Elation Design Spot 1200C User manual

Rev. 1/6/2009-visage
Design Spot 1200C
Elation Professional
6122 S. Eastern Ave
Los Angeles, Ca. 90040

Design Spot 1200C™
©Elation Professional® 2 Design Spot 1200C™

Design Spot 1200C™
©Elation Professional® 3 Design Spot 1200C™
CONTENTS
1. General Information……………………………………………………………………… 4
a. Introduction………………………………………………………………………. 4
b. Customer Support…………………………………………….………………… 3
c. Warranty Registration……………………………………………………..……. 5
d. Discharge Lamp Warning………………………………………………………. 5
2. Safety Instructions………………………………………………………........…………. 7
3. Features……………………………………………………………………………………9
4. General Guidelines………………………………………………………………………. 10
5. Fixture Overview…………………………………………………………………………. 11
6. Lamp Installation…………………………………………………………………………. 12
a. Lamp installation…………………………………………………….………….. 12
b. Lamp optimization……………………………………………………..…………13
7. Mounting and Installation………………………………………………………….……. 15
a. Mounting Positions……………………………………………………………… 15
b. Mounting Points…………………………………………………………………. 16
c. Securing………………………………………………………………………….. 17
8. Understanding DMX……………………………………………………………………... 18
a. DMX Linking……..………………………………………………………………. 18
b. DMX Cable Requirements..……………………………………………………. 18
c. DMX Termination………..………………………………………………………. 20
d. DMX Addressing………………………………………………………………… 20
9. Fixture Menu……………………………………………………………………………… 22
a. Menu functions………………………………………………………………….. 23
10. Menu Functions.…………………………………………………………………………. 25
11. DMX Addressing…………………………………………………………………………. 33
12. Operation…………………………………………………………………………………. 35
13. Using the Built-In Wireless DMX Receiver……………………………………………. 37
14. Working with Built-In Programs………………………………………………………….39
15. DMX Channel Traits………………………………………………………………………45
16. Fuse Replacement………………………………………………………………………..51
17. Error Codes………………………………………………………………………………..52
18. Cleaning and Maintenance……………………………………………………………… 56
19. Photometric Data………………………………………………………………………… 59
20. Dimensional Drawings………………………………………………….……………….. 60
21. Circuit Schematic………...……………………………………………………………….61
22. Warranty…………………………………………………………………………………... 62
23. Technical Specifications…………………………………………...………….………… 64

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©Elation Professional® 4 Design Spot 1200C™
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION: Congratulations, you have just purchased one of the most innovative and
reliable lighting fixtures on the market today! The Design Spot 1200C,™ has been designed
to perform reliably for years when the guidelines in this booklet are followed. Please read
and understand the instructions in this manual carefully and thoroughly before attempting to
operate this unit. These instructions contain important information regarding safety during
use and maintenance.
UNPACKING: Thank you for purchasing the Design Spot 1200C™ by Elation Professional®.
Every Design Spot 1200C™ has been thoroughly tested and has been shipped in perfect
operating condition. Carefully check the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred
during shipping. If the carton appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your unit for damage
and be sure all accessories necessary to operate the unit have arrived intact. In the event
damage has been found or parts are missing, please contact our customer support team for
further instructions. Please do not return this unit to your dealer without first contacting
customer support at the number listed below.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Elation Professional®provides a customer support line, to provide
set up help and to answer any question should you encounter problems during your set up
or initial operation. You may also visit us on the web at www.elationlighting.com for any
comments or suggestions. For service related issue please contact Elation Professional®.
Service Hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Forum: www.ElationLighting.com/forum
Warning! To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture.
Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside this unit. Do not attempt any repairs
yourself, doing so will void your manufactures warranty.

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Please do not discard the shipping carton in the trash, keep for warranty repair. Please
recycle whenever possible.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION: The Design Spot 1200C™ carries a two year (730 days)
limited warranty. Please fill out the enclosed warranty card to validate your purchase. All
returned service items whether under warranty or not, must be freight pre-paid and
accompany a return authorization (R.A.) number. The R.A. number must be clearly written
on the outside of the return package. A brief description of the problem as well as the R.A.
number must also be written down on a piece of paper and included in the shipping
container. If the unit is under warranty, you must provide a copy of your proof of purchase
invoice. Items returned without a R.A. number clearly marked on the outside of the package
will be refused and returned at customer’s expense. You may obtain a R.A. number by
contacting customer support at [phone].
DISCHARGE LAMP WARNING: This fixture is fitted with a discharge
lamp, which is highly susceptible to damage if improperly handled.
Never touch the lamp with your bare hands, as the oil from your hands
will shorten lamp life. Also, never move the fixture until the lamp has
had ample time to cool. Remember, lamps are not covered under
warranty conditions.
UV RADIATION: This fixture emits intense UV radiation, which is harmful to the eyes and
skin. The intense luminance of the lamp can cause severe damage to the retina. Never
operate this fixture with the protective covers removed, these covers have been specially
designed to shield against UV radiation.
Epileptic Warning: Those suffering from epilepsy should avoid looking directly into the
lamp at all times.
Avoid switching the fixture on and off repeatedly in short intervals, as this will reduce lamp
life and intensity.
To achieve the intensity associated with discharge lamps, these lamps use a gas sealed in a

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high-pressure environment to emit a brilliant output. Due to the high pressure involved with
the construction of the lamp, the lamp may explode during prolonged extensive use. This
risk is increased with age; added care is encouraged when dealing with older lamps. Thus,
lamp should always be replaced at the end of their recommended duty cycle. Extreme
caution should be used when operated this or any fixture fitted with a gas discharge lamp.
Never open this fixture while in use!
During the initial operation of this fixture, a light smoke or smell may emit from the interior of
the fixture. This is a normal process and is caused by excess paint in the interior of the
casing burning off from the heat associated with the lamp and will decrease gradually over
time.
This device falls under protection-class 1. Therefore it is essential that the device be
grounded properly.
Only qualified personnel should perform all electrical connections.
Be sure the available voltage matches the voltage requirements of the unit.
Be sure the power cord is never crimped or damaged. If the power cord is damaged, replace
it immediately with a new one of similar power rating.
Always disconnect from main power before performing any type of service or any cleaning
procedure.
Only handle the power cord by the plug. Never pull out the plug by tugging the wire portion of
the cord.
Please be aware that damages caused by manual modifications to the device are not
subject to warranty.

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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The Design Spot 1200C™ is an extremely sophisticated piece of
electronic equipment. To guarantee a smooth operation, it is
important to follow the guidelines in this manual. The
manufacturer of this device will not accept responsibility for
damages resulting from the misuse of this fixture due to the
disregard of the information printed in this manual.
1. Always be sure that the fan and the air inlets remain clean and are never blocked.
Allow about 6” (15cm) between this fixture and other devices or a wall to allow for
proper cooling.
2. Never touch the fixture during normal operation. This can cause severe personal
injuries and/or damage to the fixture.
3. Be sure to unplug the Design Spot 1200C™ from the power outlet before
performing any service related issues.
4. Lamp Replacement; Please wait at least 15 minutes after disconnecting the main
power before you open the Design Spot 1200C™. To prevent personal injury,
never touch the lamp if you are not absolutely sure it has cooled.
5. Never look directly into the lamp beam. You risk injury to your retina, which may
induce blindness.
6. Be sure to track and record the lamp running time. The lamp should be changed at
the end of the specified lamp life, regardless of lamp output. You may also have to
change the lamp if it shows any deformations or damage. The same is with all
glass components, color filters, lenses and mirrors.
7. For safe operation, follow the Installation guide described in chapter five of this
manual. Operating the Design Spot 1200C™ without suited safety aids such as
safety cables or clamps can increase the risk of damage and/or personal injury.
8. Qualified and certified personnel should only perform installation.
9. When mounting this fixture, use only the original rigging parts included with this
fixture. Any structural modification will void the original manufactures warranty and

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may increase the risk of damage and/or personal injury.
10. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this fixture to rain or
moisture.
11. Do not attempt to operate this fixture if the power cord has become damaged or
frayed.
Important Notice: Damages resulting from the disregard of safety and general user
instructions found in this user manual are not subject to any warranty claims.

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3. FEATURES
•Pan 540˚ or 630˚ (User selectable) / Tilt 265°
•30 Built-In Color Preset Macros
•3 operation mode: DMX Controlled, Stand-Alone or Sound Activated
•2 Gobo Wheels (Indexable/Replaceable)
oWheel 1: 5 Rotating Gobos plus Open
oWheel 2: 5 Rotating Gobos plus Open
•1 Color Wheel (Replaceable Filters), 8 Colors
•Animation/Effect Wheel
•Motorized Iris
•CMY & CTO Variable Color Mixing for Infinite Color Possibilities
•Easy to Navigate, Full Color, On-Board LCD Menu (may be turned 180°)
•Strobe Effect: 1~13 flashes per second
•Motorized Focus (Near to Far)
•Motorized Zoom 16˚~41˚
•Brilliant Phillips MSR Gold 1200 FastFit Lamp (1200w / 6300K / 750Hrs / 95,000Lm)
•Linear Dimmer from 0%~100%
•208/240v ~ 50/60Hz Operation
•Variable, Linear Frost Filter (0% ~ 100%)
•RDMX (Remote DMX addressing from any DMX console)
•Auto test for all functions
•Automatic Pan/Tilt Correction
•Glass Dichroic Reflector for Even Lamp Output
•Modular Design for easy service and maintenance
•Battery Buffered Display System
•USITT DMX-512 Complaint
o26 DMX Channels (16bit Operation)
o24 DMX Channels (8bit Operation)
•8 User Assignable Program Presets - Internal Program: Edit and save programs to
the incorporated EPROM. Maximum of 48 scenes.
•Built-In DMX Recorder, Stores Scenes from External DMX Controller

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4. GENERAL GUIDELINES
This fixture is a professional lighting effect designed for use on stage, in nightclubs, in
theatres, etc. Do not attempt operation or installation without a proper knowledge on how to
do so.
This fixture was designed for indoor use only. Use of this fixture outdoors may void the
manufactures warranty.
Consistent operational breaks may ensure that the fixture will function properly for many
years to come.
Do not shake the fixture around. Avoid brute force when installing or operating the device.
While choosing an installation location, please be sure that the fixture will not be exposed to
extreme heat, moisture or dust. The minimum distance between the fixture and a wall or flat
surface should be at least 1 meter (about 3ft).
Always install the fixture with an appropriate safety cable. When installing the fixture in a
suspended environment always be sure to use mounting hardware no less than M10 x 25
mm, also be sure the hardware is insert in the pre-arranged screw holes in the base of the
fixture.
When using the quick release “Omega” cam-lock system, be sure the four quick lock
fasteners are locked in the quick lock holes correctly.
Do not attempt to operate this fixture until you have familiarized yourself with its functions.
Do not permit operation by persons not qualified for operating this type of theatrical fixture,
as most damages are the result of operations by person unfamiliar with the operations of
these types of effects.
If service is ever need and if possible, please use the original packaging to transport the
fixture in for service.

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5. FIXTURE OVERVIEW
1. Output Lens
2. Yoke
3. Cooling Fan
4. 3-Pin DMX Output
5. 3-Pin DMX Input
6. Fuse 1 - Lamp
7. 5-Pin DMX Output
8. Fuse 2 - Electronics
9. 5-Pin DMX Input
10. Power Cord
11. Tilt Locking Mechanism
12. Antenna – Wireless DMX
13. LCD Menu Display
14. Mode/esc Button
15. Menu UP Button
16. Menu DOWN Button
17. Enter Button
18. Software update socket
19. Carrying Handle

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6. LAMP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
For a proper and safe lamp change, please follow the instructions in this chapter carefully.
Safety Regulations
•To prevent accidental shock disconnect the unit’s main power supply.
•Allow the unit to cool for at least 15 minutes before attempting any type of service.
•Before you put the Design Spot 1200C™ into operation after a lamp change or
service, be sure all covers have been replaced and/or closed and secured.
Operating the fixture with the covers removed risk damage to the retina and
exposure to harmful UV radiation!
•Always replace the lamp with an approved replacement type. Always replace with a
lamp that meets the original lamp specification, failure to do so may damage the
unit and will void your manufactures warranty.
•Be sure to follow all the lamp handling procedures included with your new lamp.
Never handle the new lamp with your bare hands as the oils from your skin may
damage the lamp.
Installation Procedure:
1. Set the fixture on a flat surface and remove the four screws labeled “A” “B,” “C,” and
“D” found on the back plate of the head assembly to access the lamp.
2. Gently remove the old lamp by grasping the ceramic base and turning it
counter-clockwise until it is loose.
3. Insert the new lamp securely, locking the lamp by turning it clockwise until it locks in

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place. Before reassembling the unit, be sure the new lamp is securely seated in the
lamp socket. Always be sure to only use specified lamp types! (MSR Gold 1200
FastFit).
4. Once the lamp has been inserted and secured into the socket, follow the lamp
optimization instructions outlined below, then lock the lamp cover back in to place.
5. Reset the lamp run time in the system menu.
6. Always be sure to optimize the lamp after lamp replacement. Follow the instructions
in the next section to properly align and optimize the lamp.
Caution!
Do not attempt to operate this fixture without the protective
covers in tacked.
Lamp Optimization
The lamp orientation and optimization must be adjusted after every lamp change. This
procedure centers the lamp in the reflector. Proper optimization will increase lamp life and
ensure a bright, crisp, and even output. Improper optimization may add a yellow tint to the
lamp output and reduce intensity. The minimum deviation amount is 1.0mm. Running the
fixture within a lower deviation can cause damage to the lamp, reflector, and/or lens.
The Design Spot 1200C™ lamp holder is aligned at the factory. However, due to slight
imperfections in all lamps, fine adjustments will improve light performance. Please follow the
procedure below for proper lamp optimization:
1. Using a DMX controller or the control panel on the unit, strike the lamp and focus the
light on a flat surface (beam open, white, no gobo, no effect).
2. Center the hot-spot (the brightest part of the beam) using the 3 adjustment screws
located under the lamp cover labeled 1, 2, and 3 as illustrated on the next page. Turn
one screw at a time to drag the hot-spot diagonally across the projected image. If you
cannot detect a hot-spot, adjust the lamp until the light is even.
3. To reduce a hot-spot, pull the lamp in by turning all three screws clockwise a 1/4-turn
at a time until the light is evenly distributed.

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Please remember that a MSR Gold 1200 FastFit lamp is not a hot-restrike lamp therefore,
you should wait 15 minutes before you can attempt to strike the lamp once it has been
turned off.

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7. MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION
Cautions:
For added protection mount the fixtures in areas outside walking paths, seating areas, or in
areas were unauthorized personnel might reach the fixture.
Before mounting the fixture to any surface, make sure that the installation area can hold a
minimum point load of 10 times the device’s weight.
Fixture installation must always be secured with a secondary safety attachment, such as an
appropriate safety cable.
Never stand directly below the device when mounting, removing, or servicing the fixture.
Caution!
Be sure a certified rigging technician has approved all installation
and rigging before attempting operation.
Warning!
Be sure to keep all flammable material at least 0.5m (1.5”) away from
this fixture at all times.
Mounting
The Design Spot 1200C™ is fully operational in two different mounting positions, hanging
upside-down from a ceiling, or set on a flat level surface (see illustration on next page). Be
sure this fixture is kept at least 0.5m (1.5ft) away from any flammable materials (decoration
etc.). Always use and install the supplied safety cable as a safety measure to prevent
accidental damage and/or injury in the event the clamp fails.
Refer to regulations BGV C1 (formerly VBG 70) and DIN VDE0711-217
for proper installation in Europe to ensure proper installation. Only
qualified personnel should attempt installation.

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Mounting points
Overhead mounting requires extensive experience, including amongst others calculating
working load limits, a fine knowledge of the installation material being used, and periodic
safety inspection of all installation material and the fixture. If you lack these qualifications, do
not attempt the installation yourself. Improper installation can result in bodily injury.
CAUTION!
Be sure a qualified electrician performs all electrical connections.
Be sure to complete all rigging and installation procedures before connecting the main
power cord to the appropriate wall outlet.
Clamp Mounting
The Design Spot 1200C™ provides a unique mounting bracket assembly that integrates the
hanging yoke as well as the safety cable rigging point in one unit (see the illustration on the

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next page). When mounting this fixture to truss be sure to secure an appropriately rated
clamp to the hanging yoke using a M10 screw fitted through the center hole of the hanging
yoke. As an added safety measure be sure to attached at least one properly rated safety
cable to the fixture using on of the safety cable rigging point integrated in the bracket
assembly
Securing the Design Spot 1200C™
Regardless of the rigging option you choose for your Design Spot 1200C™ always be sure
to secure your fixture with a safety cable. The fixture provides a built-in rigging point for a
safety cable on the hanging bracket as illustrated above. Be sure to only use the designated
rigging point for the safety cable and never secure a safety cable to a carrying handle.

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8. UNDERSTANDING DMX
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used by lighting and
controller manufactures as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures and
controllers. DMX allows all makes and models of different manufactures to be linked
together and operate from a single controller. This is possible as long as all the fixtures and
the controller are DMX compliant. A DMX controller sends the DMX data instructions to the
fixture allowing the user to control the different aspects of an intelligent light. DMX data is
sent out as serial data that travels from fixture to fixture via data “IN” and data “OUT” 3-Pin or
5-Pin XLR connectors located on the fixtures (most controllers will only have output jacks).
DMX Linking: To ensure proper DMX data transmission, always use proper DMX cables
and a terminator. When using several DMX fixtures try to use the shortest cable path
possible. The order in which the fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not influence the
DMX addressing. For example; a fixture assigned a DMX address of 1 may be placed
anywhere in the DMX chain, at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. The
DMX controller knows to send data assigned to address 1 to that fixture no matter where it is
located in the DMX chain. The Design Spot 1200C™ is a 26-channel DMX fixture (16-bit
mode). The DMX address is set electronically using the controls on the LCD menu.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX and Master/Slave Operation): Never
split a DMX line with a “Y” style connector. Your fixture and your DMX controller require a
standard 3-pin or 5-pin XLR connector for data input and data output (the figure on the next
page is of a 3-Pin XLR connector). If you are making your own cables, be sure to use two
conductor shielded digital DMX cable rated at 120 ohms, this cable is specifically designed
for DMX transmission and may be purchased from your Elation dealer or at most
professional lighting retailers. Your cables should be made with a male and female XLR
connector on either end of the cable. Also, remember that a DMX line must be daisy chained
and cannot be split, unless using an approved DMX splitter such as the Elation Opto Branch
4™ or DMX Branch/4™.
Note: Although microphone and DMX cables may look similar, they are not
constructed of the same material and should never be used in place of each
other.

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Be sure to follow the above figure when making your own cables. Do not use the ground lug
on the XLR connector. Do not connect the cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug or
allow the shield conductor to come in contact with the XLR’s outer casing. Grounding the
shield could cause a short circuit and erratic behavior. If you will be using 5-Pin connectors
you may omit pins 4 and 5, see the illustration below.
DMX-512 control connection
Connect an XLR cable to the female XLR output of your controller and the other side to the
male XLR input of the fixture (Please refer to the diagram below.). You can chain multiple
moving heads together through serial linking. Remember to daisy chain your “in” and “out”
data connections.

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DMX-512 connection with DMX terminator
A DMX terminator should be used in all DMX lines especially in longer runs. The use of a
terminator may avoid erratic behavior in your DMX line. A terminator is a 120 ohm 1/4 watt
resistor that is connected between pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector (DATA + and DATA
-). The terminator is inserted in the female XLR connector of the last fixture in your daisy
chain to terminate the line. Using a line terminator (Elation part: DMX T PACK) will decrease
the possibilities of erratic behavior.
5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors. Some fixtures use 5-pin XLR connectors for DATA
transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin XLR fixtures may be implemented in a 3-pin XLR DMX
line. When inserting standard 5-pin XLR connectors in to a 3-pin line a cable adaptor must
be used, these adaptors are readily available at most electric stores. The following chart
details a proper cable conversion.
Fixture DMX addressing;
All fixtures should be given a DMX starting address when using a DMX controller, so the
correct fixture responds to the correct control signal coming from the controller. This “starting