Blizzard Lighting ToughPar User manual

Blizzard Lighting, LLC
www.blizzardlighting.com
Wisconsin, USA
Copyright (c) 2011

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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ToughPAR™ RGBAW 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 Hand In The Toaster!) 4
2. Meet The ToughPAR™ RGBAW LED 5
Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The ToughPAR™Pin-up Picture 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7
Connecting A Bunch Of ToughPAR™ RGBAW PAR Cans 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 12
Master/Slave Mode 12
Sound Active Mode 12
Standalone (Program) Mode 12
Manual Color Adjustment 12
DMX Channel Values In-Depth 13
Troubleshooting 14
5. Appendix 15
A Quick DMX Lesson 15
Keeping Your ToughPAR™As Good As New 16
Returns (Gasp!) 16
Shipping Issues 16
Tech Specs 17

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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
• 1 x ToughPAR™ RGBAW Professional LED PAR Fixture
• 1 x IP Rated AC power cord with cable cap
• 1 x Set of IP Rated DMX in/out cables
• This Lovely User Manual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulations on purchasing one tough motha of a PAR fixture! Now
that you’ve got your ToughPAR™ (or hopefully, ToughPARS!), 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 pow-
er supply. See the label on the fixture or refer to the fixture’s specifi-
cations 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! Verify that the voltage select switch on your unit
matches the line voltage applied. Damage to your fixture may
result if the line voltage applied does not match the voltage
indicated on the voltage selector switch. 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
W220 N1531 Jericho Ct. Suite E, Waukesha, WI 53186 USA
[email protected]
www.blizzardlighting.com
866-493-6025

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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 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. 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 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.
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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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET THE ToughPAR™RGBAW LED PAR
CONTROL FEATURES
• RGB color mixing via 36x 1W Red/Green/Blue/Amber/White LEDs
• Variable electronic strobe
• Variable electronic dimmer
• Built-in color & chase macros via DMX
• Built-in automated programs via master/slave
• Built-in sound active programs
• RGB color mixing ability in standalone mode
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
• Built like a brick hmm hmm
• Light source: 36x 1 watt Edison LEDs
• Internal Fan Cooling
• Dual mounting brackets for positioning flexibility
DMX Quick Reference - 9 Channel Mode
Channel What It Does
1 Dimmer
2 Red Intensity
3 Green Intensity
4 Blue Intensity
5 Amber Intensity
6 White Intensity
7 Strobe
8 Built-in Programs
9 Built-in Programs
DMX Quick Reference - 4/5 Channel Mode
Channel What It Does
(5 Ch.) What It Does (4 Ch.)
1 Red Intensity Red Intensity
2 Green Intensity Amber Intensity
3 Blue Intensity White Intensity
4 Amber Intensity Dimmer (0-100%)
5 White Intensity ---

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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1-watt RGBAW
LEDs
IP65-Rated Cast Aluminum
Enclosure
Mounting Yoke & Adjustment/
Locking Knobs
Figure 2: The Rear Connections
DMX In
DMX Out
LED Control Panel
Power
Linking
Quick-
Change LED
Lens Plate
Figure 1: The ToughPAR™ Pin-Up Picture

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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! The ToughPAR™ RGBAW 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 field
replaceable, however it is an advanced procedure suited to qualified
individuals. Should your ToughPAR™ fuse require replacement, please
contact Blizzard Lighting for instructions, or to return your unit for
service.
Connecting A Bunch of ToughPAR™ RGBAW 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 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 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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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 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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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 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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ToughPAR RGBAW Manual Rev. A Copyright (c) 2011 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the ToughPAR™ LED
are accessed by using the control panel on the rear 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.
<SAVE>
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 <SAVE> 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.