Chauvet Obey 40 User manual

User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN....................................................................................................................................................... 4
WHAT IS INCLUDED................................................................................................................................................................................4
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS....................................................................................................................................................................4
MANUAL CONVENTIONS.........................................................................................................................................................................4
ICONS ..................................................................................................................................................................................................4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS..........................................................................................................................................................................5
2. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
FEATURES............................................................................................................................................................................................6
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................................................6
PROGRAMMING CONCEPT......................................................................................................................................................................6
LAYOUT OF THE BOARD CHANNELS.........................................................................................................................................................6
LAYOUT OF THE SCENES........................................................................................................................................................................6
PRODUCT OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................................7
CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS.......................................................................................................................................................................7
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (BACK PANEL)........................................................................................................................................................8
CONNECTIONS DESCRIPTIONS................................................................................................................................................................8
3. SETUP............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
ACPOWER...........................................................................................................................................................................................9
MOUNTING ...........................................................................................................................................................................................9
Orientation................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Installation................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
FIXTURE ADDRESSING...........................................................................................................................................................................9
SIGNAL OUTPUT..................................................................................................................................................................................10
PHYSICAL FADER ASSIGNMENT ............................................................................................................................................................11
COPYING PHYSICALFADER ASSIGNMENT..............................................................................................................................................12
FADER REVERSE (0~255/255~0)........................................................................................................................................................12
RESETTING THE SYSTEM......................................................................................................................................................................12
4. PROGRAMMING............................................................................................................................................................. 13
ENTERING PROGRAM MODE.................................................................................................................................................................13
EXITING PROGRAM MODE....................................................................................................................................................................13
CREATING A SCENE.............................................................................................................................................................................13
CREATE A CHASE................................................................................................................................................................................14
CHASE MODIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................14
Adding a Step to a Chase......................................................................................................................................................................................14
Delete a Scene/Step in a Chase............................................................................................................................................................................14
Copy a Bank into a Chase.....................................................................................................................................................................................14
5. PROGRAMMING MODIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................... 15
DELETE ONE SCENE ...........................................................................................................................................................................15
DELETE ALL SCENES...........................................................................................................................................................................15
DELETE A CHASE................................................................................................................................................................................15
DELETE ALL CHASES...........................................................................................................................................................................15
DELETE A BANK OF SCENES.................................................................................................................................................................15
6. PLAYBACK..................................................................................................................................................................... 16
SCENE PLAYBACK...............................................................................................................................................................................16
Manual Scene Playback (Single)...........................................................................................................................................................................16
Auto Bank Playback...............................................................................................................................................................................................16
Music Bank Playback.............................................................................................................................................................................................16
CHASE PLAYBACK...............................................................................................................................................................................17
Auto Chase Playback.............................................................................................................................................................................................17
Music Chase Playback...........................................................................................................................................................................................17
PLAYBACK MODIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................................17
MIDI Operation.......................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Setting the MIDI Channel.......................................................................................................................................................................................17
MIDI Configuration (Response).............................................................................................................................................................................18

CHAUVET®, 2010, All Rights Reserved
Information and specifications in this User Manual are subject to change without notice.
CHAUVET® assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear
in this manual.
Author: Anthony Chiappone
Revision: 03B
Release Date: 11-10-2010
Tap Sync................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Fog Control ............................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Strobe Control........................................................................................................................................................................................................18
7. APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
DMXPRIMER .....................................................................................................................................................................................19
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING..............................................................................................................................................................19
FIXTURE LINKING ................................................................................................................................................................................20
DATA CABLING....................................................................................................................................................................................20
DMX Data Cable....................................................................................................................................................................................................20
CABLE CONNECTORS ..........................................................................................................................................................................21
SETTING THE STARTING ADDRESS........................................................................................................................................................21
3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion Chart............................................................................................................................................................................22
Setting up a DMX Serial Data Link........................................................................................................................................................................22
GENERAL MAINTENANCE .....................................................................................................................................................................23
RETURNS PROCEDURE........................................................................................................................................................................23
CLAIMS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................23
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................................... 24
CONTACT US ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24

1. Before You Begin 4 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
1.BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What is included
•1 x Obey™ 40
•1 x 12 VDC, 500 mA External Power Supply
•1 x Warranty Card
•1 x User Manual
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.
Manual Conventions
CHAUVET® manuals use the following conventions to differentiate certain types of information
from the regular text.
C
ONVENTION M
EANING
[10] A DIP switch to be configured
<Menu> A key to be pressed on the fixture’s control panel
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 (for example, showing the operating
mode/current status)
MENU > Settings A sequence of menu options to be followed
ON A value to be entered or selected
Icons
This manual uses the following icons to indicate information that requires special attention on the
part of the user.
I
CONS M
EANING
This paragraph contains critical installation, configuration or operation
information. Failure to comply with this information may render the fixture
partially or completely inoperative, cause damage to the fixture or cause
harm to the user.
This paragraph contains important installation or configuration information.
Failure to comply with this information may prevent the fixture from
functioning correctly.
This paragraph reminds you of useful, although not critical, information.

1. Before You Begin 5 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Safety Instructions
•Please keep this User Manual 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 the 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 20 in (50 cm)
from adjacent surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are blocked.
•Always disconnect from power source before servicing or replacing fuse and be sure to
replace with same fuse source.
•Secure fixture to fastening device using a safety chain.
•Maximum ambient temperature (Ta) is 104° F (40° C). Do not operate fixture at
temperatures higher than this.
•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.
•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.
•Never carry the fixture directly from the cord. Always use the hanging/mounting
bracket.
•Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while it is on.
Please read these instructions carefully. It includes important information
about the installation, usa
g
e and maintenance of this
p
roduct.

2. Introduction 6 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
2.INTRODUCTION
Features
•Universal DMX-512 controller
•Controls up to 12 intelligent lights of up to 16 channels each
•30 banks of 8 scenes, 240 scenes max
•192 DMX channels of control
•6 sets of chases containing 240 scenes
•Reversible sliders
•Re-assignable channels
•Sequential linking of chases
•Fog & strobe control buttons
•Grab any fixture on the fly
•Beat activation, tap-sync and auto run
•Polarity selector
•3 space 19" rack mount
•MIDI compatible
Product Description
The Obey™40 is a universal intelligent lighting controller. It allows the control of 12 fixtures
composed of 16 channels each and up to 240 programmable scenes. Six chases 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. Channel assignments can be reprogrammed for ease of controlling
different fixtures. On the surface you will find various programming tools such as 8 universal
channel sliders, quick access scanner and scene buttons, and an LED display indicator for easier
navigation of controls and menu functions.
Programming Concept
This controller has several operation/playback modes.
Multiple scenes may also be programmed and arranged to playback in both banks and chases.
Layout of the Board Channels
The Obey™ 40 can control up to 192 channels. These channels are arranged into 12 “groups”,
which are accessed using <FIXTURES>.
Each fixture contains 16 predetermined DMX channels. These 16 channels are broken down into 2
“groups”, which are accessed using <PAGE SELECT>. This allows the 8 physical faders to control
between 1~8 and 9~16.
Layout of the Scenes
Up to 240 scenes may be saved in the internal memory of the Obey™ 40. These scenes are
arranged into 30 groups, which are accessed using <BANK UP> and <BANK DOWN>. Each bank
contains 8 scenes.

2. Introduction 7 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Product Overview
Control Descriptions
ITEM (S) DESCRIPTION
LED Display Displays channel DMX/Percentage values, current operating mode, speed/fade time,
bank up/down, and any other applicable setup/operation information
Chase Selection buttons Direct chase selection (1~6)
Scene Selection buttons Direct scene selection in relation to the current bank (1~30)
Fixture Selection buttons For adjusting DMX values, Ch 1~8 can be adjusted immediately after pressing the
respective fixture select button, Ch 9~16 after pressing the Page selection button
Page Selection button Switch between channels 1~8 and channels 9~16
Mode Modification Area Contains the following controls: MIDI/Add, Program, Auto/Del, Tap Sync/Display
Speed Time Fader Used to modify the speed time
Fade Time Fader Used to modify the fade time
Strobe button Activate the external strobe light(s)
Fog button Activates the external fog machine(s)
Scene selection buttons
Fixture selection buttons
Page selection button
Fade Time Fade
r
Speed Time Fade
r
Chase selection buttons
LED Display
Fog button
Strobe button
Mode Modification
Area
Blackout
Bank Up/Down

2. Introduction 8 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Product Overview (back panel)
Connections Descriptions
BUTTON OR FADER FUNCTION
DMX Out Sends DMX control out to fixture(s)
DMX Polarity switch May be used to change DMX polarity (hardware)
MIDI In Use a MIDI controller for external triggering of banks, scenes, chases, and blackout
DC Power In Main power input
Strobe Out Mono ¼” strobe controller
Connections Description
Sticker Provides description of back panel controls
Power On/Off switch Turns the controller power On/Off
Fog Out 5-pin DIN fog controller (works with most CHAUVET® fog machines)
MIDI In
DC Power In
Strobe Out
Fog Out
DMX Polarity switch
DMX Out
Connections Description
Sticke
r
Power On/Off
switch

3. Setup 9 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
3.SETUP
AC Power
This fixture requires an external power supply, which is included. The included power supply is rated
for 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 500 mA max. Before powering on the unit, make sure the line voltage
to which you are connecting it is within the range of accepted voltages.
To determine the power requirements for a particular fixture, see the label affixed to the back plate
of the fixture or refer to the fixture’s specifications chart. A fixture’s listed current rating indicates its
average current draw under normal conditions.
Always connect the fixture to a switched circuit. Never connect the fixture to a rheostat
(variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer channel is used only as a
0 to 100% switch.
Mounting
Orientation
The Obey™ 40
may be mounted in any safe position.
Installation
Please see the drawing below, which shows the back of the controller. It details the dimensions for
mounting. This will aid in placing the holes for installation.
Fixture Addressing
The Obey™ 40 can control up to 12 separate fixtures. Each fixture must be set to predetermined
DMX addresses. Please see the chart below for the DMX starting addresses of each of the twelve
fixtures.
F
IXTURE A DDRESS DIP
SWITCH
F IXTURE A DDRESS DIP
SWITCH
F IXTURE A DDRESS DIP SWITCH
1 1 1 5 65 1,7 9 129 1,8
2 17 1,5 6 81 1,5,7 10 145 1,5,8
3 33 1,6 7 97 1,6,7 11 161 1,6,8
4 49 1,5,6 8 113 1,5,6,7 12 177 1,5,6,8
8

3. Setup 10 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Obey™ 40 controller
Signal Output
In order to use this controller with multiple fixtures, you must daisy chain from the output of the
Obey™ 40, using DMX cables to link from one fixture to another.
Additional signal
link out
Fixture #2
Fixture #3
Fixture #1

3. Setup 11 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Physical Fader Assignment
Use this feature to combine or unify fixture control attributes for different fixtures. 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.
1. Press <PROGRAM> and <TAP SYNC/DISPLAY>. This will enter the physical fader
assignment mode.
2. Select one of the fixtures: <FIXTURE 1~12> (this will be the fixture that you want to
modify the channels for).
3. Move the <SPEED> fader to select the physical slider (control channel).
4. Move the <FADE TIME> fader to select the DMX channel.
5. Press <MIDI/ADD> to save the setting.
6. Repeat steps 3~5 until all of the faders have been assigned for the fixture.
7. Press <PROGRAM> and <TAP SYNC/DISPLAY> two times to exit physical fader
assignment mode.
Reset the fader assignment back to the original, factory settings by performing a soft
reset. Please see the section “Resetting the System” for detailed instructions on this
procedure.
When moving channels, you must relocate the previously addressed channel to a new
location. For example: when moving channel 12 to channel 1, channel 1 must be relocated
to a new channel.

3. Setup 12 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Copying Physical Fader Assignment
This process will copy the physical fader assignment from one fixture into another fixture.
1. Press <PROGRAM> and <TAP SYNC/DISPLAY>. This will enter the physical fader
assignment mode.
2. Press & hold the fixture button that contains the desired physical fader assignment.
3. While still holding the previous fixture button, press & hold the fixture that you want to
copy into.
4. While still holding the two fixture buttons above, press & hold <MIDI/ADD>.
5. While still holding all three buttons down, release the fixture selected in step # 2 above.
6. While still holding down <MIDI/ADD>, release the fixture selected in step # 3 above.
7. Release <MIDI/ADD>.
8. All fixture LEDs will flash.
9. Press <PROGRAM> and <TAP SYNC/DISPLAY> two times to exit physical fader
assignment mode.
This will not copy the fader-reverse setting(s).
Fader Reverse (0~255/255~0)
This function will allow you to reverse the DMX output of the physical fader(s). This may be useful
for inverting the pan/tilt control. It may also be useful if you have 2 channels of control for the
intensity of a fixture (strobe/dimmer) and always want one of them to be on, unless otherwise
stated.
1. Press <PROGRAM> and <TAP SYNC/DISPLAY> two times. This will enter the fader
reverse assignment mode.
2. Select one of the fixtures: <FIXTURE 1~12> (this will be the fixture that you want to
modify the channels for).
3. Move the <SPEED> fader to select the physical slider (control channel).
4. Move the <FADE TIME> fader to activate/deactivate this function .
5. Press <MIDI/ADD> to save the setting.
6. Repeat steps 3~5 until all of the faders have been assigned for the fixture.
7. Press <PROGRAM> and <TAP SYNC/DISPLAY> one time to exit fader reverse
assignment mode.
Resetting the System
Use this function to revert all settings and scenes back to the state they were in when the product
left the factory.
1. Turn off the unit.
2. Press and hold <BANK UP> and <AUTO/DEL>.
3. Turn on power to the unit (while still holding <BANK UP> and <AUTO/DEL>).
4. All LEDs will blink to indicate a successful reset.
This will erase all scenes, chases, and other settings!
This process may take up to 30 seconds to complete.

4. Programming 13 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
4.PROGRAMMING
Entering Program Mode
No programming may be done on the Obey™ 40 without first entering program mode. You will
f
ind references to this process in many other sections of this user manual.
Please see the steps below to enter this mode.
1. Turn on the controller.
2. Press and hold <PROGRAM> for three seconds.
3. When the LED display Program LED lights, you have entered program mode.
Press and hold PROGRAM for three seconds to exit program mode.
Exiting Program Mode
You will find references to this process in many other sections of this user manual.
Please see the steps below to exit this mode.
1. While currently in program mode, press and hold <PROGRAM> for three seconds.
2. When the LED display Program LED turns off, you have exited program mode.
Creating a Scene
Use this function to create a static look on stage.
Please see the steps below for instructions.
1. Turn on the controller.
2. Enter program mode.
3. Select one or more fixtures.
4. Using the 8 sliders, modify the value of the desired channel(s).
5. When the desired look has been achieved, press <MIDI/ADD>.
6. Use <BANK UP/DOWN> to select a desired bank (30 possible) to save the scene to.
7. Once you have navigated to the desired bank, press the <SCENE> (1~8) to save the
scene directly to.
8. All LEDs will flash to indicate that the scene has been saved.
9. Repeat steps 3~8 until you are finished programming all scenes.
10. Exit program mode.
You may select more than one fixture at a time. If you do so, you will not have separate
control over each of them.
Use PAGE A/B to switch between the 2 pages for the selected fixture.
You may program multiple fixtures into the same scene!

4. Programming 14 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Create a Chase
A chase is a series of scenes. Program the scenes before programming the chases.
Please see the steps below for instructions on programming a chase.
1. Enter program mode.
2. Select the chase that will be programmed (1~6).
3. Call up the first scene for the chase by pressing the appropriate <SCENE> button. You
may use <BANK UP/DOWN> to navigate through the different pages of the scenes.
4. Once the controller is outputting the correct scene to the lights, press <MIDI/ADD>.
5. All LEDs will flash when the scene is added to the chase.
6. Call up the second scene for the chase by pressing the appropriate <SCENE> button.
7. Once the controller is outputting the correct scene to the lights, press <MIDI/ADD>.
8. All LEDs will flash when the scene is added to the chase.
9. Continue through steps 6~8 until all of the scenes have been added to the chase.
10. Exit program mode.
Chase Modifications
Adding a Step to a Chase
This function will add a step after any step within a chase.
1. Enter program mode.
2. Activate the chase.
3. Using <BANK UP/DOWN>, scroll through the banks until you arrive at the bank that
contains the new scene.
4. Press <TAPSYNC/DISPLAY>. The display will change to step display mode.
5. Using <BANK UP/DOWN>, scroll to the step that will appear before the new step.
6. Press <MIDI/ADD>. The current step on the display will increase by one.
7. Press the new scene: <SCENE 1~8>.
8. Press <MIDI/ADD>. All LEDs on the controller will flash.
Delete a Scene/Step in a Chase
1. Enter program mode.
2. Activate the chase.
3. Press <TAPSYNC/DISPLAY>. The display will change to step display mode.
4. Using <BANK UP/DOWN>, scroll to the step that you want to delete.
5. Press <AUTO/DEL>.
6. All LEDs on the controller will flash.
Copy a Bank into a Chase
This function copies an entire bank after any existing steps in a chase.
1. Enter program mode.
2. Activate the desired chase.
3. Using <BANK UP/DOWN>, scroll through the banks until you arrive at the bank that you
want to copy into the chase.
4. Press <MUSIC/BANK COPY> and <MIDI/ADD> simultaneously.
5. All LEDs on the controller will flash.

5. Programming Modifications 15 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
5.PROGRAMMING MODIFICATIONS
Delete One Scene
Use this function to delete one of the scenes in the controller. Repeat this process for each scene
that you need to delete.
1. Enter program mode.
2. Use <BANK UP/DOWN> to navigate program banks.
3. Press and hold the <AUTO/DEL> button while pressing the SCENE you want to delete.
Delete All Scenes
Use this function to delete all of the scenes in the controller.
1. Turn off the unit.
2. Press and hold <BANK DOWN> and <PROGRAM>.
3. Turn on power to the unit (while still holding <BANK DOWN> and <PROGRAM>).
4. When all LEDs blink, the function is successfully completed.
Delete a Chase
1. Enter program mode.
2. Activate the chase to be deleted: <CHASE 1~6>.
3. Press <AUTO/DEL> and <CHASE 1~6> simultaneously.
4. When all LEDs blink, the function is successfully completed.
Delete All Chases
1. Enter program mode.
2. Press <AUTO/DEL> and <BANK DOWN> simultaneously.
3. While still holding the buttons down, turn the controller OFF.
Delete a Bank of Scenes
1. Enter program mode.
2. Activate the BANK that you want to delete.
3. Press <AUTO/DEL> and the <MUSIC/BANK COPY> simultaneously.
4. When all LEDs blink, the function is successfully completed.

6. Playback 16 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
6.PLAYBACK
Scene Playback
Manual Scene Playback (Single)
This controller is capable of playing back a single scene at a time. The <SPEED> and <FADE
TIME> faders will not function in this mode. Please see the instructions below for further
explanation.
1. Set the controller in [MANUAL] playback mode. If [AUTO] or [MUSIC] is visible on the
display, press the appropriate button(s) to disable the mode(s). When these modes are
disabled, the controller will be in manual scene playback mode.
2. Using <BANK UP/DOWN>, navigate to the appropriate bank of the desired scene.
3. Activate the appropriate scene by pressing <SCENE 1~8>.
4. Activate another scene, if desired. This will disable any previously selected scene.
Auto Bank Playback
This controller is capable of playing back all 8 scenes on one of the 30 banks. These scenes will
play back in sequential order. The <SPEED> and <FADE TIME> faders are used to control the
transition between the individual scenes. Please see the instructions below for further
explanation.
1. Press <AUTO/DEL> to set the controller in [AUTO] playback mode.
2. Using <BANK UP/DOWN>, navigate to the appropriate bank of scenes.
3. Use the <SPEED> and <FADE TIME> faders to adjust the scene transition.
The scenes will play in sequential order within the bank.
Only programmed scenes will play back. Empty scenes will be skipped during playback.
Music Bank Playback
This controller is capable of playing back all 8 scenes on one of the 30 banks. These scenes will
play back in sequential order. The triggering from one scene to another will be synchronized to
the beat of the music. Please see the instructions below for further explanation.
1. Press <MUSIC/BANK COPY> to set the controller in [MUSIC] playback mode.
2. Using <BANK UP/DOWN>, navigate to the appropriate bank of scenes.
The scenes will play in sequential order within the bank.
Only programmed scenes will play back. Empty scenes will be skipped during playback

6. Playback 17 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Chase Playback
There are three different modes of playback for the chases in the Obey™ 40. Please see the
sections below for detailed instructions on these modes.
You may activate multiple chases in this controller. They will play back in sequential
order.
Auto Chase Playback
You may control the playback of the chases in this controller by using the <SPEED> and <FADE
TIME> faders. Please see the instructions below for further explanation.
1. Activate the desired chase by pressing <CHASE 1~6>.
2. Press <AUTO/DEL>.
3. Using the <SPEED> and <FADE TIME> faders, adjust the playback speed and transition
between the individual scenes (steps).
Music Chase Playback
You may synchronize the playback of the chases in this controller to the beat of the music.
Please see the instructions below for further explanation.
1. Activate the desired chase by pressing <CHASE 1~6>.
2. Press <MUSIC/BANK COPY>.
Playback Modifications
MIDI Operation
The controller will only respond to MIDI commands on the MIDI channel when it is set to full stop.
Perform all MIDI control using Note on commands. All other MIDI instructions are ignored. To
stop a chase, send the blackout on note.
The controller is always in MIDI receive mode. It is not necessary for the display to read
[MIDI] for the controller to respond to MIDI commands.
Setting the MIDI Channel
1. Press <MIDI/ADD>. The display should read [MIDI] and the current channel assignment.
2. Using <BANK UP/DOWN>, select the MIDI channel (1~16).
3. Press <MIDI/ADD> to save the setting.

6. Playback 18 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
MIDI Configuration (Response)
MIDI
N OTE F UNCTION (T URNS O N /O FF )
00~07 Scenes 1~8, Bank 1
08~15 Scenes 1~8, Bank 2
16~23 Scenes 1~8, Bank 3
24~31 Scenes 1~8, Bank 4
21~39 Scenes 1~8, Bank 5
40~47 Scenes 1~8, Bank 6
48~55 Scenes 1~8, Bank 7
56~63 Scenes 1~8, Bank 8
64~71 Scenes 1~8, Bank 9
72~79 Scenes 1~8, Bank 10
80~87 Scenes 1~8, Bank 11
88~95 Scenes 1~8, Bank 12
96~103 Scenes 1~8, Bank 13
104~111 Scenes 1~8, Bank 14
112~119 Scenes 1~8, Bank 15
120 Chase 1
121 Chase 2
122 Chase 3
123 Chase 4
124 Chase 5
125 Chase 6
126 Blackout
Tap Sync
This feature is another method of adjusting the playback speed. It functions in the same modes in
which the <SPEED> fader is active. Please see the steps below for the operation.
1. Press <TAP SYNC/DISPLAY> three (3) times. The timing between pressing this button
determines the speed.
2. Repeat, as necessary, until the time has been set to the desired speed.
It may be a good idea to synchronize pressing this button three times along with the beat
of the music (bpm). This will allow the lights to synchronize with the music.
Fog Control
The Obey™ 40 has a dedicated fog button that will work with compatible CHAUVET® fog
machines. This button works with the dedicated 5-pin connector that is located on the back panel
of the controller.
When the fog LED is on, it indicates that the fog machine has reached the maximum
temperature. When the LED is not on, the fog machine may still function, but it will not
operate for maximum rated time, as it will begin below the maximum temperature.
Strobe Control
The Obey™ 40 has a dedicated strobe button that will work with compatible CHAUVET®
products. This button works with the dedicated ¼” connector that is located on the back panel of
the controller.
The LED indicator for the strobe button will flash at the same rate as the strobe light(s).

7. Appendix 19 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
7.APPENDIX
DMX Primer
There are 512 channels in a DMX connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A
fixture capable of receiving DMX 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+).
General Troubleshooting
S
YMPTOM P OSSIBLE C AUSE ( S ) P OSSIBLE A CTION ( S )
Breaker/Fuse
keeps blowing
•Excessive circuit load
•
Check total load placed on the
electrical circuit.
•Short circuit along the power
wires •Check for a short in the electrical wiring (internal and/or external).
Device does not
power up
•
No power
•
Check for power on Mains.
•Loose power cord •Check power cord
Fixture is not
responding to DMX
•Wrong DMX addressing
•
Check Control Panel and unit
addressing
•
Damaged DMX cables
•
Check DMX cables
•
Wrong polarity settings on the
controller
•
Check polarity switch settings on
the controller
•
Loose DMX cables
•
Check cable connections
•
Faulty DMX interface
•
Replace DMX input
•
Faulty Main PCB
•
Replace Main PCB
Loss of signal
•
Non DMX cables
•
Use only DMX compatible cables
•
Bouncing signals
•
Install terminator as suggested.
•Long cable / Low level signal
•
Install amplifier right after fixture
with strong signal.
•Too many fixtures
•
Install an optically coupled DMX
splitter after unit #32.
•Interference from AC wires
•
Keep DMX cables separated from
power cables or black lights.
If you still have a problem after trying the above solutions, please contact CHAUVET®
Technical Support.

7. Appendix 20 11/5/2010 10:15 AM
Fixture Linking
You will need a serial data link to run light shows of one or more fixtures using a DMX controller
or to run synchronized shows on two or more fixtures set to a master/slave operating mode. The
combined number of channels required by all the fixtures on a serial data link determines the
number of fixtures the data link can support.
Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line. To comply with the
EIA-485 standard, no more than 32 fixtures should be connected on one data link.
Connecting more than 32 fixtures on one serial data link without the use of a DMX
optically-isolated splitter may result in deterioration of the digital DMX signal.
Maximum recommended serial data link distance: 500 m (1640 ft)
Maximum recommended number of fixtures on a serial data link: 32
Data Cabling
To link fixtures together you must obtain data cables. You can purchase CHAUVET® certified
DMX cables directly from a dealer/distributor or construct your own cable. If you choose to create
your own cable please use data-grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less
prone to electromagnetic interference.
DMX Data Cable
Use a Belden© 9841 or equivalent cable which meets the specifications for EIA RS-485
applications. Standard microphone cables cannot transmit DMX data reliably over long distances.
The cable must have the following characteristics:
Type: shielded, 2-conductor twisted pair
Maximum capacitance between conductors: 30 pF/ft
Maximum capacitance between conductor and shield: 55 pF/ft
Maximum resistance: 20 ohms/1000 ft
Nominal impedance: 100 ~ 140 ohms