Chauvet Swarm4 User manual

User Manual

CHAUVET®, 2010, All Rights Reserved
Information and specifications in this User Manual are subject to change without notice. CHAUVET® assumes no
responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.
Author: Anthony Chiappone
Revision: 01a
Release Date: 01-07-2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................1
1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN............................................................................................................................................................3
WHAT IS INCLUDED ......................................................................................................................................................................3
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS ...........................................................................................................................................................3
MANUAL CONVENTIONS................................................................................................................................................................3
ICONS........................................................................................................................................................................................3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................................................................................................4
2. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................................................5
PRODUCT OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................................................5
3. SETUP.....................................................................................................................................................................................6
ACPOWER.................................................................................................................................................................................6
Power Linking..............................................................................................................................................................................................6
MOUNTING .................................................................................................................................................................................7
Orientation...................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Rigging........................................................................................................................................................................................................7
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ..............................................................................................................................................8
USING THE CONTROL PANEL.........................................................................................................................................................8
MENU MAP.................................................................................................................................................................................8
CONFIGURING THE STARTING ADDRESS ..........................................................................................................................................8
OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................................................9
DMX Operation............................................................................................................................................................................................9
DMX Channel Values...................................................................................................................................................................................9
MASTER/SLAVE MODE (SOUND-ACTIVE,AUTOMATIC).....................................................................................................................10
STANDALONE............................................................................................................................................................................10
Sound-Active............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Automatic ..................................................................................................................................................................................................10
5. APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................................................11
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING .....................................................................................................................................................11
DMXPRIMER ...........................................................................................................................................................................12
FIXTURE LINKING (DAISY CHAIN)..................................................................................................................................................12
DATA CABLING..........................................................................................................................................................................12
DMX Data Cable........................................................................................................................................................................................12
CABLE CONNECTORS.................................................................................................................................................................13
SETTINGTHE STARTING ADDRESS................................................................................................................................................13
3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion Chart .................................................................................................................................................................14
Setting up a DMX Daisy Chain....................................................................................................................................................................14
GENERAL MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................................................................15
RETURNS PROCEDURE...............................................................................................................................................................15
CLAIMS ....................................................................................................................................................................................15
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................................................16
CONTACT US...........................................................................................................................................................................17

1. Before You Begin 3 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
1.BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What is included
•1 x Swarm™ 4
•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.
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 1/7/2011 4:34 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.
Please read these instructions carefully. It includes important information
about the installation, usage and maintenance of this product.

2. Introduction 5 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
2.INTRODUCTION
Product Overview
Microphone
Control Panel
(LED Display)
Safety
DMX In
Fuse holder
Microphone
Sensitivity
DMX Out
Power inking
Power In
Back Panel
IMPORTANT
The power linking connector shown
corresponds to the North American version of
this product.

3. Setup 6 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
3.SETUP
AC Power
This fixture is auto-ranging and runs on 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz power.
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 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.
Power Linking
This fixture contains power linking via the Edison outlet located next to the power input cable.
Please see the diagram below for further explanation.
The maximum quantity of Swarm™ 4s that may be linked is 28 units @ 120 V; 47 units @
230 V.
The power linking shown in this document is for the CHAUVET® North American version
ONLY! Therefore, it is the customer’s responsibility to check with the Dealer/Distributor
regarding power linking on the local version of the product. Connections and availability
may change, depending on the power requirements and/or regulations of each
country/region.
Additional power
link out
Fixture #1
Fixture #2
Fixture #3

3. Setup 7 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
Mounting
Orientation
The Swarm™ 4
may be mounted in any position, provided there is adequate room for ventilation.
Rigging
Be sure that the structure can support the weight of the fixture. Please see the “Technical
Specifications” section of this manual for a detailed weight listing. Mount the fixture securely.
This may be done with a screw, nut and bolt, or a mounting clamp.
The hole in each bracket is 13 mm in diameter.
When rigging, consider routine maintenance and control panel access. Please see the following
notes on installation.
•If the power link out is intended to be used with multiple fixtures, take into account the
length of each power cable, and mount the fixtures close enough to one another to
accommodate for this.
•When aiming thefixtures, use the bracket/yoke adjustment knobs. Loosen the knobs,
adjust to the desired angle, and then tighten the knobs by turning them clockwise. Do
not use tools for this step, as it may cause damage.
•
Safety cables must always be used!
Hanging Bracket
Bracket Adjustment
Knob

4. Operating Instructions 8 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
4.OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Using the Control Panel
Access control panel functions using the four buttons located directly underneath the LED
display.
BUTTON
FUNCTION
<MODE/
ESC>
Used to scroll through the current
operating mode, as well as back out of
the current menu option
<DOWN> Used to select a decreasing value
<UP> Used to select an increasing value
<ENTER> Used to activate a selection and store it
to memory
Menu Map
Mode
Selection 1
Selection 2
Description
DMX Mode
512
DMX Operation
A001~512
Select the DMX starting address
Automatic AUTO
Trigger the built-in programs with variable
speed
S 01~S100
Adjust the speed of the automatic program
Sound-active SNd
Trigger the built-in program to the beat of the
music, using the internal microphone
Configuring the Starting Address
The Swarm™ 4
fixture uses up to four DMX channels. In this DMX configuration/personality,
the highest configurable address is 509. Any address higher than this will prevent access to all
of the channels while in this mode; however, if you desire to use one of the other DMX
configurations (personalities), please consider the total DMX channels when selecting a DMX
address.
If this is your first time using DMX, we recommend reading the “DMX Primer” section in the
“Appendix”.

4. Operating Instructions 9 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
Operation
DMX Operation
This operating mode 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.
Please see the instructions below for details on this mode.
1. Plug the fixture into power.
2. Plug a DMX controller into the fixture in a daisy chain configuration.
3. Press <MODE> until 512 appears on the LED screen.
4. Press <ENTER>.
5. Using <UP> & <DOWN>, select the DMX starting address.
6. Press
<ENTER>
.
When the fixture is in DMX mode, the red DMX LED will illuminate.
When the fixture is in DMX mode and addressed to A001, the yellow SLAVE LED will
illuminate. This is normal.
DMX Channel Values
C
HANNEL
V
ALUE
F
UNCTION
1
000 ó009
010 ó014
015 ó019
020 ó024
025 ó029
030 ó034
035 ó039
040 ó044
045 ó049
050 ó054
055 ó059
060 ó064
065 ó069
070 ó074
075 ó079
080 ó139
140 ó199
200 ó249
250 ó255
Color/Mode
Blackout
Red
Green
Blue
Amber
Green + blue
Red + blue
Red + green
Red + amber
Green + amber
Blue + amber
Red + green + blue
Green + blue + amber
Red + blue + amber
Red + green + blue + amber
Automatic (single colors only)
Automatic (two colors at a time)
Automatic
Sound-active
2
160 ó255 Automatic Speed (when CH1 is between 094~255) Slow ófast
3 000 ó004
005
ó
255
Strobe
No Function
Strobe (slow
ó
fast) (max 30 Hz)
4
000 ó004
005 ó127
128 ó133
134
ó
255
Motor Rotation
Stop
Rotate clockwise
Stop
Rotate counter-clockwise

4. Operating Instructions 10 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
Master/Slave Mode (Sound-Active, Automatic)
This mode allows a single unit, the master, to operate in either automatic or sound-active mode.
When additional (slave) fixtures are daisy chained to the master, they will all synchronize with
the master and run the same lighting show.
Please see the instructions below for details on this mode.
Master:
1. Place the master fixture first in the daisy chain.
2. Set the master fixture to operate in either automatic or sound-active mode; please see
the appropriate sections of this manual for details on this procedure.
Slave:
1. Daisy chain from the output of the master fixture.
2. Press <MODE> until 512 appears on the LED screen.
3. Press <ENTER>.
4. Using <UP> & <DOWN>, set the DMX starting address to 001.
5. Press <ENTER>.
Only connect 31 slave fixtures when operating in this mode!
When the fixture is in slave mode, the red DMX and the yellow SLAVE LED will illuminate.
Standalone
Sound-Active
Please see the instructions below for details on this mode.
1. Plug the fixture into power.
2. Press <MODE> until SNd appears on the LED screen.
3. Press <ENTER>.
4. Use the microphone sensitivity adjustment knob to adjust the fixture to react to the
beat of the music.
5. Press <ENTER>.
When the fixture is in sound-active mode, the green SOUND LED will illuminate.
The microphone will only respond to low frequencies (bass).
Automatic
Please see the instructions below for details on this mode.
1. Plug the fixture into power.
2. Press <MODE> until AUTO appears on the LED screen.
3. Press <ENTER>.
4. Using <UP> & <DOWN>, adjust the program speed (S_ _1~S100) (fast~slow).
5. Press <ENTER>.
When the fixture is in automatic mode, the blue AUTO LED will illuminate.

5. Appendix 11 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
5.APPENDIX
General Troubleshooting
S
YMPTOM
P
OSSIBLE
C
AUSE
(
S
)
P
OSSIBLE
A
CTION
(
S
)
Breaker/Fuse
keeps blowing
•Excessive circuit load •Check total load placed on the
electrical circuit
•Short circuit along the power
wires •Check for a short in the electrical wiring (internal and/or external)
Device does not
power up •
No power
•
Check for power on Mains
•Loose power cord •Check power cord
Fixture is not
responding to DMX
•Wrong DMX addressing •Check Control Panel and unit
addressing
•
Damaged DMX cables
•
Check DMX cables
•Wrong polarity settings on the
controller
•Check polarity switch settings on
the controller
•
Loose DMX cables
•
Check cable connections
•
Faulty DMX interface
•
Replace DMX input
•
Faulty Main PCB
•
Replace Main PCB
Loss of signal
•Non DMX cables •Use only DMX compatible cables
•
Bouncing signals
•
Install terminator as suggested
•Long cable / low level signal •
Install amplifier right after fixture
with strong signal.
•Too many fixtures •Install an optically coupled DMX
splitter after unit #32
•Interference from AC wires •Keep DMX cables separated from
power cables or black lights
If you still have problems after trying the above solutions, please contact CHAUVET®
Technical Support.

5. Appendix 12 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
DMX Primer
There are 512 channels in a DMX connection. 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 all
respond exactly the same.
DMXfixtures are designed to receive data through a 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 two conductor twisted pair DMX data 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+).
Fixture Linking (Daisy Chain)
You will need a daisy chain 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 daisy chain determines the
number of fixtures the data link can support.
To comply with the EIA-485 standard, do not connect more than 32 fixtures on one daisy
chain. Connecting more than 32 fixtures on one daisy chain without the use of a DMX
optically-isolated splitter may result in deterioration of the digital DMX signal.
Maximum recommended cable distance: 500 m (1640 ft)
Maximum recommended number of fixtures on a daisy chain: 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

5. Appendix 13 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
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.
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.
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
Terminator

5. Appendix 14 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
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 Daisy Chain
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.
Universal DMX Controller
This drawing
provides a general
illustration of the
DMX input/output
panel of a lighting
fixture.
Continue the link

5. Appendix 15 1/7/2011 4:34 PM
General Maintenance
To maintain optimum performance and minimize wear, fixtures should be cleaned frequently.
Usage and environment are contributing factors in determining cleaning 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 reduction in the life of the light source
and 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 lenses when the fixture is cool 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.
Always dry the parts carefully after cleaning them.
If the fixture has one or more fans, never spin them using compressed air.
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 Merchandize Authorization Number
(RMA #). Products returned without the RMA # will be refused. Call CHAUVET® and request an
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 pack fixture properly; any shipping
damage resulting from inadequate packaging is 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 product(s).
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.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS
Length.................................................................................................................12 in (308 mm)
Width .................................................................................................................... 7 in (189 mm)
Height ................................................................................................................. 12 in (308 mm)
Weight .................................................................................................................8.2 lbs (3.7 kg)
POWER
Input voltage................................................................100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (auto-ranging)
Power and current.................................................................34 W; 0.28 A max (120 V, 60 Hz)
Power consumption ..............................................................39 W; 0.17 A max (230 V, 50 Hz)
Power linking............................................................max 28 units @ 120 V; 47 units @ 230 V
LIGHT SOURCE
Type...................................................................................................................high-power LED
Quantity...............................................................................4 (1 red, 1 green, 1 blue, 1 amber)
Rating (red, green, blue)...................................................................(2 W) 700 mA, 50,000 hrs
PHOTO OPTIC
Coverage angle......................................................................................................................65°
INDOOR/OUTDOOR
Rating ...........................................................................................................For indoor use only
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™ 4...................................................................................................................SWARM4
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Warranty.................................................................................................2-year limited warranty

CONTACT US
WORLD HEADQUARTERS
General Information.................................................................................................CHAUVET®
Address.............................................................................................. 5200 NW 108th Ave
Sunrise, FL 33351
Voice ...........................................................................................................954-929-1115
Voice (toll free)............................................................................................800-762-1084
Fax ..............................................................................................................954-929-5560
Technical Support....................................................................................................CHAUVET®
Voice ...........................................................................................954-929-1115 (Press 4)
Fax ..............................................................................954-929-5560 (Attention: Service)
Email ...........................[e-mail]
World Wide Web....................................................................... http://www.chauvetlighting.com
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
General Information..............................................................................CHAUVET® Europe Ltd
Address..................................................................................................................Unit 1C
Brookhill Road Industrial Estate
Pinxton, Nottingham, UK
NG16 6NT
Voice .................................................................................................+44 (0)1773 511115
Fax ....................................................................................................+44 (0)1773 511110
EMail .........................[e-mail]
World Wide Web......................................................................http://www.chauvetlighting.co.uk