Chauvet DMX-50A User manual

Chauvet, 3000 N 29th Ct, Hollywood, FL 33020 U.S.A
[phone] – [phone]
FAX [phone]
www.chauvetlighting.com
DMX-50A
DMX Controller
USER MANUAL

DMX-50A User Manual 2 Revised: 2006-04-24 15:26:16
TABLE OF CONTENT
BEFORE YOU BEGIN....................................................................................................................................................... 3
WHAT IS INCLUDED................................................................................................................................................................................3
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS....................................................................................................................................................................3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS..........................................................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................... 4
FEATURES............................................................................................................................................................................................4
GENERAL OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................................................4
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (FRONT)................................................................................................................................................................5
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (REAR PANEL) .......................................................................................................................................................6
COMMON TERMS...................................................................................................................................................................................7
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.......................................................................................................................................... 8
SETUP..................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Setting up the System........................................................................................................................................................................................8
Fixture Addressing .............................................................................................................................................................................................8
Joystick Assignment...........................................................................................................................................................................................8
Physical fader Assignment.................................................................................................................................................................................9
Copy Scanner Assignments...............................................................................................................................................................................9
Reverse Channel Output..................................................................................................................................................................................10
Fade Time Assign ............................................................................................................................................................................................10
OPERATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................11
Manual Mode....................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Review Scene or Chase...................................................................................................................................................................................11
PROGRAMMING ...................................................................................................................................................................................12
Entering program mode....................................................................................................................................................................................12
Create a scene.................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Running a Program..........................................................................................................................................................................................12
Check Program.................................................................................................................................................................................................13
Editing a Program.............................................................................................................................................................................................13
Copy a Program...............................................................................................................................................................................................13
CHASE PROGRAMMING........................................................................................................................................................................14
Create a chase.................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Running a Chase..............................................................................................................................................................................................14
Checking a Chase............................................................................................................................................................................................14
Edit Chase (Copy Bank Into Chase)................................................................................................................................................................15
Edit Chase (Copy Scene Into Chase)..............................................................................................................................................................15
Edit Chase (Insert Scene Into a Chase) ..........................................................................................................................................................15
Delete a scene in a Chase...............................................................................................................................................................................16
Delete a Chase.................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Delete all Chase Programs..............................................................................................................................................................................16
SCENE PROGRAMMING (STEPS)...........................................................................................................................................................17
Insert a scene...................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Copy a scene....................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Delete a scene..................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Delete all scenes..............................................................................................................................................................................................18
PLAYBACK..........................................................................................................................................................................................18
Running in Sound-Mode...................................................................................................................................................................................18
Running in Auto-Mode......................................................................................................................................................................................18
Run multiple chases simultaneously................................................................................................................................................................18
Blackout............................................................................................................................................................................................................18
MIDI OPERATION.................................................................................................................................................................................19
DATA TRANSFER.................................................................................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX...................................................................................................................................................................... 20
DMXPRIMER.....................................................................................................................................................................................20
Fixture Linking..................................................................................................................................................................................................20
RETURNS PROCEDURE........................................................................................................................................................................21
CLAIMS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................21
DMXDIPSWITCH QUICK REFERENCE CHART ........................................................................................................................................22
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING..............................................................................................................................................................23
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................24

DMX-50A User Manual 3 Revised: 2006-04-24 15:26:16
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What is included
DMX-50A controller
DC 9-12V 500mA, 90V~240V Power Adapter
Manual with warranty card
Unpacking Instructions
Immediately upon receiving a fixture, carefully unpack the carton, check the contents to ensure that
all parts are present, and have been received in good condition. Notify the shipper immediately and
retain packing material for inspection if any parts appear damaged from shipping or the carton itself
shows signs of mishandling. Save the carton and all packing materials. In the event that a fixture
must be returned to the factory, it is important that the fixture be returned in the original factory box
and packing.
Safety Instructions
•Please keep this User Guide for future consultation. If you sell the unit to another user, be sure that
they also receive this instruction booklet.
•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 decal 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 50cm from adjacent
surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are blocked.
•Always disconnect from power source before servicing or replacing lamp or fuse and be sure to
replace with same lamp source.
•In the event of 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.
•Don’t connect the device to a dimmer pack.
•Make sure power cord is never crimped or damaged.
•Never disconnect power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.
•Do not operate this device under 113°Fambient temperature conditions.
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
CHAUVET.
Please read these instructions carefully, which includes important
information about the installation, usage and maintenance?

Introduction
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INTRODUCTION
Features
•Universal DMX-512 Controller
•Controls 12 intelligent lights of up to 20 channels
•30 banks of 8 scenes, 240 scenes total
•240 DMX channels of control
•6sets of chases containing 240 scenes
•Execute multiple chases simultaneously
•Re-assignable channels
•Joystick assignable Pan/Tilt and 16bit control
•Beat-activation, tap sync, auto run
•Grab any fixture on the fly
•Polarity selector
•3space 19" rack or table top mount
•Midi compatible
General Overview
The DMX-50A is a universal intelligent lighting controller. It allows the control of 12 fixtures composed
of 20 channels each and up to 240 programmable scenes. Six chase banks can contain up to 240
steps composed of the saved scenes and in any order. Programs can be triggered by music, midi,
automatically or manually. All chases can be executed at the same time.
On the surface you will find various programming tools such as 8 universal channel sliders, a joystick
and LED display indicators for easier navigation of controls and menu functions. You can control the
pan and tilt of different intelligent lighting fixtures using the same joystick at the same time by means
of a programmable joystick. This joystick allows the user to assign individual pan and tilt channels for
every fixture.

Introduction
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Product Overview (front)
Item Button or Fader Function
1Scanner select buttons Fixture selection
2Scanner indicator LEDS Indicates the fixtures currently selected
3Sceneselect buttons Universalbump buttons representing scene location for storage and selection
4Channel faders For adjusting DMX values,Ch 1~8 can be adjusted immediately afterpressing the
respective scanner select button, Ch 9~16 after pressing the Page selectbutton
5Page A Indicator LED Represents Ch1~8 range selected,
Tip! Tap A, B then B again to control both pages simultaneously.
6Page B Indicator LED Represents Ch9~16 range selected
7Page selectbutton In manual mode, press to toggle between pagesof control or to select both pages
simultaneously. Both LEDS on will allow controlof both lower and upper range channel.
8Programbutton Used to enter programmingmode
9Music/BankCopy button Used to activate Music mode and asthe copycommand during programming
10 LCD display window Status windowdisplays pertinent operational data
11 Mode Indicator LEDS Provides operating mode status, (manual, music or auto)
12 Bank Up button Function button to traverse Scene/Steps in banks orchases
IncrementalDMX values while FINE button is active.
13 Bank Down button Function button to traverse Scene/Steps in banksor chases
Decremental DMX values while FINE button is active.
14 Tap Displaybutton This is a Tap-Syncduring playback and during programming changes the DMX value
displayed in the LCD panelto percentages
15 Blackout button Sets the shutter or dimmer value of all fixtures to “0” causing all light output to cease
16 Midi/Rec button ActivatesMIDI external controland also used to confirm the record/saveprocess
17 Assign LED Indicated the controlleris in Channel assign mode during the initial setup of the controller
18 Auto/Delbutton Used to activate Auto modeand as the delete function key during programming
19 Chaser buttons Chase memory 1 ~6
20 Speed fader This will adjust thehold time of a scene ora step within a chase
21 Fade-Time fader Also considered a cross-fade, sets the interval time between two scenes in a chase
22 Fine button Activates 16 bit control of the joystick, movement will be in extremely small increments.
Note:While FINE is active Bank UP/DOWN buttons will increase and decreaseDMX
values by one for either the joystick or the slider in focusor currently moved.
23 Pile Up / Chase LED
24 Joystick Generally used to control the pan and tilt movement of a fixture
25 Modebutton
1
2
6
5
3
8
9
10
16
18
11
17
15
14
19
13
12
7
4
20
21
22
23
25
24

Introduction
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Product Overview (rear panel)
Item Button or Fader Function
26 Audio inputjack Direct audio feed for use in sound-active mode
27 MIDI input port For external triggeringof Banksand Chases using a MIDIdevice
28 DMX polarity switch May be used to correct signal polarity
29 DMX output connector DMX control signal
30 DMX input connector Used to transfer programmed data between 2 controllers
31 DC Input jack Main power feed
32 ON/OFF power switch Turns the controller on and off
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

Introduction
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Common Terms
The following are common terms used in intelligent light programming.
Blackout is a state by where all lighting fixtures light output are set to 0 or off, usually on a temporary
basis.
DMX-512 is an industry standard digital communication protocol used in entertainment lighting
equipment. For more information read Sections “DMX Primer” and “DMX Control Mode” in the
Appendix.
Fixture refers to your lighting instrument or other device such as a fogger or dimmer of which you can
control.
Programs are a bunch of scenes stacked one after another. It can be programmed as either a single
scene or multiple scenes in sequence.
Scenes are static lighting states.
Sliders also known as faders.
Chases can also be called programs. A chase consists of a bunch of scenes stacked one after
another.
Scanner refers to a lighting instrument with a pan and tilt mirror; however, in the ILS-CON controller it
can be used to control any DMX-512 compatible device as a generic fixture.
MIDI is a standard for representing musical information in a digital format. A MIDI input would provide
external triggering of scenes using midi device such as a midi keyboard.
Stand Alone refers to a fixture’s ability to function independently of an external controller and usually
in sync to music, due to a built in microphone.
Fade slider is used to adjust the time between scenes within a chase.
Speed slider affects the amount of time a scene will hold its state. It is also considered a wait time.
Shutter is a mechanical device in the lighting fixture that allows you to block the lights path. It is often
used to lessen the intensity of the light output and to strobe.
Patching refers to the process of assigning fixtures a DMX channel or..

Operating Instructions
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Setup
SETTING UP THE SYSTEM
1) Place the DMX-50A on a leveled surface. Note! The DMX-50A can also be rack mounted,
occupying 3U spaces.
2) Plug the AC to DC power supply to the system back panel and to the mains outlet.
3) Plug in your DMX cable(s) to your intelligent lighting as described in the fixtures respective
manual. For a quick Primer on DMX see the “DMX Primer” section in the Appendix of this
manual.
FIXTURE ADDRESSING
The DMX-50A is programmed to control 20 channels of DMX per fixture, therefore the fixtures you
wish to control with the corresponding “SCANNER”buttons on the unit, must be spaced 20 channels
apart.
FIXTURE OR
SCANNER #DEFAULT DMX STARTING ADDRESS BINARY DIPSWITCH SETTINGS
SWITCH TO THE “ON POSITION”
11 1
221 1,3,5
341 1,4,6
461 1,3,4,5,6
581 1,5,7
6101 1,3,6,7
7121 1,4,5,6,7
8141 1,3,4,8
9161 1,6,8
10 181 1,3,5,6,8
11 201 1,4,7,8
12 221 1,3,4,5,7,8
Please refer to your individual fixture’s manual for DMX addressing instructions. The table above
refers to a standard 9 dipswitch binary configurable device.
JOYSTICK ASSIGNMENT
Because not all intelligent lighting fixtures are alike or share the same control attributes, the DMX-50A
allows the user to assign the joystick the correct pan and tilt channel for every individual fixture
including 16 bit channel assignments. It also allows the user to re-assign physical faders to fixture
DMX channels so that the user can combine or unify control of similar or the same attributes across
different types of fixtures.
Action 
1) Press and hold FINE &MODE buttons
together, (2) times to access the channel
assignment mode. The Assign LED will
light.
2) Press a SCANNER button that represents
the fixture you would like to set the pan &
tilt.
3) Move the FADE TIME fader until you arrive
at controller channel “X “which is the
joystick pan.
Notes

All physical faders and even the joystick can be re-
assigned to output on a different DMX channel. Both
faders and the joystick are given a channel number
and are labeled on the surface of the controller as
such.
The Pan & Tilt Joystick use controller channel 9 & 10
(Page A) respectively. FINE movement is controlled
using channels 19 & 20 (Page B).

Operating Instructions
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4) Move the SPEED fader to select the DMX
channel that controls the (Pan) for the
selected fixture.
5) Press the MIDI/REC button to confirm
setting.
6) Repeat steps 3 ~ 5 for (Y /tilt), (X fine) and
(Y fine).
7) Press and hold FINE &MODE buttons to
exit mode.
You can re-assign the DMX channel to all controller
fader channels.
PHYSICAL FADER ASSIGNMENT
Use this feature to combine or unify fixture control attributes across different fixture sources. For
example; if you were controlling 4 moving mirrors and 4 moving yokes, the color, gobo and dimmer
channels may not line up ideally on the physical faders. Use this function to re-assign the dimmer,
color and gobo channels to faders 1, 2 and 3. From now on you will be able to control the same
attributes on all fixtures using the same fader location.
Action 
1) Press and hold FINE &MODE buttons
together, (2) times to access the channel
assignment mode. The Assign LED will
light.
2) Press a SCANNER button that represents
the fixture whose faders you would like to
re-assign.
3) Move the FADE TIME fader until you arrive
at controller channel (number).
4) Move the SPEED fader to select the DMX
channel.
5) Press the MIDI/REC button to confirm
setting.
6) Repeat steps 3 ~ 5 as often as necessary.
7) Press and hold FINE &MODE buttons to
exit mode.
Notes

All physical faders can be re-assigned to output on a
different DMX channel. Both faders and the joystick
are given a channel number and are labeled on the
surface of the controller as such.
You can re-assign the DMX channel to all controller
fader channels.
COPY SCANNER ASSIGNMENTS
Example: Copying Scanner 1 into Scanner 2
Action 
1) Press and hold SCANNER button # 1.
2) While holding button # 1 press SCANNER
button # 2.
3) Release SCANNER button # 1 first before
releasing SCANNER button # 2.
4) All SCANNER LED indicators will flash to
confirm successful copy.
Notes

To save time, you can copy the settings of one
Scanner button to another.

Operating Instructions
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REVERSE CHANNEL OUTPUT
Action 
1) Press and hold FINE &MODE buttons
together (1) time to access the channel
assignment mode then press the
SCANNER button.
2) Move the FADE TIME fader until you arrive
at the controller channel you wish to alter.
3) Move the SPEED fader all the way up until
Nchanges to Y.
4) Press and hold FINE & MODE buttons (2)
times to exit.
Notes

You can permanently reverse the output of any given
channel on the controller.
FADE TIME ASSIGN
You can choose whether the board’s fade time during scene execution is implemented broadly to all
output channels or only to the Pan & Tilt movement channels. This is relevant because often you will
want gobos and colors to change quickly while not affecting the movement of the light.
Action 
1) Turn OFF the controller.
2) Hold the MODE and TAP DISPLAY buttons
simultaneously.
3) Turn ON the controller.
4) Press the TAP DISPLAY button to toggle
between the two modes. Either ALL CH (all
channels) or ONLY X/Y (Pan & Tilt only)
5) Press MODE and TAP DISPLAY to save
settings. All LEDS will blink to confirm.
Notes

ALL CH: All channels
ONLY X/Y: Only Pan & Tilt

Operating Instructions
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Operation
MANUAL MODE
The manual mode allows direct control of all scanners. You are able to move them and change
attributes by using the channel faders and joystick.
Action 
1) Press the AUTO DEL button repeatedly
until the MANUAL LED is lit.
2) Select a SCANNER button.
3) Move joystick and faders to change fixture
attributes.
PAGE/SELECT A/B button:
Use to switch between fader control of (A: Ch
1~8), (B: Ch 9~6) or both (A & B together)
TAP DISPLAY button:
Press to toggle the output indicator on the LCD
display between DMX values (0-255) and
percentage (0-100)
Notes

All changes made while in Manual Mode are
temporary and will not be recorded.
REVIEW SCENE OR CHASE
This instruction assumes that you have already recorded scenes and chases on the controller. Other
wise skip section and go to programming.
Action {SCENE Review}
1) Select any one of the 30 banks by pressing
the BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
2) Select a SCENE button (1~8) to review.
3) Move joystick and faders to change fixture
attributes.
Action {CHASE Review}
1) Press any one of the 6 CHASE buttons.
2) Press the TAP DISPLAY button to view the
step number on the display.
3) Press the BANK UP/DOWN buttons review
all scenes in the chase.
Notes

Make sure you are still in MANUAL Mode.

Operating Instructions
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Programming
Aprogram (bank) is a sequence of different scenes (or steps) that will be called up one after another.
In the DMX-50A 30 programs can be created of 8 scenes in each.
ENTERING PROGRAM MODE
1) Press the Program button until the LED blinks.
CREATE A SCENE
Ascene is a static lighting state. Scenes are stored in banks. There are 30 bank memories on the
controller and each bank can hold 8 scene memories. The DMX-50A can save 240 scenes total.
Action 
1) Press the PROGRAM button until the LED
blinks.
2) Position SPEED and FADE TIME sliders all
the way down.
3) Select the SCANNERS you wish to include
in your scene.
4) Compose a look by moving the sliders and
joystick.
5) Tap MIDI/REC button.
6) Choose a BANK (01~30) to change if
necessary.
7) Select a SCENES button to store.
8) Repeat steps 3 through 7 as necessary. 8
scenes can be recorded in a Program.
9) To exit program mode, hold the PROGRAM
button.
Notes

Deselect Blackout if LED is lit.
You can select more than one fixture.
You can access channels 9~16 by pressing the Page
Select button. This is necessary for fixtures that use
more than 8 channels of control.
There are 8 scenes available in every bank.
-> All LEDs will flash to confirm. The LED display
will now indicate the Scene number and Bank number
used.
Shortcut:Press [PROGRAM] [SCANNERS] Adjust [Faders & Joystick] [BANK]
[SCENE] Press [PROGRAM] to store.
RUNNING A PROGRAM
Action 
1) Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to change
Program banks if necessary.
2) Press the AUTO DEL button repeatedly
until the AUTO LED turns on.
3) Adjust the PROGRAM speed via the
SPEED fader and the loop rate via the
FADE TIME fader.
4) Alternatively you can tap the TAP DISPLAY
button twice. The time between two taps
sets the time between SCENES (up to 10
minutes).
Notes

Deselect Blackout if LED is lit.
Also called a Tap-Sync.
Tip!
Press the FINE
button, activate
joystick or slider
by moving it then
use the Bank
Up/Down buttons
to change values
in increments of
“1”.

Operating Instructions
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CHECK PROGRAM
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button until
the LED blinks.
2) Use the BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select
the PROGRAM bank to review.
3) Press the SCENES buttons to review each
scene individually.
Notes

EDITING A PROGRAM
Scenes will need to be modified manually.
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button until
the LED blinks.
2) Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to change
Program banks if necessary.
3) Select the desired fixture via the
SCANNERS button.
4) Adjust and change fixture attributes using
the channel faders and joystick.
5) Press the MIDI/REC button to prepare the
save.
6) Select the desired SCENES button to save.
Notes

Deselect Blackout if LED is lit.
COPY A PROGRAM
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button until
the LED blinks.
2) Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select the
PROGRAM bank you will copy.
3) Press the MIDI/REC button to prepare the
copy.
4) Use BANK UP/DOWN buttons to select the
destination PROGRAM bank.
5) Press the MUSIC BANK COPY button to
execute the copy. All LEDs on the controller
will blink.
Notes

All 8 scenes in a Program bank will be copied.

Operating Instructions
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Chase Programming
Achase is created by using previously created scenes. Scenes become steps in a chase and can be
arranged in any order you choose. It is highly recommended that prior to programming chases for the
first time; you delete all chases from memory. See “Delete All Chases” for instructions.
CREATE A CHASE
AChase can contain 240 scenes as steps. The term steps and scenes are used interchangeably.
Action 
1) Press the PROGRAM button until the LED
blinks.
2) Press the CHASE (1~6) button you wish to
program.
3) Change BANK if necessary to locate a
scene.
4) Select the SCENE to insert.
5) Tap the MIDI/REC button to store.
6) Repeat steps 3 ~ 5 to add additional steps
in the chase. Up to 240 steps can be
recorded.
7) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
save the chase.
Notes

RUNNING A CHASE
Action 
1) Press a CHASE button then press the
AUTO DEL button.
2) Adjust the Chase speed by tapping the TAP
DISPLAY button twice at a rate of your
choosing.
Notes

The time between 2 taps will set the chase speed (up
to 10 minutes)
CHECKING A CHASE
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button until
the LED is lit.
2) Select the desired CHASE button.
3) Press the TAP DISPLAY button to switch
the LCD display to steps.
4) Review each scene/step individually by
using the BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
Notes


Operating Instructions
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EDIT CHASE (COPY BANK INTO CHASE)
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
enter programming mode.
2) Press the desired CHASE button.
3) Select the BANK to be copied using the
BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
4) Press MUSIC/BANK COPY button to
prepare copy.
5) Press MIDI/REC button to copy the bank.
All LEDs will blink.
Notes

EDIT CHASE (COPY SCENE INTO CHASE)
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
enter programming mode.
2) Press the desired CHASE button.
3) Select the BANK that contains the scene to
be copied using the BANK UP/DOWN
buttons.
4) Press the SCENE button that corresponds
to the scene to be copied.
5) Press MIDI/REC button to copy the scene.
All LEDs will blink.
Notes

EDIT CHASE (INSERT SCENE INTO A CHASE)
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
enter programming mode.
2) Press the desired CHASE button.
3) Press the TAP DISPLAY to switch the LCD
display to steps view.
4) Use the BANK UP/DOWN buttons to
navigate steps and locate the insert point of
the new scene. The display will read the
step number.
5) Press MIDI/REC button to prepare the
insert.
6) Use the BANK UP/DOWN button to locate
the SCENE.
7) Press the SCENE button that corresponds
to the scene to be inserted.
8) Press MIDI/REC button to insert the scene.
All LEDs will blink.
Notes

I.e. To insert a scene between Steps 05 and 06
navigate using BANK buttons until the display reads
STEP05.

Operating Instructions
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DELETE A SCENE IN A CHASE
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
enter programming mode.
2) Press the desired CHASE button that
contains the scene to be deleted.
3) Press the TAP DISPLAY button to switch
the LCD display to steps.
4) Select the scene/step to be deleted using
the BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
5) Press AUTO DEL button to delete the
step/scene. All LEDs will blink.
Notes

Remember that we use scene and steps
interchangeably.
DELETE A CHASE
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
enter programming mode.
2) Press the CHASE button (1~6) to be
deleted.
3) Press and hold AUTO DEL button and the
respective CHASE button to delete the
chase. All LEDs will blink.
Notes

DELETE ALL CHASE PROGRAMS
CAUTION! This procedure will result in irrevocable loss of chase step memory. The individual scenes
and program banks will be preserved.
Action 
1) Turn OFF controller.
2) Press and hold the BANK DOWN button
and the AUTO DEL button while turning ON
the controller.
3) All LEDs will blink.
Notes


Operating Instructions
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Scene Programming (Steps)
INSERT A SCENE
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
enter programming mode.
2) Press the desired CHASE button.
3) Press the TAP DISPLAY to switch the LCD
display to steps view.
4) Use the BANK UP/DOWN buttons to
navigate steps and locate the insert point of
the new scene. The display will read the
step number.
5) Press MIDI/REC button to prepare the
insert.
6) Use the BANK UP/DOWN button to locate
the SCENE.
7) Press the SCENE button that corresponds
to the scene to be inserted.
8) Press MIDI/REC button to insert the scene.
All LEDs will blink.
Notes

I.e. To insert a scene between Steps 05 and 06
navigate using BANK buttons until the display reads
STEP05.
COPY A SCENE
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
enter programming mode.
2) Select the BANK that contains the scene to
be copied using the BANK UP/DOWN
buttons.
3) Press the SCENE button that corresponds
to the scene to be copied.
4) Press MIDI/REC button to copy the scene.
All LEDs will blink.
5) Select the destination BANK that contains
the scene memory to record onto using the
BANK UP/DOWN buttons.
6) Press the desired SCENE button to
complete copy. All LEDs will blink.
Notes

DELETE A SCENE
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button to
enter programming mode.
2) Select the BANK that contains the scene to
be deleted by using the BANK UP/DOWN
buttons.
3) Press and hold the AUTO DEL button.
4) Press the SCENE button that corresponds
to the scene you want to delete. All LEDs
will blink.
Notes

When deleting a scene the physical location is not
removed, however, all 240 DMX channels available
to the scene will be set to value 0.

Operating Instructions
DMX-50A User Manual 18 Revised: 2006-04-24 15:26:16
DELETE ALL SCENES
Action 
1) Press and hold the PROGRAM button and
the BANK DOWN button while turning off
power to the controller.
2) Turn the controller back on.
Notes

CAUTION!
This process is irreversible. All scenes with data will
be set to 0.
Playback
RUNNING IN SOUND-MODE
Action 
1) Press the MUSIC BANK COPY button until
the MUSIC LED turns on.
2) Select the program BANK to run in sound-
active mode using the BANK UP/DOWN
buttons.
3) Alternatively you can press a single CHASE
button (1~6) or several CHASE buttons in
sequence and all selected chases will loop
in the order selected.
4) You can adjust the duration time using the
FADE TIME fader.
Notes

In the Sound mode, programs will be triggered by the
sound using its built-in microphone.
Multiple chases selected will loop and run in the
order originally selected.
RUNNING IN AUTO-MODE
Action 
1) Press the AUTO DEL button until the AUTO
LED turns on.
2) If a CHASE button is not pressed the
controller will automatically run a BANK
program.
3) Change BANK programs by using BANK
UP/DOWN buttons.
4) Alternatively you can press a single CHASE
button (1~6) or several CHASE buttons in
sequence and all selected chases will loop
in the order selected.
5) You can adjust the time between steps by
moving the SPEED fader and the duration
of the step by moving the FADE TIME
fader.
Notes

In the Auto mode, programs will be triggered by
controllers fade and speed time as set on the faders.
Multiple chases selected will loop and run in the
order originally selected.
RUN MULTIPLE CHASES SIMULTANEOUSLY
Action 
1) Press and hold AUTO DEL button.
2) While holding down AUTO DEL,in
succession press and release each CHASE
you would like to run simultaneously.
Notes

IMPORTANT! To avoid conflict between scenes
running simultaneously that control the same fixture
attributes consider creating individual color and gobo
chases.
BLACKOUT
The Blackout button brings all lighting output to 0 or off.

Operating Instructions
DMX-50A User Manual 19 Revised: 2006-04-24 15:26:16
Midi Operation
The controller will only respond to MIDI commands on the MIDI channel which it is set to full stop. All
MIDI control is performed using Note on commands. All other MIDI instructions are ignored. To stop a
chase, send the blackout on note.
Action 
1) Press and hold the MIDI/REC button for
about 3 seconds.
2) Select the MIDI control channel (1~16) via
the BANK UP/DOWN buttons to set.
3) Press and hold the MIDI/REC button for 3
seconds to save settings.
4) To release MIDI control, press any other
button except the BANK buttons during
step 2.
Notes

This is the Channel that the controller will receive
MIDI note commands.
MIDI NOTE FUNCTION (TURN ON/OFF)
00 to 07 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 1
08 to 15 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 2
16 to 23 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 3
24 to 31 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 4
32 to 39 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 5
40to 47 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 6
48to 55 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 7
56 to 63 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 8
64 to 71 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 9
72 to 79 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 10
80 to 87 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 11
88 to 95 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 12
96 to 103 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 13
104 to 111 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 14
112 to 119 Scenes 1~8 in BANK 15
120 Chase 1
121 Chase 2
122 Chase 3
123 Chase 4
124 Chase 5
125 Chase 6
126 BLACKOUT
Data Transfer
It is possible to transfer the programs stored in one DMX-50A controller to another. Connect from the
DMX output of the programmed controller to the DMX input of the other.
Action 
1) Source unit: Turn unit Off, press and hold
SCANNER buttons 2, 3 and SCENE button
1then turn unit back On.
2) Destination unit: Turn unit Off, press and
hold SCANNER buttons 8, 9 and SCENE
button 2 then turn unit back On.
3) Both units are now ready to transmit and
receive. Press SCENE buttons 7 & 8
simultaneously on Source unit to begin
transmission.
Notes

The display should show TRANSMIT, this indicates it
is ready to transmit data.
The display should show RECEIVE, this indicates it is
ready to receive data transmission.

Appendix
DMX-50A User Manual 20 Revised: 2006-04-24 15:26:16
APPENDIX
DMX Primer
There are 512 channels in a DMX-512 connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A
fixture capable of receiving DMX 512 will require one or a number of sequential channels. The user
must assign a starting address on the fixture that indicates the first channel reserved in the controller.
There are many different types of DMX controllable fixtures and they all may vary in the total number
of channels required. Choosing a start address should be planned in advance. Channels should
never overlap. If they do, this will result in erratic operation of the fixtures whose starting address is
set incorrectly. You can however, control multiple fixtures of the same type using the same starting
address as long as the intended result is that of unison movement or operation. In other words, the
fixtures will be slaved together and all respond exactly the same.
DMX fixtures are designed to receive data through a serial Daisy Chain. A Daisy Chain connection is
where the DATA OUT of one fixture connects to the DATA IN of the next fixture. The order in which
the fixtures are connected is not important and has no effect on how a controller communicates to
each fixture. Use an order that provides for the easiest and most direct cabling. Connect fixtures
using shielded two conductor twisted pair cable with three pin XLR male to female connectors. The
shield connection is pin 1, while pin 2 is Data Negative (S-) and pin 3 is Data positive (S+). CHAUVET
carries 3-pin XLR DMX compliant cables, DMX-10 (33’), DMX-4.5 (15’) and DMX-1.5 (5’)
FIXTURE LINKING
Note! If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5
pin to 3 pin adapter. Chauvet Model No: DMX5M.
The chart below details a proper cable conversion:
3 PIN TO 5 PIN CONVERSION CHART
CONDUCTOR 3Pin Female (output) 5 Pin Male (Input)
GROUND/SHIELD Pin 1 Pin 1
DATA (-)SIGNAL Pin 2 Pin 2
DATA ( + ) SIGNAL Pin 3 Pin 3
DONOT USE Do not use
DONOT USE Do not use
COMMON
DMX +
DMX
-
INPUT OUTPUT
1
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
Resistance 120
ohm 1/4w between
pin 2 (DMX -) and
pin 3 (DMX +) of
the last fixture.
Termination reduces signal errors and to
avoid signal transmission problems and
interference, it is always advisable to connect
aDMX signal terminator.
Figure 1 - DMX connector configuration