Blizzard Lighting switchblade User manual

Blizzard Lighting, LLC
www.blizzardlighting.com
Waukesha, WI USA
Copyright (c) 2014

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SwitchBlade™ 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 Stick Your Head In The Oven!) 4
2. Meet The SwitchBlade™ LED 5
Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The SwitchBlade™ Pin-up Picture 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7
Connecting A Bunch Of SwitchBlade™ 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
Master/Slave Mode 11
Sound Active Mode 11
Standalone (Program) Mode 11
Manual Color Adjustment 11
DMX Channel Values In-Depth 12
Troubleshooting 13
5. Appendix 14
Keeping Your SwitchBlade™ As Good As New 14
Returns (Gasp!) 14
Shipping Issues 14
Tech Specs 15

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
• 1 x SwitchBlade™ Ultra Sharp LED Moving Head Fixture
• 1 x All important power cord
• A Mounting Bracket and Safety Cable
• Some Styrofoam
• This User Manual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Are you bad? If not you can Beat It. MJ made the SwitchBlade™ famous in his classic
1984 video. We figure if someone publicly used a SwitchBlade™ in today’s society they
would be the chastised for promoting violence. Since we like a challenge, we introduce
to you The SwitchBlade™. You now own a one of a kind Moving Head with one of the
sharpest beams in the industry. Now that you’ve got your SwitchBlade™, you should
carefully unpack the box and check the contents to ensure that all parts are present
and in good condition. If anything looks as if it has been damaged in transit, notify the
shipper immediately and keep the packing material for inspection. Again, please save
the carton and all packing materials. If a fixture must be returned to the factory, it is
important that the fixture be returned in the original factory box and packing.
Powering Up!
All fixtures 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 fixtures have a voltage select switch, so please verify that
the fixture you receive is suitable for your local power supply. See the label on the
fixture or refer to the fixture’s specifications chart for more information. A fixture’s
listed current rating is its average current draw under normal conditions. Check the
fixture 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 fixtures 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 specifications 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 1/5/2014 W. Komassa 1/7/2014

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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 fixture.
• This product is intended for indoor use only.
• To prevent risk of fire or shock, do not expose fixture to rain or moisture.
• Make sure there are no flammable 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 fixture using a safety chain. NEVER carry the fixture 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.
• Carrying a SwitchBlade™ under your jacket may be viewed as a concealed
weapon by law enforcement.
Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not
open the housing or attempt any repairs yourself. In the unlikely event
your unit may require service, please contact Blizzard Lighting at sup-
[email protected].

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET THE SWITCHBLADE™ LED MOVING HEAD
CONTROL FEATURES
• 1x CREE XLamp MC-E 4-IN-1 10W LED
• 50,000 hours lifespan and low power consumption
• Narrow 2 degree beam angle
• Outstanding beam effects
• High efficiency LED shutter
• 8 built-in default programs for easy performance
• Amazing beam color splitting effects
• Built-in sound active programs
• 10/12 DMX Channels
• Built-in color & chase macros via DMX, Sound, and Auto Modes
• DMX512, master-slave, sound activated, auto mode
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
• 4-button LCD display control panel menu
• Efficient low noise fan cooling system
• 3-pin XLR connectors IN/OUT
• 420 Lux (R), 492 Lux (G), 610 Lux (B) and 1070 Lux (W) @7M
• 1/4 turn fastening Omega Clamp
DMX Quick Reference - 12 / 10 Channel Mode
Ch 12 Channel 10 Channel
1 Pan Pan
2 Pan Fine Tilt
3 Tilt Speed
4 Tilt Fine Shutter
5 Speed Dimmer
6 Shutter Red
7 Dimmer Green
8 Red Blue
9 Green White
10 Blue Special
11 White
12 Macros

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Figure 1: The SwitchBlade™ Pin-Up Picture
High Power OSRAM 4-in-1
Quad Color RGBW LED
4 Button Controls
and LCD Display
Figure 2: Behind The Beam
DMX InDMX Out
AC Power In
Super Fast Single Arm
Rotating Yoke
Ergonomically
Correct Handles
Super Sharp
2 Degree Beam
Fuse Power Switch

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! With a flat 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™ 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 fixtures set to sync in mas-
ter/slave operating mode. The combined number of channels required
by all the fixtures on a serial data link determines the number of fix-
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 fixtures 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 fixtures on a serial data
link is 32 fixtures.
Data/DMX Cabling
To link fixtures 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 specifications 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

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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 fix-
ture’s chassis ground. Grounding the common can cause a ground
loop, and your fixture 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.
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 first fixture’s male connec-
tor (input). Note: It doesn’t matter which
fixture address is the first one connected.
We recommend connecting the fixtures in
terms of their proximity to the controller,
rather than connecting the lowest fixture
number first, and so on.
Step 3: Connect other fixtures in the chain
from output to input as above. Place a DMX
terminator on the output of the final fixture
to ensure best communication.

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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 first fixture.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the
first fixture which will have a (female) 3 pin connec-
tor to the input connector of the next fixture con-
sisting of a (male) 3 pin connector. Then, proceed
to connect from the output as stated above to the
input of the following fixture and so on.
A quick note: Often,
the setup for Master-
Slave and Standalone
operation requires that
the first fixture in the
chain be initialized for
this purpose via either
settings in the control
panel or DIP-switches.
Secondarily, the fixtures
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 configuration.
Mounting & Rigging
This fixture 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
fixture using a suitable “C” or “O” type clamp. The clamp should be
rated to hold at least 10x the fixture’s weight to ensure structural sta-
bility. Do not mount to surfaces with unknown strength, and ensure
properly “rated” rigging is used when mounting fixutres overhead.
Adjust the angle of the fixture by loosening both knobs and tilting the
fixture. After finding 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 fixture will be exposed to rain,
high humidity, extreme temperature changes or restricted ventilation.

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the SwitchBlade™
LED are accessed by using the control panel on the front of the fixture.
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 confirm/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 first 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> and <DOWN> buttons to navigate the
menu options. Press the <ENTER> button to select the menu function
currently displayed, or to enable a menu option. To return to the previ-
ous option or menu without changing the value, press the
<MENU> button.

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Control Panel Menu Structure
NOdE Addr VALU A001 A512 Choose fixture DMX address
SLAU Set fixture to Slave mode
SOUN 1P01 Run the fixture in sound active mode
ALON SO-A Run the fixture in S/A single/alone mode
NASt S0-N Run the fixture in Master for S/A mode
1P08
AUTO 1P01 Run built-in programs
ALON A0-A Run Macros in single/alone mode
NASt AO-N Run Macros in Master for Master/Slave mode
1P08
rESt ON All reset
OFF
dN11 NOd1 12 Channel DMX mode
NOd2 10 channel DMX mode
SEt NIC N-00 N-99 Mic sensitivity
VEr U-10 Software Version
LOdA ON Reload data
OFF
DMX Mode
Allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller.
1.) The default mode for the fixture is DMX, which appears as A001 on the LED Readout. To
select a different DMX address, using the <MENU> button, select NOdE,then hit <ENTER>,
select Addr,then hit <ENTER>, then select VALU,then hit <ENTER>. Use the <UP/
DOWN> buttons to select the correct address, then hit <ENTER> to confirm.
Setting the DMX Channel Mode:
1.) To select a DMX channel mode, press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or
<DOWN> buttons until the display reads dN11 and press the <ENTER> button. Then use
the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons to select NOd1 and press <ENTER> for 12 channel mode,
or select NOd2 and press <ENTER> for 10 channel mode.
Sound Active or Auto Modes
1.) To select Sound Active or Auto mode, using the <MENU> button, select NOdE, then hit
<ENTER>, then using the <UP/DOWN> select SOUN, (for Sound Active mode) or select
AUTO (for Auto Mode) then hit <ENTER>. At this time you will be given the chance to select
one of the 8 pre-programmed macros. Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select the pro-
grammed sequence you would like to run, then hit <ENTER> to confirm.

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth
12 CH 10 CH Function Value What It Does
11PAN 000 <--> 255 Pan
2PAN Fine 000 <--> 255 Pan (fine)
32TILT 000 <--> 255 Tilt
4TILT Fine 000 <--> 255 Tilt (fine)
53SPEED 000 <--> 225
226 <--> 235
236 <--> 245
246 <--> 255
Min to Max Speed
Blackout By Movement
Blackout By All Wheel Changing
NoFunction
64SHUTTER 000 <--> 031
032 <--> 063
064 <--> 095
096 <--> 127
128 <--> 159
160 <--> 191
192 <--> 223
224 <--> 255
Shutter Closed
Shutter Open
Strobe effect Fast to Slow
Shutter Open
Pulse effect in Sequences
Shutter Open
Random Strobe effect Slow to Fast
Shutter Open
75DIMMER 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
86RED 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
97GREEN 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
10 8 BLUE 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
11 9 WHITE 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
12 10 MACROS 000 <--> 079
080 <--> 099
100 <--> 119
120 <--> 139
140 <--> 159
160 <--> 179
180 <--> 199
200 <--> 219
220 <--> 239
240 <--> 255
No Function
Motor Reset (Hold for 8 seconds)
Internal Program 1
Internal Program 2
Internal Program 3
Internal Program 4
Internal Program 5
Internal Program 6
Internal Program 7
Internal Program 8

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Troubleshooting
Symptom Solution
Fixture Auto-Shut
Off Check the fan in the fixture. If it is stopped or moving slower than normal, the unit may have shut itself off due to high heat. This is to
protect the fixture from overheating. Clear the fan of obstructions,
or return the unit for service.
Beam is Dim Check optical system and clean excess dust/grime. Also ensure that
the 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.
No Light Output Check to ensure fixture is operating under correct mode, IE sound
active/auto/DMX/Etc., if applicable.
Chase Speed Too
Fast/Slow Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.
No Power Check fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.
Blown Fuse Check AC cord and circuit for damage, verify that moving parts are
not restricted and that unit’s ventilation is not obstructed
Slow Movement Verify that 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if applicable.
Also check that speed channels are set appropriately.
No Response to
Audio Verify that the fixture is in “Sound Active” mode. Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.
Fixture Not
Responding /
Responding Er-
raticly
Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely.
Use Only DMX Cables and/or check cables for defects
Install a Terminator.
Reset fixture(s).
Intermittent
Lamp Check lamp for properly installation. Relamp, lamp may have reached end of life.
Remote Doesn’t
Work Verify remote control cable is installed properly and securely. Verify remote is correct type (CA-9 or other as applicable.)
Fixture Moving
On Its Own Verify proper mode of operation. Is the fixture in “Auto” mode?
If your problem persists or isn’t listed contact [email protected].
If your problem isn’t listed, or if problems persist, please contact support: sup-
[email protected].

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Keeping Your SwitchBlade™ As Good As New
The fixture you’ve received is a rugged, tough piece of pro lighting equip-
ment, and as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you. That said, like
anything, you’ll need to take care of it if you want it to operate as designed.
You should absolutely keep the fixture clean, especially if you are using it in an
environment with a lot of dust, fog, haze, wild animals, wild teenagers or spilled
drinks.
Cleaning the optics routinely with a suitable glass cleaner will greatly improve
the quality of light output. Keeping the fans free of dust and debris will keep
the fixture running cool and prevent damage from overheating.
In transit, keep the fixtures in cases. You wouldn’t throw a prized guitar,
drumset, or other piece of expensive gear into a gear trailer without a case,
and similarly, you shouldn’t even think about doing it with your shiny new light
fixtures.
Common sense and taking care of your fixtures will be the single biggest thing
you can do to keep them running at peak performance and let you worry about
designing a great light show, putting on a great concert, or maximizing your cli-
ent’s satisfaction and “wow factor.” That’s what it’s all about, after all!
Returns (Gasp!)
We’ve taken a lot of precautions to make sure you never even have to worry
about sending a defective unit back, or sending a unit in for service. But, like
any complex piece of equipment designed and built by humans, once in a while,
something doesn’t go as planned. If you find yourself with a fixture that isn’t
behaving like a good little fixture should, you’ll need to obtain a Return Authori-
zation (RA).
Don’t worry, this is easy. Just send an email to [email protected],
and we’ll issue you an RA. Then, you’ll need to send the unit to us using a
trackable, pre-paid freight method. We suggest using USPS Priority or UPS.
Make sure you carefully pack the fixture for transit, and whenever possible, use
the original box & packing for shipping.
When returning your fixture for service, be sure to include the following:
1.) Your contact information (Name, Address, Phone Number, Email address).
2.) The RA# issued to you
3.) A brief description of the problem/symptoms.
We will, at our discretion, repair or replace the fixture. Please remember that
any shipping damage which occurs in transit to us is the customer’s responsibil-
ity, so pack it well!
Shipping Issues
Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper, and
must be reported to the carrier immediately upon receipt of the items.
Claims must be made within seven (7) days of receipt.

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SwitchBlade™ Manual Rev. A © 2014 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Tech Specs!
Weight & Dimensions
Length 9.05 inches (230 mm)
Width 5.90 inches (150 mm)
Height 9.45 inches (240 mm)
Weight 6.83 lbs (3.1 kg)
Power
Operating Voltage 100-230VAC, 50-60Hz
Fuse 4A 250V
Power Consumption 35W
Light Source
LED 1x 10w CREE XLamp MC-E 4-in-1 LED’s
Lux (Measured)
Red 9,880 @ 1m | 1,180 @ 3m | 705 @ 5m
Green 20,070 @ 1m | 1,970 @ 3m | 840 @ 5m
Blue 28,680 @ 1m | 2,240 @ 3m | 1,040 @ 5m
White 32,880 @ 1m | 3,140 @ 3m | 1,410 @ 5m
Optical
Beam Angle 2 degree optics standard
Thermal
Max. Operating Temp. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Control
Protocol USITT DMX-512
DMX Channels 10 / 12 Channels
Input 3-pin XLR Male
Output 3-pin XLR Female
Other Operating Modes Standalone, Master/Slave, Sound Active, Auto
Other Information
When opening a SwitchBlade, never put your hand over the blade
Warranty 2-year limited warranty, does not cover mal- function caused by damage to LED’s.

Enjoy your product!
Our sincerest thanks for your purchase!
--The team @ Blizzard Lighting