Iluminarc Colorist Panel 36Qa User manual

User Manual

Edition Notes
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
Edition Notes
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 covers the description, safety precautions,
installation, programming, operation, and maintenance of the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa
.
ILUMINARC® released this edition of the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
in
February 2015. Read the guide that shipped with the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa
and this User
Manual before installing, operating, or maintaining this product.
Trademarks
The ILUMINARC® logo, the ILUMINARC® name and all other trademarks in this document
related to services or products by ILUMINARC® are trad
emarks owned or licensed by
ILUMINARC®, its affiliates or subsidiaries. Any other
product names, logos, brands,
company names, trademarks featured or referred to within this document are the property of
their respective trademark holders.
Manual Usage
ILUM
INARC® authorizes its customers to download and print this manual for professional
information purposes only. ILUMINARC® expressly prohibits the u
sage, copy, storage,
distribution, modification, or printing of this manual or its content for any other purpo
se
without its written consent.
Document Printing
For better results, print this document in color, on letter size paper (8.5 x 11 in), double-
sided.
If using A4 paper (210 x 297 mm), configure your printer to scale the content of this
document to A4 paper.
Disclaimer
ILUMINARC® believes that the information contained in this manual is accurate in all
respects. However, ILUMINARC® assumes no responsibility for any error or omissions in
this document. ILUMINARC® reserves the right to revise this document and to make changes
from time to time in the content without obligation of ILUMINARC® to notify any person or
company of such revision or changes. ILUMINARC® may issue a revision of this manual or a
new edition of it to incorporate such changes. This doe
s not constitute in any way a
commitment by ILUMINARC® to make such changes.
Document Revision
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
supersedes all previous versions of this
manual. Discard any older versions of this manual and replace with this version. Go to
http://www.Iluminarc.com/ for the latest version.
Copyright Notice
The entire content
of this document, except where applicable and unless otherwise noted, is
solely owned by ILUMINARC®, a wholly owned trademark of Chauvet & Sons, Inc.
© Copyright 2015 ILUMINARC®.
All rights reserved.
Electronically published by ILUMINARC® in the United States of America.
Author
Date
Editor
Date
A. Leon
01/22/15
D. Couppe
4/24/15

Table of Contents
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 i
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ..........................................................................................................................1
What Is In The Box .................................................................................................................................. 1
Unpacking Instructions ............................................................................................................................ 1
Claims..............................................................................................................................................................1
Text Conventions..................................................................................................................................... 1
Safety Notes ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Personal Safety................................................................................................................................................2
Mounting and Installation.................................................................................................................................2
Power and Wiring.............................................................................................................................................2
Operation.........................................................................................................................................................2
2. Product Description.............................................................................................................3
Features................................................................................................................................................... 3
Product Overview .................................................................................................................................... 4
Product Dimensions................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Installation............................................................................................................................6
Mounting.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Orientation .......................................................................................................................................................6
Installation........................................................................................................................................................6
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................6
AC Power................................................................................................................................................. 7
Power Consumption.........................................................................................................................................7
AC Plug............................................................................................................................................................7
Power Linking...................................................................................................................................................7
DMX Linking ............................................................................................................................................ 8
DMX Connection..............................................................................................................................................8
IP65 DMX Cable Table ....................................................................................................................................8
DMX Personality ..............................................................................................................................................8
DMX Controller ........................................................................................................................................ 9
4. Operation ............................................................................................................................10
Control Panel Description...................................................................................................................... 10
Control Options...................................................................................................................................... 10
DMX Programming................................................................................................................................ 10
Static Colors...................................................................................................................................................10
Auto Play........................................................................................................................................................10
Custom Color.................................................................................................................................................10
Temperature...................................................................................................................................................11
Passcode.......................................................................................................................................................11
Dimmer ..........................................................................................................................................................11
Menu Map.............................................................................................................................................. 12
DMX Values........................................................................................................................................... 13

Table of Contents
ii Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
5. Technical Information ........................................................................................................14
Product Maintenance............................................................................................................................. 14
Product Repairs..................................................................................................................................... 14
Photometrics.......................................................................................................................................... 15
LED Disclaimer...................................................................................................................................... 16
LED Life.........................................................................................................................................................16
LED Binning...................................................................................................................................................16
Color Rendering Index (CRI)..........................................................................................................................16
Return Procedure .................................................................................................................................. 17
Contact Us..............................................................................................................................17
6. Technical Specifications....................................................................................................19

Introduction
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 1
1. Introduction
Critical
installation,
configuration, or
operation information.
Failure to comply with this
information may render the
product partially or
completely inoperative,
damage third-party
equipment, or cause harm
to the user
Important
installation or
configuration
information. Failure to
comply with this
information may prevent
the product from
functioning correctly.
Useful
information.
The term “DMX”
used throughout
this document
refers to the USITT
DMX512-A transmission
protocol.
What Is In The Box
•Colorist™ Panel 36Qa
•IP65 Power Input/Output Cords with adapters
•IP65 Data Input/Output Cords with adapters
•Warranty Card
•Quick Reference Guide
Unpacking Instructions
Immediately upon receiving a product from ILUMINARC®, carefully unpack the carton.
Check the contents of the box to ensure that all parts are present and that they are in good
condition.
Claims
The carrier is responsible for any damage incurred during shipping. Therefore, if the received
merchandise appears to have been damaged during shipping, the customer must submit the
damage report and any related claims to the carrier, not ILUMINARC®. The customer must
submit the report upon receipt of the damaged merchandise. Failure to do so in a timely
manner may invalidate the customer’s claim with the carrier.
For other issues such as missing components or parts, damage not related to shipping, or
concealed damage, the customer must make claims to ILUMINARC® within 7 days of
receiving the merchandise.
Text Conventions
Convention
Meaning
1–512
A range of values in the text
50/60
A set of mutually exclusive values in the text
<SET>
A button on the product’s control panel
Settings
A product function or a menu option
MENU > Settings
A sequence of menu options
1–10
A range of menu values from which to choose in a menu
Yes/No
A set of two mutually exclusive menu options in a menu
ON
A unique value to enter or select in a menu

Introduction
2 Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
There are no
user-serviceable
parts inside this
product. Any reference to
servicing you may find in
this User Manual will only
apply to properly certified
ILUMINARC® technicians.
Do not open the housing
or attempt any repairs
unless you are certified to
do so.
Please refer to all
applicable local
codes and
regulations for the proper
installation of this product.
Keep this manual
for future
consultation. If
you sell this
product to another user,
make sure that they also
receive this manual.
In the unlikely
event that your
Colorist™ Panel
36Qa may require service,
please contact
ILUMINARC® Technical
Support.
Please consult
with an Iluminarc
Sales
Representative on the
suitableness of this
product for your
installation. Failure to
follow these guidelines or
the recommendations of
the Iluminarc Sales
Representative may result
in the product warranty
being rendered VOID and
any repair cost being the
sole responsibility of the
buyer.
Safety Notes
Please read all the following Safety Notes carefully because they include important
information on how to install, use, and maintain this product safely.
Personal Safety
•Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while the product is on.
•Always disconnect this product from its power source before servicing.
•Always connect this product to a grounded circuit to avoid the risk of electrocution.
•Do not touch this product’s housing when operating because it may be very hot.
Mounting and Installation
•This product is for outdoor use (IP65). All indoor and limited outdoor permanent
installations.
•Not for permanent outdoor installation in locations with extreme environmental
conditions. This includes, but is not limited to:
oExposure to a marine/saline environment (within 3 miles of a saltwater body
of water).
oWhere the normal high or low temperatures of the location exceed the
temperature ranges in this manual.
oWhen mounting outdoors, do not point the product straight down.
oLocations that are prone to flooding or being buried in snow.
oOther areas where the product will be subject to extreme radiation or caustic
substances.
•CAUTION: When transferring product from extreme temperature environments, (e.g.
cold truck to warm humid ballroom) condensation may form on the internal electronics
of the product. To avoid causing a failure, allow product to fully acclimate to the
surrounding environment before connecting it to power.
•Make sure there are no flammable materials close to this product while it is operating.
•When hanging this product, always secure it to a fastening device using a safety cable
(not provided).
Power and Wiring
•To eliminate unnecessary wear and improve its lifespan, during periods of non-use
completely disconnect the product from power via breaker or by unplugging it.
•Always make sure that you are connecting this product to the proper voltage, as per the
specifications in this manual or on the product’s sticker.
•Never connect this product to a dimmer pack.
•Make sure that the power input cable is not cracked, crimped, or damaged.
•Never disconnect this product by pulling on the power input cable.
Operation
•The maximum ambient temperature range is -20 °F to 110 °F (-29 °C to 43 °C). Do not
operate this product outside these temperatures.
•In case of a serious operating problem, stop using this product immediately!

Product Description
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 3
2. Product Description
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa is an IP65-rated linear wash product that may be used to light a
variety of both indoor and outdoor applications.
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa consists of 36 quad-color RGBA 15 watt LEDs which can be
controlled via the control panel or DMX control connections located on the back of the
aluminum housing. The power connections are also located on the back of the product.
Features
•4-, 6-, or 10-channel RGBA quad-color LED wash product
•Operating personalities:
4-channel: RGBA
6-channel: RGBA, dimmer, strobe
10-channel: RGBA, dimmer, color macro, strobe, auto, speed, dimmer profile
•RGBA color mixing with or without DMX control
•3 distinct dimming profiles
•Touch sensitive LED display with Passcode protection
•Built-in automated programs via DMX

Product Description
4 Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
Product Overview
Mounting
Bracket
Power Out
Control Panel
Power In
DMX In
DMX Out
RGBA
Quad-color
LED
Side View
Front View
Rear View

Product Description
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 5
Product Dimensions
20.8 in
529 mm
4 in
102 mm
23.3 in
593 mm
10.9 in
276 mm
13.3 in
338 mm
9.1 in
230 mm
Side View
Front View
Rear View

Installation
6 Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
3. Installation
Make sure to mount
this product away
from any flammable
material as indicated in the
Safety Notes.
Not for permanent
outdoor installation
in locations with
extreme environmental
conditions.
Product aperture
must not hang
between 171° and
189° on the vertical axis in
outdoor environments.
Mounting
Before mounting this product, read and follow the safety recommendations indic
ated in the
Safety Notes.
Orientation
Always mount this product in a safe position,
making sure there is adequate room for ventilation,
configuration, and maintenance.
Installation
ILUMINARC® recommends following the general guidelines below when mounting the
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa.
•When selecting an installation location, consider ease of access to the product for
operation, programming adjustments and routine maintenance.
•Product aperture must not hang between 171° and 189° on the vertical axis in outdoor
environments.
•Not for permanent outdoor installation in locations with extreme environmental
conditions.
•Make sure the product’s mounting location can support its weight. See the Technical
Specifications for the weight requirement(s) of this product.
Procedure
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa comes with an adjustable floor-
mounting bracket that doubles as a
hanging bracket to which you can attach a mounting cla
mp, using the M12 holes in the bottom.
This bracket also serves as a floor stand or wall-
mount support. You must supply your own
clamps and make sure the clamps are capable of supporting the weight of this product. You must
use one mounting point per produ
ct. Product aperture must not hang between 171° and 189° on
the vertical axis in outdoor environments.
90°
to
170°
90°
Mounting Clamp
190°
to
255°
171°
to
189°
Safety
Cable
Overhead Mounting
Floor Mounting

Installation
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 7
Always connect
the Colorist™
Panel 36Qa to a
protected circuit with an
appropriate electrical
ground to avoid the risk of
electrocution or fire.
Never connect
the Colorist™
Panel 36Qa to a
rheostat (variable resistor)
or dimmer circuit, even if
the rheostat or dimmer
channel serves only as a
0–100% switch.
Make sure to
connect the
Colorist™ Panel
36Qa to a power line with
the proper voltage and
frequency, as per the
specifications in this
manual or on the product’s
sticker.
AC Power
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa has an auto-ranging power supply that works with an input voltage
range of 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
Make sure that you are connecting this product to the proper voltage, as per the specifications
in this User Manual or on the product’s sticker.
Power Consumption
To determine the power requirements for the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa, refer to the label affixed
to the side of the product. You may also refer to the Technical Specifications.
The listed current rating indicates the maximum current draw during normal operation.
AC Plug
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa comes with an IP65 power input cord terminated with a
proprietary IP65 connector and an IP65 to Edison power cord adapter. If the power cord
adapter that came with your product has no plug or you need to change the Edison plug, use
the table below to wire the new plug..
Connection
Wire (U.S.)
Screw Color (U.S.)
Wire (Europe)
IP65 Pin
AC Live
Black
Yellow or Brass
Brown
1
AC Neutral
White
Silver or Gray
Blue
2
AC Ground
Green/Yellow
Green
Green/Yellow
3
IP65 Power Connector Pins
The listed current
rating indicates
the maximum
current draw
during normal operation.
When connecting
the Colorist™
Panel 36Qa to
local power, it
may be necessary to use
the local-to-IP65 adapters
supplied with this product.
Power Linking
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa supports power linking. You can power link up to 6 products at
120 VAC, 18 products at 208 VAC, or 12 products at 230 VAC. Never exceed these numbers.
This product comes with a power input cord. This product does not require additional power
linking cables; however, if longer power linking cables are needed, they can be purchased
separately.
Male
Female

Installation
8 Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
The Colorist™
Panel 36Qa must
be linked using
DMX cable in a
daisy chain (serial)
fashion. To comply with
the EIA-485 standard, no
more than 32 products
should be connected on
one daisy chain without
using a DMX optically
isolated splitter. Doing
otherwise may result in
deterioration of the digital
DMX signal.
USITT
recommends
limiting the total
length of the DMX cable
(from the first
product/controller to the
last product) to 300–455
m (985–1,500 ft).
To connnect the
Colorist™ Panel
36Qa to your
DMX network, it is
necessary to use the 3-
pin to 5-pin adapters
supplied with this product.
When not using
the Power
Output, DMX
Input or DMX Output
connectors, you must seal
the cable ends with the
supplied caps.
DMX Linking
You may link the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa to a DMX controller using a standard DMX serial
connection. If using other DMX products compatible with the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa, you can
control each individually with a single DMX controller.
If you are not familiar with the DMX standard, or if you need information about the DMX
cables needed to link the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa to a DMX controller, you may
download the “DMX Primer” from the ILUMINARC® w
ebsite at
http://www.iluminarc.com/reports/dmx-primer.
DMX Connection
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa uses a regular DMX data connection for its DMX personalities:
4-CH, 6-CH, and 10CH.
IP65 DMX Cable Table
Connection
DMX (U.S.)
DMX (Europe)
IP65 Pin
Ground
Shield
Shield
1
Data -
White
Blue
2
Data +
Red
Brown
3
IP65 DMX Connector Pins
DMX Personality
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa uses the standard DMX data connection for its 5 DMX
personalities as per the table below. Refer to the Introduction chapter for a brief description of
these personalities. Refer to the Operation chapter to learn how to configure the Colorist™
Panel 36Qa to work in these personalities. The DMX Values section provides detailed
information regarding the DMX personalities.
DMX Personality
DMX Address
4-CH
509
6-CH
507
10CH
503
Male
Female

Installation
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 9
If you have not
configured the
DMX starting
address and
DMX personality for each
product, they will all use
their default values. This
means that all products
will operate in unison.
DMX Controller
The Colorist™ Panel 36Qa can work with a standard DMX controller. The channel
assignments will depend on the chosen DMX personality (see the corresponding Menu Map
section) and the DMX address assigned to each product (see the Programming section).
The figure below illustrates how to connect the DMX controller to the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa.

Operation
10 Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
4. Operation
Control Panel Description
Button
Function
<MODE>
Exits from the current menu or function
<ENTER>
Enables the currently displayed menu or sets the
currently selected value in to the current function
<UP>
Navigates upwards through the menu list and
increases the numeric value when in a function
<DOWN>
Navigates downwards through the menu list and
decreases the numeric value when in a function
Control Options
You can set the Colorist™ Panel 36Qa start address in the 001–512 DMX range. This allows
for the control of up to 51 products in the 10-channel 10CH personality.
DMX Programming
Carry out all the programming procedures indicated below from the control panel. Refer to the
Menu Map to learn how the menu options relate to each other.
Use <ENTER> and <MODE> to change levels in the Menu Map. Use <UP> and <DOWN>
to select from among the Menu Map options.
1. From the Main Level select any DMX personality: 4-CH,6-CH, or 53CH.
2. Go to dand select a starting DMX address (1–512).
P 01–10 are fully
configured
programs and
cannot be
modified.
Static Colors
1. Go to C--.
2. Select a color (C 1–15).
Auto Play
1. Go to P--.
2. Select an auto program (P 1–5).
3. Go to S--.
4. Select an auto program speed (S 1–100).
Custom Color
1. Go to U--.
2. Select a color (r, g, b, or A).
3. Configure the color value (0–255).
4. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other colors.

Operation
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 11
The Passcode is
a default setting
and not
customizable.
DIM1 is the
fastest dimming
curve and DIM3
is the slowest.
Temperature
This menu option allows you to see the temperature of the product while it is operating.
1. Go to teMP.
2. The products temperature is displayed XX (°C).
Passcode
When PASS is active, the product will ask you to enter the passcode (<UP>, <DOWN>,
<UP>, and <DOWN>) after 30 seconds of control panel inactivity or upon power up.
1. Go to PASS.
2. Select a setting (ON/OFF).
Dimmer
This setting gives the user three different options to simulate the dimming curve of an
incandescent lighting product.
1. Go to dIM.
2. Select a dimming curve (OFF or dIM1–3).
OFF
•Linear RGBA and Master Dimmer
DIM1–3
•Non-linear RGBA and Master Dimmer

Operation
12 Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
Menu Map
Main Level
Programming Levels
Description
4-CH
d 1–512 Selects DMX personality and sets the DMX starting
address
6-CH
10CH
C---
C 1 R (red)
C 2 G (green)
C 3 B (blue)
C 4 A (amber)
C 5 GB
C 6 RB
C 7 RG
C 8 RGB
C 9 RA
C 10 GA
C 11 BA
C 12 RGA
C 13 RBA
C 14 GBA
C 15 RGBA
P-- P 1–5 Selects an auto program
S-- S 1–100 Selects the auto program speed (slow to fast)
U---
r
0–255 Combines red, green, blue, and amber to make a custom
color (0–100%)
g
b
A
dIM
OFF Off
dIM1 Dimming profiles fast (dIM1) to
slow (dIM3)
dIM2
dIM3
teMP XX Shows product temperature (°C)
PASS On Turns the passcode on or off
OFF

Operation
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 13
DMX Values
10CH
Channel
Function
Value
Percent/Setting
1
Dimmer
000 ó255
0–100%
2
Red
000 ó255
0–100%
3
Green
000 ó255
0–100%
4
Blue
000 ó255
0–100%
5
Amber
000 ó255
0–100%
6 Strobe
000 ó010
011 ó255
No function
Slow to fast
7 Color Macro + White
Balance
000 ó010
011 ó030
031 ó050
051 ó070
071 ó090
091 ó110
111 ó130
131 ó150
151 ó170
171 ó200
201 ó205
206 ó210
211 ó215
216 ó220
221 ó225
226 ó230
231 ó235
236 ó240
241 ó245
246 ó250
251 ó255
No function
R: 100% G: 0–100% B: 0
R: 100%–0 G: 100% B: 0
R: 0 G: 100% B: 0–100%
R: 0 G: 100%–0 B: 100%
R: 0–100% G: 0 B: 100%
R: 100% G: 0 B: 100%–0
R: 100% G: 0–100% B: 0–100%
R: 100%–0 G: 100%–0 B: 100%
RGBA: 100%
White 1
White 2
White 3
White 4
White 5
White 6
White 7
White 8
White 9
White 10
White 11
8 Auto Programs
000 ó051
052 ó101
102 ó152
153 ó203
204 ó254
255
No function
Auto Program 1
Auto Program 2
Auto Program 3
Auto Program 4
Auto Program 5
9
Auto Speed
000 ó255
Auto program speed (slow to fast)
10 Dimming Profiles
000 ó051
052 ó101
102 ó152
153 ó203
204 ó255
Preset dimmer speed from display menu
Dimmer profile off (linear dimmer)
Nonlinear dimming profile 1 (fastest)
Nonlinear dimming profile 2
Nonlinear dimming profile 3 (slowest)
6-CH
Channel
Function
Value
Percent/Setting
1
Dimmer
000 ó255
0–100%
2
Red
000 ó255
0–100%
3
Green
000 ó255
0–100%
4
Blue
000 ó255
0–100%
5
Amber
000 ó255
0–100%
6 Strobe
000 ó010
011
ó
255
No function
Slow to fast
4-CH
Channel
Function
Value
Percent/Setting
1
Red
000 ó255
0–100%
2
Green
000 ó255
0–100%
3
Blue
000 ó255
0–100%
4
Amber
000 ó255
0–100%

Technical Information
14 Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
5. Technical Information
Always dry the
external optics
and glass
surfaces carefully
after cleaning them.
If you still
experience
technical
problems, contact
ILUMINARC®Technical
Support.
Product Maintenance
To maintain optimum performance and minimize wear, clean the products frequently. Usage
and environment are contributing factors in determining the cleaning frequency. As a general
guideline, products should be cleaned at least twice a month. Dust build-up reduces light
output, performance, and can cause overheating. This can lead to reduced light source life.
For products containing external optical lenses, clean them periodically to optimize light
output. The cleaning frequency depends on the environment in which the product operates.
Damp, smoky, or particularly dirty surrounding can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the
product’s optics, requiring more frequent cleaning.
To clean a product:
1. Unplug the product from power.
2. Wait until the product is at room temperature.
3. Use a vacuum (or dry compressed air) and a soft brush to remove dust collected on the
external vents and reachable internal components.
4. Clean all external glass optics and glass surfaces with a mild solution of glass cleaner
or isopropyl alcohol, and a soft, lint-free cotton cloth or lens-cleaning tissue.
5. Clean all plastic surfaces, including LED lenses, with mild soapy water and a soft, lint-
free cotton cloth or a lens-cleaning tissue.
6. Apply the solution directly to the cloth or tissue and wipe any dirt and grime to the
outside edge of the lens.
7. Gently polish the external glass surfaces until they are free of haze and lint.
Product Repairs
ILUMINARC® strongly advises you against attempting any repairs to this product unless you
are an authorized ILUMINARC® technician.

Technical Information
Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2 15
Photometrics

Technical Information
16 Colorist™ Panel 36Qa User Manual Rev. 2
LED Disclaimer
LED Life
ILUMINARC® rates LED lifetime based on lumen depreciation of 70% of the original output,
with data provided by the manufacturer of the LED. Data from the manufacturer of the LED
are not independently verified or measured by ILUMINARC®. When the product is operating
in optimal environmental conditions, the LED lifetime is rated to be 50,000 to 70,000 hours by
the LED manufacturer.
LED Binning
LED manufacturers sort LEDs into “bins,” based on variances in color, output intensity, and
the frequency at which the semiconductor operates. ILUMINARC® strives to hold its LED
manufacturers to the highest standards of binning to optimize consistency in output from
product to product. However, the availability of a single bin cannot be guaranteed. With that in
mind, ILUMINARC® has developed a rigorous control system to seek the best-achievable
consistency in color and output.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
CRI is an industry standard method to compare properties of different types of light sources.
There are known limitations and inconsistencies related to CRI. Results may vary depending
on the environmental factors involved. For this reason, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
states that CRI should be considered as one point of reference among others in evaluating
white LED products and systems.
The following is an excerpt of recommendations from the DOE:
1. Identify the visual tasks to be performed under the light source. If color fidelity under
different light sources is critically important (for example, in a space where color or
fabric comparisons are made under both daylight and electric lighting), CRI values may
be a useful metric for rating LED products.
2. CRI may be compared only for light sources of equal correlated color temperature.
This applies to all light sources, not only to LEDs. Also, differences in CRI values of
less than five points are not significant, e.g., light sources with 80 and 84 CRI are
essentially the same.
3. If color appearance is more important than color fidelity, do not exclude white light
LEDs solely on the basis of relatively low CRI values. Some LED products with CRIs
as low as 25 still produce visually pleasing white light.
4. Evaluate LED systems in person and, if possible, on-site when color fidelity or color
appearance are important issues.
Source: DOE publication: PNNL-SA-56891, January 2008.