Creamsource Vortex8 User manual

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Page 2Vortex8 User Manual Version 1.0
1. About the Vortex8
1.1 Overview
1.2 Part Numbers
1.3 Warnings
1.4 Compliance Notes
2. Getting started
2.1 What’s in the Box
3. Water and Temperature
3.1 Water
3.2 Temperature
4. Transport and Safety
4.1 Yoke Assembly
4.2 Rigging
4.3 Filter Rails
4.4 Installing a Dome
4.5 Installing a Honeycomb
4.6 Installing a Diuser
5. Controls
5.1 Controlling the Vortex8
5.2 On-board Keypad and Display
5.3 Introducing CreamOS
5.4 CreamOS Home Screen
5.5 CreamOS Colour Mode
5.6 CreamOS Eects Mode
5.7 Menu Functions
6. Connectivity
6.1 Best Of Class Connectivity
6.2 Wired DMX Control
6.3 Wireless DMX Control
6.4 Wired Remote Dimmer
6.5 Firmware Updates Via USB
7. Maintenance
7.1 Vortex8 Fuse
8. Power
8.1 Running from Batteries
8.2 Pinout for DC Power connector on Vortex8
9. Specifications
9.1 Specs for the Accessory Port Pinout
9.2 Specs for the Vortex8
9.3 Warranty
9.4 Support
Table of Contents

Page 3Vortex8 User Manual Version 1.0
1.1 Overview
The Vortex8 is a versatile 2x1 RGBW system with a CCT range from 2200K to 15000K that can be used as a hard punch light to bounce or
push through diusion, or as a creamy so light with the Creamsource Dome or DoPchoice Snapbag. Eects and colour gels are built
into the latest CreamOS architecture in addition to a range of new features wrapped into an intuitive user interface. Unpredictable
weather and messy eects machines are no longer a worry for the lighting department where the Vortex is in place. The Vortex8 is IP65
water resistant and sealed for the ultimate security and eiciency. Rain, snow and dust wont hold the Vortex8 back.
Connectivity to the Vortex8 is well up to date with LumenRadio TimoTwo built in, Ethernet, Bluetooth, 5pin DMX, Wifi, USB type A and
Creamsource Accessory port. Interaction between Vortex8 and various third party instruments and protocols are endless opening
various wired and wireless control options. We are geeks for high quality and precision engineering, and loads of our geekiness has
spilled into the Vortex Series. Built with elegance and durability in mind the aluminium machining and technopolymer infusion has
allowed us to achieve our goals. Containment and simplicity is also achieved in this design, with the PSU as well as the antennas
integrated into the head.
We stand by our users oering 5 years Warranty when you register your product. Go to www.creamsource.com for more information.
1. About the Vortex8
Vortex8 in action

Page 4Vortex8 User Manual Version 1.0
1. About the Vortex8
1.2 Part Numbers
The table below lists part numbers for the Creamsource Vortex system.
Part Number Description
K-CSV-8-ESS Vortex8 Essentials Kit: Includes Fixture, Yoke,
Power Cable, Flat Diuser.
CSV-8 Vortex8 650W Colour Fixture, Head Only

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1. About the Vortex8
IMPORTANT - Power Vortex8 with the supplied PowerCon Cable only. (When using Vortex8 with water you must
only use the supplied cable as not all PowerCon cables are water resistant.
Use etherCON TOP connector only for preventing water from damaging ethernet ports
Vortex8 is rated IP65. Vortex8 must NOT be submerged in water.
Heavy -Vortex8 weighs 13.7kg/30lbs. Li with care.
Do not stare directly at the light beam.
Ensure that the Vortex8 is clear of any obstructions in any direction with a minimum distance of 45cm/18”.
Not intended for permanent outdoor use. Temporary outdoor use only.
This product is intended for professional use and may only be operated by qualified persons.
Do not cover the ventilation slots on the side and rear of the Vortex8. Airflow is required for cooling and operation.
Inspect the power cable for damage prior to operation.
Always ensure that the fixture is earthed electrically.
The fixture may become hot during operation. Maximum Surface Temperature Tc = 70°C.
Check for visible damage to the fixture, cables or connectors and do not operate the device if damaged. Please contact
your a nearest authorised repair centre for the fixture to be repaired.
Do not open or disassemble the fixture under any circumstances, doing so voids warranty and may cause harm to you if powered.
1.3 Warnings

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1.4 Compliance Notes
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Certifications: CE, FCC, RCM
Please make sure discarded electrical waste is properly recycled to reduce environmental impact.
Please use a separate collection facility or contact the supplier from which this fixture was
purchased.
1. About the Vortex8
IP65

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Vortex8
Yoke
AC PowerCON Cable
T30 Torx Key
2.1 What’s in the Box
Vortex8 ships with the following items included in the box.
2. Getting started
1
2
3
4

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3.1 Water
The IP65 rating of the Vortex8 fixture means it can survive low pressure water jets in all directions, but
not full submersion. It also means that it has a high resistance to dust and dirt. Precautions are advised.
3.2 Temperature
The Vortex8 is a high powered lighting fixture and will get quite hot during operation, especially on the
aluminium chassis due to heat dissipation. Care must be taken when handling the Vortex8.
• The maximum surface temperature of the lamp head will be 60° C/140°F, when operated in an ambient
temperature of 25° C/77° F
• Maximum ambient temperature for normal operation is 40°C/104°F.
3. Water and Temperature
The supplied PowerCon cable must be used when the Vortex8 is exposed to water.
Not all PowerCon cables are water resistant and can be an electrical hazard.

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4.1 Yoke Assembly
The Vortex8 ships with a quick release yoke system that is assembled using a T30 Torx tool provided.
The standard yoke allows for mounting to a combo stand with a standard baby pin receiver.
4. Transport and Safety
Included parts. Use the hex key to fix
yoke arms to base. Repeat on the other side.
Adjust until finger tight,
do not over tighten.
1 2 43

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4.2 Rigging
The Vortex8 has a unique dual 3/8th threaded corner system to support complex rigging setups and
Vortex8 arrays .
Ensure that mounting point is safe and secure and is
rated to take the full unit weight
4. Transport and Safety
RIGGING POINT
RIGGING POINT RIGGING POINT

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4.3 Filter Rails
There are various accessories that are available for V8 that can slide into the front two accessory rails. Eg
a standard diuser and a honeycomb grid. Accessories slide into the rail system and lock securely with
unique lock and latch system.
4. Transport and Safety
The filter rail slot has a unique locking mechanism
that locks the initial filter in while allowing second
filter to be inserted without unlocking.
Push top latch down to engage the lock. Push gold button to release to unlock.
Latch in unlock position.
1
3
2
4

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4.4 Installing a Dome
Installing the Dome the Vortex8 widens the native 20° beam angle. This modifier soens the source and
reduces shadowing.
Install the Dome into the safety filter rail as per steps above in the “Rails Filter” section.
4. Transport and Safety
Slide the dome into the first filter rail. Push top latch down to engage the lock on
each side.

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4.5 Installing a Honeycomb
The honeycomb reduces the beam angle and stops ambient spill of light. This works great in with the
standard diuser in the second slot.
4. Transport and Safety
Slide the honeycomb into the first filter rail. Push top latch down to engage the lock on each side.

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4.6 Installing a Diuser
The standard diuser soens the native hard light and widens the beam angle. This modifier works well
inconjunction with the dome and the honecomb.
4. Transport and Safety
Slide the diuser into the first filter rail. Push top latch down to engage the lock on each side.

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5.1 Controlling the Vortex8
There are four dierent ways of controlling the fixture, which are detailed below.
5.2 On-board Keypad and Display
5. Controls
1 2 3 4
On-board keypad
and display Wired DMX
Wireless DMX using
inbuilt Lumen Radio
system
Wired remote dimmer
control (sold separately)
EXT
MENU takes you to the home screen and
back a screen while in a function
SELECT enters into the
active function
Navigation DMX quickAmbient Encoder nav
Access buttonlight sensor wheel
LCD display
Quick select Level shortcut Flash Button Power
with CreamOS buttons
dock buttons button (trigger eects) button
DMX and Wireless Quick Access Button
(HOLD to unlink Lumen Radio)

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5.3 Introducing CreamOS
CreamOS is the all new operating system based on architecture that is robust and expandable. CreamOS continues
to evolve with easy access and a user fiendly interface.
CreamOS is driven by the following screens:
5. Controls
CCT Mode Eects Mode
Home screen Options screen
Visit www.creamsource.com/support for the latest version of CreamOS.

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5.4 CreamOS Home Screen
Control parameters and access the functions from the home screen.
5. Controls
Quick select
parameter dock
Notifications trayCurrent mode
Selected parameter tile
Colour mode
Eects mode When orange,
Eects Mode is on
Level
X
F

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5. Controls
Selected colour modeColour mode description
Notifications trayCurrent mode
Cycle forward
Cycle back
Select mode
CCT
XY
CCT RGBW
HSV
GELS
CCT XY
RGBW
CCT HSV
CCT GELS
5.5 CreamOS Colour Mode
Easily switch colour modes from this screen.
For more information about the Colour Mode menu, go to 5.7 Menu Functions

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5.6 CreamOS Eects Mode
Enter the Eects menu and select one of the following presets. Each preset has multiple
parameters that can be changed to customise the eects.
5. Controls
Selected eectEect description
Notifications trayCurrent mode
Cycle forward
Cycle back
Select mode
Eects O
Dual Level
Calibrate Random
Television
Paparazzi
Candle & Fire
Flash Frame
Party
Colur Cycle
Emergency
Timed Flash
Pulse
Strobe
More eects may be added in future firmware updates. Visit www.creamsource.com/support for the latest version of CreamOS.

Page 20Vortex8 User Manual Version 1.0
5.7 Menu Functions
The table below outlines all the menu items and a brief description of their function, for firmware V1.4.7 and above.
5. Controls
COLOUR MODE Normal - CCT Switch to CCT mode to produce white light with CCT and GRN/MAG control
Colour - HSV Switch to HSV mode to produce colours with Hue and Saturation control
EFFECTS MODE NO EFFECT Turn o eects
Strobe Switch to strobe mode
Random Switch to Random Flashing mode
Colour Cycle Switch to Colour Cycle mode
Calibrate Sync Switch to Calibrate Sync Mode
PRESET 2700K Set colour temperature to 2700K, GRN/MAG to 0
3200K Set colour temperature to 3200K, GRN/MAG to 0
4500K Set colour temperature to 4500K, GRN/MAG to 0
5600K Set colour temperature to 5600K, GRN/MAG to 0
6500K Set colour temperature to 6500K, GRN/MAG to 0
DMX Address Use UP/DOWN arrow keys to set DMX address from 1 to 494 (<512 to allow for all channels to be patched)
DMX Scenario Use UP/DOWN arrow keys to set DMX Scenario from 1 to 10 (see DMX implementation tables for complete
description of dierent scenarios)
Boost Brightness Boost Brightness allows for increased light output when unit is running at low temperatures. When Boost
Brightness is NOT enabled, the output level of the light is restricted to that of the normal ‘HOT’ running
temperature of the light, even if the light is running cooler than normal. This prevents ‘output droop’ as the
unit heats up
FAN MODE Auto Fans speed is variable depending on temperature
Quiet Fans will constantly run at lowest speed
Medium Fans will constantly run a medium speed
High Fans will constantly run at high speed
Pause Fans will stop running, until maximum temperature is reached - then will run in Quiet mode
Advanced LumenRadio Unlink Select this to unlink Lumen Radio from transmitter
LumenRadio Enabled Lumen Radio Receiver can be enabled or disabled
High Speed Enable High Speed Mode – this increases the PWM frequency of the unit to allow fast frame rate shooting (up
to 2,000fps). The drawback of using High Speed mode is that the dimming and colour changing of the unit
becomes less fluid and smooth. When disabled, frame rates of up to 500fps are achievable.
DMX Terminated Enable to terminate DMX line with 120R resistor internally. The last fixture in the DMX chain should have this
option selected
Display Always On If this is not enabled, then the OLED display will switch o aer a period of no key-presses, to lengthen it’s
lifespan and prevent screen burn-in
Information Displays information screen with serial number, temperatures, unit run-hours and other vital statistics
Restore Defaults Restores user defaults including DMX address,Scenario and other settings