This product is for professional use only. It is not for household use.
This product presents risks of severe injury or death due to re hazards, electric shock and falls.
Read this manual before installing, powering or servicing this product, follow the safety precautions listed below and observe all warnings in this manual and printed on the product. If you
have questions about how to operate the product safely.
PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK
• Shut down power to the entire installation at the building’s main power distribution board and lock
out power (by removing the fuse for example) before carrying out any installation or maintenance
work.
• Disconnect the product from AC power before removing or installing any cover or part and when
not in use.
• The total current draw of all devices connected in a chain via one product’s power input socket,
including that product, must not exceed 20 amps.
• Before using the product, check that all power distribution equipment and cables are in perfect
condition and rated for the current requirements of all connected devices.
• The outlet used to supply the product with power must be installed near the product and easily accessible so that the product can easily be disconnected from power.
• Connect this product to AC power using only a power cable that is listed, minimum 12 AWG or 3 x
2.5 mm2, SJT or better. Suitable cable jacket types include ST, SJT, STW, SEO, SEOW and STO.
• Connect this product to AC power using only listed power connectors rated 20 A minimum.
• Always ground (earth) the product electrically.
• Use only a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical codes and has both
overload and ground-fault (earth-fault) protection.
• Do not use the product if the power cable or power plugs are in any way damaged, defective or
wet, or if they show signs of overheating.
• DO NOT stick lters, masks or other materials directly onto LED Nodes.
• DO NOT modify this product in any way not described in this manual.
• Install only genuine FlexiFlex parts in or on the product unless an alternative is described in this
manual.
PROTECTION FROM INJURY
• Ensure that any structure used for support as well as all fastening and connecting hardware can hold
at least 10 times the weight of all supported devices and equipment.
• DO NOT suspend the product from only one hanging point.
• When installing panels, fasten panels securely to prevent them from falling.
• Use a minimum of two approved secondary attachments (such as safety cables) to secure each
product. Secondary attachments must be able to hold at least 10 times the weight of all the devices
they secure and must be installed as described in this manual.
• Check that all connections and rigging hardware are securely fastened.
• DO NOT look at lit LEDs from a distance of less than 40cm (1 ft. 4 in.) without suitable protective eye
wear.
• DO NOT view lit LEDs with optical instruments that they may concentrate the light output.
3
CONTENTS
Safety Information ............................................................................................................................................................2
Connecting to a Break-Out Bracket.............................................................................................................................7
Installing the Cam-Lock ..................................................................................................................................................7
Connecting Video To FlexiFlex Panels ........................................................................................................................8
Menu Structure of the LCD Display ............................................................................................................................9
Connecting to the sPDS-480ca .................................................................................................................................12
Connecting Power to sPDS-480ca ............................................................................................................................12
Connecting FlexiFlex to sPDS-480ca .......................................................................................................................12
Setting the IP Address ...................................................................................................................................................12
Mapping the Panels Using sPDS-480ca ..................................................................................................................13
Service & Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................14
Cleaning Air Intake Filter ..............................................................................................................................................16
System Specications ...................................................................................................................................................18
Products Parts List ..........................................................................................................................................................19
4
INTRODUCTION
FlexiFlex is a exible, thin and translucent modular LED panel system providing full-motion video,
graphics, messaging and lighting capabilities in large-scale venues for both indoor and outdoor
applications. The exible panels can be draped, wrapped, hung and adapted to a variety of surfaces
to create a uniform and robust LED grid.
FlexiFlex’s small prole, lightweight form, and slim-line aesthetics provide exibility in mounting in
most locations. The panels may be used vertically, horizontally, singularly, or as a multi-panel
system. FlexiFlex comes in a variety of standard sizes and resolutions, and can create fully-customized panels to achieve a unique eect.
5
PACKING PANELS FROM MOLDED FLIGHT CASE
When packing panels
• Place the nodes facing up.
• Keep Breakout Bracket attached.
• Although rolling up FlexiFlex panels is acceptable, Fan-Fold is the preferred method for stowing (see
gure 1 & 2).
Figure 1. Fan-Folded PanelFigure 2. Rolled Panel
INSTALLING TOURING TRUSS
1. Roll Touring Truss into place.
2. Connect Touring Truss spigots together and insert the pin with cotter pin.
3. Attach required rigging, then attach the rigging to hoist.
4. Connect power the distro.
5. Connect data lines.
6. Turn on all breakers to the on position on the distro.
7. Remove wheel base pins.
8. Raise hoist.
6
INSTALLING PANELS
HANGING INSTALLATION
An unlimited number of stacks of panels may be installed alongside each other.
To y panels from a rig or other structure:
1. Check that the structure can bear 10 times the weight of all the panels, clamps,
cables, etc. that it will have to support.
2. Check that the structure will not ex under the weight of the panels. Hanging
panels from a structure that is not straight will place a strain on the hanging bracket and panels.
3. Check that there are no combustible materials within 20 in. of the panels when
installed, and there are no ammable materials nearby.
4. Block access under the work area. Working from a stable platform, install the
hanging bracket by fastening the clamps to the truss or structure.
5. As soon as the panel is attached to the truss or structure, install two safety cables
to secure the hanging bracket. Safety attachments must bear 10 times the weight
of all panels they secure. Loop safety cables in a gure-eight around the hanging
bracket so that if a rigging clamp fails, the weight of the panels will be held by the
hanging bracket.
6. Continue hanging panels, attaching them with CAM-LOCKs for vertical & horizontal connections.
CONNECTING TO A BRACKET
• Attach Break-Out Bracket to structure.
• Safety the Break-Out Bracket to your hanging structure
• Connect FlexiFlex panels via the Cam-Lock to the
Break-Out Bracket.
• Lock all Cam-Lock connections.
Figure 3. Strut Breakout Bracket
INSTALLING THE CAM-LOCK BUCKLE
Insert the male Cam into the female Cam. Make sure the male end is
securely attached. Using a standard screwdriver turn the quarter-screw
to lock both male and female ends together.
Figure 4. Cam-Lock Buckle
7
CONNECTING VIDEO TO FlexiFlex PANELS
WARNING
Media server graphics cards, sPDS-480ca and other components on the video link are sensitive
and can easily be damaged by dierence in current. Observe the list of precautions below, or you
may cause damage that is not covered by the warranty:
1. Shut down power to all sPDS-480ca PSU’s and devices before connecting or disconnecting any
connection in the video link.
2. When inserting DVI connectors, ensure that the metal shields around the outside of male and female
connectors make contact before the pins. This will provide a path to ground for any dierence in
current between devices or components.
3. Apply power to the sPDS-480ca before you apply power to the media server.
4. When you shut down the entire installation, power o the media server before you cut power to the
sPDS-480ca.
To connect video to the FlexiFlex panels:
1. Power down all devices while making connections.
2. Connect DVI or VGA cable from source computer or media server to a Philips Video System
Engine (VSM).
3. Connect CAT 5e from VSM to a gigabit Ethernet switch.
4. From the gigabit Ethernet switch, connect another CAT 5e cable to the sPDS-48ca Power-Data
Supply Unit.
5. Also connect a CAT 5e cable to the gigabit Ethernet switch and connect it to the temporary
mapping computer.
6. Connect the break in to the multi- cable from the panels and then connect the break in ends
into the sPDS-480ca.
7. When you have made all connections, set up the panels as described in the next section of this
manual.
Figure 5. Typical System Setup
8
sPDS-480ca FUNCTIONS
sPDS-480ca features on-board conguration and monitoring functions. Using the control buttons
and LCD display located on the front of the supply, you can congure the unit’s behavior, monitor its
status, and test attached lights.
Button Functions
The four front panel buttons (CANCEL, UP, DOWN, and SELECT) let you navigate through the menu
tree and select functions.
UP — Pressing the UP button scrolls up through the menus, and increments numeric options.
DOWN — Pressing the DOWN button scrolls down through the menus, and decrements numeric
options.
SELECT — Press the SELECT button to choose a menu option, performance action, or to save a
setting.
CANCEL — Press the CANCEL button to return to the previous screen.
Menu Structure of the LCD display
This section details the various menu options available on the front panel of sPDS-480ca . Use the
control buttons to navigate through the menus. The main menu tree consists of ve main menus:
VIEW STATUS, CONFIGURE,TEST, RESET SYSTEM, and ABOUT.
NETWORKNET: IP ADDRESS 0.0.0.0Displays the IP address for the
sPDS-480ca.
MAC ADDRESSDisplays the MAC address for
the sPDS-480ca.
DATA RATEDisplays an estimate of net-
work bandwidth being used, in
kilobytes per second.
SERIAL NUMBERDisplays the unit’s unique serial
number.
LIGHTSLIGHTS PER PORT (1-8)Displays the number of lights
detected per port. note: The
message “(not yet scanned)”
indicates that you must choose
the Scan Lights option from the
Congure menu rst.
TEMPERATUREINTERNAL TEMP.Displays an estimate of the
unit’s internal temperature.
MIN / MAX TEMPDisplays minimum and maxi-
mum temperature recorded
since power was turned on.
FAN STATUSDisplays whether the fan is o
or on, and how fast it is running
(as a percentage of max speed).
CONFIGURE
CommandOptionsDescription
SET IP ADDRESS10.0.0.0 (Last three segments
can be 0-255).
SCAN LIGHTSPress the Select button to start
scanning.
FAN SETTINGSLow
Medium
High
Auto
Allows you to set the IP address
(see Setting the IP Address.)
Counts how many lights are
attached to each port. Results
are then shown in the Lights
Per Port section of the Status
menu.
Low or Medium: Fan runs
continuously at low or medium
speed, unless a temperature
rise is detected which forces
the fan to High.
High: The fan runs continuously
at high speed at all times. Auto:
The fan turns on and the speed
modulates based on internal
temperature.
10
CONFIGURE
CommandOptionsDescription
THERMAL SETTINGSWHEN I OVERHEAT:
- Turn o lights (default)
- Ramp down lights
- Stay on
LCD BACKLIGHTBright (default)
Medium
Dim
Auto-Dim
RESTORE DEFAULTSPress the Select button to re-
store defaults.
Allows you to select the action
to be taken if the unit overheats. Press Select to save your
choice.
Allows you to select the brightness of the LCD backlight.
Auto-Dim dims the backlight
when no buttons have been
pressed for 15 seconds. Press
Select to save your choice.
Restores factory default settings for backlight and thermals. Network conguration
remains unchanged.
TEST / RESET SYSTEM / ABOUT
CommandOptionsDescription
TEST LIGHTSAll O Single Port
All Red Single Light
All Green
All Blue
All White
Rainbow
Allows you to test the selected
lights or eect. If you choose
a Single Port or Single Light,
press the Select button, then
use the Up and Down buttons
to choose the desired port or
light.
TESTFans on fullAllows you to test the fans.
Press the Select button to start
test. Fans run on full for a short
time, then turn o automatically.
RESET SYSTEMPress the Select button to
restart.
ABOUTPress the Down button to scroll
through the information.
Resets the unit, as if you had
turned the power o and back
on.
Displays system information,
including model number and
revision of the rmware.
11
CONNECTING TO THE sPDS-480ca
WARNING: Ensure power is o before connecting lights. Disconnect power using the power
switch on the back of sPDS-480ca . Failure to do so could result in death or serious injury and will
void the warranty.
Figure 6. Rear panel of 24v sPDS-480ca
CONNECTING POWER TO SPDS480CA
• Connect the IEC power cable to the back of sPDS-480ca . (See Fig. 6.)
• Make sure IEC Cable is fully seated in the receptacle, and that retainer clip is not hindering the
IEC from making a full connection.
CONNECTING FLEXIFLEX TO SPDS480CA
• Plug a xture connector into a power output port on the back of sPDS- 480ca . Ports are labelled
1 through 8. (See Fig. 6.)
SETTING THE IP ADDRESS
1. Use the control buttons (up and down arrows) to scroll through and set the values for the IP
Address elds. Press the Select button to accept the value and jump to the next segment. Use
the Cancel button to return to the previous eld.
2. After setting all values, press the Select button. The system prompts you to press the Select
button to conrm. The system indicates the IP address was saved.
NOTE: If you do not conrm the IP address, it will not be saved.
NOTE: The rst eld (10) cannot be changed and the address should not be set to 10.1.3.100 or 10.1.3,101.
Figure 7. Front panel of sPDS-480ca
12
MAPPING THE PANELS USING SPDS480CA
• Once sPDS-48oca installation is complete, use Light System Manger or Video System Manager Pro
to map the FlexiFlex installation.
• Once the power / data supplies and lights have been mapped, then you are ready to begin designing shows or playing video. No addressing is required.
Please Refer to the Video System Manager Pro User Guide for further reference
NETWORKING
sPDS-480ca receives data from and is controlled by Video System Manager (VSM). VSM consists of Video Management Tool software and
Video System Engine hardware.
A dedicated network comprised of one or more Ethernet switches are
required for your installation. Refer to the VSM User Guide Pro for setup
and conguration information.
Networking greater than a 10,000 node conguration consult an experienced network engineer.
• Do not daisy chain switches, doing so will result in a network loop
(see gure 8.)
• Be sure to balance network loads.
• Use only CAT 5e or above network cables
Figure 8. Correct and incorrect Network Cabling
• Do not use Crossover cables anywhere in the installation.
• PHILIPS recommends using Dell Power Connect 2800 Series Switches
*If running spare CAT5e lines, connect the spare lines to the sPDS-480ca but not the switch.
Video Source
Correct
Incorrect (Network Looping)
Power/Data SupplyPower/Data Supply
FlexiFlex Panel
Network Switch
FlexiFlex Panel
Figure 9. Networking Tree
Power/Data Supply
FlexiFlex Panel
13
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
Warning! Read “Safety Information” on page 2 before carrying out service or maintenance
work on FlexiFlex panels or any other component of the system. Lock out power to the entire
distribution system before servicing, cleaning or removing any cover. Refer any service
operation not described here to a qualied service technician.
Important! Excessive dust, smoke uid and particle buildup degrades performance, causes
overheating and will damage equipment. Damaged caused by inadequate cleaning or
maintenance is not covered by the product warranty.
The extent of wear and tear depends heavily on operating conditions, maintenance and environment, so it is impossible to specify precise lifetimes for optical components. However, you
will eventually need to replace the LEDs if their characteristics are aected by wear and tear
after an extended period of use and if you require panels to perform within very precise optical
and colour parameters.
CLEANING
Regular cleaning is essential for product life and performance. Buildup of dust, dirt, smoke
particles, fog uid residues, etc. degrades the panel’s light output. Cleaning schedules vary
greatly depending on the operating environment. It is therefore impossible to specify precise
cleaning intervals. Environmental factors that may result in frequent cleaning include:
• Use of smoke or fog machines
• High airow (HVAC, vents, etc.)
• Cigarette smoke
• Airborne dust (from building structures or the natural environment at outdoor events, for
example).
If one or more of these factors is present, inspect panels within their rst 25 hours of operation
to see whether cleaning is necessary. Check again at frequent intervals. This procedure will
allow you to assess cleaning requirements in your particular situation. If in doubt consult a
qualied service technician about a suitable maintenance schedule.
Do not use abrasive, caustic or solvent-based products for cleaning, as they can damage plastic
or painted surfaces.
To clean panels:
1. Disconnect the panel from power
2. Blow away dust and loose particles with compressed air
3. Wipe the outside of the LEDs with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with a solution of water
and detergent or auto shampoo. Apply gentle pressure only.
14
REPLACING FlexiFlex STRINGS
To replace a FlexiFlex LED string:
1. Power down system.
2. Disconnect power/data connector on the Flex string from its output. (See g. 10)
3. Unsnap individual Nodes from FlexiFlex structure removing entire string from the structure.
(See g. 11)
4. Replace string within structure with new string.
5. Apply power to the sPDS-480ca.
Figure 10. Disconnecting power/data
connector from a power header.
Figure 11. FlexiFlex Node removed from holder.
sPDS-480ca MAINTENANCE
OVER-TEMPERATURE DETECTION
The sPDS-480ca includes an over-temperature detection circuit. You can choose what the unit does
when an over-temperature condition is detected: Turn o lights, Ramp down lights, or Stay on. “Turn
o lights” sets the lights to black, and resumes normal operation if temperatures drop. “Ramp down
lights” smoothly reduces brightness, in an attempt to bring temperature under control without an
abrupt cuto. “Stay on” keeps the lights operating regardless of temperature.
Caution: If an over-temperature condition is detected, the unit will ash the LCD backlight. Navigate to the Startup screen (by pressing the Cancel button one or more times) to see the relevant
message. An over-temperature condition ALWAYS indicates that the unit is operating beyond its
rated specications, regardless of what you have congured the unit to do in response. The overtemperature feature is intended to detect and mitigate exceptional conditions, like blocked air
intakes, that may cause catastrophic failure. In a properly operating installation, an sPDS-480ca
should never go over-temperature. Failure to comply may result in minor or moderate injury or
property damage and will void the warranty.
15
CLEANING AIR INTAKE FILTER
To prevent overheating, inspect the air intake lter regularly and clean as needed. The air intake
lters are located behind the front bezel of sPDS- 480ca . (See Fig.12)
Figure 12. Front Bezel sPDS - 480ca
1. Disconnect power.
WARNING: Ensure power is o before cleaning the lter. Failure to do so could result in death or serious injury and will void
warranty
2. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, loosen the four captive screws on the front of the bezel, and
then remove the bezel by pulling it straight out from sPDS-480ca .
3. Remove the lters by lifting up and out.
4. Clean the lters with water, and then air dry completely.
5. Replace the lter in the lter cover, and then replace the front bezel. Never operate sPDS-480ca
with the front bezel o. (See Fig. 12.)
REPLACING FUSES
sPDS-480ca contains eight 5A, 125V, 5x20 Fast Blow fuses. In the event that a fuse blows, it must be
replaced.
When a fuse blows, the background on the LCD display ashes to alert you of a problem. Navigate
to the Startup screen (by pressing the Cancel button one or more times) to see that message. An
example of the message is as follows: Check Port 7 Fuse. That message continues to ash until the
fuse is replaced.
1. Disconnect power to the sPDS-480ca.
WARNING: Ensure power is o before cleaning the lter. Failure to do so could result in death or serious injury and will void warranty
2. Remove the two screws on the Fuse Access Cover using a Phillips head screwdriver. (See Fig. 13)
Figure 13. sPDS - 480ca Top Cover.
16
The fuses are located beneath that access cover. ( Fig. 14)
3. Remove the blown fuse and replace it with a new 5A, 125V, 5x20 Fast Blow Fuse.
4. Replace the Fuse Access Cover and tighten the two screws.
5. Power on sPDS-480ca.
sPDS-480ca SPECIFICATIONS
Power Input 100-240VAC auto ranging (50 - 60Hz)
Max. Input Current 6A - 2.5A, 50 - 60Hz
Power Output 7.5v or 24 VDC, 480 W
Heat Dissipation 25 percent of total power input
Ambient Temp. 14 °F–122 °F (-10 °C–50 °C)
Housing Overall dimensions: 19 x 18 x 3.5 in
(483 x 457 x 89mm)
Connections Data: RJ45 input connector
Power Output: 8 4-pin output connectors
Power Input: IEC 320 receptacle type C13
with locking clamp
Data Input Interface Ethernet using Light System Manager or
Video System Manager Pro, MADRIX,
Green Hippo or Pixel Mapper
Data Output Interface Chromasic 2V
Environment Dry Location, No submersion, yes water
spray. Please consult RGB when product
is to be used in salt water environments.
WARRANTY
This product is sold pursuant to Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions Standard Terms and Conditions (the “T&Cs”) which may be found at http:// colorkinetics.com/howtobuy/buy/terms and which
contain important provisions, including, among others, Limited Warranty, exclusions and limitations
on liability for damages, and restrictions on the remedies that are available to you.
17
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Troubleshooting should be performed by experienced Video/Lighting Technicians. This troubleshooting
section does not cover every scenario, but does cover common problems. Troubleshooting this system is
similar to troubleshooting any Video Lighting system, start from the source and work your way through
each component and cable eliminating working components and cable.