ETC MATRIX MK. II User manual

MATRIX MK. II DIMMING SYSTEM
User Manual
Version: 3.99
Copyright © Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
All Rights reserved.
Product information and specifications subject to change.
Part number: 7540M1200-3.99 Rev. A
Released: May 2010

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Matrix®, Matrix Mk2®, DimSTAT®, are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. in the United States and
other countries.
A
ll other trademarks
,
both marked and not marked
,
are the
p
ro
p
ert
y
of their res
p
ective owners.

i
Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................... 1
Congratulations...................................................................1
Using this Manual................................................................1
Chapter 1 Overview.......................................................... 3
System Components...........................................................2
Processor............................................................................2
Dimmer Monitoring Interface Overview ..............................3
Dimming System features...................................................4
Chapter 2 Basic Navigation.............................................. 6
Processor user Interface.....................................................6
Chapter 3 Configuration Procedures................................ 8
Initial settings ......................................................................8
Number of modules in use........................................8
Select load rating of modules ...................................8
Setup schemes for channels and DMX....................9
DMX Programming..............................................................9
To set up a DMX addressing scheme ....................10
To set up DMX addresses......................................10
DMX A/B Arbitration................................................11
To set up a DMX Backup condition........................11
To set up a DMX Backup preset.............................12
To set up a DMX Minimum reset............................12
DMX lamp features ...........................................................13
To set up DMX lamp tuning....................................13
To set up DMX lamp saver.....................................13
Network settings................................................................14
DimSTAT Address..................................................14

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Contents To set up a serial address ......................................14
Ethernet ..................................................................14
To set up the dimmer IP address ...........................14
To set up the dimmer subnet mask ........................15
To set up the dimmer gateway address .................15
To set up the merger IP address............................16
To set up the merger subnet mask.........................16
To set up the merger gateway address..................17
To set up the merger universes..............................17
Channel settings ...............................................................18
Maximum & minimum levels...................................18
Response time........................................................18
Dimmer curves........................................................19
Non-dim operation..................................................20
Maximum current....................................................20
To set up priority channels......................................21
Current limitation.....................................................21
Voltage regulation...................................................22
Line voltage calibration...........................................22
To set voltage regulation ........................................23
To set maximum output voltage..............................23
Phase-on and Phase-off settings ...........................23
Start mode ..............................................................24
Passwords.........................................................................25
Presets and manual control functions...............................26
To set up digital switch presets ..............................26
To set up digital switch functions............................26
To reset all presets.................................................27
Manual dimmer control...........................................27
Local fault reporting ..........................................................28
To check fault history..............................................28
To analyse dimmer status and performance..........29

iii
Contents
Matrix OS Software...........................................................29
To check dimmer software version.........................29
Firmware update.....................................................30
Miscellaneous ...................................................................30
Sleep mode.............................................................30
Check ventilation ....................................................31
Return to factory settings........................................31
Factory defaults ......................................................32
Chapter 4 Service........................................................... 43
Contacting ETC about Equipment Problems........................
Changing Rack Modules.......................................................
Regular inspection ................................................................
Check ventilation system...........................................
Annual inspection .......................................................
Fault finding...........................................................................
Main power failure ......................................................
Failure of a group of dimmers.....................................
Failure of a single dimmer ..........................................
Over temperature alarm..............................................
Over voltage alarm .....................................................
Serial data loss ...........................................................
DMX data loss.............................................................
Appendix A Processor menus...............................................
Appendix B Schematic diagram............................................

iv

1
Introduction
Congratulations...
on the purchase of an ETC Matrix® MkII system. Matrix MkII continues ETC's
tradition of providing the highest quality products for the entertainment lighting
market.
Using this Manual
This manual describes the general operation and programming information for the
Matrix Mk.II dimming system. Installation, maintenance and servicing details are
available in separate manuals. Owing to the range of options available, this user
manual may describe modules and features which are not directly relevant to a
specific installation.
The following symbols are used in this manual to alert you to danger or important
information.
Note: Provides important information about your installation
CAUTION: Alerts you to important information relating to equipment performance or reliability.
WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! warns you when electricity may cause injury.
WARNING: warns you where there is a possibility of other types of injury.

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Chapter 1
Overview
System Components
The Matrix MkII dimming system consists of Matrix Mk.II racks, a Matrix Processor
per rack, and various dimmer module types. A module may contain an SCR dimmer
or a sine wave dimmer, but in addition, a module may contain only a circuit breaker,
a group of relays for switching either conventional lighting or HMI sources, dimmers
enhanced for Fluorescent loads, or may contain no electronics at all.
Matrix Mk.II Processor
The Matrix modules in each rack are managed by a rack Processor unit. The Matrix
Mk.II Processor stores the settings for each module in the rack, manages the data
lines into the rack, provides display for and access to the internal settings of each
channel in the rack's modules. Although each rack processor is central to the full
operation of Matrix Mk.II, each module's own processing capabilities ensure that
basic dimming facilities are maintained even if a major fault affects one of the dual
processing paths within the rack Processor. The dual processors are:
Merge Processor: for managing data distribution to the dimmer modules
with direct inputs from DMX 1 and 2 (main data lines), Ethernet control data,
RS422 touch panels and 48 switched inputs via optional interfaces.
Screen Processor: for setup, status reports and monitoring, with direct
inputs from DMX 1 and 2 (backup lines), Ethernet DimSTAT and RS485
DimSTAT.
The Processor serves as a real-time processor for incoming control signals and
transmits that information to the individual modules. It also monitors the system
status and reports any errors, both locally, on its own display panel and the affected
module's status LEDs, and remotely through the DimSTAT® network.
The Processor can be used to configure its rack within the system. Configuration and
error data can be accessed either locally at the Processor keypad, or by using the
DimSTAT network PC screen.
Networked Matrix Mk.II systems can be divided into separately configured
subsystems called groups. A group would typically represent one auditorium or one
studio in a theatre or TV studio complex. There is no limit to the number of groups,
but the maximum number of Processors (i.e. racks in the system) is 255, which is
equivalent to 45,900 channels.

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The Matrix Processor has capacity to accept Ethernet data and regular DMX, to
choose two universes from the Ethernet data (for main and backup control lines A
and B), and to output DMX on XLR and RJ45 cat5 connections.
Matrix Mk.II Modules
The range of modules includes a choice of SCR rated at
3kW, 5kW or 12kW per channel with 400µS risetime chokes,
Sine wave dimmers rated at 1.25kW, 2.3kW, 3kW, 5kW or
12kW per channel, fluorescent modules rated at 3kW or 5kW
per channel, Non-Dim relays rated at 16A or 32A,
continuous supply modules rated at 16A, 32A or 63A, Solid-
state switches 4kW HMI and 10kW 3-phase HMI non-dim
relays with ignition detection.
Matrix Mk.II offers either 1,2,4 or 6 channel module options
depending on protection required. Generally, most 6 channel
modules include one RCD and 6 individual MCBs, and a 4
channel module has space for individual RCBOs per
channel.
Matrix Mk.II dimmer cabinets
The range of Matrix Mk.II dimming cabinets includes 1600 and
2000mm heights, 600 or 800mm widths (800mm incorporates a
front access only swing frame), and a choice of wiring to
accommodate up to a maximum of 6 channels per module. The 6-
channel wiring version provides higher density, and gives more
flexibility for future expansion (it is compatible with 4-channel
modules as well).
All terminals are high-specification spring loaded terminals for
4mm (3kW), 10mm (5kW) and 16mm (10kW) load terminations.
There are 4 styles of cabinet for either 6-way or 4-way
configurations, with or without swing frame (front access only). All
are in standard ETC colours except where shown:
1600mm (h) x 800mm (w) x 800mm (d) swing frame,
4- or 6-way for 18 modules
2000mm (h) x 800mm (w) x 800mm (d) swing frame,
4- or 6-way for 18 modules
2000mm (h) x 800mm (w) x 800mm (d) swing frame,
4- or 6-way for 27 modules
1600mm (h) x 600mm (w) x 800mm (d) 6-way for 12 modules
(RAL7035 light grey)
1600mm (h) x 600mm (w) x 800mm (d) 6-way for 18 modules (RAL7035 light grey)
2000mm (h) x 600mm (w) x 800mm (d) 6-way for 27 modules (RAL7035 light grey)

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Matrix Mk.II Dimmer Monitoring Interface Overview
Each Matrix Mk.II power device in the system may be linked to a PC network using
DimSTAT® software for the purpose of remote control, set-up, status monitoring and
fault reporting. The system operates through a regular polling of dimmers, and if a
fault occurs, the report can be investigated from the PC in the first instance. The
network link is also used to upgrade software when appropriate.
DimSTAT provides a system-wide network, and operates on a host polling protocol
where the PC searches for connected dimmers at initiation, and then regularly polls
dimmers for data to display. If a fault occurs, the PC’s display instantly shows the
detail, and if the fault is cleared the system resets accordingly. Information displayed
includes: DMX start address per unit, DMX OK, line voltage, current per channel(with
most modules), dimmer curve, response time, max. setting, type of fault reported
(temperature, overload etc.), date and time of fault. It is possible to set the dimmer
curve, start address and pre-heat from DimSTAT software on the PC.
The operation and performance of the Matrix dimmer is monitored constantly and
comprehensively by the on-board data processors, and this information is available
on the LCD screen of the dimmer rack, and through DimSTAT. The parameters
measured and reported are:
a) DMX OK
b) DMX channel numbers
c) DMX levels
d) line voltage
e) current per dimmer (with suitable modules)
f) current per phase per rack
g) set frequency
h) dimmer curve

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i) temperature per module
j) Cosine and ignition information for HMI modules
k) MCB / RCBO trip
Normal operation
In normal rehearsal and performance situations, the home screen is displayed with
the list of all dimmers in the system. This display normally shows green indications if
the dimmers are operating correctly, grey if communication is lost, and red if a
reportable fault has been received.
If a dimmer reports a fault, click on the dimmer reference or icon, and DimSTAT will
switch to the main screen. The fault reported will be a red warning related to a
dimmer channel number in the list of faults.
DimSTAT offers interrogation facilities for each dimmer in the system at any time. To
check the mains supply voltage, load current, temperatures etc, simply select a
dimmer and view the data in the main screen.
Saving and recalling dimmer system configuration settings
DimSTAT is able to save the settings for all dimmers in the installation as a file. It
follows that many settings can be saved for different shows or variable conditions or
a change of hook-up. Before saving a configuration, remember to send all changed
data to the dimmers and check that the settings are correct. The data in DimSTAT
should be considered as a copy of the dimmer settings, and therefore the data
should be compared before and after disk transfers.
For details, refer to the DimSTAT operator’s handbook.
Matrix Dimming System Features
Modularity
Matrix Mk.II offers a wide range of plug-in power control devices including SCR and
Sine wave dimming, relay switch circuits and continuous power modules. Modules
can be exchanged safely with power applied, and modules with similar capacity can
be exchanged with each other (e.g. sine wave for SCR).
SCR dimmers
A wide choice of SCR dimmer modules are available with 400µS filters; 3kW, 5kW or
10kW capacity per channel; fluorescent versions with associated heater supply; a
choice of protection devices including MCB, RCD and RCBO.
Sine wave dimmers
Silent, low harmonic sine wave dimmer modules are available with options for 1.5kW,
3kW, 5kW and 10kW capacity per channel; fluorescent versions with associated
heater supply; a choice of protection devices including MCB, RCD and RCBO. Key
features of Matrix Mk.II sine wave technology are:
Silence: Silent lamp filaments. Sine wave does not eliminate natural filament
resonance from a 50Hz mains supply, but it is no more noisy than if the lamp head is
connected to a maintained mains supply. Buzzing cables, trunking, transformers and
switchgear are no longer a problem with sine wave dimming.
No reactive power: Creating less that 1% additional harmonic distortion and no 3rd
or 5th order harmonics, sine wave dimmers can actually be cheaper to run as the
reactive power demand is eliminated from supply bills. Costs are significantly less for
rewired venues, or new builds, because the usual requirement to overrate cables,
and switchgear by 40% is no longer an issue. That means a lot less copper and

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expense. Smaller transformers and backup generators can be purchased, offering
great savings.
Environmentally friendly: Providing a pure sinewave, SineWave technology avoids
the peak currents which stress filaments and also eliminates harmonic currents which
can affect other equipment and cause transformers to overheat. Cables and
generators also benefit - with a pure sinewave supply, the infrastructure does not
have to be overrated (usually 40% excess for normal dimming systems).
Non-Dim Switches
Relay switch modules are available for regular loads of either 3kW or 5kW HMI
sensing with options of MCB, RCD and RCBO.
Distributed processing
Each plug-in dimmer module has integral processing to maintain basic operation
even if a processors fails in the Matrix Rack Processor unit.
New to Matrix Mk.II
Higher density
The original Matrix offered a maximum of 162 x 2.5kW, 108 x 5kW or 27 x 10kW (or
mixtures of all three dimmer ratings). The new Matrix Mk.II is designed around a 4U
high module (44mm taller than previous modules) with space for up to 6 dimming
channels per module.
Increased economy
By increasing the dimmer count in each module to a maximum of 6, the per dimmer
cost can reduce for high-density installations.
Greater choice of channel ratings
The enlarged module size now allows for a rating upgrade from 2.5kW per channel to
3kW for SCR and sine wave. Sine wave dimmers are also available in 3kW, 5kW and
12kW ratings.
Improved efficiency
Even though the previous Matrix sine wave dimmers were very efficient for their type
(typically 97%), the new design includes a frequency boost to improve efficiency to
98%, better than many traditional SCR dimmers.

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Chapter 2
Basic Navigation
This section covers the functions and configuration of the Matrix Mk.II processor. It is
possible to password protect areas of the configuration facility, and this is explained
later, but for simplicity the details given here do not require password entry.
Processor User Interface
It is possible to set and view all of the performance and control characteristics,
measurements and status reports created by the dimmer from the Processor’s front
panel LCD screen.
The screen is a 40 x 4 character backlit LCD which provides visual feedback of
status and settings, and functional descriptions of the five soft-designated push
buttons (F1-F5) beneath the screen.
Additionally, a rotary encoder provides the input interface to adjusting levels and
choosing the dimmer’s internal characteristics and performance options.
Three green LED bar indicators L1, L2 and L3 light when three phases are present,
and a CHECK red led indicator illuminates when the processor has identified any
error which is unresolved.
Three MCBs are located to the right of the panel which supply 3-phases to the
Processor for internal electronics power supplies. An internal phase selector ensures
that power is available to the processor even if two of the three phases fail.
Optional local connections for data are included below buttons F1-F5. These include
Ethernet in, DMX in and through, and a RS422 serial connector. The data signals
may be accessed at the front panel connection strip, or in the case of rear access
only cabinets, via the rear connections. The connections are made to either front or
rear by two RJ45 Ethernet jumper cables, which can be clearly seen when the
processor is withdrawn from the cabinet.
Note: All of the following instructions relate to manual operation using the processor’s local
controls. If specific device has to be interrogated (i.e. for channel-specific features) activate the
required device by pressing its info button (above the device’s column of LEDs).

8
The processor’s functionality is available with DimSTAT and is generally faster and
easier to perform through DimSTAT using a PC using shortcuts to the Matrix’s setup
features, but for the purpose of this handbook the differences in using DimSTAT are
not described in detail. See the DimSTAT handbook for further details.
Basic use of the Processor user interface:
The ‘soft’ keys F1 – F5 are automatically labelled as the menu context changes. For
the home page shown above, the menus refer to:
Use F1 to access the DMX settings to set the DMX address for each
dimmer channel in each module (device). Navigate the menu by rotating the
encoder wheel either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Use F2 to access the internal preset settings to set and store dimmer
presets, preset in/out timings, DMX fail backup presets. Navigate the menu
by rotating the encoder wheel either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Use F3 to access the dimmer configuration menus to set all the custom
channel attributes – min, max levels, fade time T-in, T-out, dimmer curve,
non-dim operation I/O, priority, phase control, start mode, tune lamp
Use F4 to access the basic installation settings to set supply parameters,
Ethernet and DimSTAT addresses, no. of devices, change passwords, view
channel data live, and provide access to general settings for method of
channel and DMX addressing, DMX preferences, voltage regulation, current
limitation, lamp saving and lamp tuning and to test the ventilation system
and check firmware.
Use F5 for system reports. If there are no faults indicated by the CHECK
indicator, the INFO button shows the software version and nominal voltage
and current. If a fault is indicated, the error report is displayed for
interrogation and reset.
Details of each menu tree are shown in Appendix A.
PASSWORDS Note: For clarity, the following sections which describe programming activities
do not refer to the entry of passwords. Passwords are included to prevent accidental or casual
access to the SET-DMX, PRESETS, CONFIG and INSTALL menu trees. The passwords are 4-
digit numbers with a factory default of 0000 (no password necessary). It is possible to have the
same password throughout, or separate passwords for each menu tree. If any of the protected
menus is selected, the subsequent screen requests a password. This is achieved by pressing
the relevant <<<< and >>>> buttons to select the digit, and using the rotary encoder to enter the
number.
The initial power-up display shows the general setting parameters with the software
version. After a few seconds, this screen changes to the ‘home’ screen which
displays channel levels (bar graphs at the top right), the measured line voltages and
currents, and the status of the dimmers and DMX signals from device 1. The number
of bar graphs shown relates to the load selection of the device being monitored.
L1: 245V-38A DA-X UA-X OUTPUTS. _ ||| _ |||
L2: 247V-14A DB-X UB-X STATUS: OK
L3: 242V-20A RACK : 05 X DEVICE: 01X
SET-DMX PRESETS CONFIG INSTALL INFO

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Dimmer Module User Interface
Local control for each dimmer module is included within the Processor, and no direct
access is required with the module to view and adjust settings. However, each
module includes slave indicators and an info button for convenience. When the
interrogate button is pressed (message icon above the LED column) the Processor
LCD panel and controls are routed to the selected module.
Each front panel has an LED per output channel to indicate when there is an output,
or if there is a fault with a channel, and when power is applied to the module, the blue
'ON' LED is lit.
Press the info button
for the module's
activation button to
interrogate this
module via the
Processor LCD.
Individual status LED per channel.
Green = Output OK
Red = fault
None = no out
p
ut
Power ON LED (blue)

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Chapter 3
Configuration Procedures
Initial settings
Some settings for the Matrix rack are made during installation only, and many of the
channel configuration settings may only rarely be changed after the commissioning
period. Some other settings may be changed regularly on a show-by-show basis
(e.g. non-dim operation).
The initial settings required are to program the processor to search for a particular
number of Matrix ‘devices’ in each rack, and to choose the power ratings for each
Matrix device.
To check the number of modules (devices) programmed for use in the rack:
This menu defines the number of modules in use in the rack, and is set at the time of
installation.
1. Select INSTALL from the home screen
2. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose SELECT NUMBER OF
DEVICES menu. Press SELECT.
3. The screen shows
SELECT NUMBER OF DEVICES
DEVICES: 012
CANCEL ENTER
4. Use the rotary encoder to select the number of Matrix devices (the plug-in
modules) in the rack.
5. Press ENTER (to record the changes and return to the home screen) or CANCEL
(to leave the previous settings unchanged, and return to the home screen).
To select the load ratings of devices:
CAUTION: This feature sets the configuration of each dimmer module in the rack to define the
number of dimmers to be addressed and anticipated load and current measurements. If the
setting is incorrect, e.g. a 2 x 5kW dimmer is set up as a 1 x 12kW dimmer, the result will be two
adjacent channels operating as one.
This function is only available for the modules 4x3kW and 2x5kW sine wave
1. Activate a module (e.g. 12) by pressing its front panel access button (the
technology logo above the device’s column of LEDs). Or select the device with
the rotary encoder
2. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose LOAD SELECTION
menu in the . Press SELECT.
3. The screen shows:

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SELECT LOAD SELECTION DEVICE 12
LOAD: 4 x 3KW
EDIT CANCEL SAVE
5. Press EDIT.
6. Use the rotary encoder to select the channel configuration of the device:
4 x 3kW
2 x 5kW
1 x 12kW
7. Press SAVE (to record the changes and return to the home screen) or CANCEL
(to leave the previous settings unchanged, and return to the home screen).
8. Repeat for other devices by pressing their access buttons in sequence.
Setup schemes for channels and DMX
Matrix Mk.II dimmers have the capacity to store performance characteristics for each
dimmer channel individually. However, in some instances this can lead to
unnecessary and time-consuming programming, and so the option is included to
choose a data entry scheme for all channels in the device together, or for individual
data entry as required or as dictated by the system. This feature is independent of
the choice of DMX numbering scheme, thus the dimmers may have individual
characteristics, but with consecutive DMX addresses. This step, and 2.3 DMX setup,
should be performed before other channel-specific programming activities.
To change the dimmer characteristics set-up scheme:
1. Select INSTALL from the home screen
2. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose GENERAL SETTINGS
menu. Press SELECT.
3. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose CONFIG CHANNEL
menu. Press SELECT.
4. The screen shows
GENERAL SETTINGS
CONFIG CHAN: [JOINED]
CANCEL SAVE
5. Use the rotary encoder to select either INDIVIDUAL (for different individual
channel parameters) or JOINED (for all channels in the device to have the
same characteristics).
6. Press SAVE (to record the changes) or CANCEL (to leave the previous settings
unchanged, and return to the previous page).
Note: the quickest method of programming the characteristics of a specific device is to use
DimSTAT. If local control is preferred, press the logo button to switch the processor directly to
the relevant device.

12
DMX programming
Each channel in a Matrix device is assigned a DMX channel number from either
DMX-1 or DMX-2 signal inputs. The two numbers can be the same or different, as
required, and a feature is provided to set sequential number groups (‘Start’
addressing) instead of individual settings.
Note: When programming a new dimmer device, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SET THE DMX
ADDRESSING SCHEME before the individual characteristics are set, as a later change can
reset previously recorded individual channel characteristic settings.
To set up DMX addressing scheme:
1. Select INSTALL from the home screen
2. Press DOWN or UP or rotate the encoder to choose GENERAL SETTINGS
menu. Press SELECT.
3. Press DOWN or UP or rotate the encoder to choose DMX ADDRESS. Press
SELECT, and the screen shows:
GENERAL SETTINGS
DMX ADDRESS [INDIVIDUAL]
CANCEL SAVE
4. Use the rotary encoder to select either INDIVIDUAL (for individual DMX
addresses in each device) or START (one DMX address only is entered for the
first channel in the device, with other channels following in sequential order).
5. Press SAVE to leave the menu and to record the changes or CANCEL (to leave
the previous settings unchanged and return to the previous screen).
Note: As there are two DMX lines, both DMX-1 and DMX-2 follow the same scheme. It is not
possible to have one line using a start address, and the other using individual numbers.
To set-up DMX addresses:
1. First set the DMX scheme as described above (either individual or start
address).
2. Activate the required device (e.g. device 12) by pressing its front panel access
button (the technology logo above the device’s column of LEDs).
3. From the home screen, select SET-DMX, and to change a setting, press
ENTER
4. If INDIVIDUAL address option is in use, the screen is similar to this:
SELECT DMX ADDRESS DEVICE 12
CHANNEL 1
DMX 1 ADDRESS 005
DOWN UP EDIT CANCEL SAVE
5. If INDIVIDUAL has been selected, use the rotary encoder to select the address
needed for the first dimmer channel and move to other channels by pressing
DOWN or UP repeatedly and adjust DMX addresses accordingly. The rotary

13
encoder will increment the address number clockwise, and reduce the number
anti-clockwise, with a roll-over at the 512-0 point.
6. If START has been selected, only one number per DMX line is permitted. This
is the number for dimmer channel 1 in the first device, and the remaining
dimmers are automatically addressed in sequential order.
7. Press the DOWN key to activate DMX-2, and repeat for the second DMX line.
Note: DMX address 000 deselects the channel from operation with the relevant DMX line. Both
DMX lines have valid DMX numbers from 001 - 512. If higher dimmer numbers are used by the
control desk, the number has to be rationalised to a base of 512.
DMX A/B arbitration
In the case where a dimmer has two DMX channel numbers selected, and both
signals are active, the dimmer will normally respond to the highest level of the two
signals (HTP). If one DMX number is set to 000, the dimmer will not respond to
channel data from the relevant DMX line.
This feature is used to provide segregation for two control systems, or for separating
channel numbers between 513 and 1024 using a pair of DMX lines. If one DMX line
is set to 'Master' it takes exclusive control until the DMX fails, at which time control is
transferred to the other DMX line.
Note: When the channel status is being viewed at the dimmer device or remotely by DimSTAT,
the term ‘actual’ DMX level is used. This is a display of the result of any internal arbitration of
levels from either DMX-1, DMX-2, the internal ‘manual preset’ level, or the level set by a
programmable preset memory. Thus if DMX-1 is 56%, DMX-2 is 75% and preset 3 is set to
95%, the Actual DMX level is shown as 95%.
To set up a DMX backup condition
Matrix is equipped with a choice of responses to the failure of either DMX signals 1 or
2. The dimmers can be set to hold their last DMX level, fade to zero over 5 seconds,
or fade to a preset memory setting. This choice is available per DMX line and dimmer
device.
1. Select INSTALL from the home menu.
2. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose GENERAL
SETTINGS.
3. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose DMX-1 FAIL menu.
Press SELECT.
GENERAL SETTINGS
DMX-1 FAIL: [HOLD]
CANCEL SAVE
4. Press EDIT and use the rotary encoder to select one of the 3 options available:
RESET: fades all dimmers to zero after 5 seconds
HOLD: maintains the last valid DMX levels indefinitely until DMX is restored
BACKUP: fades to dimmer levels set-up through the PRESETS memory facility

14
5 Press SAVE to leave the menu and record the changes or CANCEL (to leave
the previous settings unchanged and to return to the previous screen).
6. Repeat the procedure for DMX-2.
Note: If BACKUP has been set, do not forget to pre-set the relevant DMX backup states.
To set-up DMX Backup preset:
1. Select PRESETS. from the home menu
2. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose DMX BACKUP menu.
Press SELECT.
3. The screen provides the following information:
SELECT DMX BACKUP, DEVICE 12
CHANNEL 1 2 3 4
DMX BACKUP 000 000 000 000
EDIT CANCEL SAVE
4. Press EDIT and using the <<<< and >>>> buttons, choose the channel level to
be adjusted [enabled when square brackets are shown] and set the level by
using the rotary encoder.
5. Press ENTER to leave the menu, then either SAVE (to record the changes) or
CANCEL (to leave the previous settings unchanged).
To set-up a DMX Minimum reset
In order to reduce dynamic filament noise in 120V Par lamps or to increase the rate
of response of high wattage filaments, it is sometimes necessary to use a low
preheat level. DMX minimum reset is an automatic means to reduce energy
consumption by switching off any preheat levels when DMX is not present (i.e. when
the control desk is switched off, but the dimmers remain on).
1. Select INSTALL from the home menu.
2. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose GENERAL SETTINGS
menu. Press SELECT.
3. Press DOWN or UP or use the rotary encoder to choose DMX MINIMUM
RESET menu. Press SELECT.
GENERAL SETTINGS
DMX MINIMUM RESET: [OFF]
DOWN UP CANCEL SAVE
4. Use the rotary encoder to choose either ON (active) or OFF (disabled).
5. Press SAVE to record the change or CANCEL (to leave the previous settings
unchanged and return to the previous screen).