Elation Vision Color 250 User manual

Rev. 12/28/05
Vision Color 250
Elation Professional
4295 Charter Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90058
www.elationlighting.com

Vision Color 250™
©Elation Professional® 2 Vision Color 250™

Vision Color 250™
©Elation Professional® 3 Vision Color 250™
Contents
1. General Information……………………………………………………………………… 3
a. Introduction………………………………………………………………………. 3
b. Unpacking………………………………………………………..…………..… 3
c. Customer Support…………………………………………….………………… 3
d. Warranty Registration……………………………………………………..…… 4
e. Discharge Lamp Warning……………………………………………………… 4
2. Safety Instructions………………………………………………………........…………. 7
3. Features…………………………………………………………………………………… 9
4. General Guidelines………………………………………………………………………. 10
5. Lamp Installation…………………………………………………………………………. 11
a. Lamp installation…………………………………………………….………….. 11
b. Lamp optimization……………………………………………………..………… 12
6. Mounting and Installation………………………………………………………….……. 14
a. Mounting Positions……………………………………………………………… 14
b. Mounting Points…………………………………………………………………. 15
c. Securing………………………………………………………………………….. 16
7. Understanding DMX……………………………………………………………………... 17
a. DMX Connections………………………………………………………………. 17
b. DMX Terminator…………………………………………………………………. 18
c. 3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion………………………………………………………. 19
d. DMX Addressing………………………………………………………………… 19
8. Display Indicators……………………………………………………………………….. 21
9. Fixture Menu……………………………………………………………………………… 22
a. Menu functions………………………………………………………………….. 24
10. DMX Channel Traits…………………………………………………………………….. 39
a. DMX Channel Values…………………………………………………………… 40
11. Error Codes………………………………………………………………………………. 42
12. Cleaning and Maintenance……………………………………………………………… 44
13. Warranty…………………………………………………………………………………... 45
14. Photometric Data………………………………………………………………………… 47
15. Gobo Patterns……………………………………………………………..……………... 48
16. Dimensional Drawings………………………………………………….……………….. 48
17. Circuit Schematic………...………………………………………………………………. 49
18. Technical Specifications…………………………………………...………….………… 50

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©Elation Professional® 4 Vision Color 250™
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION: Congratulations, you have just purchased one of the most innovative and
reliable lighting fixtures on the market today! The Vision Color 250,™ 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 Vision Color 250™ by Elation Professional®.
Every Vision Color 250™ 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 9:00 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 Vision Color 250™ 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 lamps have
had ample time to cool. Remember, lamps are not covered under
warranty conditions.
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 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.

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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 I. Therefore it is essential that the device be
grounded properly.
All electrical connections must performed by qualified personal.
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 Vision Color 250™ 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 VISION COLOR 250™ from the power outlet before
performing any service related issues.
4. Lamp Replacement; Allow at least 30 minutes after disconnecting main power
before you open the VISION COLOR 250™. 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 two of this
manual. Operating the VISION COLOR 250™ without suited safety aids such as
safety cables or clamps can increase the risk of damage and/or personal injury.
8. Installation should only be performed by qualified and certified personal.
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 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.
Never look directly into the light source,
as sensitive persons may suffer an epileptic shock.
Never touch the device during operation!
The housing may heat up

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3. FEATURES
•3 operation mode:
oDMX controlled,
oStand alone
oSound activated
•8 colors plus white (including UV filter), with two direction rainbow effect
•User selectable color change (mode 1: full colors, mode 2: split-colors)
•Rotating gobo wheel with 3 rotating gobos plus open, all gobos can be easily
replaceable and gobo indexing (3 Glass Gobos, 2 Beam Reducers, 2 Color Filters)
•Frost Filter
•Strobe effect: 0~13 flashes per second or random strobe
•Bright Phillips MSD 250/2 Lamp (250w / 8500K / 3000Hrs / 18,000Lm)
•Dimmer intensity from 0%~100%
•User Selectable Power Supply (Internal)
•Control board with 4-digit display and foil-keyboard
•Digital display can be turned 180° to fit different installation position
•RDMX (Remote DMX addressing from any DMX console)
•Auto test for all functions
•Automatic Pan/Tilt Correction
•Glass Dichroic Reflector for Even Lamp Output
•Anti-Reflective Coated Lenses
•USITT DMX-512 Complaint
•Value of each DMX-channel can be displayed
•Electronic Focus via DMX
•8 User Assignable Program Presets - Internal Program: Edit and save programs to
the incorporated EEPROM through the front control panel or external controller; you
can save a maximum of 48 scenes, and run the saved programs by using the “run”
menu on the front control panel

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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
so.
This fixture was designed for indoor use only, use of this fixture outside will void
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 .5 meter (about 1.5ft).
Always install the fixture with an appropriate safety cable. When installing the fixture in a
suspended environment always be 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,
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. LAMP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Installing or replacing the lamp
Only install the lamp with the device unplugged from the mains.
The lamp has to be replaced when it is damaged or deformed.
Before replacing the lamp, be sure the unit has had ample time to cool. To avoid injury to
yourself never touch the lamp when it is hot.
During the installation of the discharge lamp do not touch the glass portion of the bulb with
your bare hands. Always use a cloth to handle the lamps during insertion and removal.
Do not install lamps with a higher wattage than that specified by the manufacture, they
generate higher temperatures than which the device is designed to cool and may explode.
Installation Procedure:
1. Lay the fixture on its’ back and remove the two Phillips screws labeled “A” and “B”
found on the bottom plate of the fixture.

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2. Gently pull out the lamp/socket assembly to access the lamp.
3. Gently remove the old lamp by grasping it by the ceramic base.
4. Carefully insert the new lamp into the socket (Only use a MSD 250/2 GY9.5 lamp or
equivalent). Please remember there is only one way to insert the lamp and the lamp
should fit completely in the lamp socket.
5. Once the lamp has been inserted into the socket, gently slide the socket assembly
back into place and secure with the two Phillips screws.
6. Always be sure to optimize the lamp after lamp replacement.
Do not operate this device with open cover
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 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 and/or lens.
The Vision Color 250™ 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 either a DMX controller or the control panel on the unit (see “SPOT” in the
fixture menu on page 33), 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
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

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at a time until the light is evenly distributed.
4. If the light is brighter around the edge than it is in the center, or if light output is low,
the lamp is too far back in the reflector. "Push” the lamp out by turning each of the
adjustment screws ("1, 2, 3”) counterclockwise turn until the light is bright and
evenly distributed.
Please remember that a MSD 250/2 lamp is not a hot-restrike lamp therefore, you must wait
approximately 15 minutes before you can attempt to strike the lamp once it has been turned
off.

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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.
Before taking into operation for the first time,
the installation has to be approved by an expert.
When installing the device, make sure there is no highly
inflammable material within a distance of min. 0,5m
Mounting
The VISION COLOR 250™ is fully operational in three different mounting positions,
hanging upside-down from a ceiling, side mounted, or set on a flat level surface (see
illustration below). Be sure this fixture is kept at least 0.5m away from any flammable
materials (decoration etc.). Always use and install the supplied safety cable as a safety
measure to prevent accidental damage in the event of a clamp.
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.
The electric connection must only be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Be sure to complete all rigging and installation procedures before connecting the main
power cord to the appropriate wall outlet.
Clamp Mounting
The Vision Color 250™ 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
below). When mounting this fixture to truss be sure to secure an appropriately rated clamp

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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 VISION COLOR 250™
Regardless of the rigging option you choose for your VISION COLOR 250™ 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
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX and Master/Slave Operation):
Your fixture and your DMX controller require a standard 3-pin XLR connector for data input
and data output (see figure below). If you are constructing your own cables be sure to use
two conductor shielded digital cable rated at a 120 ohms (this cable can be purchased at
almost all professional sound and lighting stores). Your cables should be made with a male
and female 3-pin XLR connector on either end of the cable.
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.

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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
needed should be two conductor, shielded 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™.
DMX-512 connection with DMX terminator
When longer runs of cable are used, you may need to use a terminator on the last fixture to
avoid erratic behavior. A terminator is a 90-120 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 cable terminator (Elation part number Z-DMX/T) 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

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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
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 Vision Color 250™, which is a 7 channel fixture, you should set the
starting DMX address of the first unit to 1, the second unit to 8 (7 + 1), the third unit to 15 (7
+ 8), and so on.
Note: During start-up the Vision Color 250™ will automatically detect whether a DMX data

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signal is being received or not. If DMX data signal is being received, the display will show
"A.XXX" (XXX representing the actual DMX address). If the fixture is not receiving a DMX
signal the display will flash "A.XXX" (XXX representing the actual DMX address).
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 XLR plug (cable with DMX signal from controller) is not connected or is
not inserted completely into the DMX input jack.
-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.