APC Architectural Preset Control
Architectural Preset Control
Installer's Manual
Publication 21-1049 Rev B
22 Feb 2013
Leprecon, LLC
P.O. Box 218
10087 Industrial Drive
Hamburg, MI 48139-0218
www.leprecon.com
Table of Contents
1. Overview 3
2. Specifying a system 3
3. Using the APC Hub 5
4. Power Requirements 9
5. Mounting requirements 9
6. Electrical hookup 10
7. Configuration 12
8. Installing panels and faceplates 14
9. Programming 15
10. Preset Playback 17
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1. Overview
The Leprecon Architectural Control Panel system (APC) is a wall-mounted DMX
controller that can be used with any type of DMX compatible dimmer, fixture or
device. There are a total of four different panels (1, 3, 6 or 12 presets) available, as
well as an external HUB that provides power, DMX isolation and buffering, and
proper interconnection to the rest of the lighting system. Other types of power supply
may be used as well.
APC panels can be connected together to provide control from several locations.
Each panel has two RJ-45 connectors to allow daisy-chain connection from panel to
panel.
An external DMX console can be used in conjunction with APC panels by routing the
DMX signal from the console through the panels and out to the dimmers or DMX
controlled fixtures. This configuration allows a very simple method of taking control
from the panels when DMX signal is present from the console.
2. Specifying a system
Leprecon APC panels can be used in many different ways. Examples of typical
systems include:
1) Panel-only system - APC panels are used to directly drive DMX dimmers with no
theatrical controller.
2) Interface with console - Panels are wired in a daisy chain configuration with a
DMX controller. This allows automatic transfer of houselight functions from panels to
the console at the beginning of a performance, and back to panels at the end.
To ensure a reliable system, make sure to observe these guidelines:
· All systems will require a power supply for the APC panels. The APC Hub by
Leprecon is an off the shelf solution that will provide power, wiring breakout, DMX
isolation and DMX Deceleration in one package. If your system specification
includes the APC Hub, instructions for use are included in this manual. If the Hub
is not used, a commercial power supply can be used. See the Power
Requirements section for details.
· Up to ten panels can be connected in a system. Panels operate as a single set of
presets, pressing Preset 1 on any panel will bring up the same scene, and all
panels will light the Preset 1 LED.
· A DMX source is needed to program the APC system. If there is a DMX controller
in the system, this can be used for programming. If the system consists of APC
panels ONLY, a DMX controller must be connected to the system temporarily for
setting up and storing scenes.
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· Leprecon APC panels use reserved DMX start codes to communicate with each
other inside the system. For this to work, all APC panels must be connected in the
same DMX segment. If panels are separated by an optical isolator, the
communication between panels may be blocked. For control to transfer properly,
there must not be an isolator between the controller and the APC panels.
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3. Using the APC Hub
The Leprecon APC Hub provides several important functions in an APC panel
system.
1. DC power - the Hub will power up to ten APC panels using RJ45 terminated CAT5
cable.
2. DMX Interconnect - A five pin DMX input connector is wired internally to the APC
CAT5 cable.
3. Optical Isolation - The Hub includes a DMX isolator and buffer to provide the best
signal integrity from the panels to the lighting system.
Two additional features of the Hub are designed to make it more tolerant of fixtures
that do not fully comply with the DMX512 specification:
1. DMX Deceleration - data rates and time between packets are relaxed for fixtures
that cannot cope with full speed DMX transmission.
2. Start Code Stripper - Some poorly designed fixtures or dimmers may respond to
the internal panel communication used in an APC system. Filtering in the Hub
prevents these signals from reaching the fixtures.
The Hub has two optional mounting accessories, a pair of wall mount brackets and a
pair of rack mount brackets. If your application requires either of these accessories,
they are available from your Leprecon dealer.
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Rear panel connections
The rear panel of the APC Hub contains all of the connectors needed to interface
to the lighting system.
1. AC Power Input - IEC inlet with 5 amp fuse. A spare fuse is included in the
fuse drawer in the lower part of the outlet. A locking wire bail can be used to
secure the power cord.
2. DMX Input - 5 Pin XLR Male for connection to the lighting controller or
console.
3. APC Panel connection - RJ45 jack to connect to the wall panels in the system.
4. DMX Output - 5 pin XLR female for connecting to the dimming system and
DMX controlled fixures.
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