Chauvet SWARM User manual

Swarm™User Manual 1 4/23/2009 11:59 AM
USER MANUAL
Snapshot
OK on Dimmer
Outdoor OK
Sound Activated
DMX512
Master/Slave
Autoswitching
Transformer
Replaceable Fuse
User Serviceable
Duty Cycle
3000 N 29th Ct, Hollywood, FL 33020 U.S.A.
[phone] –[phone]
FAX [phone]
www.chauvetlighting.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Before You Begin................................................................................................................................3
What is included .......................................................................................................................................3
Unpacking Instructions..............................................................................................................................3
AC Power.................................................................................................................................................3
Safety Instructions ....................................................................................................................................4
2. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................5
Features...................................................................................................................................................5
DMX Channel Summary............................................................................................................................5
Product Overview......................................................................................................................................6
3. Setup................................................................................................................................................... 7
Fuse Replacement....................................................................................................................................7
Fixture Linking..........................................................................................................................................7
Data Cabling.............................................................................................................................................8
DMX Data Cable.......................................................................................................................................8
Cable Connectors.....................................................................................................................................8
3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion Chart ................................................................................................................8
Setting up a DMX Serial Data Link.............................................................................................................9
Master/Slave Fixture Linking .....................................................................................................................9
Mounting ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Orientation..............................................................................................................................................10
Rigging...................................................................................................................................................10
4. Operating Instructions...................................................................................................................... 11
Navigating the Control Panel................................................................................................................... 11
Menu Functions......................................................................................................................................12
Menu Functions...................................................................................................................................... 12
Operation ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Stand-Alone Mode (Sound-Active, Auto):................................................................................................. 12
Master/Slave Mode (Master Sound, Master Auto): ................................................................................... 12
DMX Mode .............................................................................................................................................13
DMX Channel Values.............................................................................................................................. 13
Setting the starting address.....................................................................................................................14
General Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................14
Technical Support................................................................................................................................... 14
Contact Us.............................................................................................................................................. 15
5. Appendix........................................................................................................................................... 15
DMX Primer............................................................................................................................................15
General Maintenance..............................................................................................................................16
Returns Procedure.................................................................................................................................. 16
Claims.................................................................................................................................................... 16
Technical Specifications.......................................................................................................................... 17

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1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What is included
1 x Swarm™
1 x Power Cord
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.
AC Power
This fixture has an auto-switching power supply that can accommodate a wide range of input
voltages. The only thing necessary to do before powering on the unit is to make sure the line voltage
you are applying is within the range of accepted voltages. This fixture will accommodate between
100V and 240V AC 50-60 Hz. All fixtures must be powered directly off a switched circuit and cannot
be run off a rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer channel is
used solely for a 0% to 100% switch.
Warning! All fixtures must be connected to circuits with a suitable Earth Ground.

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Safety Instructions
Please keep this User Guide 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.
Always disconnect from power source before servicing or replacing lamp or fuse and be sure to
replace with same lamp 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 assistancecenter. Always use the same type spare parts.
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.
Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while it is on.
Donot daisy chain power to more than 12 units @ 120V and 20 units @ 230V.
Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the housing or
attempt any repairs yourself. In the unlikely event your unit may require service,
please contact CHAUVET at: 954-929-1115.
.
Please read these instructions carefully, which includes important
information about the installation, usage and maintenance of this
product.

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2. INTRODUCTION
Features
4-channel DMX-512 L-ED vivid, multi-colored effect
7 popular, programmable color combinations: red, green, blue, red/green, red/blue, green/blue, red/green/blue
Adjustable strobe speed with any color combination
Control motor direction and speed
Built-in automated programs via master/slave or DMX
Built-in sound activated programs via master/slave or DMX
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
High-power, 3W (1,200mA) LEDs
Additional power output: max 12 units @ 120V
DMX Channel Summary
CHANNEL
FUNCTION
1
Function
2
Run speed
3
Strobe
4
Rotation

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Product Overview
Slave LED
Auto LED
LED
Display
DMX
LED
Enter
button
Sound
LED
Safety cable
eyebolt
Microphone
Up
button
Down
button
Mode
button
Sound sensitivity
adjustment
DMX out
DMX in
Power link
out
Fuse holder
Power in
Bracket
adjustment knob
Bracket
DMX indicator
(flashing segment on
display)

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The fuse is located
inside this
compartment.
Remove using a flat
head screwdriver.
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
1. With a flat head screwdriver, wedge the
fuse holder out of its housing.
2. Remove the damaged fuse from its holder
and replace with exact same type fuse.
3. Insert the fuse holder back in its place and reconnect power.
Fixture Linking
You will need a serial data link to run light shows of one or more fixtures using a DMX-512 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.
Important: 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 devices 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 meters (1640 ft.)
Maximum recommended number of fixtures on a serial data link: 32 fixtures
Disconnect the power cord before replacing a fuse and always
replace with the same type fuse.

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Data Cabling
To link fixtures together you must obtain data cables. You can purchase CHAUVET-certified DMX
cables directlyfrom 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 thespecifications for EIA RS-485 applications.
Standard microphone cables cannot transmit DMX data reliably over long distances. The cable must
have the following characteristics:
2-conductor twisted pair plus a shield
Maximum capacitance between conductors –30 pF/ft.
Maximum capacitance between conductor and shield –55 pF/ft.
Maximum resistance of 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.
CAUTION 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.
3-PIN TO 5-PIN CONVERSION CHART
Note! If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5 pin to 3 pin
adapter. CHAUVET Model No: DMX5M, or DMX5F.
The chart below details a proper cable conversion:
3PIN TO 5PIN 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
Do not use
Pin 4
Do not use
Pin 5
COMMON
DMX +
DMX -
INPUT
OUTPUT
1
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
Resistance 120
ohm 1/4w between
pin 2 (DMX -) and
pin 3 (DMX +) of
the last fixture.
Termination reduces signal errors. To
avoid signal transmission problems
and interference, it is always
advisable to connect a DMX signal
terminator.
DMX connector configuration

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This drawing provides a
general illustration of the
DMX Input/Output panel of
a lighting fixture.
Universal DMX Controller
Continue the link
Often, the setup for Master-Slave
and Standalone operation requires
that the first fixture in the chain be
initialized for this purpose via
settings in the control panel.
Secondarily, the fixtures that follow
may also require a slave setting.
Please consult the “Operating
Instructions” section in this manual
for complete instructions for this
type of setup and configuration.
Master
Slave
Slave
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.
CHAUVET Certified DMX Data Cables
Order Code Description
DMX1.5 DMX Cable 1.5m/4.9ft
DMX4.5 DMX Cable 4.5m/14.8ft
DMX10 DMX Cable 10m/32.8ft
Master/Slave Fixture Linking
1. Connect the (male) 3 pin connector side of the DMX cable to the output (female) 3 pin connector
of the first fixture.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the first fixture which will have a (female) 3 pin
connector to the input connector of the next fixture consisting of a (male) 3 pin connector. Then,
proceed to connect from the output as stated above to the input of the following fixture and so on.

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Hanging Clamp
Note!
Clamp is sold separately.
Mounting
ORIENTATION
This fixture may be mounted in any safe position.
RIGGING
Mount the fixture using, a suitable “C” or “O” type clamp. Adjust the
angle of the fixture by loosening both knobs and tilting the fixture. After
finding the desired position, retighten both knobs.
When selecting installation location, take into consideration fuse
replacement and routine maintenance.
Safety cables must always be used.
Never mount in places where the fixture will be exposed to rain, high
humidity, extreme temperature changes or restricted ventilation.

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4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Navigating the Control Panel
Access control panel functions using the four panel buttons located directly underneath the LED
Display.
The Control Panel LED Display shows the menu items you select from the menu map. When a menu
function is selected, the display will show immediately the first available option for the selected menu
function. To select a menu item, press <ENTER>.
Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to navigate the menu map and menu options. Press the
<ENTER> button to access the menu function currently displayed or to enable a menu option. To
return to the previous option or menu without changing the value, press the <MODE> button.
Button
Function
<MODE>
Used to access the menu or to return to a
previous menu option
<DOWN>
Scrolls through menu options in descending
order
<UP>
Scrolls through menu options in ascending
order
<ENTER>
Used to select and store the current menu
or option within a menu

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Menu Functions
MENU
OPTION
SUB-MENU
OPTION
DESCRIPTION
Sound active mode: Sets the fixture to run automatically by sound. Use the knob
to adjust the sound sensitivity
Auto mode: Sets the fixture to run on automatic programs
Speed adjustments from fast to slow when running in
Auto mode
DMX mode: Sets the fixture to run via a DMX controller (mode shown by
on display)
Sets the DMX starting address in DMX mode
Operation
Stand-Alone Mode (Sound-Active, Auto):
Sound active
This mode allows a single unit to run to the beat of the music.
1) Press the <MODE> button, until is displayed.
2) Press the <ENTER> button to confirm your selection.
Use the audio sensitivity knob on the back of the unit to make the unit more or less sensitive in
Sound active mode. Turning the knob counterclockwise decreases the sensitivity; turning the
knob clockwise increases the sensitivity.
The unit will react to the low frequencies of music via the internal microphone in sound active
mode.
Auto
1) Press the <MODE> button, until is is displayed for automatic mode.
2) Press the <ENTER> button to confirm your selection.
3) Adjust the speed as needed from the display. Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons until the
desired speed is selected ( )(001=fast, 100=slow).
4) Press the <ENTER> button to confirm your selection.
Master/Slave Mode (Master Sound, Master Auto):
This mode will allow you to link up to 32 units together without a controller.
1) Use standard DMX cables to daisy chain your units together via the DMX connector on the rear
of the units. For longer cable runs we suggest a terminator at the last fixture.
2) Choose a unit to function as the Master. Press the <MODE> button until or is
displayed.
3) Press the <ENTER> button to confirm your selection.
4) The unit must be the first unit in line. Then simply chain the units together using DMX cable.
5) Then, set the slave units to DMX mode ( ) at starting address (see section on
DMX Mode).

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DMX Mode
This mode allows the unit to be controlled by any universal DMX controller. If you are unfamiliar with
DMX, please read the DMX Primer in the Appendix section of this manual.
1) Press the <MODE> button until is displayed on the LED display.
2) Press the <ENTER> button.
3) Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to set the DMX starting address.
4) Press the <ENTER> button to save thesetting.
Note: When the fixture is receiving DMX signal, the DMX indicator will begin flashing on the display.
See the drawing on page 6 for the location of the indicator.
DMX Channel Values
CHANNEL
VALUE
FUNCTION
1
000 009
010 019
020 029
030 039
040 049
050 059
060 069
070 079
080 139
140 199
200 224
225 249
250 255
Function
Blackout
Red
Green
Blue
Green/Blue
Red/Blue
Red/Green
Red/Green/Blue
Single color chase
Multi color chase
Automatic fast
Automatic slow
Sound active
2
000 255
Run speed (when CH.1 is between 080 199)
Slow Fast
3
000 004
005 254
255 255
Strobe
No function
Strobe: slow fast
Strobe to sound
4
000 004
005 127
128 133
134 255
Rotation
No function
Clockwise rotation: slow fast
Stop
Counterclockwise rotation: slow fast

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SETTING THE STARTING ADDRESS
This DMX mode enables the use of a universal DMX controller device. Each fixture requires a "start address"
from 1 to 512. A fixturerequiring 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 6 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 thestart address selected for future reference.
If this is your first time addressing a fixture using the DMX-512 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.
General Troubleshooting
Symptom
Solution(s)
Breaker/Fuse keeps
blowing
Check total load placed on device
Chase is too slow
Check users manual for speed adjustment
Device has no power
Check for power on Mains.
Check device’s fuse
Fixture is not
responding
Check DMX settings for correct addressing
Check DMX cables
Check polarity switch settings
Check DMX indicator on LED display segment
Fixture is on but there
is no movement to the
audio
Make sure you havethe correct audio mode on the
display
Adjust sound sensitivity knob
Light will not come on
after power failure
Check fuse
Loss of signal
Use only DMX cables
Install terminator
Note: Keep DMX cables separated from power
cables or black lights.
No light output
Call service technician
If you still have a problem after trying the above solutions, please contact CHAUVET Technical
Support at the location below.
Technical Support
Address: Service Dept.
3000 N 29th Ct, Hollywood, FL 33020 (U.S.A.)
Support (Email): [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone] - (Press 4)
Fax: [phone] - (Attention: Service)
Website: http://www.chauvetlighting.com

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Contact Us
World Wide
General Information CHAUVET
3000 North 29th Court
Hollywood, FL 33020
voice: 954.929.1115
fax: [phone]
toll free: 800.762.1084
Technical Support CHAUVET
3000 North 29th Court
Hollywood, FL 33020
voice: 954.929.1115 (Press 4)
fax: [phone] (Attention: Service)
5. APPENDIX
DMX Primer
There are 512 channels in a DMX-512 connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A
fixture capable of receiving DMX 512 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 onefixture 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 twoconductor 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+). CHAUVET
carries 3-pin XLR DMX compliant cables, DMX-10 (33’), DMX-4.5 (15’) and DMX-1.5 (5’)

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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 LED life and increased mechanical wear. Be sure to power off
fixture before conducting maintenance.
Unplug fixture from power. Use a soft brush to remove dust collected on external components. 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 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 surrounding can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the unit’s optics. Clean with
soft cloth using normal glass cleaning fluid. Always dry the parts carefully. Clean the external optics at
least every 20 days.
Returns Procedure
Returned merchandise must be sent prepaid and in the original packing, call tags will not be issued.
Package must be clearly labeled with a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA #).
Products returned without an RMA # will be refused. Call CHAUVET and request RMA # prior to
shipping the fixture. Be prepared to provide the model number, serial number and a brief description
of the cause for the return. Be sure to properly pack fixture, any shipping damage resulting from
inadequate packaging is the customer’s responsibility. CHAUVET reserves the right to use its own
discretion to repair or replace product(s). As a suggestion, proper UPS packing or double-boxing is
always a safe method to use.
Note: If you are given an RMA #, please include the following information on a piece of
paper inside the box:
1) Your name
2) Your address
3) Your phone number
4) The RMA #
5) A brief description of the symptoms
Claims
Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper; therefore the damage must be
reported to the carrier upon receipt of merchandise. It is the customer's responsibility to notify and
submit claims with the shipper in the event that a fixture is damaged due to shipping. Any other claim
for items such as missing component/part, damage not related to shipping, and concealed damage,
must be made within seven (7) days of receiving merchandise.

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Technical Specifications
WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS
Length ................................................................................................................................ 7.6 in (194 mm)
Width................................................................................................................................ 11.8 in (302 mm)
Height...............................................................................................................................12.5 in (319 mm)
Weight..................................................................................................................................8.2 lbs (3.7 kg)
POWER
Autoswitching........................................................................................................... 100-240VAC 50/60Hz
Fuse (external).............................................................................................................................F1A 250V
Power Consumption ...........................................................................................20W (0.3A) max @ 120V
Inrush Power..........................................................................................................................0.2A @ 120V
Power Consumption ...........................................................................................14W (0.2A) max @ 230V
Inrush Power..........................................................................................................................0.2A @ 230V
Power Output......................................................................12 units max @ 120V, 20 units max @ 230V
LIGHT SOURCE
LED ........................................................................3 x 3W 1,200mA (1 Red, 1 Green, 1 Blue) 50,000hrs
RANGE
Coverage angle ......................................................................................................................................71°
THERMAL
Maximum ambient temperature .............................................................................................104°F (40°C)
CONTROL & PROGRAMMING
Data input................................................................................................... locking 3-pin XLR male socket
Data output ............................................................................................. locking 3-pin XLR female socket
Data pin configuration.................................................................................pin 1 shield, pin 2 (-), pin 3 (+)
Protocols...........................................................................................................................DMX-512 USITT
DMX Channels...........................................................................................................................................4
ORDERING INFORMATION
Swarm™........................................................................................................................................SWARM
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Warranty..................................................................................................................2-year limited warranty