ARRI Caster Series User manual

CASTER SERIES
Instruction Manual
As of: November 2010
L5.30035.0
COPYRIGHT © 2009 ARNOLD & RICHTER CINE TECHNIK GMBH & CO BETRIEBS KG. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NO PART OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE USED FOR DISTRIBUTION, REPRODUCTION, TRANSMISSION,
TRANSCRIPTION, STORAGE IN A DATA RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, OR TRANSLATED INTO ANY LANGUAGE
IN ANY FORM BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF ARRI.
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SURE TO CHECK FOR UPDATED VERSIONS. ARRI CANNOT TAKE ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR
DOWNLOADED FILES, AS TECHNICAL DATA ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

LoCaster Set (L0.30190.A / .0)
Quantity Order.-No. Description
1 L1.30190.0 LoCaster LED Panel 35W,
11 - 36VDC, onboard control
1 L2.30083.0 Caster series power supply
XLR-4 Pin 24VDC / 60W
1 L2.30081.0 PowerDMX extension cable
XLR 4-pin, 3m / 10ft
1 L2.30089.0 Caster stirrup with battery
pack attachment
1 L2.30099.0 Case LoCaster
1 L5.30035.0 Caster series instruction manual
BroadCaster LED Panel 35W,
11 -36 VDC, DMX control (L1.30195.0)

Table of Contents
3
Table of Contents
1. Safety Instructions and Legal Disclaimer ....................................................... 5
Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications ....................................................................5
General Notes ......................................................................................................................5
General Safety Instructions .................................................................................................6
Specific Safety Instructions .................................................................................................7
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment ..............................................................8
Maintainance Instructions ...................................................................................................8
Legal Disclaimer ..................................................................................................................9
2. Product Description ...................................................................................... 11
2.1. BroadCaster (L1.30195.0) .....................................................................................................11
XLR-4 PowerDMX Pin Configuration .................................................................................12
Auto Power Off Function ...................................................................................................12
Status Indicators ................................................................................................................12
2.2. LoCaster (L1.30190.0) ..........................................................................................................13
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................13
Auto Power Off Function ...................................................................................................13
Status Indicators ................................................................................................................13
2.3. BroadCaster Power Supply with PowerDMX 24VDC / 300W (L2.30084.A / .0) .................14
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................14
XLR-4 PowerDMX Pin Configuration .................................................................................14
2.4. LoCaster Power Supply
24 VDC / 60W (L2.30083.A / .0) ..........................................................................................16
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................16
POWER OUT Pin Configuration .........................................................................................16

Table of Contents
4
2.5. NiMH-Battery Pack,
30VDC / 81Wh (L2.30085.0) ................................................................................................17
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................17
2.6. Battery Charger (L2.30086.0 / .A) ........................................................................................18
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................18
POWER OUT Pin Configuration .........................................................................................18
2.7. Optical Accessories .............................................................................................................19
2-Leaf Barndoor (L2.30061.0) ............................................................................................19
Intensifier (L2.30062.0) ......................................................................................................20
Gel Frame (L2.30059.0) .....................................................................................................20
2.8. Grip Accessories ..................................................................................................................21
Caster Stirrup (L2.30089.0) ...............................................................................................21
Additional Grip Accessories...............................................................................................21
3. Security of Suspended Loads ....................................................................... 22
4. Powering LoCaster ........................................................................................ 22
4.1. Use with Battery Pack .........................................................................................................22
Battery Pack on Caster Stirrup ..........................................................................................23
4.2. Use with power supply ........................................................................................................23
4.3. Use with Car Power Adapter ...............................................................................................24
5. Powering BroadCaster .................................................................................. 24
5.1. Use with Power Supply ........................................................................................................24
6. Operating the LoCaster ................................................................................. 26
7. Operating the BroadCaster............................................................................ 27
8. Notes on Convection Cooling ........................................................................ 28
9. ARRI Group Adresses .................................................................................... 29

Safety Instructions
5
1. Safety Instructions and
Legal Disclaimer
Always follow these instructions to protect against injury
to yourself and damage to the system or other objects.
Explanation of Warning
Signs and Indications
Possible risk of injury or damage to equipment.
This symbol indicates the risk of electric shock or fire
danger that could result in injury or damage to
equipment.
Caution hot: Intense surface temperatures possible.
Danger of burns.
Note: Indicates further information.
General Notes
• The following document contains important
instructions and notes for handling the lighting system.
• Always follow all safety instructions
for your own protection.
• Please follow the instruction manuals of third
party accessories such as battery packs and
battery chargers. They contain important
safety and security information.
• Retain this instruction manual for further reference
and possible new owners of this equipment.
• All components comply to the following guidelines:
Low-Voltage Directive 2006/95/EG
EMC-Directive 2004/108/EG
RoHS-Directive 2002/95/EG

Safety Instructions
6
General Safety Instructions
Read and understand all safety and operation
instructions before you operate or install the system.
Use only genuine spare parts or accessories that have
been recommended or approved by ARRI. Other
accessories or spare parts may cause hazards, damage
the system or invalidate the warranty.
Check all cables and devices for visible damage before
starting work with the system. Defective electric or
electronic devices must not be utilized. Take special
care of the following components:
Component Possible Damage
LED panel cracks, deformation
Cables cuts, deformation,
burns
Connectors cracks, deformation,
burns
Female threads stripped
In the event of visible damage to a component, LED
panel, power supply or other accessory, the device or
accessory must no longer be used. The respective part
needs to be replaced or repaired. In case of repairs,
please contact an authorized ARRI Service Center.
Never attempt to repair any part of the system on your
own. Maintainance and repair work is only to be carried
out by authorized ARRI Service Centers.
Never use any device or component outside the
specified climate and humidity conditions.
Do not circumvent any of the system´s safety features.
Do not attempt to open any of the device or component
housings. They do not contain any user serviceable
parts.
All electronic components are sealed. The adhesive seal
will break immediately when a component housing is
opened. Loss of warranty may be possible.
In addition to regular visible checks, ARRI recommends
that all electric components be checked for electrical
safety by a professional every 12 months.

Safety Instructions
7
Specific Safety Instructions
Intensive usage can cause the heat sink to become very
hot. Surface temperatures up to 80°C / 176° F can be
reached. Please use gloves if you touch the LED panel
at the heat sink.
Do not cover the aluminium heat sink of the LED panel
while using it.
Avoid exposing the LED panel to the radiation of other
luminaires. Do not place it on other heat sources.
Intense heating can cause automatic power off while
using the device.
Ensure that all devices and accessories are protected
from falls and drops. Please mind all local regulations.
Do not abuse the cables for transportation or as a
means of hanging or placing the luminaire or any of its
accessories.
Caution! High Voltage: Completely disconnect the
power supply from mains voltage before connecting the
LED panels or other devices to it.
Caution! High voltage: Do not open the power supply
unit. Do not damage the power cables. Damaged
power cables must be disconnected and replaced
immediately.
Do not use any power supply other than those supplied
by ARRI for the caster series. The use of other power
supplies can cause damage to the connected devices
or to the unit itself.
Do not bypass fuses within the power supply.
Keep cables away from the LED panels during
operation.
Disconnect all cables and mechanical junctions prior to
transport.
Danger of glare: The LED panels are equipped with
high intensity LEDs which emit at high luminance
levels. Please do not look into the light source.
Not observing these safety instructions or ignoring
common sense may cause serious injury or even death.
Damage to the system or other devices is possible.

Safety Instructions
8
Maintainance Instructions
• Do not clean the device´s surfaces with
solvents or strong detergents.
• The devices may only be cleaned with a soft cloth
which contains a small quantity of mild soap.
Abrasives or strong pressure must be avoided.
• Soiled electric contacts may be further cleaned
with cotton balls or similar. Keep electric
contacts clean and replace corroded parts.
Legal Disclaimer
Before using the products described in this manual be
sure to read and understand all respective instructions.
The ARRI Caster series is only available for commercial
customers. The customer grants by utilization that
ARRI Caster or parts of the sytem are only be deployed
for commercial use. Otherwise the customer has the
obligation to contact ARRI preceding the utilization.
While ARRI endeavours to enhance the quality, reliability
and safety of the ARRI Lighting products, customers
agree and acknowledge that the possibility of defects
thereof cannot be eliminated entirely. To minimize risks of
damage to property or injury (including death) to persons
arising from defects in the products, customers must
incorporate sufficient safety measures in their work with
the system and have to heed the statuted canonic use.
ARRI or its susidaries do not assume any
responsibility for incurred losses due to
improper handling or configuration of the
product or other system components.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced
in any form or by any means without prior written
consent of ARRI. ARRI assumes no responsibility for
any errors that may appear in this document. The
information is subject to change without notice.

Legal Disclaimer
9
For product specification changes since this manual was
published, refer to the latest publications of ARRI data
sheets or data books, the most up-to-date specifications,
etc.. Not all products and/or types are available in
every country. Please check with an ARRI sales
representative for availability and additional information.
Neither ARRI nor its subsidiaries assume any liability for
infringement of patents, copyrights or other intellectual
property rights of third parties by or arising from the
use of ARRI products or any other liability arising from
the use of such products. No license, express, implied
or otherwise, is granted under any patents, copyrights
or other intellectual property rights of ARRI or others.
ARRI or its subsidaries expressly excludes any liability,
warranty, demand or other obligation for any claim,
representation, or cause, or action, or whatsoever,
express or implied, wheter in contract or tort, including
negligence, or incorporated in terms and conditions,
wheter by statue, law or otherwise. In no event shall
ARRI or its subsidaries be liable for or you have a
remedy for recovery of any special, direct, indirect,
incidental, or consequential damages, including but
not limited to lost profits, lost savings, lost revenues
or economic loss of any kind or for any claim by third
party, downtime, good-will, damage to or replacement
of equipment or property, any costs or recovering of
any material or goods associated with the assembly or
use of our products, or any other damages or injury of
persons and so on or under any other legal theory.
In the case one or all of the forgoing clauses are
not allowed by applicable law, the fullest extent
permissible clauses by applicable law is validated.
ARRI is a Registered Trademark of Arnold &
Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG.

Product Description
10
* For input voltages lower than 20V,
only 90% of the provided luminious
intensity can still be reached.
** IP20: These devices are not protected against
ingress of water. Use only in dry environments.
Notes: For flexible mounting, a variety of accessories
can be attached using the 3/8" thread on
the backside of the LED Panel (for further
information please refer to the "Grip" section).
DMX signal cable lengths up to 100m
are possible without interferences
causing the signal to become unstable.
Proper termination at the end of the
DMX run will be required, however.
2. Product Description
The ARRI Caster Series utilizes a special optical
system and LED arrangement to provide efficient
and powerful lighting characteristics in a compact
package. Specially designed accessories, such as a
2-leaf barndoor, intensifier, and a range of mounting
options expand the Caster Series flexibility additionally.
2.1. BroadCaster (L1.30195.0)
The ARRI BroadCaster unit is designed for remote
control via DMX. Using a DMX control console or
software, both intensity, color temperature and
±green attributes can be independently controlled.
Technical Specifications
input voltage: 11 – 36 VDC *
luminious intensity: 740 cd at 66° HPA
power: 35 watts
operating temperature: -4°F - +95°F
storage temperature: -4°F - +140°F
protection class: IP20 **
electrical safety: III (SELV)
dimensions (LxWxH): 220 x 95 x 70 mm
(8.7 x 3.75 x 2.75 in)
weight: 960 g
color temperature range: 2800K to 6500K
Heat sink with radiators
Eyelet for safety cable
3/8“ female thread
PowerDMX IN
BCD selector
PowerDMX OUT
Flute for optical accessories

Product Description
11
XLR-4 PowerDMX Pin Configuration
Pin Configuration
1 0 VDC
2 DMX-Data -
3 DMX-Data +
4 11 - 36 VDC
Auto Power Off Function
The LED Panel offers an auto power off function
in order to protect the LEDs from damage
due to over temperature or over voltage.
• The LED Panel switches off automatically
when exceeding a dangerous heat level.
• The red status LED indicates the Auto
Power Off function to be active.
• The auto power off function can only be
reset by disconnecting and reconnecting
the LED Panel from the power source.
Status Indicators
Red: Indicates overtemperature and the
activation of the auto power off function.
Green: Indicates a correct input voltage is detected.
Blue: Indicates a valid DMX signal is detected.
Intensive usage can cause the heat sink to become very
hot. Surface temperatures up to 80°C / 176° F can be
reached. Please use gloves if you touch the LED panel
at the heat sink.
Do not cover the aluminium heat sink of the LED panel
while using it.
Avoid exposure of the LED panel to the radiation of
other luminaires. Do not place it on other heat sources.
Intense heating can cause automatic power off while
using the device.

Product Description
12
2.2. LoCaster (L1.30190.0)
The ARRI LoCaster is designed for mobile use
in TV broadcast and film location applications.
Utilizing modern LED technology, intensity and
color temperature can be controlled independently
from each other and directly on the device.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications of the LoCaster LED
Panel are equal to those of the Broadcaster.
Auto Power Off Function
The LoCaster features the same auto power
off function as the BroadCaster.
Status Indicators
Green: Indicates a correct input voltage.
Red: Indicates overtemperature and the
activation of the auto power off function.
Notes: For flexible mounting, a variety of accessories
can be attached using the 3/8" thread on
the backside of the LED Panel (for further
information please refer to the "Grip" section).
When mounting the device above peoples
heads, secure the luminaire with an additional
safety cable using the eyelet. Please
respect your local safety regulations.
Please follow all safety information
pertaining to the BroadCaster, as it
is also valid for the LoCaster.
DIM knob
ON/OFF switch
LED status indicators
COLOR TEMPERATURE knob
XLR-4 POWER IN
3/8“ female thread
Heat Sink with radiators
Eyelet for safety cable
+ / - Green tint correction
Flute for optical accessories

Product Description
13
2.3. BroadCaster Power Supply
with PowerDMX 24VDC /
300W (L2.30084.A / .0)
The BroadCaster power supply features three
PowerDMX outputs. Each output can support up to
three LED Panels in a daisy-chain configuration, for a
maximum of six LED Panels on a single power supply.
PowerDMX distributes both power and DMX data
through a single 4-pin cable, enabling each BroadCaster
panel to operate through a single cable connection.
Technical Specifications
input voltage: 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz
output voltage: 24 VDC, 6A max
protection class: IP20 *
dimensions (LxWxH): 410 x 140 x 70 mm
weight: 3 kg
* IP20: These devices are not protected against
ingress of water. Use only in dry environments.
XLR-4 PowerDMX Pin Configuration
Pin Configuration
1 0 VDC
2 DMX-Data -
3 DMX-Data +
4 24 VDC

Product Description
14
Notes: The power supply contains two fuses for
both live wires in the AC/DC converter.
Use only fuses of the type 5x20mmT:
For input voltages 120 VAC (L2.30084.A): 4 A
For input voltages 230 VAC (L2.30084.0): 2 A
The design of the mains connector and the
mains socket is regionally different. A NEMA
adapter cable for North America is included
with the power supply unit. Additional
adapter cables for other countries can be
purchased at local electrical device retailers.
This power supply is designed for indoor use only. Do
not use it outside.
Please also refer to the information given in the
"Specific Safety Instructions" section.

Product Description
15
2.4. LoCaster Power Supply
24 VDC / 60W (L2.30083.A / .0)
The LoCaster power supply 24VDC/60W is designed
for mobile use with the LoCaster due to its compact
size. Only a single LoCaster can be powered.
Technical Specifications
input voltage: 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz
output voltage: 24 VDC, 2.5A max
dimensions (LxWxH): 120 x 55 x 35 mm
weight: 0.3 kg
POWER OUT Pin Configuration
Pin Configuration
1 0 VDC
2 n.a.
3 n.a.
4 +24 VDC
Note: The design of the mains connector and
the mains socket is regionally different. A
NEMA adapter cable for North America is
included with the power supply unit. Further
adapter cables for other countries can be
purchased at local electrical device retailers.
This power supply is not suitable to charge the LoCaster
battery pack! Please use the appropriate Caster battery
charger (L2.30086.0).
Please also refer to the information given in the
"Specific Safety Instructions" section.

Product Description
16
2.5. NiMH-Battery Pack,
30VDC / 81Wh (L2.30085.0)
The LoCaster battery pack can power a single LED Panel
for about two hours independent from mains source.
To check the battery´s capacity:
• Push the capacity status check button on
the top side of the battery to display the
remaining capacity with the LED indicators.
Technical Specifications
output voltage: 30 V
capacity: 81 Wh
dimensions (LxWxH): 130 x 100 x 55 mm
weight: 1.2 kg
Note: ARRI explicitly recommends the use
of the described battery system. If a
different 24V battery system is used,
different pin configurations might cause
malfunction. In this case please contact
your local ARRI Service Center.
Avoid heating the device by other heat sources or by
intensive radiation from the sun or other luminaires.
Never throw it into fire.
The LoCaster battery pack must only be charged with
the special Caster battery charger (L2.30086.0).
Store the battery pack in a cool and dry place. Do not
store it at a very hot or very cold place.
Please also refer to the safety and handling instructions
provided by the manufacturer. The safety instructions of
third party manufacturers must be followed.
Never short circuit the battery. Do not touch the
connector´s pins with conducting items. Do not try to
open or modify the device.
Protect the battery from water and high humidity levels.
Capacity status indicator
Capacity status check button
Pin interface to stirrup

Product Description
17
2.6. Battery Charger (L2.30086.0 / .A)
To charge the Caster battery pack:
• Use the supplied XLR-4 male to male adapter to
connect the battery pack with the battery charger.
• Connect the power cable supplied with the
battery charger to the battery charger unit.
• Plug the mains connector into a mains socket nearby.
Technical Specifications
Input Voltage: 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz
Output Voltage: 30 VDC
dimensions (LxWxH): 140 x 100 x 40 mm
weight: 350 g
Note: The LoCaster battery charger must only be
used to charge the LoCaster Battery Pack.
Please also refer to the safety and handling instructions
provided by the manufacturer. The safety instructions of
third party manufacturers must be followed.
POWER OUT Pin Configuration
Pin Configuration
1 0 VDC
2 n.a.
3 n.a.
4 +24 VDC

Product Description
18
2.7. Optical Accessories
The optical accessories can be used for both
LoCaster and BroadCaster. They are inserted into
the flute at the front of the LED Panel´s housing.
The gel frame can only be used in combination
with the 2-leaf barndoor or the intensifier.
Note: The flute features two slots on each
side to lock the attached accessory.
Always ensure that the accessory snaps in into its
correct position. Otherwise the accessory may loosen
or even fall.
2-Leaf Barndoor (L2.30061.0)
The 2-leaf barndoor can be used to limit the
light distribution or to minimize stray light.

Product Description
19
Intensifier (L2.30062.0)
The intensifier can double the luminious
intensity of a Caster LED Panel.
The intensifier folds flat for easy transport
and storage. To restore its shape, simply
align and lock the side plates into place.
Gel Frame (L2.30059.0)
The gel frame provides the possibility to
use the Caster LED Panels with gels.
The gel frame is not inserted into the flute at the LED
panel´s housing. It can only be used in combination
with either the 2-leaf barndoor or the intensifier.
To insert the gel frame, please do the following:
• Insert either the intensifier or the 2-leaf barndoor
into the flute on the LED panel´s housing.
• Make sure the accessory snaps in place.
• Insert the gel frame into the gap between
LED Panel and accessory.

Product Description
20
2.8. Grip Accessories
Grip accessories can be used both for
BroadCaster and LoCaster. They attach to the
LED panel via the 3/8" female thread.
Make sure to always tighten clamp locks sufficiently.
Make sure to always seize screw threads sufficiently.
Caster Stirrup (L2.30089.0)
The Caster stirrup can be used to mount
a Caster LED panel on 16mm accessories.
It can also carry the battery pack.
• To attach the stirrup to the LED Panel, screw the
knurled head screw into the 3/8" female thread of
the luminaire. The stirrup can be attached to the LED
Panel in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
Additional Grip Accessories
In addition to the Caster stirrup the following
grip accessories are also available:
Order.-No. Description
L2.88648.0 Umbrella adapter with 3/8" stud
L2.30992.0 Swiveling / Noga Arm
L2.30991.0 Hot Shoe 3/8" adapter
L2.88681.0 Adapter spigot 1/4"+3/8" female threads
L2.88639.0 Female adapter, 16mm / 5/8“
L2.30088.0 Adapter stud 16mm, 120mm for Gobo head mounting
L2.84547.V Super Clamp with Baby Plate and Velcro
attachment for L2.30083.0/A
L2.76100.0 Super Clampwith ballast/power supply
attachment plate for L2.30084.0/A