NSI ND 4600, ND 5000 Operation Manual

ND 4600/ ND 5000

ADDRESSABLE DIMMER PACKS

OPERATION MANUAL

Page 1 of 9

Dimmer packs are the heart of any stage lighting system. They translate coded signals

o power levels required to drive high power lamps to desired

The NSI ND 4600 and ND 5000 satellite dimmer packs are both fully user addressable

eight control channels.

hnology, developed by NSI for the stage lighting market, is the electrical

marriage of microprocessor technology with digitally controlled multiplexing. Microplex

technology allows your system to be connected using standard microphone cables or even

snakes. System expansion is further simplified through the ability to daisy chain

additional dimmer packs to an existing system. This application of Microplex technology

been

known to be compatible with other manufacturer's lighting products that use the same

microphone cable interface.

Our philosophy at NSI is to utilize only the highest quality components. Problems that

zing in audio equipment and triac failure are

minimized with toroidal devices. In place of triacs, NSI only uses professional grade dual

SCR's.

You can be confident your NSI dimmer packs feature the best performance and

reliability standards available.

INTRODUCTION

generated by controllers int
intensities.

allowing assignment of four of a possible one hundred twenty­Microplex tec

audio

makes system set up and operation easy and convenient. In addition, NSI products have

often plague dimmers such as flickering lights, buz

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-

ND 5000

ND 4600

No. of Channels:

(4) chokes

(4) chokes

NSI"Microplex"

NSI"Microplex"

Four

Power Output per Channel:

Total Maximum Power Output:

Filtering:

SPECIFICATIONS

Four

600 Watts 1200 Watts

2400 Watts 2400 Watts

160USEC.

400 USEC.

Serial Control System:

Input Voltage to Output Response Time:

Control Isolation:

+15 V DC Available to Controller:

Dimensions (HxWxD):

Weight:
Mounting Spec. (from hole centers):

50 MSEC.

1200 Volt HV

400 MA

8"x9.5"x3.5"

7.51bs

8.25"

50 MSEC.

1200 Volt HV

400 MA

8" x9.5"x3.5"

10 lbs

8.25"

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eight

may be assigned in increments of four by addressing

the dimmer packs to receive them. To accomplish this simply position the address select

Note: New Style units have six position dipswitches where as dips

6 are indicated below. Old

style units are functionally the same but offered 4 position dipswitches. Additional dips were internal

jumpers where as J1, J2 are indicated below.

4. Units

ADDRESSING

Each NSI dimmer pack is fully user addressable to receive any of one hundred twenty­possible control signals. Control signals

dipswitches as described in the following chart.

witches 1-

Channels 1 2 3 4 5/J2 6/J2

1-4 Off Off Off Off Off N/A
5-8 On Off Off Off Off N/A
9-12 Off On Off Off Off N/A
13-16 On On Off Off Off N/A
17-20 Off Off On Off Off N/A
21-24 On Off On Off Off N/A
25-28 Off On On Off Off N/A
29-32 On On On Off Off N/A
33-36 Off Off Off On Off N/A
37-40 On Off Off On Off N/A
41-44 Off On Off On Off N/A
45-48 On On Off On Off N/A
49-52 Off Off On On Off N/A
53-56 On Off On On Off N/A
57-60 Off On On On Off N/A
61-64 On On On On Off N/A
65-68 Off Off Off Off On N/A
69-72 On Off Off Off On N/A
73-76 Off On Off Off On N/A
77-80 On On Off Off On N/A
81-84 Off Off On Off On N/A
85-88 On Off On Off On N/A
89-92 Off On On Off On N/A
93-96 On On On Off On N/A
97-100 Off Off Off On On N/A
101-104 On Off Off On On N/A
105-108 Off On Off On On N/A
109-112 On On Off On On N/A
113-116 Off Off On On On N/A
117-120 On Off On On On N/A
121-124 Off On On On On N/A
125-128 On On On On On N/A

IMPORTANT: All NSI dimmer packs are shipped from the factory addressed for channels 1 ­must be readdressed (see chart above) before being capable of receiving any other channels.

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in test function allows you to connect and test lamps at full intensity without the

need of a controller. When dipswitch #6 is off and your dimmer pack is receiving AC power

a controller is not connected lamps will light to full intensity. Internal jumper J2 is used in

place of dipswitch # 6 on old style units.

Individual yellow LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) for each channel indicate when the dimmer is

shooting tool in identifying

possible problems with signal transmissions or defective lamps and fixtures.

all of the ac power

consumed by lights connected to the dimmer. It must be connected to a power source capable

of supplying the total power drawn by the lights (see specification section of this manual for

details on maximum power capability).

Do not remove grounding prong of AC plug. To do so may cause exposure to

potentially lethal voltage levels and will void the warranty on this product.

dimmer pack is receiving AC

Both the ND 4600 and ND 5000 are equipped with safety circuit interruption devices to protect

the units from becoming overloaded. The ND 4600 utilizes fusing while the ND 5000 features

a resetabl

e external circuit breaker as well as internal fusing.

NSI ND 4600 and ND 5000 dimmer packs are designed to be mounted vertically. Each dimmer

pack is provided with two mounting flanges or ears designed for securing to the center of truss

st truss bars are already properly drilled to accept mounting of dimmers, however in

some cases you may need to drill holes in your truss bar to accommodate your dimmer pack.

AUTO TEST

This built-

and

LEVEL LED's

receiving control signals. This feature is an excellent trouble-

This is the main power cord for your dimmer pack which ultimately carries

AC POWER CABLE

WARNING:

POWER INDICATOR

This green LED (Light Emitting Diode) will light whenever the
power and functioning properly.

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

MOUNTING

bars. Mo

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or each channel of both the ND 4600 and

ND 5000. These receptacles provide power to the lamps in your lighting system. The amount of

power supplied to these outlets control the intensity of the lights they drive. Multiplexed signals

controller are translated into power levels to achieve the desired light

intensity. Each dual receptacle corresponds to a single channel with the maximum power

capabilities described in the specifications section of this manual. Under no circumstances

ld maximum recommended power capabilities be exceeded. To do so may be hazardous

and will void your warranty. Most incandescent lamps and fixtures may be connected to these

outlets. Do not connect any other electrical appliances or equipment to the dimmer

packs.

Both the male and female Microplex connectors may be used for input signals. Microplex

technology allows your system to be connected using standard microphone cables or even audio

controller or another dimmer pack. The

Microplex system also provides D.C. phantom power to your control unit eliminating the need

eight individual control

ur controller may be transmitted through a single

microphone cable.

The male and female Microplex connectors are wired in parallel allowing either one to be used

Microplex connectors will

provide control signals to another dimmer pack. This is called daisy chaining and makes

expansion of your system easily.

AC OUTPUT RECEPTACLES

Dual standard AC outlet receptacles are provided f

received from your NSI

shou

MICROPLEX INPUTS

snakes. Microplex may be received from your NSI

for AC power cords on any NSI controller. Up to one hundred twenty­channels plus phantom power to yo

MICROPLEX EXPANSION

for input or output of control signals. When used as an output, the

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3) Ensure that the rating of the breaker or fuse for the chosen outlet is adequate. The required

rating (in amps) of the breaker or fuse may be calculated with the following formula:

For example: if you are using six, 300 watt lamps (1800 watts total), you should have at least a

15 amp electrical service.

OPERATIONAL HINTS

1) Always place your dimmer packs as close as possible to the lights they are powering.
This will reduce the number of extension cords required to hook up your system.

2) Use a power outlet located as close as possible to an electrical service panel (fuse box). It is
best if the power outlet is on a separate circuit breaker or fuse from your audio system.

Where I = the current (in amps)
P = the power (in watts)
And E = the voltage (in volts)

I = P/E

4) Always use quality 14 gauge (or heavier) grounded extension cords.

5) Do not place AG power cables or extension cords for lighting near sensitive audio

cables (guitar cords, mic cables, audio snakes, etc.).

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NSI CORPORATION LIMITED WARRANTY

NSI Corporation warrants new electronics products to be free from def

when purchased from an authorized dealer.

are not covered

under this warranty.

shipping.

NSI Corporation is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages resulting from

warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to

by law.

ective materials and

workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase to the original owner

The purchaser is responsible for completing and mailing to NSI, within 15 days of purchase,
the warranty registration card enclosed with each product. NSI products that have been subject
to accident, alteration, abuse, or defacement of the serial number are not covered by this
warranty. The normal wear and tear of items such as knobs, jacks, and switches

If your NSI product requires service during the warranty period, NSI will repair or replace, at
its option, defective materials provided you have identified yourself as the original owner of
the product to NSI. Shipment to the NSI factory for repair shall be the responsibility of the
owner. All products returned to NSI must have factory authorization for return prior to

defect

or failure other than repairs of the NSI product subject to the terms of this warranty. This

state. There are no other warranties, expressed or implied, except as may be otherwise required

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LIGHTS AND LED INDICATORS ON DIMMER

CAUTION: PLEASE DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE REMOVING COVER FOR SERVICE AS HIGH VOLTAGE IS

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOM CHECK LIST
NO OUTPUT, LED INDICATORS SHOW 1. CHECK CHANNEL FUSES. (REFER TO
STATUS OKAY DIAGRAM BELOW)

NO POWER 1. CHECK LINE FUSE (REFER TO DIAGRAM

BELOW)

2. IF FUSE BLOWS AFTER REPLACEMENT CHECK
TRANSFORMER.

1. CHECK CHANNEL FUSES

LIGHTS ALWAYS OFF

LIGHTS ALWAYS ON

PACK FLICKER OR GLOW DIMLY.

2. CHECK FIXTURE LAMPS

3. CHECK BLACKOUT FEATURE ON CONSOLE

4. CHECK DIP SWITCH ASSIGNMENT

5. CHECK MAXIMUM DIMMER ASSIGNMENT ON
CONTROL CONSOLE

6. CHECK SOFT PATCH ON CONTROL CONSOLE

1.CHECK DIP SWITCH ASSIGNMENT
2 CHECK SIGNAL CABLE

3. CHECK OUTPUT MODE OF CONTROL CONSOLE.

1. TRANSMISSION LENGTH MAY BE A PROBLEM. GET
CONSOLE CLOSER WITH A SHORTER CABLE TO
VERIFY. REMEDY MAY BE THE USE OF 18 GAUGE
CABLE OR AN EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY AT THE
CONSOLE. (CALL DEALER OR NSI TECHNICAL
SERVICES FOR DETAILS).

2. CHECK PRE-HEA T SETTING OF CONSOLE.

OTHERWISE PRESENT

~ STANDARD 3/10 AMP SLO BLO

LINE FUSE

CHANNEL FUSE LOCATION

REPLACE WITH VALUES AS LISTED BELOW:

ND4600 8 AMP FAST BLO, 250 VAC
ND5000 15 AMP FAST BLO, 250 VAC

IF PROBLEMS PERSIST CONTACT YOUR NEAREST NSI AUTHORIZED DEALER OR NSI TECHNICAL
SERVICES AT 800-864-2502 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM PST MONDAY THRU
FRIDAY.

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