Martin Atomic Colors User Manual [EN]

Atomic Colors

user manual

Atomic Colors Unit

Atomic 3000 DMX and Atomic Colors Unit combined.

© 2003 Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced,

in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from

Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.

Printed in Canada.

P\N 35000143, Rev. A

Atomic Colors User Manual 2

SAFETY INFORMATION.................................................. 4

INTRODUCTION................................................................ 5

PREPARATION FOR USE............................................... 6

MOUNTING THE UNIT..................................................... 9

CONNECTING THE UNIT.............................................. 10

OPERATING THE UNIT ................................................. 14

CHANGING THE GEL STRING .................................... 20

SERVICE .......................................................................... 24

SPECIFICATIONS........................................................... 25

Atomic Colors User Manual 3

SAFETY INFORMATION

1

Before using this unit please read this manual completely,

refer to the user manual for Atomic 3000 DMX strobe.

and

Warning: This product is for professional use only!

It is not designed for household use.

This product is designed exclusively for use with the Martin Atomic 3000 DMX unit. Use the
device only as intended.
The Atomic 3000 DMX presents risks of lethal or severe injury due to fire and heat, electric
shock, ultraviolet radiation, and falls. Flashing light is also known to trigger epileptic seizures in
persons who are photosensitive. Please review the important safety information in the Atomic
3000 DMX user manual.
Read this manual before powering or installing the fixtures, follow the safety precautions listed
below and observe all warnings in this manual.
If you have questions about how to operate the fixtures safely, please contact your Martin dealer
or call the Martin 24-hour service hotline at [phone].

Atomic Colors: Safety instructions.

General

• Read this manual fully before starting to use the unit.

• Ensure that no objects or items are near the front aperture, or can get trapped in the roller

mechanism.

• Make sure the power supply for the Atomic Colors is connected and switched on, before
operating the Atomic strobe.

To guard against falls

• When fitting the unit to the Atomic 3000DMX, ensure all screws are thoroughly re-tightened.

• When rigging the unit, use the safety wire attached to the unit as a means of secondary

attachment.

Note: This safety wire is designed solely for use with the Atomic Colors unit. Use a
separate safety wire for Atomic 3000DMX strobe, and any other pieces of equipment.

• When suspending the fixture above ground level, verify that the structure can hold at least 10
times the weight of all installed devices.

• Verify that all external covers and rigging hardware are securely fastened and use an
approved means of secondary attachment such as a safety cable.

• Block access below the work area whenever installing or removing the fixture.

To guard against epileptic seizure

• Do not operate the fixture near stairways.

• Provide advance notice that strobe lighting is in use.

• Avoid extended periods of continuous flashing, particularly at frequencies of 10 to 20 flashes

per second, or with the color red.

Atomic Colors User Manual Safety Information 4

INTRODUCTION

2

The Atomic Colors is a dedicated add-on unit for the Martin Atomic 3000 DMX strobe. This unit
enhances the versatility of the Atomic 3000 DMX by adding the extra dimension of color changes
that can be controlled and programmed with any standard DMX controller.

Color changing is achieved by moving (or scrolling) a string of colored ‘gels’ (theatrical grade,
plastic color media) in front of the strobe unit. A processor controlled, low voltage DC motor
drives the movement of the gel string, with the processor receiving instructions from a lighting
controller. The internal processor also determines the positions of the individual colors and
controls the speed of the cooling fans. The lighting controller can be any device that outputs the
widely used USITT DMX (1990) data protocol (‘DMX’), including the one that may already be
controlling your Atomic 3000 DMX strobe.

The Atomic Colors requires an external power supply that is not included. Standard scroller
power supplies are available in various unit sizes. Each Atomic Colors requires one unit of power.
The size of power supply required is dependant on how many Atomic Colors you are using. Eight
Atomic Colors, for example, can be driven with a standard 8-unit scroller power supply.

The scroller power supply combines the low voltage and the DMX data for the Atomic Colors in
a special four-wire cable with XLR-4 connectors. The Atomic Colors features a ‘through’ XLR-4
connector that allows multiple units to be connected in a ‘daisy-chain’ to a single external power
supply.

The unit comes supplied with a gel string installed. This gel string has 10 color filters joined
together with special high temperature tape, to form one continuous piece. The colors in this gel
string have been chosen to offer a wide choice of color and intensity, and various other gel strings
are also available from your dealer. Custom made gel strings can be supplied, to special order.

It is possible for the user to manufacture their own gel strings for use in the unit, although this
must be done with great care. Poorly constructed gel strings may contribute to the unit failing to
work properly.

Mounting the Atomic Colors unit onto the Atomic 3000 DMX strobe is easily achieved using
existing hardware from the Atomic DMX 3000, and a permanently fixed steel safety wire is
supplied for secondary attachment.

Atomic Colors User Manual Introduction 5

6

PREPARATION FOR USE

3

Unpacking

The Atomic Colors comes with the following items:

• 5 M (16.4 ft) XLR-4 connecting cable

• Standard gel string (factory installed)

• User manual

The packing material protects the fixture during shipment; always use it to transport the fixture.

System overview

(Detailed connection diagrams are given in Section 5.)

Power supply

The Atomic Colors requires a separate external power supply. These are supplied separately and
come in various standard unit sizes. Each Atomic Colors requires one unit of power.

The Martin Atomic power supplies, MPU-02 and MPU-08 will function on any standard
worldwide voltage/frequency electrical supply.

You may need to attach a plug on the mains cable for power supply.

To install a plug on the mains lead

The mains lead must be fitted with a heavy-duty cord cap with ground connection. Consult a
qualified electrician if you have any doubts about proper installation.

Following the cord cap manufacturer’s instructions, connect the yellow and green wire to ground
(earth), the brown wire to live, and the blue wire to neutral. The table below shows some pin
identification schemes.

Wire Pin Marking Screw color

Brown Live “L” Yellow or brass
Blue Neutral “N” Silver
Yellow/green Ground Green

Atomic Colors User Manual Preparation for use

Control data

7

Any device that outputs the DMX512 (1990) data protocol (including the one that may already be
controlling your Atomic 3000 DMX strobe) can be used to control the Atomic Colors. ‘DMX’ is
an industry standard data protocol, which allows up to 512 channels to be controlled through one
serial data link. These 512 channels may be used by up to a maximum of 32 devices on only one
cable run by ‘daisy-chaining’ the devices together.

To work on the DMX system, each device is assigned a control address, also known as the start
channel, which is the first channel used by that device, to receive instructions from the controller.
The Atomic Colors uses 1, or 2 DMX channels depending on which control mode it is set for.
The first DMX channel (start channel) controls the movement of the gel string, and the second
channel, if selected, allows for remote control of the cooling fan speed. Details of the address
setting procedure are given in Section 6 of this manual.

Cables

The power supply combines the control data and low voltage power into one XLR-4 cable that is
then distributed to the fixture(s). One 5M (16.4 ft) XLR 4-pin cable is supplied with each fixture.
The power supply connects to the DMX data link with 3 or 5-pin XLR cables.

The type of cable used in this system has specific design requirements. Failure to use the correct
type of cable can lead to malfunctions and/or damage to the system. Further details about cable
construction are shown later in this section.

Atomic Colors User Manual Preparation for use

XLR-4 Cable Construction

Notes:

• It is very important to ensure that the drain wire from the cable shield is connected to both
XLR connector cases.

• Damage will occur if power connections short to the data, ground, or shield connections.

• When assembling XLR 4-pin cables, heat shrink should be used on each individual pin to

prevent short circuits. (See diagram below)

• Please take care when constructing these cables. A high percentage of problems are a direct
result of poor cable construction.

Detail of connector wiring (typical)

The correct wiring between male and female connectors is ‘one to one’.

XLR-4

Connector

(Pin No.)

1 Ground (0 V) 2.50mm² (14 AWG)

2 Control data minus (-) 0.35mm² (22 AWG)

3 Control data plus (+) 0.35mm² (22 AWG)

4 24 VDC (+ve) 2.50mm² (14 AWG)

Chassis Cable shield/Drain wire 0.25mm² (24 AWG)

Function Minimum Cable size

Twisted data pair, with foil
shield and drain wire.

(See above)

Atomic Colors User Manual Preparation for use 8

MOUNTING THE UNIT

4

1. Place the Atomic 3000 DMX unit so that it is resting on its bottom edge as shown below.

2. Using an 8mm AF wrench, carefully remove the lower, front, M5 ‘Taptite’ screws on sides of

the Atomic 3000 DMX.

3. Loosen the top, front M5 ‘Taptite’ screws so that they protrude 5-6mm.

4. Position the Atomic Colors in front of the strobe as shown with the top hooks resting on the

loose ‘Taptite’ screws. Align the lower front screw holes and replace the lower front screws.

5. Tighten all screws.

6. Rig Atomic 3000 DMX/Colors fixture and fasten the safety wires.

Note: The safety wire attached to the unit is designed solely for use with the Atomic
Colors unit. Use a separate safety wire for Atomic 3000DMX strobe.

Attaching the ‘Atomic Colors’ unit to the ‘Atomic 3000 DMX’ strobe.

(For clarity, only one side of the units are shown)

Atomic Colors User Manual Mounting the unit 9

CONNECTING THE UNIT

5

System Connections

This section describes how to connect the Atomic Colors to your lighting system using a 2-unit or
an 8-unit external power supply.

Notes:

• Ensure the AC input power is switched off while you are connecting components of the
system.

• Do not connect the power supplies to any type of dimmer circuit.

• Before operating the Atomic strobe, make sure the power supply for the Atomic Colors is

connected, and switched on.

• When rigging the fixture and power supplies, use the safety wires as a means of secondary

attachment.

• When suspending the fixture above ground level, verify that the structure can hold at least 10
times the weight of all installed devices.

• Ensure that all cables are securely fixed and do not present a safety hazard of any sort.

MPU-02 / MPU-08 Power Supplies

The MPU-02 and MPU-08 power supplies are specifically designed for use with the Atomic
Colors. They are suitable for use with any 100-250 V, 50/60 Hz AC power supply, via an
IEC320/CEE 22 socket.

The MPU-02 is a small, compact unit that powers two Atomic Colors. It has an XLR-5 connector
for DMX input and an XLR-4 connector for the combined power/data output to the color
scroller(s).

The MPU-08 is a rugged, touring style unit for theatrical bar/truss mounting. It can power up to
eight Atomic Colors fixtures in 2 circuits of four. It provides XLR-5 input/through output sockets
for DMX data, and 2 sets of XLR-4 input/return sockets for combined LV power/DMX data.

Atomic Colors User Manual Connecting the unit 10

MPU-02 Connection Procedure

1. Rig the combined Atomic 3000 DMX and Atomic Colors fixture in the desired position,

ensuring that you use the safety wire as a secondary means of attachment.

2. Connect the power/data output on the MPU-02 to the power/data input on the Atomic

Colors with an XLR-4 cable.

3. Connect the MPU-02 to the main data link using the XLR-5 input. You can, for example,

run a 5-pin XLR cable from the DMX output of an Atomic 3000 DMX to the input of the
power supply. For more information on building a data link, please refer to the Atomic
DMX 3000 user manual. Continue “daisy-chaining” the DMX link by connecting the 5­pin DMX thru socket on the power supply to the next Atomic 3000 DMX, power supply,
or other fixture.

4. Connect a second Atomic Colors unit, if desired, to the first unit using the second XLR-4

socket and an XLR-4 cable.

5. Connect the MPU-02 and the Atomic 3000 DMX units to the AC supply.

Note: Before operating the Atomic strobe, make sure the power supply for the Atomic
Colors is connected, and switched on.

System connections using the MPU-02 power supply.

Atomic Colors User Manual Connecting the unit 11

y

MPU-08 Connection procedure

Important Note: ‘Return’ lines

The MPU-08 is designed for use with larger quantities of Atomic Colors fixtures, and
in bigger installations where the cable runs a longer.
In order to reduce the voltage drop in these longer cable runs, an XLR-4 ‘Return’
cable must be installed in the s

1. Rig the combined Atomic 3000DMX and Atomic Colors fixtures in their desired

positions, ensuring that you use the safety wire as a secondary means of attachment.

2. Connect your source of DMX data to the XLR-5 input socket on the front of the MPU-08.

3. Using an XLR-4 cable, connect the ‘out’ of ‘Power outlet 1’ on the MPU-08, to the XLR-

4 input on the Atomic Colors fixture #1.

4. Using another XLR-4 cable, connect the XLR-4 output of Atomic Colors fixture #1, to

the XLR-4 input on the Atomic Colors fixture #2.

5. Repeat step 4, until you have a maximum of four Atomic Colors fixtures connected

together.

6. Connect the XLR-4 output on the last Atomic Colors fixture to the ‘Return’ of ‘Power

outlet 1’ on the MPU-08.

7. Repeat steps 3-6 using cables and fixtures connected to ‘Power outlet 2’ on the MPU-08,

8. Connect the AC supplies to the MPU-08 and the Atomic 3000DMX unit(s).

stem, so the cabling forms a continuous loop.

Note: Proper connection of the units to the power supply is important!

Please follow these basic rules.

• Use the proper type of cable and connectors.

• Keep cable runs as short as possible, to reduce line loss.

• The total cable length for run should not exceed 75 M (245 ft), including the return line.

• Always use a return cable for each cable run. This will ensure balanced LV power to all

units.
Before operating the Atomic strobe, make sure the power supply for the Atomic Colors

•

is connected, and switched on.

Atomic Colors User Manual Connecting the unit 12

System connection diagram using the MPU-08 power supply

(For clarity, only the Atomic Colors are shown)

Atomic Colors User Manual Connecting the unit 13

OPERATING THE UNIT

6

All user settings are accessed using the LED display and the three push buttons on the side panel.

Powering up the system

When you power up the system, the following things happen:

• The gel string moves from one end to the other to determine the length of the string installed.

• The LED display shows the unit’s control address. After 5-7 seconds, the display switches to

monitor mode.

• If the unit is receiving DMX data, the gel string then moves to a position determined by the
control signal.

The Atomic 3000DMX strobe may begin to flash, depending on the way it is set up and the value

of the DMX signal that the unit is receiving.

Push Button Operation:

Use the ‘ACTION/RECALL’ button to scroll through the different modes of operation. Use the

‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ buttons to select values in that mode. When a mode or value is changed, the last

display character will flash until the
record) the change. The new setting takes effect the next time the unit is powered up.

Display Operation:

Power-up Display

On power-up, the display will show the DMX address.

Control Function

‘ACTION/RECALL’

‘DOWN’

‘UP’

3 digit display

Displays modes, monitor, or blank display.

‘ACTION/RECALL’ button is pushed to acknowledge (or

Mode access and ‘Record’

Decrements the mode level, or value

Increments the mode level, or value

Atomic Colors User Manual Operating the unit 14

Monitor Display

If left undisturbed for 5-7 seconds, the display will revert to ‘Monitor Mode’

The left hand vertical bar indicates that there is power (24V DC) at the unit.

The middle vertical bar indicates that there is data (DMX) at the unit.

Display Flip

The display-viewing angle can be flipped through 180º by pressing and holding the

The horizontal bars indicate the data signal level (DMX) at the unit.

‘ACTION/RECALL’ button, then pressing the ‘DOWN’ button.

Display Blank

The display can be set to auto-blackout after short time. This is selected through the mode menu.
(See later in this section)

Reset

‘ACTION/RECALL’ button is depressed, and the ‘UP’ button held down for

If the
1 second, the unit will reset to the factory default settings and the display will
show rES for 1 second.
This feature is particularly useful when the units are used in many different
configurations/ or shows.

Atomic Colors User Manual Operating the unit 15

6

Unit settings:

Note:
After changing any of the settings, press ‘ACTION/RECALL’ to store the new
value.

DMX address

Selects the unit’s DMX address (start channel).
The Atomic Colors uses 1, or 2 DMX channels depending on the fan speed control setting. The
first DMX channel (start channel) controls the movement of the gel string, and the second
channel, if remote fan control (Fnr) is selected, controls the cooling fan speed.
The unit will automatically select the two DMX channel mode if the fan speed setting is set for
‘Fnr’ (see below), otherwise the unit will remain in single DMX channel mode.
To change the address, press
hold down the

Fan speed (Fn)

Sets the speed of the gel-cooling fan, and 1 or 2 channel DMX operation.
There are four fixed fan speeds levels, ‘Fn1’ being the slowest and ‘Fn4’ being the fastest. The

‘Fnr’ option allows you to control the fan speed through the second DMX channel.
Please note that extended operation with low gel-cooling fan speeds may have a detrimental

effect on the life of the gel string.

Gel saver (GL)

Toggle the gel saving feature on ‘GL1’ or off ‘GL0’. This feature slowly moves the chosen gel(s)
back and forward slightly, so that heat from the lamp is dissipated over a larger area. This can
extend the life of the gel string.

Note: - Visually check that the gel is correctly positioned before using the gel saver feature. If the
gel position is not correct, adjacent colors may show, and the joining tape may overheat.

(See programming notes)

Speed (SP)

Set the scroll speed.
Select normal speed ‘SP1’ for quieter operation or fast speed ‘SP2’ for faster color changes.

Display (dP)

Switch the display on ‘dP1’ or off ‘dP0’. This feature can be used to blank displays that may be
an unwanted distraction. When off, the display will re-activate when any button is pressed.

Light activated fan (LF)

Toggle the automatic, light-activated cooling feature on ‘LF1’ or off ‘LF0’. This setting allows
the gel cooling fans to be activated by the light output of the Atomic 3000 strobe. When on, light
from the strobe automatically switches the fans to their set speed, and activates the Gel saver
function (if ‘GL’ set at 1).

‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ button for fast increments/ decrements of the value.

Second DMX Channel

Channel Level

(Dec)

00-61 0-24

62-127 25-49
128-190 50-74
191-255 75-100

‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ button once to increment/ decrement the value;

Channel Level

(%)

Speed

Level

Fn4
Fn3
Fn2
Fn1

Fan

Speed

Fastest

:
:

Slowest

Atomic Colors User Manual Operating the unit 1

Factory settings

To restore factory default settings, press and hold the

‘ACTION/RECALL’ button and press the ‘UP’ button for 1 second.

The ‘Factory’ default settings are: - Fan Speed =

Gel Saver =

Gel Speed =

Display =

Light activated Fan =

Display Flip =

Fn4 (fast)
GL1 (On)
SP1 (normal)
dP1 (On)
LF0 (off)
Standard

Atomic Colors User Manual Operating the unit 17

Summary of control functions:

Setting Description Actions required Display

DMX address Sets the unit’s DMX

address

(See also, DMX addressing instructions)

Fan speed

Sets the fan speed There are four fan speeds, 1 is the slowest, 4 is the

(See also, fan speed instructions)

‘Gel Saver’

Switches on/off the gel

saving mode.

(See also, gel saver mode instructions)

‘speed’

Sets the scrolling

speed

‘UP’ or ‘‘DOWN’ once to increment/

Press
decrement the value, hold down the ’UP’ or

‘DOWN’ for fast forward/reverse.

Note: ­The unit uses 1, or 2 DMX channels depending on
which control mode it is set for (see below).

fastest and a remote option. The unit uses 1 DMX
channel when a numbered fan speed is selected.

Selecting Fnr automatically places the unit in two
DMX channel mode, and allows the fan speed to be
controlled by the second DMX channel.

Press

‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ once to increment/

decrement the value,

‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ once to switch between on

Press
(1) and off (0).
Note: ­Ensure that the gel is centered (by channel/DMX
value) before implementing this mode, or the next
color may show through during the gel saver mode.

There are two scrolling speeds. 1 is the normal
speed, 2 is the fast speed.
Press

‘DOWN’ or ‘UP’ once to increment/

decrement the value,

‘disPlay’

Light

activated

Fans

reSet

(See also, gel scroll speed instructions)

Switches display on/off

(See also, display mode instructions)

Allows light output to

control the cooling

fans.

(See also, fan mode instructions)

Resets the unit to the

default settings.

(See also, reset instructions)

‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ to switch between on (1) and

Press
off (0).

Display will re-activate when any button is pressed.

‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ once to switch between on

Press
(1) and off (0).

While holding down
press the

‘UP’ button.

‘ACTION/RECALL’ button,

Atomic Colors User Manual Operating the unit 18

Programming notes:

The Atomic Colors uses 1 or 2 DMX channels, depending on which control mode it is set for.
The first DMX channel (start channel) controls the movement of the gel string, and the second
channel, if selected allows for remote control of the cooling fan speed.
The unit will automatically select the two DMX channel mode if the fan speed setting is set for
‘Fnr’ (see below), otherwise the unit will remain in single DMX channel mode.

First DMX Channel
Channel

Level
(Dec)

Channel

Level

(%)

(See notes below)

Gel

Position

No.

0 0 0 No Color/Open White R-00
26 10 1 Straw R-12
51 20 2 Pale Amber Gold R-09
77 30 3 Orange R-23

105 41 4 Red R-26
130 51 5 Broadway Pink R-339
156 61 6 Light Lavender R-52
181 71 7 Aquamarine R-363
207 81 8 Green Blue R-77
230 90 9 Light Green R-88
255 100 10 Blue Grass R-2005

Second DMX Channel

Selecting ‘Fnr’ in the fan mode automatically places the unit in two DMX
channel mode, and allows the fan speed to be controlled by the second
DMX channel.

Channel

Level

(Dec)

Channel

Level

(%)

Speed

Level

00-61 0-24 Fn4

62-127 25-49 Fn3
128-190 50-74 Fn2
191-255 75-100 Fn1

Important notes

1. Please note that over time, the gel string may shrink and/or warp slightly. This is an

inherent property of the gel substrate. This may alter the positions of the gels relative
to their pre-programmed DMX values and therefore some ‘fine-tuning’ may be
required.

2. Using the ‘Gel saver” mode. This feature slowly moves the chosen gel(s) back and

forward slightly, so that heat from the lamp is dissipated over a larger area. This can
extend the life of the gel string.
Note: - Visually check that the gel is in the correct position before using the gel saver
feature. In the correct position, the bottom tape join of the color should be just out of
view when looking at the lower edge of the unit’s front aperture. This can be verified
by slowly altering the DMX channel level to see the tape position. If the gel is not
correctly positioned, adjacent colors may show, and the joining tape may overheat.

3. Please note that extended operation with low cooling fan speeds may have a

detrimental effect on the life of the gel string.

Standard Gel String

‘Rosco’™ Gel

Color Color No.

Fan Speed

(See notes below)

Fastest

Slowest

:
:

Atomic Colors User Manual Operating the unit 19

CHANGING THE GEL STRING

7

Introduction

The unit comes supplied with a gel string installed. This gel string has 10 separate color filters
joined with special high temperature tape to form one continuous piece. The colors in this gel
string have been chosen to offer a wide choice of color and intensity, and various other gel strings
are available from your dealer. Custom made gel strings can also be supplied, to special order.

It is possible for the user to manufacture their own gel strings for use in the unit, although this
must be done with great care. Badly constructed gel strings may contribute to the unit failing to
work properly. Details of gel string construction are given at the end of this section.

Changing the gel string is not difficult, but it may take some time and practice to accomplish if
the user is not familiar with these types of units. There are two methods of loading gel strings on
the Atomic Colors, manual and power assisted loading.

Installation Notes:

• Observe how the original gel string is fitted before replacing it, and refer to the
drawings later in this section.

• The gel string is close to the front panel and is installed from the rear of the
unit. The string must be fed under the Take-Up-Reels and over the top before
attaching it to the anchors.

• New users are recommended to use the manual loading method until they
become familiar with the procedure.

• When installing a gel string, always start by applying the ‘head’ end of the gel
string to the ‘motor’ shaft. Manufactured gel strings have the ‘head’ end
marked.

To change the gel string you will need

1 x gel string for an Atomic 3000 Scroller
1 x Roll of flat back adhesive tape 25mm (1”) wide

Manual loading

1. Unplug the unit and remove it from the Atomic 3000 DMX strobe to which it is attached.

2. Remove all pieces of the old gel string. This may involve unwinding the gel from the Take-

Up Reels (TUR). Exercise caution, and do this slowly, to avoid damaging the gel transport
mechanism.

3. Place the unit on a flat surface with the motor/electronics section on your left-hand side. Take

the gel string ‘Head’ end, and attach the gel tab to the hook on the TUR anchor of the shaft at
the top of the unit (Motor shaft). Use small pieces of flat back tape to secure the gel to the
TUR hubs on either side (top and bottom).

4. Manually turn the shaft to slowly roll the gel string onto the TUR. Continue rolling the gel

onto the TUR until the other end is reached.

5. Firmly holding the edge of the shaft (to keep it from moving), gently pull the gel tab towards

you to ensure that the gel is tightly rolled onto the TUR.

Atomic Colors User Manual Changing the gel string 20

6.

Rotate whole the unit so that the motor/fan/ electronics section on your right-hand side. Place

the gel tab beside the anchor on the other shaft (Spring shaft). With your left hand, firmly
hold the gel tab next to the anchor hook but do not attach it yet. With your right hand, turn the
anchor hub of the spring shaft away from you (counter-clockwise) for four complete turns. As
you turn the shaft you should feel the spring tension increasing.

7. After tensioning, hold the anchor steady and hook the gel tab onto the anchor. Use small

pieces of flat back tape to secure the gel to the TUR hubs on either side.

8. Manually roll some of the gel string onto the TUR to make sure it is seating properly. Plug in

the scroller, and check that it goes through the initialization sequence correctly. Check that
the gel runs smoothly and does not bind up on the TUR’s.

9. Run a test sequence to allow the gel string to ‘bed’ in. The unit does not have to be attached

to an Atomic 3000 DMX strobe to perform this operation. Run this sequence for a few
minutes, or 3-4 times.

Power Assisted Loading

1. While pressing down the ‘ACTION/RECALL’ push button, apply power to the unit.

The display will show the legend ‘PAL’

2. Place the unit on a flat surface with the motor/electronics section on your left-hand side. Take

the gel string ‘Head’ end, and attach the gel tab to the hook on the TUR anchor of the shaft at
the top of the unit (Motor shaft). Use small pieces of flat back tape 25mm (1”) to secure the
gel to the TUR hubs on either side (top and bottom).

3. Press the ‘DOWN’ push button to advance the gel string onto the TUR.

4. Continue this process until you see the other end of the gel string approaching.

5. Firmly holding the gear of the rear fixed shaft (to stop it moving), gently pull the gel tab

towards you. This ensures that the gel is tightly rolled onto the TUR.

6. Rotate whole the unit so that the motor/fan/ electronics section on your right-hand side. Place

the gel tab beside the anchor on the other shaft (Spring shaft). With your left hand, firmly
hold the gel tab next to the anchor hook but do not attach it yet. With your right hand, turn the
anchor hub of the spring shaft away from you (counter clockwise) for four complete turns. As
you turn the shaft you should feel the spring tension increasing.

7. After tensioning, hold the anchor steady and then hook the gel tab onto the anchor. Use small

pieces of the flat back tape to secure the gel to the TUR hubs on either side.

8. Press the ’UP’ push button to move the gel string back onto the TUR. Use the push buttons to

move the gel to and fro, checking that the gel is sitting correctly on the TUR’s.

9. Allow the unit to self-calibrate by pressing the ’UP’ & ‘DOWN’ buttons simultaneously, or

by unplugging/re-plugging the unit.

10. Run a test sequence to allow the gel string to ‘bed’ in. The unit does not have to be attached

to a lighting fixture to perform this operation. It is recommended that run this sequence for a
few minutes (or 3 - 4 times, end-to-end).

Atomic Colors User Manual Changing the gel string 21

Installation of a gel string

Atomic Colors User Manual Changing the gel string 22

Gel string construction

Atomic Colors User Manual Changing the gel string 23

SERVICE

7

Problem Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is a process of elimination. First, rule out the other field factors (i.e. faulty
cables, power sources). For full technical advice and/ or parts, please contact your selling dealer.
The LED display aids in the troubleshooting of the Atomic Colors unit. The display is located on
the on the side panel of each unit.

Note:

A high percentage of problems are a direct result of poor cable and corrupt DMX control signals.

(1) The left hand vertical bar indicates that there is power (24V DC) at the unit.
(2) The middle vertical bar indicates that there is data (DMX) at the unit.
(3) The horizontal bars indicate the data signal level (DMX) at the unit.
(4) 1st bar = 25%, 2nd bar = 50%, 3rd bar = 75%,

Unit does not respond to DMX
control, but DMX display indicator
is on.
Unit does not respond to DMX,
DMX display indicator is off.
Units run at different speeds Unit speed settings may be different.

Units have dim display indicators
and run slowly.
DMX display indicator is off on
one unit.
Display Indicators appear OK but
gel string does not move.
Gel burns too quickly Fans have failed or are too slow.

(Note: The signal level changes during normal operation of the unit).

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

Unit set to a wrong, or different DMX
address.

Bad Cable.
No DMX at power supply.

Cable lengths are too long.

No cable ‘return line’.

Over loading or cable runs too long.
PSU overloaded.
Bad cable
Blown transceiver IC in the scroller.
Mechanical (or electrical) failure in
the unit.

Make sure the power supply for the
Atomic Colors is connected and
switched on.

Note

The color transport system employs an opto-electronic system for accurate positioning of the gel.
When the unit initially receives power, it will go through a calibration sequence. The purpose of
the initial calibration sequence during power up is to determine the total length of the gel string,
and therefore the position of the different gels.
Please note that over time the gel string may warp slightly. This may alter the positions of the
gels relative to their pre-programmed DMX values and therefore some ‘fine-tuning’ may be
required.

Atomic Colors User Manual Service 24

Check DMX address settings.

Check cable and DMX signal

Check all scroller speed settings.
Check the cable length and
configuration.
Ensure there is a cable return line
in the system.
Check voltage levels on last unit.
Should not be below 21.5V DC.
Check cable
Send unit back for repair.
Turn unit on and off.
Return unit for repair.
Check fans are operating.

SPECIFICATIONS

Physical

Size:
Weight: 2.5 kg (5.6 lb)

Thermal

Max. ambient temperature 40° C (104° F)
Cooling 3 variable speed fans

Control and programming

Compatible control systems USITT DMX512
Control channels 1 or 2
Interface Three button LED control panel
Power/Data connector pin-out

DC supply

DC voltage 24 V DC (+/- 10%)
DC current

Compatible power supplies MPU-02, MPU-08

Color (gels)

Gel thickness 0.075-0.125mm (0.003-0.005 in)

Gel frame capacity 2-11 gel frames

Construction

Housing Steel
Finish Black electrostatic powder coat

Installation

Mounting Dedicated mounting for the Atomic 3000 DMX
Min. distance to combustible materials 0.5 m (20 in.)
Min. distance to illuminated surfaces 1.0 m (39 in.)
Min. clearance around fan and air vents 0.1 m (4 in.)

Accessories

MPU-02 Power supply P/N 91611084
MPU-08 Power supply P/N 91611085
5m (16.4 ft) XLR-4 Cable P/N 11821014
Gel string #1 10 colors + clear P/N 91611087
Gel string #2 10 colors + clear P/N 91611090
Gel string #3 10 colors + clear P/N 91611088
Gel string #4 10 colors + clear P/N 91611089

470 x 273 x 102 mm (18.5 x 10.7 x 4.0 in.)

XLR-4 (male) input / XLR-4 (female) through

Pin 1 Ground (0 V)
Pin 2 Data (- Minus)
Pin 3 Data (+ Plus)
Pin 4 24 V (+ve DC)

Chassis Shield/Drain wire

O.55 A

For the best results, use gel strings supplied by your dealer.

8

(Max.)

Atomic Colors User Manual Specifications 25