Show Tec FX Station User manual

FX Station
ORDERCODE 50402

Congratulations!
You have bought a great, innovative product from Showtec.
The Showtec FX Station brings excitement to any venue. Whether you want simple plug-&-play action or a
sophisticated DMX show, this product provides the effect you need.
You can rely on Showtec, for more excellent lighting products.
We design and manufacture professional light equipment for the entertainment industry.
New products are being launched regularly. We work hard to keep you, our customer, satisfied.
For more information: [email protected]
You can get some of the best quality, best priced products on the market from Showtec.
So next time, turn to Showtec for more great lighting equipment.
Always get the best -- with Showtec !
Thank you!

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Showtec
Showtec FX Station ™Product Guide
Warning..…...................................................................................…………………………………………..
Safety-instructions………………………………………………………………………………………….….
Operating Determinations…………………………………………………………………………………….
Description..…..............................................................................……….…………………………………
Features and Overview ………………………………...….……………….………….………………….….
Backside…………………………………………………...…...….……………….…………………...….….
Installation...............................................................................…...…………………………………….…..
Set Up and Operation.....................................................................……..……………………………….…
Channel Output and State Control.....................................…………………………………………..
8 CH / 16 CH output console …………………………………………………………………….….
EFFECT / LATCH / FLASH Function ………………………………..………………………….….
Chase Speed control…………………………………………………..…………………………..…
MANUAL / AUTO Mode……………………………..………………………………………….……
Enable / Disable signal output for Relay Pack……………………………………………………..
External Strobes Control...……………........................................…………………………………...
Flash Speed adjustment …………….………………………………………………….…………...
Signal Output………………………………….……………………………………………….………
Usage of USB Light...……….…………........................................……………………………………
Fog Machine Trigger...… ………........................................………………………………………….
Maintenance...................................................................................………..………….…….………………
Replacing the Fuse........................................................................…………………….…………………
Troubleshooting............................................................................………………….………………….…..
Product Specifications.................................................................……………….…….…………………..

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WARNING
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, PLEASE READ THIS USER MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE YOUR INITIAL START-UP!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Every person involved with the installation, operation and maintenance of this device has to:
-be qualified
-follow the instructions of this manual
Before your initial start-up, please make sure that there is no damage caused by transportation. Should
there be any, consult your dealer and do not use the device.
To maintain perfect condition and to ensure a safe operation, it is absolutely necessary for the user to follow
the safety instructions and warning notes written in this manual.
Please consider that damages caused by manual modifications to the device are not subject to warranty.
This device contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer servicing to qualified technicians only.
IMPORTANT:
The manufacturer will not accept liability for any resulting damages caused by the non-observance of
this manual or any unauthorized modification to the device.
•Never let the power-cord come into contact with other cables! Handle the power-cord and all
connections with the mains with particular caution!
•Never remove warning or informative labels from the unit.
•Do not open the device and do not modify the device.
•Never use anything to cover the ground contact.
•Never leave any cables lying around.
•Do not insert objects into air vents.
•Do not switch the device on and off in short intervals, as this would reduce the lamp’s life.
•Do not shake the device. Avoid brute force when installing or operating the device.
•Only use device indoor, avoid contact with water or other liquids.
•Only operate the device after having familiarized with its functions.
•Avoid flames and do not put close to flammable liquids or gases.
•Always disconnect power from the mains, when device is not used or before cleaning! Only handle
the power-cord by the plug. Never pull out the plug by tugging the power-cord.
•Make sure that the device is not exposed to extreme heat, moisture or dust.
•Make sure that the available voltage is not higher than stated on the rear panel.
•Make sure that the power-cord is never crimped or damaged. Check the device and the power-cord
from time to time.
CAUTION!
Keep this device away from rain and moisture!
CAUTION! Be careful with your operations.
With a dangerous voltage you can suffer
a dan
g
erous electric shock when touchin
g
the wires!

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•If device is dropped or struck, disconnect mains power supply immediately. Have a qualified
engineer inspect for safety before operating.
•If the device has been exposed to drastic temperature fluctuation (e.g. after transportation), do not
switch it on immediately. The arising condensation water might damage your device. Leave the
device switched off until it has reached room temperature.
•If your Showtec device fails to work properly, discontinue use immediately. Pack the unit securely
(preferably in the original packing material), and return it to your Showtec dealer for service.
•For adult use only. The device must be installed out of the reach of children. Never leave the unit
running unattended.
•For replacement use fuses of same type and rating only.
•This device falls under protection class I. Therefore it is essential to connect the yellow/green
conductor to earth.
•Repairs, servicing and electric connection must be carried out by a qualified technician.
•WARRANTY: Till one year after date of purchase.
OPERATING DETERMINATIONS
This device is not designed for permanent operation. Consistent operation breaks will ensure that the device
will serve you for a long time without defects.
If this device is operated in any other way, than the one described in this manual, the product may suffer
damages and the warranty becomes void.
Any other operation may lead to dangers like short-circuit, burns, electric shock, lamp explosion, crash etc.
You endanger your own safety and the safety of others!
Improper installation can cause serious damage to people and property !
Connection with the mains
Connect the device to the mains with the power-plug.
Always pay attention, that the right color cable is connected to the right place.
Cable
Pin International
BROWN FASE L
BLUE NUL N
YELLOW/GREEN EARTH
Make sure that the device is always connected properly to the earth!

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Description of the device
Features
The Showtec FX Station is a multi control system from Showtec.
• Dimming Channels
• Switch Channels
• Strobe Function
• Fog Button
Overview
Fig. 1
1) Power On/Off: Press to turn On/Off the power.
2) USB Light Connector: Connect an USB light (60720 / 60721 / 60740 / 60741) to this output.
3) CH 1-8 / CH-16 Switch: Use the switch to select 8 Channel or 16 Channel.
4) FLASH / LATCH switch: Use the switch to select FLASH or LATCH.
5) Flash Speed Switch: Use this switch to control the flash speed strobes.
There are 3 options available: • AUDIO: Flash Speed can be controlled by music.
• FLASH: Flash Speed can be controlled by the FLASH SPEED Knob (13).
• OFF: Switch off the strobes.
6+11) Mode Button: Use this button to select the Chase programs between Program 1 and Program 16
when in MANUAL Mode. Each tap will change the CHASE program once. The left Mode button (6) is
for CH 1-4 / CH 9-12, and the right Mode button (11) is for CH 5-8 / CH 13-16.
7+10) MANUAL / AUTO switch: Switch to MANUAL Mode to run any of the built-in programs manually.
The left selector controls CH1-4 / CH9-12, and the right selector controls CH5-8 / CH13-16.
8+9) CHASE Mode Switch: Used to select corresponding Chase Speed control Mode.
There are 3 options available: : • AUDIO: Chase can be controlled by music.
• X1: controlled by the SPEED knob (14), the fastest Chase Speed can
be selected within a few seconds.
• 10 min: controlled by the SPEED knob (14), the slowest Chase Speed
can be selected within a few seconds.
The left Chase Switch controls CH1-4 / CH9-12, and the right Chase Switch controls CH5-8 / CH13-16.
12) Audio Sensitivity Knob: Use this knob to adjust the audio sensitivity.
13) FLASH SPEED Knob: Use this knob to adjust the FLASH SPEED of the strobes.
Flash LED: Indicates the working states of the strobes.
14) SPEED Knob for CH 1-4 / CH 9-12: This knob is used to adjust the chase speed for channels 1-4 and
9-12. Chase speed adjustment for channels 9-12 is only available when in 16 Channel Output mode.
15) SPEED Knob for CH 5-8 / CH 13-16: This knob is used to adjust the chase speed for channels 5-8 and
13-16. Chase speed adjustment for channels 13-16 is only available when in 16 Channel output mode.
16) Effect Switches (X8): Use these switches to enable (ON) or disable (OFF) the corresponding channel
output.

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Channel Buttons (X16): These buttons can lock (LATCH) or trigger (FLASH) the relevant channel
output.
17) Channel LED: Indicates the working state of the relevant channel output.
18) STANDBY LED: Indicates whether the device is STANDBY. LED On indicates the output is disabled,
OFF means output is enabled.
STANDBY Button: Use this button to disable the overall output momentarily. When pressing the
button twice, the channel output will be reactivated.
Backside
Fig. 2
19) DMX signal connector (OUT): This connector sends the DMX signal to the next unit.
20) Fog Machine Output: To send the signal to a fog machine.
21) AUDIO LINE INPUT: 0.1V~1Vp-p
22) Strobe Output: this output sends signals to a strobe
23) DC Input: DC 9 ~15V, 500mA min.
Installation
Remove all packing materials from the controller. Check that all foam and plastic padding is removed.
Connect all cables.
Always disconnect from electric mains power supply before cleaning or servicing.
Damages caused by non-observance are not subject to warranty.
Set Up and Operation
Follow the directions below, as they pertain to your preferred operation mode.
Before plugging the unit in, always make sure that the power supply matches the product specification
voltage. Do not attempt to operate a 120V specification product on 230V power, or vice versa.
Channel output and state control
8 CH / 16 CH output console
• You can choose between an 8 channel and 16 channel output.
• Set the CH1-8 / CH 9-16 Switch (3) to “CH 1-8”, then 8 channel output will be available.
• Set the CH1-8 / CH 9-16 Switch (3) to “CH 9-16”, then 16 channel output will be available.
Effect / Latch / Flash-button
• Turn ON the Effect switch (16) in 8 channel output mode, the relevant channel output will run normally.
• Turn OFF the Effect switch (16) in 8 channel output mode, the relevant channel output will be disabled.
• Press the relevant channel button (16) to lock (LATCH) or trigger (FLASH) the corresponding channel
output.
The relevant channel button function (LATCH or FLASH) is controlled by the FLASH / LATCH switch (4).
• When in 16 Channel Mode, the EFFECT switch can also function in 8 Channel Output Mode at the same
time. For example, the EFFECT switch, which controls channel 1, can simultaneously control channel 9 in
16 Channel Mode. The function of each channel button will be controlled by the FLASH / LATCH switch,
set the switch accordingly to your needs.

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Chase Speed Control
The CHASE SPEED can be controlled by:
• the music.
• SPEED knob in x1 Mode.
• SPEED knob in 10 min Mode.
• Set the Chase Mode switch to AUDIO, the chase speed will be music-controlled. Audio sensitivity can also
be controlled by the Audio Sensitivity Knob (12).
• Set the Chase Mode switch to x1, the chase speed will be controlled by the SPEED Knob (14+15).
• Set the Chase mode switch to 10 min, then the chase speed will be controlled by the SPEED Knob
(14+15).
Manual / Auto Mode
• Set the Manual / Auto switch to Manual Mode, you can then select any of the built-in Chase programs by
pressing the Mode button manually. Each tap will change the CHASE program once.
• Set the Manual / Auto switch to AUTO Mode, then all the 16 built-in Chase programs will run circularly and
automatically.
Enable / Disable signal output for Relay Pack
• The signal output for Relay pack can be controlled by the STANDBY-button. When the STANDBY-LED
blinks, means the relevant signal output is disabled. Press the STANDBY-button again (LED OFF) to
reactivate the signal output.
External Strobe Control
Flash speed adjustment
External strobes can be controlled in the following different flash speed modes:
• Set the FLASH SPEED switch to AUDIO Mode, then the strobes will react to the music.
• Set the FLASH SPEED switch to FLASH Mode, then the strobes will be controlled by the FLASH SPEED
Knob (13).
• Set the FLASH SPEED switch to OFF, then the strobes will be disabled.
Signal Output
• The FX Station can control any standard DMX dimmer as well as the strobes.
Usage of USB light
• When you want to use a USB light, just connect the USB light to the USB socket on the front of the
controller, and then turn on the power switch of the USB light.
Fog Machine Trigger
• When the HEATING LED is ON, means the fog machine has been well connected.
• When the READY LED is ON, means the fog machine is ready to run.
• Press the FOG MACHINE button to start operating the fogger.

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Maintenance
The Showtec FX Station requires almost no maintenance. However, you should keep the unit clean.
Disconnect the mains power supply, and then wipe the cover with a damp cloth. Do not immerse in liquid.
Do not use alcohol or solvents.
Keep connections clean. Disconnect electric power, and then wipe the DMX and audio connections with a
damp cloth. Make sure connections are thoroughly dry before linking equipment or supplying electric power.
Troubleshooting
Showtec FX Station
This troubleshooting guide is meant to help solve simple problems. If a problem occurs, carry out the steps
below in sequence until a solution is found. Once the unit operates properly, do not carry out following
steps.
1. If the device does not operate properly, unplug the device.
2. Check power from the wall, all cables, connections, etc.
3. If all of the above appears to be O.K., plug the unit in again.
4. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, unplug the device.
5. Return the device to your Showtec dealer.

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Product Specification
Model: Showtec FX Station
Voltage: 240V-50Hz (CE)
USB Output: DC 5V 100mA
Strobe Output” Pulse 10Vp-p (frequency adjustable)
Audio Line Input: 0.1V~1Vp-p
Internal Fuse: 0,5A / 250V
Dimensions: 480x83x43mm (LxWxH)
Weight: 1,2 kg
Design and product specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

2006 Showtec.