Blizzard Lighting pixelstorm 240 User manual

pixel
STORM
240
Blizzard Lighting, LLC
www.blizzardlighting.com
Waukesha, WI USA
Copyright (c) 2012

Page 2
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PixelStorm™ 240 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 Hand In The Toaster!) 4
2. Meet The PixelStorm™ 240 5
Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The
PixelStorm™ 240 Pin-up Picture 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7
Connecting A Bunch Of PixelStorm™ 240’s 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
The Control Panel 10
Control Panel Menu Structure 11
Setting the DMX Channel Mode 12
Setting the DMX Address 12
Built-in Progams 12
Flash and Fade Modes 12
Auto Mode 12
Sound Active Mode 12
Custom Color Adjustments 12
Slave Mode 12
DMX Values In-Depth 13
5. Appendix 15
A Quick DMX Lesson 15
Troubleshooting 15
Keeping Your PixelStorm™ 240 As Good As New 16
Returns (Gasp!) 16
Shipping Issues 16
Tech Specs 17

Page 3
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
 •1xPixelStorm™240
 •2xMountingbracketsw/bolts&washers
 •AnEver-So-HandyPowerCord
 •ThisLovelyUserManual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulations on purchasing one trippy pixel strippy! Now that you’ve
got your PixelStorm™ 240 (or hopefully, PixelStorms 240’s!), 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 pack-
ing 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 cor-
rect line voltage you will use.
Warning! Verify that the voltage select switch on your unit match-
es the line voltage applied. Damage to your xture may result if
the line voltage applied does not match the voltage indicated on
the voltage selector switch. All xtures must be connected to cir-
cuits 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
W220N1531JerichoCt.SuiteE,Waukesha,WI53186USA
[email protected]
www.blizzardlighting.com
866-493-6025

Page 4
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 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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. Be sure that no ventilation slots are
blocked.
•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
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET THE PIxELSTORM™240
CONTROL FEATURES
•RGBcolormixingvia240highpower10mmRed/Green/BlueLEDs
•8pixels,eachwith30LEDs
•7DMXmodesforultimatecontrolexibility
•Eachxturecandisplay1,2,or3differentcolorssimultaneously
•Variableelectronicstrobe
•Built-incolor&chasemacrosviaDMX
•Built-inauto&soundactivatedprogramsviamaster/slave&DMX
•EasytouseLEDcontrolpanel
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
•Compactandlightweight(itkeptitsnewyear’sresolution!)
•400hzicker-freeLEDdrivers
•Lightsource:240x10mmLEDs,96Red,72Green,72Blue
DMX Quick Reference
Channel What It Does
3-Channel 4-Channel 7-Channel
1Red Red Red
2 Green Green Green
3 Blue Blue Blue
4 -- Built-In Programs Strobe
5 -- -- Built-In Programs
6 -- -- Speed
7 -- -- Fade/Sound Active
Channel What It Does
10-Channel 16-Channel 24-Channel 28-Channel
1 Red Segment 1 Red Segment 1 Red Segment 1 Red Segment 1
2 Green Segment 1 Green Segment 1 Green Segment 1 Green Segment 1
3 Blue Segment 1 Blue Segment 1 Blue Segment 1 Blue Segment 1
4 Red Segment 2 Red Segment 2 Red Segment 2 Red Segment 2
5 Green Segment 2 Green Segment 2 Green Segment 2 Green Segment 2
6 Blue Segment 2 Blue Segment 2 Blue Segment 2 Blue Segment 2
7 Strobe Red Segment 3 Red Segment 3 Red Segment 3
8 Built-In Programs Green Segment 3 Green Segment 3 Green Segment 3
9 Speed Blue Segment 3 Blue Segment 3 Blue Segment 3
10 Fade/Sound Active Red Segment 4 Red Segment 4 Red Segment 4
11 -- Green Segment 4 Green Segment 4 Green Segment 4
12 -- Blue Segment 4 Blue Segment 4 Blue Segment 4
13 -- Strobe Red Segment 5 Red Segment 5
14 -- Built-In Programs Green Segment 5 Green Segment 5
15 -- Speed Blue Segment 5 Blue Segment 5
16 -- Fade/Sound Active Red Segment 6 Red Segment 6
17 -- -- Green Segment 6 Green Segment 6
18 -- -- Blue Segment 6 Blue Segment 6
19 -- -- Red Segment 7 Red Segment 7
20 -- -- Green Segment 7 Green Segment 7
21 -- -- Blue Segment 7 Blue Segment 7
22 -- -- Red Segment 8 Red Segment 8
23 -- -- Green Segment 8 Green Segment 8
24 -- -- Blue Segment 8 Blue Segment 8
25 -- -- -- Strobe
26 -- -- -- Built-In Programs
27 -- -- -- Speed
28 -- -- -- Fade/Sound Active

Page 6
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Figure 1: The StormChaser™ Pin-Up Picture
240 High Power
LED’s
Anodized Aluminum
Enclosure
MountingBracket&
Adjustment Screw
Figure 2: The Rear Connections
AC Power
Fuse Cover
DMX In DMX Out
Display Menu ButtonsSound Sensitivity
LEDDisplayMic

Page 7
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
With a philips head screwdriver, unscrew the fuse holder from its hous-
ing. 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 PixelStorm™ 240 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datacables.Youshouldusedata-
gradecablesthatcancarryahighqualitysignalandarelessproneto
electromagnetic interference.
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
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 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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.
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
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 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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xutres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
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the PixelStorm™ 240
areaccessedbyusingthecontrolpanelonthefrontofthexture.
Thereare3controlbuttonsbelowtheLEDdisplaywhichallowyouto
navigate through the various control panel menus.
<MENU>
Is used to initially access the control panel system, and also 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.
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 <MENU>.
Press the <MENU> button repeatedly until you reach the desired
menu function. Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to navigate the
menu options. To select the next menu function, press the
<MODE> button.
MENU DOWNUP

Page 11
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Control Panel Menu Structure
Addr 1 - 512 To choose the DMX address
CHnd 3CH 3 channel DMX mode
4CH 4 channel DMX mode
7CH 7 channel DMX mode
10CH 10 channel DMX mode
16CH 16 channel DMX mode
24CH 24 channel DMX mode
28CH 28 channel DMX mode
SLAU SL.AU Torunthextureinslavemode
SP -- SP00 -SP15 Speed adjustments (0-15)
Pr -- Pr00 -Pr25 Built-in programs (0-25)
ASC - AC00 -AC15 Auto mode (runs built-in programs 8-25)
FAdE FA00 -FA15 Fade settings (0-8)
FLAS FL00 -FL15 Flash / strobe speed (0-15)
rL -- r.000 - r.255 Red dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
GL -- G.000 - G.255 Green dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
bL -- b.000 - b.255 Blue dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
SouA So.uA Sound active mode
LED on - oFF Display menu on/off
UERN UE2.0 Software version

Page 12
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Setting the DMX Channel Mode:
TocontrolthePixelStorm™240inDMX,rstselectfromoneoftheDMXcontrolchannelmodes
(3/4/7/10/16/24, or 28 channel mode.)
1.) To select a DMX channel mode, press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons
until the display reads Chnd and press the <MENU> button.
2.) Then use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reaches your desired channel mode.
3.) Press the <MENU>buttontoconrm.
Setting the DMX Address:
1.) Press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reads Addr and
press the <MENU> button.
2.) Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to set the appropriate DMX address from d001 -d512.
3.) Press the <MENU>buttontoconrm.
Built-in Programs:
1.) Press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reads Pr-- , and
press the <MENU> button.
2.) Then use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to choose your desired program from Pr00-Pr25, and
press the <MENU> button.
3.) To adjust the speed, use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reads SP-- and press the
<MENU> button.
4.) Then use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to set your desired speed from SP00 to SP15.
5.) Press the <MENU>buttontoconrm.
Flash and Fade Modes:
1.) Press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reads FLAS or
FAdE, and press the <MENU>.
2.) Then use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to set your desired speed from FL00 to FL15, or FA00
to FA15.
3.) Press the <MENU>buttontoconrm.
Auto Mode:
1.) Press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reads ASC- and
press the <MENU> button. This will run Pr08-Pr25 insequence.
2.) Then use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to choose your desired speed from AC00-AC15, and press
the <MENU> button.
Sound Active Mode:
1.) Press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reads SouA , and
press the <MENU> button.
2.) Use the sensitivity knob to adjust sound sensitivity.
Custom Color Adjustments:
1.) Press the <MENU> button until the display reads r255 (Red intensity, 0-255), or G255 (Green inten-
sity, 0-255), b255 (Blue intensity, 0-255)
2.)PleasenotethatthesesettingswilleffectthextureGLOBALLY,IEinanymode.
Slave Mode:
1.) Press the <MENU> button, then use the <UP> or <DOWN> buttons until the display reads SLAU and
press the <MENU> button.

Page 13
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth (3-Channel Mode)
Channel Channel Value Does...
1000 <-> 255 Red (All Segments)
2000 <-> 255 Green (All Segments)
3000 <-> 255 Blue (All Segments)
DMX Values In-Depth (4-Channel Mode)
Channel Channel Value Does...
1000 <-> 255 Red (All Segments)
2000 <-> 255 Green (All Segments)
3000 <-> 255 Blue (All Segments)
4000 <-> 255 Built-in Programs
DMX Values In-Depth (7-Channel Mode)
Channel Channel Value Does...
1000 <-> 255 Red (All Segments)
2000 <-> 255 Green (All Segments)
3000 <-> 255 Blue (All Segments)
4000 <-> 015
016 <-> 255
No Function
Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)
5
000 <-> 003
004 <-> 013
014 <-> 023
024 <-> 033
034 <-> 043
044 <-> 053
054 <-> 063
064 <-> 073
074 <-> 083
084 <-> 093
094 <-> 103
104 <-> 113
114 <-> 123
124 <-> 133
134 <-> 143
144 <-> 153
154 <-> 163
164 <-> 173
174 <-> 183
184 <-> 193
194 <-> 203
204 <-> 213
214 <-> 223
224 <-> 233
234 <-> 243
244 <-> 253
254
255
No Function
Red (All Segments)
Green (All Segments)
Blue (All Segments)
Red + Green (All Segments)
Green + Blue (All Segments)
Blue + Red (All Segments)
Red + Green + Blue (All Segments)
Effect 1 (All Segments, 7 Color Snap)
Effect 2 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 3 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 4 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 5 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 6 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 7 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 8 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 9 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 10 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 11 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 12 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 13 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 14 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 15 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 16 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 17 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 18 (Pixel Effect)
Effect 19 (Pixel Effect)
All Effects Run In Sequence
6000 <-> 255 Speed (Slow <--> Fast)
7000 <-> 249
250 <-> 255
Fade (Slow <--> Fast)
Sound Active

Page 14
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth (10-Channel Mode, 2-Segments)
Segment 1
Channel 1 - Red
Channel 2 - Green
Channel 3 - Blue
Segment 2
Channel 4 - Red
Channel 5 - Green
Channel 6 - Blue
In10-channelmode,thextureisdividedinto2segmentsasillustratedinthetable
above. Channel groups 1-3 and 4-6 control the R/G/B values of each segment, respec-
tively (0 <--> 100%).
Channels 7,8,9, and 10 have the same values as 7-channel mode, channels 4-7.
See 7-channel mode table on page 13.
DMX Values In-Depth (16-Channel Mode, 4-Segments)
SEGMENT 1
Channel 1 - Red
Channel 2 - Green
Channel 3 - Blue
SEGMENT 2
Channel 4 - Red
Channel 5 - Green
Channel 6 - Blue
SEGMENT 3
Channel 7 - Red
Channel 8 - Green
Channel 9 - Blue
SEGMENT 4
Channel 10 - Red
Channel 11 - Green
Channel 12 - Blue
In16-channelmode,thextureisdividedinto4segmentsasillustratedinthetable
above. Channel groups 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12 control the R/G/B values of each seg-
ment, respectively (0 <--> 100%).
Channels 13,14,15, and 16 have the same values as 7-channel mode, channels
4-7. See 7-channel mode on page 13.
DMX Values In-Depth (24-Channel Mode, 8-Segments)
SEGMENT 1
Ch 1 - Red
Ch 2 - Green
Ch 3 - Blue
SEGMENT 2
Ch 4 - Red
Ch 5 - Green
Ch 6 - Blue
SEGMENT 3
Ch 7 - Red
Ch 8 - Green
Ch 9 - Blue
SEGMENT 4
Ch 10 - Red
Ch 11 - Green
Ch 12 - Blue
SEGMENT 5
Ch 13 - Red
Ch 14 - Green
Ch 15 - Blue
SEGMENT 6
Ch 16 - Red
Ch 17 - Green
Ch 18 - Blue
SEGMENT 7
Ch 19 - Red
Ch 20 - Green
Ch 21 - Blue
SEGMENT 8
Ch 22 - Red
Ch 23 - Green
Ch 24 - Blue
In24-channelmode,thextureisdividedinto8segmentsasillustratedinthetable
above. Channel groups 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-18, 19-21, and 22-24 control the
R/G/B values of each segment, respectively (0 <--> 100%).
DMX Values In-Depth (28-Channel Mode, 8-Segments)
SEGMENT 1
Ch 1 - Red
Ch 2 - Green
Ch 3 - Blue
SEGMENT 2
Ch 4 - Red
Ch 5 - Green
Ch 6 - Blue
SEGMENT 3
Ch 7 - Red
Ch 8 - Green
Ch 9 - Blue
SEGMENT 4
Ch 10 - Red
Ch 11 - Green
Ch 12 - Blue
SEGMENT 5
Ch 13 - Red
Ch 14 - Green
Ch 15 - Blue
SEGMENT 6
Ch 16 - Red
Ch 17 - Green
Ch 18 - Blue
SEGMENT 7
Ch 19 - Red
Ch 20 - Green
Ch 21 - Blue
SEGMENT 8
Ch 22 - Red
Ch 23 - Green
Ch 24 - Blue
In28-channelmode,thextureisalsodividedinto8segmentsasillustratedinthetable
above. Channel groups 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. 13-15, 16-18, 19-21, and 22-24 control the
R/G/B values of each segment, respectively (0 <--> 100%).
Channels 25,26,27, and 28 have the same values as 7-channel mode, channels
4-7. See 7-channel mode on page 13.

Page 15
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
5. APPENDIx
A Quick Lesson On DMX
DMX covers (and is an abbreviation for) Digital MultipleXed signals. It is the most common
communicationsstandardusedbylightingandrelatedstageequipment.
DMXprovidesupto512control“channels”perdatalink.Eachofthesechannelswas
originally intended to control lamp dimmer levels. You can think of it as 512 faders on a
lightingconsole,connectedto512lightbulbs.Eachslider’spositionissentoverthedata
link as an 8-bit number having a value between 0 and 255. The value 0 corresponds to the
light bulb being completely off while 255 corresponds to the light bulb being fully on.
DMX data is transmitted at 250,000 bits per second using the RS-485 transmission
standard over two wires. As with microphone cables, a grounded cable shield is used to
prevent interference with other signals.
TherearevepinsonaDMXconnector:awireforground(cableshield),twowiresfor
“Primary” communication which goes from a DMX source to a DMX receiver, and two
wires for a “Secondary” communication which goes from a DMX receiver back to a DMX
source.Generally,the“Secondary”channelisnotusedsodataowsonlyfromsources
to receivers. Hence, most of us are most familiar with DMX-512 as being employer over
typical3-pin“miccables,”althoughthisdoesnotconformtothedenedstandard.
DMXisconnectedusingadaisy-chaincongurationwherethesourceconnectstotheinput
oftherstdevice,theoutputoftherstdeviceconnectstotheinputofthenextdevice,
and so on. The standard allows for up to 32 devices on a single DMX link.
Eachreceivingdevicetypicallyhasameansforsettingthe“startingchannelnumber”that
itwillrespondto.Forexample,iftwo6-channelxturesareused,therstxturemight
be set to start at channel 1 so it would respond to DMX channels 1 through 6, and the next
xturewouldbesettostartatchannel7soitwouldrespondtochannels7through12.
Troubleshooting
Symptom Solution
Fixture Auto-
Shut Off
Checkthefaninthexture.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xture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xtureisoperatingundercorrectmode,IEsound
active/auto/DMX/Etc.,ifapplicable.Contactserviceformoreinfor-
mation.
Chase Speed Too
Fast/Slow
Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.
No Power Check fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.
No Response to
Audio
Verifythatthextureisin“SoundActive”mode.
Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.
Fixture Not
Responding /
RespondingEr-
ratically
Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely.
Use Only DMX Cables.
Install a Terminator.
Check all cables for defects.
Resetxture(s).

Page 16
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Keeping Your PixelStorm™ 240™As Good As New
Thexture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xture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xturerunningcoolandpreventdamagefromoverheating.
Intransit,keepthextures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
xtures.
Commonsenseandtakingcareofyourxtures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ndyourselfwithaxturethatisn’t
behavinglikeagoodlittlexture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xturefortransit,andwheneverpossible,use
theoriginalbox&packingforshipping.
Whenreturningyourxture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xture.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.

Page 17
PixelStorm™ 240 Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Tech Specs!
Weight & Dimensions
Length 39.37 inches (100 cm)
Width 2.37 inches (6 cm)
Height 2.37 inches (6 cm)
Weight 4.41 lbs (2 kg)
Power
Operating Voltage 120VAC, 60 Hertz
Fuse 2A 250V
Power Consumption 17W
Light Source
LED 240x10mmLEDs,96Red,72Green,72
Blue, 100,000 hours.
Optical
Beam Angle 25 degrees
Luminous Intensity 1 Meter 310 Lux Red, 350 Lux Green, 510
Lux Blue
2 Meter 180 Lux Red, 200 Lux Green, 260
Lux Blue
Thermal
Max. Operating Temp. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Control
Protocol USITT DMX-512
DMX Channels 3/4/7/10/16/24/28
Input 3-pin XLR Male
Output 3-pin XLR Female
Other Operating Modes Standalone, Master/Slave, Sound Active
Other Information
ThomasEdison,lightbulbinventor,wasafraidofthedark.
Warranty
2-year limited warranty, does not cover
malfunctioncausedbydamagetoLED’s.

This page intentionally left blank.

This page intentionally left blank.

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