Rainbow Colour Changers 8-Lite Plus User manual

8-Lite Plus – Operators Manual
Operators supplement to
Two -16 Manual

Congratulations on choosing a Rainbow Colour Changers product! We thank you for your custom.
Please note that this product has been designed and made with total quality to ensure excellent
performance and best meet your expectations and requirements.
It is essential to know the information and comply with the instructions given in this manual in order
to ensure the fitting is installed, used and serviced correctly and safely.
Carefully read this instruction manual in its entirety and keep it safe
for future reference! Please hand this manual over if you sell or give this
product to somebody else.
General
Rainbow Colour Changers products are intended for professional use and should only be used by
qualified personnel or under their supervision.
Follow all cautions and warnings indicated on the unit.
After unpacking this product, please check if the device is intact. If this is not the case, please
contact the support service.
Rainbow Colour Changers
An der Talle 26-28
D-33102 Paderborn, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
Installation
Make sure all parts for fixing the colour changer are correct.
Make sure the fixture is stable before positioning the Colour Changer.
Do not fix this device on or near flammable surfaces.
Usage
This product is designed for indoor use only. For the fitting to operate well and reliably, it should
not be used in humid environments. The ambient temperature should not exceed 40°C (104°F) or
fall below 0°C (32°F).
Avoid any liquids or metallic items entering the unit.
Ensure adequate ventilation and do not block or cover any ventilation slots in the device – they
guarantee the reliable functioning of the unit and protect it against overheating.
The scroller may only be used in its standard position, which is +/- 60° from horizontal.
The colour changer may only be put into operation with original Rainbow Colour Changer power
supply units (PSU).
Check that the mains frequency and voltage correspond to those for which the PSU is designed as
given on the surface label of the PSU. Refer to the manual about the max. amount of scrollers to be
connected
Maintenance
All service work should be exclusively performed by qualified personnel.
Do not dismantle the scroller or modify it yourself.
Before starting any maintenance work or cleaning the scroller, remove the power from the PSU.
The surface of the device may heat up due to the luminaire used. Please let the scroller cool down
before touching it.
Rainbow Colour Changers GmbH disclaims all liability for damage to the fitting or to other property or
persons deriving from installation, use and maintenance that have not been carried out in conformity
with this instructions manual, which must always accompany the fitting.
Rainbow Colour Changers GmbH reserves the right to modify the characteristics stated in this
instructions manual at any time and without prior notice.

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PREPARING THE GEL STRINGS
The manufacture of a good gel string is important for the smooth and quiet running
of the colour changer. RainbowColourChangers offerarapidscrollmaking service
please contact your local dealer for this facility.
If you are manufacturing your own gel strings, they should be cut as follows:
Frames should be connected together with High Temperature Tape connected to
the frontsideofthefilter.TapecanbeorderedfromRainbowColourChangers.
Good quality colour scrolls ensure the smooth and quiet running of the colour
changers. Ensure that sides are parallel and the bottom edge is straight. The frames
should be taped edge to edge, avoiding overlapping the colours.
We suggest that you avoid mixing polyester and polycarbonate gels because they
expand at different rates and will cause uneven travel

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FITTING THE GEL STRING
The Gel String is fitted from the front of the unit. This allows the RCC to be loaded
without removing from the unit, or laid on the bench. Access is easy by removing the
interchangeable front housing. The PlusCard has position and speed control for
simple loading without the need for a console or control signal. The gel string is fitted
and calibrated using the PlusCard as follows:
1. The 8-lite RCC should be powered up.
2. Remove front cover by pressing side catches in and slide the front housing up.
3. Set Mode switch to F, and the Frames to 2.The rolls will position themselves to
the zero position. Once the rolls have stopped, set the Frames switch to 0.
4. The 8 Lite Rainbow is trimmable between two and sixteen colours using the
Range Trim 15 turn potentiometer on the front of the analog pcb. The RCC is
factory trimmed to 11 colours.
5.. Lay the colour across the red roller and tape the leading edge of frame zero to
the Blue roller. Line up the edge of the filter with the marked line on the scroll.
6. Holding the filter loosely, set the Mode switch to D. The frames switch controls
theloadingspeed (0=Stopto3=Fast).SettheFramessettingto1andthefilter
will load onto the blue roll, using the red roll as a guide. Regulate the speed using
the Frame selector. At the end, one of the following will occur:
If the unit is under trimmed: The RCC will stop at full before the filter has
been fully loaded on the blue roll. Turn the RANGE TRIM potentiometer
clockwise to wind the extra filter onto the blue roll.
If the unit is over trimmed: The RCC will try to wind on more filter than
there is on the roll. At the last frame, stop the RCC by setting the Frame
selector to 0. Turn the Range trim anti-clockwise to pay out more filter and then
use the Frame control to wind the filter onto the roll. Repeat until the last frame
is wound on to the roll.
7. Apply a small amount of tension to the scroll. This is performed by pushing and
turning the gold inner knob anticlockwise whilst holding the Black outer knob.
8. Move the scroll back to the zero point by setting the Mode to F and controlling
the speed on the Frames switch.
9. Set the zero position, by pushing the Gold and Black knobs together and
positioning the seam between Frames 0 and 1 to align to the outer edge of the
roll.
10. Set the scroll tension further by pushing the gold inner knob anticlockwise
whilst holding the Black outer knob. The correct scroll tension varies with
different scroll lengths and it is best to recheck scroll tension at 50% when the
scroller has been set. (This can be done by setting the Mode to E, the address
to 050, and controlling the speed on the frames selector). Approximately 6
turns will give the correct tension for a 11 colour scroll. ......cont

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11. Move the scroll back to the full point by setting the Mode to D and controlling
the speed on the Frames switch.
12. Use the Range Trim potentiometer to accurately set the end position of the
scroll. This position is correct when the final seam is aligned with the outer
edge of the Rainbow.
13. Set the Mode/Frames switch on the PlusCard to the required setting
The scroll is now correctly installed with a scroll and trimmed. From experience,
we suggest that you:
i Run the colour changers end to end a few times. This allows the filter to find
its natural position on the spindle. It will also show any noise problems due to
badly made scrolls;
ii Where many units are to run together, run the colour changers to 95% and
confirm alignment of all units. Retrim where necessary ;
iii Check the scroll tension at 50% control input; (Mode=E, Addr.=050).
FITTING THE GEL STRING .....continued

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CONNECTION AND CABLING
The Colour changers can be operated from either and analog or DMX digital signal.
The interconnecting cables which connect the Rainbows carry both power and data
and should be rated for both. The connection of the units is as follows:
POWERING THE UNITS
Rainbow Colour Changers are powered by a 24V DC supply which is derived from
a central power supply. This can either be a Maxi combined Power Supply/Splitter
or separate power supply/splitter combination. Traditionally the PSUs have been
rated in terms of the number of 8" RCC units which can be driven from one supply.
This does not apply to the larger Rainbows which take approximately twice
the current of the 8" colour changer. One 15" RCC counts as two units.
+ =
So a 24 unit PSU can supply:
24 x ,or 12 x , or 14 x and 5 x .
This also applies to the other scrollers as follows:
8" TWO-16 1 UNIT
8" ALFRESCO 1.5 UNITS
15" PLUS 2 UNITS
8-LITE 2 UNITS
20" INCH 2 UNITS
Light Curtain 2 UNITS

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MODE 0 - STANDARD OPERATION

Mode 0 - Standard Operation / Continuous Gel Position
With Mode 0 selected and the Frame switch set to zero, the
RainbowoperatesasastandardDMXdecoder,withproportional
control. The user selects the DMX address for each individual
colourchangerusingthethreeaddressselectors .
The gel speed is set by the speed of control input and the
Rainbow type. The fan is controlled by the standard HI / LO fan
speed switch on the rear of the Rainbow.
In modes 0-2, the internal tangential fan is controlled from the HI/
LO switch on the front panel of the pcb housing.
Mode 0 - Standard Operation / Frame by Frame Mode
Frame by Frame Control can be selected in this mode. Set the
Frame rotary switch to the number of frames excluding Frame 0.
See Page 17 for further instructions.

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MODES 1 & 2 - STANDARD MODE,PRESET GEL SPEEDS
Modes 1 & 2 - Standard Control with Preset Gel Speeds
In many cases, standard Rainbow features may be required, but
high speed end to end changes are not necessary. In Modes 1 & 2,
the PlusCard can be set to limit the maximum gel speed for longer
gel life, even lower noise levels, and smoother crossfades. The
speeds of the fans are still controlled by the HI/LO switch on the
rear of the Rainbow.
Mode 1 - Medium Speed
Mode 2 - Slow Speed
The crossfades are calculated using 12 bit counters - resulting in
smoother crossfades, especially critical on the longer gel string
fitted to the 8-Lite.
Frame by Frame Mode
Frame by Frame Control can be selected in this mode. Set the
Frame rotary switch to the number of frames excluding Frame 0.
See Page 17 for further instructions.

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Modes 3-5 - Fan Control with preset Gel Speeds
Modes 3 - 5 allow an operator to control the filter position and
thefanspeed of individual Rainbows intherigwithtwo sequential
DMX addresses. Three preset maximum gel speeds are available
for up to 12 bit resolution on slow crossfades (limited by console
fade time):
Mode 3 Address nnn = Gel Position
nnn+1 = Fan Speed
Gel speed = Max speed (Dependent
on model / no of Frames
8 Lite = 4.5s)
Resolution = As DMX (8 Bit)
Mode 4 Address nn = Gel Position
nn+1 = Fan Speed
Gel speed = Medium
Resolution = Up to 12 bit
Mode 5 Address nn = Gel Position
nn+1 = Fan Speed
Gel speed = Slow
Resolution = Up to 12 bit
  
MODES 3 TO 5 - 2 CHANNEL CONTROL
Frame by Frame Mode
Frame by Frame Control can be selected in this mode. Set the Frame
rotary switch to the number of frames excluding Frame 0.
Address Position Fan Speed
21 21 22
23 23 24
25 25 26

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MODE 6 - 'FAST' THREE CHANNEL OPERATION
Mode 6 - Fast Control of Position, Gel and Fan Speed
The fast control gives standard operation of the colour changer,
but with the Gel speed controlled by DMX address 510 and the
Fan speed controlled by DMX address 511. This is designed for
where the lighting operator needs overall control of the fans and
scrolls, but without the need to individually select each Colour
Changer. For example, in rehearsal where the designer is moving
quickly between states, the gel speed of the complete rig can be
easily limited on a single fader to avoid all the scrollers jumping
from state to state. In the same way, the fan speeds may be
controlled for when total silence is required during a section of
a show.
DMX Address 510 @ 00 Max Speed
FF Slowest Fade
DMX Address 511 @ 00 Fans Full On
FF Fans Off
The gel speed control follows an exponential curve, allowing fine
tuning of cues at faster times, but allowing very long stepless cues
to be executed.
For control consoles whose patch is limited to less than 512
dimmers, an internal jumper can be set such that the speed and
fan addresses are 191 / 192.
'Fast' Frame-by-Frame Control
Fast control setting can be used in frame-by-frame mode by
setting the Frame selector to the number of frames in the gel
string. Fan and Gel Speed control are as above.

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MODE 7 - THREE CHANNEL CONTROL
Mode 7 - Control of Position / Fan / Gel Speed
Where total flexibility is required, the Rainbow can be controlled
using three control channels. Lighting cues can be plotted with
colourinformation,limitsonthemaximumspeedofgelmovement
and fan speeds. Each Rainbow uses three independent DMX
addresses for control of these features:
For example:
Address Position Gel Speed Fan speed
21 21 22 23
24 24 25 26
27 27 28 29
3 Channel Control with Frame-by-Frame operation
As with other modes, Frame by Frame operation is selected by
setting the frame length (No. of Frames - 1) on the Frame switch
on the rear of the Rainbow. All of the other features available with
3 Control are possible, with only full frames of colour displayed.

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MODE 8 - CONTINUOUS OPERATION MODE
Mode 8 - Continous Fade Mode
In situations such as exhibitions, a continuously changing colour may
be required. This has normally needed a control console to give
constantly variable control input to the colour changer. This is a
costly solution and also limits the resolution of the fade to the 8-bits
of DMX. Mode 8 in the Pluscard allows the user to set up a smooth
fade across the complete length of the Gel String, whilst the Rainbow
is only supplied with 24 volt DC power.
To select this feature simply set the Mode Selector to 8.
TIMING OF AUTOMATIC FADES
The fade timing is controlled by the Frame switch. Set the Frame
switch to 1 for the slowest fadetime, and F for the fastest fadetime.
Setting the Frame switch to 0 stops the movement.
In order that many Rainbows may be synchronised to each other, the
Pluscard will reset to zero on power-up. After a preset time (approx
25 seconds), the continuous operation will start with all colour
changers synchronised together.
FAN CONTROL DURING AUTO OPERATION
When Mode 8 is selected, the internal fan on the 8-Lite is controlled
from the Fan switch on the lower front panel.

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FAN CONTROL FROM DMX
With Modes 3-7, it is possible to control the fan from the DMX data
input to the scroller. With 'Fast' operation (Mode 6), all fans are
controlled by DMX address 511. With 2 and 3 channel control, each
fan has its own address.
Important points when using DMX fan control are:
Once modes 3-7 are selected, the HI/LO fan switch on the
Rainbow is disabled.
Control is reverse-proportional such 00%=Full and FF=OFF.
This can be reversed by a jumper setting on the pcb if needed.
This is useful if fan levels are to be patched in with light intensity.
A thermal sensor will override the fan control and bring the fans
on to maintain an acceptable operating temperature on the pcbs.
If no DMX data is present for the address selected, the fans will
default to full speed.
The selected fan speed is indicated on the data light on the base
of the Colour changer. This can be disabled in software if
required.
Fancontrolcanbechangedfromproportionalcontroltoexternally
controlled HI / LO selection via externally reprogrammable
software.

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SPEED CONTROL FROM DMX
The ability to control the maximum gel speed is important for smooth
scrolling between colours and consistently quiet colour changes
irrespective of the limits of the incoming DMX control signal. Where
required, the processor calculates fades using 12 bit levels which
avoidsthe'stepping'associatedwith8-bitDMXsignals.Thisisespecially
critical for slow fades on long gel strings and larger colour changers
(15", 22", 26" etc)
When using speed control, the 12-bit fade resolution is only
effective if the PlusCard fade time is longer than the control
signal fade. Where speed control is required from the PlusCard,
the best results will be achieved if the position channel changes
with time 0 and the time information is sent on the separate
channel.
If power is disconnected and reconnected to the Rainbow, the
PlusCard will hold the last good DMX value. Once it receives a
new valid level, it will fade at medium speed to achieve this level.
When the gel position matches the input level, the PlusCard
resumes normal operation. This prevents the colour changers
racing to a level if the power or data is accidentally lost.

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'FRAME BY FRAME' MODE
In all operating Modes (0-7), the PlusCard can be set to only display full
frames of colours, stepping from colour to colour when the control
input crosses standard threshold levels. This is called Frame-by-Frame
mode and is controlled from the 'Frame' control on the rear of the
PlusCard. The different profiles for an 11 colour scroll are shown
below. The scrolling speed between full colours is set by the relevant
mode selected: in modes 0 to 5, the gel moves at the preset speeds;
for modes 6 and 7 the inter frame gel speed is controlled by a DMX
address.
Selecting Frame-by-Frame Mode
The 16 position 'Frame' select switch is labelled 0-9 and A-F where
A=10, B=11 etc. Where proportional position control is required,
select the switch to position 0 (Frame by Frame off). For Frame-by-
Frame operation, select the number of frames after frame 0.
For example:
2 Colours
Frame=1
5 Colours
Frame=4
16 Colours
Frame=F
The Frame-by-Frame software has been designed to include
hysteresis and 'dead bands' between colours (typically 4%). This
avoids any unwanted repeated changes due to noisy analog signals.

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MODES 9 TO F - RAINBOW SETUP / TEST MODES
The PlusCard is fitted with a suite of test routines and diagnostic
systems in the software. This ensures that whether on the bench or
intherig,thestatusof thesystemcanbecheckedandthe performance
tested by the user without the need for an external control system or
expensive test equipment.
These tests are selected by setting the mode switch to the one of the
following settings. When a test routine is selected, other attributes
remainunchanged unless altered,butcontrol from DMXishalted until
an operating mode is selected.
Mode 9 - Fan Drive Test
The internal and external fan control can be tested by selecting fan
levels on the Frames selector.
Mode A - Reserved for Future Development
Mode B - Self and Functional Tests
The PlusCard is fitted with full self testing for factory and service use
which are summarised below. For a full description of the features,
check the Pluscard technical manual.
Mode Frame Function Description
B 0 RAM Test
1 Posn test - Fades Gel Position Up and Down
2 Fan Test - Fades Int/Ext Fans Up and Down
3 Switch Test #1 - Checks Sw 1,2,3,6 in Posn 9
4 Switch Test #2 - Checks Sw 1,2,3,6 in Posn 6
5 JumperCheck-Checksjumpersettingsexternally
6 DMX Signal Check
7 Indicates Program Version in PROM
8 Indicates Program Version in SRAM
9 Indicates correct I2C communication operation
A Download via PC-link has priority
B RHT Link has priority
C to F Reserved for future use.

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Mode C - Micro Set of Gel Position
This allows the setting of the gel position using 12 bit accuracy. This can be used to check
the Frame tables or set accurate positioning. The 12 bit accuracy allows the scroll to be
divided into 4096 steps. These levels are used to set frame by frame positions and for
the ultra-smooth slow crossfades using on-board speed control. The filter movement is
at a preset medium speed.
The levels are set in hexadecimal using the Address and Frames switches as follows:
Address (0 - 255DEC)= Most significant 8 bits of level = Coarse
Frame (0 - FHEX) = Least significant 4 bits of level = Fine
Selection of Position ADEHEX (2782DEC)
Highest 8 bits = ADHEX = 173DEC = Address Setting
Lowest 4 bits = EHEX = Frames
Mode D - 100% Output for Loading/Trimming
Fades the output level to 100% irrespective of control input. This can be used when
loading and trimming the colour changers on the bench to avoid the need for a DMX
controller. The speed of the fade is controlled by the Frames selector as follows:
Frame Selector: Speed:
0 and 4-E Stop
1 Slow
2 and F Medium
3 Fast
Example: Slow fade to 100%
 
RAINBOW SETUP / TEST MODES ...CONT

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Mode E - Percentage Level Set using Address Selector
Selects an output level between 01 and 99% irrespective of the control input. This can
be used to trim the scroll or to compare with a console output. The percentage level is
selected on the Address Selectors and the speed is controlled from the Frame selector
as follows:
Address Level Frame Selector: Speed:
01 01 % 0 and 4-E Stop
nn nn % 1 Slow
99 99 % 2 and F Medium
3 Fast
Example: Slow movement to 50%
 
Mode F - 00% Output for Zero Set / Trimming
Fades the output level to 00% irrespective of control input. This can be used when
loading filter in to the colour changer without the need for a control console. The Frame
selector is used to control the speed of the crossfade as follows:
Frame Selector: Speed:
0 and 4-E Stop
1 Slow
2and F Medium
3 Fast
Example: Medium fade to 00%
 
RAINBOW SETUP / TEST MODES ...CONT

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NOTE: Gel Position after Exiting Test Modes
Upon exiting any of the test modes and selecting one of the operational modes between
0and7,thePlusCardwillcheckforavalidDMXinput.Ifnoneisdetected,thegelposition
will remain at the last valid position before entering test mode. If a valid level is detected
move the gel at medium speed until the position equals to the input position, from when
itwill track theinput as perthemode, frame, andaddresssettings. This willgivea smooth
crossfade to position avoiding any undue stress on the scrolls.
As the Rainbow Colour Changer also has a permanent memory, the position memory
is retained on power down. On power up, the PlusCard will go to either the value on
power down (No DMX input), or will move the gel at medium speed to the new DMX
input value.
RAINBOW SETUP / TEST MODES ...CONT

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APPENDIX A - DIAGNOSTIC LEDS
The Plus Card is designed to use both the existing diagnostic leds on the base of the
Rainbow and two rear mounted leds to give feedback as to the operational status of the
PlusCard and the input signal.
In normal operation the diagnostic LEDs indicate the following:
DATA Led - Green (Base of Colour Changer)
Fan Speed
Off No Valid Digital Data is being received
Proportional Fan Speed Indication:
2 Hz Slow Flash =Slow Fan Speed to
Quick Flash =Fast Fan Speed
On Fans Off (Modes 3-7)
Fans not under control of PlusCard (Modes 0-2)
Out of Valid Address Range
Slow Flash Set address is outside range of 1-512 for DMX
(8 s on, 8s off)
Software / Parameter Download
When downloading via an RPC link, the 'DATA' led will flash to indicate correct data
transfer to the PlusCard
DIAG Led - Red (Rear panel)
Processor Status - Normal Operation
1 Hz Flash Healthy Processor Status
Other Check processor performance / diagnostics
Program Version Check - Modes B.7 and B.8
No of flashes = Software version
EXT. Led - Yellow (Rear Panel)
Proportional to the voltage to the external fan - will be extinguished if there is a
short circuit on the external fan port.