Blizzard Lighting Switch Blade X3 User manual

Blizzard Lighting, LLC

www.blizzardlighting.com

Waukesha, WI USA

Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SwitchBlade™ X3 LED 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 Play with Matches) 4

2. Meet The SwitchBlade X3 LED 5

Features 5

DMX Quick Reference 5

The SwitchBlade™ X3 Pin-up Picture 6

3. Setup 7

Fuse Replacement 7

Connecting A Bunch Of SwitchBlade™ X3 Moving Heads 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 11

Set the DMX Starting Address 11

Set the DMX Channel Mode 11

Master/Slave Mode 11

Reverse Pan/Tilt 12

Sound Active Mode 12

Manual Settings 12

DMX Channel Values In-Depth 12-13

Troubleshooting 13

5. Appendix 14

A Quick DMX Lesson 14

Keeping Your SwitchBlade™ X3 As Good As New 15

Returns (Gasp!) 15

Shipping Issues 15

Tech Specs 16

Legal Disclaimer 16

Dimensional Drawings 17

Page 3

1. GETTING STARTED

What’s In The Box?

• 1 x SwitchBlade™ X3 LED Moving Head Centerpiece Fixture

• 1 x All Important Power Cord

• ¼ Turn Mounting Brackets and Safety Cable

• Some Styrofoam

• This User Manual

Getting It Out Of The Box

You wanted one, you asked for one, and you needed one. Now here it is. A unique

centerpiece unlike anything you have ever seen before. The SwitchBlade™ X3 is a 3

headed monster ready to add that bit of pizzazz and dazzle that your lightshow has

been lacking. Now that you’ve got your SwitchBlade™ X3, you should carefully unpack

the box and check the contents to ensure that all parts are present and in good condi-

tion. If anything looks as if it has been damaged in transit, notify the shipper immedi-

ately 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! . 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:

Stevie Ray 2/17/2014 Joe Thomas 2/20/2014

Page 4

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.

• This product is intended for indoor use only.

• To prevent risk of re or shock, do not expose xture to rain or moisture.

• 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. Do not block any ventilation slots.

• 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 tech-

nical 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].

Page 5

2. MEET THE SWITCHBLADE™ X3

MAIN FEATURES

• 3x 10W high powered white LED’s

• 100,000 hours lifespan and low power consumption

• Narrow 2 degree beam angle

• Outstanding beam effects

• High efciency LED shutter

• Built-in sound active programs

• 9 and 21 DMX Channels

• DMX512, master-slave, sound activated, auto mode

• 4-button LED display control panel menu

• PowerCon™ compatible AC power In/Out connectors

• 3-pin XLR connectors IN/OUT

• 53,500 Lux @ 1m, 14,700 Lux @ 2m, 2,600 Lux @ 5m

DMX Quick Reference - 21 / 9 Channel Mode

Ch 21-Channel 9-Channel

1 Head 1 - Pan Pan

2 Head 1 - Pan Fine TiltPan Fine

3 Head 1 - Tilt Tilt

4 Head 1 - Tilt Fine Tilt Fine

5 Head 1 - Pan/Tilt Speed Pan/Tilt Speed

6 Head 1 - On/Off On/Off

7 Head 1 - Strobe Strobe

8 Head 2 - Pan Auto LED Effects

9 Head 2 - Pan Fine Auto Pan/Tilt Speed

10 Head 2 - Tilt --

11 Head 2 - Tilt Fine --

12 Head 2 - Pan/Tilt Speed --

13 Head 2 - On/Off --

14 Head 2 - Strobe --

15 Head 3 - Pan --

16 Head 3 - Pan Fine --

17 Head 3 - Tilt --

18 Head 3 - Tilt Fine --

19 Head 3 - Pan/Tilt Speed --

20 Head 3 - On/Off --

21 Head 3 - Strobe --

Page 6

Figure 1: The SwitchBlade™ X3 Pin-Up Picture

3x High Power 10-Watt

White 100,000 Hour LED’s

4-Button Control

Panel & LED Display

DMX In

DMX Out

Locking AC

Power In

3 Super Fast

Rotating Yokes

Super Sharp

2 Degree Beams

Fuse

Locking AC

Power Out

Page 7

3. SETUP

Fuse Replacement

CAUTION! With a at head screwdriver, wedge the fuse holder out

of its housing. Remove the damaged fuse from its holder and replace

with exact same type fuse. Insert the fuse holder back in its place and

reconnect power.

Connecting A Bunch of SwitchBlade™ X3 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 mas-

ter/slave operating mode. The combined number of channels required

by all the xtures on a serial data link determines the number of x-

tures 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 high quality data cables (may I

recommend Cool Cables). You should use data-grade cables that can

carry a high quality signal and are less prone to electromagnetic inter-

ference

(Cough did I mention Cool Cables?)

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 distanc-

es. 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

Page 8

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 connec-

tor (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.

Page 9

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 connec-

tor 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 Master-

Slave 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 re-

quire 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 xtures 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.

• Never mount in places where the xture will be exposed to rain,

high humidity, extreme temperature changes or restricted ventilation.

Page 10

4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS

The LED Control Panel

All the goodies and different modes possible with the SwitchBlade™ X3

LED are accessed by using the control panel on the front 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>.

Press the <MENU> button repeatedly until you reach the desired menu

function. Use the <UP/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 without

changing the value, press the <MENU> button.

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