Chauvet Circus User manual

User Manual

Page 2 of 14 Circus User Manual (Rev. 3)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Before you Begin............................................................................3
What is Included........................................................................................3
Unpacking Instructions..............................................................................3
Text Conventions ......................................................................................3
Icons.........................................................................................................3
Disclaimer.................................................................................................3
Product at a Glance...................................................................................4
Safety Notes .............................................................................................4
2. Introduction.....................................................................................5
Product Overview......................................................................................5
3. Setup...............................................................................................5
AC Power..................................................................................................5
Fuse Replacement.............................................................................................5
Power Linking....................................................................................................6
Mounting...................................................................................................7
Orientation.........................................................................................................7
Rigging..............................................................................................................7
4. Operation ........................................................................................8
Control Panel Operation............................................................................8
Menu Map.................................................................................................8
Configuration (DMX)..................................................................................8
Starting Address ................................................................................................8
DMX Channel Assignments and Values.....................................................9
Configuration (Standalone Modes) ..........................................................10
Standalone Static.............................................................................................10
Sound-Active Mode..........................................................................................10
Auto Selection..................................................................................................10
Auto Configure.................................................................................................10
Master/Slave Mode..........................................................................................11
5. Technical Information ..................................................................12
Maintenance ...........................................................................................12
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................12
Returns...................................................................................................13
Claims.....................................................................................................13
Contact Us..............................................................................................13
6. Technical Specifications..............................................................14

Circus User Manual (Rev. 3) Page 3 of 14
1.BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What is Included
•1 x Circus
•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 in good condition. If the material inside the container (this product
and any other accessory included with it) appears damaged from shipping, or if the
conta
iner 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
Critical installation, configuration, or operation information. Failure to
comply with this information may render thefixture partially or
completely inoperative, cause damage to the fixture, or cause harm to
the user.
Important installation or configuration information. Failure to comply with
this information may prevent the fixture from functioning correctly.
Useful information.
Disclaimer
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 2012 CHAUVET®. All rights reserved.
Printed in P.R.C.
Electronically published by CHAUVET® in the U.S.A.
Author Editor Date
A. Chiappone S. Graham 3/5/12

Page 4 of 14 Circus User Manual (Rev. 3)
Product at a Glance
Use on Dimmer

Auto Programs

Outdoor Use

Auto-ranging Power Supply

Sound Activated

Replaceable Fuse

DMX

User Serviceable

Master/Slave

Duty Cycle

Safety Notes
Please read the following notes carefully because they include important
safe
ty 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
hanging/mounting bracket or the handles.
•Always avoid direct eye exposure to the light source when this fixture is on.

Circus User Manual (Rev. 3) Page 5 of 14
2.INTRODUCTION
Product Overview
3.SETUP
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) Wedge the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the slot of the fuse holder and pry it
out of its housing.
2) Remove the blown fuse from its holder and replace it with a fuse of the exact
same type and rating.
3) Insert the fuse holder back in its place, and reconnect power.
Always replace a blown fuse with a good fuse of the same type and rating.
Safety Hook
Control Panel
(LED Display)
Power Out
Power In
Fuse holder
DMX In
DMX Out

Page 6 of 14 Circus User Manual (Rev. 3)
Power Linking
This fixture provides power linking via the Edison outlet located in the back of the unit.
Power Linking
Diagram
You can power link up to 26 Circus units on 120 VAC or up to 40 Circus
units on 230 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.
1st Fixture
2nd Fixture
3rd Fixture
Other fixtures

Circus User Manual (Rev. 3) Page 7 of 14
Mounting
Orientation
The Circus may be mounted in any position, provided there is adequate room for
ventilation around it.
Rigging
Be sure that the structure onto which you are mounting this product can support its
weight. Please see the “Technical Specifications
” section of this manual for weight
information.
Make sure to 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 mounting this product overhead, always use a safety cable.
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.
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. Only loosen or tighten the bracket knobs using your bare hands. Using
tools could damage the knobs.
Mounting Diagram
Bracket Adjusting
Knob
Hanging Bracket

Page 8 of 14 Circus User Manual (Rev. 3)
4.OPERATION
Control Panel Operation
To access the control panel functions, use the four buttons located underneath the
display.
Button Function
<MENU>
Press to find an operation mode
or to back out of the current menu
option
<ENTER>
Press to activate a menu option or
a selected value
<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
Menu Map
Mode Programming Steps Description
DMX Address
d.001~512
Selects the DMX starting address
Standalone Slave
SLAu
Slave operating mode
Standalone
Sound
SOUn Sound active standalone mode
Microphone
Sensitivity
SE.00~31 Microphone sensitivity (works in sound
active mode only)
Standalone Static
C.L.r-
Red
C.L.g-
Green
C.L.b-
Blue
C.L.y-
Amber
C.L.u-
White
Software Version
v-#.#
Displays the software version installed
Standalone Auto-
configure AUTO
N000~100
Program progression time (slow~fast)
SP00~99, FL
Run speed (slow~fast)
SP00~99
Strobe rate (off, slow~fast)
Configuration (DMX)
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 Circus uses up to 3 DMX channels in its single DMX mode, which defines the
highest configurable address to 510
. If you are not familiar with the DMX protocol,
download the DMX Primer from www.chauvetlighting.com.
To select the starting address, do the following:
1) Press <MENU> repeatedly until d.000~512 shows on the display.
2) Press <ENTER>.
3) Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the starting address (000~512).
4) Press <ENTER>.

Circus User Manual (Rev. 3) Page 9 of 14
DMX Channel Assignments and Values
Channel Function Value Setting
1 Program/Mode
000 000
001 005
006 011
012 017
018 023
024 029
030 035
036 041
042 047
048 053
054 059
060 065
066 071
072 077
078 083
084 089
090 095
096 101
102 107
108 113
114 119
120 125
126 131
132 137
138 143
144 149
150 155
156 161
162 167
168 173
174 179
180 185
186 191
192 197
198 203
204 209
210 215
216 221
222 227
228 233
234 239
240 245
246 251
252 255
No function
Automatic 1
Automatic 2
Automatic 3
Automatic 4
Automatic 5
Automatic 6
Automatic 7
Automatic 8
Automatic 9
Automatic 10
Automatic 11
Automatic 12
Automatic 13
Automatic 14
Automatic 15
Automatic 16
Automatic 17
Automatic 18
Automatic 19
Automatic 20
Automatic 21
Automatic 22
Automatic 23
Automatic 24
Automatic 25
Automatic 26
Automatic 27
Automatic 28
Automatic 29
Automatic 30
Automatic 31
Automatic 32
Automatic 33
Automatic 34
Automatic 35
Automatic 36
Automatic 37
Automatic 38
Automatic 39
Automatic 40
Automatic 41
Automatic 42
Sound-active
2
Run Speed
(When running
programs)
000 255 0~100%
Sound Sensitivity
(When in Sound Active
Mode)
3
Strobe Speed
(Only for programs)
000 255 0~100%

Page 10 of 14 Circus User Manual (Rev. 3)
Configuration (Standalone Modes)
Set this product in one of the standalone modes to control it without a DMX controller.
1) Connect this product to a suitable power outlet.
2) Turn this product on.
Never connect a fixture that is operating in any standalone mode, whether
Static, Automatic, or Sound to a DMX daisy chain
connected to a DMX
controller. This is because fixtures in standalone mode may transmit DMX
signals that could interfere with the DMX signals from the controller.
Standalone Static
To enable the Standalone Static mode, do the following:
1) Press <MENU> repeatedly until CL-X shows on the display.
2) Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select a color (CL.r, CL.g, CL.b, CL.y, or CL.u).
The fixture will illuminate in the chosen color until re-configured or turned
off.
Sound-Active Mode
To enable the Sound-Active mode, do the following:
1) Press <MENU> repeatedly until SOUn shows on the display.
2) Press <ENTER>.
3) Turn the music on.
4) Press <MENU> repeatedly until SE.00~31 shows on the display.
5) Use <UP> or <DOWN> to adjust the microphone sensitivity (S_ _1~S100) until the
fixture starts reacting to the beat of the music.
The fixture will only respond to the low frequencies of the music (bass and
drums).
Auto Selection
To enable the Auto Selection mode, follow the instructions below:
1) Press <MENU> repeatedly until Pr.XX shows on the display.
2) Press <ENTER>.
3) Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the desired program.
4) Press <ENTER>.
The playback speed is not adjustable in this mode.
Auto Configure
This product has 42 built in light shows (auto programs). In this mode, it will cycle
through each of those programs.
To enable the Auto Configure mode, follow the instructions below:
1. Plug the fixture into power.
2. Press <MENU> until AUTO appears on the display.
3. Press <ENTER> to scroll until you reach n.***.
4. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to adjust the time the light show runs (000~100) before
proceeding to the next.
5. Press <ENTER> until you reach SP**.
6. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to adjust the run speed between 00~99 or FL (full run
speed).
7. Press <ENTER> until you reach SF**.
8. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to adjust the strobe speed between 00~99 or FL (full
strobe speed).
9. Press <ENTER>.
n.000~10:
Modifies the light show time progression
SP.00~99,
FL:
Modifies the run speed
SF.00~99,
FL:
Modifies the strobe speed

Circus User Manual (Rev. 3) Page 11 of 14
Master/Slave Mode
This mode allows a single Circus unit (the “master”) to control the actions of one or
more Circus units (the “slaves”) without the need of a DMX controller. The master unit
will be set to operate in either Auto or Sound Active mode, while the slave units will
be set to operate in Slave Mode. Once set and connected, the slave units will operate
in unison with the master unit.
Configure the units as indicated below.
Slave units:
1) Press <MENU> repeatedly until SLAushows on the display.
2) Press <ENTER>.
3) Connect the DMX input of the first slave unit to the DMX output of the master unit.
4) Connect the DMX input of the subsequent slave units to the DMX output of the
previous slave unit.
5) Finish setting and connecting all the slave units.
Master unit:
1) Set the master unit to operate in either Automatic or Sound mode, as previously
indicated.
2) Make the master unit the first unit in the DMX daisy chain.
•Configure all the slave units before connecting the master unit to the DMX
daisy chain.
•
Never connect a DMX controller to a DMX string configured for Master/Slave
operation because it may interfere with the signals from the master unit.
•Do not connect more than 31 slave units to the master unit.

Page 12 of 14 Circus User Manual (Rev. 3)
5.TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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.
•Clean all lenses surfaces 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 lens.
•Gently polish the lenses until they are free of haze and lint.
Always dry the lenses carefully after cleaning them.
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.
Contact CHAUVET® Technical Support if these solutions do not work.

Circus User Manual (Rev. 3) Page 13 of 14
Returns
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 7 days of receiving the product.
Contact Us
World Headquarters
United Kingdom & Ireland
CHAUVET®
CHAUVET® Europe Ltd.
General Information
Address: 5200 NW 108th Avenue
Sunrise, FL 33351
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll free: [phone]
Technical Support
Voice: [phone] (Press 4)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
General Information
Address: Unit 1C
Brookhill Road Industrial Estate
Pinxton, Nottingham, UK
NG16 6NT
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
Email: [e-mail]
World Wide Web
World Wide Web
www.chauvetlighting.com
www.chauvetlighting.co.uk

Page 14 of 14 Circus User Manual (Rev. 3)
6.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions and Weight
Length
Width
Height
Weight
9.1 in (231 mm)
11.8 in (300 mm)
13 in (330 mm)
8.3 lbs (3.7 kg)
Note: Dimensions in inches rounded to the nearest decimal digit.
Power
Power Supply Type
Range
Voltage Selection
Switching (internal)
100~240 V, 50/60 Hz
Auto-ranging
Parameter
120 V, 60 Hz
230 V, 50 Hz
Consumption
27 W
31 W
Operating Current
0.3 A max
0.2 A max
Power Linking
26 units
40 units
Fuse
F 1 A, 250 V
F 1 A, 250 V
Power I/O
US/Worldwide
Europe
Power Input Connector
IEC
IEC
Power Output Connector
Edison
IEC
Power Cord plug
Edison (US)
Local plug
Light Source
Type
Diameter
Lifespan
LED
5 mm
50,000 hours
Color
Quantity
Red
80
Green
80
Blue
80
White
40
Amber
40
Photo Optic
Parameter
Angle
Coverage
55º
Thermal
Maximum External Temp.
Cooling System
104° F (40° C)
Convection
DMX
I/O Connectors
Connector Type
Channel Range
3-pin XLR
Sockets
3
Ordering
Product Name
Item Code
Item Number
Circus
04050078
CIRCUS