Chroma M5 Plus User manual

Chroma-Q™
M5 Plus™
User Manual
Version 1.3 September 2012
PN: 113-0501

M5 Plus User Manual 1 V1.3 September 2012
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Warranty Statement
Chroma-Q arrants to the original purchaser, ith proof of purchase, that its delivered products shall be free from defects in
material and orkmanship under normal use for a period of 12 months from date of shipment.
Chroma-Q ill repair, or at its option, provide an equivalent item or replace, the defective product during the stated arranty
period. This arranty applies only to the repair or replacement of the product and only hen the product is properly handled,
installed and maintained according to Chroma-Q instructions. This arranty excludes defects resulting from improper
handling, storage, installation, acts of God, fire, vandalism or civil disturbances. Purchaser must notify Chroma-Q in riting
ithin 14 days of noticing the defect. This arranty excludes field labour or service charges related to the repair or
replacement of the product.
The arranty contained herein shall not extend to any finished goods or spare parts from hich any serial number has been
removed or hich have been damaged or rendered defective (a) as a result of normal ear and tear, illful or accidental
damage, negligence, misuse or abuse; (b) due to ater or moisture, lightning, indstorm, abnormal voltage, harmonic
distortion, dust, dirt, corrosion or other external causes; (c) by operation outside the specifications contained in the user
documentation; (d) by the use of spare parts not manufactured or sold by Chroma-Q or by the connection or integration of
other equipment or soft are not approved by Chroma-Q unless the Customer provides acceptable proof to Chroma-Q that
the defect or damage as not caused by the above; (e) by modification, repair or service by anyone other than Chroma-Q,
ho has not applied for and been approved by Chroma-Q to do such modification, repair or service unless the Customer
provides acceptable proof to Chroma-Q that the defect or damage as not caused by the above; (f) due to procedures,
deviating from procedures specified by Chroma-Q or (g) due to failure to store, install, test, commission, maintain, operate or
use finished goods and spare parts in a safe and reasonable manner and in accordance ith Chroma-Q’s instructions (h) by
repair or replacement of engines ithout factory training.
The arranty contained herein shall not apply to finished goods or spare parts hich are sold “as is”, as “second-hand”, as
used”, as “demo” or under similar qualifications or to Consumables (“Consumables” is defined as any part(s) of goods or
part(s) for use ith goods, hich part(s) of goods or part(s) for use ith goods are consumed during the operation of the
goods and hich part(s) of goods or part(s) for use ith goods require replacement from time to time by a user such as, but
not limited to, light bulbs).
The arranty contained herein shall not apply, unless the total purchase price for the defective finished goods or spare parts
has been paid by the due date for payment.
The arranty contained herein applies only to the original purchaser and are not assignable or transferable to any
subsequent purchaser or end-user.
This arranty is subject to the shipment of the goods, ithin the arranty period, to the ChromaQ arranty returns
department, by the purchaser, at the purchasers expense. If no fault is found, ChromaQ ill charge the purchaser for the
subsequent return of the goods.
Chroma-Q reserves the right to change the arranty period ithout prior notice and ithout incurring obligation and
expressly disclaims all arranties not stated in this limited arranty.

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Dis laimer
The information contained herein is offered in good faith and is believed to be accurate. Ho ever, 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 arranty is that the product ill meet the sales
specifications in effect at the time of shipment. Your exclusive remedy for breach of such arranty is limited to refund of
purchase price or replacement of any product sho n to be other than as arranted.
Chroma-Q reserves the right to change or make alteration to devices and their functionality ithout notice due to our on
going research and development.
The Chroma-Q M5 Plus has been designed specifically for the professional entertainment lighting industry. Regular
maintenance should be performed to ensure that the products perform ell in the entertainment environment.
If you experience any difficulties ith 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 follo ing, for full factory service:
Outside North Ameri a: North Ameri a:
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail]
For further information please visit the Chroma-Q ebsite at .chroma-q.com.
Chroma-Q is a trademark, for more information on this visit .chroma-q.com/trademarks.
The rights and o nership of all trademarks are recognised.

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Table of Contents
1. Produ t Overview ……………...…………………………………………………….………... 4
2. Operation ……………...…………………………………………………….………... 5
2.1 Unpacking the unit …………………………..………………………….……. 5
2.2 Control and po er cables ……………………………..……………………….……. 5
2.3 Gel Loading and Replacement …………………………..………………………….……. 6
2.4 Mounting the unit ………………………..…………………………….……. 9
2.5 Operating the unit ……………..……………………………………….……. 10
2.6 Modes of operation …………………………………………………….……. 11
2.7 Troubleshooting …………………………………………………….……. 14
2.8 Technical overvie …………………………………………………….……. 15
2.9 Technical specification …………………………………………………….……. 16
3. Maintenan e and Storage ………...……………………………………….………... 16
4. Drawings ……………...…………………………………………………….………... 17
4.1 Outside dimensions ………………….………………………………………. 17
4.2 Gel String Schematic ………………….………………………………………. 18
4.3 Mounting Bracket Positions …………………………………………………….……. 19
4.4 Parts Schematic …………………………………………………….……. 20

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1. Produ t overview
The Chroma-Q M5 Plus takes colour changer technology to a ne level. The M5 Plus is designed to give years of trouble
free use, providing that they are regularly maintained and used in accordance ith the instructions detailed in this manual.
The M5 Plus is fully compatible ith the M5.
Note: This manual describes functionality available from version 2.0 of the M5 Plus soft are. For the latest soft are
updates, documentation, and other information about all Chroma-Q products, please visit the Chroma-Q ebsite at
.chroma-q.com
M5 Plus safety information
Warning! This produ t is for professional use only. It is not for household use.
Read this manual before po ering or installing the colour changer, follo the safety precautions listed belo and observe all
arnings in this manual and printed on the accessory. If you have questions about ho to operate the colour changer safely,
please contact your Chroma-Q dealer or e-mail [e-mail].
Prote tion from ele tri sho k
•
Do not expose the colour changer to rain or moisture
•
Refer the service operation not described in this manual to a qualified technician
Prote tion from burns and fire
•
Keep flammable materials ell a ay from the colour changer
•
Provide a minimum clearance of 0.1 meters (4 inches) around air vents
•
Do not modify fixture accessory or install other than genuine Chroma-Q parts
Prote tion from injury due to falls
•
When mounting the colour changer, verify that the fixture frame can hold the eight of the device
•
Verify that all external covers and rigging hard are are securely fastened and use the supplied means of
secondary attachment, the safety cable.
•
Block access belo the ork area henever installing or removing the colour changer
The M5 Plus is designed to operate on the ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX512-A protocol. This multiplexed serial data system allo s
for the individual addressing of multiple units on one data cabling system. The unit utilises one or t o DMX channels
depending on the mode of operation.
The unit is addressed by using the three embossed push button s itches and LED display found on the user interface panel
located on the bottom of the body. These s itches are also used to select cooling fan speed, ‘gel saving’ mode, scrolling
speed, display lighting, remote operation, and reset.
Another feature of the user interface panel is a diagnostic section on the LED display sho ing Po er, DMX signal and signal
strength.

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The first vertical bar indicates that there is po er (24VDC).
The second vertical bar indicates that there is data (DMX).
The horizontal bars indicate the data (DMX) signal level.
The signal level changes during normal operation of the unit. 1st bar = 25%,
2nd bar = 50% and 3rd bar = 75%
Note: Full menu description on page 8.
The M5 Plus is supplied po er and control signals by means of t o 4-pin XLR style connectors on the rear panel, allo ing
multiple units to be ‘daisy-chained’ into the same line of cabling. Patching the output from the last unit back into the po er
supply ill terminate the DMX for each chain line and ensure even po er voltage across all colour changers in that chain.
Note: The quantity of M5 Plus colour changers, and maximum cable length per po er supply output is dependant upon the
size of PSU / Splitterbox used. (See later in this manual for details.)
The rear of the M5 Plus is designed to accept six point standard 20-Lites Blinder mounting bracket. An option ith this unit
is the innovative Universal Mounting Bracket hich is one bracket that can be adjusted to fixtures ith colour frame sizes
from 260mm / 10¼” to 409.6mm / 16⅛”.
2. Operation
2.1 Unpacking the unit
2.2 Control and po er cables
2.3 Mounting the unit
2.4 Operating the unit
2.5 Modes of operation
2.6 Troubleshooting
2.7 Technical overvie
2.8 Technical specifications
2.1 Unpa king the unit
The M5 Plus package includes 1 unit Chroma-Q M5 Plus ith safety chain.
2.2 Control and power ables
The M5 Plus utilises an XLR 4-pin cable system. This is used for po er and data transfer. Pins 2 and 3 are for ANSI E1.11
USITT DMX 512-A data. Pins 1(-) and 4(+) are for 24VDC po er.
Damage ill occur if po er connections short to data or ground/shield connections. When assembling XLR 4-pin cables,
heat shrink should be used on each individual pin to prevent short circuits (Tourflex Ultra Datasafe P&D cable
recommended). See diagram belo .
Note: It is very important to ensure that the drain ire from the cable shield is connected to both XLR connector cases.

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Detail of connector iring
The correct iring bet een male and female connectors is ‘one to one’.
Pin # Pin # Minimum Cable size
1 Ground (-ve) 2.50mm² (14 AWG)
2 Control data minus (-) 0.35mm² (22 AWG)
3 Control data plus (+) 0.35mm² (22AWG)
4 24V DC (+ve) 2.50mm² (14 AWG)
Chassis Cable shield/drain ire 0.25mm² (24 AWG)
Note: Total cable length should not exceed 60m / 200 ft ith return line.
Conne tions:
Correct cabling procedure and connection of the units to the po er supply ill increase signal strength and prevent
malfunction. Please follo these basic rules.
a) Use the correct type and gauge of cable and connectors. (Tourflex Ultra Datasafe P&D cable recommended).
b) Keep cable runs as short as possible to reduce line loss
It is recommended to use a return cable for each run. This ill ensure balanced DC po er to all units, here the line is
correctly terminated, and all units receive po er if one link of the chain is faulty.
Chroma-Q M5 Plus
Note: Standard signal input is a male XLR chassis connector and output is a female XLR chassis connector.
Warning! Al ays ensure that safety ire is connected before final inspection.

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2.3 Gel Loading and Repla ement
Changing the gel strings is easy, but it may take some time and practice to accomplish, if the user is not familiar ith these
types of colour changers. There are t o methods of loading gel strings on the M5 Plus, manually or using the po er assisted
loading method (‘PAL” Load).
Note: It is suggested that ne users of this product load the gel strings by the manual method until they become familiar
ith the units.
Repla ing the gel string (Manual Mode):
(See also the dra ing section of this manual).
Gel Des ription
The standard gel string consists of a head, gel frames and a tail. Pro Color HT+, Rosco Supergel and GAMcolor are the
recommended media. The head and tail are taped to the Take-Up Reels (TUR).
Gel String Dimensions and Assembly
To join a leader, tail and gel together, a high temperature, clear gel tape is recommended (see Product Ordering List on page
14).
The completed string should look like this:
Note: A range of completed custom gel strings are available upon request. Contact the selling dealer for details. When
ordering gel strings please state the Chroma-Q model the gel string ill be built for.
Warning! Because of the gel saver mode the M5 Plus gel strings have a longer frame. A GL gel string should be used to
maximise the effect of this mode.
Manual loading for the M5 Plus
(See image belo hen installing gel string).
1) Place the unit on a flat surface ith motor/fan/electronics on your right-hand side (assuming you’re loading
from ‘tail’ end of the string, reverse if starting from the ‘leader’ end of the string).
2) Tape the top and bottom edge of the tail end of the gel string to the Take Up Reel (TUR). Follo the centre
line guide scribed on the TUR.
3) Wind the gel string onto the TUR manually and thereafter, gently pull the string to ards you to tighten the roll.
4) Rotate the unit to position motor/fan/electronics on your left-hand side.
5) Tape the top and bottom edge of the leader end of the gel string to the TUR. Follo centre line guide scribed
on the TUR.

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6) Plug in the colour changer, and check that it goes through the initialisation sequence correctly. Check that the
gel runs smoothly and does not bind up on the TUR’s.
7) Run a test sequence to allo the gel string to ‘bed’ in. The unit does not have to be attached to a lighting
fixture to perform this operation. It is recommended that this sequence is run for a fe minutes (or 3 to 4
times, end-to-end).
Notes:
•
For normal operation, the start (leader) of the gel string is on the left-side TUR and the end (tail) of the string on the
right-side TUR, hen vie ed from the front of the unit.
•
Do not po er lights ithout po ering up the colour changer first. The fan must be running in order to protect gels
from premature failure.
•
High fan speed is recommended on all lighting fixtures of 2000 Watts and above.
•
Poorly optimised light bulbs in some fixtures may result in premature gel failure.
Power Assisted Loading (‘PAL-Load’)
(See also: ‘Operating the unit’ and dra ing sections of this manual).
‘PAL’-Load controls the direction of the Take-Up Reels (TUR) ith the UP and DOWN button. In this mode the user can ind
and un ind the gel string using the colour changer motor. With practice this ill allo for speedier loading and unload of gel
strings.
1) Place the unit on a flat surface ith motor/fan/electronics on your right-hand side (assuming you are loading
from ‘tail’ end of the string, reverse if starting from the ‘leader’ end of the string).
2) Tape the top and bottom edge of the tail end of the gel string to the Take Up Reel (TUR). Follo the centre
line guide scribed on the TUR.
3) Apply po er to the unit hile holding do n the MENU button. The display ill sho the
legend PAL
4) Press and hold UP until gel string is ound onto TUR.
5) Rotate the unit to position motor/fan/electronics on your left-hand side.
6) Tape the top and bottom edge of the leader end of the gel string to the other TUR. Follo centre line guide
scribed on the TUR.
7) Allo the unit to self-calibrate by pressing the UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously, or by unplugging and
re-plugging the colour changer.
8) Run a test sequence to allo the gel string to ‘bed’ in. The unit does not have to be attached to a lighting
fixture to perform this operation. It is recommended that this sequence is run for a fe minutes (or 3 to 4
times, end-to-end).

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2.4 Mounting the unit
(See section 4.3)
The M5 Plus is designed to mount in a variety positions but ith the base of the unit belo the fixture. Do not mount in an
inverted position ith the base of the unit above the fixture, as the rising heat from the fixture may cause the gel string
damage.
The rear of the M5 Plus has six reinforced mounting stands ith an M4 sleeved thread inserted. The spacing of these stands
is set to accommodate standard 20-Lites Blinder mounting brackets, Chroma-Q part number CHMP50.
Also available for the M5 Plus is the Universal Mounting Bracket sho n belo . This is one bracket that can be adjusted to
fixture sizes from 260mm (10¼”) to 409.6mm (16⅛”), Chroma-Q part number CHMPU5K.
260mm (10¼”) 409.6mm (16⅛”)
This Universal Bracket has t o pairs of threaded holes for each leaf, and each leaf has t o inner hole strip slots and t o
outer hole strip slots. Multiple frame sizes are achievable;
•
To set the frame size to a minimum of 260mm (10¼”) use the outer threaded holes on the bracket and align the
outer hole strip slots on the leaf ith the outer holes on the bracket.
•
To set the frame size to the maximum size of 409.6mm (16⅛”) use the inner threaded holes to secure the leaf
and align the inner hole strips on the leaf ith the inner hole on the bracket.
Note: See section 4 for other possible frame connections.

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Safety Wire
The M5 Plus should al ays be used ith the safety ire provided.
2.5 Operating the unit
All the unit functions are accessed using the LED display and the three push-button s itches on the bottom panel.
Control Fun tion
MENU Button Mode access and record
DOWN Button Decreases (-) the mode level or value
UP Button Increases (+) the mode level or value
3 digit display Displays mode, monitor or blank display
Push button operation:
The MENU button is used to scroll through the different modes of operation, and the UP or DOWN buttons used to select the
level, or value, in that mode.
If any mode or value is changed the display ill begin flashing;
•
To restore the previous value, press and release the MENU
•
To record the change depress and hold the MENU button for 2 seconds or until last character stops flashing
Display operation:
Power-up Display
On po er-up, the unit ill go through its self-calibration mode and the display ill sho the units
soft are version. (i.e. 1.0.0)
After the self-calibration finishes, the display ill double check and sho the DMX address mode. (i.e.
001)
Monitor Display
If left undisturbed for 5-7 seconds, the display ill revert to ‘Monitor Mode’
The first vertical bar indicates that there is po er (24VDC).
The second vertical bar indicates that there is data (DMX).
The horizontal bars indicate the data (DMX) signal level.
The signal level changes during normal operation of the unit. 1st bar = 25%,
2nd bar = 50% and 3rd bar = 75%
Display Flip
The display-vie ing angle can be flipped through 180º by pressing the MENU and DOWN button simultaneously.

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Display Mode
The display can be set to auto-blackout after 12 seconds. This is selected through the mode menu under ‘dP’, here dP0 is
OFF and dP1 is ON.
Reset
If the MENU and the UP button are pressed and held for 1 second, the unit ill reset to the factory
default settings. This feature is particularly useful hen the units are used in many different
configurations or sho s.
The reset function is also available through ‘Remote Operation’
(See later in this section)
2.6 Modes of operation
Notes:
•
The MENU button is used to scroll through the different modes of operation, and the UP or DOWN buttons used to
select the level or value, in that mode.
•
If any mode or value is changed, the display ill flash until the MENU button is pushed and held for 2 seconds to
record the change.
•
When the MENU button is held for 2 seconds, the unit ill save the change(s) and these ‘user defaults’ ill take
precedence immediately.
•
If MENU button is not held for 2 seconds to previous value ill be displayed
•
The unit ill not save any change(s) made by remote control after the next po er cycle.
DMX addressing mode
This mode is used to set DMX data address of the unit. The unit uses one or t o DMX channels depending hich mode it is
operating.
The display sho s the current DMX address (bet een 1-512).
To alter the address, press UP or DOWN button once to increment or decrement the value; hold do n the UP or DOWN for
fast increments and decrements of the value.
(See also: ‘Remote Operation’ later in this section.)
Fan speed mode (Fn)
This mode is used to set the gel cooling-fan speed of the unit. This feature can be used in environments here a lo er noise
level is required, although this may decrease gel string life.
The display sho s the current gel cooling fan speed. There are four fan speeds, 1 is the slo est and 4 is the fastest.
Press UP or DOWN once to increment or decrement the value.
(See also: ‘Remote Operation’ later in this section.)
Gel saver mode (GL)
Gel-saver mode is used to s itch the gel-saving mode on or off. This feature slo ly moves the chosen gel frame back and
for ard slightly so that the heat build-up is dissipated over a larger area, extending the life of the gel string. Press the UP or
DOWN buttons once to s itch bet een On (1) and Off (0) (the default is Off). Press hold MENU for 2 seconds to save the ne
setting.
This feature is also available via DMX (see "Remote operation" section of this manual).
The appropriate gel string should be installed to maximise the benefit of this mode.

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Speed mode (SP)
This mode is used to set the scrolling speed of the unit. This feature allo s the gel string to move at a higher speed, for
more rapid changes. Use of this high speed ill generate more noise from the unit.
Press the UP or DOWN buttons once to s itch bet een Standard (1) and Fast (2) (the default is Standard). Press and hold
MENU for 2 seconds to save the ne setting.
This feature is also available via DMX (see "Remote operation" section of this manual).
Display mode (dP)
This mode is a t o step feature set ith the UP and DOWN button, on (1) and off (0). Default is off (0). When set to dP1 the
display ill change to diagnostic mode after 6 seconds. When set to dP0 the display ill change to the diagnostic mode in 6
seconds, then clear in another 6 seconds, making 12 seconds till auto-blackout. The display ill return to diagnostic mode
ith the first button press and ill do the action of the second press.
Remote Operation mode (ro)
This mode is used to s itch bet een the different remote operation modes in the unit. The use of these different modes
greatly enhances the versatility of the unit by giving the user remote control of some functions.
There are three remote operation modes:
Mode 1 = Single-channel DMX operation. The channel controls the colour selection.
Mode 2 = Dual-channel DMX operation. The 1st channel controls the colour selection. The 2nd channel controls
the fan speed;
0-24%= Fn 4(fast), 25-49% = Fn3, 50-74% = Fn2, 75-100% = Fn1 (slo ).
Mode 3 = Dual-channel DMX operation. The 1st channel controls the colour selection. The 2nd channel controls
the units other functions.
Ch. 2 Level Feature
0-5% = No feature
6-15% = Fan off
16-25% = Fan speed 1 (slo est)
26-35% = Fan speed 2
36-45% = Fan speed 3
46-55% = Fan speed 4 (fastest)
56-65% = Gel Saver off
66-75% = Gel Saver on
76-85% = Motor speed normal, see Speed mode (SP)
86-95% = Motor speed fast, see Speed mode (SP)
These functions
initialise t o
seconds after the
channel level is
entered.
96-99% = Reset (reset to user defaults)
The display sho s the current Remote Operation mode of the unit. Press UP or DOWN to increment or decrement the mode
setting.

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Summary of ontrol fun tions:
Operation or
Mode
Operation Des ription A tions required Display
Po er-Up Soft are version sho n
on the unit(s) at po er-
up.
This sho s the soft are version hile the unit is self-
calibrating, before displaying the ‘Monitor Mode’.
reSet This ill reset the unit to
the default settings.
While holding do n MENU and UP button for 1 second.
Po er
Assisted
Loading
(‘PAL-Load’)
Used to load a gel-string
into the unit.
Hold do n the MENU button during po er-up. Pressing the
UP button ill advance the fixed TUR. Pressing the DOWN
button ill advance the spring TUR. Press both DOWN & UP
buttons, or cycle the po er, to re-calibrate.
See also, gel loading instructions
Modes (Use the MENU button to s roll through these modes)
DMX
addressing
Mode
Used to set the units
DMX data address
The display sho s DMX address (1-512).
Press DOWN or UP once to increment or decrement the
value, hold do n the DOWN or UP for fast increment or
decrement.
See also, DMX addressing instructions
Fan speed
Mode
Used to set the fan speed
of the unit.
The display sho s the current gel cooling fan speed. There
are four fan speeds, 1 is the slo est and 4 is the fastest.
Press UP or DOWN once to increment or decrement the
value,
See also, fan speed instructions
‘G
GG
Gel
l l
l Saver’
Mode
S itches on/off the gel
saving mode.
The display sho s the current gel saver mode.
Press UP or DOWN once to s itch bet een on (1) and off
(0).
See also, gel saver mode instructions
‘sp
spsp
speed’
Mode
Used to set the scrolling
speed of the unit.
The display sho s the current gel scrolling speed. There
are t o scrolling speeds. 1 is the slo est, 2 is the fastest.
Press UP or DOWN once to increment or decrement the
value,
See also, gel scroll speed instructions
‘d
dd
disP
PP
Play’
Mode
S itches on/off the
display
S itches the display on or off. Display ill re-activate hen
any button is pressed.
Press UP or DOWN to s itch bet een on (1) and off (0).

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(See also, display mode instru tions)
‘r
rr
remote-
o
oo
operation’
Mode1 =single DMX
channel operation.
Mode 2 = Dual DMX
channel operation
(Colour/Fan speed)
Mode 3 = Dual DMX
channel operation
(Colour/Function)
The display sho s the current DMX mode of the unit. There
are three DMX modes
Press UP or DOWN button to increment or decrement the
mode setting,
Default Settings:
Fa tory default settings
If the MENU and the UP button are pressed and held for 1 second, the unit ill reset to the factory default
settings. This feature is particularly useful hen the units are used in many different configurations or
sho s.
The reset function is also available through ‘Remote Operation’
The Factory default settings put the unit in its manufacturer operating mode.
Fan speed = 4 (fast)
Gel saver = 0 (off)
Gel speed = 1 (slo )
Display = 1 (on)
Remote operation = 1 (normal)
Display flip = standard
'User' default settings
Each time the MENU button is pressed and held for 2 seconds, the unit ill save that change and these ‘user defaults’ ill
take precedence immediately.
These ‘User’ defaults can be reset to the ‘factory’ defaults using the method detailed above.
2.7 Troubleshooting
The LED display aids in the troubleshooting of the M5 Plus system. These indicators are located on the bottom of each unit.
The first vertical bar indicates that there is po er (24VDC).
The second vertical bar indicates that there is data (DMX).
The horizontal bars indicate the data (DMX) signal level.
The signal level changes during normal operation of the unit. 1st bar = 25%,
2nd bar = 50% and 3rd bar = 75%
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
Unit does not respond to DMX control,
but DMX display indicator is on.
Unit set to rong DMX address. Check DMX address settings.
Unit does not respond to MX, DMX Bad Cable. Check cable and DMX run from

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display indicator is off. No DMX at Splitter/ PSU. console.
Units run at different speeds. Colour changer speed settings may be
different.
Cable lengths are too long.
No cable return line.
Check all colour changer speed
settings.
Check the cable length and
configuration.
Ensure there is a cable return line in
the system.
Units have dim display indicators and
run slo ly.
Cable runs too long.
Too many units on one chain overloading
PSU.
Check voltage levels on last unit.
Should not be belo 20VDC.
DMX display indicator is off on one
unit.
Colour changer not connected.
Bad cable.
Damaged transceiver IC in the colour
changer.
Check cable
Send unit back for repair.
Display Indicators appear OK but gel
string does not move.
Mechanical (or electrical) failure in the
unit.
Turn unit on and off.
Return unit for repair.
Gel burns too quickly. Fans have failed or are too slo .
Poorly optimised lamp focus in fixture.
IR filter medium not fitted.
Check fans are operating.
Optimise bulb focus.
Replace gel strings and install IR filter.
Note: A high percentage of problems are a direct result of poor cable and corrupt DMX control signals.
2.8 Te hni al overview
The colour transport system employs an opto-electronic system for accurate positioning of the gel string. When the unit
initially receives po er it ill go through a calibration sequence. The purpose of the initial calibration sequence during po er
up is to determine the total length of the gel string and therefore the position of the different gels.
Note: Over time the gel string may arp slightly. This may alter the positions of the gels relative to their pre-programmed
DMX values and therefore some ‘fine-tuning’ may be required.
The motor has an optical encoder feedback system. The purpose of this is to convert motor revolutions in to electronic
pulses, and also to determine hich direction the motor is turning.
The electronic cards consist of three key components: L6225PD motor driver, 75176 transceiver and a processor. The
L6225PD is a true digital device receiving t o PWM signals to operate speed and direction. The 75176 transceiver operates
in the receive configuration to convert serial protocol to a TTL level. All data relevant to the operation of the unit is stored
onboard in ‘flash’ memory.
The majority of electronics problems are usually created by external factors such as shorted cables, etc. The 75176
transceivers are susceptible to damage if 24VDC is present on the DMX signal lines.

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Routine maintenance can prevent most mechanically based problems. The motor mounting plate can be adjusted to control
tension on the belt. Excessive belt tension is often the cause of noise and poor performance. Conversely, loose motor belts
can cause accuracy problems.
Troubleshooting is a process of elimination. First, rule out the other field factors (i.e. faulty cables, po er sources). If an
electronics problem is suspected inside the unit replace the electronics card first. If accuracy problems should occur and
mechanical problems have been ruled out, replace optical sensors. For technical advice and or parts, please contact your
selling dealer or the offices listed in this manual.
2.9 Te hni al spe ifi ations
Dimensions 538mm ( ) × 610mm (h) × 76mm (d)
21.2" × 24" × 3"
Weight: 4.63kg / 10.2lb
Aperture: 479mm x 406mm / 18.8" x 16"
Colour media: Pro Color HT+, Roso Supergel and GAMcolor are recommended
Gel capacity: 2 – 16 frames
Cooling: Forced air
Cooling Speed: 4 speeds
Addressing: Digital, via push buttons (3) and LED display
Working Voltage: 24VDC (+/- 10%)
Po er consumption: 1.5 PU (see note belo )
DMX protocol: ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A
Body material: Po der coated aluminium
Body color: Black ( hite option)
Mounting plate: Optional fixing or universal mounting system 10¼" - 16" fixtures
Connectors: XLR-4 (male) in and XLR-4 (female) through
European approvals: Complies ith EU directives: EMC89/336/EEC Class A. Harmonised standards applied in order
to verify compliance ith directives: EN 56022:1994, EN50082-1: 1992 & EN 60950.
North American approvals: Radiated Emissions: Complies ith FCC part 15 subpart B, class A for unintentional radiators.
Lo Voltage Directive: Complies ith CSA 22.2 950, UL 1950
Note: We use the Po er Unit (PU) to simplify the load calculation on any given Chroma-Q po er supply. For example a PSU-
12 ill supply up to 12 PU, so you can plug-in 8 M5 Plus’.
3. Maintenan e and Storage
The M5 Plus should be stored in a dry and cool environment, safely secured to prevent from falling on a hard surface.
The unit may be exposed to dirty environments containing many air particles. This can lead to dust and dirt build-up in the
vents and fan area. The unit should be vacuumed to remove dust and dirt. This can be done ith a painters brush and
vacuum. Simply brush the dust out of the vents and fan into a vacuum cleaner. DO NOT use compressed air to blo dust
and dirt out of the unit.

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If there is any oily residue on the body of the unit or the gel string ipe off ith a damp cloth ensuring that no ater enters
the fan or vent area affecting the electronics.
The gel string should be inspected for rinkling and cracking. If there are signs of ear a ne gel sting should be installed.
4. Drawings
4.1 Outside dimensions

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4.2 Gel String S hemati
432 mm
+0
-1.5
17 “
+0
-1/16
203mm/8” 203mm/8”
609mm/24”
Correct way of taping the
gel frames
Incorrect way of taping the
gel frames
Detail of taping
the gel to the
take-up reel

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4.3 Mounting Bra ket Positions