TOURNADO ip EXA User Manual

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Blizzard Lighting, LLC

www.blizzardlighting.com

Waukesha, WI USA

ip EXA

SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR USE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOURnado™ IP EXA 1

1. Getting Started 3

What’s In The Box? 3 Getting It Out Of The Box 3 Powering Up! 3 Getting A Hold Of Us 3 Safety Instructions (Don’t Stick Your Hand In The Toaster!) 4

2. Meet The TOURnado™ IP EXA 5

Features 5 DMX Quick Reference 5 The TOURnado™ IP EXA Pin-up Picture 6

3. Setup 7

Fuse Replacement 7 Connecting A Bunch Of TOURnado™ IP EXA Fixtures 7 Data/DMX Cables 7 Cable Connectors 8 3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh? 8 Take It To The Next Level: Setting up DMX Control 8 Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode) 9 Mounting/Rigging 9

4. Operating Adjustments 10

Navigating The Control Panel 10 Control Panel Menu Structure 11 DMX Mode 12 Set The Starting DMX Address 12 Select the DMX Channel Mode 12 Slave Mode 12 Auto, Stand-Alone, & Built-in Program Modes 12 Auto Mode 12 Stand-Alone (Program) Mode 12 Built-in Program Speed 12 Flash/Fade Modes 12 Manual Color Adjustment 12 Dimming Modes 13 DMX Channel Values In-Depth 13 Troubleshooting 15

5. Appendix 16

A Quick DMX Lesson 16 Keeping Your TOURnado™ IP EXA As Good As New 17 Returns (Gasp!) 17 Shipping Issues 17 Tech Specs 18 Dimensional Drawings 19

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1. GETTING STARTED

What’s In The Box?

• 1 x TOURnado™ IP EXA Professional LED PAR Fixture

• 1 x IP Rated AC power cord with cable cap

• 1 x Set of IP Rated DMX in/out cables

• This Lovely User Manual

Optional Accessories (sold separately)

The following accessories are available for this xture. But the lone wolves that they are, they must be

purchased separately. Contact your authorized Blizzard Lighting dealer for pricing!

• TOURLens45: 45° Beam Angle Lens Replacement Kit

• CABLE_TOURData1M: 1-Meter IP-Rated DMX Extension Cable

• CABLE_TOURPower1M: 1-Meter IP-Rated Power Extension Cable

• CABLE_TOURData3M: 3-Meter IP-Rated DMX Extension Cable

• CABLE_TOURPower3M: 3-Meter IP-Rated Power Extension Cable

• CABLE_TOURData5M: 5-Meter IP-Rated DMX Extension Cable

• CABLE_TOURPower5M: 5-Meter IP-Rated Power Extension Cable

Getting It Out Of The Box

Congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of one tough, slightly pumpkin shaped PAR xture! And now

that you’ve got your TOURnado™ (or hopefully, TOURnados!), you should carefully unpack the box and check the contents to ensure that all parts are present and in good condition. If anything looks as if it has been damaged in transit, notify the shipper immediately and keep the packing material for inspection.

Again, please save the carton and all packing materials. If a xture must be returned to the factory, it is important that the xture be returned in the original factory box and packing.

Powering Up!

All xtures must be powered directly off a switched circuit and cannot be run off a rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer channel is used solely for a 0% to 100% switch.

AC Voltage Switch - Not all xtures have a voltage select switch, so please verify that the xture you receive is suitable for your local power supply. See the label on the xture or refer to the xture’s specications chart for more information. A xture’s listed current rating is its average current draw under normal conditions. Check the xture or device carefully to make sure that if a voltage selection switch

exists that it is set to the correct line voltage you will use.

Warning! Verify that the voltage select switch on your unit matches the line voltage applied.

Damage to your xture may result if the line voltage applied does not match the voltage indicated on the voltage selector switch. All xtures must be connected to circuits with a suitable Ground (Earthing).

Getting A Hold Of Us

If something is wrong, just give us a call or send an email. We’ll be happy to help, honest.

Blizzard Lighting N16 W23390 Stoneridge Dr. Ste E Waukesha, WI 53188 USA www.blizzardlighting.com 414-395-8365 Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The information and specications contained in this document are subject to change without

notice. Blizzard Lighting™ assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may appear in this user manual. Blizzard Lighting™ reserves the right to update the existing document or to create a new document to correct any errors or omissions at any time. You can download the latest

version of this document from www.blizzardlighting.com.

Author: Date: Last Edited: Date:

J. Thomas 5/29/2014 J. Thomas 8/3/2015

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Please keep this User Guide for future use. If you sell the unit to someone else, be sure that they also receive this User Guide.

• ALWAYS make sure that you are connecting to the proper voltage, and that the line voltage you are connecting to is not higher than that stated on the de-

cal or rear panel of the xture.

• Make sure there are no ammable materials close to the unit while operating.

• The unit must be installed in a location with adequate ventilation, at least 20in (50cm) from adjacent surfaces.

• ALWAYS disconnect from the power source before servicing or replacing fuse and be sure to replace with same fuse size and type.

• ALWAYS secure xture using a safety chain. NEVER carry the xture by its

cord. Use its carrying handles.

• DO NOT operate at ambient temperatures higher than 104°F (40°C).

• In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using the unit immediately. NEVER try to repair the unit by yourself. Repairs carried out by unskilled people can lead to damage or malfunction. Please contact the nearest authorized technical assistance center. Always use the same type spare parts.

• NEVER connect the device to a dimmer pack.

• Make sure the power cord is never crimped or damaged.

• Never disconnect the power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.

• Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while it is on.

Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the housing or attempt any repairs yourself. In the unlikely event your unit may require service, please contact Blizzard Lighting at sup[email protected].

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2. MEET THE TOURNADO™ IP EXA LED PAR

CONTROL FEATURES

• RGBAW+UV color mixing via 12x 15W 6-in-1 LEDs

• LED control panel with 4 touch sensitive electronic buttons

• Super-sharp 25° beam angle

• Variable electronic dimming & strobe

• Built-in color & chase macros via DMX

• Built-in automated programs via master/slave

• RGBAW+UV color mixing ability in standalone mode

• RGBAW+UV (6-Ch), RGBAW+UV & Strobe (7-Ch), Dim, RGBAW+UV

& Strobe (8-Ch), & Extended w/32-bit dimming (11-Ch) DMX Proles

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Rugged and well-built (It hits the gym regularly)

• Convection cooled cast aluminum housing

• Dual mounting brackets for positioning exibility

• Flicker-free constant-current 500MA LED driver

• IP rated locking power and 3-pin DMX connections

DMX Quick Reference - 11 / 8 Channel Mode

Channel 11 Channel 8 Channel

1 Dimmer Dimmer

2 Red Intensity Red Intensity

3 Green Intensity Green Intensity

4 Blue Intensity Blue Intensity

5 Amber Intensity Amber Intensity

6 White Intensity White Intensity

7 UV Intensity UV Intensity

8 Strobe Strobe

9 Static Colors + Auto ---

10 Built-in Programs ---

11 32-bit Dimming ---

DMX Quick Reference - 7 / 6 Channel Mode

Channel 7 Channel 6 Channel

1 Red Intensity Red Intensity

2 Green Intensity Green Intensity

3 Blue Intensity Blue Intensity

4 Amber Intensity Amber Intensity

5 White Intensity White Intensity

6 UV Intensity UV Intensity

7 Strobe ---

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Figure 1: The TOURnado™ IP EXA Pin-Up Picture

High Power 6-in-1

RGBAW+UV LEDs

Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Enclosure

Dual Adjustable

Mounting Brackets

Figure 2: The Rear Connections

AC Power Out

DMX In DMX Out

Touch Sensitive

Menu Buttons

AC Power In

LED Display

4-Character LED Control Panel

Secure Grip Locking Knobs

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3. SETUP

Fuse Replacement

CAUTION! The TOURnado™ IP EXA utilizes a high-output switch-

mode power supply with an internal fuse. Under normal operating

conditions, the fuse should not require replacement. The fuse is eld replaceable, however it is an advanced procedure suited to qualied

individuals. Should your TOURnado™ IP EXA fuse require replacement, please contact Blizzard Lighting for instructions, or to return your unit for service.

Connecting A Bunch of TOURnado™ IP EXA Fixtures

You will need a serial data link to run light shows using a DMX-512 controller or to run shows on two or more xtures set to sync in master/slave operating mode. The combined number of channels required by all the xtures on a serial data link determines the number of xtures the data link can support.

Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line.

Also, connecting more than 32 xtures on one serial data link without

the use of a DMX optically-isolated splitter may result in deterioration of the digital DMX signal. The maximum recommended cable-run distance is 500 meters (1640

ft). The maximum recommended number of xtures on a serial data link is 32 xtures.

Data/DMX Cabling

To link xtures together you’ll need data cables. You should use data-

grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to electromagnetic interference.

For instance, Belden© 9841 meets the specications for EIA RS-485

applications. Standard microphone cables will “probably” be OK, but note that they cannot transmit DMX data as reliably over long distances. In any event, the cable should have the following characteristics:

2-conductor twisted pair plus a shield

Maximum capacitance between conductors – 30 pF/ft. Maximum capacitance between conductor & shield – 55 pF/ft. Maximum resistance of 20 ohms / 1000 ft. Nominal impedance 100 – 140 ohms

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Cable Connectors

Cables must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR connector on the other end. (Duh!)

CAUTION: Do not allow contact between the common and the x- ture’s chassis ground. Grounding the common can cause a ground

loop, and your xture may perform erratically. Test cables with an

ohm meter to verify correct polarity and to make sure the pins are not grounded or shorted to the shield or each other.

3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh?!?

If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5 pin to 3 pin adapter. They are widely available over the internet and from specialty retailers If you’d like to build your own, the chart below details a proper cable conversion:

Conductor 3-Pin Female

(Output)

5-Pin Male (Input)

Ground/Shield Pin 1 Pin 1

DMX Data (-) Pin 2 Pin 2

DMX Data (+) Pin 3 Pin 3

Not Used. No Connection. No Connection.

Take It To The Next Level: Setting Up DMX Control

Step 1: Connect the male connector of the

DMX cable to the female connector (output) on the controller.

Step 2: Connect the female connector of the DMX cable to the rst xture’s male connector (input). Note: It doesn’t matter which

xture address is the rst one connected. We recommend connecting the xtures in

terms of their proximity to the controller,

rather than connecting the lowest xture number rst, and so on.

Step 3: Connect other xtures in the chain

from output to input as above. Place a DMX

terminator on the output of the nal xture

to ensure best communication.

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Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode)

1. Connect the (male) 3 pin connector side of the DMX cable to the output (female) 3 pin connector of

the rst xture.

2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the

rst xture which will have a (female) 3 pin connector to the input connector of the next xture con-

sisting of a (male) 3 pin connector. Then, proceed to connect from the output as stated above to the

input of the following xture and so on.

A quick note: Often, the setup for MasterSlave and Standalone operation requires that

the rst xture in the

chain be initialized for this purpose via either settings in the control panel or DIP-switches.

Secondarily, the xtures

that follow may also require a slave setting.

Check the “Operating Adjustments” section in this manual for com-

plete instructions for this type of setup and conguration.

Mounting & Rigging

This xture may be mounted in any SAFE position provided there is

enough room for ventilation.

It is important never to obstruct the fan or vents pathway. Mount the

xture using a suitable “C” or “O” type clamp. The clamp should be rated to hold at least 10x the xture’s weight to ensure structural sta-

bility. Do not mount to surfaces with unknown strength, and ensure

properly “rated” rigging is used when mounting xutres overhead.

Adjust the angle of the xture by loosening both knobs and tilting the xture. After nding the desired position, retighten both knobs.

• When selecting installation location, take into consideration lamp replacement access (if applicable) and routine maintenance.

• Safety cables MUST ALWAYS be used.

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4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS

The Control Panel

All the goodies and different modes possible with the TOURnado™ IP EXA LED are accessed by using the control panel on the rear of the

xture. There are 4 control buttons below the LED display which allow

you to navigate through the various control panel menus.

<MENU>

Is used to navigate to the previous higher-level menu item.

<UP>

Scrolls through menu items and numbers in ascending order.

<DOWN>

Scrolls through menu items and numbers in descending order.

<ENTER>

Is used to select and conrm/store the current selection.

The Control Panel LED Display shows the menu items you select from the menu map on page #11. When a menu function is selected, the

display will show immediately the rst available option for the selected

menu function. To select a menu item, press <ENTER>.

Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to navigate the menu options. Press the <ENTER> button to select the menu function currently displayed, or to enable a menu option. To return to the previous option or menu, press the <MENU> button.

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Addr d001 - d512

To choose the DMX address

SLAU SLAu

To run the xture in slave mode

CHnd

11 CH

11 channel DMX mode

8CH

8 channel DMX mode

7CH

7 channel DMX mode

6CH

6 channel DMX mode

nodE

nod0-nod4

Dimming mode (0-4)

SP -- SP00 -SP15

Speed adjustments (0-15)

Pr -- Pr00 -Pr63

Built-in programs (0-63)

ASC - AC00 -AC15

Auto mode (0-15)

FAdE FA00 -FA15

Fade settings (0-15)

FLAS FL00 -FL15

Flash / strobe speed (0-15)

rL -- r000 - r255

Red dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

GL -- G000 - G255

Green dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

bL -- b000 - b255

Blue dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

AL -- A000 - A255

Amber dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

UL -- U000 - U255

White dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

uL -- U000 - U255

UV dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

LED on - oFF

Display menu on/off

Control Panel Menu Structure

IMPORTANT! - As a safety feature, the LED control panel display will

automatically shut off and lock after 20 seconds of inactivity. To unlock it, simply hold down any button for 10 seconds.

So if your installation site is overrun with wild kittens, dogs, or any animals you need not worry that they’ll change your settings with their little noses!

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DMX Mode

Allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller.

Set the Starting DMX Address:

The default mode for the xture is DMX, so the rst menu item that you can edit is the

starting DMX address.

1.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> buttons until you reach Addr.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select a DMX channel from 001-512.

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Select the DMX Channel Mode:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> buttons until you reach CHnd.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select either 6CH, 9CH, or 11CH mode.

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Slave Mode:

To synchronize one or more xtures to follow the actions of the Master xture (the 1st unit in the DMX chain), perform the following steps on each Slave xture:

1.) Set the DMX address to A001.

2.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> button until you reach SLAU.

3.) Push the <ENTER> button.

4.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select SLAu.

5.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Auto, Stand-Alone, & Built-in Program Modes:

Allows a single or Master/Slaved units to run factory installed programs at user selectable speeds.

Auto Mode:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> button until you reach ASC-.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select from AC00-AC15.

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Standalone (Program) Mode:

Allows a single unit to display a variety of colors and programs without a DMX controller.

1.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> button until you reach Pr--.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select from Pr00-Pr63.

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Flash/Fade Modes:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> buttons until you reach FLAS or FAdE.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Now, you can adjust the ash rate from FL00-FL15 or the fade speed from FA00-FA15 with the <UP/DOWN> buttons. Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Built-in Program Speed:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> button until you reach SP-.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select from SP00-SP15.

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

Manual Color Adjustment:

1.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> button until you reach either rL-- (Red), GL-- (Green), bL-- (Blue). AL-- (Amber), UL-- (White), or uL-- (UV) then hit <ENTER>.

2.) Using the <UP/DOWN> buttons, select the maximum level for each color between x000-x255 (000=off), then hit <ENTER> to conrm.

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Dimming Mode

Each allows for different amounts of steps for much smoother (and slower) dimming capabilities.

1.) Navigate the menu using the <UP/DOWN> buttons until you reach nodE.

2.) Push the <ENTER> button.

3.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select nod0-nod4.

4.) Press the <ENTER> button to conrm.

DMX Values In-Depth (11-Channel Mode)

Channel Value What It Does

1 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

2 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

3 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

4 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

5 000 <--> 255 Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

6 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

7 000 <--> 255 UV Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

000 <--> 010 011 <--> 255

Strobe

No Function Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)

000 <--> 015 016 <--> 018 019 <--> 021 022 <--> 024 025 <--> 027 028 <--> 030 031 <--> 033 034 <--> 036 037 <--> 039 040 <--> 042 043 <--> 045 046 <--> 048 049 <--> 051 052 <--> 054 055 <--> 057 058 <--> 060 061 <--> 063 064 <--> 066 067 <--> 069 070 <--> 072 073 <--> 075 076 <--> 078 079 <--> 081 082 <--> 084 085 <--> 087 088 <--> 090 091 <--> 093 094 <--> 096 097 <--> 099 100 <--> 102 103 <--> 105 106 <--> 108 109 <--> 111

Static Colors + Auto Mode

Dimming Red Green Blue Amber White UV R+G R+B R+A R+W R+UV G+B G+A G+W G+UV B+A B+W B+UV A+W A+UV W+UV R+G+B R+G+A R+G+W R+G+UV R+B+A R+B+W R+B+UV R+A+W R+A+UV R+W +UV G+B+A

112 <--> 114 115 <--> 117 118 <--> 120 121 <--> 123 124 <--> 126 127 <--> 129 130 <--> 132 133 <--> 135 136 <--> 138 139 <--> 141 142 <--> 144 145 <--> 147 148 <--> 150 151 <--> 153 154 <--> 156 157 <--> 159 160 <--> 162 163 <--> 165 166 <--> 168 169 <--> 171 172 <--> 174 175 <--> 177 178 <--> 180 181 <--> 183 184 <--> 186 187 <--> 189 190 <--> 192 193 <--> 195 196 <--> 198 199 <--> 201 202 <--> 204 205 <--> 255

G+B+W G+B+UV G+A+W G+A+UV G+W+UV B+A+W B+A+UV B+W+UV A+W+UV R+G+B+A R+G+B+W R+G+B+UV R+G+A+W R+G+A+UV R+G+W+UV R+B+A+W R+B+A+UV R+B+W+UV R+A+W+UV G+B+A+W G+B+A+UV G+B+W+UV G+A+W+UV B+A+W+UV R+G+B+A+W R+G+B+A+UV R+G+B+W+UV R+G+A+W+UV R+B+A+W+UV G+B+A+W+UV R+G+B+A+W+UV Auto Run (Slow <--> Fast)

000 <--> 015 016 <--> 255

Auto Mode

No Function Color Jump (Slow <--> Fast)

000 <--> 005 006 <--> 055 056 <--> 105 106 <--> 155 156 <--> 205 206 <--> 255

32-Bit Dimmer

As set in the control menu display Mode 0 = 8-bit, 256 dimming steps Mode 1 = 32-bit, 0-25% intensity range Mode 2 = 32-bit, 0-50% intensity range Mode 3 = 32-bit, 0-75% intensity range Mode 4 = 32-bit, full intensity dimming

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DMX Values In-Depth (6-Channel Mode)

Channel Value What It Does

1 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

2 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

3 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

4 000 <--> 255 Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

5 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

6 000 <--> 255 UV Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

DMX Values In-Depth (7-Channel Mode)

Channel Value What It Does

1 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

2 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

3 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

4 000 <--> 255 Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

5 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

6 000 <--> 255 UV Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

000 <--> 010 011 <--> 255

Strobe

No Function Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)

DMX Values In-Depth (8-Channel Mode)

Channel Value What It Does

1 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)

2 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

3 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

4 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

5 000 <--> 255 Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

6 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

7 000 <--> 255 UV Intensity (0% <--> 100%)

000 <--> 010 011 <--> 255

Strobe

No Function Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)

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Troubleshooting

Symptom Solution

Fixture AutoShut Off

Check the fan in the xture. If it is stopped or moving

slower than normal, the unit may have shut itself off due to

high heat. This is to protect the xture from overheating.

Clear the fan of obstructions, or return the unit for service.

Beam is Dim Check optical system and clean excess dust/grime. Also

ensure that the 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.

No Light Output Check to ensure xture is operating under correct mode, IE

sound active/auto/DMX/Etc., if applicable.

Chase Speed Too Fast/Slow

Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.

No Power Check fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.

Blown Fuse Check AC cord and circuit for damage, verify that moving

parts are not restricted and that unit’s ventilation is not obstructed

Slow Movement Verify that 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if

applicable. Also check that speed channels are set appropriately.

No Response to Audio

Verify that the xture is in “Sound Active” mode.

Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.

Fixture Not Responding / Responding Erratically

Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely. Use Only DMX Cables and/or check cables for defects Install a Terminator.

Reset xture(s).

Intermittent Lamp

Check lamp for properly installation. Relamp, lamp may have reached end of life.

Remote Doesn’t Work

Verify remote control cable is installed properly and securely. Verify remote is correct type (CA-9 or other as applicable.)

Fixture Moving On Its Own

Verify proper mode of operation. Is the xture in “Auto”

mode?

If your problem persists or isn’t listed contact [email protected].

Page 16

5. APPENDIX

A Quick Lesson On DMX

DMX (aka DMX-512) was created in 1986 by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) as a standardized method for connecting lighting consoles to lighting

dimmer modules. It was revised in 1990 and again in 2000 to allow more exibility. The

Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) has since assumed control over the DMX512 standard. It has also been approved and recognized for ANSI standard clas-

sication.

DMX covers (and is an abbreviation for) Digital MultipleXed signals. It is the most common communications standard used by lighting and related stage equipment.

DMX provides up to 512 control “channels” per data link. Each of these channels was originally intended to control lamp dimmer levels. You can think of it as 512 faders on a lighting console, connected to 512 light bulbs. Each slider’s position is sent over the data link as an 8-bit number having a value between 0 and 255. The value 0 corresponds to the light bulb being completely off while 255 corresponds to the light bulb being fully on.

DMX data is transmitted at 250,000 bits per second using the RS-485 transmission standard over two wires. As with microphone cables, a grounded cable shield is used to prevent interference with other signals.

There are ve pins on a DMX connector: a wire for ground (cable shield), two wires for

“Primary” communication which goes from a DMX source to a DMX receiver, and two wires for a “Secondary” communication which goes from a DMX receiver back to a DMX source. Generally, the “Secondary” channel is not used so data ows only from sources to receivers. Hence, most of us are most familiar with DMX-512 as being employer over typical

3-pin “mic cables,” although this does not conform to the dened standard.

DMX is connected using a daisy-chain conguration where the source connects to the input of the rst device, the output of the rst device connects to the input of the next device,

and so on. The standard allows for up to 32 devices on a single DMX link.

Each receiving device typically has a means for setting the “starting channel number” that

it will respond to. For example, if two 6-channel xtures are used, the rst xture might

be set to start at channel 1 so it would respond to DMX channels 1 through 6, and the next

xture would be set to start at channel 7 so it would respond to channels 7 through 12.

The greatest strength of the DMX communications protocol is that it is very simple and robust. It involves transmitting a reset condition (indicating the start of a new “packet”), a start code, and up to 512 bytes of data. Data packets are transmitted continuously. As

soon as one packet is nished, another can begin with no delay if desired (usually another

follows within 1 ms). If nothing is changing (i.e. no lamp levels change) the same data will be sent out over and over again. This is a great feature of DMX -- if for some reason the

data is not interpreted the rst time around, it will be re-sent shortly.

Not all 512 channels need to be output per packet, and in fact, it is very uncommon to nd

all 512 used. The fewer channels are used, the higher the “refresh” rate. It is possible to get DMX refreshes at around 1000 times per second if only 24 channels are being transmitted. If all 512 channels are being transmitted, the refresh rate is around 44 times per second.

In summary, since its design and evolution in the 1980’s DMX has become the standard

for lighting control. It is exible, robust, and scalable, and its ability to control everything

from dimmer packs to moving lights to foggers to lasers makes it an indispensable tool for any lighting designer or lighting performer.

Page 17

Keeping Your TOURnado™ IP EXA As Good As New

The xture you’ve received is a rugged, tough piece of pro lighting equipment, and as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you. That said, like anything, you’ll need to take care of it if you want it to operate as designed.

You should absolutely keep the xture clean, especially if you are using it in an

environment with a lot of dust, fog, haze, wild animals, wild teenagers or spilled drinks.

Cleaning the optics routinely with a suitable glass cleaner will greatly improve the quality of light output. Keeping the fans free of dust and debris will keep

the xture running cool and prevent damage from overheating.

In transit, keep the xtures in cases. You wouldn’t throw a prized guitar,

drumset, or other piece of expensive gear into a gear trailer without a case, and similarly, you shouldn’t even think about doing it with your shiny new light

xtures.

Common sense and taking care of your xtures will be the single biggest thing

you can do to keep them running at peak performance and let you worry about designing a great light show, putting on a great concert, or maximizing your client’s satisfaction and “wow factor.” That’s what it’s all about, after all!

Returns (Gasp!)

We’ve taken a lot of precautions to make sure you never even have to worry about sending a defective unit back, or sending a unit in for service. But, like any complex piece of equipment designed and built by humans, once in a while,

something doesn’t go as planned. If you nd yourself with a xture that isn’t behaving like a good little xture should, you’ll need to obtain a Return Authori-

zation (RA).

Don’t worry, this is easy. Just send an email to [email protected], and we’ll issue you an RA. Then, you’ll need to send the unit to us using a trackable, pre-paid freight method. We suggest using USPS Priority or UPS.

Make sure you carefully pack the xture for transit, and whenever possible, use

the original box & packing for shipping.

When returning your xture for service, be sure to include the following:

1.) Your contact information (Name, Address, Phone Number, Email address).

2.) The RA# issued to you

3.) A brief description of the problem/symptoms.

We will, at our discretion, repair or replace the xture. Please remember that

any shipping damage which occurs in transit to us is the customer’s responsibility, so pack it well!

Shipping Issues

Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper, and must be reported to the carrier immediately upon receipt of the items. Claims must be made within seven (7) days of receipt.

Page 18

Tech Specs!

Weight & Dimensions

Width 10.7 inches (27 cm)

Depth 5.7 inches (14.4 cm)

Height 8.6 inches (21.8 cm), 11.2 inches (28.4 cm)

including bracket height

Weight 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)

Power

Operating Voltage AC 100V-264V/47-63HZ

Power Consumption 100W, 1.35A, pf: .6

Light Source

LED 12x 15W 6-in-1 LEDs 100,000 hours.

Optical

Beam Angle 25 degree

Luminous Intensity

Lux/m Red Green Blue Amber White UV ALL

1m 2,566 3,054 2,950 1,687 4,730 825 13,700

2m 722 914 885 500 1,276 250 3,900

Thermal

Max. Operating Temp. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient

Control

Protocol USITT DMX-512

DMX Channels 6 / 7 / 8 / 11

Input 3-pin XLR Male

Output 3-pin XLR Female

Other Operating Modes Standalone, Master/Slave, Color Preset

Other Information

I wonder how they deal with mice at Disney World.

Warranty

2-year limited warranty, does not cover malfunc

tion caused by damage to LED’s.

Page 19

10.7 in (270.1 mm)

6.6 in (166 mm)

8.6 in (218.1 mm)

Dimensional Drawings

11.2 in (283.7 mm)

5.7 in (144 mm)

Page 20

Enjoy your product!

Our sincerest thanks for your purchase!

--The team @ Blizzard Lighting