ETC Sensor User Manual

Portable Pack

USER MANUAL

Contents

Introduction .......................................................................3

SP6 face panel components ............................................ 3

SP12 face panel components .......................................... 4

Electronics modules ..........................................................5

Removing .................................................................... 5

Dimmer modules ..............................................................6

Circuit breakers............................................................6

LEDs ............................................................................ 6

Removing .................................................................... 6

Line and load connectors .................................................. 7

SP6 single phase operation...............................................8

SP12 single phase operation ............................................ 9

Input connectors ............................................................. 10

Connector pinout data ...............................................10

Beacon ............................................................................ 11

Door .... ...........................................................................11

Cooling system ...............................................................12

Specifications ..................................................................12

Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

UL and C UL Listed

AC Lighting Loads Only
For Indoor Use Only
Utilizer Dans Un Endroit A L'Abri

ETC Sensor dimming equipment is protected by
US patent number 5,352,958.

7052M1002

3030 Laura Lane, Middleton, WI 53562

800/688-4116 FAX [phone]

Copyright 1994-95 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

Specifications subject to change. Revised 7-95.

2 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

Introduction

The Sensor Portable Pack is a modular dimming system that
consists of a single electronics module and multiple dimmer
modules in a fan-cooled, aluminum and steel housing. It is
available in standard and Advanced Features (AF) configurations.

❶

Beacon

❸

Analog

0 - 10 VDC

❷

OutIn

AMX192

Address

In DMX512

Thru

Off On

Termination

Switch

Error

Phase A

IAS

Phase B

Phase C

Analog

AMX

DMX

Off On

Termination

Switch

Reset

❹

Sensor Portable Pack User Manual 3

SP6 Portable Pack

❺

❶ LED beacon
❷ Input connector panel
❸ Electronics module (MPE shown)
❹ Door
➎ Circuit breakers

❶

❷

Beacon

Analog

0 - 10 VDC

OutIn

AMX192

Off On

Termination

In DMX512

Thru

Off On

Termination

Switch

Switch

❸

Address

Phase A

Phase B

Reset

Error

IAS

Phase C

Analog

AMX

DMX

❹

4 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

❺

❶ LED beacon
❷ Input connector panel
❸ Electronics module
❹ Door
➎ Circuit breakers

SP12 Portable Pack

Electronics modules

Standard configuration Sensor Portable Packs are generally
equipped with a Multi-Protocol Electronics (MPE) module.
MPE modules are factory-configured for seven user-selectable
dimmer configurations and accept DMX512, AMX192 and 0 –
10V DC analog input. Advanced Features (AF) packs are
equipped with a Control Electronics Module (CEM). CEMs
accept only DMX512, but feature an easy-to-use user inter­face that incorporates an integral LCD and keypad.

Like all Sensor dimming systems, the Portable Pack provides
feedback on dimming system status. In packs equipped with
the MPE, this is accomplished via a warning beacon and a
system of flashing LEDs. AF packs also provide a warning
beacon, but the CEM also provides extensive error messages
and warnings on the integral LCD. In addition, AF packs may
be networked on ETCLink, and provide feedback information
on individual dimmer modules.

For more information regarding the electronics module, see
the

CEM User Manual

with your system.

or

MPE User Manual

that was shipped

111

Multi-Protocol Electronics (MPE) Module

Dimmer

7

8

About

4

5

Backup

Setup1A/B

2

0

Control Electronics Module (CEM)

Removing electronics modules

To remove the electronics module, follow these steps:

1. Open the door.

2. Pull the small metal handle out of the bottom edge of the
front panel.

3. Grasp the handle and gently pull the electronics module
out.

Phase A

Phase B

9

6

3

At

Phase C

DMX

Exit

Next

Thru

Clear

Error

IAS

Analog

AMX

Enter Reset

ResetAddress

OA

OB

ETCLink

OC

Sensor Portable Pack User Manual 5

To replace the module, insert it firmly until you feel it seat
securely. When the module is correctly seated, it should be
flush with the dimmers. Be sure to slide the handle back into
the front panel.

Dimmer modules

Each SP6 contains one electronics module and either six
standard or three double-height dimmer modules. Each SP12
contains one electronics module and either twelve standard or
six double-height dimmer modules. Sensor packs support
15A, 20A, 50A, or 100A dimmer modules in various combina­tions. (Custom dimmer configurations are available by special
order.)

20

OFF

20

❶

OFF

Standard Sensor 20A dimmer module (D20)

Except for 15A and 20A modules, which are interchangeable,
module slots are designed to accept only the size module
specified for that space. Do not attempt to insert a module
into a slot configured for a different size module.

❶

Dimmer module circuit breakers

On the left end of a dimmer module’s front panel are either
one or two circuit breakers (depending on whether the
module is single or dual). If the breaker switch is to the right,
the circuit is off or tripped. If the breaker switch is to the left,
the circuit is on.

❷

Signal

20 A

Signal

20 A

❷

LEDs

All modules have an LED marked Signal on the right end of
the front panel. The Signal LED is on whenever the pack is
receiving DMX512 input.

Sensor AF (Advanced Features) dimmer modules also have an
LED marked Output which is on whenever the dimmer has
an output voltage. Dual modules have two sets of LEDs.

Removing dimmer modules

To remove dimmer modules, open the door, then grasp the
center part of the face panel with both hands and pull.

To replace the module, insert it firmly until you feel it seat
securely. When the module is correctly seated, it should be
flush with the other dimmer modules.

Warning: Do not touch the AC power bus. If more than one
adjacent modules are removed, the AC bus is exposed.

6 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

Line and load connectors

The back panel of the Sensor Portable Pack contains both line
and load connectors.

Load connectors

The Sensor Portable Pack may be configured with either stage
pin; grounded twistlock; parallel blade; or multi-pin connectors
(Veam, Socapex or Pyle) to connect the pack to lights or other
output devices.

Line feed connectors

The back panel contains Cam-Lok® E1016 series line feed
connectors. Line feed cables with mating connectors (not
supplied) must be connected to the Cam-Lok power connec­tors in the order described below. To connect the Cam-Lok
connector, insert it into the back of the pack, then twist
clockwise until it locks in place. Reverse this procedure to
disconnect the cables.

Connect cables in this order:

1. Grounding plug (Green)

2. Neutral plug (White)

3. Phase plugs (Black/Red/Blue)

Warning: Cables must be disconnected in the reverse
sequence!

Warning: Multiple power leads may be attached to the
Portable Pack. Disconnect all power leads before servicing or
attempting to work on any part of this device. Service connec­tors must be installed and removed by qualified personnel
only.

Sensor Portable Pack User Manual 7

Setting up SP6 for single phase
operation

To convert a Sensor SP6 Portable Pack from three phase to
single phase operation, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect power from all Cam-Loks.

2. Remove all dimmer modules from the Portable Pack,
exposing the bus bars and connectors.

3. Remove the screws at the right ends of the two inch long
copper bars that connect the phase B connector to the
phase B bus bar. Loosen the screws at the left end of the
bars.

4. Rotate the top bar up and secure it to the phase A
connector.

5. Rotate the bottom bar down and secure it to the phase C
connector.

6. Tighten all screws to 40 inch/pounds of torque.

7. Replace dimmer modules.

8. Connect power to the A and C phase Cam-Loks. Do not
connect power to the B phase Cam-Lok.

Phase A
connector

Phase B
connector

Phase C
connector

Single phase operation is automatically detected by both
the CEM and the MPE, so no additional configuration is
necessary.

Phase A
connector

Phase B
connector

Phase C
connector

Phase connectors wired
for three phase operation

8 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

Phase connectors wired
for single phase operation

Setting up SP12 for single phase
operation

To convert a Sensor SP12 Portable Pack from three phase to
single phase operation, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect power from all Cam-Loks.

2. Remove all dimmer modules from the Portable Pack,
exposing the bus bars and connectors.

3. Remove the screws at both ends of the two inch long
copper bars that connect the phase B connector to the
phase B bus bar. Loosen the screws at the left end of the
bars.

4. Use the top bar to connect the phase A connector to the
phase B connector, as shown below.

5. Use the bottom bar to connect the phase B connector to
the phase C connector, as shown below.

6. Tighten all screws to 40 inch/pounds of torque.

7. Replace dimmer modules.

8. Connect power to the A and C phase Cam-Loks. Do not
connect power to the B phase Cam-Lok.

Phase A
connector

Phase B
connector

Phase C
connector

Single phase operation is automatically detected by both
the CEM and the MPE, so no additional configuration is
necessary.

Phase A
connector

Phase B
connector

Phase C
connector

Phase connectors wired
for three phase operation

Sensor Portable Pack User Manual 9

Phase connectors wired
for single phase operation

Input connectors

Input connector panel (MPE)

Beacon

The Sensor Portable Pack is available with two input connec­tor panel options. Standard configuration packs are equipped
with input and pass-through connectors for DMX512 and
AMX192, as well as a single analog input. Advanced Features
packs are equipped with DMX512 and ETCLink input and
pass-through connectors. On an SP12, each analog channel
controls two dimmers. Analog channel 1 controls dimmers 1
and 13, channel 2 controls dimmers 2 and 14, and so forth.

Note: Sensor electronics modules are somewhat interchange­able. The CEM will work in a standard pack, but it will not
accept AMX192 or analog input. On the other hand, an MPE
will work in an AF pack, but it will not support Sensor’s
Advanced Features (AF) option.

DMX512 and AMX192 termination switches are located next
to their respective connectors. The termination switch on the
last pack in the series must be in the ON position. Termination
switches on all other packs must be in their OFF positions.

Analog

0 - 10 Vdc

AMX192

OutIn

PUSH

Off On

Termination

Switch

DMX512

In

Thru

PUSH

Off On

Termination

Switch

❶

❷

❸

❶ 0 - 10 Vdc analog input
❷ AMX192 input and pass-through
❸ DMX512 input and pass-through

Input connector panel (CEM)

Beacon

❶ ETCLink input and pass-through
❷ DMX512 input and pass-through

Note: You may use DMX512 and AMX192 inputs simulta­neously or DMX512 and analog inputs simultaneously, but you
may not use AMX192 and analog inputs simultaneously.

ETCLink

PUSH PUSH

❶

OnOff

Termination

Switch

In

DMX512

❷

Thru

PUSH

OnOff

Termination

Switch

Connector pinout information

DMX512 in AMX192 in

XLR 5-pin male XLR 4-pin female

DMX512 thru AMX192 thru

XLR 5-pin female XLR 4-pin male
Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 ..... Common 1 ..... Common

2 ..... Data (-) 2 ..... Clock (+)

3 ..... Data (+) 3 ..... Analog multiplex

4 ..... Pass through 4 ..... Clock (-)

5 ..... Pass through

Analog In

D-sub 25-pin female
Pin Signal

1-12 .......Signal

13-24 .....Not used

25 .......... Common

10 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

Beacon

An LED status beacon is mounted in the top left corner of the
pack’s front panel. Under normal operating conditions, this
beacon is illuminated. If the pack’s electronics module senses
an error condition in the pack, the beacon flashes until the
error is corrected.

In packs with the MPE, the beacon alerts you to run the MPE
diagnostic routines to determine what the problem is. See the

MPE User Manual

In packs with the CEM, the beacon alerts you to check the
CEM’s LCD for error messages. See the
for more information.

Door

Each Sensor Portable Pack is equipped with a door that
protects the dimmer modules and contains the cooling
system’s electrostatic air filter. To ensure proper cooling,
always keep the door closed except when you are working on
the pack.

for more information.

CEM User Manual

Sensor Portable Pack User Manual 11

Cooling system

The Sensor Portable Pack is cooled by a fan located on the
back panel. The pack’s cooling fan draws air through the filter,
over the surfaces of the modules and then blows it out the
back of the pack. The fan runs when any of the dimmers in
the pack are on. They continue to run for three minutes after
all dimmers are off.

Warning: Never obstruct the fan exhaust by placing objects
that may block air flow behind your pack.

For optimum performance, the average ambient temperature
in an area where a Sensor Portable Pack is being used should
be about 68°F (20°C). Under no circumstances should the
ambient temperature be allowed to exceed 104°F (40°C).

Air filter

A door-mounted, electrostatic air filter removes dust and other
airborne debris from the cooling air. This filter must be kept
clean to ensure proper cooling. The filter should be cleaned
every six months (more often in dirty locations). Follow these
steps to clean the filter:

1. Open the door.

2. Brush or vacuum filter from both sides.

3. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, use compressed
air to blow out embedded dust and dirt.

4. Close the door.

To remove air filter (for replacement or more thorough clean­ing) follow these steps.

1. Open the door.

2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the metal strip
holding down the left side of the filter.

3. Remove filter from door.

4. Reverse procedure to replace filter.

Specifications

SP6

15 “H x 17“W x 12“D
Empty weight: 40 pounds

Input power

80A, 120/208, 3Ø, 5-wire, 50/60HZ
120A, 120/240, 1Ø, 4-wire, 50/60HZ
10,000 Amps RMS @ 120/240 VAC

SP12

24“H x 17“W x 12“D
Empty weight: 68 pounds

Input power

160A, 120/208, 3Ø, 5-wire, 50/60HZ
240A, 120/240, 1Ø, 4-wire, 50/60HZ
10,000 Amps RMS @ 120/240 VAC

12 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.