Chroma M8 Plus User manual

Chroma-Q™
M8 Plus™
User Manual
Version 1.3 September 2012
PN: 114-0501

M8 Plus User Manual 1 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
Warranty Statement
Chr ma-Q warrants t the riginal purchaser, with pr f f purchase, that its delivered pr ducts shall be free fr m defects in
material and w rkmanship under n rmal use f r a peri d f 12 m nths fr m date f shipment.
Chr ma-Q will repair, r at its pti n, pr vide an equivalent item r replace, the defective pr duct during the stated warranty
peri d. This warranty applies nly t the repair r replacement f the pr duct and nly when the pr duct is pr perly handled,
installed and maintained acc rding t Chr ma-Q instructi ns. This warranty excludes defects resulting fr m impr per
handling, st rage, installati n, acts f G d, fire, vandalism r civil disturbances. Purchaser must n tify Chr ma-Q in writing
within 14 days f n ticing the defect. This warranty excludes field lab ur r service charges related t the repair r
replacement f the pr duct.
The warranty c ntained herein shall n t extend t any finished g ds r spare parts fr m which any serial number has been
rem ved r which have been damaged r rendered defective (a) as a result f n rmal wear and tear, willful r accidental
damage, negligence, misuse r abuse; (b) due t water r m isture, lightning, windst rm, abn rmal v ltage, harm nic
dist rti n, dust, dirt, c rr si n r ther external causes; (c) by perati n utside the specificati ns c ntained in the user
d cumentati n; (d) by the use f spare parts n t manufactured r s ld by Chr ma-Q r by the c nnecti n r integrati n f
ther equipment r s ftware n t appr ved by Chr ma-Q unless the Cust mer pr vides acceptable pr f t Chr ma-Q that
the defect r damage was n t caused by the ab ve; (e) by m dificati n, repair r service by any ne ther than Chr ma-Q,
wh has n t applied f r and been appr ved by Chr ma-Q t d such m dificati n, repair r service unless the Cust mer
pr vides acceptable pr f t Chr ma-Q that the defect r damage was n t caused by the ab ve; (f) due t pr cedures,
deviating fr m pr cedures specified by Chr ma-Q r (g) due t failure t st re, install, test, c mmissi n, maintain, perate r
use finished g ds and spare parts in a safe and reas nable manner and in acc rdance with Chr ma-Q’s instructi ns (h) by
repair r replacement f engines with ut fact ry training.
The warranty c ntained herein shall n t apply t finished g ds r spare parts which are s ld “as is”, as “sec nd-hand”, as
used”, as “dem ” r under similar qualificati ns r t C nsumables (“C nsumables” is defined as any part(s) f g ds r
part(s) f r use with g ds, which part(s) f g ds r part(s) f r use with g ds are c nsumed during the perati n f the
g ds and which part(s) f g ds r part(s) f r use with g ds require replacement fr m time t time by a user such as, but
n t limited t , light bulbs).
The warranty c ntained herein shall n t apply, unless the t tal purchase price f r the defective finished g ds r spare parts
has been paid by the due date f r payment.
The warranty c ntained herein applies nly t the riginal purchaser and are n t assignable r transferable t any
subsequent purchaser r end-user.
This warranty is subject t the shipment f the g ds, within the warranty peri d, t the Chr maQ warranty returns
department, by the purchaser, at the purchasers expense. If n fault is f und, Chr maQ will charge the purchaser f r the
subsequent return f the g ds.
Chr ma-Q reserves the right t change the warranty peri d with ut pri r n tice and with ut incurring bligati n and
expressly disclaims all warranties n t stated in this limited warranty.

M8 Plus User Manual 2 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
Dis laimer
The inf rmati n c ntained herein is ffered in g d faith and is believed t be accurate. H wever, because c nditi ns and
meth ds f use f ur pr ducts are bey nd ur c ntr l, this inf rmati n sh uld n t be used in substituti n f r cust mer's
tests t ensure that Chr ma-Q pr ducts are safe, effective, and fully satisfact ry f r the intended end use. Suggesti ns f
use shall n t be taken as inducements t infringe any patent. Chr ma-Q s le warranty is that the pr duct will meet the sales
specificati ns in effect at the time f shipment. Y ur exclusive remedy f r breach f such warranty is limited t refund f
purchase price r replacement f any pr duct sh wn t be ther than as warranted.
Chr ma-Q reserves the right t change r make alterati n t devices and their functi nality with ut n tice due t ur n
g ing research and devel pment.
The Chr ma-Q M8 Plus has been designed specifically f r the pr fessi nal entertainment lighting industry. Regular
maintenance sh uld be perf rmed t ensure that the pr ducts perf rm well in the entertainment envir nment.
If y u experience any difficulties with any Chr ma-Q pr ducts please c ntact y ur selling dealer. If y ur selling dealer is
unable t help please c ntact supp rt@chr ma-q.c m. If the selling dealer is unable t satisfy y ur servicing needs, please
c ntact the f ll wing, f r full fact ry service:
Outside North Ameri a: North Ameri a:
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
supp rt@chr ma-q.c m supp rt@chr ma-q.c m
F r further inf rmati n please visit the Chr ma-Q website at www.chr ma-q.c m.
Chr ma-Q is a trademark, f r m re inf rmati n n this visit www.chr ma-q.c m/trademarks.
The rights and wnership f all trademarks are rec gnised.

M8 Plus User Manual 3 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
Table of Contents
1. Produ t Overview ……………...…………………………………………………….………... 4
2. Operation ……………...…………………………………………………….………... 5
2.1 Unpacking the unit ………………….………………………………………. 5
2.2 C ntr l and p wer cables ………………….………………………………………. 5
2.3 Gel L ading and Replacement …………………………………………………….……. 6
2.4 M unting the unit …………………………………………………….……. 8
2.5 Operating the unit …………………………………………………….……. 9
2.6 M des f perati n …………………………………………………….……. 10
2.7 Tr ublesh ting …………………………………………………….……. 14
2.8 Technical verview …………………………………………………….……. 15
2.9 Technical specificati n …………………………………………………….……. 15
3. Maintenan e and Storage ………...……………………………………….………... 16
4. Drawings ……………...…………………………………………………….………... 17
4.1 Outside dimensi ns ………………….………………………………………. 17
4.2 Gel String Schematic ………………….………………………………………. 18
4.3 Parts Schematic …………………………………………………….……. 19

M8 Plus User Manual 4 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
1. Produ t overview
The Chr ma-Q M8 Plus takes c l ur changer techn l gy t a new level. The M8 Plus is designed t give years f tr uble
free use, pr viding that they are regularly maintained and used in acc rdance with the instructi ns detailed in this manual.
The M8 Plus is fully c mpatible with the Chr ma-Q M8.
Note: This manual describes functi nality available fr m versi n 2.0 f the M8 Plus s ftware. F r the latest s ftware
updates, d cumentati n, and ther inf rmati n ab ut all Chr ma-Q pr ducts, please visit the Chr ma-Q website at
www.chr ma-q.c m
Safety information
Warning! This produ t is for professional use only. It is not for household use.
Read this manual bef re p wering r installing the c l ur changer, f ll w the safety precauti ns listed bel w and bserve all
warnings in this manual and printed n the access ry. If y u have questi ns ab ut h w t perate the c l ur changer safely,
please c ntact y ur Chr ma-Q dealer r e-mail supp rt@chr ma-q.c m.
Prote tion from ele tri sho k
•
D n t exp se the c l ur changer t rain r m isture
•
Refer the service perati n n t described in this manual t a qualified technician
Prote tion from burns and fire
•
Keep flammable materials well away fr m the c l ur changer
•
Pr vide a minimum clearance f 0.1 meters (4 inches) ar und air vents
•
D n t m dify fixture access ry r install ther than genuine Chr ma-Q parts
Prote tion from injury due to falls
•
When m unting the c l ur changer, verify that the fixture frame can h ld the weight f the device
•
Verify that all external c vers and rigging hardware are securely fastened and use the supplied means f
sec ndary attachment, the safety cable.
•
Bl ck access bel w the w rk area whenever installing r rem ving the c l ur changer
The M8 Plus is designed t perate n the ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX512-A pr t c l. This multiplexed serial data system all ws
f r the individual addressing f multiple units n ne data cabling system. The unit utilises ne r tw DMX channels
depending n the m de f perati n.
The unit is addressed by using the three emb ssed push butt n switches and LED display f und n the user interface panel
l cated n the b tt m f the b dy. These switches are als used t select c ling fan speed, ‘gel saving’ m de, scr lling
speed, display lighting, rem te perati n, and reset.
An ther feature f the user interface panel is a diagn stic secti n n the LED display sh wing P wer, DMX signal and signal
strength.
The first vertical bar indicates that there is p wer (24VDC).
The sec nd vertical bar indicates that there is data (DMX).
The h riz ntal bars indicate the data (DMX) signal level.
The signal level changes during n rmal perati n f the unit. 1st bar = 25%,
2nd bar = 50% and 3rd bar = 75%

M8 Plus User Manual 5 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
Note: Full menu descripti n n page 8.
The M8 Plus is supplied p wer and c ntr l signals by means f tw 4-pin XLR style c nnect rs n the rear panel, all wing
multiple units t be ‘daisy-chained’ int the same line f cabling. Patching the utput fr m the last unit back int the p wer
supply will terminate the DMX f r each chain line and ensure even p wer v ltage acr ss all c l ur changers in that chain.
Note: The quantity f M8 Plus c l ur changers, and maximum cable length per p wer supply utput is dependant up n the
size f PSU / Splitterb x used. (See later in this manual f r details.)
The rear f the Chr ma-Q M8 Plus is designed t accept eight p int standard m unting bracket f r 8 light blinder fixtures.
2. Operation
2.1 Unpacking the unit
2.2 C ntr l and p wer cables
2.3 M unting the unit
2.4 Operating the unit
2.5 M des f perati n
2.6 Tr ublesh ting
2.7 Technical verview
2.8 Technical specificati ns
2.1 Unpa king the unit
The M8 Plus package includes 1 unit M8 Plus with safety chain.
2.2 Control and power ables
The M8 Plus utilises an XLR 4-pin cable system. This is used f r p wer and data transfer. Pins 2 and 3 are f r ANSI E1.11
USITT DMX 512-A data. Pins 1(-) and 4(+) are f r 24VDC p wer.
Damage will ccur if p wer c nnecti ns sh rt t data r gr und/shield c nnecti ns. When assembling XLR 4-pin cables,
heat shrink sh uld be used n each individual pin t prevent sh rt circuits (T urflex Ultra Datasafe P&D cable
rec mmended). See diagram bel w.
Note: It is very imp rtant t ensure that the drain wire fr m the cable shield is c nnected t b th XLR c nnect r cases.
Detail f c nnect r wiring

M8 Plus User Manual 6 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
The c rrect wiring between male and female c nnect rs is ‘ ne t ne’.
Pin # Pin # Minimum Cable size
1 Gr und (-ve) 2.50mm² (14 AWG)
2 C ntr l data minus (-) 0.35mm² (22 AWG)
3 C ntr l data plus (+) 0.35mm² (22AWG)
4 24V DC (+ve) 2.50mm² (14 AWG)
Chassis Cable shield/drain wire 0.25mm² (24 AWG)
Note: T tal cable length sh uld n t exceed 60m / 200 ft with return line.
Conne tions:
C rrect cabling pr cedure and c nnecti n f the units t the p wer supply will increase signal strength and prevent
malfuncti n. Please f ll w these basic rules.
a) Use the c rrect type and gauge f cable and c nnect rs. (T urflex Ultra Datasafe P&D cable rec mmended).
b) Keep cable runs as sh rt as p ssible t reduce line l ss.
c) It is rec mmended t use a return cable f r each run. This will ensure balanced DC p wer t all units, where the
line is c rrectly terminated, and all units receive p wer if ne link f the chain is faulty.
Note: Standard signal input is a male XLR chassis c nnect r and utput is a female XLR chassis c nnect r.
Warning! Always ensure that safety wire is c nnected bef re final inspecti n.
2.3 Gel Loading and Repla ement
Changing the gel strings is easy, but it may take s me time and practice t acc mplish, if the user is n t familiar with these
types f c l ur changers. There are tw meth ds f l ading gel strings n the M8 Plus, manually r using the p wer assisted
l ading meth d (‘PAL” L ad).
Note: It is suggested that new users f this pr duct l ad the gel strings by the manual meth d until they bec me familiar
with the units.
Repla ing the gel string (Manual Mode):
(See als the drawing secti n f this manual).

M8 Plus User Manual 7 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
Gel Des ription
The standard gel string c nsists f a head, gel frames and a tail. Pr C l r HT+, R sc Supergel and GAMc l r are the
rec mmended media. The head and tail are taped t the Take-Up Reels (TUR).
Gel String Dimensions and Assembly
T j in a leader, tail and gel t gether, a high temperature, clear gel tape is rec mmended (see Pr duct Ordering List n page
14).
The c mpleted string sh uld l k like this:
Note: A range f c mpleted cust m gel strings are available up n request. C ntact the selling dealer f r details. When
rdering gel strings please state the Chr ma-Q m del the gel string will be built f r.
Warning! Because f the gel saver m de the M8 Plus gel strings have a l nger frame. A GL gel string sh uld be used t
maximise the effect f this m de.
Manual loading for the M8 Plus
(See image bel w when installing gel string).
1. Place the unit n a flat surface with m t r/fan/electr nics n y ur right-hand side (assuming y u’re l ading fr m
‘tail’ end f the string, reverse if starting fr m the ‘leader’ end f the string).
2. Tape the t p and b tt m edge f the tail end f the gel string t the Take Up Reel (TUR). F ll w the centre line
guide scribed n the TUR.
3. Wind the gel string nt the TUR manually and thereafter, gently pull the string t wards y u t tighten the r ll.
4. R tate the unit t p siti n m t r/fan/electr nics n y ur left-hand side.
5. Tape the t p and b tt m edge f the leader end f the gel string t the TUR. F ll w centre line guide scribed n
the TUR.
6. Plug in the c l ur changer, and check that it g es thr ugh the initialisati n sequence c rrectly. Check that the gel
runs sm thly and d es n t bind up n the TUR’s.
7. Run a test sequence t all w the gel string t ‘bed’ in. The unit d es n t have t be attached t a lighting fixture t
perf rm this perati n. It is rec mmended that this sequence is run f r a few minutes ( r 3 t 4 times, end-t -
end).

M8 Plus User Manual 8 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
Notes:
•
F r n rmal perati n, the start (leader) f the gel string is n the left-side TUR and the end (tail) f the string n the
right-side TUR, when viewed fr m the fr nt f the unit.
•
D n t p wer lights with ut p wering up the c l ur changer first. The fan must be running in rder t pr tect gels
fr m premature failure.
•
High fan speed is rec mmended n all lighting fixtures f 2000 Watts and ab ve.
•
P rly ptimised light bulbs in s me fixtures may result in premature gel failure.
Power Assisted Loading (‘PAL-Load’)
(See als : ‘Operating the unit’ and drawing secti ns f this manual).
‘PAL’-L ad c ntr ls the directi n f the Take-Up Reels (TUR) with the UP and DOWN butt n. In this m de the user can wind
and unwind the gel string using the c l ur changer m t r. With practice this will all w f r speedier l ading and unl ad f gel
strings.
1. Place the unit n a flat surface with m t r/fan/electr nics n y ur right-hand side (assuming y u are l ading fr m
‘tail’ end f the string, reverse if starting fr m the ‘leader’ end f the string).
2. Tape the t p and b tt m edge f the tail end f the gel string t the Take Up Reel (TUR). F ll w the centre line
guide scribed n the TUR.
3. Apply p wer t the unit while h lding d wn the MENU butt n. The display will sh w the legend
PAL
4. Press and h ld UP until gel string is w und nt TUR.
5. R tate the unit t p siti n m t r/fan/electr nics n y ur left-hand side.
6. Tape the t p and b tt m edge f the leader end f the gel string t the ther TUR. F ll w centre line guide scribed
n the TUR.
7. All w the unit t self-calibrate by pressing the UP and DOWN butt ns simultane usly, r by unplugging and re-
plugging the c l ur changer.
8. Run a test sequence t all w the gel string t ‘bed’ in. The unit d es n t have t be attached t a lighting fixture t
perf rm this perati n. It is rec mmended that this sequence is run f r a few minutes ( r 3 t 4 times, end-t -
end).
2.4 Mounting the unit
(See secti n 4.3)
The M8 Plus is designed t m unt in a variety p siti ns but with the base f the unit bel w the fixture. D n t m unt in an
inverted p siti n with the base f the unit ab ve the fixture, as the rising heat fr m the fixture may cause the gel string
damage.
The rear f the M8 Plus has eight reinf rced m unting stands with an M4 sleeved thread inserted. The spacing f these
stands is set t acc mm date standard 8-Lites Blinder m unting bracket, Chr ma-Q part number CHMP80.

M8 Plus User Manual 9 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
Safety Wire
The M8 Plus sh uld always be used with the safety wire pr vided.
2.5 Operating the unit
All the unit functi ns are accessed using the LED display and the three push-butt n switches n the b tt m panel.
Control Fun tion
MENU Butt n M de access and rec rd
DOWN Butt n Decreases (-) the m de level r value
UP Butt n Increases (+) the m de level r value
3 digit display Displays m de, m nit r r blank display
Push button operation:
The MENU butt n is used t scr ll thr ugh the different m des f perati n, and the UP r DOWN butt ns used t select the
level, r value, in that m de.
If any m de r value is changed the display will begin flashing;
•
T rest re the previ us value, press and release the MENU
•
T rec rd the change depress and h ld the MENU butt n f r 2 sec nds r until last character st ps flashing

M8 Plus User Manual 10 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
Display operation:
Power-up Display
On p wer-up, the unit will g thr ugh its self-calibrati n m de and the display will sh w the units
s ftware versi n. (i.e. 1.0.0)
After the self-calibrati n finishes, the display will d uble check and sh w the DMX address m de. (i.e.
001)
Monitor Display
If left undisturbed f r 5-7 sec nds, the display will revert t ‘M nit r M de’
The first vertical bar indicates that there is p wer (24VDC).
The sec nd vertical bar indicates that there is data (DMX).
The h riz ntal bars indicate the data (DMX) signal level.
The signal level changes during n rmal perati n f the unit. 1st bar = 25%,
2nd bar = 50% and 3rd bar = 75%
Display Flip
The display-viewing angle can be flipped thr ugh 180º by pressing the MENU and DOWN butt n simultane usly.
Display Mode
The display can be set t aut -black ut after 12 sec nds. This is selected thr ugh the m de menu under ‘dP’, where dP0 is
OFF and dP1 is ON.
Reset
If the MENU and the UP butt n are pressed and held f r 1 sec nd, the unit will reset t the fact ry
default settings. This feature is particularly useful when the units are used in many different
c nfigurati ns r sh ws.
The reset functi n is als available thr ugh ‘Rem te Operati n’
(See later in this secti n)
2.6 Modes of operation
Notes:
•
The MENU butt n is used t scr ll thr ugh the different m des f perati n, and the UP r DOWN butt ns used t
select the level r value, in that m de.
•
If any m de r value is changed, the display will flash until the MENU butt n is pushed and held f r 2 sec nds t
rec rd the change.
•
When the MENU butt n is held f r 2 sec nds, the unit will save the change(s) and these ‘user defaults’ will take
precedence immediately.
•
If MENU butt n is n t held f r 2 sec nds t previ us value will be displayed
•
The unit will n t save any change(s) made by rem te c ntr l after the next p wer cycle.
DMX addressing mode
This m de is used t set DMX data address f the unit. The unit uses ne r tw DMX channels depending which m de it is
perating.

M8 Plus User Manual 11 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
The display sh ws the current DMX address (between 1-512).
T alter the address, press UP r DOWN butt n nce t increment r decrement the value; h ld d wn the UP r DOWN f r
fast increments and decrements f the value.
(See als : ‘Rem te Operati n’ later in this secti n.)
Fan speed mode (Fn)
This m de is used t set the gel c ling-fan speed f the unit. This feature can be used in envir nments where a l wer n ise
level is required, alth ugh this may decrease gel string life.
The display sh ws the current gel c ling fan speed. There are f ur fan speeds, 1 is the sl west and 4 is the fastest.
Press UP r DOWN nce t increment r decrement the value.
(See als : ‘Rem te Operati n’ later in this secti n.)
Gel saver mode (GL)
Gel-saver m de is used t switch the gel-saving m de n r ff. This feature sl wly m ves the ch sen gel frame back and
f rward slightly s that the heat build-up is dissipated ver a larger area, extending the life f the gel string. Press the UP r
DOWN butt ns nce t switch between On (1) and Off (0) (the default is Off). Press h ld MENU f r 2 sec nds t save the new
setting.
This feature is als available via DMX (see "Rem te perati n" secti n f this manual).
The appr priate gel string sh uld be installed t maximise the benefit f this m de.
Speed mode (SP)
This m de is used t set the scr lling speed f the unit. This feature all ws the gel string t m ve at a higher speed, f r
m re rapid changes. Use f this high speed will generate m re n ise fr m the unit.
Press the UP r DOWN butt ns nce t switch between Standard (1) and Fast (2) (the default is Standard). Press and h ld
MENU f r 2 sec nds t save the new setting.
This feature is als available via DMX (see "Rem te perati n" secti n f this manual).
Display mode (dP)
This m de is a tw step feature set with the UP and DOWN butt n, n (1) and ff (0). Default is ff (0). When set t dP1 the
display will change t diagn stic m de after 6 sec nds. When set t dP0 the display will change t the diagn stic m de in 6
sec nds, then clear in an ther 6 sec nds, making 12 sec nds till aut -black ut. The display will return t diagn stic m de
with the first butt n press and will d the acti n f the sec nd press.
Remote Operation mode (ro)
This m de is used t switch between the different rem te perati n m des in the unit. The use f these different m des
greatly enhances the versatility f the unit by giving the user rem te c ntr l f s me functi ns.
There are three rem te perati n m des:
M de 1 = Single-channel DMX perati n. The channel c ntr ls the c l ur selecti n.
M de 2 = Dual-channel DMX perati n. The 1
st
channel c ntr ls the c l ur selecti n. The 2
nd
channel c ntr ls the
fan speed;
0-24%= Fn 4(fast), 25-49% = Fn3, 50-74% = Fn2, 75-100% = Fn1 (sl w).
M de 3 = Dual-channel DMX perati n. The 1
st
channel c ntr ls the c l ur selecti n. The 2
nd
channel c ntr ls the
units ther functi ns.
These functi ns Ch. 2 Level Feature

M8 Plus User Manual 12 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
0-5% = N feature
6-15% = Fan ff
16-25% = Fan speed 1 (sl west)
26-35% = Fan speed 2
36-45% = Fan speed 3
46-55% = Fan speed 4 (fastest)
56-65% = Gel Saver ff
66-75% = Gel Saver n
76-85% = M t r speed n rmal, see Speed m de (SP)
86-95% = M t r speed fast, see Speed m de (SP)
initialise tw
sec nds after the
channel level is
entered.
96-99% = Reset (reset t user defaults)
The display sh ws the current Rem te Operati n m de f the unit. Press UP r DOWN t increment r decrement the m de
setting.
Summary of ontrol fun tions:
Operation or
Mode
Operation Des ription A tions required Display
P wer-Up S ftware versi n sh wn
n the unit(s) at p wer-
up.
This sh ws the s ftware versi n while the unit is self-
calibrating, bef re displaying the ‘M nit r M de’.
reS
reSreS
reSet This will reset the unit t
the default settings.
While h lding d wn MENU and UP butt n f r 1 sec nd.
P
PP
P wer
A
AA
Assisted
L
LL
L ading
(‘PAL-L ad’)
Used t l ad a gel-string
int the unit.
H ld d wn the MENU butt n during p wer-up. Pressing the
UP butt n will advance the fixed TUR. Pressing the DOWN
butt n will advance the spring TUR. Press b th DOWN & UP
butt ns, r cycle the p wer, t re-calibrate.
See als , gel l ading instructi ns
Modes (Use the MENU button to s roll through these modes)
DMX
addressing
M de
Used t set the units
DMX data address
The display sh ws DMX address (1-512).
Press DOWN r UP nce t increment r decrement the
value, h ld d wn the DOWN r UP f r fast increment r
decrement.
See als , DMX addressing instructi ns
F
FF
Fan
nn
n speed
M de
Used t set the fan speed
f the unit.
The display sh ws the current gel c ling fan speed. There
are f ur fan speeds, 1 is the sl west and 4 is the fastest.
Press UP r DOWN nce t increment r decrement the
value,
See als , fan speed instructi ns

M8 Plus User Manual 13 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
‘G
GG
Gel
ll
l Saver’
M de
Switches n/ ff the gel
saving m de.
The display sh ws the current gel saver m de.
Press UP r DOWN nce t switch between n (1) and ff
(0).
See als , gel saver m de instructi ns
‘sp
spsp
speed’
M de
Used t set the scr lling
speed f the unit.
The display sh ws the current gel scr lling speed. There
are tw scr lling speeds. 1 is the sl west, 2 is the fastest.
Press UP r DOWN nce t increment r decrement the
value,
See als , gel scr ll speed instructi ns
‘d
dd
disP
PP
Play’
M de
Switches n/ ff the
display
Switches the display n r ff. Display will re-activate when
any butt n is pressed.
Press UP r DOWN t switch between n (1) and ff (0).
(See als , display m de instructi ns)
‘rem te-
perati n’
M de1 =single DMX
channel perati n.
M de 2 = Dual DMX
channel perati n
(C l ur/Fan speed)
M de 3 = Dual DMX
channel perati n
(C l ur/Functi n)
The display sh ws the current DMX m de f the unit. There
are three DMX m des
Press UP r DOWN butt n t increment r decrement the
m de setting,
Default Settings:
Fa tory default settings
If the MENU and the UP butt n are pressed and held f r 1 sec nd, the unit will reset t the fact ry default
settings. This feature is particularly useful when the units are used in many different c nfigurati ns r
sh ws.
The reset functi n is als available thr ugh ‘Rem te Operati n’
The Fact ry default settings put the unit in its manufacturer perating m de.
Fan speed = 4 (fast)
Gel saver = 0 ( ff)
Gel speed = 1 (sl w)
Display = 1 ( n)
Rem te perati n = 1 (n rmal)
Display flip = standard

M8 Plus User Manual 14 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
'User' default settings
Each time the MENU butt n is pressed and held f r 2 sec nds, the unit will save that change and these ‘user defaults’ will
take precedence immediately.
These ‘User’ defaults can be reset t the ‘fact ry’ defaults using the meth d detailed ab ve.
2.7 Troubleshooting
The LED display aids in the tr ublesh ting f the M8 Plus system. These indicat rs are l cated n the b tt m f each unit.
The first vertical bar indicates that there is p wer (24VDC).
The sec nd vertical bar indicates that there is data (DMX).
The h riz ntal bars indicate the data (DMX) signal level.
The signal level changes during n rmal perati n f the unit. 1st bar = 25%,
2nd bar = 50% and 3rd bar = 75%
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
Unit d es n t resp nd t DMX c ntr l,
but DMX display indicat r is n.
Unit set t wr ng DMX address. Check DMX address settings.
Unit d es n t resp nd t MX, DMX
display indicat r is ff.
Bad Cable.
N DMX at Splitter/ PSU.
Check cable and DMX run fr m
c ns le.
Units run at different speeds. C l ur changer speed settings may be
different.
Cable lengths are t l ng.
N cable return line.
Check all c l ur changer speed
settings.
Check the cable length and
c nfigurati n.
Ensure there is a cable return line in
the system.
Units have dim display indicat rs and
run sl wly.
Cable runs t l ng.
T many units n ne chain verl ading
PSU.
Check v ltage levels n last unit.
Sh uld n t be bel w 20VDC.
DMX display indicat r is ff n ne
unit.
C l ur changer n t c nnected.
Bad cable.
Damaged transceiver IC in the c l ur
changer.
Check cable
Send unit back f r repair.
Display Indicat rs appear OK but gel
string d es n t m ve.
Mechanical ( r electrical) failure in the
unit.
Turn unit n and ff.
Return unit f r repair.
Gel burns t quickly. Fans have failed r are t sl w.
P rly ptimised lamp f cus in fixture.
IR filter medium n t fitted.
Check fans are perating.
Optimise bulb f cus.
Replace gel strings and install IR filter.
Note: A high percentage f pr blems are a direct result f p r cable and c rrupt DMX c ntr l signals.

M8 Plus User Manual 15 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
2.8 Te hni al overview
The c l ur transp rt system empl ys an pt -electr nic system f r accurate p siti ning f the gel string. When the unit
initially receives p wer it will g thr ugh a calibrati n sequence. The purp se f the initial calibrati n sequence during p wer
up is t determine the t tal length f the gel string and theref re the p siti n f the different gels.
Note: Over time the gel string may warp slightly. This may alter the p siti ns f the gels relative t their pre-pr grammed
DMX values and theref re s me ‘fine-tuning’ may be required.
The m t r has an ptical enc der feedback system. The purp se f this is t c nvert m t r rev luti ns in t electr nic
pulses, and als t determine which directi n the m t r is turning.
The electr nic cards c nsist f three key c mp nents: L6225PD m t r driver, 75176 transceiver and a pr cess r. The
L6225PD is a true digital device receiving tw PWM signals t perate speed and directi n. The 75176 transceiver perates
in the receive c nfigurati n t c nvert serial pr t c l t a TTL level. All data relevant t the perati n f the unit is st red
nb ard in ‘flash’ mem ry.
The maj rity f electr nics pr blems are usually created by external fact rs such as sh rted cables, etc. The 75176
transceivers are susceptible t damage if 24VDC is present n the DMX signal lines.
R utine maintenance can prevent m st mechanically based pr blems. The m t r m unting plate can be adjusted t c ntr l
tensi n n the belt. Excessive belt tensi n is ften the cause f n ise and p r perf rmance. C nversely, l se m t r belts
can cause accuracy pr blems.
Tr ublesh ting is a pr cess f eliminati n. First, rule ut the ther field fact rs (i.e. faulty cables, p wer s urces). If an
electr nics pr blem is suspected inside the unit replace the electr nics card first. If accuracy pr blems sh uld ccur and
mechanical pr blems have been ruled ut, replace ptical sens rs. F r technical advice and r parts, please c ntact y ur
selling dealer r the ffices listed in this manual.
2.9 Te hni al spe ifi ations
Dimensi ns: 538mm (w) × 846mm (h) × 118mm (d)
21.2" × 33.3" × 4.7"
Weight: 5.58kg / 12.3lb
Aperture: 479mm x 631mm / 18.8" x 24.8"
C l ur media: Pr C l r HT+, R s Supergel and GAMc l r are rec mmended
Gel capacity: 2 – 16 frames
C ling: F rced air
C ling Speed: 4 speeds
Addressing: Digital, via push butt ns (3) and LED display
W rking V ltage: 24VDC (+/- 10%)
P wer c nsumpti n: 1.5 PU (see n te bel w)
DMX pr t c l: ANSI E1.11 USITT DMX 512-A
B dy material: P wder c ated aluminium
B dy c l r: Black (white pti n)
M unting plate M8 Plus: Opti nal fixing

M8 Plus User Manual 16 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
C nnect rs: XLR-4 (male) in and XLR-4 (female) thr ugh
Eur pean appr vals:C mplies with EU directives: EMC89/336/EEC Class A. Harm nised standards applied in rder t verify
c mpliance with directives: EN 56022:1994, EN50082-1: 1992 & EN 60950.
N rth American appr vals: Radiated Emissi ns: C mplies with FCC part 15 subpart B, class A f r unintenti nal radiat rs.
L w V ltage Directive: C mplies with CSA 22.2 950, UL 1950
Note: We use the P wer Unit (PU) t simplify the l ad calculati n n any given Chr ma-Q p wer supply. F r example a PSU-
12 will supply up t 12 PU, s y u can plug-in 8 M8 Plus’.
3. Maintenan e and Storage
The M8 Plus sh uld be st red in a dry and c l envir nment, safely secured t prevent fr m falling n a hard surface.
The unit may be exp sed t dirty envir nments c ntaining many air particles. This can lead t dust and dirt build-up in the
vents and fan area. The unit sh uld be vacuumed t rem ve dust and dirt. This can be d ne with a painters brush and
vacuum. Simply brush the dust ut f the vents and fan int a vacuum cleaner. DO NOT use c mpressed air t bl w dust
and dirt ut f the unit.
If there is any ily residue n the b dy f the unit r the gel string wipe ff with a damp cl th ensuring that n water enters
the fan r vent area affecting the electr nics.
The gel string sh uld be inspected f r wrinkling and cracking. If there are signs f wear a new gel sting sh uld be installed.

M8 Plus User Manual 17 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
4. Drawings
4.1 Outside dimensions

M8 Plus User Manual 18 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
4.2 Gel String S hemati
646 mm
+0
-1.5
25.44 “
+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

M8 Plus User Manual 19 V1.3 September 2012
www.chroma
-
q.com
4.3 Parts S hemati