Chauvet INTIMIDATOR 200 User manual

User Manual

Page 2 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
T
ABLE OF
C
ONTENTS
1. Before you Begin............................................................................3
What is Included........................................................................................3
Unpacking Instructions..............................................................................3
Text Conventions ......................................................................................3
Icons.........................................................................................................3
Document Information...............................................................................3
Product at a Glance...................................................................................4
Safety Notes .............................................................................................4
2. Introduction.....................................................................................5
Product Overview......................................................................................5
Product Dimensions..................................................................................6
3. Setup...............................................................................................7
AC Power..................................................................................................7
Fuse Replacement.............................................................................................7
Power Linking....................................................................................................8
Mounting...................................................................................................9
Orientation.........................................................................................................9
Rigging..............................................................................................................9
4. Operation ......................................................................................10
Control Panel Operation..........................................................................10
Menu Map...............................................................................................10
DMX Operation .......................................................................................11
Starting Address ..............................................................................................11
Standalone Operation..............................................................................12
Master/Slave Mode (Sound-Active, Auto Mode)................................................12
Automatic-Slow................................................................................................12
Automatic-Fast.................................................................................................12
Sound-Active ...................................................................................................12
Service Mode..........................................................................................13
Hidden Menu Map............................................................................................13
DMX Channel Assignments and Values...................................................14
8-Channel Mode..............................................................................................14
5-Channel Mode..............................................................................................16
5. Technical Information ..................................................................17
General Maintenance..............................................................................17
General Troubleshooting.........................................................................18
Returns Procedure..................................................................................19
Claims.....................................................................................................19
Contact Information.................................................................................19
DMX Primer ............................................................................................20
Starting Address ..............................................................................................20
Fixture Linking (Daisy Chain)............................................................................20
DMX Cabling ...................................................................................................21
6. Technical Specifications..............................................................22

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 3 of 22
1.
B
EFORE YOU
B
EGIN
What is Included
•1 x Intimidator™ Scan LED 200
•1 x Mounting bracket kit
•1 x Power Cord
•1 x Warranty Card
•1 x User Manual
Unpacking Instructions
Immediately upon receiving this product, carefully unpack it and check the container in
which you received it. Make sure that you have received all the parts indicated above
and that they are all i
n good condition. If the material inside the container (this product
and any other accessory included with it) appears damaged from shipping, or if the
container shows signs of mishandling, notify the shipper immediately. In addition,
retain the container and all the packing material for inspection.
See the Claims section in the “Technical Information” chapter.
Text Conventions
Convention Meaning
<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
Icon Meaning
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.
Document Information
The information and specifications contained in this document
are subject to change without
notice. CHAUVET® assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may
appear in this manual.
© Copyright 2011 CHAUVET®. All rights reserved
Printed in P.R.C.
Electronically published by CHAUVET® in the United States of America
Author Editor Manager PD Manager
A. Chiappone R. Jones A. Reiss F. Sellers

Page 4 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
Product at a Glance
Use on Dimmer
x
Auto Programs
P
Outdoor Use
x
Auto-ranging Power Supply
P
Sound Activated
P
Replaceable Fuse
P
DMX
P
User Serviceable
x
Master/Slave
P
Duty Cycle
x
Safety Notes
Please read the following notes carefully because they include important safety
information about the installation, usage, and maintenance of this product.
•Keep this User Manual for future consultation. If you sell this product to another
user, be sure that they also receive this document.
•Always make sure that the voltage of the outlet to which you are connecting this
product is within the range stated on the decal or rear panel of the fixture.
•This product is for indoor use only! To prevent risk of fire or shock, do not expose
this fixture to rain or moisture.
•Make sure there are no flammable materials close to the unit while operating.
•Always install this product in a location with adequate ventilation, at least 20 in (50
cm) from adjacent surfaces.
•Be sure that no ventilation slots on the unit’s housing are blocked.
•Always disconnect this product from the power source before cleaning it or
replacing the fuse.
•Make sure to replace the fuse with another of the same type and rating.
•If mounting this product overhead, always secure it to a fastening device using a
safety cable.
•The maximum ambient temperature (Ta) is 104° F (40° C). Do not operate this
product at higher temperatures.
•In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using the unit immediately.
•Never try to repair this product. Repairs carried out by unskilled people can lead
to damage or malfunction. Please contact the nearest authorized technical
assistance center.
•Never connect this product to a dimmer pack.
•Make sure the power cord is not crimped or damaged.
•Never disconnect the power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.
•Never carry a fixture from the power cord or any moving part. Always use the
mounting bracket or the handles.
•Always avoid direct eye exposure to the light source when this fixture is on.

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 5 of 22
2.
I
NTRODUCTION
Product Overview
Power Out
DMX In
DMX Out
Power In
Microphone
Fuseholder

Page 6 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
Product Dimensions

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 7 of 22
3.
S
ETUP
AC Power
This product has an auto-ranging power supply and it can work with an input voltage
range of 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
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 this product to a protected circuit (circuit breaker or fuse),
making sure that it has an appropriate electrical ground to avoid the risk of
electrocution or fire.
Never connect this product to a rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit,
even if the rheostat or dimmer channel serves only as a 0 to 100% switch.
Fuse Replacement
Disconnect this product from the power outlet before replacing the fuse.
1) Disconnect the fixture from the power outlet.
2) With a Phillips #2 head screwdriver, unscrew the fuse
holder cap from its housing.
3) Remove the blown fuse and replace it with a good
fuse of the same type and rating (F 3.15 A @ 250 V).
4) Screw the fuse holder cap back in its place and
reconnect power.
Always replace a blown fuse with a good fuse of the same type and rating.

Page 8 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
Power Linking
This fixture provides power linking via the Edison outlet located in the bottom of the
unit. Please see the diagram below for further explanation.
Power Linking
Diagram
You can power link up to 8 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 units on 120 VAC.
The power linking diagram shown above corresponds to the North American
version of this product ONLY! If using this product in other markets, you must
consult with the local CHAUVET® distributor as power linking connectors and
requirements may differ in your country or region.
Fixture #1
Fixture #2
Fixture #3
To other fixtures

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 9 of 22
Mounting
Orientation
The Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 may be mounted in any position, provided there is
adequate room for ventilation around it.
Rigging
Before deciding on a location for this product, always make sure that it will be easy to
access the unit for maintenance and programming purposes.
Make sure that the structure or surface onto which you are mounting this product can
support its weight. Please see the Technical Specifications section of this manual for
weight information.
When mounting this product overhead, always use a safety cable. Mount the fixture
securely to a rigging point, whether an elevated platform or a truss.
When rigging this product onto a truss, you should use a mounting clamp of
appropriate weight capacity. The bracket has a 13 mm hole, which is appropriate for
this purpose.
When power linking multiple fixtures, you must always consider the length of the
power linking cable and mount the fixtures close enough for the cable to reach them.
The bracket knobs allow for directional adjustment when aiming the fixture to the
desired angle. Loosen or tighten the bracket knobs using only your bare hands. Using
tools could damage the knobs.
The double bracket yoke/mounting brackets also serve as floor supports or surface
mounting. When mounting this fixture on the floor, make sure that the fixture and its
cables are away from people and vehicles.
Mounting Diagram
Bracket
Bracket
Adjustment Knob

Page 10 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
4.
O
PERATION
Control Panel Operation
To access the control panel functions, use the four buttons located underneath the
display.
Button Function
<MODE/ESC>
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
Menu Map
Menu Selection 1 Selection 2 Description
DMX Address d001~512 DMX starting address
Standalone Mode
SLAv Son Standalone: Slave receive mode
nStS SrUn Standalone: sound-active
nAFA FASt Standalone: fast
nASL SLoU Standalone: slow
Pan Invert PAn Normal pan
rPAn Pan invert
Tilt Invert tit Normal tilt
rtit Tilt invert
Display Invert dis Normal display
rdid Invert the display
Personality 8CH 8-channel personality
5CH 5-channel personality
Reset rESt Reset all motors to correct any errors
with motors misaligning during operation
Load Default LoAd Load all settings back to the factory
default

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 11 of 22
DMX Operation
Set this product in DMX mode to control it with a DMX controller.
1) Connect this product to a suitable power outlet.
2) Turn this product on.
3) Connect a DMX cable from the DMX output of the DMX controller to the DMX
input socket of this product.
Starting Address
When selecting a starting DMX address, always consider the number of DMX
channels the selected DMX mode uses. If you choose a starting address that is too
high, you could restrict the access to some of the fixture’s channels.
The Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 uses up to 8 DMX channels in its 8-channel DMX
mode, which defines the highest configurable address to 505.
If you are not familiar with the DMX protocol, you may refer to the “DMX Primer”
section in the “Technical Information” chapter.
To select the starting address, do the following:
1) Press <MODE/ESC> until d*** appears on the LED screen.
2) Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the starting address (001~512).
3) Press <ENTER>.
4) Press <MODE/ESC> until one of the DMX personalities appears on the LED
screen (8-CH, 5-CH).
5) Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the desired DMX personality.
6) Press <ENTER>.
Only connect 32 fixtures to a single DMX daisy chain!

Page 12 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
Standalone Operation
Master/Slave Mode (Sound-Active, Auto Mode)
This mode allows a single unit, the master, to operate in one of the standalone
modes, while one or more fixtures, slaves, synchronize their responses to the master.
Master:
The master fixture may be set in any of the STANDALONE modes: sound-active,
fast, or slow.
Slave:
1) Press <MODE/ESC>until one of the standalonemodes appears on the LED
screen (SLAu, nStS, nAFA, nASL).
2) Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select SLAu.
3) Press <ENTER>.
Only connect 32 fixtures to a single DMX daisy chain!
Automatic-Slow
This fixture has a preprogrammed chase that will operate in a preprogrammed, slow
playback speed.
Access this mode via the control panel on the front of the fixture. Please see the
instructions below for further explanation.
1) Press <MODE/ESC>until one of the standalone modes appears on the LED
screen (SLAu, nStS, nAFA, nASL).
2) Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select nASL.
3) Press <ENTER>.
Automatic-Fast
This fixture has a preprogrammed chase that will operate in a preprogrammed, fast
playback speed.
Access this mode via the control panel on the front of the fixture. Please see the
instructions below for further explanation.
1) Press <MODE/ESC>until one of the standalonemodes appears on the LED
screen (SLAu, nStS, nAFA, nASL).
2) Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select nAFA.
3) Press <ENTER>.
Sound-Active
This fixture has a preprogrammed, sound triggered chase.
Access this via the control panel on the front of the fixture. Adjust the microphone
sensitivity from the control panel. Please see the chart below for further explanation.
1) Press <MODE/ESC>until one of the standalonemodes appears on the LED
screen (SLAu, nStS, nAFA, nASL).
2) Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select nStS.
3) Press <ENTER>.
The fixture will only respond to the low frequencies of the music (bass and
drums).

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 13 of 22
Service Mode
Hidden Menu Map
T
his fixture has a hidden menu. The purpose of this menu is to adjust the home
position (electronic adjustment) of the attributes listed below.
Main Function Selection Instruction
P128 000~255 Adjustment for pan
t128 000~255 Adjustment for tilt
9128 000~255 Adjustment for the gobo wheel
C128 000~255 Adjustment for the color wheel
H128 000~255 Adjustment for pan
Y128 000~255 Adjustment for tilt
Please see the instructions below to access this hidden menu:
1) Press < MODE/ESC > for at least 10 seconds.
2) Using <UP/DOWN>, enter the following pass code: “2323”.
3) Press <UP> to change the blinking digit in ascending order, and press <DOWN>
to move on to the next digit.
4) Press <ENTER>.
This mode will be automatically terminated after 15 seconds of being idle.

Page 14 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
DMX Channel Assignments and Values
8-Channel Mode
\
Channel Function Value Setting
1
Pan
000 ó255 0°~180°
2
Tilt
000
ó
255
0°~90°
3 Color
000
ó
007
008 ó015
016 ó023
024 ó031
032 ó039
040 ó047
048 ó055
056 ó063
064 ó071
072 ó079
080 ó087
088 ó095
096 ó103
104 ó111
112 ó119
120 ó127
128 ó191
192
ó
255
Open (white)
Dark Blue
Yellow
Pink
Green
Red
Blue
Salmon Pink
White/dark blue
Dark blue/yellow
Yellow/pink
Pink/green
Green/red
Red/blue
Blue/salmon pink
Salmon pink/white
Rotate clockwise (slow ~ fast)
Rotate counter-clockwise (slow ~ fast)
4 Shutter
000
ó
003
004 ó007
008 ó215
216
ó
255
Closed
Open
Strobe (slow ~ fast)
Open
5
Dimmer
000
ó
255
0%~100%
6 Gobo Wheel
000
ó
007
008 ó015
016 ó023
024 ó031
032 ó039
040 ó047
048 ó055
056 ó063
064 ó071
072 ó079
080 ó087
088 ó095
096 ó103
104 ó111
112 ó119
120 ó127
128 ó191
192
ó
255
Open
Gobo 1
Gobo 2
Gobo 3
Gobo 4
Gobo 5
Gobo 6
Gobo 7
Gobo 7 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 6 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 5 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 4 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 3 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 2 shake, (fast óslow)
Gobo 1 shake, (fast óslow)
Open
Gobo scroll: Clockwise rotation
Gobo scroll: Counter-clockwise rotation
Continues on the next page

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 15 of 22
Continued from previous page
8-Channel
Mode (Cont.) Channel Function Value Setting
7 Function
000 ó007
008 ó015
016 ó023
024 ó031
032 ó039
040 ó047
048 ó055
056 ó087
088 ó095
096 ó103
104 ó111
112 ó119
120 ó127
128 ó151
152 ó159
160
ó
255
No function
Pan/tilt move-in-black
Pan/tilt move-in-black (disable)
Color wheel move-in-black
Color wheel move-in-black (disabled)
Gobo wheel move-in-black
Gobo wheel move-in-black (disabled)
No Function
All movement move-in-black (disabled)
Reset pan/tilt
No Function
Reset color wheel
Reset gobo wheel
No Function
Reset all
No function
8 Movement Macros
000 ó007
008 ó023
024 ó039
040 ó055
056 ó071
072 ó087
088 ó103
104 ó119
120 ó135
136 ó151
152 ó167
168 ó183
184 ó199
200 ó215
216 ó231
232 ó247
248 ó255
No function
Automatic 1
Automatic 2
Automatic 3
Automatic 4
Automatic 5
Automatic 6
Automatic 7
Automatic 8
Sound 1
Sound 2
Sound 3
Sound 4
Sound 5
Sound 6
Sound 7
Sound 8

Page 16 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
5-Channel Mode
\
Channel Function Value Setting
1
Pan
000
ó
255
0°~180°
2
Tilt
000
ó
255
0°~90°
3 Color
000
ó
007
008 ó015
016 ó023
024 ó031
032 ó039
040 ó047
048 ó055
056 ó063
064 ó071
072 ó079
080 ó087
088 ó095
096 ó103
104 ó111
112 ó119
120 ó127
128 ó191
192
ó
255
Open (white)
Dark Blue
Yellow
Pink
Green
Red
Blue
Salmon Pink
White/dark blue
Dark blue/yellow
Yellow/pink
Pink/green
Green/red
Red/blue
Blue/salmon pink
Salmon pink/white
Rotate clockwise (slow ~ fast)
Rotate counter-clockwise (slow ~ fast)
4 Shutter
000
ó
003
004 ó007
008 ó215
216
ó
255
Closed
Open
Strobe (slow ~ fast)
Open
5 Gobo Wheel
000 ó007
008 ó015
016 ó023
024 ó031
032 ó039
040 ó047
048 ó055
056 ó063
064 ó071
072 ó079
080 ó087
088 ó095
096 ó103
104 ó111
112 ó119
120 ó127
128 ó191
192
ó
255
Open
Gobo 1
Gobo 2
Gobo 3
Gobo 4
Gobo 5
Gobo 6
Gobo 7
Gobo 7 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 6 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 5 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 4 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 3 shake, fast to slow
Gobo 2 shake, (fast óslow)
Gobo 1 shake, (fast óslow)
Open
Gobo scroll: Clockwise rotation
Gobo scroll: Counter-clockwise rotation

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 17 of 22
5.TECHNICAL INFORMATION
General Maintenance
Dust build up reduces light output performance and can cause overheating. This can
lead to reduction of the light source’s life or mechanical wear. To maintain optimum
performance and minimize wear, you should clean your lighting fixtures at least twice
a month. However, be aware that usage and environmental conditions could be
contributing factors to increase the cleaning frequency.
To clean this fixture, follow the instructions below:
•Unplug the fixture from power.
•Wait until the fixture is cold.
•Use a vacuum (or dry compressed air) and a soft brush to remove dust collected
on the external surface/vents and reachable internal components.
•Clean the mirror and lens with a mild soap solution, ammonia-free glass cleaner,
or isopropyl alcohol.
•Apply the solution directly to a soft, lint free cotton cloth or a lens cleaning tissue.
•Softly drag any dirt or grime to the outside of the mirror and lens.
•Gently polish the mirror and lens until they are free of haze and lint.
•When cleaning the movable mirror, you should keep the contact with the mirror’s
surface to a minimum to avoid scratching or damaging it.
Always dry the mirror and lens carefully after cleaning them.
Do not spin the cooling fan/fans using compressed air
because you could
damage it/them.

Page 18 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
General Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause Possible Action
Circuit breaker
or fuse keeps
blowing
•Excessive load on the circuit •Make sure that the total load
does not exceed 80% of the
breaker or fuse nominal
current
•Short circuit along the
power lines •Check the power lines and power cords
Product does not
power up
•No energy on power outlet •Check power outlet
•Change to another outlet
•Loose or damaged power
cord •Check the power cord
•Blown fuse •Replace blown fuse with a
good one of the same type
and rating
•Internal problem •Send product for repair
Fixture does not
respond to DMX
•Wrong starting address on
the fixture •Set the correct starting address on the fixture
•Use the right fader(s) on the
controller
•Wrong DMX personality on
the fixture •Set the correct DMX fixture’s personality
•Assign the faders
accordingly
•Wrong polarity setting on
the DMX controller •Change the signal polarity on the controller
•Loose or damaged DMX
cable •Check the DMX cable before the faulty unit
•Internal problem •Send product for repair
Intermittent DMX
Problems
•Signal cables are not DMX
compatible •Replace non DMX cables with true DMX cables
•Interference with AC or
radio signals •Keep DMX cables away from AC wires or radio
equipment
•DMX cable too long •Install an optically coupled
DMX amplifier right before
the fixture with intermittent
problems
•Too many fixtures
connected •Install an optically coupled DMX amplifier after unit #32
•Terminator not connected •Install a terminator, as
indicated in the “DMX
Primer” section.
If you still experience problems after trying the above solutions, contact
CHAUVET® Technical Support.

Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a) Page 19 of 22
Returns Procedure
The user must send the merchandise prepaid, in the original box, and with its original
packing and accessories. CHAUVET® will not issue call tags.
Call CHAUVET®
and request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
before shipping the fixture. Be prepared to provide the model number, serial number,
and a brief description of the cause for the return.
The user must clearly label the package with a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number. CHAUVET®
will refuse any product returned without an RMA
number.
DO NOT write the RMA number directly on the box. Instead, write it on a
properly affixed label.
Once you have received the RMA number, please include the following information
on a piece of paper inside the box:
•Your name
•Your address
•Your phone number
•The RMA number
•A brief description of the problem
Be sure to pack the fixture properly. Any shipping damage resulting from inadequate
packaging will be the customer’s responsibility. As a suggestion, proper UPS packing
or double-boxing is always a safe method to use.
CHAUVET® reserves the right to use its own discretion to repair or replace
returned product(s).
Claims
The carrier is responsible for any damage incurred during shipping to this product or
any part that shipped with it. Therefore, if the received merchandise appears to have
damages caused during shipping, the customer must submit the damage report and
any related claims with the carrier, not CHAUVET®. The customer must submit the
report upon reception of the damaged merchandise. Failure to do so in a timely
manner may invalidate the customer’s claim with the carrier.
For other issues such as missing components or parts, damage not related to
shipping, or concealed damage, the customer must make claims to CHAUVET®
within seven (7) days of receiving the merchandise.
Contact Information
World Headquarters
CHAUVET®
General Information
Address: 5200 NW 108th Avenue
Sunrise, FL 33351
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll free: [phone]
United Kingdom & Ireland
CHAUVET® Europe Ltd.
General Information
Address: Unit 1C
Brookhill Road Industrial Estate
Pinxton, Nottingham, UK
NG16 6NT
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
Voice: [phone] (Press 4)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Technical Support
Email: [e-mail]
World Wide Web
www.chauvetlighting.com
World Wide Web
www.chauvetlighting.co.uk

Page 20 of 22 Intimidator™ Scan LED 200 User Manual (Rev. 02a)
DMX Primer
The USITT DMX512-A data transmission protocol (DMX, from now on) is based on
the EIA-485 standard and it has 512 channels (001 to 512). This system requires a
controller (DMX controller), one or more DMX compatible fixtures, and a DMX circuit
(also known as “DMX universe”) to link the fixtures to the controller.
Depending on their complexity and features, DMX compatible fixtures may require
from one to more than 30 DMX channels to operate. Some DMX fixtures have
multiple operation modes (also known as “personalities”), each with its own number
of channels and controllable parameters.
Starting Address
In the DMX system, the controller sends DMX data to each fixture based on the
fixture’s starting address. The starting address is the number of the DMX channel
(001 to 512) assigned to the fixture’s first control channel (Channel 1). When
assigning starting addresses to multiple fixtures, it is critical to ensure that no starting
address is already in use by another fixture to prevent channels from overlapping.
Otherwise, the affected fixtures may operate erratically.
For instance, a user has two DMX compatible fixtures. Fixture “A” has four channels
and fixture “B” has six channels. If the user configures the starting address of fixture
“A” to “001”, channels 001 through 004 on the DMX controller will control fixture “A”.
This means that the user should assign the starting address of fixture “B” to “005” or
higher. For a starting address of “005”, the DMX controller would use channels 005 to
010 to control fixture “B”.
It is possible to control multiple fixtures of the same type by assigning each one of
them the same starting address. In this case, all the fixtures would respond in unison
(synchronized) to the signals from the DMX controller.
Fixture Linking (Daisy Chain)
DMX compatible fixtures receive the control signals
from the DMX controller through the DMX cables.
Each fixture has a DMX In and a DMX Out
connector. The figure to the right illustrates how the
fixtures link to each other using multiple segments of
DMX cable in a sequential format called “daisy
chain”.
The order in which the fixtures connect to the DMX
controller is irrelevant because all fixtures receive
the same DMX signals and they only respond to
them based on their individual starting addresses.
However, it is important to notice that the
connections between fixtures should always be as
short and direct as possible.
To ensure the integrity of the DMX signal, follow the
recommendations of the EIA-485 standard:
•The maximum recommended cable length is 500 m (1,640 feet).
•The maximum recommended number of fixtures on the same daisy chain is 32.
Connecting more than 32 fixtures on one daisy chain without the use of a DMX
optically-isolated splitter may result in deterioration of the digital DMX signal.
DMX
Controller
1
st
DMX
Fixture
2nd DMX
Fixture
To other
fixtures