Blizzard Lighting Blade RGBW User manual

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

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Blade™ RGBW 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™ RGBW 5
Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The Blade™ RGBW Pin-up Picture 7
3. Setup 8
Fuse Replacement 8
Connecting A Bunch Of Blade™ RGBW 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 12
Address Mode - DMX Channel Selection 14
Run Mode - DMX Mode, Auto and Sound Active 14
Test Mode 14
Setup Mode 15
DMX Channel Values In-Depth 16
Troubleshooting 18
5. Appendix 18
A Quick DMX Lesson 18
Keeping Your Blade™ RGBW As Good As New 19
Returns (Gasp!) 19
Shipping Issues 19
Tech Specs 20

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
 •1 x Blade™ RGBW Moving Head Fixture
 •AnEver-So-HandyPowerCord
 •ASweetMountingBracket
 •ThisLovelyUserManual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulationsonpurchasingoneofthecoolest,fastestLEDxtures
anywhere! Now that you’re the proud owner of a Blade™ RGBW (or
hopefully,BLADES!),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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
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
W220N1531JerichoCt.SteE
Waukesha, WI 53186 USA
www.blizzardlighting.com
414-395-8365

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Blade™ RGBW User 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
decal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
technical 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
[email protected].

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET THE BLADE™ RGBW MOvING HEAD
MAIN FEATURES:
•36x5-wattR/G/B/WCREE®LED’s
•Userselectable11or15DMXchannels
•Razor-sharp1.1°beamangle+attachable8°diffuserlens
•Fullcolormixinginstandalone,master/slaveandDMXmodes
•Built-inautomatedprogramsviamaster/slave
•Built-insoundactivatedprogramsviamaster/slave
•Userselectable16-bitdimming
•Defeatablepan/tiltcorrectionwithtrimadjustment
•AutostandbyafterDMXsignalloss
•FixtureIDaddressing
•3-pinmaleinputand3-pinfemaleoutput
•PowerCon™compatibleACpowerIn/Outconnectors
•Compact,highqualityhousing
OPTICAL:
•BeamAngle:1.1°(8°withdiffuserlens)
•LightSource:36x5-wattR/G/B/WCREE®LED’s
CONTROL:
•USITTDMX-512(11/15Channels)
•3-pinInput/Output
•4-buttonmenuwithLCD-TFTicon-baseddisplay
DMX Quick Reference (11-Channel Mode)
Channel What is does
1Pan
2 Tilt
3 Pan Trim (16-bit)
4 Tilt Trim (16-bit)
5 Pan/Tilt Speed (Fast <--> Slow)
6 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
7 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
8 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
9 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
10 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
11 Custom Color (0% <--> 100%)

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Quick Reference (15-Channel Mode)
Channel What is does
1Pan
2 Tilt
3 X-Axis Trim (16-bit)
4 Y-Axis Trim (16-bit)
5 Pan/Tilt Speed (Fast <--> Slow)
6 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
7 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
8 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
9 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
10 Custom Color (0% <--> 100%)
11 Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)
12 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
13 Built-inPrograms+SoundActive
14 Built-in Color Macros
15 Fixture ID Address Selection

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
High Power 5-watt
CREE®LED’s
DMX Out
Power In Power Out
DMX In
Figure 1: The Blade™ RGBW Pin-Up Picture
Figure 2: The Rear Connections
Head/Arms
Carrying
Handle
LCD Readout
Control Panel

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! The Blade™ RGBW utilizes a high-output switch-mode power
supply with an internal fuse. Under normal operating conditions, the fuse
shouldnotrequirereplacement.Thefuseiseldreplaceable,however
itisanadvancedproceduresuitedtoqualiedindividuals.Shouldyour
Blade™RGBWfuserequirereplacement,pleasecontactBlizzardLighting
for instructions, or to return your unit for service.
Connecting A Bunch of Blade™ RGBW 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master/
slaveoperatingmode.Thecombinednumberofchannelsrequiredbyall
thexturesonaserialdatalinkdeterminesthenumberofxtures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 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™ RGBW User 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
xture’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
connector (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.

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Blade™ RGBW User 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
connectortotheinputconnectorofthenextxture
consisting 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
requireaslavesetting.
Check the “Operating Adjustments” section in this manual for
complete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
stability. Do not mount to surfaces with unknown strength, and ensure
properly“rated”riggingisusedwhenmountingxtures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.

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the Blade™ RGBW
areaccessedbyusingthecontrolpanelonthefrontofthexture.
There are 4 control buttons below the LCD display which allow you to
navigate through the various control panel menus.
Main Menu
MENU ENTERDOWNUP
To navigate through the LCD control
panel main menu, use the <UP/DOWN>
buttons to highlight any icon (up to scroll
right, down to scroll left).
Then to select an icon and access its
submenu options, push the <ENTER>
button.
Submenu
Toeditanysubmenuoption,rstusethe
<UP/DOWN> buttons to highlight the
option you wish to edit, and then push
the <ENTER> button.
Then use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to
scroll through the option choices that are
available. When your desired selection
is highlighted, push the enter button to
conrmyourchoice.
If you wish to return to the main menu from within a submenu at any
time, simply push the <MENU> button.

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Control Panel Menu Structure
Address 001-512 Sets the DMX Address
RunMode DMX DMX Mode (11/15ch)
Auto Auto Mode (1-8)
Sound Sound Active Mode
TestMode Pan 000-255
Tilit 000-255
Auto 000-255
Red 000-255
Green 000-255
Blue 000-255
White 000-255
Language Chinese
English
SetUp ID Code 000-025
PanReverse On/Off
TiltReverse On/Off
FaderDelay On/Off

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Control Panel Menu Structure (Continued)
SignalLink On/Off
CodeWheel On/Off
TempSwitchSet On/Off
TemperatureSet 50-120°C
ScreenSaver Off/Mode1/Mode2
DisplayReverse On/Off
FactorySet Yes
Reset (Motor) Yes
MotorxOffset +127to-128
MotoryOffset +127to-128
SysInfo OnTime Hours/Min/Sec
Runtime (Total) Hours/Min
SoftwareVersion
RunningMode (Current)
DMX Address (Current)
Temperature (Current)

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Address - DMX Channel Selection
Allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller.
1.)ThedefaultmodeforthextureisDMX,whichappearsas001ontheLCDRead-
out. To select a different DMX address, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to highlight
the Address icon and push <ENTER>. Then use the use the <UP/DOWN>
buttons to choose your desired starting DMX address, then hit <ENTER> again to
conrmyourchoice.
2.) Note: This xture does not require additional settings to run as a slave.
TherstxturelinkedintheDMXchainwillserveasthemaster.
Run Mode - DMX Mode, Auto, & Sound Active:
Allows a single or Master/Slaved units to run factory installed programs at user selectable
speeds.
1.)Tousethexturein11or15channelmode,usethe<UP/DOWN> buttons to
scroll to RunMode and hit the <ENTER> button. Push the <ENTER> button again
while DMX is highlighted and scroll to either 11Ch or 15Ch. Then push the <EN-
TER>buttontoconrmyourchoice.
2.)Tosetthextureinautomaticmode,usethe<UP/DOWN> buttons to scroll to
RunMode and hit the <ENTER> button. Push the <ENTER> button again while
Auto is highlighted and choose from Auto1 to Auto8. Then push the <ENTER>
buttontoconrmyourchoice.
3.)Tosetthextureinsoundactivemode,usethe<UP/DOWN> buttons to
scroll to RunMode and hit the <ENTER> button. Push the <ENTER> button
again while Sound is highlighted. Then push the <ENTER>buttontoconrmyour
choice.
Test Mode
Aspecialmodewhichallowsyoutestthexturesx-axismotor,y-axismotor,and
focus motor position (000-255). Here you can also test red, green, blue, and white
intensity (000-255). These RGBW settings also serve as the user dened
color in 15-channel DMX mode, channel 10.
Language
ThisiswhereyoucanchangethelanguagesettingsofthexturefromEnglishto
Chinese, if so desired. Hint: You might wanna start learning it sooner, rather than
later!

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Setup Mode
ID Address
IDAddressmodeallowsyoutoutilizeupto850xturesononly1DMXuniverse
whilemaintainingfullindividualcontrolovereachxture.YoucanassignID
addressestoyourxtureswithintheSetUp menu settings.
Navigate to the SetUpicon on the LCD display using the <UP/DOWN> buttons
and press <ENTER>. Then use <UP/DOWN> buttons to highlight Id Code and
press the <ENTER> button
.ThenscrolltothextureIDaddressnumberthat
you’dliketoassigntothextureusing
the <UP/DOWN> buttons , and push the
<ENTER>buttontoconrmyourchoice.
Pan Reverse, Tilt Reverse, and Fader Delay
Reverse the settings of Pan and Tilt within this menu selection.
Use the <UP/
DOWN> buttons to scroll to SetUp and hit the <ENTER> button. Push the
<ENTER> button again while either of these are highlighted. Then use the <UP/
DOWN> buttons to highlight On or Off. Then push the <ENTER> button to
conrmyourchoice.
Here you can also turn On/Off the Fader Delay in the same manner (bet your
getting pretty good by now!)
1.)
OFF – Fixture dimming curve is 256 steps, linear
2.) ON – When in 15-channel mode, and with channel 12 set between DMX values
(001-025),thexturewillslowandsmooththedimmingcurvebyaddingaddi-
tional dimming steps. This is particularly noticeable during long or slow dim/fade
times.
Signal Link
1.) OFF – Fixture will continue last known function if there is a DMX signal loss
2.) ON – Fixture will turn off if there is a DMX signal loss
Code Wheel (Position Correction)
1.) OFF – Fixture will not automatically attempt to auto-correct positioning
2.) ON – Fixture will automatically attempt to auto-correct positioning
Screen Saver
1.) OFF – No screen saver
2.) Mode1 – Large, current DMX channel display as screen saver
2.) Mode2 – Display will shut off

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth (15-Channel Mode)
Channel Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Pan
2 000 <--> 255 Tilt
3 000 <--> 255 X-Axis Trim (16-bit)
4 000 <--> 255 Y-Axis Trim (16-bit)
5 000 <--> 255 Pan/Tilt Speed (Fast <--> Slow)
6 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
7 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
8 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
9 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
10 000 <--> 255 Custom Color (R/G/B/W setup in Test Mode)
11 000 <--> 255 Strobe (Slow <--> Fast)
12 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
13 000 <--> 025
026 <--> 050
051 <--> 090
091 <--> 130
131 <--> 170
171 <--> 210
211 <--> 250
251 <--> 255
256-Step Linear Dimming
Fade Step Increase (Ch. 12 set at 001-025)
Color Macros
Color Fade In/Out, Ch. 14 Controls Speed
Color Snap, Ch. 14 Controls Speed
Color Fade, Ch. 14 Controls Speed
Auto (Runs Current Selected in Control Panel)
Sound Active
14 000 <--> 020
021 <--> 040
041 <--> 060
061 <--> 080
081 <--> 100
101 <--> 120
121 <--> 140
141 <--> 160
161 <--> 170
171 <--> 200
201 <--> 205
206 <--> 210
211 <--> 215
216 <--> 220
221 <--> 225
226 <--> 230
231 <--> 235
236 <--> 240
241 <--> 245
246 <--> 250
251 <--> 255
Red/YellowEffect
Yellow/GreenEffect
Green/AquaEffect
Aqua/BlueEffect
Blue/MagentaEffect
Magenta/RedEffect
Red/WhiteEffect
White/BlueEffect
WhiteEffect
Blackout
CTO – 3800K
CTO - 4200K
CTO - 4500K
CTO - 4800K
CTO - 5000K
CTO - 5200K
CTO - 5600K
CTO - 5800K
CTO - 6000K
CTO - 6200K
CTO - 6500K

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth (11-Channel Mode)
Channel Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Pan
2 000 <--> 255 Tilt
3 000 <--> 255 X-Axis Trim (16-bit)
4 000 <--> 255 Y-Axis Trim (16-bit)
5 000 <--> 255 Pan/Tilt Speed (Fast <--> Slow)
6 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
7 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
8 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
9 000 <--> 255 White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
10 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
11 000 <--> 255 Custom Color (R/G/B/W setup in Test Mode)
Channel Value What It Does
15 000 <--> 009
010 <--> 019
020 <--> 029
030 <--> 039
040 <--> 049
050 <--> 059
060 <--> 069
070 <--> 079
080 <--> 089
090 <--> 099
100 <--> 109
110 <--> 119
120 <--> 129
130 <--> 139
140 <--> 149
150 <--> 159
160 <--> 169
170 <--> 179
180 <--> 189
190 <--> 199
200 <--> 209
210 <--> 219
220 <--> 229
230 <--> 239
240 <--> 249
250 <--> 255
No Function
Fixture ID 1
Fixture ID 2
Fixture ID 3
Fixture ID 4
Fixture ID 5
Fixture ID 6
Fixture ID 7
Fixture ID 8
Fixture ID 9
Fixture ID 10
Fixture ID 11
Fixture ID 12
Fixture ID 13
Fixture ID 14
Fixture ID 15
Fixture ID 16
Fixture ID 17
Fixture ID 18
Fixture ID 19
Fixture ID 20
Fixture ID 21
Fixture ID 22
Fixture ID 23
Fixture ID 24
Fixture ID 25

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Blade™ RGBW User 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).

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Keeping Your Blade™ RGBW As Good As New
Thextureyou’vereceivedisarugged,toughpieceofprolightingequipment,
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
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,
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
Authorization (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
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.

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Blade™ RGBW User Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 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 120VAC, 60 Hertz
Power Consumption 148W, 1.84A (full white)
Power Factor .67
Light Source
LED 36x5-wattR/G/B/WCREE®LED’s
Optical
Beam Angle 1.1°(8°withdiffuserlens)
Thermal
Max. Operating
Temp.
104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Control
Protocol USITT DMX-512
DMX Channels 11 or 15 Channels
Input 3-pin XLR Male
Output 3-pin XLR Female
Other Operating
Modes
Standalone, Master/Slave, Sound Active, Color
Preset
Favorite Movie Quote
Look, good against remotes is one thing. Good against the living,
that’s something else.
Warranty
2-year limited warranty, does not cover mal-
functioncausedbydamagetoLED’s.
DISCLAIMER:
Thepowerconnectorttedtothextureandxturecordaredesignedforcompatibility
with products manufactured by Neutrik AG, Neutrik USA and their related entities, how-
evertheyarenotmanufacturedby,afliatedwithorendorsedbyNeutrikAG,Neutrik
USA,oranyrelatedentity.Neutrik®andpowerCON®areregisteredtrademarksof
Neutrik AG.