Blizzard Lighting Blade QFX User manual
Blizzard Lighting, LLC
www.blizzardlighting.com
Waukesha, WI USA
Copyright (c) 2013
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Blade™ QFX Moving Head Fixture 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 Blade™ QFX 5
Main Features 5
Control 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The Blade™ QFX Pin-up Picture 7
3. Setup 8
Fuse Replacement 8
Connecting A Bunch Of Blade™ QFX Fixtures 8
Data/DMX Cables 8
Cable Connectors 9
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh? 9
Take It To The Next Level: Setting up DMX Control 9
Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode) 10
Mounting/Rigging 10
4. Operating Adjustments 11
Navigating The Control Panel 11
Control Panel Menu Structure 11
DMX Mode - Fixture ID / DMX Channel Selection 12
Selecting A Fixture ID 13
Changing A Fixture ID Starting DMX Address 13
DMX Mode Selection 13
Sound Active Mode 13
Auto Mode 13
Program Mode (Built-in Programs) 13
Fade Mode 13
Strobe Mode 14
Manual X (Pan) Positioning 14
Manual Y (Tilt) Positioning 14
Manual Color Adjustments 14
DMX Channel Values In-Depth 14
5. Appendix 16
A Quick DMX Lesson 16
Troubleshooting 16
Keeping Your Blade™ QFX As Good As New 17
Returns (Gasp!) 17
Shipping Issues 17
Tech Specs 18
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
•1xBlade™QFXMovingHeadFixture
•AnEver-So-HandyPowerCord
•ASweetMountingBracket
•ThisLovelyUserManual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulationsonpurchasingoneofthecoolest,fastestLEDxturesanywhere!Now
thatyou’retheproudownerofaBlade™QFX(orhopefully,BLADES!),youshould
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
andallpackingmaterials.Ifaxturemustbereturnedtothefactory,itisimportantthat
thexturebereturnedintheoriginalfactoryboxandpacking.
Powering Up!
Allxturesmustbepowereddirectlyoffaswitchedcircuitandcannot 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 -Notallxtureshaveavoltageselectswitch,sopleaseverifythatthe
xtureyoureceiveissuitableforyourlocalpowersupply.Seethelabelonthextureor
refertothexture’sspecicationschartformoreinformation.Axture’slistedcurrent
ratingisitsaveragecurrentdrawundernormalconditions.Checkthextureordevice
carefully to make sure that if a voltage selection switch exists that it is set to the correct
line voltage you will use.
Warning! Verify that the voltage select switch on your unit matches 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 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
N16W23390StoneridgeDr.SteE
Waukesha, WI 53118 USA
www.blizzardlighting.com
414-395-8365
Email:[email protected]
Disclaimer:Theinformationandspecicationscontainedinthisdocumentaresubject
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:
J. Thomas 5/24/2013 J. Thomas 7/12/2013
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•PleasekeepthisUserGuideforfutureuse.Ifyouselltheunittosomeone
else, be sure that they also receive this User Guide.
•ALWAYSmakesurethatyouareconnectingtothepropervoltage,andthat
the line voltage you are connecting to is not higher than that stated on the
decalorrearpanelofthexture.
•Thisproductisintendedforindooruseonly.
•Topreventriskofreorshock,donotexposexturetorainormoisture.
•Makesuretherearenoammablematerialsclosetotheunitwhileoperating.
•Theunitmustbeinstalledinalocationwithadequateventilation,atleast
20in (50cm) from adjacent surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are
blocked.
•ALWAYSdisconnectfromthepowersourcebeforeservicingorreplacingfuse
and be sure to replace with same fuse size and type.
•ALWAYSsecurextureusingasafetychain.NEVERcarrythexturebyits
cord. Use its carrying handles.
•DONOToperateatambienttemperatureshigherthan104°F(40°C).
•Intheeventofaseriousoperatingproblem,stopusingtheunitimmediately.
NEVERtrytorepairtheunitbyyourself.Repairscarriedoutbyunskilledpeople
can lead to damage or malfunction. Please contact the nearest authorized
technical assistance center. Always use the same type spare parts.
•NEVERconnectthedevicetoadimmerpack.
•Makesurethepowercordisnevercrimpedordamaged.
•Neverdisconnectthepowercordbypullingortuggingonthecord.
•Avoiddirecteyeexposuretothelightsourcewhileitison.
Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not
open the housing or attempt any repairs yourself. In the unlikely event
yourunitmayrequireservice,pleasecontactBlizzardLightingat
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET THE BLADE™ QFX MOvING HEAD
MAIN FEATURES:
•12x10-wattR/G/B/W4-in-1CREE®LED’s
•Userselectable13or25DMXchannels
•AutomatedandDMXcontrollable4-quadrantpixeleffects
•Blazingfast540°panand270°tilt
•Razor-sharp10°beamangle
•1-30persecondadjustablestrobe
•Fullcolormixinginstandalone,master/slaveandDMXmodes
•Built-inautomatedprogramsviamaster/slave
•Built-insoundactivatedprogramsviamaster/slave
•Defeatablepan/tiltcorrectionwithtrimadjustment
•FixtureIDbasedDMXsettings
•3-pinmaleinputand3-pinfemaleoutput
•PowerCon™compatibleACpowerIn/Outconnectors
•Compact,highqualityhousing
CONTROL:
•USITTDMX-512(13/25Channels)
•3-pinInput/Output
•4-buttonmenuwithLCDdisplay
DMX Quick Reference (13-Channel Mode)
Channel What is does
1Pan
2 Pan Trim (16-bit)
3 Tilt
4 Tilt Trim (16-bit)
5 Pan/Tilt Speed (Fast <--> Slow)
6 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
7 Strobe
8 Built-in Programs
9 Built-in Program Speed (0% <--> 100%)
10 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
11 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
12 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
13 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Quick Reference (25-Channel Mode)
Channel What is does
1Pan
2 Pan Trim (16-bit)
3 Tilt
4 Tilt Trim (16-bit)
5 Pan/Tilt Speed (Fast <--> Slow)
6 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
7 Strobe
8 Built-in Programs
9 Built-in Program Speed (0% <--> 100%)
10 1stLEDGroup-RedIntensity(0%<-->100%)
11 1stLEDGroup-GreenIntensity(0%<-->100%)
12 1stLEDGroup-BlueIntensity(0%<-->100%)
13 1stLEDGroup-WhiteIntensity(0%<-->100%)
14 2ndLEDGroup-RedIntensity(0%<-->100%)
15 2ndLEDGroup-GreenIntensity(0%<-->100%)
16 2ndLEDGroup-BlueIntensity(0%<-->100%)
17 2ndLEDGroup-WhiteIntensity(0%<-->100%)
18 3rdLEDGroup-RedIntensity(0%<-->100%)
19 3rdLEDGroup-GreenIntensity(0%<-->100%)
20 3rdLEDGroup-BlueIntensity(0%<-->100%)
21 3rdLEDGroup-WhiteIntensity(0%<-->100%)
22 4thLEDGroup-RedIntensity(0%<-->100%)
23 4thLEDGroup-GreenIntensity(0%<-->100%)
24 4thLEDGroup-BlueIntensity(0%<-->100%)
25 4thLEDGroup-WhiteIntensity(0%<-->100%)
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
High Power 10-watt
CREE®LED’s
DMX Out
Power In Power Out
DMX In
Figure 1: The Blade™ QFX Pin-Up Picture
Figure 2: The Rear Connections
Head/Arms
Carrying
Handle
LCD Readout
Control Panel
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! The Blade™ QFX utilizes a high-output switch-mode power
supply with an internal fuse. Under normal operating conditions, the fuse
shouldnotrequirereplacement.Thefuseiseldreplaceable,however
itisanadvancedproceduresuitedtoqualiedindividuals.Shouldyour
Blade™QFXfuserequirereplacement,pleasecontactBlizzardLighting
for instructions, or to return your unit for service.
Connecting A Bunch of Blade™ QFX Fixtures
You will need a serial data link to run light shows using a DMX-512
controllerortorunshowsontwoormorexturessettosyncinmaster/
slaveoperatingmode.Thecombinednumberofchannelsrequiredbyall
thexturesonaserialdatalinkdeterminesthenumberofxturesthe
data link can support.
Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line.
Also,connectingmorethan32xturesononeserialdatalinkwithoutthe
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).
Themaximumrecommendednumberofxturesonaserialdatalinkis
32xtures.
Data/DMX Cabling
Tolinkxturestogetheryou’llneeddatacables.Youshouldusedata-
gradecablesthatcancarryahighqualitysignalandarelessproneto
electromagnetic interference.
Forinstance,Belden©9841meetsthespecicationsforEIARS-485
applications. Standard microphone cables will “probably” be OK, but note
that they cannot transmit DMX data as reliably over long distances. 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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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 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
xture’schassisground.Groundingthecommoncancauseaground
loop,andyourxturemayperformerratically.Testcableswithan
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
theDMXcabletotherstxture’smale
connector (input). Note: It doesn’t matter
whichxtureaddressistherstone
connected. We recommend connecting the
xturesintermsoftheirproximitytothe
controller, rather than connecting the lowest
xturenumberrst,andsoon.
Step 3:Connectotherxturesinthechain
from output to input as above. Place a DMX
terminatorontheoutputofthenalxture
to ensure best communication.
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 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
therstxture.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from
therstxturewhichwillhavea(female)3pin
connectortotheinputconnectorofthenextxture
consisting of a (male) 3 pin connector. Then,
proceed to connect from the output as stated above
totheinputofthefollowingxtureandsoon.
A quick note: Often,
the setup for Master-
Slave and Standalone
operationrequiresthat
therstxtureinthe
chain be initialized for
this purpose via either
settings in the control
panel or DIP-switches.
Secondarily,thextures
that follow may also
requireaslavesetting.
Check the “Operating Adjustments” section in this manual for
completeinstructionsforthistypeofsetupandconguration.
Mounting & Rigging
ThisxturemaybemountedinanySAFEpositionprovidedthereis
enough room for ventilation.
It is important never to obstruct the fan or vents pathway. Mount the
xtureusingasuitable“C”or“O”typeclamp.Theclampshouldbe
ratedtoholdatleast10xthexture’sweighttoensurestructural
stability. Do not mount to surfaces with unknown strength, and ensure
properly“rated”riggingisusedwhenmountingxturesoverhead.
Adjusttheangleofthexturebylooseningbothknobsandtiltingthe
xture.Afterndingthedesiredposition,retightenbothknobs.
•Whenselectinginstallationlocation,takeintoconsiderationlamp
replacement access (if applicable) and routine maintenance.
•SafetycablesMUSTALWAYSbeused.
•Nevermountinplaceswherethexturewillbeexposedtorain,
high humidity, extreme temperature changes or restricted ventilation.
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the Blade™ QFX are accessed
byusingthecontrolpanelonthefrontofthexture.Thereare4control
buttons below the LCD display which allow you to navigate through the various
control panel menus.
Main Menu
To navigate through the LCD control panel main menu, use the <UP/DOWN>
buttons to scroll through the various top level menu options. Then to select an
option to edit its settings, push the <ENTER> button.
MENU ENTERDOWNUP
Control Panel Menu Structure
DMX 512 -- Choose Fixture ID
001-512 DMX Address
Channel 13 13 Channel DMX Mode
25 25 Channel DMX Mode
Master Sound 00-99 Sound Active Mode
Master Auto 00-15 Auto Mode
Master Prog 00-22 Built-in Programs
Master Fade 00-15 Fade (Fast <--> Slow)
Master Shut 00-15 Strobe (Fast <--> Slow)
Motor X 000-255 Pan (Slow <--> Fast)
Motor Y 000-255 Tilt (Slow <--> Fast)
Info Sys LED BEAM System Information
Setup R 000-1800 Red Intensity
Setup G 000-1800 Green Intensity
Setup B 000-1800 Blue Intensity
Setup W 000-1800 White Intensity
Setup X InvX Yes/No (invert pan)
Setup Y InvY Yes/No (invert tilt)
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Mode - Fixture ID / DMX Channel Selection
ThemenuhasauniquefeaturewhichallowsyoutoassignanyorallofyouBlade™QFX
xturesa“FixtureID”number.ThisallowsquickaccesstoevenlyspacedstartingDMX
address that correspond to the number of channels needed in 13/25 channel modes.
13CHANNELMODE-INITIALFIXTUREID/DMXSTARTINGADDRESS:
Fixture ID DMX Address Fixture ID DMX Address
01 001 11 131
02 014 12 144
03 027 13 157
04 040 14 170
05 053 15 183
06 066 16 196
07 079 17 209
08 092 18 222
09 105 19 235
10 118
25CHANNELMODE-INITIALFIXTUREID/DMXSTARTINGADDRESS:
Fixture ID DMX Address Fixture ID DMX Address
01 001 06 126
02 026 07 151
03 051 08 176
04 076 09 201
05 101 10 226
Note: Theseareonlytheinitial/defaultxtureIDtoDMXaddresssettings.Changing
aDMXaddresssettingwithinaxtureIDwillautomaticallychangeallcombinations
thereafter,permode.Forexample:In25channelmode,ifyouchangextureID01to
DMXstartingaddress002...thenxtureID02willautomaticallymoveuponenumberand
nowbeDMXstartingaddress027,xtureID03willbeDMXstartingaddress052,andso
on all the way down the line.
Fixture ID # DMX Channel
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Selecting A Fixture ID
TosetuporuseaxtureID,pushthe<MENU> button until you reach the DMX512
screen. Press the <ENTER> button once, and note that the digits located at the
bottomleftareunderlined.ThisisthextureID,anditsassignedstartingDMX
addressistotoright.TouseadifferentxtureID,pushthe<UP/DOWN> buttons to
until you reach your desired ID number.
Changing A Fixture ID Starting DMX Address
After you’ve reached your desired ID number, push the <ENTER> button once, and
you’ll notice that its assigned DMX address on the right is now underlined and ready
for editing. Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select your desired DMX address
anywhere from 001-255. Push <ENTER>conrm(Seepage12formoreinfo.)
DMX Mode Selection
Tousethextureineither13CH, or 25CH DMX channel mode, use the <UP/
DOWN> buttons to scroll to Channel, and push the <ENTER> button. Next, use the
<UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll to either 13CH or 25CH. Then push the <ENTER>
buttontoconrmyourchoice.
Sound Active Mode
Insoundactivemode,thexturewillreacttosound,chasingthroughthebuilt-in
programs. Tousethextureinsoundactivemode,usethe<UP/DOWN> buttons
to scroll to Master Sound, then push the <ENTER> button. Next, use the <UP/
DOWN> buttons to select the microphone sensitivity level from 00 to 99 (high <-->
low). Then push the <ENTER>buttontoconrmyourchoice.
Auto Mode
Inautomode,thexturewillautomaticallychasethroughitsbuilt-inprograms.To
usethextureinautomode,usethe<UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll to Master
Auto, then push the <ENTER> button. Next, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to
select the auto mode of your choice from 00 to 15. This will adjust the speed (fast
<--> slow). Then push the <ENTER>buttontoconrmyourchoice.
Program Mode (Built-in Programs)
Tousethextureinprogrammode,usethe<UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll to
Master Prog, then push the <ENTER> button. Next, use the <UP/DOWN>
buttons to select the individual built-in program of your choice from 00 to 22. Then
push the <ENTER>buttontoconrmyourchoice.
Fade Mode
To adjust the fade speed, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll to Master Fade,
then push the <ENTER> button. Next, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select the
fade rate of speed from 00 to 15 (fast <--> slow). Then push the <ENTER> button
toconrmyourchoice.
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth (13-Channel Mode)
Channel Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Pan
2 000 <--> 255 Pan Trim (16-bit)
3 000 <--> 255 Tilt
4 000 <--> 255 Tilt Trim (16-bit)
5 000 <--> 255 Pan/Tilt Speed (Fast <--> Slow)
6 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
7
000 <--> 009
010 <--> 089
090 <--> 169
170 <--> 249
250 <--> 255
No Function
Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)
Random Strobe
Strobe with color changing
No Function
8 000 <--> 255 Built-in Programs
9 000 <--> 255 Built-in Program Speed (0% <--> 100%)
10 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
11 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
12 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
13 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
Strobe Mode
To adjust the strobe speed, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll to Master Shut,
then push the <ENTER> button. Next, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select the
strobe rate of speed from 00 to 15 (fast <--> slow). Then push the <ENTER> button
toconrmyourchoice.
Manual X (Pan) Positioning
To manually adjust the position of the pan motor, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to
scroll to Motor X, then push the <ENTER> button. Next, use the <UP/DOWN>
buttons to adjust the pan position anywhere from 000 to 255. Then push the
<ENTER>buttontoconrmyourchoice.
Manual Y (Tilt) Positioning
To manually adjust the position of the tilt motor, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to
scroll to Motor Y, then push the <ENTER> button. Next, use the <UP/DOWN>
buttons to adjust the pan position anywhere from 000 to 255. Then push the
<ENTER>buttontoconrmyourchoice.
Manual Color Adjustment
To manually adjust the level intensity of Red, Green, Blue, or White use the <UP/
DOWN> buttons to scroll to Setup R, Setup G, Setup B or Setup W then push
the <ENTER> button. Next, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to adjust the intensity
anywhere from 000 to 1800. Then push the <ENTER>buttontoconrm.
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth (25-Channel Mode)
Channel Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Pan
2 000 <--> 255 Pan Trim (16-bit)
3 000 <--> 255 Tilt
4 000 <--> 255 Tilt Trim (16-bit)
5 000 <--> 255 Pan/Tilt Speed (Fast <--> Slow)
6 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
7
000 <--> 009
010 <--> 089
090 <--> 169
170 <--> 249
250 <--> 255
No Function
Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)
Random Strobe
Strobe with color changing
No Function
8 000 <--> 255 Built-in Programs
9 000 <--> 255 Built-in Program Speed (0% <--> 100%)
10 000 <--> 255 1stLEDGroup-RedIntensity(0%<-->100%)
11 000 <--> 255 1stLEDGroup-GreenIntensity(0%<-->100%)
12 000 <--> 255 1stLEDGroup-BlueIntensity(0%<-->100%)
13 000 <--> 255 1stLEDGroup-WhiteIntensity(0%<-->100%)
14 000 <--> 255 2ndLEDGroup-RedIntensity(0%<-->100%)
15 000 <--> 255 2ndLEDGroup-GreenIntensity(0%<-->100%)
16 000 <--> 255 2ndLEDGroup-BlueIntensity(0%<-->100%)
17 000 <--> 255 2ndLEDGroup-WhiteIntensity(0%<-->100%)
18 000 <--> 255 3rdLEDGroup-RedIntensity(0%<-->100%)
19 000 <--> 255 3rdLEDGroup-GreenIntensity(0%<-->100%)
20 000 <--> 255 3rdLEDGroup-BlueIntensity(0%<-->100%)
21 000 <--> 255 3rdLEDGroup-WhiteIntensity(0%<-->100%)
22 000 <--> 255 4thLEDGroup-RedIntensity(0%<-->100%)
23 000 <--> 255 4thLEDGroup-GreenIntensity(0%<-->100%)
24 000 <--> 255 4thLEDGroup-BlueIntensity(0%<-->100%)
25 000 <--> 255 4thLEDGroup-WhiteIntensity(0%<-->100%)
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 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
communicationsstandardusedbylightingandrelatedstageequipment.
DMXprovidesupto512control“channels”perdatalink.Eachofthesechannelswas
originally intended to control lamp dimmer levels. You can think of it as 512 faders on a
lightingconsole,connectedto512lightbulbs.Eachslider’spositionissentoverthedata
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.
TherearevepinsonaDMXconnector:awireforground(cableshield),twowiresfor
“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”channelisnotusedsodataowsonlyfromsources
to receivers. Hence, most of us are most familiar with DMX-512 as being employer over
typical3-pin“miccables,”althoughthisdoesnotconformtothedenedstandard.
DMXisconnectedusingadaisy-chaincongurationwherethesourceconnectstotheinput
oftherstdevice,theoutputoftherstdeviceconnectstotheinputofthenextdevice,
and so on. The standard allows for up to 32 devices on a single DMX link.
Eachreceivingdevicetypicallyhasameansforsettingthe“startingchannelnumber”that
itwillrespondto.Forexample,iftwo6-channelxturesareused,therstxturemight
be set to start at channel 1 so it would respond to DMX channels 1 through 6, and the next
xturewouldbesettostartatchannel7soitwouldrespondtochannels7through12.
Troubleshooting
Symptom Solution
Fixture Auto-
Shut Off
Checkthefaninthexture.Ifitisstoppedormovingslowerthan
normal, the unit may have shut itself off due to high heat. This is to
protectthexturefromoverheating.Clearthefanofobstructions,
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 Checktoensurextureisoperatingundercorrectmode,IEsound
active/auto/DMX/Etc.,ifapplicable.Contactserviceformoreinfor-
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
Verifythatthextureisin“SoundActive”mode.
Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.
Fixture Not
Responding /
RespondingEr-
ratically
Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely.
Use Only DMX Cables.
Install a Terminator.
Check all cables for defects.
Resetxture(s).
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Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Keeping Your Blade™ QFX As Good As New
Thextureyou’vereceivedisarugged,toughpieceofprolightingequipment,
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.
Youshouldabsolutelykeepthextureclean,especiallyifyouareusingitinan
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
thequalityoflightoutput.Keepingthefansfreeofdustanddebriswillkeep
thexturerunningcoolandpreventdamagefromoverheating.
Intransit,keepthexturesincases.Youwouldn’tthrowaprizedguitar,
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.
Commonsenseandtakingcareofyourxtureswillbethesinglebiggestthing
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
client’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,
likeanycomplexpieceofequipmentdesignedandbuiltbyhumans,onceina
while,somethingdoesn’tgoasplanned.Ifyoundyourselfwithaxturethat
isn’tbehavinglikeagoodlittlextureshould,you’llneedtoobtainaReturn
Authorization (RA).
Don’tworry,thisiseasy.Justsendanemailto[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.
Makesureyoucarefullypackthexturefortransit,andwheneverpossible,use
the original box & packing for shipping.
Whenreturningyourxtureforservice,besuretoincludethefollowing:
1.)Yourcontactinformation(Name,Address,PhoneNumber,Emailaddress).
2.) The RA# issued to you
3.) A brief description of the problem/symptoms.
Wewill,atourdiscretion,repairorreplacethexture.Pleaseremember
that any shipping damage which occurs in transit to us is the customer’s
responsibility, 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 18
Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Tech Specs!
Weight & Dimensions
Length 13.4 inches (34 cm)
Width 9.5 inches (24 cm)
Height 14.8 inches (37.5 cm)
Weight 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)
Power
Operating Voltage AC 110-250VAC, 50-60 Hertz
Power Consumption 112W, 1.5A (full white)
Power Factor .59
Light Source
LED 12x10-wattR/G/B/WCREE®LED’s
Optical
Beam Angle 10°
Thermal
Max. Operating
Temp.
104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Control
Protocol USITT DMX-512
DMX Channels 13 or 25 Channels
Input 3-pin XLR Male
Output 3-pin XLR Female
Other Operating
Modes Standalone, Master/Slave, Auto Mode
Other Information
If I had a yak, I’d call him Fleetwood.
Warranty
2-year limited warranty, does not cover mal-
functioncausedbydamagetoLED’s.
DISCLAIMER:
Thepowerconnectorttedtothextureandxturecordaredesignedforcompatibility
with products manufactured by Neutrik AG, Neutrik USA and their related entities, how-
evertheyarenotmanufacturedby,afliatedwithorendorsedbyNeutrikAG,Neutrik
USA,oranyrelatedentity.Neutrik®andpowerCON®areregisteredtrademarksof
Neutrik AG.
Page 19
Blade™ QFX User Manual Rev. A (c) 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Luminous Intensity
Lux/Meter 1 Meter 2 Meter
Red 7,300 2,300
Green 6,500 2,000
Blue 6,700 2,100
White 9,100 2,800
All 27,500 8,500
Enjoy your product!
Our sincerest thanks for your purchase!
--The team @ Blizzard Lighting
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