Chauvet Intimidator Spot XYZ User manual

3000 N 29th Ct, Hollywood, FL 33020 U.S.A.
[phone] –[phone]
FAX [phone]
www.chauvetlighting.com
User Manual
Snapshot
Use on Dimmer
Outdoor Use
Sound Activated
DMX
Master/Slave
115 V / 230 V Voltage
Selection Switch
Replaceable Fuse
User Serviceable
Duty Cycle

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN................................................................................................................................................... 3
WHAT IS INCLUDED ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 3
MANUAL CONVENTIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
ICONS .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
FEATURES ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
PHOTOMETRICS .................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
PRODUCT OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3. SETUP .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
AC POWER........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Power Linking........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Signal Linking (DMX)................................................................................................................................................ 9
Fuse Replacement.................................................................................................................................................... 9
MOUNTING.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Orientation.............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Rigging ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................................................................... 11
CONFIGURING THE STARTING ADDRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 11
CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
MENU MAP ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
DMX OPERATION................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
MENU MAP (SERVICE) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
STANDALONE OPERATION .................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Automatic Fast........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Automatic Slow....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Sound-Active .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Master/Slave........................................................................................................................................................... 15
DMX CHANNEL VALUES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
5. APPENDIX.................................................................................................................................................................. 18
DMX PRIMER ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
GENERAL MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................................................................... 18
FIXTURE LINKING................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
DATA CABLING.................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
DMX Data Cable..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Cable Connectors................................................................................................................................................... 19
3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion Chart.............................................................................................................................. 20
SETTING UP A DMX SERIAL DATA LINK ................................................................................................................................................. 20
SETTING THE STARTING ADDRESS ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
CONTACT US...................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
RETURNS PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
CLAIMS .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................ 23

1. Before You Begin 3 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What is included
1 x Intimidator™Spot XYZ
1 x Mounting bracket and screws
1 x Power cable
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.
CONVENTION
MEANING
[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.
ICONS
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.

1. Before You Begin 4 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
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.
Never carry the fixture by holding the head. Always use the carrying handle.
Please read these instructions carefully. It includes important information
about the installation, usage and maintenance of this product.

2. Introduction 5 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
2. INTRODUCTION
Features
11 or 16-channel DMX moving yoke
Pan #1: 540° / pan #2: 540° / tilt: 540°
Color wheel
7 colors + white
Split colors
Rainbow color spin at variable speeds
Rotating gobo wheel with gobo shake
7 interchangeable gobos + open
5 metal, 2 glass installed
Rotating gobo wheel spin at variable speeds
3-facet prism
Variable electronic shutter (for strobing)
Variable motorized focus
Variable electronic dimmer (0 –100%)
Remote fixture reset & vector speed channel
Individual reset of pan/tilt, color, gobo, prism, focus
Move-in-black for pan/tilt, color, gobo
Built-in movement macros via DMX (automated and sound)
Additional Features
Built-in automated programs via master/slave
Built-in sound-active programs via master/slave
High-power, 60 W, 14.9 A LED
User-selectable pan/tilt ranges
Pan: 540 , 360 , 180
Tilt: 270 , 180 , 90
Automatic pan & tilt correction
User-selectable basic or advanced operating modes
Additional power output: max 4 units
Photometrics

2. Introduction 6 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
Product Dimensions

2. Introduction 7 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
Product Overview
DMX Out
Control
Panel
DMX In
Tilt
Pan #1
Front lens
Power Output
Power Input
Carrying handle
Standing feet
Pan #2
Fuseholder
Voltage Selection
Switch (115 V / 230 V)

4. Operating Instructions 8 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
3. SETUP
AC Power This fixture runs on 115V or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Before powering on the unit, make sure the line
voltage to which you are connecting it to matches the current selection on the voltage selection
switch.
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.
Always connect the fixture to a circuit with a suitable electrical ground.
The maximum quantity of fixtures that may be linked is 4.
Power Linking
This fixture contains power linking via the edison outlet located in front of the power input cable.
Please see the diagram below for further explanation.
Additional power
link out

4. Operating Instructions 9 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
Signal Linking (DMX)
The diagrams below illustrate the signal (DMX) linking for this fixture. This is used both in DMX mode
and when operating the fixtures in Master/Slave mode. Please see the diagram below for further
explanation.
Fuse Replacement
With a flat head screwdriver unscrew the fuse holder out of its housing, turning counter-clockwise.
Remove the damaged fuse from its holder and replace with exact same type fuse. Insert the fuse
holder back in its place and reconnect power.
Additional signal
(DMX) link out
First fixture
Second fixture
Third fixture
DMX controller
(only in DMX operation)
Disconnect the power cord before replacing a fuse and always
replace with the same type fuse.
The fuse is located
inside this fuseholder.

4. Operating Instructions 10 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
Mounting
bracket
Bolt
locations
Safety cable
attachment point
Hanging clamp
attachment point
Be sure to loop the safety cable
through the 2 loops, as shown
in the illustration above.
The safety cable must be
capable of support up to 10
times the weight of the fixture.
Mounting
Orientation
The Intimidator™ Spot XYZmay be mounted in any safe position provided there is
adequate room for ventilation.
Rigging
Be sure that the structure can support 10 times the weight of the fixture. Please see the
“Technical Specifications” section of this manual for a detailed weight listing. Mount the
fixture securely. Two hanging clamps for truss mounting may be used, or nuts and bolts for
permanent installation may be used. The holes in each bracket are 13 mm in size. When
rigging, consider routine maintenance and control panel access. Please see the following
steps for installation.
If the power link out is intended to be used with multiple fixture, take into account the
length of each power cable, and mount the fixtures close enough to one another to
accommodate for this.
Attach both included bolts in the locations indicated below, using a metric 8 mm Allen
wrench.
Attached 2 hanging clamps to the bracket in each of the two locations indicated below
Safety cables must always be used.
Do NOT mount this fixture sideways!

4. Operating Instructions 11 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Configuring the Starting Address
Each fixture requires a starting address from 1~512. A fixture requiring one or more channels for
control begins to read the data on the channel indicated by the starting address. For example, a
fixture that uses seven DMX channels and is addressed to start on DMX channel 100, will read data
from channels: 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106. Choose the starting addresses for each fixture
so that the channels used do not overlap. In addition, you should note the starting address selected
for future reference.
The Intimidator™ Spot XYZ fixture uses eleven or sixteen DMX channels. If this is your first time
using DMX, we recommend reading the “DMX Primer” section in the “Appendix”.
Control Panel Functions
Access control panel functions using the four buttons located directly underneath the LED display on
the included wired remote.
The Control Panel shows the current state of the unit. It is used to select the operating mode, as well
as the sub-features. For a detailed layout of the control panel functions, please see the “menu map”
section on the following page.
BUTTON
FUNCTION
<MENU>
Used to scroll through the
current operating mode,
as well as back out of the
current menu option
<DOWN>
Used to select decreasing
advancement in the value
<UP>
Used to select increasing
advancement in the value
<ENTER>
Used to select a value and
store it to memory

4. Operating Instructions 12 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
Menu Map
SELECTION
MODE DISPLAY
SELECTION
INSTRUCTION
~
Set the DMX starting address
Standalone-Slow: selection
Standalone-Slow: mode display
Standalone-Fast: selection
Standalone-Fast: mode display
Standalone-Sound: selection
Standalone-Sound: mode display
Standalone-Slave: selection
Sets the fixture to respond to another fixture set to master
Standalone-Slave: mode display
Sets the fixture to respond to another fixture set to master
Pan #1 Invert: selection
Pan #1 Invert: mode display
Pan #2 Invert: selection
Pan #2 Invert: mode display
Tilt Invert: selection
Tilt Invert: mode display
Display Invert: selection
Display Invert: mode display
Channel Personality (Advanced)
Channel Personality (Basic)
Pan #1 540°
Pan #1 360°
Pan #1 180°
Pan #2 540°
Pan #2 360°
Pan #2 180°
Tilt 540°
Tilt 360°
Tilt 180°
Reset
Load Default

4. Operating Instructions 13 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
DMX Operation
This is the operating mode which will allow for control with an external DMX controller. You must set the
starting address for this mode. If this is your first time using DMX, then it is recommended that you refer to
the “DMX Primer” section in the “Appendix” of this manual.
1. Press <MENU> until appears on the LED screen.
2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP>and <DOWN>, select the desired DMX address (~).
4. Press <ENTER>.
Menu Map (Service)
This 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
~
Adjustment for Pan #1
~
Adjustment for Tilt
~
Adjustment for Pan #2
~
Adjustment for the Color Wheel
~
Adjustment for the Gobo Wheel
Please see the instructions below to access this hidden menu:
1. Press <MENU> for at least 10 seconds.
2. Using <UP/DOWN>, enter the following pass code: “2323”. Press <UP> to change the blinking
digit in ascending order, and press <DOWN> to move on to the next digit.
3. Press <ENTER>.
This mode will be automatically terminated after 10 seconds of being idol.
These settings are set to 128 by default. The option in the control panel will not
affect these settings.

4. Operating Instructions 14 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
Standalone Operation
Automatic Fast
This fixture has preprogrammed fast chases. These are accessed via the control panel. Please see the
instructions below for further explanation.
1. Press <MENU> until , , , or appears on the LED screen.
2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select .
4. Press <ENTER> to confirm settings.
Automatic Slow
This fixture has preprogrammed slow chases. These are accessed via the control panel. Please see the
instructions below for further explanation.
1. Press <MENU> until , , , or appears on the LED screen.
2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select .
4. Press <ENTER> to confirm settings.
Sound-Active
This fixture has preprogrammed sound triggered chases. These are accessed via the control panel. Please
see the instructions below for further explanation.
1. Press <MENU> until , , , or appears on the LED screen.
2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select .
4. Press <ENTER> to confirm settings.

4. Operating Instructions 15 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
Master/Slave
This is the operating mode which will allow one fixture to act as the “master” and control all of the other
“slave” fixtures. You must set both the master and the slave(s) fixtures to the correct mode for this
operation.
Please see the diagram below on the connections for your fixtures, as well as the setting to assign in the
control panel.
It is not necessary to arrange the master fixture as the first fixture in the daisy chain. It
may be any fixture in the daisy chain. For example: fixture 2, 5, 10 or 12, etc.
Only 1 fixture may be set to master.
Do not connect a DMX controller to the daisy chain for this operating mode.
In order to mirror one fixture to another, you may invert the pan and tilt on the mirrored
fixture.
Additional signal
(DMX) link out
Master
Slave
Slave
Set this fixture to either
or or
mode
Set this fixture to
mode
Set this fixture to
mode

4. Operating Instructions 16 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
DMX Channel Values
Advanced Mode (16-channel)
CHANNEL
VALUE
FUNCTION
CHANNEL
VALUE
FUNCTION
1
000 255
Pan 1
0°540°
12
000 015
016 127
128 239
240 255
Gobo Rotation
Stop
Rotate Counter-clockwise (slow fast)
Rotate Clockwise (slow fast)
Gobo bounce
2
000 255
Tilt
0°270°
3
000 255
Pan 2
0°540°
13
000 007
008 015
016 023
024 031
032 039
040 047
048 055
056 087
088 095
096 103
104 111
112 119
120 127
128 135
136 143
144 151
152 159
160 255
Function
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 prism
Reset focus
Reset all
No function
4
000 255
Pan 1 fine
0°3°
5
000 255
Tilt fine
0°3°
6
000 255
Pan 2 fine
0°3°
7
000 255
Pan/tilt speed
Fast Slow
8
000 007
008 015
016 023
024 031
032 039
040 047
048 055
056 063
064 071
072 079
080 087
088 095
096 103
104 111
112 119
120 127
128 191
192 255
Color Wheel
White (open)
Blue
Yellow
Peachblow
Green
Pink
Cyan
Orange
White + Blue
Blue + Yellow
Yellow + Peachblow
Peachblow + Green
Green + Pink
Pink + Cyan
Cyan + Orange
Orange + White
Rotating clockwise with increasing speed
Rotating counter-clockwise with increasing speed
14
000 007
008 023
024 039
040 055
056 071
072 087
088 103
104 119
120 135
136 151
152 167
168 183
184 199
200 215
216 231
232 247
248 255
Movement Macros
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
9
000 003
004 007
008 215
216 255
Shutter
Shutter closed
Open
Strobe (slow fast)
Open
10
000 255
Dimmer
Closed Open
15
000 007
008 255
Prism
Open
Stop, static prism effect
11
000 007
008 015
016 023
024 031
032 039
040 047
048 055
056 063
064 071
072 079
080 087
088 095
096 103
104 111
112 119
120 127
128 191
192 255
Gobo Wheel
Open
Gobo 1 (glass)
Gobo 2 (glass)
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 (glass) shake, (fast slow)
Gobo 1 (glass) shake, (fast slow)
Open
Gobo scroll: Clockwise rotation
Gobo scroll: Counter-clockwise rotation
16
0 255
Focus
Near Far

4. Operating Instructions 17 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
Basic Mode (11-channel)
CHANNEL
VALUE
FUNCTION
CHANNEL
VALUE
FUNCTION
1
000 255
Pan 1
0°540°
7
000 015
016 127
128 239
240 255
Gobo Rotation
Stop
Rotate Counter-clockwise (slow fast)
Rotate Clockwise (slow fast)
Gobo bounce
2
000 255
Tilt
0°270°
3
000 255
Pan 2
0°540°
8
000 007
008 015
016 023
024 031
032 039
040 047
048 055
056 087
088 095
096 103
104 111
112 119
120 127
128 135
136 143
144 151
152 159
160 255
Function
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 prism
Reset focus
Reset all
No function
4
000 007
008 015
016 023
024 031
032 039
040 047
048 055
056 063
064 071
072 079
080 087
088 095
096 103
104 111
112 119
120 127
128 191
192 255
Color Wheel
White (open)
Blue
Yellow
Peachblow
Green
Pink
Cyan
Orange
White + Blue
Blue + Yellow
Yellow + Peachblow
Peachblow + Green
Green + Pink
Pink + Cyan
Cyan + Orange
Orange + White
Rotating clockwise with increasing speed
Rotating counter-clockwise with increasing speed
9
000 007
008 023
024 039
040 055
056 071
072 087
088 103
104 119
120 135
136 151
152 167
168 183
184 199
200 215
216 231
232 247
248 255
Movement Macros
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
5
000 003
004 007
008 215
216 255
Shutter
Shutter closed
Open
Strobe (slow fast)
Open
6
000 007
008 015
016 023
024 031
032 039
040 047
048 055
056 063
064 071
072 079
080 087
088 095
096 103
104 111
112 119
120 127
128 191
192 255
Gobo Wheel
Open
Gobo 1 (glass)
Gobo 2 (glass)
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 (glass) shake, (fast slow)
Gobo 1 (glass) shake, (fast slow)
Open
Gobo scroll: Clockwise rotation
Gobo scroll: Counter-clockwise rotation
10
000 007
008 255
Prism
Open
Stop, static prism effect
11
0 255
Focus
Near Far

5. Appendix 18 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
5. 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 Maintenance
To maintain optimum performance and minimize wear, fixtures should be cleaned frequently. Usage
and environment are contributing factors in determining frequency. As a general rule, fixtures should
be cleaned at least twice a month. Dust build up reduces light output performance and can cause
overheating. This can lead to reduced lamp life and increased mechanical wear. Be sure to power off
fixture before conducting maintenance.
Unplug fixture from power.
Use a vacuum or air compressor and a soft brush to remove dust collected on external
vents.
Clean all glass when the fixture is cold with a mild solution of glass cleaner or Isopropyl
Alcohol and a soft lint free cotton cloth or lens tissue.
Apply solution to the cloth or tissue and drag dirt and grime to the outside of the lens.
Gently polish optical surfaces until they are free of haze and lint.
The cleaning of external optical lenses and/or mirrors must be carried out periodically to optimize light
output. Cleaning frequency depends on the environment in which the fixture operates. Damp, smoky
or particularly dirty surroundings can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the unit’s optics. Clean
with soft cloth using normal glass cleaning fluid. Clean the external optics at least every 20 days.
Clean the fixture at least every 30/60 days.
Always dry the parts carefully after cleaning them.
Never spin a fan using compressed air.

5. Appendix 19 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
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
Cable Connectors
Cabling must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR connector on the other end.
Do not allow contact between the common and the fixture’s chassis ground. Grounding the
common can cause a ground loop, and your fixture may perform erratically. Test cables with
an ohm meter to verify correct polarity and to make sure the pins are not grounded or shorted
to the shield or each other.
COMMON
DMX +
DMX -
INPUT
OUTPUT
1
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
120 ohm ¼ W
resistor between
pin 2 (DMX -) and
pin 3 (DMX +) on
the output of the
last fixture
To avoid signal transmission problems
and interference, it is always advisable to
connect a DMX signal terminator.
DMX connector configuration

5. Appendix 20 10/9/2009 2:29 PM
This drawing
provides a general
illustration of the
DMX input/output
panel of a lighting
fixture.
Universal DMX Controller
Continue the link
3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion Chart
If you use a controller with a 5-pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5-
pin to 3-pin adapter. The chart below details a proper cable conversion:
3-PIN TO 5-PIN CONVERSION CHART
Conductor
3-Pin Female (Output)
5-Pin Male (Input)
Ground/Shield
Pin 1
Pin 1
Data ( - ) signal
Pin 2
Pin 2
Data ( + ) signal
Pin 3
Pin 3
Not used
Pin 4
Not used
Pin 5
Setting up a DMX Serial Data Link
1. Connect the (male) 3-pin connector side of
the DMX cable to the output (female) 3-pin
connector of the controller.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from
the controller which will have a (female)
3-pin connector to the input connector of the
next fixture consisting of a (male) 3-pin
connector.
3. Then, proceed to connect from the output as
stated above to the input of the following
fixture and so on.
Setting the Starting Address
This DMX mode enables the use of a universal DMX controller device. Each fixture requires a start address
from 1~512. A fixture requiring one or more channels for control begins to read the data on the channel
indicated by the start address. For example, a fixture that uses six DMX channels and was addressed to start
on DMX channel 100, would read data from channels: 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105. Choose start
addresses so that the channels used do not overlap, and note the start address selected for future reference.
If this is your first time addressing a fixture using the DMX control protocol, we suggest jumping to the
“Appendix” section and reading the heading “DMX Primer”. It contains very useful information that will help you
understand its use.