ETC IRIDEON User manual

Control Installation and User Manual
Revision B
Copyright © Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
All Rights reserved.
Product information and specifications subject to change.
Part Number:
7090M1008 Rev B
Released: 11/02

ETC®, Irideon®, Composer™, Composer Lite™, AR50™, AR6™, AR500™, Building
With Light™, and the Building Designs are registered trademarks owned by
Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc., 3030 Laura Lane, Middleton, Wisconsin, USA,
registered in the United States and other countries.
Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and other countries.

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual i
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Chapter 1 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Irideon Control System Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Composer / MCP Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Composer Lite™ Control System. . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
DMX Interpreter Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Chapter 2 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Input Power and Control Cabling for Irideon Control
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Installation Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Master Control Processor (MCP) .....................18
Astronomical Time Clock (ATC).......................20
Remote Control Stations ..................................23
Composer Lite..................................................25
Luminaire Programming Jack (LPJ).................26
DMX Interpreter................................................27
Product Detail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Master Control Processor - detail.....................29
Astronomical Time Clock (ATC)- detail ............31
Remote Station - detail.....................................32
DMX Interpreter - detail....................................34
Power Up Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Chapter 3 System Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
System Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
MCP/DMX Interpreter Testing..........................38
Remote Station and ATC Testing ....................38

ii Table of Contents
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
System Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Symptom Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Chapter 5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Recommended Safety Practices ..................... 48
MCP and DMX Interpreter Maintenance.......... 48
Appendix A Software Hardware Components . 57
Software/Hardware Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Appendix B Astronomical Time Clock installation
instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Astronomical Time Clock (ATC) installation
instructions for existing MCP/Remote Station
installations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Installation of the ATC into an existing system:62
Appendix C Astronomical Time Clock Program-
ming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Introduction to Programming the ATC . . . . . . . . . . 68
Astronomical Time Clock (ATC) Programming . . .72
Appendix D DMX Addressing. . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Luminaire addressing via a DMX512 Console. . . .76
Recalibration .................................................... 76
DMX Channel Maps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual 1
Introduction
This manual covers detailed steps for installation and operation of the
Irideon® control system. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the
existing luminaire owners manual for the specific luminaire type you are
using.
The introduction contains the following sections:
• Using this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
•Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
• Recommended Safety Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
• Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

2Introduction
Using this manual
This manual is intended for use in conjunction with the manual specific to
your luminaire type. This document will cover the detailed steps for
installation of the Irideon® control system as well as general information
for the owner. Instructions for removing and installing user replaceable
items can also be found in this manual.
Note: Notes are helpful hints and information that is supplemental to the main
text.
CAUTION: A Caution statement indicates situations where there may be
undefined or unwanted consequences of an action, potential for
data loss or an equipment problem.
WARNING: A Warning statement indicates situations where damage may
occur, people may be harmed, or there are serious or
dangerous consequences of an action.
Related Documents
In addition to this user guide, the following documents are related to the
ETC®, Inc. Irideon® product line:
Composer™ Software V3.1.3 User Guide
The Composer Software V3.1.3 User Guide describes all operational
information associated with the Composer Software application. The
manual does not provide detailed descriptions of the Composer Hardware
components such as the MCP, ATC, Remote Stations, or the automated
lighting fixtures themselves. Refer to the associated user manuals for
additional information on those components.
Composer Lite™ V1.1 User Guide
The Composer Lite V1.1 User Guide describes all operational information
associated with the Composer Lite software application. The manual does
not provide detailed descriptions of the automated lighting fixtures
themselves. Refer to the associated user manuals for additional
information on those components.
AR50™ Wash Luminaire Owner’s Manual
The AR50 Wash Luminaire Owner’s Manual provides a detailed reference
on the AR50 luminaire. Fully illustrated, the manual gives step-by-step
procedures for site preparation, physical mounting, address configuration,
power and control cabling, testing and troubleshooting, and field
maintenance procedures, including lamp replacement.
AR6™ Recessed Luminaire Owner’s Manual
The AR6 Recessed Luminaire Owner’s Manual provides a detailed
reference on the AR6 luminaire. Fully illustrated, the manual gives step-
by-step procedures for site preparation, physical mounting, address
configuration, power and control cabling, testing and troubleshooting, and
field maintenance procedures, including lamp replacement.

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual 3
AR500™ Exterior Wash Luminaire Owner’s Manual
The AR500 Exterior Wash Luminaire Owner’s Manual provides a detailed
reference on the AR500 luminaire. Fully illustrated, the manual gives step-
by-step procedures for site preparation, physical mounting, address
configuration, power and control cabling, testing and troubleshooting, and
field maintenance procedures, including lamp replacement.
Maintenance
The ETC Irideon® Control System is designed for maintenance free
operation. In the event problems do occur, please contact your local ETC
service center or call ETC Technical Support. This manual also contains a
troubleshooting guide to aid in the identification of failures discovered
during initial installation or daily use.
Recommended Safety Practices
Do not install this equipment with power applied. Ensure incoming power
is disconnected prior to installation or maintenance of this equipment.

4Introduction
Support
If you are having difficulties, your most convenient resources are the
references given in this manual, the luminaire manual, and Software
manual provided with your system. To search more widely, try the ETC
web site at www.etcconnect.com.
Your Dealer
ETC, Inc. has a network of authorized dealers. Please call the ETC, Inc.
Sales Department for information about contacting an authorized dealer in
your area. Your authorized dealer has been thoroughly trained and
equipped to assist you with your automated lighting needs. Contact your
dealer first if you have any technical questions. For your convenience,
write the name, address, and phone number of your dealer here:
Name: ___________________________________
Address: __________________________________
City: _____________State: ___Zip: _________
Phone: ________________Fax: ______________
Technical Support
If none of these resources is sufficient, contact ETC Technical Support
hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central time, Monday through
Friday. If you call after hours, you may leave voice mail. The voice mail
activates a pager, so please indicate clearly if your problem is an
emergency. Emergency calls can generally be handled within a
reasonable time.
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free:800-688-4116 (US Only)
When calling for assistance please have the following information
handy:
• Type of system installation (ex. Composer with MCP, Composer Lite,
or DMX Interpreter).
• List of components in system including luminaire types and other
interfaces to the system.
E-Mail
Ask questions and receive detailed answers from the Technical Support
Department. Just send e-mail to the address listed below. You will receive
a reply by e-mail.
[email protected]
Fax
You can fax questions or comments to ETC, Inc. Just send a fax to the
number listed below. You will receive a reply by fax.
608.836.1736

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual 5
Americas
ETC International
Technical Services Department
3030 Laura Lane
Middleton, WI 53562
[phone] (US ONLY)
[phone]
[email protected]
Europe
ETC Europe Ltd.
Technical Services Department
5 Victoria Industrial Estate
Victoria Road,
London W3 6UU England
[phone]
[email protected]
Asia
ETC Asia, Ltd.
Technical Services Department
Room 605-606
Tower III, Enterprise Square
9 Sheung Yuet Road
Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
[phone]
[email protected]

6Introduction
(This page intentionally blank)

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual 7
Chapter 1
System Overview
The Irideon architectural lighting control system is designed to maximize
the full potential of Irideon multi-parameter luminaires.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Irideon Control System Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
• Composer / MCP Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
• Composer Lite™ Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
• DMX Interpreter Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

8System Overview
Irideon Control System Options
The Irideon system is a modularized control system designed to maximize
the full potential of Irideon® multi-parameter automated luminaires. ETC®
Inc., offers three control system options for Irideon® automated
luminaires. Depending on the requirements of your application your
control system may be defined as any of the following.
• For maximum flexibility and convenience your control system may
include a Composer / MCP Control System. This system is comprised
of a PC running Windows® (PC not provided by ETC), Composer
Software, and a Maser Control Processor (MCP). Optional controls for
this system type may include Remote Control Stations and the Irideon
Astronomical Time Clock (ATC).
• A simpler less complex control system may include Composer Lite
Control System. This system is comprised of a PC running Windows®
(PC not provided by ETC), Composer Lite Software and a RJ45
connection from the PC to the luminaire or programming jack for
programming. This system is limited to a maximum of 31 Irideon
luminaires. The ATC and Remote Control Stations are not compatible.
• For integration of DMX512 control sources your system may include a
DMX Interpreter System which converts DMX512 into Irideon protocol
allowing Irideon luminaires to be controlled from any DMX512
controller.

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual 9
Composer / MCP Control System
The Composer / MCP Control System provides flexible control of your
Irideon luminaires. This type of system must include a PC running
Windows®, Composer Software, and a Master Control Processor.
Optional controls include Remote Stations and Astronomical Time Clock.
•Personal Computer (PC not provided by ETC) - Used to program
lighting presets and sequences, execute diagnostics, and
communicate to Master Control Processor. The PC connects the
Master Control Processor (MCP) via serial extension cable to a DB9
connector located on the front panel of the MCP or connected to the
MCP remotely via MCP Remote Programming Receptacle station.
The PC can download programmed sequence data to the MCP for
later recall. After initial programming and the show download is
complete the PC may then be removed from the system until updated
programming is required.
Minimum recommended requirements for the PC:
• Pentium Processor, 75MHz
•16MbRAM
• 15Mb available hard disk space
• Unused serial comm port
• VGA color display
ClosureStation
StationAddress
x10 x1
AC
AC
AC
AC
MCP
ATC
CS
MPR 8RS 2RS
To DMX-512
Devices
AR6's
AR50's AR500's
Standard & Remote
Luminaire Data
Recall Station
Data & 24VDC

10 System Overview
• Compact Disc drive
• 3.5” high-density disk drive (optional)
• Mouse or other pointing device
• Windows® operating system loaded
•Composer Software - A Windows® based control software
application designed to provide a user friendly means of designing,
programming, operating, and testing Irideon luminaires and DMX
devices. Composer Software contains step-by-step instructions in the
easy to understand user’s guide to assist in the programming process.
Features of Composer Software:
• Intuitive graphic user interface
• 62 luminaires with MCP
• 31 remote stations with MCP
• 250 presets
• Manual and Remote on/off
• Store and recall of presets, sequences, and schedules for up
to 10 rooms.
• Focus points
• Luminaire and DMX channel groups
•Master Control Processor (MCP) - Acts as a remote CPU for the
control system. The MCP can receive downloaded preset and
sequence data from the PC via a DB9 receptacle located on the front
panel of the MCP or from an MCP Remote Programming Receptacle
station. Once the program is downloaded the MCP stores the data and
the PC can be removed from the system.
Features of the MCP:
• Rack or Wall mount
• 100-240VAC operating voltage
• Non-volatile memory
• Auto reset after power outage
• DB-9 receptacle for programming
• Internal 365-day clock/calendar for activation of scheduled
events
• Two dedicated RS485 output ports for the control of up to 31
luminaires each
• A third RS485 output port is available for connection of up to
31 Remote Stations
• A fourth output port is available for programming and play-
back of 512 DMX channels
• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and LED indicator matrix pro-
vides constant status of the overall system in addition to display-
ing the internal clock/calendar

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual 11
•Irideon Astronomical Time Clock (ATC) - Provides interface to the
Composer / MCP system enabling astronomical time programmed
events throughout the calendar year.
Features of the ATC:
• Rack or Wall mount
• Available in both 120v or 230v operating voltage
• Easy programming of astronomical events
• Easy to install
• 4 bonus dry Contacts for external sensors
•8 and 2 Button Recall Station (8RS or 2RS) - Recall stations can be
mapped with any programmed event (preset, sequence, recalibrate).
Available for use with Composer / MCP control systems only.
Features of Button Recall Stations:
• Easy installation
• Integral LED for visual indication of the activated event.
• Preset recall
• Sequence activation
• Zone control
• User definable buttons
• Multiple templates
• Security
•Key switch station (KS) - Station used to disable or enable adjacent
recall stations in a Composer System. Available for Composer / MCP
control systems only.
•Closure station (CS) - A wall mounted station that provides remote
termination of remote sensors and/or switches to activate a
programmed event. The closure station offer eight programmable
inputs accepting momentary or maintained contact. Available for use
with Composer / MCP control systems only.
•MCP Remote Programming Receptacle (MPR) - A wall mounted
RS-232 (DB-9 connector) communication link to the MCP allowing
temporary remote access to the system for initial programming.
Available for use with Composer / MCP control systems only.

12 System Overview
Composer Lite™ Control System
The Composer Lite Control System provides low cost control of your
Irideon automated luminaires. This type of system must include only a PC
running Windows®, Composer Lite Software, RS232-RS485 adaptor, and
at least one but no more than 31 Irideon automated luminaires. Optional
accessories include a Luminaire Programming jack, and a Composer Lite
Programming kit. Remote control stations are not compatible with
Composer Lite systems.
•Personal Computer (PC not provided by ETC) - Used to define all
programmed actions, including presets and sequences.
Minimum recommended requirements for the PC:
• Pentium Processor, 75MHz
•16MbRAM
• 30Mb available hard disk space
• Unused serial comm port
• VGA color display
• Compact Disc drive
• 3.5” high-density disk drive (optional)
• Mouse or other pointing device
• Windows® operating system loaded
AC
TERMINATION RESISTOR
RS-232 TO RS-485
CO NV ERT ER
RJ45 WALL MOUNT
FO R PERMA NENT
INSTALLATIONS
RJ- 45 CA BLE

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual 13
•Composer Lite Software - A Windows® based control software
application designed for use with up to 31 Irideon automated
luminaires used in applications desiring single sequence operation.
Composer Lite Software step by step instructions in the easy to
understand user’s guide to assist in the programming process.
Features of Composer Lite Software:
• Intuitive graphic user interface
• Low cost automated luminaire control
• Controls a maximum of 31 Irideon luminaires
• Single sequence operation with up to 30 presets.
•Luminaire Programming Jack (LPJ) - The luminaire programming
jack is a wall mounted RJ45 connector allowing direct communication
interface from a PC utilizing an RS232 to RS485 converter directly to
the luminaires.
•Composer Lite Programming Kit (CLPK) - A kit which includes
RS232-RS485 converter, RJ45-5p XLR cable, and a DB25 modem
power supply for programming convenience.

14 System Overview
DMX Interpreter Control System
For integration of DMX512 control sources your system may include a
DMX Interpreter which converts DMX512 data into Irideon protocol thus
allowing Irideon luminaires to be controlled from a DMX console. Remote
control stations are not compatible with the DMX Interpreter.
Features of the DMX Interpreter:
• Rack or Wall mount
• 100-240VAC operating voltage
• Front panel status indication
• On board test diagnostics
• Non-volatile memory
• Auto reset after power outage
• Two dedicated RS485 output ports for control of up to
31luminaires each.
• A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and LED indicator matrix pro-
vides constant status of the overall system in addition to display-
ing the internal clock/calendar.
AC
AC
DMX CONTROLLER
INPUT
DMX INTERPRETER

Irideon Control Installation and User Manual 15
Chapter 2
Installation
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
• Input Power and Control Cabling for Irideon Control System17
• Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
• Master Control Processor (MCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
• Astronomical Time Clock (ATC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
• Remote Control Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
• Composer Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
• Luminaire Programming Jack (LPJ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
• DMX Interpreter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
•ProductDetail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
• Master Control Processor - detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
• Astronomical Time Clock (ATC)- detail. . . . . . . . . . . .31
• Remote Station - detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
• DMX Interpreter - detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
• Power Up Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

16 Installation
Site Preparation
When selecting locations for the DMX Interpreter, MCP, ATC, and
associated Remote Control Stations (if applicable) consideration should
be given to the overall length of daisy-chained cable runs. Recommended
maximum overall cable length for each data run and remote control run
cannot exceed 1000 feet total.
Note: The installation contractor is responsible for compliance with local
electrical codes.
WARNING: Do not install this equipment with power applied. Ensure
incoming power is disconnected prior to installation or
maintenance of this equipment.