Lightronics RA122 User Manual

RA - 122

RACK MOUNT

ARCHITECTURAL DIMMER

OWNERS MANUAL

Version 0.93

09/26/2011

www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Tel [phone]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

RA-122 UNIT DESCRIPTION 3

EXTERNAL CONTROLS 3

REAL TIME CLOCK EVENT SYSTEM 3

POWER REQUIREMENTS 3

INSTALLATION 3
Physical Location 3
Power Input Connections 3
Three Phase Power Connections 4
Single Phase Power Connections 5
Load Connections 6
Control Signals Connections 6
Control Signals Connector (DB25) 6
DMX Console Connections 6
DMX Termination 7
Smart Remote Connections 7
Simple Remotes Connections 8
RA-122 Unit Setup 8
Using The Menu System 9
System Mode 9
System Power Setup 9
Unit Address Assignment 9
Dimmer Channel Setup 10
Channel Limiting 10
Channel NON-DIM (Relay) Mode 10
DMX I/O Setup 10
Dimmer Channel Assignment 10
Console Lockout 11
Remote Lockout 11
Creating and Editing Scenes 11
To Create a Scene Manually 11
To Copy a Scene 12
To Record a Live Scene 12
Scene Fade Time 12
Scene Blackout Fade Time 12

OPERATION 12
Over Temperature Condition 12
Cooling Fan 12
Manual Operation 12
DMX Console Operation 13
Smart Remotes Operation 13
Button and IR Smart Remotes Operation 13
Fader Smart Remotes Operation 13
Simple Remotes Operation 13

EVENT SYSTEM OPERATION 14
Event System Enable 14
To Control Event Triggering 14

Setting the Internal Clock 14
Setting the Date 14
Setting the Time of Day 14
Setting the Day of the Week 14
Programming Events 15
Selecting an Event 16
Assigning a Scene and Scene Action 16
Choosing Day or Date Based Events 16
Setting Date Based Triggers 16
Setting Day Based Triggers 16

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 18
Troubleshooting 18
Owner Maintenance 18
Operating and Maintenance Assistance 18

RA-122 UNIT SPECIFICATIONS 18

WARRANTY 19

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RA-122 UNIT DESCRIPTION

The RA-122 consists of a processor and 12 dimmer
channels of 2.4KW each. Each dimmer channel is
protected by a 20 Amp circuit breaker. Heavy duty
filtering chokes are used to reduce noise. Dimmer
channel semiconductors exceed a 200% load carrying
capacity overhead allowance. The RA-122 may be
controllad by DMX controllers and several types of
wall remote stations. Dimensions and weight
information is given at the end of this manual.

EXTERNAL CONTROLS

The unit can communicate with remotely located
control equipment in several ways.

A USITT DMX-512 protocol bus is provided so the
unit may be used with any DMX lighting console. The
RA-122 is fully patchable with respect to the DMX
bus.

The RA-122 may also be controlled by several types of
wall mounted smart remote stations. Smart remotes
communicate with the RA-122 by way of a low voltage
RS-485 bus. This bus is completely separate from the
DMX bus. Smart remotes are used to activate scenes
which have been prestored in the RA-122. There are
several types of smart remote stations. Multiple smart
remotes of the same or different types may be chained
together on the RS-485 bus. The same RS-485 bus
may be chained to multiple RA-122 dimmer packs.

The RA-122 may additionally be controlled by an
arrangement of one or more momentary switches
(simple remotes). The switches may be used to control
a specific set of scenes prestored in the RA-122.

REAL TIME CLOCK EVENT SYSTEM

The RA-122 contains an internal clock and timer sub
system. This subsystem may be used to create events
which activate and switch between preset lighting
scenes based upon times, days, and dates. A total of
128 events may be programmed.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The RA-122 may be operated from 50/60 Hz, 120/208
VAC, three phase power or from 50/60 Hz, 120/240
VAC, single phase power. Input power to the unit
must be capable of delivering 80 Amps per line if
using three phase or 120 Amps per line if using single
phase power.

The RA-122 can operate using only 2 phases of a 3
phase power service. This is NOT recommended since
it causes an unbalanced load to the power feed source.

INSTALLATION

PHYSICAL LOCATION

The unit is intended for INDOOR OPERATION
ONLY and should not be subjected to excessive
moisture or heat. The unit should be installed where a
supply of circulating air is available. The RA-122 is
designed to be installed in a standard 19 inch
equipment rack. Support be provided at the rear of the
unit if it is installed in a rack.

The RA-122 is fan cooled. Air is drawn in from the
vent slots at each side and exits the unit from the
bottom of the front panel. Be sure that these areas are
not restricted.

POWER INPUT CONNECTIONS

MAKE CERTAIN POWER IS REMOVED

FROM THE FEED CIRCUITS

BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION.

ARNING

Consult applicable electrical codes to determine the
proper wire type and methods.

The RA-122 operates using either three phase 120/208
VAC or single phase 120/240 VAC power. The unit is
shipped from the factory as a THREE PHASE unit. It
can be field converted to a single phase unit.

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THREE PHASE POWER CONNECTIONS

MAKE CERTAIN POWER IS REMOVED

FROM THE FEED CIRCUITS

BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION.

ARNING

REQUIREMENTS

True 120/208VAC three phase power must be supplied
to operate the RA-122 in the 3 phase configuration.
This means that the voltage across any two lines must
be 208 VAC. All three phases must be supplied. The
feed circuit must be able to supply 80 Amps for each
hot line.

BLACK

MARKER

RED

THREE PHASE POWER CONNECTIONS

BLACK

BLUE

BLUE

RED

REAR OF RA-122

THE UNIT WILL NOT OPERATE IN IT'S THREE
PHASE CONFIGURATION USING ONLY 2 LINES
OF A 3 PHASE 120/208 VAC SUPPLY CIRCUIT.

CONNECTIONS

Connect the 3 in hot feed lines to the 3 terminals on the
input power terminal block (H1, H2, H3).

Connect the feed neutral to the NEUTRAL bus bar.

Connect the feed ground t

o the GROUND lug.

See the section SYSTEM POWER SETUP for
operation using 3 phase connections.

H1

H2

H3

GROUND

NEUTRAL

POWER IN

3 PHASE 120/208VAC

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SINGLE PHASE POWER CONNECTIONS

MAKE CERTAIN POWER IS REMOVED

FROM THE FEED CIRCUITS

BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION.

ARNING

REQUIREMENTS

The RA-122 can operate as a single phase unit using
using only 2 phases of a 3 phase power source. This
is NOT RECOMMENDED since it causes an
unbalanced load to the power source.

The unit should be connected to two hot lines which
are NOT the same phase.

The feed circuit must be able to supply 120 Amps for
each line.

BLACK

RED

SINGLE PHASE POWER CONNECTIONS

BLUE

RED

BLUE

BLACK

H2

NOT

USED

REAR OF RA-122

CONNECTIONS

There are three terminals on the input terminal power
block (H1, H2, H3). When operating the RA-122 on
single phase power, the center (H2) terminal is not
used. The wires connected to the left side of the H2
terminal contain color coded sleeves (RED and
BLACK). These wires must be moved and distributed
to the H1 and H2 terminals. Remove the wires from
the H2 terminal and connect them to H1 and H2 such
that the sleeve color matches the wire colors on H1
and H2.

Connect the feed neutral to the NEUTRAL bus bar.

Connect the feed ground t

o the GROUND lug.

See the section SYSTEM POWER SETUP for
operation using single phase connections.

H1

H2

H3

SINGLE PHASE 120/240 VAC

GROUND

NEUTRAL

POWER IN

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LOAD CONNECTIONS

The RA-122 is supplied with one of several different
rear load connection panels. In all cases the lowest
number dimmer channel output connection is on the
left when the unit is viewed from the rear panel.

CONTROL SIGNALS CONNECTIONS

Two male DB25 connectors are provided at the rear of
the RA-122 to accommodate all external control
signals. Specific pins on the DB25 connector are used
to connect each different type of control device.
Control devices include a DMX console, multi-scene
remotes, and simple remote stations.

SIMPLE

REMOTE

BUS

DMX CONSOLE CONNECTIONS

Simple Rem Scene 8 (Blackout)

CONTROL SIGNALS CONNECTOR (DB25)

Simple Rem Common

Simple Rem Scene 7

Simple Rem Scene 6
Simple Rem Scene 5
Simple Rem Scene 4
Simple Rem Scene 3
Simple Rem Scene 2

Simple Rem Scene 1

N/C

N/C

N/C

N/C

13
12
11

10

DMX console signals to the RA-122 should be
transmitted over a twisted pair, shielded, low
capacitance cable. Wiring data for DMX cabling is
shown below. A DMX console transmits from a
female, 5 Pin XLR Connector.

DMX XLR CONNECTOR SIGNALS

PIN # FUNCTION

1 DMX COMMON
2 DMX DATA ­3 DMX DATA +
4 NOT USED
5 NOT USED

One of the connectors is used for control signal input,
the other is to pass the control signals to another RA-

122. The connectors are "hardwired" together so either
one can be used for "in" or "out".

The RA-122 is supplied with a ribbon cable which can
be used to chain multiple RA-122 dimmers together in
a rack.

A cable mount, female, DB25 connector is also
provided to accommodate all external control signals.

Wiring pin-out for the DB25 connectors is shown
below.

25

N/C

24

N/C

23

N/C

22

9
8

7
6
5
4
3
2

1

N/C

21

N/C

Smart Rem V +

20

Smart Rem Data+

19

Smart Rem Data -

18

Smart Rem Common

17
16

DMX Data+

15

DMX Data -

DMX Common

14

CONDUCTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR

TWISTED PAIR, SHIELDED CABLE

Common

DMX Data -

DMX Data +

5 PIN FEMALE

XLR CONNECTOR

DMX BUS

DMX CABLE

Shield

1

2

3

SMART

REMOTE

BUS

5

4

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DMX TERMINATION

A DMX bus should be terminated (only) at the last
receiving device on the chain. This is done by
connecting a 120 ohm, 1/4 watt resistor across the
DMX DATA - and DMX DATA + lines.

A DMX bus should be daisy chained to all its
receiving units. It should NOT be connected in a star
arrangement with multiple "home runs".

SMART REMOTE CONNECTIONS

REMOVE ALL POWER FROM THE RA-122
BEFORE MAKING OR CHANGING SMART

REMOTE CONNECTIONS.

CAUTION

There are two types of smart remotes (push button and
fader) which can be used with the RA-122. There are
multiple models of each type. They all connect to a
common RS-485 bus which is controlled by a RA-

122. Additional RA-122 dimmers may also be
connected on the same bus. One of them will be set as
a master bus controller by the

ASSIGNMENT

.

UNIT ADDRESS

Smart remote signals to the RA-122 are transmitted
over a two twisted pair, shielded, low capacitance
cable. One pair carries the RS-485 signal and the other
provides a low voltage power and common to the
remotes.

A smart remote bus should be daisy chained to all its
receiving units. It should NOT be connected in a star
arrangement with multiple "home runs".

Each smart remote has a 4 pin connector with screw
down terminals to connect to the RS-485 bus. You
must get the exact wiring pinout information for the
remote unit from its owners manual. The connection
at the RA-122 end is made through the rear panel
DB25 connector. Refer to the CONTROL SIGNAL
CONNECTIONS section in this manual for exact
pinout information.

An example of smart remote connections is shown
below.

SMART REMOTES CABLE ARRANGEMENT

Common

Data -

Data +

Shield

SMART REMOTES CONNECTIONS EXAMPLE

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To RA-122

OR

Multiple RA-122's

Voltage +

Dual Twisted Pair

Shielded Cable

1 2 34

SMART

REMOTE

1 Remote Common (Pair 1)
2 Remote Data - (Pair 2)
3 Remote Data + (Pair 2)
4 Remote Voltage + (Pair 1)

1 2 34 1 2 3 4

SMART

REMOTE

SMART

REMOTE

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SIMPLE REMOTES CONNECTIONS

REMOVE ALL POWER FROM THE RA-122
BEFORE MAKING OR CHANGING SIMPLE

REMOTE CONNECTIONS.

CAUTION

Scenes 1 - 7 (stored in the RA-122) may be accessed by
simple remotes. A BLACKOUT FUNCTION may also
be accessed. A simple remote is any switch which can
provide a momentary contact closure that can be applied
to a specific pin on the RA-122 CONTROL SIGNALS
CONNECTOR (DB25 connector).

The SIMPLE REMOTE COMMON is routed to the
remote. When the remote is operated the closure brings
the signal back to the applicable simple scene number
connection point at the RA-122 CONTROL SIGNALS
CONNECTOR (DB25 connector).

RA-122 UNIT SETUP

FRONT PANEL (PARTI

CONFIG

CLEAR

The RA-122 must be set up (configured) as part of the
installation process in any application. This set up
process is done from the front panel of the unit using
five menus which are described below.

SYSTEM SETUP should be done first. It includes:
setting the System Mode, System ID, and System
Power Setup.

DIMMER SETUP should be done next. It includes
Channel Limiting and Dim/Non-Dim selection.

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Since these are contact closures almost any available
low voltage wire may be used.

An example of a simple remote connection using a
Lightronics APP01 is shown below.

TO

RA-122

DB25

CONNECTOR

L VIEW)

SIMPLE REM

SCENE X

SIMPLE REM

SCENE 8

(BLACKOUT)

SIMPLE REM

COMMON

D

ENTER

DMX I/O SETUP must be performed if the unit will
be used with a DMX console. This setup assigns
(patches) dimmer channels to DMX channels and can
lockout the wall remote stations.

SCENE SETUP must be performed to create scene
presets to be activated from the remote control
stations or by the clock/timer subsystem.

EVENT SETUP must be done if the clock/timer
subsystem will be used. It includes Setting the Clock
and Programming Events.

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MENU
(NEXT)

D

Create and Edit
Internal Scenes

SCENE
SETUP

ENTER

USING THE MENU SYSTEM

The

CONFIG

button steps through the five display
menus. When one of these menus is shown you can
push

ENTER

to access that function. The
button will return the unit to its normal operating
mode and cause the display to show the channel level
bar graph. The

CLEAR

button DOES NOT clear
entered values. The arrow buttons are used to set
menu selections.

SYSTEM MODE

The RA-122 currently uses only the
for system mode.

At the

RA-122

System Setup

Push

ENTER

shown.

front panel - push

appears on the status display.

SYSTEM
SETUP

. The System Mode menu will be

SYSTEM
MODE

Push

ENTER

be shown.

. The System Mode Selection menu will

SYSMODE
NORMAL

Use the and buttons to select the
mode. Push ENTER when finished.

SYSTEM POWER SETUP

TURN OFF ALL CHANNELS AND OPEN ALL

CHANNEL CIRCUIT BREAKERS BEFORE

CHANGING THE INPUT POWER SETUP.

CAUTION

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TOP LEVEL MENUS LAYOUT

MENU

NEXT)

EVENT
SETUP

MENU
(NEXT)

ENTER

Set Clock and
Timed Events

NORMAL

CONFIG

CLEAR

until the

setting

NORMAL

MENU
(NEXT)

ENTER

SYSTEM
SETUP

ENTER

Set Dimmer

Operating

Options

DMX I/O
SETUP

ENTER

Assign DMX

ddresses

MENU
(NEXT)

DIMMER
SETUP

Set Individual

Channel

Behavior

In addition to making the correct power connections
for the power source at your installation, the RA-122
must be set up to correctly respond to the power type.

At the RA-122 front panel - push

System Setup

menu appears on the Status display.

CONFIG

until the

Push

ENTER

. Then push

SYSTEM
SETUP

CONFIG

until the System

Power menu appears on the status display.

Push

ENTER

. The display will show the current

SYSTEM
POWER

power configuration. For example:

SYSTEM
RA 3Phas

Use the and buttons to select a configuration
corresponding to the actual power being supplied to
the RA-122. Push

ENTER

when correct power type is

shown. The available choices are shown below.

RA 3Phas 120/208V 3 Phase Power Source
RA 2Phas 120/240V Single Phase Power Source
OR
2 Phases of 120/208V 3 Phase Source

NOTE: There are several other settings available
in this menu. These other choices do not apply to
the RA-122 dimmer

UNIT ADDRESS ASSIGNMENT

When using a single RA-122 unit in a system, the unit
address MUST BE SET TO

00

. One (and only one)
RA-122 in a multiple unit system must be set to unit
address

00

. Other units should be assigned in a

consecutive order.

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At the RA-122 front panel - push

System Setup

Push

ENTER

appears on the status display.

SYSTEM
SETUP

. Then push

CONFIG

CONFIG

until the

. The System ID

Set menu will be shown.

SYSTEM
ID SET

Push ENTER. The display shows the unit address.

SET UNIT
ID 00

Set the desired address by pushing the and buttons.

Push

ENTER. Then push CLEAR to return to the

normal operating mode.

DIMMER CHANNEL SETUP

Individual channels within the RA-122 dimmer can be
set for different behaviors. Any channel may be
limited to a user selected maximum intensity level.
Limiting applies to manual, scene, and DMX
operation. Any channel may also be set to run as
NON-DIM (or RELAY).

CHANNEL LIMITING

At the RA-122 front panel - push

CONFIG

until the

Dimmer Setup menu appears on the display.

Push

ENTER

DIMMER
SETUP

. The channel limit menu will be shown.

01 LMT
255

Use the and buttons to select a channel. Then
use the and buttons to set its limiting value.
Push

ENTER

when finished. The limit range on the
menu is between 10 and 255 which corresponds to
lighting intensity of between 4 and 100 percent.

CHANNEL NON-DIM (RELAY) MODE

To set a channel to Non-Dim: Push

CONFIG

until the

Dimmer Setup menu appears on the display.

DIMMER
SETUP

Push

ENTER

. Then push

CONFIG

. The display will

show the menu:

01 CRV

DIMMER

Use the and buttons to select a channel. Then
use the and buttons to switch between DIMMER
and NON-DIM. Push

DMX I/O SETUP

ENTER

when finished.

DMX I/O Setup consists of two functions. Dimmer
channel assignment and Remote lockout.

DIMMER CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT

Dimmer channel assignment is used to assign
individual RA-122 channels (circuits) to a DMX
control channel. Each dimmer channel (1 - 12) is
fully patchable to any of 512 DMX control channels.

At the RA-122 front panel - push

Setup

DMX I/O

Push

ENTER.

menu appears on the display.

DMX I/O
SETUP

The display shows RA-122 dimmer

CONFIG

until the

channels on the top line. The currently assigned DMX
channel is shown on the lower line prefixed by

DMR 01
DMX 001

“DMX”

Use the and buttons to select a dimmer
channel.
Then use the and buttons to assign it to a DMX
channel. Push
Push

CLEAR

ENTER

after each channel assignment.

to exit from the menu. It will not clear

your settings.

.

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CONSOLE LOCKOUT: You can set any dimmer
channel output to ignore DMX signal inputs from a
DMX console by assigning it to DMX channel 000.
This feature can be used with house lights or other
special lighting. The channel will still respond to wall
remotes but the DMX console will be ignored.

REMOTE LOCKOUT

The Remote Lockout function prevents the RA-122
from responding to the smart remote wall stations
when a DMX signal from a control console is present.
Simple remote stations will still function.

At the RA-122 front panel - push

Setup

DMX I/O

menu appears on the display.

CONFIG

until the

DMX I/O
SETUP

Push

ENTER.

Then push

CONFIG

. The display will

show the lockout menu.

DMX REM
LKOUT N

Use the and buttons to select Y (yes) or N (no).
Push

ENTER

when the desired state is shown.

CREATING AND EDITING SCENES

At the RA-122 front panel - push

SCENE SETUP

Push

ENTER

menu appears on the display.

SCENE
SETUP

. The display shows the current scene

CONFIG

until the

number.

SCENE

000

Use the and buttons to select the scene you
want to set up and push
blackout fade time. Scene

ENTER

. Scene

01

is the first actual scene.

00

controls

There are three ways to create or set up a scene:

1. Set each channel intensity manually (EDIT

SCENE).

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2. Copy another existing scene (COPY SCENE).
You can then edit the results.

3. Record a snapshot of the current channel
intensities (RECORD LIVE NOW).

Push

CONFIG

to select the menu for one of the 3

methods described above. The display will show the
corresponding menu.

TO CREATE A SCENE MANUALLY

Push

ENTER

when EDIT SCENE is shown.

The current channel number is shown on the display
upper left. The current scene number (which was
selected in the previous step) is shown on the display
upper right. The settings for three channels are shown
on the lower display row.

The LEFT channel on the display is the Current
Channel (the channel which you will set the intensity
level for).

Current channel number

Current scene number

Current channel

intensity

Intensity for

Current Channel + 1

C01 S001
XX XX XX

Intensity for

Current Channel + 2

Use the and buttons to set the channel output
intensity. The display shows the intensity setting as a
number between
indicated by

0% and 100%

“FL”

. A

. A

100%

“XX”

setting means that the

setting is

channel will be ignored for the current scene.

Push

ENTER

after the channel level is set.

Use the and buttons to proceed to the next
channel to be set up. The lower row of the display will
shift to the left. Repeat the channel intensity selection
for that channel.

Push

CLEAR

when all the channels for the selected

scene are set. This will not clear your scene settings.

To setup another scene - repeat the process above
using a different scene selection.

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TO COPY A SCENE

Push

ENTER

when COPY SCENE is shown. The
display will show a menu so you can select an existing
scene to copy from.

CopyFrom
001

Use the and buttons to select a scene. Then
push

ENTER

. The scene will be copied and you will

be transferred to the EDIT SCENE menu where you
can further adjust the scene if desired.

TO RECORD A LIVE SCENE

A scene may be created by recording the current
channel intensity levels.

Push

ENTER

when RECORD LIVE NOW is shown.

The existing channel intensities will be copied to the
scene. You will be transferred to the EDIT SCENE
menu where you can adjust the scene if desired.

SCENE FADE TIME

A fade time may be set individually for each scene.
This is the time elapsed between a scene fully active
and the next scene fully active. The factory default
fade time is 3 seconds.

Fade time may be set between .5 and 99.5 seconds and
is set from the

SCENE SETUP

menu (usually as you

set channel intensities for the scene).

1. To set a scene fade time - Access the EDIT
SCENE menu for the desired scene.

2. Use the and buttons to move BEYOND
the last channel (CHANNEL 16) for the scene.
The display will indicate the current fade time
for the scene.

3. Use the and buttons to set the desired fade
time. Then push

4. Push

CLEAR

ENTER

.

to select another scene for fade

time set up.

SCENE BLACKOUT FADE TIME

Fade time for the remote stations blackout function is
set as an independent function.

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The procedure is similar to that for other scenes
except the blackout fade time is accessed by selecting

SCENE 00

from the

SCENE SETUP

menu. Factory
default fade time is 3 seconds. Blackout fade time
may be set between 0.5 and 99.5 seconds. To select a
fade time - use the and buttons. Push

ENTER

when the desired time is shown.

OPERATION

OVER TEMPERATURE CONDITION

The RA-122 has a temperature sensing element
which will shut down all operating channels if the
temperature rises above 175 deg F. A message

"OVERTEMP SHUTDOWN"

will be shown on the
front panel display in this case. This shutdown cannot
be reset except by allowing the unit to cool down.

COOLING FAN

The RA-122 is cooled by a fan which is controlled by
the dimmers internal circuitry. It will begin running
when the unit is powered up. After a short
initialization period the fan will run if any dimmer
channels are at a non zero intensity and will time out
and turn off after aprox. 15 minutes of a "all channels
off" condition.

MANUAL OPERATION

Individual dimmer channels may be operated from the
RA-122 front panel. This is useful during testing and
setup operations. Use the and buttons to
select a channel. The associated channel on the bar
graph display will begin flashing. Use the and
buttons to raise/lower the lighting intensity for the
selected channel.

Manual operation combines with DMX and remote
stations settings but does not lock them out.

The CLEAR button will turn off all channels when
operating manually.

DMX CONSOLE OPERATION

If a DMX signal is present when the RA-122 is turned
on it will automatically respond to it. A "D" will be
shown in the lower right corner of the LCD display if
a valid DMX signal is present. Channel intensity
levels will be shown on the bar graph display.

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SMART REMOTES OPERATION

Channel Intensity Bar Graph

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

D

9 10 11 12

Valid DMX indication

The RA-122 can store 100 preset scenes which may
be activated by smart remotes. See the section
"Creating and Editing Scenes" for info about
programming the scenes. These scenes are grouped
according to which type of smart remote can access
them. Scenes 1 - 48 are reserved for push button and
IR remotes. Scenes 51 - 86 are used with fader
remotes. If multiple RA-122 units are connected to a
smart remote then each RA-122 will activate its own
corresponding scene.

Both push button and fader remotes may be connected
on the same smart remote bus.

BUTTON AND IR SMART REMOTES OPERATION

These remotes activate individual scenes within a
block of scenes which have been stored in the RA-122
on an "exclusive" basis. In other words only one scene
may be on at a time. Currently available remotes are
the AC-1009, AC-2016 and AI-1001.

You can select which block of scenes will be activated
by the remote. This is done by DIP switches on the
back of the remote. For instance, an AC-1009 can be
set to control scenes 1 - 8 , scenes 9-16, or other
blocks of 8 consecutive scenes. There are a total of 6
scene blocks available covering scenes 1 thru 48.

The scene activation buttons will toggle. In other
words a scene will go OFF if you push its button
while the scene is active.

The OFF button invokes a BLACKOUT for all scenes
associated with that remotes scene block. Refer to the
smart remote owner manual for specific info on scene
addressing. Multiple remotes of this type may be but
are not required to be set to the same block of scenes.

FADER SMART REMOTES OPERATION

These remotes activate specific individual scenes
which have been stored in the RA-122 on a "pile on"
basis. In other words multiple scenes will merge
together in a "greatest of " fashion. This means that
the intensity of any given channel will go to the
highest level of all the scenes which use it. Currently
available fader remotes are the AF-2004, AF-3007
and AF-5013.

Fader remotes are scene block addressable so you can
select which scenes it activate. There are 3 scene
blocks available. Each block includes 16 scenes. The
first block starts at scene 51. This refers to the lowest
numbered fader on the remote. The other faders on
that remote will use the next consecutively numbered
scenes (52, 53, 54, etc.). The 2nd and 3rd scene
blocks begin at scene 67 and 83 respectively.

Multiple remotes of this type may be but are not
required to be set to the same block of scenes. Refer
to the smart remote owner manual for specific info on
setting scene block addressing.

SIMPLE REMOTES OPERATION

Scenes 1 - 7 (stored in the RA-122) may be accessed
by simple remotes. A BLACKOUT FUNCTION may
also be accessed. A simple remote is any switch
which provides a momentary contact closure that can
be applied to a specific pin on the RA-122 Control
Signals Connector (DB25 connector). Lightronics
currently offers a APP01 simple remote. This is a
"center off , single pole, double throw, momentary
toggle switch". It can be used as an entrance switch to
activate a scene when someone enters an area.

Alternative devices such as relays, timers, and motion
sensors can be used with RA-122s as simple remotes.
They are available from various manufacturers.

Operation of a simple remote is dependent upon the
device used. In the case of the Lightronics APP01 it is
a simple matter of pushing the switch.

www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Tel [phone]

Page 14 of 20

RA – 122 RACK MOUNT ARCHITECTURAL DIMMER

Revision 0.93 OWNERS MANUAL 09/26/2011

EVENT SYSTEM OPERATION

The RA-122 includes an internal clock and timer sub
system. This subsystem may be used to create events
which activate and switch between preset lighting
scenes based upon times, days, and dates. A total of
128 events may be programmed.

The clock operates without AC power for aprox. 2
weeks and does not require a battery. Event settings
are retained in non volatile memory therefore they
will not be lost if the RA-122 powered off.

An event is used to trigger any one of 100 scenes
which have been previously created and stored in the
RA-122. Any scene may be used by multiple events.
A scene may be set to turn ON, or OFF, or be ignored
by an event.

An event may be set to trigger based on a date of the
year and a time. This enables scene activation for one
time or infrequent occurances such as holidays.

An event may also be set to trigger on a daily or
multiple times per day basis. Additionally specific
days of a week can be designated to be used or
skipped. This is a more common type of operation
where events are triggered on a regular schedule.

EVENT SYSTEM ENABLE

Events programmed in the RA-122 will not trigger
unless the event system is set to ON. If the event
system is OFF you can still set the clock and program
event times and dates but they will never be triggered.

Turning events OFF is used to prevent inadvertent
triggers which may have been forgotten about,
incorrectly set, or otherwise unaccounted for.

T

O CONTROL EVENT TRIGGERING

Push

ENTER

from the Event Setup menu. The display

will show the event system ON/OFF menu.

EVENT
SYS OFF

Use the and button to select ON or OFF. Push

ENTER

when the desired ON/OFF state is shown.

www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Tel [phone]

SETTING THE INTERNAL CLOCK

The clock must be set to the correct date, time and day
of the week in order to operate correctly. This is
performed from the RA-122 Event Set Clock menu

At the RA-122 front panel - push
Event

Setup

Push

ENTER

menu appears on the display.

EVENT
SETUP

. Then push

CONFIG

CONFIG

until the

. The Event Set

Clock menu will be shown.

Push

ENTER

EVENT
SETCLOCK

. The Set Date menu will be shown.

SET DATE
00/00/00

SETTING THE DATE

Use the and buttons to select either the month,
day, or year and then use the and buttons to set
the value. Push

CONFIG

to proceed to the Set Time menu.

ENTER

after setting each value. Push

SETTING THE TIME OF DAY

SET TIME

00:00

Use the and buttons to select either hours or
minutes and then use the and buttons to set the
value. Push

CONFIG

ENTER

after setting each value. Push

to proceed to the Set Day menu.

SET DAY
MONDAY

SETTING THE DAY OF THE WEEK

The day of the week MUST BE SET when setting or
changing the date. It does not automatically
synchronize to the date setting. Once the day is
correctly set it will continue to track the date.

Use the and buttons to select the day so that it
corresponds correctly to the previously set date. Push

ENTER

when the correct day is shown.

Page 15 of 20

RA – 122 RACK MOUNT ARCHITECTURAL DIMMER

Revision 0.93 OWNERS MANUAL 09/26/2011

A complete layout diagram of the menus for setting
the clock is shown below.

EVENT
SETUP

EVENT
SYS OFF

MENU (NEXT)

ENTER

MENU (NEXT)

To Other

Menus

EVENT
SETCLOCK

ENTER

SET DATE
00/00/00

MENU (NEXT)

SET TIME
00:00

MENU (NEXT)

SET DAY
MONDAY

MENU (NEXT)

TIMEZONE

-05HrsGM

MENU (NEXT)

DST
NO

MENU (NEXT)

Note: Time Zone
and DST (Daylight
Saving Time) are
not currently used.

PROGRAMMING EVENTS

Events are programmed using the RA-122 Event
Editor menus.

Programming an event consists of four steps:

1. Select the event you want to set up (1 - 128).

2. Assign a scene (1 - 100) to the event.

3. Select what action is to be performed for that
scene (Turn it ON, Turn it OFF, or IGNORE IT).

4. Assign the DATE/ TIME or DAY(S) / TIME for
the event to be triggered.

www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Tel [phone]

The complete event editor menus layout is shown
below.

MENU (NEXT)

EVENT
SETUP

EVENT
SYS OFF

EVENT
SETCLOCK

EVENT
EDITOR

EVENT #

001

EVNT 001
S00O ON

E001S000

DATE

DATE

E001S000

01/01

E001S000

00:00

MENU (NEXT)

ENTER

MENU (NEXT)

MENU (NEXT)

ENTER

ENTER

MENU (NEXT)

MENU (NEXT)

DAYS

E001S000
SMTWTFS

MENU (NEXT)

MENU (NEXT)

To Other

Menus

Page 16 of 20

RA – 122 RACK MOUNT ARCHITECTURAL DIMMER

Revision 0.93 OWNERS MANUAL 09/26/2011

SELECTING AN EVENT

From the EVENT EDITOR menu - Push

ENTER

.
The display will show the event selection menu as
follows.

EVENT #
001

If an event already has a scene assigned to it then the
event number will be followed by an asterisk (*).

Use the and buttons to select the event
number. Then push

ENTER

to proceed to the scene
number and scene action menu. If you push and hold
down the or button - the event number will
skip to the next programmed event and stop.

ASSIGNING A SCENE AND SCENE ACTION

The top row of this menu shows the number of the
event you are working on. The bottom row shows the
assigned scene and the action to perform.

EVNT 001
S00O ON

Use the and buttons to select either the scene
number or action. Your selection is indicated by
flashing that part of the menu. Use the and
buttons to change the value. Scenes 0 - 100 may be
assigned. Available actions are ON, OFF, and XXX
(IGNORE). Push

ENTER

once a value has been

selected. A setting of XXX disables the event even if
a scene for it has been set.

Push

CONFIG

CLEAR

to revert to the event number selection menu.

to proceed to the next menu or push

CHOOSING DATE OR DAY BASED EVENTS

This menu enables selection of either DATE based or
DAY based operation. The menu will show either:

E001S000

OR

DATE

E001S000
DAYS

The top row shows the event number and scene
number you are working on.

Use the and buttons to switch between DATE
and DAYS. Push

CONFIG

to proceed to the next
menu for setting the date or day and the time of day.
Push

CLEAR

to revert to the event number selection

menu.

SETTING DATE BASED TRIGGERS

The top row of these menus show the event and scene
number you are working on.

The bottom row is used to set the trigger date and the
time of day.

To set the date:

E001S000
01/01

Use the and buttons to select either the month
or day of the month. Your selection is indicated by
flashing that part of the menu. The date format is
MM/DD (month on the left). Use the and
buttons to change the value. Push

ENTER

once a

value has been selected.

CAUTION: If you set an invalid date (such as
February 30th) there will be no warning and the event
will NEVER trigger.

Push

CONFIG

or push

CLEAR

to proceed with setting the trigger time

to revert to the event number

selection menu.

To set the trigger time:

E001S000
00:00

Use the and buttons to select hours or minutes.
Your selection is indicated by flashing that part of the
menu. The format for hours is 0 - 24 (NOT AM/PM).
Use the and buttons to change the value. Push

ENTER

Push
SCENE ACTION menu or push

once a value has been selected.

CONFIG

to revert to the SCENE NUMBER and

CLEAR

to revert to

the event number selection menu.

SETTING DAY BASED TRIGGERS

The top row of these menus show the event number
and scene number you are working on. The bottom
row is used to set the trigger days and the time of day.

To set days of the week:

E001S000
SMTWTFS

The bottom menu row shows the days. If a day shows
as a solid block ( ) instead of a character then the
event will be skipped (will not trigger on that day).

Use the and buttons to select a week day. Then
use the and buttons to change between trigger
and skip. Push

ENTER

once a value has been

selected.

www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Tel [phone]

Page 17 of 20

RA – 122 RACK MOUNT ARCHITECTURAL DIMMER

Revision 0.93 OWNERS MANUAL 09/26/2011

Push

CONFIG

or push
selection menu.

To set the trigger time:

Use the and buttons to select hours or minutes.
Your selection is indicated by flashing that part of the
menu. The format for hours is 0 - 23 (not AM/PM).

Use the and buttons to change the value. Push

ENTER

once a value has been selected.

CONFIG

Push
SCENE ACTION menu or push
the event number selection menu.

to proceed with setting the trigger time

CLEAR

to revert to the event number

E001S000
00:00

to revert to the SCENE NUMBER and

CLEAR

to revert to

www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Tel [phone]

Page 18 of 20

W

RA – 122 RACK MOUNT ARCHITECTURAL DIMMER

Revision 0.93 OWNERS MANUAL 09/26/2011

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

MAKE CERTAIN POWER IS REMOVED

FROM THE FEED CIRCUITS

BEFORE HANDLING THE UNIT.

ARNING

TROUBLESHOOTING

 To simplify troubleshooting - reset the unit or

provide a known simple set of conditions.

 Check that the console is powered and that

console channels are correctly patched or set.

 Check the control cable between the dimmer(s)

and console.

 Verify the loads and their connections.

OWNER MAINTENANCE

FRONT PANEL FUSES:

The RA-122 has two fuses.
The left fuse is 1 Amp. The right fuse is 1/4 Amp.
Both are 250V, 1.25 x .25 inch, fast acting fuses.
These fuses provide protection for the internal
electronic control circuitry and the fan. They may be
replaced ONLY by fuses of identical type and size.

There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.

The best way to prolong the life of your unit is to keep
is cool, clean, and dry. It is important that the cooling
intake and exit vent holes are clean and unobstructed.

Service by other than Lightronics authorized agents
may void your warranty.

OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE ASSISTANCE

If service is required, contact the dealer from whom
you purchased the equipment or contact Lightronics,
Service Department, 509 Central Drive, Virginia
Beach, VA 23454 TEL [phone].

Lightronics recommends that you record the serial
number of your unit for future reference.

SERIAL NUMBER

___________________

RA-122 UNIT SPECIFICATIONS

CHANNELS/CAPACITY: 12 @ 2400 Watts each

POWER REQUIREMENTS:
120/208VAC three phase,80 Amps each line
OR
120/240VAC single phase, 120 Amps each line

POWER DEVICES: Dual 65 Amp SCRs

POWER CONNECTOR: Terminal strip

CHANNEL OUTPUT: Edison Plug
External Terminal Strip
Patch Panel
Socapex

CIRCUIT BREAKERS: 20 Amp fast acting

MINIMUM LOAD: 15 Watts

CURVE: Modified square law

FILTER RISE TIME: 600 usec. minimum

OUTPUT FUNCTION: DIMMER or RELAY
selectable

CONTROL INPUT: DMX-512 U.S.I.T.T. standard

FRONT PANEL: 8 char. x 2 line LCD display

REMOTE NETWORK: RS-485, 62.5 Kbaud,
bidirectional 9 bit network

LOCAL PRESETS: 100 scenes standard,
expandable to 255 scenes

CLOSURE INPUT: 8 inputs for single, dual
button, or combine stations

REMOTE STATIONS: Total of 32 remote stations
with unique system
addresses

SLAVE UNITS: Up to 31 additional units may
be added

SIZE : 3.5"H x 19"W x 16"D

WEIGHT: 40 pounds

www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Tel [phone]

All Lightronics products are warranted for a period of TWO/FIVE YEARS from the date of
purchase against defects in materials and workmanship.

This warranty is subject to the following restrictions and conditions:

A) If service is required, you may be asked to provide proof of purchase from an authorized
Lightronics dealer.

B) The FIVE YEAR WARRANTY is only valid if the warranty card is returned to Lightronics
accompanied with a copy of the original receipt of purchase within 30 DAYS of the
purchase date, if not then the TWO YEAR WARRANTY applies. Warranty is valid only for
the original purchaser of the unit.

C) This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from abuse, misuse, accidents, shipping,
and repairs or modifications by anyone other than an authorized Lightronics service
representative.

D) This warranty is void if the serial number is removed, altered or defaced.

E) This warranty does not cover loss or damage, direct or indirect arising from the use or
inability to use this product.

F) Lightronics reserves the right to make any changes, modifications, or updates as deemed
appropriate by Lightronics to products returned for service. Such changes may be made
without prior notification to the user and without incurring any responsibility or liability for
modifications or changes to equipment previously supplied. Lightronics is not responsible
for supplying new equipment in accordance with any earlier specifications.

G) This warranty is the only warranty either expressed, implied, or statutory, upon which the
equipment is purchased. No representatives, dealers or any of their agents are authorized
to make any warranties, guarantees, or representations other than expressly stated herein.

H) This warranty does not cover the cost of shipping products to or from Lightronics for
service.

I) Lightronics Inc. reserves the right to make changes as deemed necessary to this warranty
without prior notification.

WARRANTY

Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 20050125

www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc. 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Tel [phone]