Botex DMX DC-136 User manual

DMX DC-136
DMX controller
User manual

Musikhaus Thomann
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.thomann.de
20.04.2018, ID: 346646

Table of contents
1 General notes............................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Further information........................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Notational conventions................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Symbols and signal words........................................................................................... 6
2 Safety instructions................................................................................................................. 7
3 Features....................................................................................................................................... 9
4 Installation.............................................................................................................................. 10
5 Starting up............................................................................................................................... 11
6 Connections and controls................................................................................................ 12
7 Operating................................................................................................................................. 16
7.1 Assignment of DMX channels to the joystick..................................................... 16
7.2 Recording a scene of chase....................................................................................... 16
7.3 Selecting or deselecting a scene or chase........................................................... 18
7.4 Deleting a chase............................................................................................................ 20
7.5 Selecting or deselecting a PAR scene or PAR chase......................................... 21
8 Settings..................................................................................................................................... 23
8.1 Switch to the setting mode....................................................................................... 23
8.2 Storing data to a memory card................................................................................ 23
8.3 Assigning patch channel............................................................................................ 24
8.4 PAN / TILT FADE ONLY................................................................................................ 25
8.5 Display mode (100/255)............................................................................................. 25
8.6 MIDI channel................................................................................................................... 26
9 MIDI implementation......................................................................................................... 27
10 Formatting memory............................................................................................................ 28
11 Technical specifications.................................................................................................... 29
12 Plug and connection assignments............................................................................... 30
13 Protecting the environment........................................................................................... 31
Table of contents
DMX DC-136 3
DMX controller

4DMX DC-136
DMX controller

1 General notes
This manual contains important instructions for the safe operation of the unit. Read
and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the manual for
future reference. Make sure that it is available to all those using the device. If you sell
the unit please make sure that the buyer also receives this manual.
Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. Thus, they are
subject to change.
1.1 Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and
details on the following points:
Download This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search Use the search function in the electronic version to find the
topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides Our online guides provide detailed information on technical
basics and terms.
Personal
consultation For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service If you have any problems with the device the
customer service will gladly assist you.
1.2 Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
Texts and values displayed on the device are marked by quotation marks and italics.
Examples: ‘24ch’, ‘OFF’.
Letterings
Displays
General notes
DMX DC-136 5
DMX controller

The individual steps of an instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a
step is indented and highlighted by an arrow.
Example:
1. Switch on the device.
2. Press [Auto].
ðAutomatic operation is started.
3. Switch off the device.
1.3 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words
that are used in this manual.
Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates
an immediate dangerous situation that will result in
death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates
a possible dangerous situation that can result in mate-
rial and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – danger zone.
Instructions
General notes
6DMX DC-136
DMX controller

2 Safety instructions
This device is used to control spotlights, dimmers, lighting effects equipment,
Moving Heads or other DMX-controlled devices. The device is designed for profes-
sional use and is not suitable for use in households. Use the device only as described
in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is consid-
ered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No lia-
bility will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intel-
lectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons
may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is
responsible for their safety.
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and
are not within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!
Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the
like) from the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!
Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
NOTICE!
External power supply
The device is powered by an external power supply. Before connecting
the external power supply, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet)
matches the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is pro-
tected by a residual current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the device and possibly the user.
Unplug the external power supply before electrical storms occur and
when the device is unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of
electric shock or fire.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire
Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any
direct heat source. Keep the device away from naked flames.
NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage,
never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight,
heavy dirt, and strong vibrations.
Intended use
Safety
Safety instructions
DMX DC-136 7
DMX controller

NOTICE!
Possible staining
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may possibly
react with the coating of your parquet, linoleum, laminate or PVC floor
and after some time cause permanent dark stains.
In case of doubt, do not put the rubber feet directly on the floor, but use
felt-pad floor protectors or a carpet.
Safety instructions
8DMX DC-136
DMX controller

3 Features
Special features of the device:
nSuitable for eight devices with 16 DMX channels each
nAdditional eight DMX channels for conventional light
nDemountable frame for installation in a 19" rack
nConnection for a fog machine with analogue control
n16 faders for manual control
nAssigned or reversed DMX channel preview
nSound-to-Light
n3 function layers
nBlind home function
nSpeed fade control
nBlackout master
nStand-alone mode
nManual overriding of scenes in chases
nMIDI control for banks, chases and blackout
nLCD
Features
DMX DC-136 9
DMX controller

4 Installation
Wiring diagram for fog machines
Installation
10 DMX DC-136
DMX controller

5 Starting up
Unpack and carefully check that there is no transportation damage before using the
unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the device against vibration,
dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or
your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality
cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping
hazards.
NOTICE!
Possible data transmission errors
For error-free operation make use of dedicated DMX cables and do not
use ordinary microphone cables.
Never connect the DMX input or output to audio devices such as mixers
or amplifiers.
Connect the DMX output of the device (C) to the DMX input of the first DMX device
(1). Connect the output of the first DMX device to the input of the second one, and so
on to form a daisy chain. Always ensure that the output of the last DMX device in the
daisy chain is terminated with a resistor (110 Ω, ¼W).
Connect the included 9V power supply unit to the power supply input of the unit
and then plug the power cord plug into the wall outlet.
When all cable connections are made, turn on the device with the main switch on the
rear panel. The device is immediately operational.
Connections in DMX mode
Connecting the power adapter
Turning the unit on
Starting up
DMX DC-136 11
DMX controller

6 Connections and controls
1[1] - [16]
Channel fader for the selected device
2[FIXTURE]
Selection buttons of the devices 1 – 8
3[CHASE]
Memory locations 1 – 8 for chases
4[SCENE]
Memory locations 1 – 8 for scenes
5[GROUP]
Activation of the multiple selection for [FIXTURE]
6[STEP/MIX/SEQ]
For selecting a play mode
7[PAGE]
When this button is pressed, the memory page can be selected with [UP] or [DOWN]
8[BLACK OUT]
Sets all DMX values of devices 1 – 8 to zero
9[AUDIO]
Activates the microphone for sound control
10 [TAP SYNC]
Button for manual synchronization of the programme speed
Connections and controls
12 DMX DC-136
DMX controller

11 [SETUP]
Opens the settings menu
12 [FOG MACHINE]
Trigger for a connected fog machine with analogue control
13 [DEL]
Deletes chases, scenes and steps
14 [DISPLAY]
Shows current values and operating tips
15 [RECORD]
Saves a scene or a step
16 [ESC]
Changes to the parent menu and leaves the activated mode
17 [UP]
Increases the displayed value
18 [DOWN]
Decreases the displayed value
19 [SCENE]
Memory locations 1 – 6 for channels 129 – 136
20 [AUTO]
Activates the automatic sequence of the stored scenes 1 – 6
21 [CHASE]
Memory locations 1 – 6 for chases of channels 129 – 136
22 [One/Mix/SEQ]
For selecting a play mode
23 [PAGE]
When this button is pressed, the memory page can be selected with [UP] or [DOWN]
24 [STEP]
Proceeds one step of an activated chase
25 [TAP SYNC]
Button for manual synchronization of the programme speed
26 [STAND BY]
Sets all DMX values of channels 129 – 136 to zero
27 [FADE + SPEED]
Activates the parallel control of the fade time with the [SPEED] control
Connections and controls
DMX DC-136 13
DMX controller

28 [AUDIO]
Adjusts the input sensitivity for the audio signal
29 [FULL ON]
Sets the DMX values of channels 129 – 136 to 255
30 [Speed]
Sets the programme speed of the chases in a range between 0.05 s and 10 min per step
31 [Audio]
Activates the microphone for the sound control of chases 1 – 6
32 [MASTER]
Limits the maximum value of DMX channels 129 – 136
33 [129] – [136]
Channel faders 129 – 136
34 [FINE]
Enables control of Pan and Tilt fine adjustment channels with the joystick
35 [PAGE]
Toggles between channels 1 - 8 and 9 - 16 of the respectively selected devices
36 JOYSTICK
Controls its assigned Pan and Tilt channels
37 [FADE]
Sets the Fade speed
38 [SPEED]
Sets the programme speed of the activated chases in a range between 0.05 s and 10 min per step
Connections and controls
14 DMX DC-136
DMX controller

39 [CF CARD]
Interface for an external memory card.
40 [FOG MACHINE]
A fog machine can be connected to this input.
41 [MIDI IN]
‘MIDI’ port to connect a MIDI device.
42 [DMX OUT]
DMX output
43 [AUDIO Line Input: 0.1V~1Vp-p]
At this input, an audio signal with a level of 100 mV to 1 V can be connected.
44 [EXT STEP CONTROL]
Connection for receiving STEP signals.
45 [POWER]
Turns the device on and off.
46 [DC INPUT]
Power supply port.
Connections and controls
DMX DC-136 15
DMX controller

7 Operating
7.1 Assignment of DMX channels to the joystick
In order to control pan and tilt channels of a device with the joystick, these channels
must be assigned to each fixture.
1. Keep [SETUP] pressed for about 5 seconds until the display changes.
2. Press [DOWN] to highlight the menu item ‘Assign CH’. Then press [RECORD].
ðThe display shows ‘Channel01>Out01’.
3. Use the Fixture buttons to select the devices whose channels you want to
assign.
4. Press [UP] until the display shows ‘PAN > NONE’. Now use [DOWN] to select the
channel that controls the rotation (pan) of the device (for instance
‘PAN>CH01’). Press [UP]. Now you can use [DOWN] to assign the corresponding
channel for the inclination (tilt).
5. If your device has fine tuning channels for pan and tilt, you can specify them by
repeating steps 3 and 4. The display shows ‘PAN FINE’ or ‘TILT FINE’.
6. To complete the assignment, press [RECORD].
ðFor confirmation, all LEDs light up briefly.
7. Press [ESC] twice to quit the menu.
7.2 Recording a scene of chase.
7.2.1 Recording a scene
1. To activate the recording mode, keep [RECORD] pressed for about 5 seconds
pressed.
ðThe corresponding LED lights.
The display shows:
2. Press [PAGE] (on the left side) so that the corresponding LED is lit. Use [UP] and
[DOWN] to select the corresponding ‘PAGE’ to save the scene to. A total of
twelve pages are available.
Operating
16 DMX DC-136
DMX controller

3. Press the [SCENE] button of the scene to be recorded.
ðThe associated LED flashes.
The display shows:
4. Select one or more spotlights.
5. Use the faders to adjust the scene.
You can apply the settings from an existing scene.
6. If necessary, select a different set of spotlights.
7. Repeat steps 4 and 5.
8. Press [RECORD] to record the scene.
ðAll LEDs light up simultaneously.
9. To leave this mode, press [ESC].
Scenes can also be deleted in recording mode.
1. Press the button of a recorded scene.
ðThe associated LED flashes quickly.
2. To delete the scene, press [DEL].
ðAll LEDs light up simultaneously.
3. To leave this mode, press [ESC].
To delete a scene in recording mode:
Operating
DMX DC-136 17
DMX controller

7.2.2 Recording a chase
1. To activate the recording mode, keep [RECORD] pressed for about 5 seconds
pressed.
ðThe corresponding LED lights.
The display shows:
2. Press [PAGE] and use [UP] or [DOWN] to select the page to save the chase to.
Select a memory location by pressing the corresponding [CHASE] button.
ðThe associated LED flashes.
The display shows:
‘TL’ in the display stands for the total number of steps contained in the
selected chase.
3. Select a scene for chase recording or create a scene by selecting a [FIXTURE]
and setting up the scene with the channel faders.
4. Press [RECORD].
ðAll LEDs flash briefly.
The display shows the next instruction.
5. To delete the current step, press [DEL].
ðAll LEDs flash briefly.
6. To leave this mode, press [ESC].
7.3 Selecting or deselecting a scene or chase
7.3.1 Selecting or deselecting a scene
1. Press [PAGE].
ðThe corresponding LED lights.
2. Use [UP] and [DOWN] to select a page.
ð‘PAGE: XX’ is displayed in the left area of the display.
The LEDs of the programmed scenes light up.
Operating
18 DMX DC-136
DMX controller

3. To call up a scene, press the corresponding button.
4. To end the scene, press the corresponding scene button again.
7.3.2 Selecting or deselecting a chase
1. If no programme is running, press [STEP/MIX/SEQUENCE].
ðWhen the LED lights up, the MIX mode is active.
When the LED flashes, the SEQUENCE mode is active.
MIX / SEQ can not be changed when a scene or chase is acti-
vated.
2. Start the program by pressing the corresponding [CHASE] button.
ðWhen a program is running, the LED flashes.
3. Close all programmes before you exit this mode.
In MIX mode, the LEDs flash simultaneously and the programmes run
synchronized. In SEQ mode, the active programmes run sequentially.
If several programmes control one spotlight, the last program will
take effect.
Press the button of a programmed chase. The associated LED lights up to indicate
the corresponding speed mode. Fast flashing means you can adjust the speed using
the speed fader or [TAP SYNC]. Slow flashing means that the chase speed is already
programmed (a further speed adjustment would be ineffective at this moment). You
can change the chase speed mode by holding down the button of the programmed
chase while pressing [STEP/MIX/SEQ]. The priority of the chase sequence remains
unaffected.
You can control each channel with the faders while the chase is running. If you want
to discard the manual changes, press the activated [CHASE] button twice.
All scenes are disabled when a chase is running.
If you press [STEP], the chase progresses step-by-step while the program is running.
Set the [SPEED] control to ‘10m’ , to advance an activated chase.
To select the playback mode:
Selecting chase speed mode
Chase editing with faders
STEP function
Operating
DMX DC-136 19
DMX controller

If you press [AUDIO] while a chase is running, the audio LED will light. This means that
the device is in audio mode. In this case, [FADE TIME] is ineffective and the [TAP SYNC]
LED flashes according to the audio effect. Sensitivity is set via the [AUDIO] control.
If the chase speed mode (fast flashing) is activated, you can specify the running and
fading speed with the controls.
Specify whether the set cross-fade time affects all channels or only the assigned
PAN / TILT channels of a device.
7.4 Deleting a chase
1. To activate the recording mode, keep [RECORD] pressed for about 5 seconds
pressed.
ðThe corresponding LED lights.
The display shows:
2. Select the chase to be deleted.
ðThe LED flashes quickly.
The display shows:
‘TL XX’ means TOTAL.
3. Keep the respective Chase button pressed while briefly pressing [DEL].
ðThe chase will be deleted within seconds.
All LEDs flash.
4. To leave this mode, press [ESC].
AUDIO function
FADE TIME/SPEED function
PAN/TILT FADE ONLY
Operating
20 DMX DC-136
DMX controller