data Output - XLR4

Pin # Function

1 Ground (-ve)
2 Control data minus (-)
3 Control data plus (+)
4 24V DC (+ve)

Chassis Cable shield/drain wire

Note: Due to the higher levels of leakage current of the PSU-30 it is important that the XLR4
cables used are manufactured only to the specification detailed above. It is also important that

Color Block 2 User Manual 27 V1.0 April 2009

the cables are not coupled or uncoupled whilst the PSU is powered and that the PSU is
correctly grounded.

SYNC - RJ45

Used to synchronise the FX running on multiple PSU-05Bs. A straight wired RJ45 patch cable is
suitable to connect units (not a crossover cable).

Note: The SYNC connector on the PSU-05B is not using Ethernet.

9. Accessories

Model Part No

Yoke kit for single Color Block CHCBSY

Dual mode yoke kit for single Color Block CHCBCY

Batten bracket kit for up to 5 Color Block units CHCBBB
Blinder frame for 4 Color Block units CHCBBF4
Hinge kit for Color Block CHCBHP
Wall bracket for single Color Block CHCBWB
LED pipe for Color Block 1.3m / 4’ (5-way batten) CHCBLP1300
LED pipe for Color Block 0.25m / 9.8” (single) CHCBLP250
Single link cable for use in batten format MUCX4SDP-0.22
Other cable lengths available (‘x’ is length in m) MUCX4SDP-X

LED Pipe

The LED pipe is available in 250mm and 1300mm lengths
and simply snaps into the fixing slots on the fixture body.
The LED pipe blends and diffuses the RGBA LED output of
adjacent cells, taking the resulting colour. The LED pipe is
particularly effective at linear colour chase effects.