Color Kinetics ColorBlast 6 User Manual

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to a more color ful world brought to you by Color
Kinetics. Chromacore®, our patented core technology, generates
and controls milli ons of colors and a variety of lighting effects
using a microproce ssor to control LEDs. This User Guide contains
important informat ion about installing and operating your new
ColorBlast® 6 fixture safely.

Included In This Box

• ColorBlast 6 with base

• Outdoor junction box gasket for standard US junction boxes

• Water-tight grommet assembly

• 2 8-32 screws for indoor standard US junction boxes with

3.5" center to center mounting holes

• 4 10-24 stainless steel screws for outdoor junction boxes

• Hex key wrench (3/32")

• User Guide

Additional Items Needed

• 4” Electrical junction box (rated for your application) with 3.5”

center to center distance for mounting locations

• 24VDC Color Kinetics power/data supply
PDS-150e (Item# 109-000008-01) or
PDS-60 24V (Item# 109-000017-00/03)

• Controller - Color Kinetics DMX Controller or DMX compatible

• Color Kinetics Zapi (Item# 103-000005-00, US/103-000005-01, EU)
or Serial Addressing Software (SAS) with iPlayer 2 or
Smart Jack 3

• Adjustable wrench

• Phillips head screw driver

Scope of This User Guide

The goal of this user guide is to explain in an easily understood lan­guage the necessary steps to install ColorBlast 6 and assure peak
performance. Its intended use is for reference only, by qualified profes­sionals. This document should never be considered a substitute for any
provisions of a regulation or state, local and/or national codes.

Identification and Warnings of Safety Hazards

In accordance with ANSI Z535.4 the following system of identifying
the severity of the hazards associated with the products is used:

“danger” Imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

“warning” Potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

“caution” Potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may

result in minor or moderate injury or property damage.

danger: Ensure that the main power supply is off before install-

ing or wiring ColorBlast 6 and the power/data supply. Failure to
adhere to these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

warning: ColorBlast 6 and the power/data supply must be

installed by a qualified professional in accordance with NEC and
relevant local codes. Failure to comply can result in death, serious
injury, or property damage.

warning: Do not attempt to install or use ColorBlast 6 or the

power/data supply until you read and understand the installation
instructions and safety labels. Failure to adhere to these instructions
could result in serious injur y or property damage.

caution: ColorBlast 6 has no serviceable parts. Do not attempt to

open the fixture. Doing so will result in property damage and void
the warranty.

caution: Do not modify, alter, or attempt to service ColorBlast 6.

Doing so will void the warranty.

caution: Do not use sharp tools near or on the fixture lens. Doing

so will result in property damage and void the warranty.

caution: Do not hot swap. Ensure the power supply is off before

connecting or disconnecting fixtures. Hot swapping will result in
property damage and void the warranty.

note: The instructions and precautions set forth in this installation

guide are not necessarily all-inclusive, all conceivable, or relevant to
all applications as Color Kinetics cannot anticipate all conceivable
or unique situations.

Owner/User Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the contractor, installer, purchaser, owner
and user to install, maintain, and operate ColorBlast 6 in such a
manner as to comply with all state, local, and national laws, ordi­nances, regulations, and the American National Standard Institute
Safety Code.

PLANNING THE INSTALLATION

The nature of a ColorBlast 6 installation requires planning to ensure

a timely, successful installation with minimal complications and
down time.

Planning Suggestions

When planning a ColorBlast 6 installation, Color Kinetics suggests
doing the following:

• Consult an Electrical Inspector to approve all wiring plans.

• Refer to local and state codes for installation compliance.

• Create a Mapping Grid. Use this grid to record serial numbers
for easy reference and addressing.

• Create a Layout Plan drawing, per Lighting Designer or Architect.

• Employ Color Kinetics Application Engineering Services.

• Get detailed wiring diagrams and additional support from
http://support.colorkinetics.com.

Installation Considerations

When creating your installation plan, consider the following:

• Location of power/data supply in relationship to lights.

• Maximum accumulated cable length for all ColorBlast 6 fixtures
connected to a single PDS-150e is 400 feet. Maximum single
cable run between PDS-150e and ColorBlast 6 is 150 feet.

• Maximum cable length for a ColorBlast 6 fixture connected
to a PDS-60 24V is 150 feet. Therefore, PDS-60 24V must be
located within 150 feet of the furthermost supported fixture.

• Location of fixture and method of mounting. ColorBlast 6 can be

installed indoors or outdoors on a wall, ceiling, or floor. Junction
boxes and mounting methods var y according to location.

INSTALLING CO LO RB LA ST 6

Steps to a Successful Installation

1. Record serial numbers and identify fixtures as you unpack them.

2. Install the power/data supplies.

3. Address the light fixtures.

4. Install ColorBlast 6 fixtures.

5. Make electrical connections.

Recording Serial Numbers

1. As you unpack the fixtures record the serial numbers.

Each ColorBlast 6 has a unique serial number programmed at
the time of manufacture.

2. Write the serial numbers onto a Mapping Grid or use a bar code

scanner along with Color Kinetics Serial Addressing Software
(SAS) to record each serial number. SAS and instructions are
located at www.colorkinectics.com/support/downloads.

3. Using the Layout Plan, assign the fixture to a layout position in

the installation.

4. Using a weatherproof label, identify the fixtures installation posi-

tion based on the Layout Plan. Place the identifying label in an
inconspicuous location noting the order or placement in the instal­lation. This step not only minimizes installation mistakes, but aids
in post-installation light shows programming.

Installing the Power/Data Supply

Fol lowi ng th e Layo ut Pl an, in stall the p ower/d ata su pplies
acc ordi ng to state and local codes . R efer to the PD S-150e or
PDS -60 24V I nstall ation Guide s f or com plete instr uction s.

warning: Ensure that the power is off before wiring or connecting

fixtures to the power/data supply. Failure to do so can results in
serious injuries or death.

caution: Never lengthen the ColorBlast 6 cable. Doing so will

result in property damage and void the warranty.

Addressing the Lights

important: Before you begin the installation, consider the scope of

your lighting application and installation. Your ColorBlast 6 is set
to light address one (1) at the factory. If your application requires
other addresses, set the light addresses using one of the following
addressing tools:

zapi: Use Color Kinetics Zapi to set the DMX address for each

fixture or set all fixtures to the same DMX address. Refer to the
Zapi User Guide for step-by-step addressing instructions.

sas (serial addressing software): Use a PC with iPlayer 2, or a

PC with Smart Jack 3 to address the fixtures. Download SAS and
instructions from www.colorkinetics.com/support/downloads.

light system manager (lsm) or video system manager (vsm):

Use LSM or VSM software to discover and address all fixtures via
Ethernet. For detailed information on using LSM or VSM, see the
LSM or VSM User's Guides.

note: All of these tools can be used to address light fixtures either

pre-installation or post-installation (to save time).

note: For applications using multiple, daisy-chained power supplies,

you can address all lights in the chain by attaching Zapi to the first
power supply in the series.

Setting Individual Addresses

Using the Serial Number mode of Zapi 1.5 or SAS, address each
fixture attached to a power supply or a series of connected power
supplies individually.

1. With power disconnected, connect up to six ColorBlast 6 fixtures
to the power/data supply.

2. Attach the DMX interface (Zapi, iPlayer 2, or Smart Jack 3) to the
DMX IN port on the power/data supply.

3. Connect power to the power/data supply.

4. Use Zapi or SAS to set the light address for each serial number.

5. Disconnect power and then disconnect the addressed
ColorBlast 6 fixture(s).

6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for all remaining fixtures.

7. After all fixtures are addressed, disconnect the DMX interface.

Setting the Same Address to Multiple Lights

Using Zapi 1.5, address all fixtures attached to a power supply or
multiple, daisy-chained power supplies.

1. With power disconnected, connect up to six ColorBlast 6 fixtures
to the power/data supply.

2. Attach the Zapi to the DMX IN port on the power/data supply.

3. Connect power to the power/data supply.

4. Use Zapi to set the light addresses. All ColorBlast 6 fixtures con­nected to the power/data supply are addressed simultaneously.

note: If you are using SAS, you must input each serial number

(address) separately.

5. Disconnect the DMX interface.

Installing ColorBlast 6 Fixtures

This fixture must be installed by a qualified electrician in accor­dance with NEC and relevant local codes for Class 2 power
sources.

ColorBlast 6 can be installed indoors or outdoors. When mounting
on walls and ceilings, use an electrical junction box rated for your
application.

Through-Base Cable Assembly

For all installations where the cable must go through the canopy
base, follow the directions below to prevent cable damage and to
create a water-tight seal for outdoor installations.

1. Screw the liquid-tight fitting into the canopy base. The O-ring
must be seated against the canopy opening to ensure a water­tight seal.

2. Insert the fixture cable through the dome nut. Loosen the dome
nut if necessary. Pull the cable through the fitting. Leave enough
cable above the fitting to ensure full fixture head rotation.

3. Tighten dome nut to seal the cable. After 24 hours, tighten the
dome nut again to ensure proper sealing force and water-tight
seal. (See Fig. 1.)

Color Kinetics Incorporated

10 Milk street, Suite 1100

Boston, MA 02108 USA

Tel 888 Full RGB

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

www.colorkinetics.com

ITEM# 116-000013-00 (White, Frosted)
116-000013-01 (Black, Frosted)
116-000013-02 (White, Clear)
116-000013-03 (Black, Clear)

This product is protected by one or more of the following U.S. Patents and their
foreign counterparts: 6,016,038, 6,150,774, 6,292,901, 6,340,868, 6,777,891,
6,788,011, 6,806,659, 6,969,954, and 6,975,079. Other patents pending.

©2002-2007 Color Kinetics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Chromacore, Chromasic,
CK, the CK logo, Color Kinetics, the Color Kinetics logo, Color Kinetics The Leader in
Intelligent Light, ColorBlast, ColorBlaze, ColorBurst, ColorCast, ColorPlay, ColorScape,
DIMand, Direct Light, EssentialWhite, eW, iColor, iColor Cove, IntelliWhite, iW, iPlayer,
Light Without Limits, Optibin, Powercore, QuickPlay, Sauce, the Sauce logo, and
Smartjuice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Color Kinetics Incorporated
in the United States and/or other countries.

PUB-000143-00 Rev. 03

Specifications subject to change without notice. Refer to www.colorkinetics.com for the
most recent version.

C o l o r B l a s t 6

u s e r g u i d e

CANOPY BASE

LIQUID-TIGHT
FITTING

O-RING

CABLE

DOME NUT

Fig. 1

Indoor: Wall or Ceiling Mount

1. Ensure the junction box is located within 60 feet of the fixture.

Pull fixture leader cable through the junction box.

note: If you do not exceed the maximum accumulated cable length

of 400 feet for all fixtures attached to a single PDS-150e, then
you can splice additional cable between the junction box and
the power/data supply, as long as the cable length between the
power/data supply and the fixture does not exceed 150 feet.

2. Using the provided screws, attach the mounting bracket of
ColorBlast 6 to the junction box. (See Fig. 2.)

8-32
Fastening Screws

Included

3.5” Center-to-center

mounting hole spacing

Indoor electrical

junction box

Not included

Fig. 2

Outdoor: Wall or Ceiling Mount

For outdoor installations, ColorBlast 6 must be used with an
outdoor-rated junction box and the gasket must be used to ensure a
watertight seal.

1. Ensure that the junction box is located within 60 feet of the

power/data supply. Thread the leader cable through provided
gasket. Pull fixture leader cable through the junction box.

note: If you do not exceed the maximum accumulated cable length

of 400 feet for all fixtures attached to a single PDS-150e, then
you can splice additional cable between the junction box and
the power/data supply, as long as the cable length between the
power/data supply and the fixture does not exceed 150 feet.

2. Using the provided screws, attach the mounting bracket of
ColorBlast 6 to the outdoor rated junction box. (See Fig. 3.)

Floor Mount

When used indoors, ColorBlast 6 can be mounted without a junc­tion box. Ensure that the fixture sits flush to the surface and use
mounting hardware suitable for the mounting surface.

Positioning Fixtures

Rotate the light fixture to the desired position. Using the provided
hex key, tighten the set screws located on the base to lock in place.
Tilt the fixture to the desired angle and tighten the set screws located
on the front of housing to lock. See Fig. 4 for location of set screws.

note: For permanent installations, use thread locker to prevent

loosening.

Attaching Safety Cable

1. Locate the safety cable bracket on rear of ColorBlast 6.
(See Fig. 5.)

SAFETY CABLE

END USER SPECIFIES

REQUIRED END TERMINATOR

AND ANCHORING

Fig. 5

2. Remove the two screws that attach the cable bracket to the fix­ture. Loop the safety cable over the cable bracket and reattach to
the fixture. Add thread locker to further secure the hardware.

3. Attach the safety cable to the mounting surface. Consult a
Structural Engineer and refer to applicable standards for your
specific application to determine the proper method for mount­ing the safety cable to the installation surface.

Safety cables used in the installation must meet the following

minimal requirements:

material: 316 Stainless Steel
size: 5/64-inch (0.78-inch nominal diameter) or

larger, minimum break load must be
greater than 400 pounds. Maximum diam­eter is 3/16-inch.

construction: 7 x 7 (49 wires) preformed stranded
end terminations: Determined by installer and/or owner
mounting method: Determined by installer or owner

Making Electrical Connections

ColorBlast 6 is compatible with Color Kinetics power/data
supplies.

warning: Ensure that the power is off before wiring or connecting

fixtures to the power/data supply. Failure to do so can result in
serious injuries or death.

Connecting Power

ColorBlast 6 requires 24 VDC. After installing the light fixtures, con­nect thepower/data cable to the power/data supply.

Each PDS-150e supports six ColorBlast 6 fixtures. Wire one fixture
per terminal block. Each PDS-60 24V supports two ColorBlast 6
fixtures. Fig. 6 shows ColorBlast 6 fixtures connected to PDS-150e.
Fig. 7 – Fig. 9 show fixtures connected to PDS-60 24V power/data
supplies.

note: Each light must receive power directly from a power supply.

You cannot daisy chain power from one ColorBlast 6 to another.
The ColorBlast 6 cable contains three color-coded wires.

(See Fig. 10.)

• Black = Common

• White = Data

• Red = +24 VDC

caution: You must use the cable provided with the unit. Use of

other cables may result in light failure and void the warranty.

PDS-60 24V

Color
Kinetics
Controller

DMX/ETHERNET

IN

(C A T5/RJ45 )

100-240 V A C

DMX
OUT

ColorBlast 6 with PDS-60 24V (Preprogrammed)

Power/Data Cable

18A WG/.823mm

2

CSA,

3-conductor , stranded copper

Maximum cable run from

60W Power/Data Supply

to Lights: 150 feet (46 m)

60-foot (18.3 m)
power/data cable

included with fixture.

Maximum: T wo ColorBlast 6 fixtures

p

er PDS-60 24V power/data supply.

10-24
Fastening Screws

Included

3.5” Center-to-center

mounting hole spacing

Outdoor electrical

junction box

Not included

Gasket

Included

Fig. 3

PDS-150e

Power/Data Supply

C I T S O N G A I D

C I D N I A O T R

S T H G I L

T

U O X M

D

E P E R A E T R

N I X M D

ETHERNET

X M D

P O O L
T U O

AUX IN

E S U F

E S U F

E S U F

V 4 2

D A T A

M O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M
O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M O C

PDS-150e

PDS-150e

100-240 V AC

100-240 V AC

Loop out connection

for multiple

power/data supplies

NEMA enclosure

Color

Kinetics

Controller

C A T 5/RJ4 5

Data Cable

ColorBlast 6 with PDS-150e

Maximum single run distance from PDS-150e: 150 feet (46 m).

Maximum: Six ColorBlast 6 fixtures per PDS-150e Power/Data suppl y .

(One per te r minal )

PDS-150e

Power/Data

Supply

C I T S O N G A I D

C I D N I A O T R

S T H G I L

T U O X M

D

E P E R A E T R

N I X M D

ETHERNET

X M
D

P O O L
T U O

AUX IN

E S U F

E S U F

E S U F

V
4
2

D A T A

M O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M
O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M O C

V 4 2

D A T A

M O C

V
4
2

D A T A

M O C

Power/Data Cable

18 A WG/.823mm 2 CSA,

3-conducto r , stranded coppe r

From PDS-150e Power/Data Supply maximum

accumulated length of cable run for all fixtures

must not exceed 400 feet (122 m).

(Power/data cable for junction

box-mount provided by third pa r ty )

Rotate fixture at base,
lock in place.

Aim fixture and
lock in place.

FRONT VIEW

Fig. 4

caution: Do not overload the power/data supply. Doing so will

result in product failure and void the warranty.

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

PDS-60 (DMX/Ethernet)

DMX IN
(CAT5/RJ45)

DMX

Controller

100-240VAC

DMX OUT

DMX IN
(CAT5/RJ45)

100-240VAC

DMX IN

DMX OUT

ETHERNET

GND

+24V

DMX IN

DMX OUT

ETHERNET

PDS-60 (DMX/Ethernet)

24V for Accessory
Controller (as required)

ColorBlast 6 with PDS-60 24V (DMX Control)

Power/Data Cable

18AWG/.823mm

2

CSA,

3-conductor, stranded copper

Maximum cable run from

60W Power/Data Supply

to Lights: 150 feet (46 m)

60-foot (18.3 m)
power/data cable

included with fixture.

Fig. 8

Ethernet
Switch

Light
System
Engine

PC*

* PC used for show

authoring and show control.

Ethernet IN

DMX IN

DMX OUT

ETHERNET

GND

+24V

Ethernet IN

DMX IN

DMX OUT

ETHERNET

GND

+24V

PDS-60 (DMX/Ethernet)

PDS-60 (DMX/Ethernet)

ColorBlast 6 with PDS-60 24V (Ethernet Control)

Power/Data Cable

18AWG/.823mm

2

CSA,

3-conductor, stranded copper

Maximum cable run from

60W Power/Data Supply

to Lights: 150 feet (46 m)

60-foot (18.3 m)
power/data cable

included with fixture.

Fig. 9

BLACK
WHITE
RED

COM
DATA
24V

Fig. 10