Elation DMX DUO User manual

DMX DUO
USER MANUAL
Version 1.0 24-004-1648
Elation Professional · Los Angeles, Ca 90058 · www.elationlighting.com

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DMX D UO
Table of contents
1. General Introduction..........................................................................................3
2. Safety Rules........................................................................................................3
2a. Warnings
2b. Cautions
3. Information Notice..............................................................................................3
4. FX On/Off & FX Timer.........................................................................................4
4a. Manual On/Off control of FX buttons 1-8
4b. FX Timer
5. Recording Chases..............................................................................................4
6. Editing Chases..................................................................................................4-5
6a. Adding steps to an existing chase
6b. Deleting chase steps
6c. Deleting chases
7. Recording Shows................................................................................................6
8. Editing Shows....................................................................................................6-7
8a. Adding steps to an existing show
8b. Deleting show steps
8c. Deleting shows
9. Strobe Function..................................................................................................7
10. Playback............................................................................................................8-9
10a. Chase playback
10b. Sequencing chase playback
10c. Mix chase playback
10d. Show playback
10e. Sequencing show playback
10f. Mix show playback
10g. Strobe playback
11. Audio / Manual....................................................................................................9
11a. Activating audio mode
11b. Activating manual mode
12. Fog Machine Function........................................................................................9
13. Send & Receive..................................................................................................10
14. Blackout Setup...................................................................................................10
15. Erase all Memory................................................................................................10

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1. General Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Elation DMX Duo. This unit is a professional DMX recorder and
playback device with high performance and advanced capabilities. This device was designed to accept
information from any universal DMX controller availible on the market today. Any group of scenes that
have been programmed into a universal DMX controller can simply be downloaded into the DMX Duo for
easy playback. In many cases, the DMX Duo is pre-programmed at the factory when sold in system
packages. In fact, this unit is made up of two control sections - one part for effect lighting and the other for
playback of dimmers and moving lights. The two parts run completely independent of one another
allowing you more flexibility when playing back chases, shows or turning effects on and off.
2. Safety Rules
In order to keep your DMX Duo in good working condition, please follow these simple steps for
safety and maintenance.
2a. Warnings:
•This product is not intended for any domestic utilization.
•Keep this unit in a dry environment. Do not expose it to water or high levels of humidity.
•Should any liquid be spilled on or into the unit, disconnect the power supply to the
product immediately.
•Do not operate this unit if the ambient temperature exceeds 45°C.
•Do not dismantle or modify the product without authorization from the manufacture.
2b. Cautions:
•Do not allow for any flammable liquids or metal objects to enter the unit.
•Do not allow for high voltage to be applied to the unit.
•Do not allow children to tamper or play with the unit.
•Do not open the unit as there are no user serviceable parts inside.
•Handle this unit with great care. Any strong jolt, shake, shock or vibration may result in
malfunction.
It is of great benefit to keep this user manual for reference.
3. Information Notice
•Before operating, please make sure that the unit has not suffered any damage during
transportation. Should any damage have occurred, please do not use it and contact the
dealer from where you purchased it immediately.
•We will not be responsible for any damages on the unit due to your inobservance. Never
allow non-authorized or unqualified personnel to tamper with the unit.
•Specifications are subject to change without notice. For further information, please visit
our web-site: www.elationlighting.com
•Copyright notice: no part of the product can be reproduced, transmitted or translated into
any language in any form without authorized permission.

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4. FX 1-8 On/Off Buttons & FX Timer
The FX 1-8 buttons are used to turn the corresponding DMX output channels on or off. The
FX Timer includes five options which are represented by the LED’s above the FX Timer
button- 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or all off modes.
4a. Manual On/Off Control of FX 1-8 buttons
To obtain manual on/off control of FX 1-8, press the “FX Timer“ button until all green LED’s
above the FX Timer button are off. You can then turn FX 1-8 on or off as required.
4b. FX Timer
To select FX for timer sequence, press “FX TIMER“ button until all green LED’s above FX
Timer button are off. Next, select FX you want included into timer sequence by selecting FX
buttons 1-8. For example, if you select buttons 1, 3, 4 & 7, FX 1, 3, 4 & 7 will be the FX
included into you timer sequence. Finally, press the “FX TIMER“ button until the LED next to
your desired timer interval is lit- 1, 3, 5 or 10 minute modes. (If no FX are selected, all FX 1-8
will automatically run one after another based on the selected interval time- 1, 3, 5, 10
minutes. If only one FX is selected, the selected FX will turn on and off to the selected
interval time).
5. Recording Chases
1. Connect from your DMX controllers output to the DMX input of your DMX Duo. (When
programming moving lights, it is recommended that you pre program scenes into your DMX
controller before recording chases into the DMX Duo. If your programming conventional
dimmers, you can record them in real time using your controllers dimmer channels).
2. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the Record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
3. Select the Chase button 1-8 that you want to record into. Once selected, the chase LED
will continually flash and the LCD will display the current chase step- “CH:00“.
4. From your DMX controller, select the scene or adjust the dimmer channels you want
included into your first chase step.
5. To record the step, press “Record“. All eight chase LED’s will momentarily flash and the
LCD will display the next chase step confirming that your step has been recorded.
6. Repeat steps 2d & 2e up to 99 times per chase.
7. Press “BLACK-OUT“ twice to exit record mode.
6. Editing Chases
6a. Adding steps to an existing chase
1. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the Record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
2. Select the chase 1-8 you want to edit. The chase LED will flash and the LCD will display
the total amount of chase steps included into the selected chase- “CH:xx“.

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Editiing Chases cont.
3. To view the previously recorded steps, press the same chase button, both chase and
record LED’s will be lit. Use the “Up/Down“ buttons to scroll to the step you would like to add
a new step after. Once you find the step, press the same chase button again so that the
chase LED is flashing. (You must exit this preview mode before you can record or add the
new step).
4. From your DMX controller, select the scene to be added or adjust the dimmer channels to
your desired setting.
5. To record the new step, press “Record“. All eight chase LED’s will momentarily flash and
the LCD will display the new chase step confirming that your step has been recorded.
6. Repeat steps 3 – 5 to add additional chase steps.
7. Press “BLACK-OUT“ twice to exit record mode.
6b. Deleting chase steps
1. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the Record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
2. Select the chase 1-8 you want to delete. The chase LED will flash and the LCD will display
the total amount of chase steps included into the selected chase- “CH:xx“.
3. To view the previously recorded steps, press the same chase button, both chase and
record LED’s will be lit. Use the “Up/Down“ buttons to scroll to the step you would like to
delete. Once you find the step, press the same chase button again so that the chase LED is
flashing. (You must exit this preview mode before you can delete the step).
4. Press the “DELETE“ button. All eight chase LED’s will momentarily flash and the LCD will
display the previous chase step confirming that the step was deleted.
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 to delete additional chase steps.
6. Press “BLACK-OUT“ twice to exit record mode.
6c. Deleting chases
1. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the Record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
2. Press and hold down the “Delete“ button, then press the Chase button 1-8 you want to
delete. All eight chase LED’s will momentarily flash and the chase button you selected will not
be lit anymore confirming that the chase has been deleted.
3. Repeat step 2 to delete additional chases.
4. Press “BLACK-OUT“ twice to exit record mode.

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7. Recording Shows
1. Connect from your DMX controllers output to the DMX input of your DMX Duo. (When
programming moving lights, it is recommended that you pre program scenes into your DMX
controller before recording chases into the DMX Duo. If your programming conventional
dimmers, you can record them in real time using your controllers dimmer channels).
2. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
3. Select the Show button 1 or 2 that you want to record into. Once selected, the show LED
will continually flash and the LCD will display the current show step- “SH:00“.
4. From your DMX controller, select the scene or adjust the dimmer channels you want
included into your first show step.
5. Adjust the steps hold time by pressing the “SPEED“ button. Next, use the
“UP/DOWN“ buttons to select the hold time ranging from 0.1 (one tenth of a second) to 10:00
(ten minutes).
6. Adjust the steps fade time by pressing the “FADE“ button. Next, use the
“UP/DOWN“ buttons to select the hold time ranging from 0.1 (one tenth of a second) to 10:00
(ten minutes).
7. To record the step, press “Record“. All eight chase LED’s will momentarily flash and the
LCD will display the next show step confirming that your step has been recorded.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 up to 99 times per show.
9. Press “BLACK-OUT“ twice to exit record mode.
8. Editing Shows
8a. Adding steps to an existing show
1. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the Record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
2. Select the show you want to edit by pressing show button 1 or 2. The show LED will
continually flash and the LCD will display the total amount of show steps included into the
selected show- “SH:xx“.
3. To view the previously recorded steps, press the same show button, both show and record
LED’s will be lit. Use the “UP/DOWN“ buttons to scroll to the step you would like to add a new
step after. Once you find the step, press the same show button again so that the show LED is
flashing. (You must exit this preview mode before you can record or add the new step).
4. From your DMX controller, select the scene to be added or adjust the dimmer channels to
your desired setting.
5. Adjust the steps hold time by pressing the “SPEED“ button. Next, use the
“UP/DOWN“ buttons to select the hold time ranging from 0.1 (one tenth of a second) to 10:00
(ten minutes).
6. Adjust the steps fade time by pressing the “FADE“ button. Next, use the
“UP/DOWN“ buttons to select the hold time ranging from 0.1 (one tenth of a second) to 10:00
(ten minutes).

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Adding show steps to an existing show cont.
7. To record the new step, press “Record“. All eight chase LED’s will momentarily flash and
the LCD will display the new show step confirming that your step has been recorded.
8. Repeat steps 3 -5 to add additional show steps.
9. Press “BLACK-OUT“ twice to exit record mode.
8b. Deleting show steps
1. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the Record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
2. Select show you want to edit by pressing show buttons 1 or 2. The show LED will
continually flash and the LCD will display the total amount of show steps included into the
selected show- “SH:xx“.
3. To view the previously recorded steps, press the same show button, both show and record
LED’s will be lit. Use the “UP/DOWN“ buttons to scroll to the step you would like to delete.
Once you find the step, press the same show button again so that the show LED is flashing.
(You must exit this preview mode before you can delete the step).
4. Press the “DELETE“ button. All eight chase LED’s will momentarily flash and the LCD will
display the previous show step confirming that the step has been deleted.
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 to delete additional steps.
6. Press “BLACK-OUT“ twice to exit record mode.
8c. Deleting Shows
1. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the Record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
2. Press and hold down the “Delete“ button, then press the show button 1 or 2 you want to
delete. All eight chase LED’s will momentarily flash and the show button you selected will not
be lit anymore confirming that the show has been deleted.
3. Repeat step 2 to delete additional shows.
4. Press “BLACK-OUT“ twice to exit record mode.
9. Strobe Function Assign
1. Press and hold down the “Record“ button and simultaneously press chase buttons 1, 6, 8,1,
6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the record LED will illuminate. (Note: if you do not have a DMX
controller connected to the DMX input of the DMX Duo as described in the previous step, you
will not be able to access the Record mode).
2. From your DMX controller, select a pre programmed strobe scene or manually set your
strobe or shutter channel to strobe at the desired flash rate.
3. Press the “STROBE“ button to record and save the scene. All eight chase LED’s will flash
momentarily confirming that the scene has been saved.
4. To exit, press “BLACK-OUT“ twice.

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10. Playback
10a. Chase Playback
Chases can be played back in two modes- “Sequence“ or “Mix“. Sequence mode allows for
chases to be played back one at a time. All eight chases can be selected at one time.
However, the chase with the flashing LED is the only active chase running at the given time.
Once that chase has finished, the next selected chase will automatically begin to run and it’s
LED will begin to flash until it finishes. This sequence mode will automatically loop all
selected chases. Mix mode allows up to eight chases to be played back at any one time. This
mode allows for the highest values to take effect over a given channel. For example, if one
chase contains a value of 126 for channel 2 and another chase contains a value of 246 for
channel 2 then the chase containing the value of 246 will take precedence because it is a
higher value.
10b. Sequencing chase playback
1. Press chase buttons 1-8 you wish playback. The active chase LED flash continuously and
the LCD will display the selected chase number followed by the sequencing chase steps-
“C1-8:1-99“. (Note: if more than one chase was selected, the chases will continue to
sequence from one to the next in the order they were selected).
2. Press the “SPEED“ button to adjust the chase rate. Use the “UP/DOWN“ buttons to set
the chase rate ranging from 0.1 (one tenth of a second) to 10:00 (ten minutes).
3. Press the “FADE“ button to adjust the chase fade time. Use the “UP/DOWN“ buttons to
set the fade time ranging from 0.1 (one tenth of a second) to 10:00 (ten minutes).
4. To disengage a chase, press the chase button you wish to turn off. The chase buttons
LED will turn off confirming that it will no longer be included in the sequence.
10c. Mix chase playback
1. Press and hold down any recorded chase button 1-8, then select other chases you want
included in your mixed chase playback. All selected chases will then flash continuously
indicating that they are part of the mixed chase playback.
2. Press the “SPEED“ button to adjust the chase rate. Use the “UP/DOWN“ buttons to set
the chase rate ranging from 0.1 (one tenth of a second) to 10:00 (ten minutes).
3. Press the “FADE“ button to adjust the chase fade time. Use the “UP/DOWN“ buttons to set
the fade time ranging from 0.1 (one tenth of a second) to 10:00 (ten minutes).
4. Press any chase button twice to exit mix chase mode.
10d. Show Playback
Shows can be played back in two modes- “Sequence“ or “Mix“. Sequence mode allows for
shows to be played back one at a time. Both shows can be selected at one time. However,
the show with the flashing LED is the only active show running at the given time. Once that
show has finished, the next selected show will automatically begin to run and it’s LED will
begin to flash until it finishes. This sequence mode will automatically loop both shows
continuously. Mix mode allows both shows to be played back at any one time. This mode
allows for the highest values to take effect over a given channel. For example, if one show
contains a value of 161 for channel 3 and the other show contains a value of 223 for channel
3 then the show containing the value of 223 will take precedence because it is a higher value.
This mode works very well with moving lights.

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10e. Sequencing show playback
1. Press show buttons 1 & 2. The active show LED will flash continuously and the LCD will
display the selected show number followed by the sequencing show steps- “S1-2:1-99“. (Note:
in this mode the shows will continue to loop from one to the other. Speed and Fade buttons
do not have any effect in show playback as speed and fade times were recorded in show
record mode).
2. To disengage a show, press the show button you wish to turn off. The show button LED
will turn off confirming that it will no longer be included in the sequence.
10f. Mix show playback
1. Press and hold down either recorded show button 1 or 2, then press the other show
button and release both simultaneously. Both show LED’s will then flash continuously
indicating that they are in mix show playback mode.
2. To exit this mode, press either show button twice.
10g. Strobe playback
1. Press “STROBE“ button when effect is desired.
2. This function complies with HTP principle(Higher takes precedence) if a chase 1-8 or
show 1-2 is selected.
11. Audio / Manual
When running chases or shows, you can also select between running them in audio or manual modes.
11a. Activating audio mode
1. While playing chases or shows back, press the “MODE“ button. An indicator light will
illuminate in the LCD next to the AUDIO silk screen. This confirms you are in audio or sound
active mode. Your chases and shows will now be triggered to sound via an internal
microphone in the DMX Duo.
2. To exit audio mode, press the “MODE“ button twice. Your chases and shows will now
return to the default speed and fade times.
11b. Activating manual mode
1. While playing chases or shows back, press the “MODE“ button twice. An indicator light
will illuminate in the LCD next to the MANUAL silk screen. This confirms you are in manual
mode. Your chases and shows can now be triggered manually by using the
“UP/DOWN“ buttons. The UP button will advance your chase or show one step each time it is
pressed and the DOWN button will go back one step each time it is pressed.
2. To exit manual mode, press the “MODE“ button once. Your chases and shows will now
return to the default speed and fade times.
12. Fog Machine
The “FOG“ button is used to trigger an analog 5 pin (midi style connector) remote fog machine. This
button is a momentary function so it will trigger your fogger as long as you hold the button down.
Compatible foggers include: MB-1000, STALLION, VAPORIZOR, VAPOR FLOW, FOG STORM-1200
and FOG STORM-1700.

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13. Send & Receive
Send and Receive are two functions used when you want to transfer information from one DMX Duo to
another.
1. Using an XLR cable connect from the output of your master unit (unit that contains the
programs) into the input of your slave unit (unit that contains nothing or something you wish
to overwrite).
2. On your master unit, press and hold down the “SEND“ button and simultaneously press
chase buttons 1, 6, 8, 1, 6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the send LED will illuminate and the
LCD will display “SEnd“ indicating it is ready to send information.
3. On your slave unit, press and hold down the “RECEIVE“ button and simultaneously press
chase buttons 1, 6, 8, 1, 6, 8 in sequence. As a result, the receive LED will illuminate and the
LCD will display “IN“ and is now ready to receive information.
4. Press “SEND“ on your master unit and the information will begin to transfer to your slave
unit. Once complete, the LCD on both your master and slave units will display
“END“ indicating that the transfer is complete.
5. Press “BLACK-OUT“ to exit.
14. Blackout Setup
This feature allows you to set your DMX Duo to activate or deactivate black out on power up. Deactivating
allows you to automatically begin playback of chases and shows on power up.
1. Flip the power switch to the “OFF“ position.
2. Press and hold the “FADE“ and “SHOW 2“ buttons simultaneously and flip the power
switch to the “ON“ position. As a result, the LCD will display “Y-BO“ or “N-BO“ depending on
the current active setting.
3. If you wish to have blackout active on power up, press the “FADE“ button so the LCD
display’s “N-BO“. If you wish to deactivated black out on power up, press the “FADE“ button
so the LCD display’s “Y-BO“.
4. To confirm your blackout setting, press the “BLACK-OUT“ button.
15. Erase all memory
Use this function only if you wish to completely erase every chase and show currently stored in your DMX
Duo.
1. Flip the power switch to the “OFF“ position.
2. Press and hold the “RECORD“, “SPEED“, “SHOW 1“ and “BLACK-OUT“ buttons and
simultaneously flip the power switch to the “ON“ position. All memory will now be erased.