Avolites ART2000 T4 User manual

ART2000 T4
4 module Digital Dimming System
Operator’s Manual
software version OS3R1
Stock number 8200-0152
*82000152*

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Useful Avolites phone numbers:-
Avolites England
Sales and service* (+44) (0) 20 8965 8522
Service out of hours*(+44) (0) 831 17 8888
Fax (+44) (0) 20 8965 0290
Email [e-mail]
Website http://www.avolites.com
Distribution of Avolites products in USA:-
Avolites America
Sales and service* ([phone]
Fax [phone]
*Before contacting Avolites for service enquiry please ensure that you have the
product serial number and the Software version (shown at switch on).
The latest version of this manual (MS Word 2000 & PDF) and ART2000
Software can be downloaded from the Internet.
The small print :
No Liability for Consequential Damages
Avolites has a policy of continuous product and documentation improvement. As such the
detail within this manual may not match the operation of the ART2000.
In no event shall Avolites be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages or loss whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of
profits, business interruption, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use or inability to
use the ART2000 even if Avolites Ltd. has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Because some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for
consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.
Reprint and revision history:
First produced March 2000 by Tim Mitchell, Sabre Technology Ltd Tel: [phone]
ELDC Option Added November 2000 By J.B.Toby, Avolites Ltd
Updated for OS3 release, ELDC Portion and added tips March 2001 By J.B.Toby, Avolites Ltd
Updated for OS3R1 release, various additions By J.B.Toby, Avolites Ltd
Added heat data JBT 16/05/2013

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C O N T E N T S
1. THE ART2000 DIGITAL DIMMING SYSTEM 4
2. FEATURES OF THE ART2000 6
3. INSTALLING THE ART2000 8
4. SETTING USER OPTIONS 13
5. ELDC OPTION 22
6. ONE PHASE PER MULTIPIN OUTLET 23
7. TROUBLESHOOTING 24
8. INTRODUCTION TO DMX 27
9. SYSTEM SPECIFICATION 30
10. CONNECTOR PINOUTS 31
11. GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS 33
12. INDEX 35

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INTRODUCTION
1. The ART2000 digital dimming system
This manual is designed to help you get the most out of your Avolites
ART2000 digital dimming system. Even if you hate reading manuals, read
this section because the next couple of pages contain some important
safety information which you should be aware of.
At the end of the manual there is a quick summary of how the DMX control
system works, a Glossary explaining some of the technical terms used in
the manual, and an Index which can be used to find what you need in the
manual.
1.1 What it does
The ART2000 system provides a complete solution to Dimming and Moving
Light Power distribution. You no longer need to have separate mains
distribution making set up times faster and reducing the number of
individual components needed to put a show together.
The ART2000 controls up to 48 individual channels. Four modules of a
maximum of 12 channels can be plugged in. The following module types
are currently available:
12 channel 16Amp dimming module
6 channel 32Amp dimming module
3 channel 63Amp dimming module
12 channel 16amp distribution module for powering moving lights
12 channel 16A Relay module, to switch on/off mains under DMX
control.
Modules of the same channel count can be freely interchanged, and the
rack can be easily configured 'per job' as required.
When loaded with 16A modules the system can be fitted with a patch bay
and up to 20 Multipin outlet connectors which ensure that cabling will be
as simple and reliable as possible.. Each channel of each multipin outlet
connector can be patched to any dimmer output using the hot-patch. The
hot-patch has a lamp test indicator making faults easy to find when a
single dimmer channel powers more than one light fixture. Alternatively
direct outputs are available if a patch is not needed
The 'Load Check' indicators for each dimmer module or relay module
channel give a sure indication that a load is present and the test faders on
each dimmer channel or relay channel allow you to quickly check what’s
connected without having the use of a console.
The design incorporates full monitoring and status feedback via the backlit
LCD display. For simple events you can operate without a console by
setting up a dimmer state on the test faders, or you can record 12 internal
memories for replaying a simple show.
Other features include full DMX patch and merge (2 DMX lines), dimmer
curve and output limit selection per channel, power OK indicators, optional
volt and amp metering and optional RCB or ELDC protection.

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1.2 Important safety information
This system uses 3-phase power and can be a serious hazard to
health. This manual is however not a safety manual.
The system should be installed and operated only by a competent person.
When installing you should check local regulations regarding the
separation of lighting fixtures on different phases (see also section 6 One
Phase per multipin Outlet). If you are in any doubt as to the safe
installation of the system you should employ the services of a qualified
electrical contractor.
Do not operate the system with any dimmer modules missing because this
makes live parts accessible.
Blanking plates are available from avolites to allow modules to be removed
and the rack used. If you do want to use the system with a module
removed fit the blanking plate (Avolites part number 17-80-0129)
If Cam-lokloop-out terminals are fitted, ensure that cables or covers are
fitted to the loop-out terminals before turning on the power, as live parts
are otherwise exposed.
Before turning on the ART2000 rack, ensure that the neon power
connection lights on the control panel are correctly illuminated. These
lights will indicate most connection errors. The system may be damaged if
it is turned on with the power feed connected incorrectly.
1.3 Quick start instructions
When connecting the power feed to the system, ensure EARTH is
connected first, then NEUTRAL, then the PHASE conductors. The system
requires a 3 phase (TN-S) mains supply.
Ensure that the Bay and utility breakers are turned off and the optional
RCD breakers are turned on before you turn on the power feed.
Turn on the dimmer feed and check that the “Connection” neons are
correctly illuminated (top 5 on, bottom 2 off). Check that the voltage is
what you expect using the voltmeter. If not OK, correct the fault before
going any further.
Power up the control module by turning the rotary switch below the
Connection neons to R, Y or B to select the phase you want to feed the
electronics from (normally phase R).
You can now turn on the Bay and Utility breakers and use the ART2000
system.
To turn the system off, reverse the above procedure.
It is preferable not to use the RCB as an ON/OFF switch, as arcing may
reduce the RCB’s protecting ability.

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2. Features of the ART2000
This chapter gives a quick rundown on what each part of the ART2000 rack
does. If you are new to the system, read this!
Some Parts described in this manual may not
be on the system before you, this is because
the ART2000 system can be supplied from the
factory with various different options.
At the rear of the unit, near the bottom of the
rack, are the power input connections. These
can be either Cam-lok, Powerlok,BAC,
Cee 63 or Cee 125A type connectors. Loop
output connectors may also be fitted.
Note: When connecting power to the ART2000,
always connect the EARTH first, then
the NEUTRAL, then the PHASE
conductors.
If Cam-lokloop-out connectors are fitted,
ensure that either covers or connectors are
fitted before turning on the power, as these
connectors otherwise have exposed live
terminals.
2.1 Utility power panel
Above the power input is the utility power panel. This may be fitted with
variety of single phase connectors and optional 32A 3-phase connectors.
The utility power is for feeding motors and other devices needing static
power. The circuit breakers for the utility power panel are on the front of
the rack. The 32A 3-phase connector shares the 32A breaker with the
normal 3x 16A utility outputs.
2.2 Output connectors
The rear panel mainly houses the output connectors. Depending on the
option selected these can be either multipin connectors like the Socapex
and the Hartingconnector or single phase direct outlets like the Cee 16A
or Cee 32A. These connectors link the ART2000 rack to the load which you
want to control.
In both cases it is best to connect these without the channel being
energized as this reduces arcing and prolongs the life of connectors
Power input
Utility panel
output connectors

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2.3 The hot-patch panel
On top of the rack is the optional hot-patch panel. This allows you to
decide how the 48 dimmer channels are connected to the 120 output
circuits which are available on the multipin connectors. The front half of
the panel has the outputs of the modules. Module A has 4 outlets per
channel, and modules B, C and D have 2 outlets per channel.
The hotpatch is normally wired in parallel, thus each socket will have live
and neutral connected (220V). The optional series patch is labelled clearly
to be series (110V)
For the occasional 110V lamp Avolites has a custom Wielandseries lead,
part number 03-13-0040
The rear half of the panel has 20 sets of six connectors, one set for each of
the multipin outlets on the rear of the rack.
At the very front of the hot-patch panel is a lamp test socket. This allows
you to test the continuity of any circuit. There is also a desk lamp socket
to allow a gooseneck lamp to be fitted so you can see what you are
patching.
2.4 Main circuit breakers
On the front of the rack, down at the
bottom, there is a 3-phase circuit
breaker for each module, and one for
the utility power. Above the circuit
breakers may be fitted an RCB for each
module. There are also three individual
circuit breakers for the utility power
sockets.
2.5 Power modules
The main part of the rack is taken up
with the 4 power modules. These are
interchangeable modules, and the
available types are:
12x16A Dimmer module: Each
channel has a 16A C-type circuit
breaker, a control knob and a “load
present” indicator light per channel.
The indicator lights when a load is
connected to the channel, and the
channel is turned off. The control
knob allows manual control of the
channel, if the local control option is
turned on.
6x32A Dimmer module: Each
channel has a 32A C-type circuit
breaker, and the same control and indicator features as the above 12
channel dimmer module.
3x63A Dimmer module Each channel has a 63A C-type circuit
breaker, and the same control and indicator features as the above 12
Power modules
Hot patch panel
Control module
Circuit breakers
& RCBs

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channel dimmer module.
12x16A Breaker module: Mains distribution modules provide static
power, which can be routed through the hot-patch bay and down the
multicore cables, usually used to power intelligent lighting. The module
has 12 channels of mains power, which can be manually switched using
the front circuit breakers.
Note: If the mains distribution module is fitted as module B, C or D then
24 static power outputs are available on the hot-patch panel. If it is
fitted as module A then 48 static power outputs are available.
12x16A Contactor module: Relay modules are like mains distribution
modules but each channel can be switched on/off by DMX control. These
modules are useful if large numbers of ballasts or other special lighting
effects need to be controlled. The relay module has “load present”
indicators and control knob allowing manual control of the channel.
Blank panel: If a bay is to be left empty fit a blanking panel to balance
the air flow inside the dimmer and prevent live parts to be exposed
Dimmer Channel Mapping
The ART2000 system allocates dimmer channels depending on the module
type fitted to the rack up to a maximum of 48 dimmer channels.
Therefore a two bay frame fitted with two 6 channel modules will use
dimmer channel 1-6 and 7-12, and the same frame fitted with 12 channel
modules will allocated channels 1-12 for the first module and 13-24 for the
next module. In the case of a breaker module preceding a dimmer module
in the rack the dimmer channel 1 will start at the first available dimmer
channel.
Module Type
Allocated channels
12 channel 16A dimmer
12
6 channel 32A dimmer
6
3 channel 63A dimmer
3
12 channel 16A contactor
12
12 channel 16A breaker
0
No Bay fitted (blanking plate)
0
2.6 Control module
At the top of the rack front is the control module. This allows you to set up
how the dimmers will work. There are also voltage and optional current
meters, with phase selector switches, and neon indicators to show if the
power is connected correctly.
The voltmeter switch allows you to measure the phase-neutral and phase-
phase voltages. A rotary switch below the test neons allows you to select
which phase the electronics is powered from.
The “Display contrast” control allows you to adjust the darkness of the
display.
The “Reset” button allows you to reset the system using a small pointed
implement.
3. Installing the ART2000
This chapter contains details of how to install the ART2000 rack, either for

3. Installing the ART2000 - Page 9
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temporary or permanent operation.
3.1 Positioning the ART2000 rack
Choose a location for the rack which is as near to the power feed as
possible and allows access to the front and back of the rack. Consider how
the cables will run in from the power feed and out to the lights, and try to
avoid crossing walkways.
If you are unsure about the safety you should contacts a competent body
to advice you.
The ART2000 system is designed to operate in a maximum ambient
temperature of 40°C and can run continuously when fully loaded at 16A
per channel. The rack is fan-cooled, you must ensure there is adequate
ventilation available - if the system is running in a closed room, consider
providing external ventilation to the room (see Specifications on page 30
for cooling information). The system may shut dimmer modules down if it
cannot release the heat generated.
If you are using the system on an outdoor stage, ensure that the rack is
situated somewhere dry and clear of the ground. If you shelter the rack
with tarpaulins make sure that you do not obstruct the air vents. Black
tarpaulin is general unsuitable.
3.2 Power modules
The ART2000 system has four “bays”, in which you can fit either dimmer
modules, power distribution modules or relay switch modules. The
modules need to be of the same channel capacity (all 12 channel or all 6
channel modules). If you have a selection of ART2000 modules and need
to change the configuration of the rack by swapping modules, this is the
time to do it.
Power distribution modules are used to feed static power down the
multipin outlet, usually to run intelligent lighting. If you do not require this
facility you can replace power distribution modules with dimmer modules
and have more dimmers in the rack (if you have spare dimmer modules
available).
3.2.1 Changing power modules
Disconnect the mains to the rack
Unscrew the 2 M6 screws at the front of the module
Use the handles in the front to pull it out (take care, it is quite heavy)
Fit the new module by guiding it into the slides
Push it home and refit the screws.
Only operate the system when all the modules are screwed in place,
otherwise the connectors may be damaged.
Note: Avoid changing modules when powered because this may cause
arcing, which will damage the connectors.
3.3 Power supply
You need to provide a three phase and neutral power supply to the

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ART2000 (TN-S) which is capable of delivering the amount of power
required to run all the lights which are connected to it. If the power supply
is under-rated it may trip during your show if you turn too many lights on
at once. This is obviously not a good thing to happen. Also, an overloaded
mains supply can suffer from a distorted waveform which can make it
difficult for the ART system to control your lights smoothly.
Warning: Never use mains supplied with “reduced neutral” cable sizes, as
dimmers inherently dump large currents in the neutral connection.
These kind of mains supplies are sometimes called “industrial “ and
are not suitable for dimmer applications.
When ordering or specifying a mains supply state that it is for “phase
angle controlled light dimming”
The frequency of the mains is automatically tracked by the system, which
makes the ART system suitable for use on local generator sets.
3.3.1 Connecting the power supply
Ensure the bay and utility circuit breakers are turned off
Before handling the power cables ensure yourself that they are
“dead”
Connect the power supply to the Power Input terminals on the
rear of the rack (earth first, then neutral, then phases)
If loop out terminals are fitted you can use these to connect a
second rack, provided you do not overload the supply. (Both
Powerlo  k and Camlok  have a 400A limit).Cover unused
Camlok  loop out connectors
Turn on the power feed - do not turn on the racks yet.
Check the connection neons on the front panel. The top 5 neons
should all be lit. The bottom 2 should not be lit. Also check any
other racks you have linked in.
Check that the voltage of the supply is what you expected, using
the voltmeter (the voltmeter and neons are fed through the control
fuses)
If all is OK, power up the control module by turning the rotary switch
below the neons to the red phase.
If the connection neons or voltmeter indicate a problem, DO NOT
TURN THE RACK ON until you have corrected the problem, or you
may cause serious damage to the rack and connected equipment.
When you turn on the power, the control module will start up and display
the following screen:
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running OK Mode Test Off
------------------------------------------
OS 3.0R1 UCode 1.0 PDE 1.0/1.2
The ART team wishes you happy dimming
Now you can then power up the system by turning on the bay and utility
circuit breakers.

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If the display shows other messages, this may indicate that a problem has
been found. See the Troubleshooting section on page 24 for details of what
to do.
If you cannot read the display you may need to adjust the display contrast
control at the bottom right hand corner of the display.
Note: The phase selector intended usage is that it allows you to power the
electronics of a different phase in case of a phase failure. There is
normally no need to go to the yellow or blue phase.
3.4 Connections to lights
You connect the lighting rig to the ART2000 either through the multipin
connectors (Socapex or Harting) or through direct outlets on the rear
panel. There are up to 20 multipin connectors, each of which carry 6
channels (Harting-type connectors may carry 8 channels). The optional
hot-patch panel allows you to determine which dimmer channel controls
which output circuit (direct out versions do not have a hot patch).
Do not connect or disconnect the multipin connectors whilst channels are
turned on, as this may cause arcing which will damage the connectors.
Note: Only connect loads through the multipin outlets, direct outlets or
the utility outlets. DO NOT try to power any equipment directly
from the dimmer output patch on the hot-patch panel as the patch
cables do not carry an earth connection.
3.5 Control connection
Two DMX inputs (and linked outputs) are provided, these allow you to use
two consoles (such as a normal “static light” console and a moving light
console), or to have a back-up control link. Normally the system will
combine the two inputs with a highest-takes-precedence rule. It is also
possible to configure the system so that some dimmers are controlled by
one DMX input only (see section 4.5).
If you need to change the DMX start address of the system this is
described in section 4.1.
If you are linking the DMX cable on to other devices, ensure the
termination switches are set to Off. If this is the end of the DMX line, set
the termination switch to On for that DMX line. An indicator light comes on
when the termination is On.
3.6 Patching module channels to lights
If a patch is fitted you need to patch each light to a dimmer by connecting
cables on the hot-patch panel. There are two patch options series (110V)
and parallel (240V). Most patches are parallel and the following text
assumes a parallel patch
At the front of the hot patch panel are the outlets from the modules.
Module A has four outlets per channel, and modules B, C and D have two
outlets per channel.
At the back of the hot patch panel are the plugs which link to the multipin
connectors. There is a plug for each circuit on each connector. The picture
shows module channel 19 (channel 7 on module B) connected to circuit 1

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on multipin connector 1.
You can check if a circuit is working
by plugging the patch cable into
the lamp test socket rather than a
module outlet. If the circuit is OK
the lamp test light will come on.
You should also see the indicator
lights on the channels come on
when you connect a load to them.
The lamp test is powered by a
PP3/MN1604/6F22 9V battery
which is in the plastic compartment
on the front of the rack. Press the
Battery Test button to check the
battery state. There is also a
second compartment which holds a
spare battery, though if you need it
someone will probably have already stolen it.
A Series patch requires two loads to be connected to work, this as the 2
loads will be wired in series with each other to allow the use of 110V
lamps. The first bay allows two sets of loads to connected (thus four loads
are needed)
3.7 Testing channels using the local control faders
When you are setting up the rig, it is useful to be able to fade up a channel
from the dimmer rack. Each dimmer module or relay module channel on
the ART2000 has a fader to allow you to do this. However, the faders can
be disabled to prevent people playing with them. The display shows
“Faders on” or “Faders off” to tell you what the current setting is.
3.7.1 Using the local faders
Press TEST ON to enable the faders
Turn the fader on the channel you want to change
The fader and the DMX input are combined, whichever is highest has
control
Press TEST OFF when you have finished.
The local faders combine with the DMX input using highest-takes-
precedence (HTP) rules, in other words if the DMX input is turning the
channel on full, you will not be able to take control using the local fader.
You can also program 12 memories into the ART2000 rack, which is useful
in case of emergency, or for very simple setups where you do not need a
control console. This is described on page 19.

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4. Setting user options
The ART2000 has a simple user interface.
Each function has its own button, shown
on the right, so you don’t get lost in
multiple menus.
This section describes how to configure the
ART2000 rack to your requirements.
4.1 Setting the DMX start address
In normal use, you will just set one start address for all 48 dimmers.
Module channel 1 will operate from the DMX start address you set, and the
other 47 channels will follow in a continuous block of channels. This is
called “Rack Patch” mode, because the whole rack is patched in one go.
You can set the DMX start address differently for the two DMX inputs, so
for example channel 1 can be controlled by DMX channel 100 on one
console and DMX channel 300 on the other console. This can be useful if
two consoles are controlling the rig, as sometimes happens if you are
using moving lights with external dimmers to control the lamp, and normal
static lights in the same show.
You can also allocate each channel to an individual DMX control channel.
This is called Channel Patch mode and is described later.
4.1.1 Setting the DMX start address
Press the DMX A button to change the start address for DMX line A
Press the UP or DOWN buttons to change the start address shown on
the screen
To change in decades, hold down the X10 button and press Up or
Down
Press ENTER to store the new start address.
The display shows
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test Off
------------------------------------------
Change Line A Module start address
Current start address is 001
New start address is 002
Dmx address 000 is not supported
You can set the start address for DMX line B by using the DMX B button in
the same way.

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4.2 Viewing the dimmer levels
You can view the output levels of the dimmer channels by pressing the
LEVEL button (above the STORE button). The display shows the output
levels as a bank of numbers.
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test Off
------------BAY INPUT LEVEL--------------
Chan. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Bay 1 011012013014015016017018019010010010
Bay 2 021022020000000000000000000000000000
Bay 3 000000000000000000000000000000000000
Bay 4
The screen shot above shows a 48 way frame with three 12 channel
dimmer modules fitted.
The module type will determine the way the levels are displayed, where
12 channel dimmer
or contactor module
Bay 1 011012013014015016017018019010010010
6 channel dimmer
Bay 1 011012013014015016
3 channel dimmer
Bay 1 011012013
12 channel breaker or
no module fitted
Bay 1
Pressing the UP / DOWN button will cycle the screen between the following
data sources
--BAY INPUT LEVEL--
Input to the dimmer without a curve applied
--BAY OUTPUT LEVEL-
Input to the dimmer following the curve
----DMX A LEVEL----
Exclusive DMX Line A data
----DMX B LEVEL----
Exclusive DMX Line B data
----FADER LEVEL----
Exclusive Fader data
4.3 Setting the dimmer curve
Each dimmer channel can have its own “Curve”. This sets the relation of
how the dimmer output responds to the control input.
You can either set each dimmer curve separately, or set them all together
to the same curve.
4.3.1 Setting the dimmer curve
Press the CURVE button
Select the channel you want to modify using the UP / DOWN buttons,
then press ENTER. The centre line (inverted on the display) shows the
current channel

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Select the curve setting you want for that channel using the UP/DOWN
buttons, then press Enter.
The display looks like this:
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running OK Mode Test Off
------------------------------------------
Change dimmer channel curve
dimmer channel 48 curve: Linear Curve
dimmer channel 01 curve: Linear Curve
dimmer channel 02 curve: Linear Curve
The available dimmer curves are:
Linear Curve - linear response with standard tungsten halogen lamps
Relay On >50% - channel turns on full wave, if input above 50%
Relay Off >50% - channel turns off full wave, if input above 50%
OS3R0 linear –previous software version linear curve
Alt.linear –generic linear curve
Square law - square law dimming curve
5% Pre heat - channel stays on at 5%, input scaled over remaining
95% using a linear curve
10% Pre heat - channel stays on at 10%, input scaled over
remaining 90% using a linear curve
15% Pre heat - channel stays on at 15%, input scaled over
remaining 85% using a linear curve
User curve- direct DMX 255 steps to firing angle, use this curve when
using a curve in the console
You can modify all 48 channels in one go by holding X10 and pressing
CURVE. The following screen display is shown:
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test Off
------------------------------------------
channel Curve setup for all channels
selected Curve is: Linear Curve
press ENTER to change ALL channels
press EXIT to abandon
Use the UP and DOWN buttons to select the desired curve, then press
Enter.
4.4 Limiting the output of a dimmer
Each dimmer channel can have its own “Limit” setting. This allows you to
restrict the maximum output of the dimmer. You might want to do this to
match the intensity of different lamps. The dimmer will scale its output
over the remaining DMX data range.
Tip: The limit function can also be used to “slow down” the fading
response of theatrical lights, which are often not used at full power. You
can use this to match a 500W lamp fade speed to a 650W lamp.

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4.4.1 Setting the dimmer limit
Press the LIMIT button
Select the channel you want to set using the UP / DOWN buttons, then
press ENTER.
Select the Limit you want for that channel using the UP/DOWN
buttons, then press ENTER.
To modify the limit for all 48 channels in one go, hold X10 and press
LIMIT. The following screen display is shown:
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test Off
------------------------------------------
Channel Limit setup for all channels
selected Limit is: no limit set
press ENTER to change ALL channels
press EXIT to abandon
Use the UP and DOWN buttons to select the desired limit, then press Enter.
4.5 Soft Patch
The ART2000 system allows you to allocate any DMX address to any
dimmer channel on an individual basis. You can also set different
allocations on DMX line A and line B.
It is important to know that the Art2000 will truncate the dimmer channels
depending on the bay requirements. Consider the following set-ups:
Example 1
Bay 1
12x 16A dimmer
Dimmer channel 1-12
Bay 2
12x 16A dimmer
Dimmer channel 13-24
Bay 3
12x breaker
No dimmer channels allocated
Bay 4
12x 16 A dimmer
Dimmer channel 25-36
Example 2
Bay 1
12x 16A dimmer
Dimmer channel 1-12
Bay 2
12x 16A dimmer
Dimmer channel 13-24
Bay 3
12x 16A contactor
Dimmer channel 25-36
Bay 4
12x 16A breaker
No dimmer channels allocated
Example 3:
Bay 1
6x 32A dimmer
Dimmer channel 1-6
Bay 2
6x 32A dimmer
Dimmer channel 7-12
Bay 3
6x 32A dimmer
Dimmer channel 13-18

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Bay 4
6x 32A dimmer
Dimmer channel 19-24
The main application of the softpatch is to patch around faults or
problems. You should preferably use the patching facility in your control
console to allocate dimmers to DMX channels, because there is no way of
transferring the patching information from the dimmer rack if you need to
change to a different rack.
When the ART system leaves the factory the soft Patch is pre-loaded with
a patch starting at DMX 001 dimmer channel 1 till DMX 048 dimmer
channel 48.This is called a “one-to-one” (1:1) patch. (see also 4.9 Wipe-all
function ) In most cases you may want to start from a different start
address like 200 or 127. You can select a start point for the 1:1 patch after
the patch mode is set to softpatch.
Changing the patch mode
To use the soft Patch, you need to change the mode for DMX line A or B.
The mode can be different for each line.
4.5.1 Turning on the softpatch
Hold X10 and press DMX-A or DMX-B. The display will show the Soft-
Patch screen.
Press UP / DOWN to change the NO into Yes, and press ENTER. The
1:1 Patch screen will now appear
If you do not want a 1:1 patch to be loaded press EXIT,
if you want to load a 1:1 Patch change the NO into Yes using the UP /
DOWN button.
Select the start address where the 1:1 patch needs to start from and
press Enter.
Screen shot after X10 and DMX A:
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test Off
------------------------------------------
Do you want to use a softpatch for Line A
yes
Screen shot after ENTER:
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test Off
------------------------------------------
Do you want to start with a 1:1 softpatch?
No
To switch of the soft-patch, repeat the above procedure selecting NO when
asked if a soft-patch is to be used. The soft Patch information is not lost
when you switch off the softpatch.
When a DMX line is in softPatch mode, the top line of the display shows
“Patch” rather than the base DMX address.

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If you need to allocate an individual dimmer channel to a different DMX
address you do the following:
4.5.2 Patching individual dimmer channels
Press DMX-A or DMX-B (the Dmx input must be set to softpatch mode)
The middle line of the display shows the active dimmer. Press UP /
DOWN to select the dimmer channel you want to change, then press
ENTER
Press UP / DOWN to set the DMX address for this dimmer channel,
then press ENTER
Repeat for other dimmers, or press EXIT to finish
The display shows
Line A Patch Dmx ok Dmx B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test off
------------------------------------------
Dmx A softpatch
Dimmer Channel 48 Dmx address 048
Dimmer Channel 01 Dmx address 001
Dimmer Channel 02 Dmx address 002
4.5.3 “Parking” DMX channels
You can set the DMX address of a channel to 000, this “parks” the dimmer
channel so it is not controlled by that DMX line. This is useful if you want a
dimmer to be controllable from only one of the two DMX lines, or if you
want to disable a dimmer.
4.5.4 Behaviour of “X10 and UP /DOWN “
When scrolling through dimmer channels the X10 and UP or DOWN
combination will jump to the first dimmer channel of the following or
preceding bay. Thus in a frame with four 12 channel modules pressing X10
and UP when selecting dimmer channels will result in the channel jumping
from 01 to 13, 25 and 37.
When changing DMX addresses the X10 and UP or DOWN combination will
jump in decades. Thus start addresses 015 changes into 25, 35 etcetera.

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4.5.5 When Dmx data has been interrupted
The ART2000 system can detect the availability and usability of Dmx Data
and will show this in the screen
Line A Patch Dmx ok Dmx B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test off
------------------------------------------
“Dmx ok “ indicates Dmx data which can be used (Line A in above
screen shot)
“No Dmx” indicated either no dmx connected or bad Dmx (Line B in
above screen shot)
The ART2000 will retain the last received DMX data if a single Dmx Data
stream is interrupted (this in accordance with DMX 512 1990).
You can clear this data by pressing X10 and TEST OFF and all the channels
held at a level by the interrupted Dmx data will fade to off.
When two data streams are present and one is interrupted the ART2000
will fade out the “locked” data from the interrupted Dmx stream after 5
seconds and in 5 seconds. This will allow you to regain control over
channels held at a level by the interrupted Dmx Stream.
4.6 Storing dimmer level memories
The ART2000 system can store 12 memories internally. A memory
contains the state of all the 48 channels. This can be useful to keep the
show going if the control console stops working, or if you have a very
simple static set-up which does not require a control console.
If you have multiple racks of Avolites ART dimmers (2000, 4000 or 6000),
you can instruct all connected ART systems to store a “Global” memory.
Once you have stored memories, you can play back these memories from
one control module, allowing you access to all the channels on all the
racks using the controls on the first rack. If you are planning on doing this,
the first rack in the DMX line will be the Master rack, and all the others will
be Slaves. The Master rack will use the DMX-A line to command the
downstream racks to save or play back the memory, and so it is best if
only ART systems are connected to the DMX line downstream from the
Master, since other systems may interfere with memory replay or
recording.
4.7 Storing a memory
When you store a memory, it records the current state of all the dimmers
channels. Memories can either be stored as “local” (just the current rack)
or “global” (the current rack will store the memory and instruct all
downstream systems to store as well).This is particularly handy when
storing memories on a multiple dimmer system setup, as you will only
have to store 12 global memories, and not 12 memories for every system.
Use the following procedure to store a memory

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4.7.1 Storing a memory
Press the STORE button
Select the Fader location you want to store in using the UP / DOWN
buttons, then press ENTER
Select “Local” or “Global” using the UP/DOWN buttons, then press
ENTER.
Screen shot after memory 6 has been entered:
Line A 001 Dmx ok Line B 001 No Dmx
Status Running ok Mode Test off
------------------------------------------
Store a memory to a channel fader
Store memory 06 as a local memory
4.8 Replaying a memory
You can replay a memory either locally (just the current rack) or globally
(the current rack and all downstream racks). When you replay a memory
locally, the output is HTP mixed to any DMX levels which may be present.
Use the following procedure to replay a local memory.
4.8.1 Replaying a local memory
Press the REPLAY button
Turn the fader for the memory you want to replay (faders 1-12 on the
top dimmer module)
Press TEST OFF to stop the memory replay.
Note: The faders used to replay a memory are the first 12 faders on Bay 1
If a power distribution module is fitted in Bay A, no memories can
be replayed locally.
If you want to replay a memory globally (i.e. turn on Memory 1 on all the
racks), you need to carry out the following procedure at the Master rack
(the one which is first in the DMX line).
Note: that the DMX line will be interrupted; if you have other equipment
connected after the master dimmer rack they will lose DMX.
4.8.2 Replaying a global memory
Press the TRANSMIT MEMORY button on the Master rack
Press ENTER to confirm
Turn the fader for the memory you want to replay (faders 1-12 on the
top dimmer module). The memory will replay on all racks.
To stop transmitting memories, Press the TRANSMIT MEMORY button
on the Master rack
Press ENTER to confirm
You can pre-view what channels are stored at what level in a memory
without replaying it