Elation PLATINUM WASH ZFX PRO User manual

3/02/2012-Visage Version 1.0.1
PLATINUM)WASH)ZFX)PRO™)
Elation Professional
6122 S Eastern Ave
Los Angeles, Ca 90040
www.elationlighting.com

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CONTENTS
1. General Information……………………………………………………………………….……………… 4
a. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….………. 4
b. Unpacking………………………………………………………..……………………….…..….. 4
c. Customer Support…………………………………………….…………………….…………… 4
d. Warranty Registration………………………………………………………………….…..……. 5
e. Discharge Lamp Warning…………………………………………………………….…………. 5
2. Safety Instructions………………………………………………………..............................…………. 7
3. Features…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
4. General Guidelines………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
5. Fixture Overview…………………………………………………………………………………..…..…. 10
6. Mounting and Installation……………………………………………………………………….....……. 13
a. Mounting Points………………………………………………………………………….………. 13
b. Securing………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
7. Understanding DMX……………………………………………………………………………………... 16
a. DMX Cable Requirements……..…………………………………………………………….…. 16
b. DMX Terminator…………………………………………………………………………………. 17
c. 3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion………………………………………………………………………. 17
d. DMX Addressing……………………………………………………………………….………… 18
8. Fixture Menu…………………………………………………………………………………..………… 20
9. DMX Addressing…………...……………………………………………………………………..…….. 31
10. Operating Modes………………………………………………………………………………..…….... 33
11. Working With Built-In Programs………………………………………………………………………… 35
12. Built-in Wireless Receiver….…………………………………………………………………………… 38
13. DMX Channel Traits…...….………………………………………………………………..………….. 40
a. DMX Channel Values……………………………………………………………..…………… 41
14. Error Codes………………………………………………………………………………………………. 47
15. Cleaning and Maintenance……………………………………………………………………………… 48
16. Photometric Data……………………………………………………………………………….………….49
17. Dimensional Drawings………………………………………………….……………………………….. 50
18. Circuit Schematic………...……………………………………………………………..………………. 51
19. Warranty…………………………………………………………………………………….………………52
20. Technical Specifications…………………………………………...………………………….………… 54

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION: Congratulations, you have just purchased one of the most innovative and
reliable lighting fixtures on the market today! The Platinum Wash Zfx Pro,™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 Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ by Elation
Professional®. Every Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ 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. Please recycle whenever possible.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION: The Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ 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].
Epileptic Warning: Those suffering from epilepsy should avoid looking directly into the light
source at all times.
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.

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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 modifications to this fixture void the
manufactures warranty and are not subject warranty repair.

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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ 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 Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ from the power outlet before
performing any service related issues.
4. Never look directly into the light source. You risk injury to your retina, which may
induce blindness.
5. For safe operation, follow the Installation guide described in chapter six of this
manual. Operating the Platinum Wash Zfx Pro ™ without suited safety aids such
as safety cables or clamps can increase the risk of damage and/or personal injury.
6. Qualified and certified personnel should only perform installation.
7. When mounting this fixture, use only the original rigging parts included with this
fixture. Any structural modification will void the original manufactures warranty and
may increase the risk of damage and/or personal injury.
8. To reduce the risk of fire or shock, do not expose this fixture to rain or moisture.
9. 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 630° or 540˚ (User selectable) / Tilt 265°
•19 x 10-Watt Light Source
•Three DMX Modes:
o20 Channel (Basic)
o32 Channel (Standard)
o42 Channel (Extended)
•100,000 hours rated LED life
•Smooth additive RGBW color mixing, 16.7 million colors
•Flicker-free operation for television and film
•Low power consumption
•3 operation mode: DMX controlled, stand alone or sound activated
•Strobe effect: 0~18 flashes per second or random strobe
•0%~100% Dimming
•User Selectable Universal Power Supply (Internal Tap)
•Control board with full LCD character display and foil-keyboard
•Reversible Display Option (180˚ Flip)
•RDMX (Remote DMX addressing from any DMX console)
•Auto test for all functions
•Automatic Pan/Tilt Correction
•USITT DMX-512 Complaint (3-pin and 5-pin DMX Connections)
•Value of each DMX-channel can be displayed
•Minimal heat emission
•Maintenance free operation
•Preprogrammed colored macros
•Built-in EWDMX Receiver - WDMX Compatible
•Firmware upgradeable via Elation “E-Loader”
•Electronic power supply (100~240V 50/60Hz)
•7 built-in programs accessed via DMX-controller or manually
•Built-in DMX recorder - Up to 64 scenes

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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.
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 0.5 meter (about 1.5ft).
Always install the fixture with an appropriate safety cable. When installing the fixture in a
suspended environment, always use mounting hardware that is 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;
most damages are the result of operations by nonprofessionals.
Please use the original packaging to transport the fixture in for service.

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5. FIXTURE OVERVIEW
1: LED Assembly
2: Display
3: DC Switch
4: Microphone
5: Left Button
6: Down Button
7: Right Button
8: Mode/Esc Button
9: Up Button
10: Enter Button
11: Handle
12: Wireless indicator
13: Wireless DMX Antenna
14: 3-Pin DMX in
15: 3-Pin DMX out
16: 5-Pin DMX in
17: 5-Pin DMX out
18: Power Switch
19: Power Cord
20: Fuse

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1. LED Assembly – 19 x 10-Watt, RGBW Quad LEDs comprise the LED assembly.
2. LED Menu Display – Full color animated menu display.
3. DC Switch - Controls menu and display power when the unit is disconnected from
main power.
4. Microphone – This microphone receives external low frequencies to trigger the unit
in Sound-Active mode. This microphone is designed to receive low frequency
sounds only, tapping on the microphone and high pitch sounds may not trigger the
unit.
5. Left Button – This button is used to toggle through the menu display.
6. Down Button – The down button is used to toggle down or back through the menu
functions and settings.
7. Right Button - This button is used to toggle through the menu display.
8. Mode/Esc Button - This button is used to access the menu functions and exit the
current command.
9. Up Button – The up button is used to toggle forward through the menu functions and
settings.
10. Enter Button – The enter button is used to enter in to a certain menu function or to lock
a function into memory.
11. Carrying Handle –Please use this intergraded handled to move the fixture form
location to location. Never carry the fixture by the head.
12. Wireless indicator –This two-color indicator is used to visual the current status of the

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wireless DMX mode. Red indicates wireless DMX mode is off, green indicated wireless
DMX is active. Flashing red and green indicated wireless mode is active but the unit is
not received a wireless signal.
13. Wireless Antenna – This antenna works with the built-in wireless DMX receiver. The
built-in wireless DMX system works with any Elation wireless system or any compatible
“EWDMX” system.
14. 3-PIN DMX Input Jack – This jack accepts an incoming DMX signal via a male, 3- pin
XLR jack.
15. 3-Pin DMX Output Jack – This jack is used to send an incoming DMX signal to the
next fixture in the DMX chain via a female, 3-pin XLR jack.
16. 5-PIN DMX Input Jack – This jack accepts an incoming DMX signal via a male, 5-pin
XLR jack.
17. 5-Pin DMX Output Jack –This jack is used to send an incoming DMX signal to the
next fixture in the DMX chain via a female, 3-pin XLR jack.
18. Power Switch – Controls main power to the unit.
19. Power Cord – Plug into an appropriate power outlet to provide main power to the
fixture.
20. Fuse Holder Assembly –This assembly houses the 5amp GMA safety fuse. Always
replace the fuse with an exact match unless otherwise specified by an authorized Elation
Service Technician. Using a fuse other than that specified could seriously damage the
unit and will void your manufactures warranty.

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6. MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION
Cautions:
For added protection mount the fixtures in areas outside walking paths, seating areas, or in
areas were the fixture might be reached by unauthorized personal.
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!
When install the fixture be sure there is no highly inflammable
material within a distance of 0.5m (1.5 feet)
Mounting
The Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ is fully operational in two different mounting positions,
hanging upside-down from a ceiling, or set on a flat level surface (see illustration below). Be
sure this fixture is kept at least 0.5m (1.5 ft) 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 staff 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.

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Clamp Mounting
The Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ provides a unique mounting bracket assembly that integrates
the bottom of the base, the included “Omega Bracket,” and the safety cable rigging point in
one unit (see the illustration below). When mounting this fixture to truss be sure to secure an
appropriately rated clamp to the included omega bracket using a M10 screw fitted through
the center hole of the “omega bracket”. 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 base assembly
Securing the Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™
Regardless of the rigging option you choose for your Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ 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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7. UNDERSTANDING DMX
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used by most
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” XLR
terminals 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. Never split a DMX line with a “Y” style connector. The order in which the fixtures
are connected in a DMX line does not influence the DMX addressing. For example; a fixture
assigned a starting 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
Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol. The Platinum Wash Zfx
Pro™ is a 32-channel DMX fixture. The DMX address is set electronically using the controls
on the LCD menu.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX and Master/Slave Operation):Your
fixture and your DMX controller require a standard 3-pin or 5-pin XLR connector for data
input and data output (the figure below 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 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™.

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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.
DMX-512 control connection
Connect the provided XLR cable to the female 3-pin XLR output of your controller and the
other side to the male 3-pin XLR input of the moving head (Please refer to the diagram
below.). You can chain multiple moving heads together through serial linking. The cable that
should be used is two conductor, shielded DMX cable with XLR input and output connectors.
Always be sure daisy chain your in and out data connections, never split or “Y” your DMX
connections unless you are using an approved DMX splitter such as the Elation Opto Branch
4™ or DMX Branch/4™.

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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
-). This fixture 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 manufactures 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. This digital starting address is the

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channel number from which the fixture starts to “listen” to the digital control information sent
out from the DMX controller. The allocation of this starting DMX address is achieved by
setting the correct DMX address on the digital display located on the head of the fixture.
You can set the same starting address for all fixtures or a group of fixtures, or set different
address for each individual fixture. Be advised that setting all you fixtures to the same DMX
address will subsequently control all fixtures in the same fashion, in other words, changing
the settings of one channel will affect all the fixtures simultaneously.
If you set each fixture to a different DMX address, each unit will start to “listen” to the
channel number you have set, based on the quantity of control channels (DMX channels) of
each fixture. That means changing the settings of one channel will only affect the selected
fixture.
In the case of the Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™, which is a 32 channel fixture (standard, can be
also be 20 or 42), you should set the starting DMX address of the first unit to 1, the second
unit to 33 (32 + 1), the third unit to 65 (32 + 33), and so on.
Note: During start-up the Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ will automatically detect whether a DMX
data signal is being received or not. If DMX data signal is being received, the display will
show "Addr=XXX" (XXX representing the actual DMX address). If the fixture is not
receiving a DMX signal the display will flash. If your fixture is connected to a DMX controller
and the display is flashing (not receiving a DMX signal), please check the following:
- The 3-PIN or 5-PIN XLR input plug (cable with DMX signal from controller) is not
connected or is not inserted completely into the DMX input jack of the fixture.
-The DMX controller is switched off or defective.
-The DMX cable or connector is defective.
-A DMX terminator has been inserted into the last fixture in your DMX chain.

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8. FIXTURE MENU
On-Board System Menu: The Platinum Wash Zfx Pro™ comes with an easy to navigate
system menu. This next section will detail the functions of each command in the system
menu.
LED Control Panel: The control panel located on the top, front of the fixture allows you to
access the main menu and make all necessary adjustments to the Platinum Wash Zfx
Pro™. During normal operation, tapping the “MODE/ESC” key once will access the fixture’s
main menu. Once in the main menu you can navigate through the different functions and
access the sub-menus with the Up and Down buttons. Once you reach a field that requires
adjusting, tap the ENTER button to activate that field and use the UP and Down button to
adjust the field. Tapping the Enter button once more will confirm your setting. Once a setting
is saved the display will briefly readout OK to confirm a new setting has been made and
locked into memory. You may exit the main menu at any time without making any
adjustments by tapping the MODE/ESC button.
MODE/ESC Button - To access the main menu locate the MODE/ESC button on the front
of the unit. Press this button to activate the system menu. Tap the UP button until you reach
the function you wish to change. When you reach the function you wish to change tap the
ENTER button once to select that menu function. When a function is selected the menu will
begin to flash, use the UP or DOWN button to change the function. Once your changes are
made tap the ENTER button yet again to lock the change in the system menu. To exit
without making any changes tap the MODE/ESC button.
The fixture contains a rechargeable battery back-up system that stores all setting and also
allows the menu to be accessed when the fixture is not connected to power. To access the
menu via battery power, press and hold the DC switch button for two seconds, this will
activate the menu. The display will automatically turn off approximately one minute after all
menu commands are completed.