Blizzard Lighting MAX L User manual

Blizzard Lighting, LLC
http://www.blizzardpro.com
Waukesha, WI USA
Copyright (c) 2020

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 4
2. Meet MAX L™ 5
Main Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
MAX L™ Pin-Up Picture 6
The Rear Connections 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7
Connecting A Bunch of MAX L's 7
Data/DMX Cabling 7
Cable Connectors 8
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh?!? 8
Take It To The Next Level: Setting Up DMX Control 8
Fixture Linking (M/S Mode) 9
Mounting & Rigging 9
4. Operating Adjustments 10
The Control Panel 10
Control Panel Menu Structure 11
DMX Mode 12
Starting DMX Address 12
DMX Channel Mode 12
M/S Mode 12
Auto, Sound Active, & Manual Adjustments 12
Color Jump & Color Fade 12
Color Mixing and Presets 12
5. Appendix 14
Keeping Your MAX L™ As Good As New 14
Returns (Gasp!) 14
Shipping Issues 14
Tech Specs! 15
Dimensional Drawings 15

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
• 1 x MAX L™ LED Strobe
• 1 x IEC Power Cord
• 1 x Mounting Bracket & Locking Knobs
Getting It Out Of the Box
Congratulations on purchasing the multi-talented MAX L™: color strobe, blinder
and wash eect. Now that you’ve got MAX L™, 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 o a switched circuit and cannot be run
o a rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat
or dimmer channel is used solely for a 0% to 100% switch.
Warning! All xtures must be connected to circuits with a suitable
Ground (Earthing).
Getting A Hold Of Us
If something goes wrong, please visit www.blizzardpro.com/support
and open a support ticket. We’ll be happy to help, honest.
Disclaimer: The information and specications contained in this document are
subject to change without notice. Blizzard Lighting™ assumes no responsibility
or liability for any errors or omissions that may appear in this user manual.
Blizzard Lighting™ reserves the right to update the existing document or to
create a new document to correct any errors or omissions at any time. You can
download the latest version of this document from www.blizzardpro.com.
Author: Date: Last Edited: Date:
J. Thomas 9/23/2020 J. Thomas 12/28/2020

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Please read these instructions carefully. They include
important information about the installation, usage and
maintenance of this product.
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
head. 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 open a support ticket at www.blizzardpro.com/support.

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET MAX L™
Main Features
• 3-in-1 strobe, blinder, and wash eect
• 132x 0.2W high output SMD 5050 RGB LEDs
• RGB color mixing in DMX and stand-alone mode
• Flicker-free, constant current LED driver
• Multiple built-in color macros and strobe eects
• Auto and sound active programs via DMX
• Variable electronic strobe (1-30Hz)
• Beam angle: 80°
• Built-in microphone with sensitivity adjustments
• 8 DMX modes with dimmer, ash frequency, and duration
• 3-pin DMX input/output + IEC power input
• Compact black metal housing with mounting bracket
Control
• Protocol: USITT DMX-512
• DMX channel modes: 1/2/3/4/6-channels (8 total)
• 4-button control panel with LED display
• Operating modes: DMX512, M/S, auto mode, sound active
DMX Quick Reference (1/2/3-Channel Modes)
1CH 2CH(1) 2CH(2) 3CH(1) What It Does
-- 1 1 1 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
1 -- 2 2 Strobe (slow <--> fast)
-- 2 -- -- Color Macros
-- -- -- 3 Flash Duration (0ms to 510ms)
DMX Quick Reference (3/4/6-Channel Modes)
3CH(2) 3CH(3) 4CH 6CH What It Does
1 -- 1 1 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2 -- 2 2 Strobe (slow <--> fast)
3 -- 3 -- Color Macros
-- 1 -- 3 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
-- 2 -- 4 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
-- 3 -- 5 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
-- -- 4 6 Sound Active (mic sensitivity)

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
The Rear Connections
MAX L™ Pin-Up Picture
132x 0.2W SMD 5050
RGB LEDs
Mounting
Bracket
Locking
Knob
Fuse Holder
Control Panel Menu
DMX Input
Power Input DMX Output
Safety
Loop

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Fuse Replacement
With a at head screwdriver, wedge the fuse
holder out of its housing. Remove the damaged
fuse from its holder and replace with exact same
type fuse.
Connecting A Bunch of MAX L's
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
Before replacing a fuse, disconnect the power cord.
ALWAYS replace with the same type and rating of fuse.
3. SETUP

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Cable Connectors
Cables must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR connec-
tor on the other end. (Duh!)
To build your own DMX Terminator:
Obtain a 120-ohm, 1/4-watt resistor, and wire it between pins 2 & 3 of the last xture. They are also
readily available from specialty retailers.
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.
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. 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
Data 1- (Primary Data Link) Pin 2 Pin 2
Data 1+ (Primary Data Link) Pin 3 Pin 3
Data 2- (Optional Secondary Data Link) -- Pin 4 - Do Not Use
Data 2+ (Optional Secondary Data Link) -- Pin 5 - Do Not Use
12
33
INPUT OUTPUT
Common
DMX +
DMX -
DMX OUTDMX IN
First
Fixture
in Chain
Next
Fixture
in Chain
DMX OUTDMX IN
A Word on Termination:
DMX is a resilient communication protocol, however
errors still occasionally occur. Termination reduces signal
errors, and therefore best practices include use of a
terminator in all circumstances. If you are experiencing
problems with erratic xture behavior, especially over
long signal cable runs, a terminator may help improve
performance.

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Fixture Linking (M/S Mode)
1. Connect the male connector side of the DMX cable to the output female
connector of the rst xture.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from
the rst xture which will have a female
connector to the input connector of the next
xture consisting of a male 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.
DMX OUTDMX IN
First
Fixture
in Chain
Next
Fixture
in Chain
DMX OUTDMX IN
Mounting & Rigging
This xture may be mounted in any SAFE position provided there is enough
room for ventilation. The fan or vent pathway must never be obstructed.
IMPORTANT: Regardless of the rigging option you choose for your xtures,
always be sure to secure your xture with a safety cable.
Mount the xture using a suitable "C" or "O" type clamp. The clamps should be
rated to hold at least 10x the xture’s weight to ensure structural stability. Do
not mount to surfaces of unknown strength, and ensure properly rated rigging
is used when mounting xtures overhead.
Overhead mounting requires extensive experience, which includes calculating
working load limits, knowledge of the installation material being used, and
periodic safety inspections. If you lack these qualications, do not attempt the
installation yourself. Improper installation can result in bodily injury.
Bracket
Clamp
Safety Loop

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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 im-
mediately the rst available option for the selected menu function. To select a
menu item, press <ENTER>.
Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to navigate the menu options. Press the
<ENTER> button to select the menu function currently displayed, or to enable
a menu option. To return to the previous option or menu without changing the
value, press the <MENU> button.
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the features and dierent modes possible with the MAX L™ are accessed by
using the control panel on the rear of the xture. There are 4 control buttons
under to the LED display which allow you to navigate through the various con-
trol panel menus.
<MENU>
Is used to navigate to the previous higher-level menu item.
<UP>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in ascending order.
<DOWN>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in descending order.
<ENTER>
Is used to select and conrm/store the current selection.

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Control Panel Menu Structure
A001 A001 - A512 To choose the starting DMX address
C000
(Color Mixing)
C1.XX Red Intensity (00-99, 0% <--> 100%)
C2.XX Green Intensity (00-99, 0% <--> 100%)
C3.XX Blue Intensity (00-99, 0% <--> 100%)
CF.XX Strobe Eect (00-99, slow <--> fast)
CN00
(Color Presets)
CN.XX 01 Red
02 Green
03 Blue
04 Yellow
05 Magenta
06 Cyan
07 White
JU00
(Color Jump)
JU.XX Color Jump (00-99, slow <--> fast)
JF.XX Strobe Eect (00-99, slow <--> fast)
FA00
(Color Fade)
FA.XX Color Fade (00-99, slow <--> fast)
FF.XX Strobe Eect (00-99, slow <--> fast)
AUTO AU.XX Auto Mode (00-99, slow <--> fast)
SLAV <ENTER> Slave Mode
SOUN S0.XX Sound Active (00-99, mic sensitivity level)
xCHx X.CH DMX channel mode options

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Mode
Allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller.
Starting DMX Address:
1.) Navigate the main menu until you reach Addr, and press the
<ENTER> button. Then use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to select a
starting DMX address ranging from 1-512, and press <ENTER>.
DMX Channel Mode:
1.) Navigate the main menu to the last option, which is the channel
mode selection, and press the <ENTER> button. Then use the <UP/
DOWN> buttons to select 1Ch, 2Ch1, 2Ch2, 3Ch1, 3Ch2, 3Ch3,
4Ch, or 6Ch, and press the <ENTER> button to conrm.
M/S Mode:
1.) Daisy chain the DMX input/output connections of the xtures.
2.) On the secondary xtures, navigate to SLAV and press <ENTER>.
3.) Your secondary xtures will now follow the rst xture.
Auto, Sound Active, & Manual Adjustments
Allows a single or daisy chained units to run factory installed programs.
Auto Mode:
1.) Navigate the menu until you reach AUTO, and press <ENTER>.
Color Jump & Color Fade:
1.) Navigate the menu until you reach JU00 (Color Jump), or FA00
(Color Fade), and press <ENTER>.
2.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to highlight 00-99 (slow <--> fast
eect speed), and press <ENTER>.
3.) Then to add strobe to the eect, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to
highlight JF00 (in color jump), or AU00 (in color fade), and press the
<ENTER> button.
4.) Use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to highlight 00-99 (slow to fast),
and press <ENTER>.
Sound Active Mode:
1.) Navigate the menu until you reach SOUN, and press <ENTER>.
2.) Then to adjust mic sensitivity, use the <UP/DOWN> buttons to
select from S000 - S099 (decrease <--> increase).
Color Mixing and Presets:
1.) Navigate to C000 (mixing) or CN00 (preset), and press <ENTER>.
2.) For manual color mixing, adjust the Red (C1), Green (C2), and
Blue (C3) intensity levels from 0-255, and press the <ENTER> button.
3.) For preset colors, highlight 01-07 and press <ENTER>.

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth (1-Channel Mode)
1Ch Value What It Does
1
000 <--> 010
011 <--> 255
Strobe
Closed
Strobe (0-30Hz, slow <--> fast)
DMX Values In-Depth (2-Channel Modes 1 & 2)
2Ch1 2Ch2 Value What It Does
1 1 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2 -- 000 <--> 255 Color Macros (see values at bottom of page)
-- 2
000 <--> 005
006 <--> 010
011 <--> 250
251 <--> 255
Strobe
Open
Closed
Strobe (0-30Hz, slow <--> fast)
Open
Color Macro Values (2Ch1/3ch2/4ch-Channel Modes)
000 <--> 005 O 054 <--> 061 Cyan 110 <--> 117 White
006 <--> 013 Red 062 <--> 069 Blue 118 <--> 125 Cool White
014 <--> 021 Amber 070 <--> 077 Lavender 126 <--> 128 O
022 <--> 029 Yellow Warm 078 <--> 085 Mauve
129 <--> 192
Color Jump
(slow - fast)
030 <--> 037 Yellow 086 <--> 093 Magenta
038 <--> 045 Green 094 <--> 101 Pink
193 <--> 255
Color Fade
(slow - fast)
046 <--> 053 Turquoise 102 <--> 109 Warm White
DMX Values In-Depth (3-Channel Modes 1, 2, and 3)
3Ch1 3Ch2 3Ch3 Value What It Does
1 1 -- 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2 2 --
000 <--> 005
006 <--> 010
011 <--> 250
251 <--> 255
Strobe
Open
Closed
Strobe (0-30Hz, slow <--> fast)
Open
3 -- -- 000 <--> 255 Flash duration (0ms to 510ms)
-- 3 -- 000 <--> 255 Color Macros (see values at bottom of page)
-- -- 1 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
-- -- 2 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
-- -- 3 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
DMX Values In-Depth (4/6-Channel Modes)
4Ch 6Ch Value What It Does
1 1 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2 2
000 <--> 005
006 <--> 010
011 <--> 033
034 <--> 056
057 <--> 079
080 <--> 102
103 <--> 127
128 <--> 250
251 <--> 255
Strobe
Open (reacts to dimmer CH1)
Closed
Random pulse (slow <--> fast)
Ramp up random (slow <--> fast)
Ramp down random (slow <--> fast)
Random strobe (slow <--> fast)
Strobe break eect, 5s <--> 1s (short ash)
Strobe (0-30Hz, slow <--> fast)
Open (reacts to dimmer CH1)
3 -- 000 <--> 255 Color Macros (see values at bottom of page)
-- 3 000 <--> 255 Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
-- 4 000 <--> 255 Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
-- 5 000 <--> 255 Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4 6
000 <--> 005
006 <--> 255
Sound Active
O
On, Mic sensitivity (decrease <--> increase)

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Keeping Your MAX L™ 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, you’ll need
to take care of it if you want it to operate as designed. You should 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 visit www.blizzardpro.com/support and open a
support ticket, 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.
5. APPENDIX

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MAX L™ User Manual - Rev. A © 2020 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Tech Specs!
Weight & Dimensions
Width 13.7 inches (348 mm)
Depth 3 inches (75 mm)
Height 4.6 inches (115.5 mm)
Weight 2.7 lbs. (1.2 kg)
Power
Operating Voltage 100-240VAC, 50-60 Hz
Power Consumption 30W, 0.35A, PF: .61
Fuse 2A, 250V
Light Source
LED 132x 0.2W SMD 5050 RGB LEDs
Luminance 220 lux @ 1M, 64 lux @ 2M
Thermal
Max. Operating Temp. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Control
Protocol USITT DMX-512
DMX Channels 1/2/3/4/6-channel (8 total)
Input/Output 3-pin XLR Male/Female
Other Operating
Modes DMX512, M/S, Auto, Sound Active
Warranty
2-year limited warranty, does not cover malfunction
caused by damage to LEDs.
Dimensional Drawings
13.7 in (348 mm)
12.7 in (322 mm)
4.6" (115.5 mm) 3.7" (93 mm)
3" (75 mm)
0.8" (20 mm)

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