Chroma Broadway User manual

Chroma-Q™
Broadway™
User Manual
Version 6.3 December 2006
PN: 101-0500 Broadway

Broadway User Manual 1 V6.3 December 2006
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is offered in good faith and is believed to be accurate.
However, because conditions and methods of use of our products are beyond our control, this
information should not be used in substitution for customer's tests to ensure that Chroma-Q
products are safe, effective, and fully satisfactory for the intended end use. Suggestions of use
shall not be taken as inducements to infringe any patent. Chroma-Q sole warranty is that the
product will meet the sales specifications in effect at the time of shipment. Your exclusive
remedy for breach of such warranty is limited to refund of purchase price or replacement of any
product shown to be other than as warranted.
Chroma-Q reserves the right to change or make alteration to devices and their functionality
without notice due to our on going research and development.
The Chroma-Q Broadway has been designed specifically for the professional entertainment
lighting industry. Regular maintenance should be performed to ensure that the products
perform well in the entertainment environment.
If you experience any difficulties with any Chroma-Q products please contact your selling
dealer. If your selling dealer is unable to help please contact [e-mail]. If the
selling dealer is unable to satisfy your servicing needs, please contact the following, for full
factory service:
Outside North America: North America:
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[email protected] supp[email protected]
For further information please visit the Chroma-Q website at www.chroma-q.com.
Chroma-Q is a trademark, for more information on this visit www.chroma-q.com/trademarks.
The rights and ownership of all trademarks are recognised.
Note: The current version of the Chroma-Q range uses a "digital" control card, a binary DMX
address switch and a different method of gel string calibration and fixing.
Please read this manual and the gel fitting supplement before using the product.

Broadway User Manual 2 V6.3 December 2006
Table of Contents
1. Product Overview ……………………..………………………….………............... 3
2. Operation ……………...…………………………………………………….………... 3
2.1 Control and power cables …………………………………………………… 4
2.2 Setting the DMX address ……………………………………………………. 4
2.3 PSU / splitterbox options ……………………………………………………. 5
2.4 PSU / splitterbox capacity …………………………………………………… 5
2.5 Mounting positions …………………………………………………………… 5
2.6 Using Mark I and Mark II units together …………………………………… 5
2.7 Safety wire …………………………………………………………………….. 5
2.8 F.C.C. Regulations (USA) ……………………………………………………. 5
2.9 Troubleshooting ……………………………………………………………… 6
2.10 Limited warranty ……………………………………………………………… 6
2.11 Technical specifications ……………………………………………………… 7
2.12 Product ordering ……………………………………………………………… 8
3. Table of DMX binary address settings ………………………………………..… 10
3.1 1-128 ………………….…………………………………………………….… 10
3.2 129-256 ……………………………………………………………………….. 11
3.3 257-384 ……………………………………………………………………….. 12
3.4 385-512 ……………………………………………………………………….. 13

Broadway User Manual 3 V6.3 December 2006
1. Product overview
The Chroma-Q is designed to be one of the most reliable colour changers available. The
utilisation of digital circuitry and high technology composite materials, produces an affordable
colour changer which is capable of scrolling gel strings of various lengths from 2 to 16 colours.
The Chroma-Q will read ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A protocol, which enables individual
addressing of each unit. This allows for easy grouping of multiple units. The units are
individually addressed by setting the 10 pin binary dip switch, as displayed in the panel view
below and the instructions on page 4 section 2.2.
The Chroma-Q is supplied power and control signals by means of a XLR 4-pin connector. The
XLR 4-pin output may then be used to connect other units in turn on the same line. Each chain
line must be terminated by connecting the output cable from the last unit in the chain to the
corresponding return connection on the PSU / splitterbox, as shown in the System Diagram on
page 4.
Note: For the optimum performance of a system the Chroma-Q colour changer maximum
cable length per distribution line must not exceed 60m / 200ft including the return to the PSU /
splitterbox.
The Chroma-Q is equipped with an integral cooling fan. Each unit is also equipped with three
diagnostic LED indicators (found on the underside of the unit); showing Power, DMX signal and
DMX level (see section 2.9 Troubleshooting on page 6 for full details).
2. Operation
2.1 Control and power cables
2.2 Setting the DMX address
2.3 PSU / splitterbox options
2.4 PSU / splitterbox capacity
2.5 Mounting positions
2.6 Using Mark I and Mark II units together
2.7 Safety wire
2.8 F.C.C. Regulations (USA)
2.9 Troubleshooting
2.10 Limited warranty
2.11 Technical specifications
2.12 Product ordering
For gel string dimensions, assembly, loading and calibration - see the separate leaflet enclosed
with your Chroma-Q.

Broadway User Manual 4 V6.3 December 2006
2.1 Control and power cables
The Chroma-Q utilises an XLR 4-pin cable system. This is used to supply power and data
transfer. Pins 1 and 4 supply 24VDC power; pins 2 and 3 supply ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A
control protocol with a ground drain wire to the connector shell.
Only genuine Tourflex Datasafe cable is recommended for use with the Chroma-Q colour
changing system (see Product ordering on page 8).
Damage will occur if the power connections short-circuit to the data or ground / shield
connections. When assembling XLR 4-pin cables, heat shrink sleeving should be used on each
individual data pin and the drain wire to prevent short circuits.
Note: It is very important to ensure that the drain wire from the cable shield is connected to
both connector cases.
The cables are wired pin to pin, in the following format:
Pin # Function
1 0V DC
2 Control data minus (-)
3 Control data plus (+)
4 24V DC (+ve)
Chassis Ground bonding
System Diagram
Each PSU / splitterbox can accommodate two circuits. The total cable length per circuit must
not exceed 60m / 200ft or a Voltage drop will be imposed on the system. The total quantity of
Chroma-Q Broadway units is dependent on the size of the PSU / splitterbox. (See PSU /
splitterbox capacities on page 5 or in the User Manual of each PSU / splitterbox.)
2.2 Setting the DMX address
The DMX address for each unit is set using the 10 way binary switch on the back of the unit
(see page 3). The address switches are pushed up (rotated) to the on setting. Add the address
together to reach the control address required. Example: 1 + 2 = 3, 4 + 64 + 256 = 324.
The Chroma-Q can also be set to a second motor speed. By moving switch 10 on the binary dip
switch to the on (up) position, the inherent speed of the Chroma-Q will decrease by
approximately 50% (ideal for environments that are particularly noise sensitive).

Broadway User Manual 5 V6.3 December 2006
2.3 PSU / splitterbox options
The Chroma-Q PSU / splitterboxes are available in 3 models: The Chroma-Q PS02 is suitable
for a maximum of 2 Power Units (PU), the Chroma-Q PS08 is suitable for a maximum of 8 PU
and the Chroma-Q Magic Box PS12 is suitable for a maximum of 12 PU. 1 unit of the Chroma-Q
Broadway is equivalent to 1 PU.
Each Chroma-Q PSU / splitterbox is equipped with the following:
1) Red 24 Volt DC power indicator
2) Green DMX signal indicator
3) DMX 5 pin input and thru sockets
4) 2 x XLR 4-pin output sockets
5) 2 x XLR 4-pin return sockets
6) IEC 320 AC mains input socket
The purpose of the PSU / splitterbox is to combine the DMX control signal and the 24VDC
power into individual outputs. There are two output circuits for distribution on each PSU /
splitterbox, each is capable of supplying power and data for the Chroma-Q range of colour
changers. The maximum cable length, including the return, for the circuit is 60m / 200ft.
Each output must be connected back to its own return. The reason for the return socket is to
increase the size of the power cable to reduce Voltage loss in each circuit and to provide DMX
signal termination.
2.4 PSU / splitterbox capacities
The Chroma-Q PS02 (2PU) can run up to 2 Chroma-Q Broadway units
The Chroma-Q PS08 (8PU) can run up to 8 Chroma-Q Broadway units
The Chroma-Q Magic Box PS12 (12PU) can run 12 Chroma-Q Broadway units
(For details, please refer to User Manual for each PSU / splitterbox)
2.5 Mounting Position
The Chroma-Q is designed to be mounted in an upright position with the base of the unit below
the fixture. Do not mount in an inverted position with the base of the unit above the fixture, as
the rising heat from the fixture may cause gel string damage.
A large number of mounting plates are available; please contact your dealer for a full list.
Always ensure that the Chroma-Q is powered before the fixture and that you reverse the
procedure at the end of the show. Failure to do so may cause gel string damage.
2.6 Using Mark I and Mark II Chroma-Q CQ1’s units together
Mark I and Mark II units can easily be used on the same show. To do this, calibrate the Mark I
units first and last frames to the same frames of the Mark II units.
2.7 Safety wires
The safety wire supplied with your Chroma-Q should always be used.
2.8 F.C.C. Regulations (USA)
This device complies with part 15 of the F.C.C. rules. Operation is subject to the following:
(i) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(ii) This device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation

Broadway User Manual 6 V6.3 December 2006
2.9 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting of a Chroma-Q is aided by the indications provided by the 3 diagnostic LED's
visibly through the Chroma-Q body. All troubleshooting procedures should begin with a LED
check.
The power supplies are designed to shut down if their outputs are shorted. They will not reset
until the AC supply has been disconnected and reconnected. The power supply red LED is an
indicator of output Voltage not input Voltage.
Note: A high percentage of problems are caused by corrupt DMX control protocol. We highly
recommend the use of genuine Tourflex Datasafe cables for all Chroma-Q colour changer and
DMX control protocol cables.
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
All units show no power
indicator (Red LED).
24V DC power supply is not
providing power to units.
Check if the mains power to
the PSU is ok and the red
24VDC LED is on.
Single unit power indicator is
off (Red LED).
Electronics fault in unit. Call selling dealer.
Power indicator light is
flashing. (Red LED).
Gel string is jammed. Readjust or replace faulty gel
string and / or turn power off
and on again. This will reset
the unit.
Unit has dim power light (Red
LED).
Voltage has dropped below
acceptable level.
Check that the return line has
been installed. Check
maximum cable length has
not been exceeded.
DMX indicator on all units is
off (Green LED).
No DMX is present at the
PSU / splitterbox.
Check that the DMX cable is
properly connected to DMX
input on the PSU /
splitterbox. Check that DMX
indicator light, located on the
PSU/splitterbox, is on.
DMX indicator light on one
group of Chroma-Q's are off
(Green LED).
One output of the PSU /
splitterbox has failed.
Faulty first XLR 4-pin cable at
splitterbox output.
Call selling dealer.
Test cables.
Level indicator does not
respond to DMX control
signal (Yellow LED).
Improper address. Reassign unit addressing.
Level indication changes
intensity, but gel string does
not move.
Mechanical failure. Call selling dealer.
No power from PSU, but AC
is OK.
Cable short has shut down
PSU / splitterbox.
Remove all cables from the
splitterbox allow 30 seconds
to reset, reconnect AC supply
and test. Check cables for
shorts
2.10 Limited warranty
Your Chroma-Q colour changers and PSU / splitterbox are covered by a 12 month warranty
against defects in manufacture. The warranty covers parts and labour but excludes the cost of
freight. In the case of any warranty claims, please contact your selling dealer. If the selling
dealer is unable to assist you, please e-mail [email protected] or call either number
detailed on page 1.

Broadway User Manual 7 V6.3 December 2006
2.11 Technical specifications
Chroma-Q Broadway Colour Changer Specification
Dimensions: 205mm (w) x 240mm (h) x 75mm (d)
8 1/8" (w) x 9 ½” (h) x 3 “(d)
Weight: 1.05kg / 2.3lb (without mounting frame)
Aperture: 127mm / 5” diameter
Gel frame capacity: between 2 - 16 frames
Speed: 2 seconds with dip switch 10 to Off
Speed 2: 5 seconds with dip switch 10 to On
Address: 10 way binary dip switch address up to 512 channels
Power requirements: 24V DC
Power consumption: 0.45A peak at 24V DC with dip switch 10 to On
0.9A peak at 24V DC with dip switch 10 to Off
Protocol requirements: ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A
Body material: UL94 V0 rated reinforced PBT compound
Body color: Black
Mounting plate: Mounting plates are available to suit numerous fixtures (see
separate price list for current selection)
Input connector: XLR 4-pin male (power and control protocol)
Output connector: XLR 4-pin female (power and control protocol)
European approvals: Complies with EU directives: EMC 89/336/EEC Class A.
Harmonised standards applied in order to verify compliance with
directives: EN 56022:1994, EN 50082-1: 1992 & EN 60950
North American approvals: Radiated Emissions: Complies with FCC part 15 subpart B, class
A for unintentional radiators. Low Voltage Directive: Complies
with CSA 22.2 950, UL 1950
Chroma-Q PSU / splitterbox specification
Dimensions PS08: 217mm (w) x 79mm (h) x 194mm (d)
8.6" (w) x 3.1” (h) x 7.6”(d)
Dimensions PS12: 219mm (w) x 88mm (h) x 279mm (d)
8.6" (w) x 3.5” (h) x 11“(d)
Dimensions PS02: 43mm (w) x 76mm (h) x 144mm (d)
1.7" (w) x 3” (h) x 5.7“(d)
Weight PS08: 2kg / 4.4lbs
Weight PS12: 3.2kg / 7.1lbs
Weight PS02: 0.75kg / 1.7lbs
Power requirements: 115 / 230V AC (internally switchable, isolate from mains before
removing cover). This power supply must be connected to
ground (earth)

Broadway User Manual 8 V6.3 December 2006
Protocol requirements: ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A
Body material: Powder-coated aluminium
Body color: Black
Mounting options: Either freestanding or can be hung from a hook clamp (not
supplied)
Circuit out connector: XLR 4-pin female (power and control protocol)
Return connector: XLR 4-pin male (power and control protocol)
Power input connector: IEC 320 10A, UL rated
Control input connector: XLR 5-pin male (protected with clamping diodes)
Control out connector: XLR 5-pin female (DMX link)
European approvals: Complies with EU directives: EMC 89/336/EEC and LVD
73/23/EEC. Harmonised standards applied in order to verify
compliance with directives: EN 50081-1 & EN 50082-1: 1992
North American approvals: Radiated Emissions: Complies with FCC part 15, subpart B, class
A for unintentional radiators.
2.12 Product Ordering List
CQ1/D Chroma-Q Digital colour changer
CQB Broadway Digital colour changer
CQM1 M1 Digital colour changer
CQM2 M2 Digital colour changer
CQM5 M5 Digital colour changer version II
CQM8 M8 Digital colour changer version II
MP1 Mounting plate for Par 64, aperture 165mm
MP2 Mounting plate for Source 4 Par
MP3 Mounting plate for Source 4 / Shakespeare
MP4 Mounting plate for 6" Leko / 360Q, 190mm × 190mm
MP5 Mounting plate 185mm × 185mm
MP6 Mounting plate 254mm × 254mm, aperture 190mm for analog
MP7 Mounting plate 254mm × 254mm, aperture 190mm for digital
MP8 Mounting plate 305mm × 305mm for digital
MPM5 Mounting frame for M5 version II
MPM8 Mounting frame for M8 version II
PS08 8PU PSU / splitterbox
MBPS12 12U PSU / splitterbox
GST16 16 frame "Theatre" gel string for Original Chroma-Q
GST16/D 16 frame "Theatre" gel string for Digital Chroma-Q
GSR16 16 frame "Rock & Roll" gel string for Original Chroma-Q
GSR16/D 16 frame "Rock & Roll" gel string for Digital Chroma-Q
GT1 Gel tabs for Digital Chroma-Q, Broadway, M1, M2
GT2 Gel tabs for Digital M5, M8 version I
ST High temperature clear tape
PT Paper (masking) tape
BDT Set/3 plastic barndoor tabs for Chroma-Q, M1
BDTM Set/3 metal barndoor tabs for M2

Broadway User Manual 9 V6.3 December 2006
Chroma-Q Data Safe Chroma-Q Cables
CQC3 1m / 3ft colour changer cable, 4 pin male - female
CQC5 1.5m / 5ft colour changer cable, 4 pin male - female
CQC10 3m / 10ft colour changer cable, 4 pin male - female
CQC25 7.5m / 25ft colour changer cable, 4 pin male - female
CQC50 15m / 50ft colour changer cable, 4 pin male - female
CQC100 30m / 100ft colour changer cable, 4 pin male - female
DMX Datasafe Control Cables
DS10 3m / 10ft 5 pin XLR DMX cable, male - female
DS25 7.5m / 25ft 5 pin XLR DMX cable, male - female
DS50 15m / 50ft 5 pin XLR DMX cable, male - female
DS100 30m / 100ft 5 pin XLR DMX cable, male - female
TP 5 pin XLR DMX termination plug (120 Ohm)
Note: cables will be in metric lengths for Europe and imperial in the US