LSC Redback 12 Channel Owner's manual

12 Channel
INSTALLATION and OPERATION
Version 1.1
March 2009
L.S.C. Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty Ltd
A.B.N. 21 090 801 675
Building 3, 66-74 Micro Circuit, South Dandenong
Victoria 3175 Australia

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Operator Manual V1.1
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LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd

Redback Dimmer Table of Contents
Operator Manual V1.1
CONTENTS
1Meet the Redback ..................................................2
1.1 Redback's Layout.....................................................2
1.2 Power Supply ...........................................................2
1.3 Control Panel............................................................2
1.4 LED Display..............................................................2
1.5 SD flash memory slot ...............................................2
1.6 Load Circuit Breakers...............................................3
1.7 DMX512 sockets ......................................................3
1.8 Load sockets ............................................................3
1.9 Power supply entry...................................................3
1.10 MIDI input (optional) ...............................................3
2Installation..............................................................4
2.1 Mounting Options .....................................................4
2.1.1 Rack Mounting ...................................................4
2.1.2 Wall Mounting ....................................................4
2.2 Electrical installation.................................................4
2.2.1 Safety.................................................................4
2.2.2 Power Supply.....................................................4
2.2.3 Load circuits.......................................................4
2.3 Connecting DMX512 and RDM ................................4
2.4 Connecting MIDI (optional).......................................4
3Fast Track Guide....................................................5
4Menu System..........................................................6
4.1 Menu Structure.........................................................6
4.2 Control Pad...............................................................6
4.3 Menu LEDs...............................................................6
4.4 Status LEDs..............................................................6
4.4.1 DMX DATA.........................................................6
4.4.2 DMX ERR...........................................................6
4.4.3 ~1 ~2 ~3 (Mains power)..................................6
4.5 LED Screen..............................................................6
4.5.1 Text Mode..........................................................6
4.5.2 Graphical Mode..................................................6
4.6 Data Entry.................................................................7
4.6.1 Wrap around ......................................................7
4.6.2 Single step entry ................................................7
4.6.3 Multi step entry...................................................7
4.6.4 Jump to limit value .............................................7
4.7 Power Up Display.....................................................7
4.8 Default Status Screen...............................................7
4.8.1 Text Default Status Screen ................................7
4.8.2 Graphical Default Status Screen........................7
4.8.3 Changing the Default Screen .............................7
4.9 Locking the Menu system.........................................7
4.10 Unlocking the Menu system....................................7
4.11 Menu Structure.......................................................8
5Basic Menu.............................................................9
5.1 DMX Address Allocation [ADDR]..............................9
5.1.1 Direct DMX address...........................................9
5.1.2 Bank address.....................................................9
5.2 MIDI Address Allocation [MIDI].................................9
5.3 Scene Setting [SCENE]............................................9
5.3.1 SCENE Menu LED...........................................10
5.4 Chase Mode [CHASE]............................................10
5.4.1 Chase effects patterns .....................................10
5.4.2 CHASE Menu LED...........................................11
6Advanced Menu ...................................................12
6.1 Accessing the Advanced Menus [ADV] ..................12
6.2 Soft Patch...............................................................12
6.3 Fade Curve Selection.............................................12
6.3.1 S Law Curve.....................................................12
6.3.2 Square Law......................................................12
6.3.3 120 Volt............................................................12
6.3.4 Switching loads On and Off .............................12
6.3.5 Non Dim...........................................................12
6.3.6 Relay................................................................12
6.4 Redback's Advanced Scenes.................................13
6.5 Capturing a DMX Snapshot....................................13
6.6 Setting Scene Levels .............................................13
6.6.1 Excluded Mode................................................13
6.6.2 Entering Excluded mode..................................13
6.7 Setting Scene Fade Times.....................................13
6.8 Running a Scene....................................................14
6.9 Setting Minimum Dimmer Levels............................14
6.10 Setting Maximum Dimmer Levels.........................14
6.11 Testing the Dimmers............................................14
6.12 About Redback.....................................................14
6.13 Setup....................................................................15
6.14 Resetting Redback...............................................15
6.14.1 System Reset ( SYSRST )................................15
6.14.2 Total Reset ( TOTRST )....................................15
7DMX 512 Explained .............................................16
7.1 Typical DMX Installations.......................................16
8Specifications......................................................17
8.1 Mechanical Specifications......................................17
8.2 Technical Specifications.........................................17
9Software (Firmware) Upgrades ..........................18
9.1 Upgrading Redback's Firmware.............................18
10 Compliance Statements......................................18
10.1 C Tick Compliance Statement..............................18
10.2 CE Compliance Statement...................................18
10.3 Disclaimer ............................................................18
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LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd Page 1

Meet the Redback Redback Dimmer
Operator Manual V1.1
1 Meet the Redback
The Redback is a compact, simple-to-operate
small-system dimmer, with a range of
sophisticated, big-system capabilities. It can be
controlled by any DMX512 controller, or
optionally, any standard MIDI sequencing device.
It can be operated locally from the front panel to
output a preset scene or run one of the built-in
chase patterns.
All control functions are combined on a basic
highest takes precedence basis.
Redback can be powered from either a three
phase or single phase supply.
Advanced capabilities include individual channel
settings for fade curve, maximum and minimum
output levels and MIDI and DMX control patching.
All configuration options and front panel
operations can also be controlled using the RDM
(Remote Device Management) protocol.
1.1 Redback's Layout
Redback is a rack mounting device that occupies
2RU (88mm) in a standard 19" (484mm)
equipment rack. The version with front mounted
connecters occupies 4RU (180mm).
The front panel of all versions:
1 Control panel
2 LED display
3 SD Flash memory card slot
4 DMX512 Input connector
5 DMX512 Through socket
6 Load circuit breakers
On the rear panel of 2RU versions and the front
panel of 4 RU versions:
7 Load connectors
8 Power supply entry
9 MIDI IN socket (optional).
1.2 Power Supply
Redback can be powered from:
Three phase supply of 208 - 415v
at 50 - 60Hz of up to 40Amps per phase.
Single phase supply of 100 - 240v
at 50 - 60Hz of up to 75Amps
Safety Note: Conversion between three phase and
single phase operation should only be undertaken by a
suitably trained and qualified electrical technician.
1.3 Control Panel
All control and configuration operations on
Redback are accessed using the five-button
control pad and the Menu scroll keys.
The Left and Right arrow keys are used to
step between the parameters being set in the
selected function.
The Up and Down arrow keys are generally
used to increase or decrease the values for the
selected parameter.
The 3Flip key is generally used to switch
between text and graphical modes on the LED
display.
The red Menu Up Sand Menu Down Tkeys scroll
between menu functions.
The menu LEDs Windicate the currently active
menu function.
1.4 LED Display
The LED panel has both text and graphical
display modes.
DMX 13
Menu information is generally displayed as text.
Dimmer levels are displayed in graphical mode.
The status LEDs indicate the presence of the
mains power supply and the health of the
DMX512 data feed.
1.5 SD flash memory slot
The card slot accepts standard full-size SD
memory cards up to 2GB for loading firmware
updates. MiniSD and microSD flash cards can be
used when fitted into a standard SD adapter.
Note: The slot is not compatible with the SDHC (Secure
Digital High Capacity) data format used in SD cards over
2GB.
Page 2 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd

Redback Dimmer Meet the Redback
Operator Manual V1.1
1.6 Load Circuit Breakers 1.8 Load sockets
Each load circuit is protected by a 10amp
miniature circuit breaker. For normal operation the
circuit breaker lever should be in the up position,
displaying a red indicator triangle (as illustrated).
The 4RU version of the Redback has the load
sockets mounted on the front panel.
The 2RU version of the Redback has the load
sockets mounted on the rear panel.
1.9 Power supply entry
To facilitate the installation of permanent wiring or
flexible cable suitable for your specific
requirements, Redback is supplied with a cable
clamping grommet fitted to the supply entry point.
1.10 MIDI input (optional)
The standard 5 pin DIN MIDI IN (Musical
Instrument Digital Interface) input socket allows
any MIDI controller to set dimmer levels using
note velocity values.
The indicator triangle is green if the circuit breaker
has been switched off or has tripped due to a
fault.
1.7 DMX512 sockets
Redback is DMX512 (1990) or DMX512-A (E1-11)
and RDM (E1-20) compliant, with standard XLR 5
pin Input and Through sockets.
LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd Page 3

Installation Redback Dimmer
Operator Manual V1.1
2 Installation
2.1 Mounting Options
Redback may be installed in different
configurations to suit a range of applications.
2.1.1 Rack Mounting
The 2 RU versions of Redback are designed for
installation in standard 19" equipment racks,
touring cases, or rack sleeves, where access is
available to both the front and rear of the rack
cabinet.
The 4 RU versions are designed for installation
in standard 19" equipment racks, touring cases,
or rack sleeves, where access is available only
from the front of the rack cabinet.
Each Redback should be fixed to the equipment
rack by a minimum of four screws.
2.1.2 Wall Mounting
Reversing the side panels on 4RU versions
allows the rack ears to be used as wall mounting
brackets.
Each Redback should be fixed to the wall
mounting frame by a minimum of four screws.
2.2 Electrical installation
2.2.1 Safety
All electrical work must be carried out by a
suitably trained and qualified electrical
technician.
2.2.2 Power Supply
The Redback dimmer must be fed from a
suitably rated external circuit breaker.
In three phase installations the supply wiring and
overload protection should be suitable for loads
of up to 40 Amps per phase. The supply must be
in "wye" or "star" configuration with a neutral
connection.
Due to the large harmonic currents produced by
all phase-controlled dimmers, it is recommended
that the neutral cable should be rated to carry
currents up to 75 Amps.
In single phase installations the supply wiring
and overload protection should be suitable for
the maximum rating of the fitted input cable, but
should not exceed 75 Amps.
2.2.3 Load circuits
Load circuits should be suitable for loads of up
to 10 Amps per dimmer channel.
The minimum channel loading for reliable
smooth fading is a resistive load (incandescent
lamp) of 250 milliamps. This is the equivalent of
a 60 Watt lamp on a 220/240 Volt supply or 27.5
Watts on a 110/120 Volt supply.
2.3 Connecting DMX512 and RDM
DMX 512 (ANSI E1.11, DMX512-A) is the
industry standard for the transmission of digital
control signals between lighting equipment.
DMX is usually “looped” from one piece of
equipment to the next.
If the RDM (ANSI E1.20 Remote Device
Management) extensions to DMX 512 are to be
used to configure or control the Redback, all
distribution devices between the controller and
the Redback must support bi-directional DMX
512 data.
Where a Redback dimmer is the last device on a
DMX signal chain, the DMX standard requires
that a termination device must be plugged in to
the DMX Through socket.
See “DMX Explained and Typical Installations”
for more information.
2.4 Connecting MIDI (optional)
The standard 5-pin DIN MIDI (Musical
Instrument Digital Interface) input socket on the
rear allows any MIDI controller to set dimmer
levels using note velocity values.
As there is no MIDI Thru port on a Redback
dimmer, it must be the last device in a MIDI
control chain.
Warning. No user controls or user serviceable
parts are located inside the Redback. Refer all
servicing to suitably qualified personnel.
.
Page 4 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd

Redback Dimmer Fast Track Guide
Operator Manual V1.1
3 Fast Track Guide
Getting Redback Up and Running
•Connect a power supply
The Redback dimmer must be fed from a suitably rated external circuit breaker.
In three phase installations the supply wiring and overload protection should be suitable for loads of
up to 40 Amps per phase. The supply must be in "wye" or "star" configuration with a neutral
connection rated for currents up to 75 Amps.
When configured for three phase operation, the ~1 ~2 ~3 LEDs indicate the availability of the
corresponding phase of mains supply. All three supply phases must be present for full operation of
all dimmers.
In single phase installations the supply wiring and overload protection should be suitable for the
maximum rating of the fitted input cable, but should not exceed 75 Amps.
When configured for single phase operation, input supply cabling is bridged and all three power
LEDs illuminate if the mains supply is available.
•Reset the system to default setup (optional)
Note: Resetting the Redback clears all scene memories, sets all parameters (addresses, fade
curves, scenes, times, minimum and maximum levels, etc) back to their default values.
To reset Redback, hold down the (white) Up and Down arrow keys during power up.
•Connect the DMX512 control data
DMX512 data is connected to the 5 pin DMX INPUT connector. If the RDM (ANSI E1) extensions
to DMX 512 are to be used to configure or control the Redback, all distribution devices between the
controller and the Redback must support bi-directional DMX 512 data.
If the Redback dimmer is the last device on a DMX signal chain, the DMX512 standard requires
that a termination device must be plugged in to the DMX THRU socket.
•Set the DMX512 address
Use the red Menu Up Sand Menu Down Tkeys to scroll to the Address [ADDR] menu function.
This menu provides two methods for allocating the DMX address of the dimmers.
Direct Addressing
Direct DMX mode address allows the address of the first Redback dimmer to be set to any slot in
the DMX universe where all dimmers can be allocated a valid address (Range 1-501).
DMX 181
In this screen:
The Left and Right arrow keys switch between the Direct DMX Address and Bank Address
modes
The Up and Down arrow keys increment and decrement the starting address.
Bank addressing
Bank mode allocates fixed blocks of addresses to the dimmers (see table 9). Selecting bank 1
allocates DMX addresses 1-12 to the Redback. Selecting bank 2 allocates DMX addresses 13-24,
etc. (Range 1-42).
BANK26
In this screen:
The Left and Right arrow keys switch between the Direct DMX Address and Bank Address
modes
The Up and Down arrow keys increment and decrement the bank number.
•Connect the loads
Redback can smoothly dim loads ranging from 60 Watts to 2,400 Watts at 240 Volts, or 27.5 Watts
to 1,100 Watts at 110 Volts (250 milliamps to 10 Amps).
•Fade up the dimmers
•Read the manual (RTFM)
The Redback can do just about anything that you will ever want from a compact digital dimmer, but
you'll never know how to get the most from it if you don't read the manual.
LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd Page 5

Menu System Redback Dimmer
Operator Manual V1.1
4 Menu System
4.1 Menu Structure
Redback has a two level menu system.
The Basic menu provides access to those
settings needed for general day-to-day use of
the Redback in production.
The Advanced menu gives access to
configuration and operations options required for
more complex operating environments, dimmer
configuration and dimmer diagnostics.
4.2 Control Pad
All menu operations on Redback are accessed
via the five-button control pad and the Menu
scroll keys.
The Left and Right arrow keys are used to
step between the parameters being set in the
selected function.
The Up and Down arrow keys are generally
used to increase or decrease the values for the
selected parameter.
The 3Flip key is generally used to switch
between text and graphical modes on the LED
display.
The red Menu Up Sand Menu Down Tkeys
scroll between menu functions.
4.3 Menu LEDs
The menu LEDs Windicate the currently active
menu function.
A double flashing menu LED indicates that an
option is active and overriding basic DMX
control.
The Advanced Menu [ADV] LED double-flashes
to indicate that Advanced functions are
overriding basic dimmer settings.
4.4 Status LEDs
4.4.1 DMX DATA
The DATA LED illuminates to indicate the
presence of DMX512 data on the DMX INPUT
connector. If the data signal is lost, the indicator
double-flashes to indicate data failure. All
dimmers will hold their current levels until data is
restored or the Redback is powered down or re-
set.
4.4.2 DMX ERR
The DMX Error LED flashes to indicate errors in
the DMX512 data arriving at the DMX INPUT
connector.
The problems that cause error indication
include:
•a noisy DMX512 signal due to poor or
damaged cables or connections,
particularly if the shielding is not
continuous or one of the signal pair is
broken.
•damaged or incomplete data packets
from a faulty DMX512 transmitter on a
control console or a data splitter.
4.4.3 ~1 ~2 ~3 (Mains power)
The three power indicator LEDs illuminate to
indicate the presence of the mains power supply
to the Redback.
Three Phase Supply
When configured for three phase operation, the
~1 ~2 ~3 LEDs indicate the availability of the
corresponding phase of mains supply All three
supply phases must be present for full operation
of all dimmers.
Single Phase Supply
When configured for single phase operation,
input supply cabling is bridged and all three
power LEDs illuminate if the mains supply is
available.
4.5 LED Screen
The LED panel has both text and graphical
display modes.
4.5.1 Text Mode
ALL CH
Menu selections and settings are generally
displayed as text.
4.5.2 Graphical Mode
Dimmer levels are displayed in graphical mode.
This example shows:
Dimmer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Level Fl 25 50 75 80 33 66 99 95 90 85 5
The height of the column indicates the level of
the dimmer. The brightness of the topmost LED
provides a finer level of indication.
Symbol    
Level ~5% ~10% ~15% ~20%
The two additional LEDs on either side of the
level for dimmer 12 indicate that dimmer 12 is
the dimmer currently selected for adjustment.
Page 6 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd