Chauvet DJ SM-250 User manual

User Manual

SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Edition Notes
The SM-250 User Manual includes a description, safety precautions, installation, programming, operation
and maintenance instructions for the SM-250 as of the release date of this edition.
Trademarks
Chauvet, Chauvet DJ, the Chauvet logo, and SM-250 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Chauvet
& Sons, LLC (d/b/a Chauvet and Chauvet Lighting) in the United States and other countries. Other
company and product names and logos referred to herein may be trademarks of their respective
companies.
Copyright Notice
The works of authorship contained in this manual, including, but not limited to, all designs, text, and images
are owned by Chauvet.
© Copyright 2023 Chauvet & Sons, LLC. All rights reserved.
Electronically published by Chauvet in the United States of America.
Manual Use
Chauvet authorizes its customers to download and print this manual for professional information purposes
only. Chauvet expressly prohibits the usage, copy, storage, distribution, modification, or printing of this
manual or its content for any other purpose without written consent from Chauvet.
Document Printing
For best results, print this document in color, on letter size paper (8.5 x 11 in), double-sided. If using A4
paper (210 x 297 mm), configure the printer to scale the content accordingly.
Intended Audience
Any person installing, operating, and/or maintaining this product should completely read through the guide
that shipped with the product, as well as this manual, before installing, operating, or maintaining this
product.
Disclaimer
Chauvet believes that the information contained in this manual is accurate in all respects. However,
Chauvet assumes no responsibility and specifically disclaims any and all liability to any party for any loss,
damage or disruption caused by any errors or omissions in this document, whether such errors or
omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. Chauvet reserves the right to revise the
content of this document without any obligation to notify any person or company of such revision, however,
Chauvet has no obligation to make, and does not commit to make, any such revisions. Download the latest
version from www.chauvetdj.com.
Document Revision
This is revision 1 of the SM-250 User Manual. Go to www.chauvetdj.com for the latest version.

SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Before You Begin ............................................................................... 1
What Is Included ........................................................................................... 1
Unpacking Instructions.................................................................................. 1
Claims ................................................................................................................ 1
Text Conventions .......................................................................................... 1
Symbols ........................................................................................................ 1
Safety Notes.................................................................................................. 2
2. Introduction......................................................................................... 3
Product Overview.......................................................................................... 3
Product Dimensions ...................................................................................... 3
3. Setup.................................................................................................... 4
AC Power...................................................................................................... 4
Fuse Replacement ............................................................................................. 4
Mounting ....................................................................................................... 5
Orientation.......................................................................................................... 5
Rigging ............................................................................................................... 5
4. Operation............................................................................................. 6
Control Panel Operation................................................................................ 6
Menu Map ..................................................................................................... 6
DMX Configuration........................................................................................ 6
Starting Address................................................................................................. 6
DMX Channel Assignments and Values ....................................................... 6
Standalone Configuration.............................................................................. 6
Remote Configuration ................................................................................... 7
Wired Timer Remote Setup................................................................................ 7
Wired Timer Remote Operation............................................................................... 7
Optional Wireless Remote (FC-W)..................................................................... 8
5. Maintenance........................................................................................ 9
Snow Machine Maintenance......................................................................... 9
Storage.......................................................................................................... 9
6. Technical Specifications.................................................................... 10
Contact Us............................................................................................... 11
Warranty & Returns....................................................................................... 11

1
Before You Begin
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
1. Before You Begin
What Is Included
Unpacking Instructions
Carefully unpack the product immediately and check the container to make sure all the parts are in the
package and are in good condition.
Claims
If the box or the contents (the product and included accessories) appear damaged from shipping, or show
signs of mishandling, notify the carrier immediately, not Chauvet. Failure to report damage to the carrier
immediately may invalidate a claim. In addition, keep the box and contents for inspection.
For other issues, such as missing components or parts, damage not related to shipping, or concealed
damage, file a claim with Chauvet within 7 days of delivery.
Text Conventions
Symbols
• SM-250
• Power cable
• FC-T Timed Remote Control
• Hanging bracket with mounting hardware
• Quick Reference Guide
Convention Meaning
1–512 A range of values
50/60 A set of values of which only one can be chosen
Settings A menu option not to be modified
<ENTER> A key to be pressed on the product’s control panel
ON A value to be entered or selected
Symbol Meaning
Electrical warning. Not following these instructions may cause electrical damage to the
product, accessories, or the user.
Critical installation, configuration, or operation information. Not following these
instructions may make the product not work, cause damage to the product, or cause
harm to the operator.
Important installation or configuration information. The product may not function
correctly if this information is not used.
Useful information.

2
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Before You Begin
Safety Notes
These Safety Notes include important information about installation, use, and maintenance of the SM-250.
■ALWAYS:
♦Connect to a grounded circuit.
♦Connect to operating voltages as specified on the product's spec sticker.
♦Disconnect from power before replacing the fuse.
♦Disconnect from its power source during periods of inactivity.
♦Use a safety cable when suspending overhead.
♦Heed all restrictions and warnings on the spec sticker.
♦Mount in a location with at least 20 in (50 cm) of ventilation.
♦Replace the fuse with the same type and rating.
♦Use Chauvet fluids.
♦Drain the tank before transporting or storing the product.
♦Keep the machine level.
♦Clean the machine after every use.
♦Clean around the product during and after use, as surfaces may become slippery.
■In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using immediately.
■DO NOT:
♦Open this product or attempt any repairs. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
♦Use if the power cable is crimped or damaged.
♦Disconnect by pulling on the power cable.
♦Allow flammable materials close to the product when it is operating.
♦Touch the housing when it is on.
♦Block any ventilation holes/slots in the housing.
♦Connect to a dimmer or rheostat.
♦Carry the product by its power cable.
♦Operate in temperatures higher than 104°F (40°C).
♦Expose to environments that exceed the Ingress Protection (IP) rating.
♦Expose to rain or moisture.
♦Use outdoors.
♦Submerge.
♦Set this product on a flammable surface.
♦Touch the output nozzle. It may be hot for several hours after use.
♦Drink the fluid.
♦Add perfume, alcohol, gasoline or any other chemical to the fluid.
♦Use for space-heating purposes.
♦Overfill.
Keep this User Manual for future use. If the product is sold to someone else, be sure that
they also receive this document.

3
Introduction
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
2. Introduction
Product Overview
Product Dimensions
Fuse holder
Power in
DMX in/out
LED display
Menu buttons
Blower speed switch
Wired controller in
Wireless receiver in
Power switch
Fluid level indicator
Fluid tank
13.9 in
355 mm
13.5 in
344 mm
17.6 in
449 mm

4
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Setup
3. Setup
AC Power
The SM-250 has a fixed voltage power supply, and it can work with an input voltage range of either 120
VAC, 60 Hz or 230 VAC, 50 Hz, depending on the specific model.
To determine the product’s power requirements (circuit breaker, power outlet, and wiring), use the current
value listed on the label affixed to the product’s back panel, or refer to the product’s specifications chart.
The listed current rating indicates the product’s average current draw under normal conditions.
Fuse Replacement
1. Disconnect the product from power.
2. Wedge the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the slot of the fuse holder.
3. Pry the fuse holder out of the housing.
4. Remove the blown fuse from the holder and replace with a fuse of the exact same type and rating.
5. Insert the fuse holder back in place and reconnect power.
• Always connect the product to a protected circuit (a circuit breaker or fuse). Make sure
the product has an appropriate electrical ground to avoid the risk of electrocution or
fire.
• To eliminate unnecessary wear and improve its lifespan, during periods of non-use
completely disconnect the product from power via breaker or by unplugging it.
Never connect the product to a rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the
rheostat or dimmer channel serves only as a 0 to 100% switch.
Disconnect the product from the power outlet before replacing the fuse.
Always replace a blown fuse with one of the same type and rating.
Safety cap
Spare fuse holder
(inside safety cap)
Installed fuse
(held by plastic clip)

5
Setup
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Mounting
Before mounting the product, read and follow the safety recommendations indicated in the Safety Notes.
Orientation
The SM-250 may be mounted in any position; however, make sure adequate ventilation is provided around
the product.
Rigging
• Before deciding on a location for the product, always make sure there is easy access to the product
for maintenance and programming.
• Make sure that the structure and attachment points can support the weight before hanging the
product (see the Technical Specifications)
• When mounting the product overhead, always use a safety cable. Mount the product securely to a
rigging point, such as an elevated platform or a truss.
• When rigging the product onto a truss, use a mounting clamp of appropriate weight capacity. The
bracket has a 13-mm hole, which is appropriate for this purpose.
• The bracket adjustment knobs allow for directional adjustment when aiming the product to the
desired angle. Only loosen or tighten the bracket knobs manually. Using tools could damage the
knobs.
• When mounting the product on the floor, make sure that the product and cables are away from
people and vehicles.
Mounting Diagram
While operating the SM-250, make sure there is adequate snow fluid in the machine to
prevent pump damage. When the snow fluid level becomes low, simply add more snow
fluid to continue using the SM-250.
Safety cable
(such as CH-05
from Chauvet)
Safety loop
Mounting clamp
(such as CLP-15N
from Chauvet)
Hanging
bracket
Carry handle
Bracket
adjustment knobs

6
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Operation
4. Operation
Control Panel Operation
To access the control panel functions, use the four buttons located underneath the display. Please refer to
the Product Overview to see the button locations on the control panel.
Menu Map
Refer to the SM-250 product page on www.chauvetdj.com for the latest menu map.
DMX Configuration
The SM-250 works with a DMX controller. Information about DMX is in the CHAUVET DMX Primer, which
is available from the Chauvet website chauvetlighting.com/downloads/DMX_Primer_rev05_WO.pdf.
Starting Address
The SM-250 uses 1 DMX channels in DMX mode, which defines the highest configurable address to 512.
For information about the DMX protocol, download the DMX Primer from www.chauvetdj.com.
To select the starting address, do the following:
1. Press <MENU> repeatedly until Addr shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the starting address, from d 1–512.
4. Press <ENTER>.
DMX Channel Assignments and Values
Standalone Configuration
Set the product in standalone mode to operate without a controller.
To run the SM-250 in standalone mode, follow the instructions below.
1. Press <MENU> repeatedly until SnoU shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the desired snow volume from S 0–3.
4. Press <ENTER>.
Button Function
<MENU> Press to find an operation mode or to back out of the current menu option
<UP> Press to scroll up the list of options or to find a higher value
<DOWN> Press to scroll down the list of options or to find a lower value
<ENTER> Press to activate a menu option or a selected value
Mode Programming Levels Description
DMX Addr d 1–512 DMX address
Standalone SnoU S 0–3 Standalone snow output
Channel Function Value Percent/Setting
1 Snow volume 000 063 No function
064 255 Snow volume, low to high
Never connect a product that is operating in any standalone mode to a DMX string
connected to a DMX controller. Products in standalone mode may transmit DMX signals
that could interfere with the DMX signals from the controller.

7
Operation
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Remote Configuration
The SM-250 operates with the included wired timer controller (FC-T). The product also operates with the
FC-W wireless remote, available separately.
Wired Timer Remote Setup
The Wired Timer Remote (FC-T) allows automatic snow output triggering. LED indicators display the
current state of the product and the controller. Rotary knobs set interval, output, and duration times,
whereas manual and continuous buttons allow overriding control.
1. Plug the product in to power.
2. Plug the FC-T in to the wired controller socket on the back of the product. (See the Product
Overview.)
Wired Timer Remote Overview
Wired Timer Remote Operation
The FC-T has three modes of operation: timer, continuous, and manual.
Timer Mode
To operate the SM-250 with the timer function, follow the instructions below:
1. Set the desired output level with the OUTPUT knob (No output below level 5).
2. Set the INTERVAL and DURATION knobs to the desired positions.
•TheINTERVAL knob sets the amount of time in between bursts of snow.
•TheDURATION knob sets the length of time that the snow machine will run during the burst.
3. Press the <TIMER ON/OFF> latching button. The LED indicator above the button will light up.
4. Press the <TIMER ON/OFF> button again to turn off the timer.
Continuous Mode
To trigger the SM-250 to continuously cycle snow, follow the instructions below:
1. Set the desired output level with the OUTPUT knob (No output below level 5).
2. Press the <CONTINUOUS> latching button. The LED indicator above the button will light up. The
snow machine outputs snow until the <CONTINUOUS> button is pressed again.
3. Press the <CONTINUOUS> button again to stop the snow output.
• The MANUAL Button will override the timer function.
• No output until level five on output knob
• The duration of Continuous snow output is based on the capacity of the tank.
• Fluid consumption will be significantly increased during Continuous mode.
INTERVAL Knob
OUTPUT Knob
TIMER ON/OFF Button
DURATION Knob
MANUAL Button
CONTINUOUS Button
OUTPUT knob must be
set to 5 or higher

8
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Operation
Manual Mode
To trigger the SM-250 manually with the FC-T, do the following:
1. Set the desired output level with the OUTPUT knob (No output below level 5).
2. Press and hold the <MANUAL> button on the FC-T. The LED indicator above the button will light
up. The snow machine will output for the duration of the button press.
3. Release the <MANUAL> button to stop the snow output.
Optional Wireless Remote (FC-W)
The optional FC-W wireless remote can trigger the SM-250 to produce snow from up to 100 ft away.
1. Plug the product in to power.
2. Plug the FC-W wireless remote receiver into the wireless receiver socket on the back of the SM-
250. (See the Product Overview.)
3. Press and hold the <1>, <2>, <3>, or <4> button on the wireless remote. (Download the FC-W
User Manual from www.chauvetdj.com for more information on addressing the FC-W)
4. Release the button to stop the snow output.
FC-W Wireless Remote Overview
• Ensure the FC-W has an unobstructed view of the receiver for maximum performance.
• The <2>, <3>, and <4> buttons are reserved for future use.

9
Maintenance
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
5. Maintenance
Snow Machine Maintenance
Do not allow the snow machine to become clogged. After every 40 hours of continuous operation, use
clean water through the system to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter in the pump.
The recommended cleaning procedure is as follows.
1. Unplug the product from power.
2. Empty all snow fluid from the machine.
3. Add clean water to the tank.
4. Connect the product to power and allow it to warm up.
5. Run the unit in a well-ventilated area until the tank is almost empty. Do not allow the pump to run
dry.
6. Refill with snow fluid to continue using the snow machine. Run the machine briefly to clear any
remaining water from the pump.
Storage
Before storing the snow machine, run clean water through the system as described in the cleaning
procedure above; however, only follow steps 1 through 5. Do not refill the tank with snow fluid if storing
the SM-250. Cleaning the system prior to storage will help prevent any particles from condensing inside
the pump while not in use.
Do Not operate the machine without fluid at any time.
Test-run the SM-250 on a monthly basis to achieve the best performance.

10
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Technical Specifications
6. Technical Specifications
Dimensions and Weight
Note: Dimensions in inches are rounded.
Power
Operation
Thermal
DMX
Ordering
Length Width Height Weight
17.6 in (449 mm) 13.5 in (344 mm) 13.9 in (355 mm) 20.2 lb (9.2 kg)
Power Supply Type Range Voltage Selection
Model-specific 120 VAC, 60 Hz
or 230 VAC, 50 Hz Fixed
Parameter 120 V, 60 Hz 230 V, 50 Hz
Consumption 1,650 W 1,000 W
Operating Current 13.5 A 4.1 A
Fuse F 15 A, 250 V F 15 A, 250 V
Power I/O U.S./Worldwide UK/Europe
Power input connector IEC IEC
Power cable plug Edison (U.S.) Local Plug
Tank Capacity Fluid Consumption
1.3 gal (5 l) 580 ml/min
Maximum External Temperature Cooling System
104 °F (40 °C) Convection
I/O Connector Channel Range
3-pin XLR 1
Product Name Item Code UPC Number
SM-250 (120 V) 09071210 781462215583
SM-250 (230 V) 09072213 781462225612

11
Contact Us
SM-250 User Manual Rev. 5
Contact Us
Warranty & Returns
For warranty terms and conditions and return information, please visit our website.
For customers in the United States and Mexico: www.chauvetlighting.com/warranty-registration.
For customers in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg,
France, and Germany: www.chauvetlighting.eu/warranty-registration.
General Information Technical Support
Chauvet World Headquarters
Address: 3360 Davie Rd. Voice: [phone]
Davie, FL 33314 Fax: [phone]
Voice: [phone] Email: [email protected]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone] Website: www.chauvetdj.com
Chauvet U.K.
Address: Pod 1 EVO Park Email: [e-mail]
Little Oak Drive, Sherwood Park
Nottinghamshire, NG15 0EB Website: www.chauvetdj.eu
UK
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Chauvet Benelux
Address: Stokstraat 18 Email: BNLte[email protected]
9770 Kruishoutem
Belgium Website: www.chauvetdj.eu
Voice: [phone]
Chauvet France
Address: 3, Rue Ampère
91380 Chilly-Mazarin
Email: [email protected]
France Website: www.chauvetdj.eu
Voice: [phone]
Chauvet Germany
Address: Bruno-Bürgel-Str. 11
28759 Bremen
Email: [email protected]
Germany Website: www.chauvetdj.eu
Voice: [phone]
Chauvet Mexico
Address: Av. de las Partidas 34 - 3B
(Entrance by Calle 2)
Email: [email protected]
Zona Industrial Lerma Website: www.chauvetdj.mx
Lerma, Edo. de México, CP 52000
Voice: [phone]