Blizzard snowblind User manual

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

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SnowBlind™ 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 SnowBlind™ 5
Features 5
DMX Quick Reference 5
The SnowBlind™ Pin-up Picture 6
Rear Connections 6
3. Setup 7
Fuse Replacement 7
Connecting A Bunch Of SnowBlind’s 7
Data/DMX Cables 7
Cable Connectors 8
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh? 8
Take It To The Next Level: Setting up DMX Control 8
Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode) 9
Mounting/Rigging 9
4. Operating Adjustments 10
The Control Panel 10
Control Panel Menu Structure 10
DMX Channel Values In-Depth 11
Troubleshooting 11
5. Appendix 12
A Quick DMX Lesson 12
Keeping Your SnowBlind™ As Good As New 14
Returns (Gasp!) 14
Shipping Issues 14
Tech Specs 15

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
 •1xSnowBlind™
 •ThisLovelyUserManual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulationsonpurchasingonewaycool,wayexible,wayoriginalLED
strobe light! Now that you’ve got your SnowBlind™ (or hopefully, Snow
Blind’s!), you should carefully unpack the box and check the contents to
ensure that all parts are present and in good condition. If anything looks as if
it has been damaged in transit, notify the shipper immediately and keep the
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
Email:[email protected]

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SnowBlind™ 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.
•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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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET THE SNOwBLIND™ LED STROBE LIGHT
CONTROL FEATURES
•Waybrightoutputfrom18x1-wattcoolwhiteLED’s
•Variableelectronicstrobe
•Variableelectronicdimmer
•Controlledvia3-channelDMXandmaster/slave
•SoundactivemodeinstandaloneandDMXmodes
•MicrophonesensitivityadjustmentinstandaloneandDMXmodes
•4-buttoneasytouseLEDcontrolpanelmenu
•Aluminummountingbracketwithlockingknobs
•LightweightandCompact(ItkeptitsNewYears’resolution!)
TheSnowBlind™isagreatlittleLEDstrobexturethatpacksanice
bigpunch.YournewSnowBlind™xtureisveryeasytouseinanyof
its working modes.
Modes:
•Sound Active
•Master/Slave
•DMX Mode
Below is the basic structure for 3 channel DMX mode.
(For more in depth information on DMX mode see pages 10-11.)
DMX Quick Reference - 3 Channel Mode
Channel What It Does (3-ch.)
1 Dimmer (Low <--> High)
2 Flash Speed (Slow <--> Fast)
3 Microphone Sensitivity Adjustment (Low <--> High)

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Figure 1: The SnowBlind™ Pin-Up Picture
18x 1-Watt
CoolWhiteLED’s
Aluminum Housing
LEDControl
Panel
Figure 2: The Rear Connections
AC Power In
3-Pin
DMX512 In
3-Pin
DMX512 Out
Mounting Bracket
Locking
Knobs
MicMic Sensitivity
Adjustment Knob

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! The SnowBlind™ 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
SnowBlind™fuserequirereplacement,pleasecontactBlizzardLightingfor
instructions, or to return your unit for service.
Connecting A Bunch of SnowBlind™ 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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SnowBlind™ 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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SnowBlind™ 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xutresoverhead.
Adjusttheangleofthexturebylooseningbothknobsandtiltingthe
xture.Afterndingthedesiredposition,retightenbothknobs.
•Whenselectinginstallationlocation,takeintoconsiderationlamp
replacement access (if applicable) and routine maintenance.
•SafetycablesMUSTALWAYSbeused.

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the SnowBlind™ are accessed
byusingthecontrolpanelonthesideofthexture.Thereare4control
buttonsbelowtheLEDdisplaywhichallowyoutonavigatethroughthevarious
control panel menus.
<MODE>
Is used to navigate the various modes.
<SETUP>
Is used to enter into the selected mode setup.
<UP>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in ascending order.
<DOWN>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in descending order.
TheControlPanelLEDDisplayshowsthemenuitemslistedontheControl
Panel Menu Structure below. Pushing the <MODE> button repeatedly will
scroll through the menu settings. To edit one, push the <SETUP> button.
Then use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to scroll through your choices (if
applicable).Pushthemodebuttontoconrmyourchoice.
Control Panel Menu Structure
CON 000 - 255 Brightness Control (Low <--> High)
F.00 - F.30 Sets the Strobe Speed (Slow <--> Fast)
SE- SE.0 - SE.9 Sound Active, Mic Sensitivity (0-9, 0=off)
*Note: The rear sensitivity knob must be turned up (clockwise) for the control panel settings will function.
Also, for the knob to function, the menu settings must not be set to off (SE.0).
SLA Sets Fixture to Slave Mode
d-- 001 - 255 Selects the Starting DMX Channel
Mode Setup doWNup

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX Values In-Depth (3 Channel Mode)
Ch. Value What It Does
1 000 <--> 255 Dimmer (Low <--> High)
2 000 <--> 255 Flash Speed (Slow <--> Fast)
3000 <--> 009
010 <--> 255
No Function
Microphone Sensitivity (Low <--> High)
Troubleshooting
Symptom Solution
Fixture Auto-
Shut Off
Checkthefaninthexture.Ifitisstoppedormov-
ing 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 posi-
tion, if applicable.
No Light Out-
put
Checktoensurextureisoperatingundercorrect
mode,IEsoundactive/auto/DMX/Etc.,ifapplicable.
Chase Speed
Too Fast/Slow
Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.
No Power Check fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.
Blown Fuse Check AC cord and circuit for damage, verify that mov-
ing parts are not restricted and that unit’s ventilation is
not obstructed
Slow Move-
ment
Verify that 220V/110V switch is in the correct position,
if applicable. Also check that speed channels are set
appropriately.
No Response
to Audio
Verifythatthextureisin“SoundActive”mode.
Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.
Fixture Not
Responding /
Responding
Erraticly
Make sure all connectors are seated properly and se-
curely.
Use Only DMX Cables and/or check cables for defects
Install a Terminator.
Resetxture(s).
Intermittant
Lamp
Check lamp for properly installation.
Relamp, lamp may have reached end of life.

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
5. APPENDIX
A Quick Lesson On DMX
DMX (aka DMX-512) was created in 1986 by the United States Institute for
Theatre Technology (USITT) as a standardized method for connecting lighting
consoles to lighting dimmer modules. It was revised in 1990 and again in 2000
toallowmoreexibility.TheEntertainmentServicesandTechnologyAssocia-
tion(ESTA)hassinceassumedcontrolovertheDMX512standard.Ithasalso
beenapprovedandrecognizedforANSIstandardclassication.
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chan-
nels 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 trans-
mission 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 re-
ceiver, 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famil-
iar with DMX-512 as being employer over typical 3-pin “mic cables,” although
thisdoesnotconformtothedenedstandard.

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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.
The greatest strength of the DMX communications protocol is that it is very
simple and robust. It involves transmitting a reset condition (indicating the
start of a new “packet”), a start code, and up to 512 bytes of data. Data pack-
etsaretransmittedcontinuously.Assoonasonepacketisnished,anothercan
begin with no delay if desired (usually another follows within 1 ms). If nothing
is changing (i.e. no lamp levels change) the same data will be sent out over and
over again. This is a great feature of DMX -- if for some reason the data is not
interpretedthersttimearound,itwillbere-sentshortly.
Not all 512 channels need to be output per packet, and in fact, it is very
uncommontondall512used.Thefewerchannelsareused,thehigherthe
“refresh” rate. It is possible to get DMX refreshes at around 1000 times per
second if only 24 channels are being transmitted. If all 512 channels are being
transmitted, the refresh rate is around 44 times per second.
In summary, since its design and evolution in the 1980’s DMX has become the
standardforlightingcontrol.Itisexible,robust,andscalable,anditsability
to control everything from dimmer packs to moving lights to foggers to lasers
makes it an indispensable tool for any lighting designer or lighting performer.

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SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Keeping Your SnowBlind™ As Good As New
Thextureyou’vereceivedisarugged,toughpieceofprolightingequip-
ment, and as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you. That said, like
anything, you’ll need to take care of it if you want it to operate as designed.
Youshouldabsolutelykeepthextureclean,especiallyifyouareusingitinan
environment with a lot of dust, fog, haze, wild animals, wild teenagers or spilled
drinks.
Cleaning the optics routinely with a suitable glass cleaner will greatly improve
thequalityoflightoutput.Keepingthefansfreeofdustanddebriswillkeep
thexturerunningcoolandpreventdamagefromoverheating.
Intransit,keepthexturesincases.Youwouldn’tthrowaprizedguitar,
drumset, or other piece of expensive gear into a gear trailer without a case,
and similarly, you shouldn’t even think about doing it with your shiny new light
xtures.
Commonsenseandtakingcareofyourxtureswillbethesinglebiggestthing
you can do to keep them running at peak performance and let you worry about
designing a great light show, putting on a great concert, or maximizing your cli-
ent’s satisfaction and “wow factor.” That’s what it’s all about, after all!
Returns (Gasp!)
We’ve taken a lot of precautions to make sure you never even have to worry
about sending a defective unit back, or sending a unit in for service. But, like
anycomplexpieceofequipmentdesignedandbuiltbyhumans,onceinawhile,
somethingdoesn’tgoasplanned.Ifyoundyourselfwithaxturethatisn’t
behavinglikeagoodlittlextureshould,you’llneedtoobtainaReturnAuthori-
zation (RA).
Don’tworry,thisiseasy.Justsendanemailto[email protected],
and we’ll issue you an RA. Then, you’ll need to send the unit to us using a
trackable, pre-paid freight method. We suggest using USPS Priority or UPS.
Makesureyoucarefullypackthexturefortransit,andwheneverpossible,use
the original box & packing for shipping.
Whenreturningyourxtureforservice,besuretoincludethefollowing:
 1.)Yourcontactinformation(Name,Address,PhoneNumber,Emailaddress).
2.) The RA# issued to you
3.) A brief description of the problem/symptoms.
Wewill,atourdiscretion,repairorreplacethexture.Pleaserememberthat
any shipping damage which occurs in transit to us is the customer’s responsibil-
ity, so pack it well!
Shipping Issues
Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper, and
must be reported to the carrier immediately upon receipt of the items.
Claims must be made within seven (7) days of receipt.

Page 15
SnowBlind™ Manual - Rev. A Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Tech Specs!
Weight & Dimensions
Length 12.59 inches (32 cm)
Width 5.51 inches (14 cm)
Height 3.54 inches (9 cm)
Weight 3.52 lbs (1.6 kg)
Power
Operating Voltage AC100V/240V 50/60Hz
Power Consumption 25W
Light Source
LED 18x1-WattLED’s(CoolWhite),100,000 hours.
Optical
Beam Angle 15 degrees
Thermal
Max. Operating Temp. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Control
Protocol USITT DMX-512
DMX Channels 3 Channel
Input 3-pin XLR Male
Output 3-pin XLR Female
Operating Modes Sound Active, Master/Slave, DMX
Special Ability
Can make things appear to move in slooow motion.
Warranty
2-year limited warranty, does not cover malfunction caused by
damagetoLED’s.

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