RC4 Wireless LumenDim4 User manual

Rev. 1.1A
LumenDim4
High Power Four-Channel Wireless Dimmer
Quick Start Guide

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RC4 LumenDim4
1. DMX Data Indicator
2. Function and COP* Indicator
3. Function Button
4. SetA - SetD Buttons
5. DimA - DimD Indicators
6. RF Connect Indicator for Transmitter Linking
7. RF Connect (Link) Button
8. Anderson PowerPole Connections for Power and Outputs
9. DMX In/Out Data Port
10. Power Input Connections (45A PowerPole)
11. Load Connections (DimA +/- thru DimD +/-, 15A PowerPole)
12. Power Indicator
* COP means “Computer Operating Properly.” This indicator always shows a blink pattern,
proving that internal rmware is running. Dierent patterns indicate various modes and advanced
settings.

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LumenDim4 Quick Start Guide
This guide will get you started using your RC4 LumenDim4. Most LumenDim4
users will nd all the information they need right here.
Your LumenDim4 also has a wide variety of expanded features for advanced
users. You can nd out more about all of them in the RC4 Knowledge Base at
http://rc4.info.
Registering Your Product
Registering your LumenDim4 is quick and easy. After registration, you’ll be
notied of new rmware updates, and warranty claims can be resolved more
quickly.
Please complete your registration at:
www.rc4wireless.com/support/register/
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LumenDim4 System Components
To use your LumenDim4 wireless dimmer you will need:
• A DMX lighting console.
• A LumenRadio CRMX-compatible wireless transmitter like the
RC4 LumenDimIO or the LumenRadio TX1.
• A battery or DC power supply for the dimmer and loads you will be
operating with it.
• Anderson PowerPole shells and pins (one set has been provided with your
LumenDim4), and a crimping tool for those pins.
Anderson PowerPole Connectors
PowerPole shells are available in a range of colors. Pins are available with
15A, 30A, and 45A ratings. If you are running your LumenDim4 at close to the
maximum rated power handling, you MUST use 45A pins at the power input.
Do not exceed 45A in total for the 4 combined dimmer loads.
Each dimmer output can deliver up to 12A of dimming power. Although 15A
pins are more than adequate, you might want to use a larger pin size to best t
the gauge of wire you are using.
The legend on the back of your LumenDim4 provides part numbers of
commonly used shells and pins. A complete set of shells and pins is also
available directly from RC4 Wireless.

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Performing a Factory Reset
If someone else has used your LumenDim4, or you just
want to get back to a known conguration, performing
a factory reset is easy:
Power on the device. The green COP indicator will be
blinking.
Press and hold Func, briey tap (press and release)
the SetA button, then release Func. The rst four
indicators will blink to conrm that factory settings
are restored.
NOTE: This does NOT aect transmitter linking.
PRO TIPS:
Bending a single paper clip into a U shape will enable
you to easily reach and press both buttons together.
If you are not sure what mode or setting you may have
selected, you can always get back to a known starting
point by returning to factory default.
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Unlink the LumenDim4
If the blue RF Connect LED on the LumenDim4 blinks continuously, it is looking
for a transmitter that it was previously linked with.
To unlink it, press and hold RF Connect for several seconds until the blue LED
goes o and stays o.
If the RF Connect LED remains on, or is blinking, repeat the process until it
stays o.
When the RF Connect LED is o, the LumenDim4 is ready to be linked to your
transmitter.
NOTE: Link status is not aected by performing a Factory Reset.

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Linking Transmitter and Receiver
In this example, we’re using an RC4 LumenDimIO transmitter. Have both
devices powered on. Put the LumenDimIO Mode switch in the transmit
position, then tap the Link button. The Link button is recessed under the small
slot to the right of the blue RF Connect LED. Tap it with a small screwdriver or
the end of a bent paperclip.
The blue RF Connect LEDs on both the LumenDimIO and the LumenDim4 will
ash for several seconds and then remain steady, indicating that they are
linked.
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MODE
PUSH
Link Button

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Test the Wireless Link with Default Address Settings
When you receive your new LumenDim4, or after restoring factory settings, it
will be set to DMX address 1 for dimmer A, address 2 for dimmer B, etc.
Before changing any dimmer settings, play with the DMX levels for these
addresses and see your wireless dimmer outputs work.
The DimA, DimB, DimC, and DimD LED indicators on the side of the LumenDim4
are directly connected to dimmer outputs: they show you exactly what the
dimmers are doing.
Setting the DMX Address
Assigning DMX channels and dimmer curves is easy using RC4 OneTouch™:
On your DMX lighting console, bring up one dimmer (DMX output channel)
that will be your LumenDim4 starting address. For example, if you want your
rst LumenDim4 dimmer on DMX channel 60 with a curve that is optimized for
LEDs, bring up 60 @ 30% at the console. Tap SetA and the DimA indicator will
come on @ 30%.
The level of 30% selects one of several dierent curves. This one is optimized
for LEDs. Other curves are explained on Page 13.

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Subsequent Channel Assignment
When you set DimA, the other dimmers are
automatically set sequentially. For example, if you have
set DMX channel 60 for DimA, DimB is now assigned to
channel 61, DimC is on 62, and so on.
Non-Sequential Channel Assignment
Dimmers don’t have to be sequential.
You can use RC4 OneTouch™ with the Set buttons for
each individual dimmer. For example, if you want DimB
to be set to DMX address 11, bring up 11 @ 30% (for
the LED curve) at the board and press the SetB button.
Remember: SetA assigns all 4 dimmers sequentially.
The other Set buttons work individually. Always use
SetA rst.
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Set D
Set C
Set B
Set A

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Connecting Your Lamps, LEDs, Motors and More*
To really use your LumenDim4, you must connect a lamp, LED, motor, or other
load to each dimmer. When you’re connecting anything to your LumenDim4, be
sure that the LumenDim4 is powered down. Connect everything rst, then turn
on power.
The yellow output connections are positive (+), the grey connections are
negative (-).
Dimming occurs on the negative side. The positive connections are all
connected together inside the LumenDim4.
* The LumenDim4 can control a variety of devices including solenoids, relays,
servo motors, and much more.
Power Input: 6 - 35VDC
Do not exceed voltage
rating for connected loads.

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Dimming and Controlling Multicolor LEDs
The illustration on the previous page shows an RGB color mixing LED device.
There are 4 wires: a black wire for the 12V common positive (+), and three
colored wires, red/green/blue, for the three unique negative leads. The color
of the common positive may vary, it is not always black.
The common positive should be connected to the yellow terminal of DimA.
All of the (+)terminals, red and yellow, are connected together inside the
LumenDim4. Using the DimA connection is recommended because it is closest
to the power input (+) connection, reducing heat and resistance along the
positive leg of the circuit.
Dimming happens on the negative (–) connections.
The red wire should be connected to the grey (–) connection for DimA.
The green wire should be connected to the grey (–) terminal for DimB.
The blue wire should be connected to the grey (–) terminal for DimC.
If using an RGBA or RGBW xture, the fourth wire (usually yellow or white)
should be connected to the grey (–) terminal for DimD.
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Choosing Other Dimmer Curves or Proles
The LumenDim4 default is the ISL dimmer curve, which is best for LEDs. This is
also the curve that is selected with RC4 OneTouch™ when the DMX level is at
30%.
There are dimmer curves for dierent kinds of lamps, motors, and more.
Detailed information can be found online by searching dimmer curves at
http://rc4.info/.
The most common curves are selected using these DMX channel levels and
RC4 OneTouch™ with the Set buttons as outlined on page 9:
Non-Dim 100% (80% or higher)
Use for relays, solenoids, air valves, etc.
Linear 70% (60 - 79%)
For incandescent, halogen, tungsten lamps.
ISL Fast 50% (40 - 59%)
For LEDs when fast blinks and ashes are required.
RC4 Digital Persistence™ is disabled.
ISL Slow 30% (20 - 39%)
Best for typical LED applications, with RC4 Digital Persistence™.
For super smooth 19-bit dimming. (default setting)

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Advanced Features
The LumenDim4 is a multifaceted device for users of all experience levels. The
features below can be explored further at http://rc4.info/ or by asking us for
help at [email protected]:
• Using a small adaptor cable, the LumenDim4 can be used as a wireless data
receiver to deliver DMX to other devices. It can also be used as a wired
DMX dimmer: the miniplug DMX port becomes an input when the device is
not linked to a transmitter.
• When using the LumenDim4 for cinema (motion picture capture), PWM
frequencies can be adjusted for the smoothest dimming without banding or
other camera artifacts.
• The LumenDim4 has a wide variety of dimmer curves that can ring
telephones, position servo motors, and more.
• Using the RC4 Flkr Eects Engine™, you can create many unique eects
including candle icker, analog tv screen noise, welding spark, and much
more.
• An HSL (Hue/Saturation/Level) processor can be enabled, making it easy to
nd a specic color and dim it up and down without color variation.
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Caring for Your LumenDim4
• The LumenDim4 should not be used with AC power or with any voltage
higher than 35VDC. Doing so will severely damage the device and is
extremely dangerous for the operator.
• Do not exceed the maximum power handling of the LumenDim4, which is
45A. That is 500W at 12V, 1000W at 24V, shared across the four dimmer
channels.
• Always use a fuse or circuit breaker at the source of power and always use
an appropriate wire size for the fuse rating. For example, if using a 40A
fuse, use wire that can safely carry 40A.
• The LumenDim4 should be kept away from excessive heat, cold, dust and
moisture.
• Do not immerse in water or other uids.
• Dimmers generate heat when operating. Allow space for air to move around
the unit for cooling, especially when using high-current loads.
The LumenDim4 is a high-power, high-current device. Failing to observe
appropriate safety precautions can result in re or other risk. RC4 Wireless
cannot be held responsible or liable in such cases. Operate the LumenDim4
at your own risk.

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Get in Touch
1-866-258-4577 Toll Free, North America
1-919-229-9950 North Carolina, USA, Local
[phone] London, UK
1-866-237-6641 Toll Free Fax, North America
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rc4wireless.com
Knowledge Base: http://rc4.info
We’re here to help you at any time.
James David Smith
President and Chief Product Designer
RC4 Wireless