Chroma-Q®
Inspire™
External Control Box UL924
User Manual
Version 1.3 May 2018, Software Version 1.04
PN: 632-5010
Warranty Statement
Chroma-Q warrants to the original purchaser, with proof of purchase, that its delivered products
shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of 12 months
from date of shipment.
Chroma-Q will repair, or at its option, provide an equivalent item or replace, the defective product
during the stated warranty period. This warranty applies only to the repair or replacement of the
product and only when the product is properly handled, installed and maintained according to
Chroma-Q instructions. This warranty excludes defects resulting from improper handling, storage,
installation, acts of God, fire, vandalism or civil disturbances. Purchaser must notify Chroma-Q in
writing within 14 days of noticing the defect. This warranty excludes field labour or service charges
related to the repair or replacement of the product.
The warranty contained herein shall not extend to any finished goods or spare parts from which any
serial number has been removed or which have been damaged or rendered defective (a) as a result
of normal wear and tear, wilful or accidental damage, negligence, misuse or abuse; (b) due to water
or moisture, lightning, windstorm, abnormal voltage, harmonic distortion, dust, dirt, corrosion or
other external causes; (c) by operation outside the specifications contained in the user
documentation; (d) by the use of spare parts not manufactured or sold by Chroma-Q or by the
connection or integration of other equipment or software not approved by Chroma-Q unless the
Customer provides acceptable proof to Chroma-Q that the defect or damage was not caused by the
above; (e) by modification, repair or service by anyone other than Chroma-Q, who has not applied
for and been approved by Chroma-Q to do such modification, repair or service unless the Customer
provides acceptable proof to Chroma-Q that the defect or damage was not caused by the above; (f)
due to procedures, deviating from procedures specified by Chroma-Q or (g) due to failure to store,
install, test, commission, maintain, operate or use finished goods and spare parts in a safe and
reasonable manner and in accordance with Chroma-Q’s instructions (h) by repair or replacement of
engines without factory training.
The warranty contained herein shall not apply to finished goods or spare parts which are sold “as
is”, as “second-hand”, as used”, as “demo” or under similar qualifications or to Consumables
(“Consumables” is defined as any part(s) of goods or part(s) for use with goods, which part(s) of
goods or part(s) for use with goods are consumed during the operation of the goods and which
part(s) of goods or part(s) for use with goods require replacement from time to time by a user such
as, but not limited to, light bulbs).
The warranty contained herein shall not apply, unless the total purchase price for the defective
finished goods or spare parts has been paid by the due date for payment.
The warranty contained herein applies only to the original purchaser and are not assignable or
transferable to any subsequent purchaser or end-user.
This warranty is subject to the shipment of the goods, within the warranty period, to the Chroma-Q
warranty returns department, by the purchaser, at the purchasers’ expense. If no fault is found,
Chroma-Q will charge the purchaser for the subsequent return of the goods.
Chroma-Q reserves the right to change the warranty period without prior notice and without
incurring obligation and expressly disclaims all warranties not stated in this limited warranty.
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 Chroma-Q 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. Chroma-Q 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.
Chroma-Q 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 Inspire External Control Box UL924 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 support@chroma-q.com. If the selling dealer is
unable to satisfy your servicing needs, please contact the following, for full factory service:
Outside North America: North America:
Tel: +44 (0)1494 446000 Tel: 416-255-9494
Fax: +44 (0)1494 461024 Fax: 416-255-3514
support@chroma-q.com support@chroma-q.com
For further information please visit the Chroma-Q website at www.chroma-q.com.
Chroma-Q and Inspire Mini Terminal Strip are trademarks, for more information on this visit
www.chroma-q.com/trademarks.
The rights and ownership of all trademarks are recognised.
Important Notice:
As per the requirements in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for product
approval, please refer to the OSHA web pages http://www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/ for information
on the list of Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) and the scope of recognition.
Table of Contents
Product overview
The Inspire External Control Box UL924 is a 19” rack mount external remote addressing unit for the
control of the Inspire Terminal Strip fixtures via DMX 512.
Three control data output ports are available for the control of up to 128 daisy-chained fixtures from
each port. DMX data input and through connections from an external DMX control console are via
XLR 5-pin.
The Inspire External Control Box UL924 is built with Plug-in Terminal Block connectors for AC
power input, Emergency power input, control data output signals and XLR DMX In and Thru
connections.
Unpacking the Units
The Inspire External Control Box UL924 package includes:
• 1 External Control Box UL924 unit
• Quick Start Guide
• 3 plug-in terminal blocks for control data output
• 3 resistors 120 Ω (temporarily attached to the terminal blocks)
• 2 plug-in terminal blocks for AC power input and Emergency power input
• 2 Power Cord
• 2 Strain Relief
The original shipping packaging is durable and is specially designed for the purpose of reusability. It
is recommended that it is retained, for shipping the fixture.
Cabling
System Diagram
The Inspire External Control Box UL924 has 3 control data outputs (Port 1, 2, 3). Each control data
output provides remote control for up to 128 daisy-chained Inspire Mini Terminal Strip fixtures. The
maximum length of the DMX cable from each data output of the External Control Box to the first
Terminal Strip fixture must not exceed 500 ft (152 m).
Figure 1: System Diagram
Note:
A cable longer than 100’ between two fixtures should be terminated with a 120 ohms resistor
on the input side.
CAUTION:
The Inspire External Control Box UL924 has more than one power supply connection point.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, disconnect both the branch circuit-breakers or fuses
and emergency power supplies before servicing.
AC Mains Line Power Connection
To connect the wiring of the AC power input cable: (Figure 2 & 3)
1. Remove the Power Input Cover Plate using #1 Phillips screwdriver
2. Pull and remove the plastic covers of the AC and Emergency power cord entry holes
3. Insert the AC power cable with the appropriate cable strain relief through the power cord
entry hole
4. Unplug the AC power Terminal Block Plug from the Header
5. Connect the wiring for the AC power cable into the Terminal Block Plug using Ø 1.8mm
slotted screwdriver
6. Pull back on the wire to be sure it is secure and check there are no wire strands outside the
terminal block
7. Plug the wired AC power Terminal Block Plug into the Terminal Block Header
8. Fasten the AC grounding wire onto the stud for grounding connections
9. Fasten cable strain relief
10. Proceed to wire the Emergency power input cable
Note: If your system uses single phase power, connect to Neutral and Live 1 with jumpers to
Live 2 and Live 3.
AC Emergency/ Standby Line Power Connection
To connect the wiring of the Emergency power input cable: (Figure 2 & 3)
(If your system does not have Emergency power, disregard this section.)
11. the Emergency power cable with the appropriate cable strain relief through the power cable
entry slot
12. Unplug the Emergency power Terminal Block Plug from the Header and connect the wiring
for the Emergency power cable into the Terminal Block Plug using Ø 1.8mm slotted
screwdriver
13. Plug the wired AC power Terminal Block Plug into the Terminal Block Header
14. Fasten the Emergency grounding wire onto the stud for grounding connections (Ensure the
use of appropriate ring terminals, star washers and nuts)
15. Fasten cable strain relief
16. Put back and fasten the cover plate
Figure 2
Figure 3: AC & Emergency Power Wiring
CAUTION:
Provide conduit/armored connection for each Data Output Cable. (Min 20MSG metal plate)
Data/DMX Connection
To connect the wiring of the control data cables: (Figure 2 & 4)
1. Remove the data output cover plate using #1 Phillips screwdriver
2. Pull and remove the plastic covers of the data cord output holes (Port 1, 2, 3)
3. Insert the data cable for each port through the data cord output hole with the appropriate
cable strain relief corresponding/adjacent to each Terminal Plug location
4. Unplug each Terminal Block Plug from the Header
5. Connect the wiring for each of the data cable into the Terminal Block Plug using Ø 1.8mm
slotted screwdriver
6. Pull back on the wire to be sure it is secure and check there are no wire strands outside the
terminal block
7. Plug the wired data output Terminal Block Plug into the Terminal Block Header
8. Fasten the cable strain reliefs of each data cable using #1 Phillips screwdriver
9. Put back and fasten the cover plate
Figure 4: Data Output Wiring
Note: In SINGLE PHASE,
connect to LIVE 1 with
JUMPERS to LIVE 2 and
LIVE 3
XLR 5-pin Cable:
Pin#
Function
1
Common (Screen)
2
Data Minus
3
Data Plus
4
Spare Data Minus
5
Spare Data Plus
Power Cable Color Code:
EU
North America
Connections
Green and Yellow
Green
Earth (E)
Ground (Green)
Blue
White
Neutral (N)
Neutral (Silver)
Brown
Black
Live (L)
Hot (Gold)
EU
North America
Connections
Green and Yellow
Green
Earth/Ground
Brown
Black
Line 1
Phase A
Black
Red
Line 2
Phase B
Gray
Blue
Line 3
Phase C
Blue
White
Neutral
For other areas, consult your local jurisdiction.
Important Notice: The use of an opto-splitter for DMX signal distribution is highly recommended
when several control boxes are not plugged into the same power source.
Connecting 0 – 10V Source (Control Bus)
This mode controls the Inspire XT fixtures over DMX, pin polarity is shown in Fig 6.
When put at this mode, by tapping on 0-10v bus button in the change mode screen,
1. The control box disregards the current DMX input and controls the connected light fixtures over
the DMX output according to the 0-10v input voltage.
2. At 0v the light intensity goes to minimum (0%) and the 10v the light intensity goes to maximum
(100%). 1v input corresponds to 10% rise in intensity, 2v to 20% and so on.
3. All the connected Inspire fixtures are automatically set to one preset colour (white) only.
4. Inspire Terminal Strip fixtures cannot be changed to any other colour than white.
Alarm
In the alarm situations, the building control panel sends a short signal to the alarm port on the
UL924 box, which closes the dry contact, Fig6.
1. This setting has the highest priority over all other UL 924 box settings.
2. This will trigger the Inspire XT fixtures to a default white colour at 100% intensity alarm look.
A top-level block diagram is shown in fig5.
3. Alarm look on the Inspire fixtures can be changed and pre-set to desired colour and
intensity using a DMX controller.
4. In an alarm situation, the red LED on the UL924 box overlay will start fast flashing with a
continues audible fast beep.
DMX IN
0-10v Bus IN
AC Line Power IN
Emergency Power IN
Data Out 1
Data Out 2
Data Out 3
Building Alarm
Control panel
Figure 5
Alarm: Non-Polarized- Dry Contact
Figure 6: Alarm and 0-10v Bus
0-10v Control Bus
Alarm
Pin#1 (+ve)
Pin#2 (-ve)
Dry contact
Mounting
The Inspire External Control Box UL924 is built with a standard 19” rack mount enclosure.
The Inspire External Control Box UL924 provides remote control of the Inspire Terminal Strip
fixtures. The control functions can be accessed through the Touch Screen Display at the front
panel.
Opening Screen on Power On:
Main Screen:
Data Signal Indicator
“>>>DMX” DMX signal from a remote DMX control console is
present, or
“No Data”if there is no DMX signal present
AC Power Indicator
AC power is connected on each of the 3 phases (L1, L2, L3)
Emergency Power
Indicator
Emergency power is connected on each of the 3 phases (E1, E2,
E3)
DMX Start Address
Assigned DMX start address for each DMX output
Command Button
Can be tapped to access and select control menu screens and
options
Display On Pinhole
Insert a pin into the Pinhole
to turn the Display on for 30
seconds.
Change DMX Address screen:
The screen shows the current DMX start address and the new DMX start address. In the screen,
the numeric command buttons can be tapped to set the new DMX start address.
Command
Button
Description
0 – 9
Button numbers 0 to 9 for typing the new DMX start address.
Apply
Save the new DMX address.
Escape
Exit the screen without saving.
Change Mode screen:
The table shows the control options available in the Change Mode screen:
Command
Button
Description
RGBW single
4 channels for Red, Green, Blue & White per fixture in a single output (512
channels for a maximum of 128 fixtures per single output)
RGBW output
4 channels for Red, Green, Blue & White per output
Tungsten
1 channel for White for all fixtures per output
0-10V
1 channel for 0 – 10V dimming control
LookStore
A Look can be recorded in the LookStore screen and set as an output option
when DMX in not present (see DMX Lost)
Apply
Save the settings
Escape
Exit the screen without saving
Command Buttons:
Tap to access each
Port (DMX output)
Look Store screen
The table shows the options available in the Look Store screen:
Command
Button
Description
LoadLook
Recall and playback the saved Look.
SaveLook
This command button saves the current output setting.
SaveEmergency
This command button saves the current output setting that will turn ON when
power is automatically switched to Emergency (loss of Main Power). Default
emergency output setting is white at 100% intensity.
SaveAlarm
This command button saves the current output setting that will turn ON when
in the alarm goes off. Default output setting is white at 100% intensity.
Setup screen:
The table shows the fixture setup options available in the Setup screen:
Command
Button
Description
DMX Data
Displays the DMX start address and the levels for all the channels assigned.
RotateDisp
The command rotates the orientation of the Touch Screen Display
Frequency
4 frequency options are accessed through the PWM Frequency screen:
1200Hz, 2400Hz, 4800Hz, 9600Hz
DMX Lost
The fixture can be set with 3 options when DMX data is lost:
Last data – holds the last valid DMX state
No Output – the fixture switches to off
Look – sets the recorded Look
Reset
Reset Settings options are accessed through the Reset Setting screen:
Default – Factory default settings
User – User defined settings
Escape
Exit the screen without saving.
Control Menu Setup
The Control Menu options are accessed through the Touch Screen Display at the front of the
Inspire External Control Box.
To access the control options:
• From the Main Menu, tap the command buttons to access menu screens
• In the Menu screens, select and tap a command option
• Tap Apply to save the new setting or
• Tap Escape to exit without saving and go back to the previous menu
Main Menu
The Main Menu displays the port number and the current assigned DMX start address, and the
3 command buttons:
• Address
• Mode
• Setup Menu
Select and tap a command button to access the main control options available.
►
Address
To set the DMX start address,
1. On the Main Menu screen, tap Address
2. Select and tap a Port, the screen goes to the DMX Address screen,
3. Using the buttons, type the desired number
4. Tap Apply to save
The display goes back to the Main Menu with the new DMX address.
►
Mode
In this menu, the fixture can be set to operate in various DMX controlled modes.
RGBW single
RGBW output
Tungsten
0-10V
Look Store
►
RGBW single
This mode assigns 4 channels for Red, Green, Blue & White for each individual
fixture in each output.
To set the RGBW single mode,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Mode
2. On the Mode screen, tap RGBW single
3. Tap Apply to save or Escape to cancel
The display goes back to the Main Menu.
►
RGBW output
This mode assigns 4 channels for Red, Green, Blue & White for all the fixtures in
each output.
To set the RGBW output mode,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Mode
2. On the Mode screen, tap RGBW output
3. Tap Apply to save or Escape to cancel
The display goes back to the Main Menu.
►
Tungsten
This mode assigns 1 channel for White for all the fixtures in each output.
To set the Tungsten mode,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Mode
2. On the Mode screen, tap Tungsten
3. Tap Apply to save or Escape to cancel
The display goes back to the Main Menu.
►
0-10V
This mode assigns 1 channel from the external analog control source.
To set the 0-10V mode,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Mode
2. On the Mode screen, tap 0-10V
3. Tap Apply to save or Escape to cancel
The display goes back to the Main Menu.
►
Look Store
In this menu, 3 distinct looks can be stored for playback:
Alarm
This look has the highest priority and is played back in the event of a
dry contact closure provided from an external alarm system. This
look overrides the DMX input.
Emergency
This look is triggered when Main power is lost and Emergency
Power is active. This look overrides the DMX input at the Mains
power.
Look
This look can be recalled from the control box or selected to be
played in the event of DMX loss.
Note: All looks are programmed in default with all DMX values to 80%.
A Look or preset can be created with a DMX controller and played back using Look
Store.
To save a Look,
1. Create a Look with your console
2. Tap Mode, then Look Store
3. On the Look Store screen tap and hold the look type you want to record. A
text prompt appears on the display indicating the Look is stored. The saved
Look can be loaded and played back.
To Load a Look in Look Store,
1. Create a Look with your console using the steps above
2. Tap Mode, then Load Look
►
Setup Menu
In this menu, internal settings can be re-configured.
DMX Data
RotateDisp
Frequency
DMX Lost
Reset
►
DMX Data
In this menu, the screen shows the DMX start address and the equivalent value for
each of the DMX channels assigned.
To show DMX Data,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Setup Menu
2. On the Setup screen, tap DMX Data
Tap Escape to exit.
►
RotateDisp
This command rotates the display screen by 180 degrees.
To rotate the display screen,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Setup Menu
2. On the Setup screen, tap RotateDisp
The display screen rotates by 180 degrees.
►
Frequency
In this menu, the fixture can be set to four frequency options. The LED scan rate can
be synchronised with the video camera to avoid a flickering effect.
Frequency options:
1200 Hz
2400 Hz
4800 Hz
9600 Hz
To set the Frequency,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Setup Menu
2. On the Setup screen, tap Frequency
3. On the PWM Frequency screen, select and tap a Frequency option, then tap
Apply to save.
The screen goes to the Setup screen.
►
DMX Lost
In this menu, output options can be selected if the fixture does not detect DMX
signal:
Output options:
Last data
Fixture holds the last valid DMX state
No output
Fixture output is off
Look
Saved Look in LookStore
To set DMX Lost,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Setup Menu
2. On the Setup screen, tap DMX Lost
3. On the DMX Lost screen, select and tap an output option
4. Tap Apply to save
The screen goes to the Setup screen.
►
Reset
In this menu,
• Current user settings can be saved.
• The unit can be reset to the saved user settings.
• The unit can be reset to the factory default settings. All recorded Looks are
erased.
To save the current user settings,
Review all settings.
1. On the Main Menu, tap Setup Menu
2. On the Setup screen, tap Reset
3. On the Reset Setting screen, press and hold Save User for 10 seconds to
save the current settings. (Follow the text prompt that appears on the
screen.)
The screen goes to the Setup screen.
To reset to the saved user settings,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Setup Menu
2. On the Setup screen, tap Reset
3. On the Reset Setting screen, tap User
4. Press and hold Apply for 3 seconds to restore the saved user settings
The screen reboots to the opening screen and Main Menu.
To reset to the factory default settings,
1. On the Main Menu, tap Setup Menu
2. On the Setup screen, tap Reset
3. On the Reset Setting screen, tap Default
4. Press and hold Apply for 3 seconds to restore the factory default settings.
The screen reboots to the opening screen and Main Menu.
Factory Default Settings:
DMX Address
Port1:1, Port2: 2, Port3:3
Mode
RGBW single
DMX Lost
Last data
Frequency
1200Hz
Reset
Default
Mains power output colour
White at 100% intensity
Emergency Power output colour
White at 100% intensity
Alarm state output colour
White at 100% intensity
DMX Protocol
V1.01
RGBW single
[128 ch per output]
RGBW
RGBW output
[4 ch per assigned
output]
RGBW
Tungsten
[1 ch]
W
Channel 1
Red for fixture 1
Red for output
White for all fixtures (RGBW
combined)
Channel 2
Green for fixture 1
Green for output
Channel 3
Blue for fixture 1
Blue for output
Channel 4
White for fixture 1
White for output
Channel 5
Red for fixture 2
Channel 6
Green for fixture 2
Channel 7
Blue for fixture 2
Channel 8
White for fixture 2
Channel 9
Red for fixture 3
Channel
10
Green for fixture 3
...and so on up to
fixture 32 per output
....
Total
128 DMX channels
per output
4 DMX channels per
output
1 DMX channel
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 support 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.
• The External Control Box is
set to the wrong or different
DMX address.
• Bad cable connecting DMX
control and External
Control Box.
• Bad cable connecting DMX
control and fixture.
• Bad in/through connection
between daisy-chained
fixtures.
• Bad in/through connection
between daisy-chained
External Control Boxes.
• Check DMX address and
Mode settings.
• Check/replace DMX run
from the console to the
External Control Box.
• Check/replace DMX runs
from the External Control
Box to the fixtures.
• Check/replace DMX runs
between daisy-chained
fixtures.
• Check/replace DMX runs
between daisy-chained
External Control Boxes.
Low LED output.
• Internal temperature of the
fixture is over the limit.
• Check area ventilation.
Flicker
• No termination resistor
• Check the first fixture in
each run if it has the 120 Ω
terminating resistor.
Specification
Technical Specifications
Net Dimensions**
(Without Fixings - Width
x Height x Depth)
483mm x 88mm x 254mm / 19” x 3.5” x 10”
Net Weight (Without
Fixings)
2.5kg / 5.5lb
Shipping Dimensions –
Width x Height x Depth
533mm x 317.5mm x 133.5mm / 21” x 12.5” x 5.25”
Shipping Weight
3.3kg / 7.3lb
Power & Connections
Power Supply
Built-in
Power Input Rating
100-240V AC 50-60Hz .4A
Power Factor
0.6
Power Consumption
4.6W @ 120V AC; 9W @ 230V AC
Inrush Current
11A @ 120V AC; 23A @ 230V AC
Idle Power Consumption
4.6W @ 120V AC; 9W @ 230V AC
Typical Power & Current
Measurements done with all LEDs at maximum intensity. Measurements
made at nominal voltage. Allow for a deviation of +/- 10%.
Power connector In/Out
Input only: Internal Terminal Block; Transfer Power Input from
Generator: Internal Terminal Block
Data Connectors In/Out
Terminal Block
Control Protocol
ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A
Cooling System
Convection
Operating Temperature
0°C to 40°C
Construction
Powder-coated aluminium
Colour
Black
IP Rating
IP20
Approvals
CISPR 22/EN55022 & CISPR 24/EN55024, ICES-003 Issue 4:2012 /
FCC Part 15 Subpart B:2014, CSA C22.2 No. 166-M1983: R2013, UL
1573:2003 R2014, IEC 60598-2-17, UL924
Control
Control Modes
RGBW single, RGBW output, Tungsten, 0-10V , LookStore
Dimming Curve
Theatrical
Drawings – Dimensions
Maintenance
With care, the Inspire External Control Box UL924 requires little maintenance. However, as the unit
is likely to be used in a stage environment, we recommend periodic inspection and cleaning of any
accumulated debris.
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.
Loading...