Chauvet Megta Strobe FX12 User manual

User Manual

Page 2 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Before You Begin .......................................................................................................... 3
What Is Included...............................................................................................................................3
Unpacking Instructions.....................................................................................................................3
Claims ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Text Conventions .............................................................................................................................3
Symbols............................................................................................................................................3
Disclaimer.........................................................................................................................................3
Product at a Glance..........................................................................................................................4
Safety Notes.....................................................................................................................................4
2. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 5
Overview...........................................................................................................................................5
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
Configuration (DMX).......................................................................................................................11
Starting Address...................................................................................................................................... 11
DMX Channel Modes, Assignments, and Values ..........................................................................12
2-Channel................................................................................................................................................ 12
5-Channel................................................................................................................................................ 12
8-Channel................................................................................................................................................ 12
Configuration (Standalone) ............................................................................................................13
Sound-Active Mode and Sound Sensitivity.............................................................................................. 13
Automatic Mode....................................................................................................................................... 13
Automatic Program Brightness and Strobe Speed.................................................................................. 13
Temperature Display............................................................................................................................... 13
Display Orientation.................................................................................................................................. 13
Load Factory Defaults ............................................................................................................................. 13
Master/Slave Mode.................................................................................................................................. 14
5. Technical Information ..................................................................................................15
Product Maintenance .....................................................................................................................15
6. Technical Specifications ..............................................................................................16
Returns...........................................................................................................................................17
Contact Us......................................................................................................................................18

MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2 Page 3 of 18
1.BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What is
Included
•MegaStrobe™ FX12
•Power cord •Warranty card •Quick Reference Guide
Unpacking
Instructions
Carefully unpack the product immediately and check the container to make sure all the
parts are in the package and are in good condition.
Claims
If the box or the contents (the product and included accessories) appear damaged from
shipping, or show signs of mishandling, notify the carrier immediately, not CHAUVET®.
Failure to report damage to the carrier immediately may invalidate your claim. In
addition, keep the box and contents for inspection.
For other issues, such as missing components or parts, damage not related to shipping,
or concealed damage, file a claim with CHAUVET® within 7 days of delivery.
Text
Conventions
Convention Meaning
1—512
A range of values
50/60
A set of values of which only one can be chosen
Settings
A menu option not to be modified
Menu > Settings
A sequence of menu options to be followed
<ENTER>
A key to be pressed on the product’s control panel
ON
A value to be entered or selected
Symbols
Symbol Meaning
Critical installation, configuration, or operation information. Not
following these instructions may make the product not work, cause
damage to the product, or cause harm to the operator.
Important installation or configuration information. The product
may not function correctly if this information is not used.
Useful information.
Disclaimer
The information and specifications contained in this user manual are subject to change
without notice. CHAUVET® assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or
omissions, and reserves the right to revise or recreate this manual at any time.
Download the latest version from www.chauvetlighting.com.
© Copyright 2014 CHAUVET®. All rights reserved.
Electronically published by CHAUVET® in the United States of America.
Author
Date
Editor
Date
A. Leon 01/17/13 L. Henry 01/20/14

Page 4 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
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
Safety Notes
These notes include important information about the mounting, usage, and maintenance
of this product; read before using the product.
•Always connect the product to a grounded circuit to avoid the risk of electrocution.
•Always disconnect the product from the power source before cleaning or replacing
the fuse.
•Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while the product is on.
•Make sure the power cord is not crimped or damaged.
•Never disconnect the product from power by pulling or tugging on the cord.
•If mounting the product overhead, always secure to a fastening device using a
safety cable.
•Make sure there are no flammable materials close to the product when operating.
•
Do not touch the product’s housing when operating because it may be very hot.
•Always make sure that the voltage of the outlet to which you are connecting the
product is within the range stated on the decal or rear panel of the product.
•The product is for indoor use only! (IP20) To prevent risk of fire or shock, do not
expose the product to rain or moisture.
•Always install the product in a location with adequate ventilation, at least 20 in
(50 cm) from adjacent surfaces.
•Be sure that no ventilation slots on the product’s housing are blocked.
•Never connect the product to a dimmer.
•Make sure to replace the fuse with another of the same type and rating.
•Never carry the product from the power cord or any moving part. Always use the
hanging/mounting bracket.
•The maximum ambient temperature (Ta) is 104 °F (40 °C). Do not operate the
product at higher temperatures.
•In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using the product immediately.
•Never try to repair the product. Repairs carried out by unskilled people can lead to
damage or malfunction. Contact the nearest authorized technical assistance center.
•
This product is not intended for permanent installation.
•Keep this user manual for future use. If you sell the product to another user, be sure
to give this document to the next owner.

MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2 Page 5 of 18
2.INTRODUCTION
Overview
Back Panel View
DMX Out
DMX In
Power In
LED Display
and Control
Buttons
Fuse Holder
Microphone
Power Out

Page 6 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
Dimensions
3.9 in
98 mm
6.7 in
171 mm
13.8 in
350 mm

MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2 Page 7 of 18
3.SETUP
AC Power
The MegaStrobe™ FX12 has an auto-ranging power supply and it can work with an
input voltage range of 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
To determine the product’s power requirements (circuit breaker, power outlet, and
wiring), use the current value listed on the label affixed to the product’s back panel, or
refer to the product’s specifications chart. The listed current rating indicates the
product’s average current draw under normal conditions.
Always connect the product to a protected circuit (circuit breaker or fuse). Make sure the
product has an appropriate electrical ground to avoid the risk of electrocution or fire.
Never connect the product to a rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the
rheostat or dimmer channel serves only as a 0 to 100% switch.
Fuse
Replacement
Disconnect the product from power before replacing the fuse.
1. Disconnect the product from power.
2. With a flat-head screwdriver, unscrew the fuse holder cap
from the housing.
3. Remove the blown fuse.
4. Replace with a fuse of the same type and rating.
5. Screw the fuse holder cap back in place and reconnect
power.
Always replace a blown fuse with another of the same type and rating.

Page 8 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
Power Linking
The product provides power linking via the Edison/IEC outlet located in the back of the
unit.
P
ower Linking
Diagram
You can power link up to 26 MegaStrobe™ FX12 units on 120 VAC or up to 48
MegaStrobe™ FX12 units on 230 VAC.
The power linking diagram shown above corresponds to the North American version of
the product ONLY! If using the 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 Product
2nd Product
3rd Product
Additional Products

MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2 Page 9 of 18
Mounting
Before mounting the product, read and follow the safety recommendations indicated in
the Safety Notes.
Orientation
The MegaStrobe™ FX12 may be mounted in any position; however, make sure
adequate ventilation is provided around the product.
Rigging
•Before deciding on a location, always make sure there is easy access to the product
for maintenance and programming.
•Make sure that the structure or surface onto which you are mounting the product
can support the product’s weight (see Technical Specifications).
•When mounting the product overhead, always use a safety cable. Mount the
product securely to a rigging point, such as an elevated platform or a truss.
•When rigging the product onto a truss, you should use a mounting clamp of
appropriate weight capacity. The bracket has 13-mm holes, which are appropriate
for this purpose.
•When power linking multiple products, you must always consider the length of the
power linking cable and mount the products close enough for the cable to reach.
•The bracket adjustment knobs allow for directional adjustment when aiming the
product to the desired angle. Only loosen or tighten the bracket knobs manually.
Using tools could damage the knobs.
•The mounting bracket also allows for surface mounting. When mounting the product
on the floor, make sure that the product and cables are away from people and
vehicles.
Mounting Diagram
Bracket
Adjustment
Knobs
Hanging/Mounting
Bracket
Mounting Clamp
Safety Cable

Page 10 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
4.OPERATION
Control Panel
Operation
To access the control panel functions, use the four buttons located underneath the
display.
Button Function
<MENU> Selects an operation mode or backs out of the current menu option
<UP>
Scrolls up the list of options or selects a higher value
<DOWN> Scrolls down the list of options or selects a lower value
<ENTER> Activates a menu option or a selected value
Menu Map
Main Level
Programming Levels
Description
Starting
Address d___ d001—d512 Selects the DMX starting address
DMX
Personality _CH
2CH
Selects the DMX personality
5CH
8CH
Auto Program
Brightness and
Strobe Speed
C000 C000—
C255
FS-0—
FS-9 Sets the auto program brightness and
strobe speed
Automatic
Mode
AUtO Sets auto program
Sound-Active
Mode and
Sensitivity
SU- SU-0—
SU-8
S-00—
S-99 Sets Sound-Active mode and sensitivity
Slave Mode
SLAV
Sets Slave mode
Temperature tEMP Temperature display
Inverse Display diS diS Changes the LCD display text position
rdiS
Factory Reset LoAd Loads factory default settings

MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2 Page 11 of 18
Configuration
(DMX)
Set the product in DMX mode to control with a DMX controller.
1. Connect the product to a suitable power outlet.
2. Connect a DMX cable from the DMX output of the DMX controller to the DMX input
socket on the 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 product’s channels.
The MegaStrobe™ FX12 uses up to 8 DMX channels in its 8-channel DMX mode, which
defines the highest configurable address to 505.
If unfamiliar with DMX, download the DMX Primer from www.chauvetlighting.com.
To select the starting address, do the following:
1. Press <MENU>repeatedly until d001—d512 shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the starting address.
4. Press <ENTER>.
DMX
Personalities
The MegaStrobe™ FX12 has three DMX personalities: 2CH (2-channel personality),
5CH (5-channel personality), and 8CH (8-channel personality).
To select a DMX personality, follow the instructions below:
1. Press <MENU> repeatedly until 2CH, 5CH, or 8CH shows on the display.
2. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the desired DMX personality.
3. Press <ENTER>.

Page 12 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
DMX Channel Modes, Assignments, and Values
2-Channel
Channel Function Value Setting
1 Shutter
000 ó003
No function
004 ó255
0 to 100% (slow to fast)
2
Dimmer
000 ó255
0 to 100%
5-Channel
Channel
Function
Value
Setting
1
Dimmer
000 ó255
0 to 100%
2 Shutter
000 ó015
No function
016 ó032
Sound control shutter
033 ó049
Pulse strobe
Asynchronous
050 ó066
Slow on, fast off
067 ó083
Fast on, slow off
084 ó100
Slow on, slow off
101 ó117
Strobe slow on, slow off
118 ó134
Shutter
135 ó151
Pulse strobe 1
Synchronous
152 ó168
Pulse strobe 2
169
ó
185
Slow on, fast off
186 ó202
Fast on, slow off
203 ó219
Slow on, slow off
220 ó236
Strobe slow on, slow off
237 ó255
Shutter
3 Shutter Speed 000 ó255
0 to 100% (when Ch. 2 is 033–255)
(Sound sensitivity when Ch. 2 is 016–032)
4 Pixels
000 ó255
Pixel control
000
ó
255
Auto program speed (when Ch. 5 is 049–240)
000
ó
255
Sound sensitivity (when Ch. 5 is 241–255)
5 Auto Programs
000 ó048
No function
049 ó064
Auto program 1
065 ó080
Auto program 2
081 ó096
Auto program 3
097 ó112
Auto program 4
113 ó128
Auto program 5
129 ó144
Auto program 6
145 ó160
Auto program 7
161 ó176
Auto program 8
177 ó192
Auto program 9
193 ó208
Auto program 10
209 ó224
Auto program 11
225 ó240
Auto program 12
241 ó255
Sound-Active
8-Channel
Channel Function Value Setting
1
Dimmer
000 ó255
0 to 100%
2
Dimmer
000 ó255
0 to 100%
3
Dimmer
000 ó255
0 to 100%
4
Dimmer
000 ó255
0 to 100%
5
Dimmer
000 ó255
0 to 100%
6
Dimmer
000 ó255
0 to 100%
7
Shutter Effects
000 ó255
0 to 100%
8
Shutter Effects Speed
000 ó255
0 to 100%

MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2 Page 13 of 18
Configuration
(Standalone)
Set the product in one of the standalone modes to control without a DMX controller.
•Connect the product to a suitable power outlet.
Never connect a product that is operating in any standalone mode (Static, Automatic, or
Sound-Active) to a DMX string connected to a DMX controller. Products in standalone
mode may transmit DMX signals that could interfere with the DMX signals from the
controller.
Sound-Active
Mode
and Sound
Sensitivity
To enable the Sound-Active mode and set sound sensitivity, do the following:
1. Press <MENU>repeatedly until SU-0—SU-8 (Sound-Active modes 1—8) shows on
the display.
2. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the desired Sound-Active mode.
3. Press <ENTER>.
4. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select S-00—S-99 (sound sensitivity).
5. Press <ENTER>.
The product will only respond to low frequencies of music (bass and drums).
Automatic Mode
To enable the Automatic mode, follow the instructions below:
1. Press <MENU>repeatedly until AUtO shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER>.
Automatic
Program
Brightness and
Strobe Speed
To set the automatic program brightness and strobe speed, do the following:
1. Press <MENU> repeatedly until C000—C255 (auto program brightness) shows on
the display.
2. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the desired brightness.
3. Press <ENTER>.
4. User <UP> or <DOWN> to select FS 0—FS 9 (auto program strobe speed).
5. Press <ENTER>.
Temperature
Display
To view the temperature of the LEDs, follow the instructions below:
1. Press <MENU>repeatedly until tEMP shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER> and the temperature will be shown in degrees Celsius.
Display
Orientation
You are able to flip the LED display for easy readability in any mounting situation.
To select your display angle:
1. Press <MENU>repeatedly until diS (normal) or rdiS (inverted) shows on the
display.
2. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the desired orientation.
3. Press <ENTER>.
Load Factory
Defaults
To load the factory default settings in the MegaStrobe™ FX12, follow the instructions
below:
1. Press <MENU>and until LoAd shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER>.

Page 14 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
Master/Slave
Mode
The Master/Slave mode allows a single MegaStrobe™ FX12 unit (the “master”) to
control the actions of one or more MegaStrobe™ FX12 units (the “slaves”) without the
need of a DMX controller. The master unit will be set to operate in either Automatic 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 SLAV shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER> to accept.
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-Active mode.
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 the controller may interfere with the signals from the master unit.
•Do not connect more than 31 slave units to the master unit.

MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2 Page 15 of 18
5.TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Product
Maintenance
Dust build-up reduces light output performance and can cause overheating. This can
lead to reduction of the light source’s life and mechanical wear. To maintain optimum
performance and minimize wear, clean the product at least twice a month. However,
usage and environmental conditions contribute to increased cleaning frequency.
To clean the product, follow the instructions below:
1. Unplug the product from power.
2. Wait until the product is at room temperature.
3. Use a vacuum (or dry compressed air) and a soft brush to remove dust collected on
the external surface and vents.
4. Clean all external optics and glass/transparent surfaces with a mild soap solution,
ammonia-free glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol.
5. Apply the solution directly to a soft, lint-free cotton cloth or a lens cleaning tissue.
6. Softly wipe any dirt or grime to the outside edges of the external optics or
glass/transparent surface.
7. Gently polish the external optics and glass/transparent surfaces until they are free of
haze and lint.
Always dry the external optics and glass/transparent surfaces carefully after cleaning
them.
Do not spin the cooling fan using compressed air because you could damage it.

Page 16 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
6.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions and
Weight
Length
Width
Height
Weight
13.8 in (350 mm)
3.9 in (98 mm)
6.7 in (171 mm)
4.1 lb (1.9 kg)
Note: Dimensions in inches rounded to the nearest decimal digit.
Power
Power Supply Type
Range
Voltage Selection
Switching (internal)
100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Auto-ranging
Parameter
120 V, 60 Hz
230 V, 50 Hz
Consumption
63 W
66 W
Operating current
0.5 A
0.3 A
Power linking current (units)
8 A (26 units)
8 A (48 units)
Fuse
F 2 A, 250 V
F 2 A, 250 V
Power I/O
US/Worldwide
UK/Europe
Power input connector
IEC
IEC
Power output connector
Edison
IEC
Power Cord plug
Edison (US)
Local plug
Light Source
Type
Power
Lifespan
LED
3 W
50,000 hours
Color
Quantity
Current
White
12
700 mA
Photo Optic
Parameter
Illuminance @ 2 m
2186 lx
Beam angle
20º
Field angle
38º
Strobe rate
0 to 26 Hz
Thermal
Maximum External Temp.
Cooling System
104 °F (40 °C)
Fan-cooled
DMX
I/O Connectors
Connector Type
Channel Range
3-pin XLR
Sockets
2, 5, 8
Ordering
Product Name
Item Code
Item Number
MegaStrobe™ FX12
08050551
781462208998

MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2 Page 17 of 18
To return a product or request support:
•In the U.S., contact CHAUVET® World Headquarters (see below).
•In the UK or Ireland, contact CHAUVET® Europe Ltd. (see below).
•In any other country, DO NOT contact CHAUVET®. Contact your distributor. See
www.chauvetlighting.com for distributors outside the U.S., United Kingdom, or
Ireland.
If you live outside the U.S.
, United Kingdom, or Ireland, contact your distributor of record
and follow their instructions on how to return CHAUVET® products to them. Visit our
website for contact details.
Returns
Call the corresponding CHAUVET® Technical Support office and request a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before shipping the product. Be prepared to
provide the model number, serial number, and a brief description of the cause for the
return.
You must send the merchandise prepaid, in its original box, and with its original packing
and accessories. CHAUVET® will not issue call tags.
Clearly label the package with the RMA number. CHAUVET® will refuse any product
returned without an RMA number.
Write the RMA number on a properly affixed label. DO NOT write the RMA number
directly on the box.
Before sending the product, clearly write the following information on a piece of paper
and place it inside the box:
•Your name
•Your address
•Your phone number
•RMA number
•A brief description of the problem
Be sure to pack the product properly. Any shipping damage resulting from inadequate
packaging will be your responsibility. FedEx packing or double-boxing are
recommended.
CHAUVET® reserves the right to use its own discretion to repair or replace returned
product(s).

Page 18 of 18 MegaStrobe™ FX12 User Manual Rev. 2
Contact Us
WORLD HEADQUARTERS - CHAUVET®
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]
World Wide Web www.chauvetlighting.com
UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND - CHAUVET® Europe Ltd.
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 www.chauvetlighting.co.uk
MEXICO - CHAUVET® Mexico
General Information
Address: Av. Santa Ana 30
Parque Industrial Lerma
Lerma, Mexico C.P. 52000
Voice: [phone]
Technical Support
Email: [email protected]om.mx
World Wide Web www.chauvet.com.mx
Outside the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, or Mexico,
contact your dealer. Follow their
instructions to request support or to return a product. Visit our website for contact details.