Rosco 1900 Operating Instructions Manual

MODEL 1900

FOG MACHINE

Operating Instructions

April, 2007

Rosco Laboratories, Inc.

52 Harbor View Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902, USA

(800) ROSCONY, [phone], Fax: [phone]

email: [e-mail]

ROSCO MODEL 1900

Operations Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................…1

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS...........................................................................................2

HOW THE MACHINE WORKS........................................................................................3

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................................................4

DO'S AND DON'TS............................................................................................................7

MAINTENANCE................................................................................................................8

FOG DISTRIBUTION........................................................................................................8

ROSCO OFFICES...............................................................................................................9

LIMITED WARRANTY...................................................................................................10

STORAGE AND SHIPMENT..........................................................................................10

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................11

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES............................................................................................11

PARTS IDENTIFICATION GUIDE ................................................................................12

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.......................................................................................22

PARTS LIST .....................................................................................................................23

INTRODUCTION

This manual offers a detailed explanation of the operation of the ROSCO MODEL 1900
smoke machine. To assure efficient and safe operation, please take a few minutes to read this
material.

The ROSCO MODEL 1900 smoke machine is a thermal aerosol generator designed for very
high variable fog output. It is part of a system, the other basic component being the full line of
Rosco fog fluids, and they should always be used together. These unique fluid formulations
are safe when used according to instructions. They are water-based and contain no petroleum
distillate. The operating temperature, pump pressure, and output nozzle orifice of the machine
have beeen specifically set to maximize aerosolization of the Rosco fluid. When used
properly, the system should operate for many years.

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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
THE MACHINE. FAILURE TO PROPERLY FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS MAY
LEAD TO A FIRE, EXPLOSION, OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

FOG FLUID HEALTH CAUTION: VAPOR FROM THIS FLUID, LIKE ANY OTHER
COMMON MATERIAL IN A VAPORIZED STATE, MAY BE IRRITATING TO OR
CAUSE ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS IN SOME PERSONS WITH ALLERGENIC
SENSITIVITY. DO NOT EXPOSE AT CLOSE RANGE TO KNOWN ASTHMATICS.

1. This machine uses electrical power at common commercially available voltages. When
directly contacted, such voltages are hazardous to human life. All precautions commonly
applicable to the use of electric power generally are applicable to the use of this machine.
This machine is designed to operate from three-wire power systems where one of the wires is
a safety ground. DO NOT disconnect the safety ground or use extension cords or "cheater"
plugs to connect this machine to a two-wire system. Operation without a safety ground may
result in a hazardous electrical shock.

2. Check the current and voltage rating of your machine. Extension cords must be properly
sized and rated for voltage, current and length. Check your local electrical code for the correct
gauge extension cord. If an extension cord shows signs of wear or gets warm to the touch,
discontinue its use and obtain a cord with a higher current rating. Improper extension cords
are not only hazardous, but may result in poor machine performance due to excessive voltage
drop.

3. Never use any machine that shows signs of improper use. Even slight damage may be an
indication of a major problem. If the machine looks questionable, use it only under strict
observation. If the machine shows any unusual behavior, disconnect machine immediately
from power and send machine to a Service Center for repair.

4. Do not operate the machine in a tightly confined space where the ambient temperature
might exceed 135° F (57° C). A continuous flow of air is required to maintain temperature
within the machine housing. Sensitive electronic components deteriorate rapidly under high
heat conditions. Operation of the machine in an enclosure of less than ten cubic feet (one
cubic meter) is dangerous, and automatically voids the warranty.

Enclosing any heating device so it is invisible to the operator creates a potential fire
hazard, no matter what the ambient temperature of the enclosure. To do so with any
high-amperage device is to assume substantial risk. Rosco strongly recommends against
it.

5. In any facility, the smoke concentration should be controlled. The smoke should never
mask emergency exits, safety signs, staircases or other safety constructions.

6. After long use, or if the machine is not properly set, some liquid droplets or wet area may
appear in front of the machine’s outlet. This liquid should be wiped up to prevent a condition
where someone might slip and fall.

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7. Machines are designed for continuous use over an 8-hour day, but to protect components, it
is wise to turn off the machine when it is not in use. In permanent installations, it is advisable
to equip the circuit with a night cut-off device.

8. During the warm-up phase and during operations, people should not stand within one meter
of the front of the machine. Flammable material like paper, fabric, etc., should never be
placed directly on or around this equipment, or any other electrical device with a heating
element.

9. The smoke should be blown into an open space and should not be directed at people or
objects. Never blow smoke on hot surfaces, into glowing heating elements or into open
flames. The normally non-flammable and non-toxic smoke could react on very hot surfaces
and be burnt or decomposed.

10. Unauthorized repair or alteration of any safety devices can lead to improper operation and
accidents. Repairs should be performed only by an authorized Service Center.

WARNING: USE OF ANY FLUID OTHER THAN ROSCO FOG FLUIDS OR
MODIFICATION OR ATTEMPTED UNAUTHORIZED REPAIR OF THE ROSCO
MODEL 1900 WILL IMMEDIATELY INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY.

HOW THE MACHINE WORKS

When the heat exchanger has reached proper operating temperature, the operator switches
power to the siphoning pump, which draws the fluid from an external reservoir into the heat
exchanger. The fluid is rapidly heated and vaporized. The vaporized fluid is then discharged
through the nozzle into the atmosphere where, upon mixing with the cooler air, it turns into an
aerosol consisting of millions of fine particles.

NOTE: The terms “fog” and “smoke” are used interchangeable. However the ROSCO
MODEL 1900 does not produce smoke, but a mist or aerosol.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. POWER HOOK-UP

Connect the power cord into a socket rated at the proper voltage and amperage. The machine
requires a dedicated power circuit. Turn on the main power switch (I/O) located at the rear of
the machine.

2. REMOTE CONTROL

The remote control fits into a cavity on the rear of the machine. The Model 1900 ships with
the remote control already screwed in place and can be removed. If it is not already plugged
in, plug the remote control into the socket in the cavity on the back of the machine. Push the
grey button marked POWER ON. This will enable the electronics and the unit will start to
heat up. The red LED on the Remote Control should light up indicating that the electronics
are enabled. The red LED on the top of the machine should light as well indicating that the
machine is heating up.

Note: The Rosco Model 1900 Fog Machine will operate either from the Remote Control,
from a lighting control console using the optional DMX Remote Control (see below) or as a
unit in a daisy chain (see below).

3. WARM UP

Let the machine warm up for about 9.5 minutes until the green LED on the top of the machine
turns on. The machine is now ready to use, as long as the green LED remains on and the fluid
reservoir contains fluid.

4. FLUID DELIVERY

Place either the 2.5-liter or the 4-liter size bottles of any Rosco fluid in the cavity located at
the rear of the machine. Place the end of the tube coming out of the top of the machine into
the bottle. A cap is provided that fits on the bottle.

NOTE: The machine only works with uncontaminated Rosco fog fluids. Other
manufacturers’ fluids may cause spitting and serious clogging problems and could result in
the production of an unhealthful aerosol. The use of other fluids voids the warranty of the

Rosco Model 1900 Fog Machine.

5. PRODUCING FOG

To produce fog, push the red FOG button located on the remote control. Push the switch
again to stop producing fog. The volume of the fog can be varied by turning the knob marked
FOG LEVEL. Note: At higher outputs the machine will give a large burst and then ramp back
the volume. This is to allow the machine to run continuously and is normal.

CAUTION: If the fluid bottle is empty, DO NOT run the pump. Running the machine
without fog fluid can seriously damage the pump.

6. TIMERS

The Rosco Model 1900 Remote Control is equipped with timers as standard epuipment. To
enable the timers, push the grey TIMER ON button on the remote. The green CYCLE LED
will be lit. To set the amount of time that the machine will make fog, adjust the FOG ON

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knob. To set the delay between bursts, adjust the FOG OFF knob. The range of time for both
FOG ON time and FOG OFF time is 2-18 seconds.

NOTE: The numbers indicated by the FOG ON and FOG OFF knobs are relative and should
be used for reference only.

7. DAISY CHAIN (OPTIONAL)

The Rosco Model 1900 has the capability to control up to 4 machines from a single controller.
In this “Daisy Chain” process, the machine that controls the others is called the MASTER and
the others are called SLAVES. Make sure that a Remote Control is attached to the MASTER
machine as outlined in Step 2 and all Remote Controls are removed from all the SLAVE
machines. Connect a cable with a male 3-pin XLR connector at each end to the link socket on
the top of the MASTER machine and connect the other end to the remote connection on the
first SLAVE machine. Repeat the process from the first SLAVE machine to the next. As
many as 4 machines may be operated from a single remote. Operate the remote as outlined in
Steps 5 and 6 above.

8. DMX CONTROLLER (OPTIONAL)

The Rosco Model 1900 has the option to be operated from a lighting control console that uses
a DMX signal. After removing the Remote Control, attach the optional DMX Interface to the
remote control connection.

Attaching DMX cable: Plug a standard 5-pin DMX cable in the connection narked DMX IN
on the remote. Note that the DMX can pass through to another device by plugging another
cable into the DMX OUT plug.

Setting the address: To set the DMX address, use the dip switches located on the DMX
interface. The dip switches are based on the binary system, so the channel number must first
be converted to a binary number. (See illustration). When the dip switch is in the down
position, it is “on”. When there is a valid DMX signal, the LED next to the dip switches will
light. NOTE: The Rosco Model 1900 uses one DMX channel.

Operating the unit: Turn the power switch (I/O) on. If the DMX interface is plugged in the
machine will automatically start to heat up. This will be indicated by the red LED on the top
of the machine. When the machine reaches proper operating temperature, the green LED on
top of the machine will light. When the proper DMX channel is given a non-zero value, the
machine will make fog. The fog volume will be proportional to the value of the channel
setting.

Test Button: There is a red momentary test button located on the DMX Interface. This button
is operable if the machine is on and the DMX interface is plugged in. When the machine is at
proper operating tempearture (as designated by the green LED on top of the machine),
pressing the Test Button will momentarily make fog.

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DMX INTERFACE ADDRESS

g

Binary columns

LED indicating

Address Switches

DMX si

nal

Address for Channel 19

1+2+16=19

Address for Channel 217

1+8+16+64+128=217

= OFF = ON

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