Varytec Colors Starbar 12 User Manual

Colors StarBar 12

User manual

LED bar

Musikhaus Thomann

Thomann GmbH

Hans-Thomann-Straße 1

96138 Burgebrach

Germany

Telephone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Internet: www.thomann.de

18.10.2019, ID: 472657

Table of contents

Table of contents

1 General information................................................................................................................................. 5

1.1 Further information........................................................................................................................... 6

1.2 Notational conventions.................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Symbols and signal words............................................................................................................... 7

2 Safety............................................................................................................................................................ 10

3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 17

4 Installation.................................................................................................................................................. 18

5 Starting up.................................................................................................................................................. 21

6 Connections and controls................................................................................................................... 24

7 Operating.................................................................................................................................................... 27

7.1 Starting the device........................................................................................................................... 27

7.2 Main menu.......................................................................................................................................... 27

7.3 Menu overview................................................................................................................................. 33

7.4 Functions in 6-channel DMX mode........................................................................................... 34

7.5 Functions in 8-channel DMX mode........................................................................................... 36

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Table of contents

7.6 Functions in 12-channel DMX mode........................................................................................ 38

7.7 Functions in 52-channel DMX mode........................................................................................ 40

8 Technical specications....................................................................................................................... 43

9 Plug and connection assignments.................................................................................................. 46

10 Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................... 47

11 Cleaning....................................................................................................................................................... 49

12 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 50

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1 General information

This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and
follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure
that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure
that they also receive this manual.

Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We there‐
fore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the
user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

General information

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General information

1.1 Further information

On our website (www.thomann.de) you will nd lots of further information and details on the
following points:

Download This manual is also available as PDF le for you to download.

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Keyword search

Online guides

Personal consultation For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.

Service

Use the search function in the electronic version to nd the topics of
interest for you quickly.

Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics
and terms.

If you have any problems with the device the customer service will
gladly assist you.

1.2 Notational conventions

This manual uses the following notational conventions:

General information

Letterings

Displays

The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.

Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.

Texts and values displayed on the device are marked by quotation marks and italics.

Examples: ‘24ch’ , ‘OFF’.

1.3 Symbols and signal words

In this section you will nd an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are
used in this manual.

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General information

Signal word Meaning

DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an

immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.

WARNING! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐

sible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious
injury if it is not avoided.

NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐

sible dangerous situation that can result in material and
environmental damage if it is not avoided.

Warning signs Type of danger

Warning – high-voltage.

Warning – hot surface.

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Warning signs Type of danger

Warning – dangerous optical radiation.

Warning – suspended load.

Warning – danger zone.

General information

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Safety

2 Safety

Intended use

This device is intended for use as an electronic lighting eect by means of LED technology. The
device is designed for professional use and is not suitable for use in households. Use the
device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating con‐
ditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No
liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.

This device may be used only by persons with sucient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

Extend the life of the device by regular breaks in operation and avoid switching it on and o
frequently. This device is not suitable for continuous use.

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Safety

Safety

DANGER!
Danger for children

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!

Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from
the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!

Never let children unattended use electrical devices.

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit

Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. Failure to do so could result in electric
shock/death or re. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician.

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Safety

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside

Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers.

There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Do not use the device if covers, protectors or optical components are missing or
damaged.

WARNING!
Eye damage caused by high light intensity

Never look directly into the light source.

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Safety

WARNING!
Risk of epileptic shock

Strobe lighting can trigger seizures in photosensitive epilepsy. Sensitive persons
should avoid looking at strobe lights.

WARNING!
Risk of burns

The surface of the device can become very hot during operation.

Do not touch the device with bare hands during operation, and after switching
o wait for at least 15 minutes.

NOTICE!
Risk of re

Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any direct heat
source. Keep the device away from naked ames.

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Safety

NOTICE!
Power supply

Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual
current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and
possibly injure the user.

Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long
periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or re.

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Safety

NOTICE!
Operating conditions

This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and
strong vibrations.

Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specied in the chapter
‘Technical specications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature uctua‐
tions and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to tem‐
perature uctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures).

Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient
conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by
qualied service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other
malfunction.

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Safety

NOTICE!
Possible damage due to installation of a wrong fuse

The use of dierent types of fuses can cause serious damage to the unit. Fire
hazard!

Only fuses of the same type may be used.

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3 Features

Features

Special features of the device:

n LED-Bar with 12 × WW LED and 12 × RGB segment
n Ideal as an eye-catcher on stages and in night clubs
n Control via DMX (4 dierent modes) and via buttons and display on the unit
n Built-in automatic show programmes
n Strobe eect
n Master / Slave operation
n Sound control via built-in microphone
n Static colours

For technological reasons, the light output of LEDs decreases over their lifetime. This eect
increases with higher operating temperature. You can extend the service life of the illuminants
by providing adequate ventilation and operating the LEDs with the lowest possible brightness.

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Installation

4 Installation

Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the
equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during
transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable
for transport or storage, respectively.

WARNING!
Risk of injury caused by falling objects

Make sure that the installation complies with the standards and rules that apply
in your country. Always secure the device with a secondary safety attachment,
such as a safety cable or a safety chain.

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Installation

NOTICE!
Risk of overheating

The distance between light output and the illuminated surface must be more
than 1.5 m (19.7in).

Provide sucient ventilation.

The ambient temperature must always be below 40 °C (104 °F).

NOTICE!
Possible data transmission errors

For error-free operation make use of dedicated DMX cables and do not use ordi‐
nary microphone cables.

Never connect the DMX input or output to audio devices such as mixers or ampli‐

ers.

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Installation

Mounting options

You can install the unit in hanging or standing position. When in use, the device must always
be attached to a solid surface or an approved truss. Use the openings provided on the two­piece bracket for attaching.

Always work from a stable platform whenever installing, moving or servicing the unit. In doing
so, the area underneath the unit must be cordoned o.

The safety cable must be attached to the bracket.

Please note that this device must not be connected to a dimmer.

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5 Starting up

Starting up

Create all connections while the device is o. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for
all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.

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Starting up

Connections in DMX mode

Connect the DMX input of the device to the DMX output of a DMX controller or another DMX
device. Connect the output of the rst DMX device to the input of the second one, and so on
to form a daisy chain. Always ensure that the output of the last DMX device in the daisy chain
is terminated with a resistor (110 Ω, ¼ W).

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Starting up

Connections in master/slave
mode

When you congure a group of devices in master/slave mode, the rst unit will control the
other units for an automatic, sound-activated, synchronized show. This function is ideal when
you want to start a show immediately. Connect the DMX output of the master device to the
DMX input of the rst slave device. Then connect the DMX output of the rst slave device to
the DMX input of the second slave device and so on.

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Connections and controls

6 Connections and controls

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Connections and controls

1 [POWER IN]

Lockable input socket (Power Twist) for powering the device

2 [F1AL250V]

Fuse

3 [POWER OUT]

Lockable output socket (Power Twist) for powering further devices

4 Built-in microphone

5 Display

6 Operating buttons

[MENU]

Activates the main menu and toggles between menu items. Closes an opened submenu

/

Toggles between the menu items of a menu level, increases or decreases the displayed value by one

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Connections and controls

[ENTER]

Selects an option of the respective operating mode, conrms the set value

7 [DMX IN]

DMX input

8 [DMX OUT]

DMX output

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7 Operating

7.1 Starting the device

7.2 Main menu

Operating

Connect the device to the power supply to start operation. After a few seconds, the display
indicates that a reset is in progress. The device is then ready for use.

Press [MENU] to activate the main menu and select an operating mode or to return to the main
menu at any time. Use
is ashing the currently displayed value can be changed. Press [ENTER] to apply the current
setting. After 5 seconds, the active operating mode is displayed.

If you do not press any key for about 20 seconds, the display turns o. The set values are
retained even when the device is disconnected from the mains power supply.

/ to change the respectively displayed value. As long as the display

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Operating

Operating mode ‘DMX’

This setting is only relevant when the device is controlled via DMX.

n Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘Addr’ . Press [ENTER].

Use / to select a DMX address in the range from ‘A001’ …‘A512’ and conrm with
[ENTER].

n Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘ChNd’ .

/ to select a DMX mode ( ‘6Ch’ , ‘8Ch’, ‘12Ch’ or ‘52Ch’) and conrm with [ENTER].

Use

DMX mode Highest possible DMX address

6-channel 507

8-channel 505

12-channel 501

52-channel 461

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Operating

Master/slave mode

Operating mode ‘Sound control’

This setting is only relevant if the device is serving as Slave in a Master / Slave conguration
and is not controlled via DMX.

Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘SLNd’ . Press [ENTER]. ‘MASt’ appears in the
display. Use / to select the ‘SL 1’ option to congure the device as Slave. Conrm with
[ENTER].

A sound controlled automatic show can only be activated when the unit is operating in stand
alone mode or as master in a master / slave combination. This setting is only relevant if the
device is not controlled via DMX.

Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘SoUn’ . Press [ENTER].

The currently selected show ashes in the display, e.g. ‘Su 8’ . Press [ENTER]. Now you can select
another preprogrammed show. Use / to select a value between ‘Su 0’ and ‘Su59’. Conrm
with [ENTER]. Now ‘SoUn’ appears in the display again.

To set the sensitivity of the built-in microphone for sound control, press [ENTER]. Use / to
select the ‘SeXX’ option (the currently set sensitivity is displayed) and press [ENTER]. Now use

/ to select a value between 0 (low sensitivity) and 99 (high sensitivity), the display shows

‘Se00’ …‘Se99’. Conrm with [ENTER].

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Operating

‘Automatic mode’

A preprogrammed automatic show can only be activated when the unit is operating in stand­alone mode or as master in a master / slave combination. This setting is only relevant if the
device is not controlled via DMX.

Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘Auto’ . Press [ENTER]. Now you can select one
of the preprogrammed automatic shows. Use / to select a value between 0 and 59 (display
shows ‘Au 0’ …‘Au59’). Press [ENTER].

To set the speed of the selected automatic show, use / to select a value between 1 (slow)
and 9 (fast) (display shows ‘SP 1’ …‘SP 9’). Conrm with [ENTER].

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Operating

Constant unicoloured pattern

A constant unicoloured pattern can only be activated when the unit is operating in stand
alone mode or as master in a master / slave combination. This setting is only relevant if the
device is not controlled via DMX.

Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘CoLo’ . Press [ENTER].

Use / to choose from the following options:

Display Meaning

‘red’ Red

‘Gree’ Green

‘bLue’ Blue

‘UhIt’ White

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Operating

Manual dimmer

Display setting

Software version

Use ‘Manu’ to manually dim individual colours.

Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘Manu’ . Press [ENTER].

Use / to select the desired colour; display shows ‘red’ , ‘Gree’, ‘bLue’ and ‘UhIt’. Conrm
with [ENTER].

Use / to select the desired intensity in range from ‘000…255’ . Conrm with [ENTER].

Use ‘dISP’ to rotate the display by 180°.

Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘dISP’ . Press [ENTER].

The ‘dISP’ display ashes. Use / to select the ‘dSIP’ option to rotate the display by 180°.
Conrm with [ENTER].

Use ‘ver’ to display the software version.

Press [MENU] repeatedly until the display shows ‘ver’ . Press [ENTER].

The software version appears in the display, e.g. ‘v10’ .

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7.3 Menu overview

Operating

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Operating

7.4 Functions in 6-channel DMX mode

Channel Value Function

1 0…255 Intensity Red (0 % to 100 %)

2 0…255 Intensity Green (0 % to 100 %)

3 0…255 Intensity Blue (0 % to 100 %)

4 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %)

5 0…7 No function

8…12 Colour change 1

13…16 Colour change 2

17…20 Colour change 3

21…24 Colour change 4

… …

227…247 Colour change 59

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Channel Value Function

248…255 Sound-controlled run

6 0…255 Speed increasing, only if channel 5 = 8…247

Operating

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Operating

7.5 Functions in 8-channel DMX mode

Channel Value Function

1 0…255 Intensity (0 % to 100 %)

2 0…255 Strobe eect

3 0…255 Intensity Red (0 % to 100 %)

4 0…255 Intensity Green (0 % to 100 %)

5 0…255 Intensity Blue (0 % to 100 %)

6 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %)

7 0…7 No function

8…12 Colour change 1

13…16 Colour change 2

17…20 Colour change 3

21…24 Colour change 4

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Channel Value Function

… …

227…247 Colour change 59

248…255 Sound-controlled run

8 0…255 Speed increasing, only if channel 7 = 8…247

Operating

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Operating

7.6 Functions in 12-channel DMX mode

Channel Value Function

1 0…255 Overall intensity (0 % to 100 %)

2 0…255 Strobe eect

3 0…255 Intensity red (0 % to 100 %), segment 1

4 0…255 Intensity green (0 % to 100 %), segment 1

5 0…255 Intensity blue (0 % to 100 %), segment 1

6 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %), segment 1

7 0…255 Intensity red (0 % to 100 %), segment 2

8 0…255 Intensity green (0 % to 100 %), segment 2

9 0…255 Intensity blue (0 % to 100 %), segment 2

10 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %), segment 2

11 0…7 No function

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Channel Value Function

8…12 Colour change 1

13…16 Colour change 2

17…20 Colour change 3

21…24 Colour change 4

… …

227…247 Colour change 59

248…255 Sound-controlled run

12 0…255 Speed increasing, only if channel 7 = 8…247

Operating

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Operating

7.7 Functions in 52-channel DMX mode

Channel Value Function

1 0…255 Overall intensity (0 % to 100 %)

2 0…255 Strobe eect

3 0…255 Intensity red (0 % to 100 %), segment 1

4 0…255 Intensity green (0 % to 100 %), segment 1

5 0…255 Intensity blue (0 % to 100 %), segment 1

6 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %), segment 1

7 0…255 Intensity red (0 % to 100 %), segment 2

8 0…255 Intensity green (0 % to 100 %), segment 2

9 0…255 Intensity blue (0 % to 100 %), segment 2

10 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %), segment 2

11 0…255 Intensity red (0 % to 100 %), segment 3

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Channel Value Function

12 0…255 Intensity green (0 % to 100 %), segment 3

13 0…255 Intensity blue (0 % to 100 %), segment 3

14 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %), segment 3

… … …

43 0…255 Intensity red (0 % to 100 %), segment 11

44 0…255 Intensity green (0 % to 100 %), segment 11

45 0…255 Intensity blue (0 % to 100 %), segment 11

46 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %), segment 11

47 0…255 Intensity red (0 % to 100 %), segment 12

48 0…255 Intensity green (0 % to 100 %), segment 12

49 0…255 Intensity blue (0 % to 100 %), segment 12

50 0…255 Intensity white (0 % to 100 %), segment 12

Operating

51 0…7 No function

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Operating

Channel Value Function

8…12 Colour change 1

13…16 Colour change 2

17…20 Colour change 3

21…24 Colour change 4

… …

227…247 Colour change 59

248…255 Sound-controlled run

52 0…255 Speed increasing, only if channel 51 = 8…247

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8 Technical specications

Light source 12 × WW beam LED, 3 W

WW beam LED properties Colour temperature 3050 K

Optical properties Beam angle 3°

Control DMX

Number of DMX channels 6, 8, 12, 52

Input connections Voltage supply Lockable input socket (Power

Output connections Voltage supply Lockable output socket (Power

Technical specications

72 × 5050-SMD-RGB-LED

Colour rendering index CRI, RA 80

Buttons and display on the unit

Twist)

DMX control XLR chassis plug, 3-pin

Twist)

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Technical specications

DMX control XLR chassis plug, 3-pin

Power consumption 85 W

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Operating supply voltage

Fuse 5 mm × 20 mm, 1 A, 250 V, slow-blow

Protection class IP20

Mounting options hanging, standing

Dimensions (W × H × D),
with bracket

Weight 3.3 kg

Ambient conditions Temperature range 0 °C…40 °C

100 – 240 V 50/60 Hz

1000 mm × 71 mm × 165 mm

Relative humidity 50 %, non-condensing

Technical specications

Further information

Outdoor-ready No

Colour mixture WW / RGB

LED type x-in-1 and uni-coloured LEDs

Fanless Yes

Remote control Not possible

Wireless DMX No

LEDs individually controllable Yes

Housing Metal, black

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Plug and connection assignments

9 Plug and connection assignments

Introduction

DMX connections

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equip‐
ment so that a perfect light experience is guaranteed.

Please take our tips, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug
ts into a socket, the result of an incorrect connection may be a destroyed DMX controller, a
short circuit or ‘just’ a not working light show!

The unit oers a 3-pin XLR socket for DMX output and a 3-pin XLR plug for DMX input. Please
refer to the drawing and table below for the pin assignment of a suitable XLR plug.

Pin Conguration

1 Ground, shielding

2 Signal inverted (DMX–, ‘cold signal’)

3 Signal (DMX+, ‘hot signal’)

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10 Troubleshooting

In the following we list a few common problems that may occur during operation. We give you
some suggestions for easy troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting

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Troubleshooting

Symptom Remedy

The unit does not work, no light Check the mains connection and the main fuse.

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No response to the DMX con‐
troller

If the procedures recommended above do not succeed, please contact our Service Center. You
can nd the contact information at www.thomann.de.

1. When the display ashes, e.g. ‘A001’ , no valid DMX
signal is received. Check whether the DMX controller is
switched on. Check the DMX connectors and cables for
proper connection.

2. If the display is not ashing but there is still no
response, check the address settings and the DMX
polarity.

3. Try using another DMX controller.

4. Check whether the DMX cables run near or parallel to
high-voltage cables that may cause damage or interfer‐
ence to a DMX interface circuit.

11 Cleaning

Cleaning

Optical lenses

Clean the optical lenses, that are accessible from the outside, regularly in order to optimize the
light output. The frequency of cleaning depends on the operating environment: wet, smoky or
particularly dirty surroundings can cause more accumulation of dirt on the optics of the
device.

n Clean with a soft cloth using our lamp and lens cleaner (item no. 280122).
n Always dry the parts carefully.

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Protecting the environment

12 Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging mate‐
rial

For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been
chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.

Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that
they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.

Disposal of your old device

This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste.

Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal rm or through your local waste
facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your
country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.

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Musikhaus Thomann · Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de