Show Tec Polarscan User manual

Polarscan
ORDERCODE 40151

Congratulations!
You have bought a great, innovative product from Showtec.
The Showtec Polarscan 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 Polarscan™Product Guide
Warning..…...................................................................................…………………………………………..
Safety-instructions………………………………………………………………………………………….….
Operating Determinations…………………………………………………………………………………….
Description..…..............................................................................……….…………………………………
Features and Overview ………………………………...….……………….………….………………….….
Backside…………………………………………………...…...….……………….…………………...….….
Installation...............................................................................…...…………………………………….…..
Installing the Lamp ........................................................………………………………………..…………
Set Up and Operation.....................................................................……..……………………………….…
One City Painter .........................................................................…………………………………………
Multiple City Painters…........................................................................…………………………………..
DMX-Protocol…...................................................……………………………………………………………..
Control Mode........................................………………………………………………………………………
DMX Addressing...................................………………………………………………………………………
DMX Channels...................................…………………………………………………………………..……
Maintenance...................................................................................………..………….…….………………
Changing the Lamp........................................................................…………………….…………………
Replacing the Fuse........................................................................…………………….…………………
Troubleshooting............................................................................………………….………………….…..
No Light, No Movement - All Products............................................………………….…………………..
No Response to DMX ....................................................................………………….…………………...
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.
•Never use anything to cover the ground contact.
•Never run the device without lamp!
•Never ignite the lamp if the objective-lens or any housing-cover is open, as discharge lamps may
expose and emit a high ultraviolet radiation, which may cause burns.
•Never lift the fixture by holding it at the projector-head, as the mechanics may be damaged. Always
hold the fixture at the transport handles.
•Never look directly into the light source.
•Never leave any cables lying around.
•Never unscrew the screws of the rotating gobo, as the ball bearing will otherwise be opened.
•Do not insert objects into air vents.
•Do not connect this device to a dimmerpack.
•Do not switch the device on and off in short intervals, as this would reduce the lamp’s life.
•If the lamp has been turned OFF, let the lamp cool down for 15 minutes, before turning the lamp ON
again.
•Do not touch the device’s housing bare-handed during its operation (housing becomes very hot).
•Do not shake the device. Avoid brute force when installing or operating the device.
CAUTION!
Keep this device away from rain and moisture!
Un
p
lu
g
mains lead before o
p
enin
g
the housin
g
!
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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•Only use device indoor, avoid contact with water or other liquids.
•Only operate the fixture after having checked that the housing is firmly closed and all screws are
tightly fastened.
•Only operate the device after having familiarized with its functions.
•Avoid flames and do not put close to flammable liquids or gases.
•Always replace the lamp, when it is damaged or deformed due to the heat.
•Always keep case closed while operating.
•Always allow free air space of at least 50 cm around the unit for ventilation.
•Always disconnect power from the mains, when device is not used, before cleaning or when
replacing lamp! 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.
•If the lens is obviously damaged, it has to be replaced. So that its functions are not impaired, due to
cracks or deep scratches.
•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. Polarscan must be installed out of the reach of children. Never leave the unit
running unattended.
•For replacement use lamps and fuses of same type and rating only.
•Allow time to cool down, before replacing lamp.
•The user is responsible for correct positioning and operating of the Polarscan. The manufacturer will
not accept liability for damages caused by the misuse or incorrect installation of this device.
•This device falls under protection class I. Therefore it is essential to connect the yellow/green
conductor to earth.
•During the initial start-up some smoke or smell may arise. This is a normal process and does not
necessarily mean that the device is defective.
•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.
The minimum distance between light-output and the illuminated surface must be more than 0.5 meter.
The maximum ambient temperature ta= 45°C must never be exceeded.
The relative humidity must not exceed 50 % with an ambient temperature of 45° C.
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.
CAUTION ! EYEDAMAGES !.
Avoid looking directly into the light source.
(
meant es
p
eciall
y
for e
p
ile
p
tics
)
!

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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 !
Rigging
Please follow the European and national guidelines concerning rigging, trussing and all other safety issues.
Do not attempt the installation yourself !
Always let the installation be carried out by an authorized dealer !
Procedure:
•If the projector is lowered from the ceiling or high joists, professional trussing systems have to be
used.
•Use a clamp to mount the projector, with the mounting-bracket, to the trussing system.
•The projector must never be fixed swinging freely in the room.
•The installation must always be secured with a safety attachment, e.g. an appropriate safety net or
safety-cable.
•When rigging, derigging or servicing the projector, always make sure, that the area below the
installation place is blocked and staying in the area is forbidden.
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 NEUTRAL 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 Polarscan is a scanner with high output and great effects.
• DMX-control via standard DMX-controller
• 6 DMX-control channels required
• 1 Gobo-wheel with 9 gobos plus open
• 1 Color-wheel with 15 colors (12 fixed, 3 split colors) plus open
• Stand-alone control or Master –Slave control
• Strobe-effect with adjustable speed (1 - 8 flashes/sec.)
• Lamp MSD 250W
• Fuse T5A / 250V
Note: If the lamp has been turned OFF, let the lamp cool down for 15 minutes, before turning the lamp ON
again.
Overview
Fig. 1
Backside
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9
Fig. 2

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1) IEC Connector / Fuse
2) LCD Display
3) Built-in Mic
4) DMX signal connector (OUT)
5) Function
6) Down
7) Up
8) DMX signal connector (IN)
9) Audio
Installation
Installing the Lamp
The Showtec Polarscan uses the MSD 250 (ordercode 80920P / 80920O / 80933O / 82603 / 80935)
reflectorbulb as manufactured by all popular manufacturers. Use only the appropriate lamp for your unit.
Note that, product versions that use other lamps, may be offered in the future. Check your product
specification label for information.
Always disconnect from electric mains power supply before changing lamps.
The lamp has to be replaced when it is damaged or deformed due to the heat.
Do not install lamps with a higher wattage! Lamps with a higher wattage generate temperatures the
device was not designed for.
Damages caused by non-observance are not subject to warranty.
Procedure :
1. Loosen the 2 golden screws on the front.
2. Remove the cover and gently pull out the lamp socket. Read lamp instructions. Do not touch the lamp
bulb glass. Oil on hands shortens the lamp life. (If you touch the bulb glass, wipe off the glass with a
clean, lint-free towel and rubbing alcohol.)
3. Hold the lamp socket with one hand. Insert the lamp pins into the small holes in the lamp socket.
4. Push the lamp and the socket in to the lamp holder.
5. Put the cover back and fasten all the screws snugly.

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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.
One Polarscan
1. Leave at least 1 meter on all sides for air circulation.
2. Plug one end of the electric mains power cord into the IEC socket on the unit.
Then plug the other end of the cord into a proper electric power supply socket.
Multiple Polarscans
1. Leave at least 1 meter on all sides for air circulation.
2. Use a 3-p XLR cable to connect the Polarscans and other devices.
The pins:
1. Earth
2. Signal -
3. Signal +
3. Link the units as shown in (figure 3), Connect a DMX signal cable from the first unit's DMX "out" socket to
the second unit's "in" socket. Repeat this process to link the second, third, and fourth units.
4. Supply electric power: Plug electric mains power cords into each unit's IEC socket, then plug the other
end of the mains power cord into proper electric power supply sockets, starting with the first unit. Do not
supply power before the whole system is set up and connected properly.
Note: It’s necessary to insert a XLR termination plug (with 120 Ohm) in the last fixture in order to ensure
proper transmission on the DMX data link.
Multiple Polarscans Set Up
DMX-Set up
Master/Slave Set up
Fig. 3
Note : Link all cables before connecting electric power

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DMX Protocol
The Polarscan can be operated with a controller in control mode or without the controller in stand-alone
mode.
Control Panel
When the indicator light is on, means the Polarscan is working
Fig. 4
A. Fun [Function] Button
B. Down Button
C. Up Button
Control Mode
The fixtures are individually addressed on a data-link and connected to the controller.
The fixtures respond to the DMX signal from the controller. (When you select the DMX address and save it,
the controller will display the saved DMX address the next time.)
DMX Addressing
The control panel on the front side of the base allows you to assign the DMX fixture address, which is the
first channel from which the Polarscan will respond to the controller.
Please note when you use the controller, the unit has 6channels.
When using multiple Polarscans, make sure you set the DMX addresses right.
Therefore, the DMX address of the first Polarscan should be 1(001); the DMX address of the second
Polarscan should be 1+6=7 (007); the DMX address of the third Polarscan should be 7+6=13(013), etc.
Please, be sure that you don’t have any overlapping channels in order to control each Polarscan correctly.
If two or more Polarscans are addressed similarly, they will work similarly.
For address settings, please refer to the instructions under ”Addressing’ (menu )
Controlling:
After having addressed all Polarscan fixtures, you may now start operating these via your lighting controller.
Note: After switching on, the Polarscan will automatically detect whether DMX 512 data is received or not. If
there is no data received at the DMX-input, the “LED “ on the control panel will not flash.
The problem may be:
- The XLR cable from the controller is not connected with the input of the Polarscan.
- The controller is switched off or defective, the cable or connector is detective, or the signal wires are
swapped in the input connector.
Note: It’s necessary to insert a XLR termination plug (with 120 Ohm) in the last fixture in order to ensure
proper transmission on the DMX data link.

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DMX Channels
Channel 1 - Horizontal movement (Pan)
Push the slider up, in order to move head horizontally (PAN).
Gradual head adjustment from one end of the slider to the other (0-255, 128-center).
The head can be turned by 150°and stopped at any position you wish.
Channel 2 - Vertical movement (Tilt)
Push the slider, up in order to move head vertically (TILT).
Gradual head adjustment from one end of the slider to the other (0-255, 128-center).
The head can be turned by 85°and stopped at any position you wish.
Channel 3 –Colourwheel + Rainbow
Linear color change following the movement of the slider.
0-7 Open / white
8-15 Green / Pink
16-23 Yellow / Green
24-31 Red /Blue
32-39 Purple
40-47 Orange
48-55 Blue
56-63 Pink
64-71 Dark Green
72-79 Yellow
80-87 Light Blue
88-95 Pink
96-103 Light Green
104-111 Light Blue
112-119 Red
120-127 Light Blue
128-185 Counterclockwise Rainbow effect with increasing speed
186-195 Stop
196-255 Clockwise Rainbow effect with increasing speed
Channel 4 –Gobowheel
Linear color change following the movement of the slider.
0-23 Open
24-47 Gobo Star
48-79 Gobo Harts
80-103 Gobo Circle
104-127 Gobo Lownoise
128-151 Gobo Stars
152-175 Gobo Stripes
176-207 Gobo Bulls eye
208-231 Gobo Dots
232-255 Gobo Tribal
Channel 5 –Rotating gobo rotation
0-15 Stop
16-135 Clockwise rotation with decreasing speed
136-255 Stop
80-103 Counterclockwise rotation with increasing speed

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Channel 6 – Shutter, strobe
Maintenance
The operator has to make sure that safety-relating and machine-technical installations are to be inspected
by an expert after every four years in the course of an acceptance test.
The operator has to make sure that safety-relating and machine-technical installations are to be inspected
by a skilled person once a year.
The following points have to be considered during the inspection:
1. All screws used for installing the device or parts of the device have to be tightly connected and must
not be corroded.
2. There may not be any deformations on housings, fixations and installation spots.
3. Mechanically moving parts like axles, eyes and others may not show any traces of wearing.
4. The electric power supply cables must not show any damages or material fatigue.
The Showtec Polarscan requires almost no maintenance. However, you should keep the unit clean.
Otherwise, the fixture’s light-output will be significantly reduced. Disconnect the mains power supply, and
then wipe the cover with a damp cloth. Do not immerse in liquid. Wipe lens clean with glass cleaner and a
soft cloth. Do not use alcohol or solvents.
The cooling-fans, colour-filters, and the internal lenses should be cleaned monthly with a soft brush.
Please clean internal components once a year with a light brush and vacuum cleaner.
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.
Changing the Lamp
1. Disconnect mains power supply. Loosen the 2 golden screws on the front.
Gently pull out the lampholder.
2. With one hand holding the lamp socket, pull the lamp out of the lamp socket with the other.
3. Follow directions for installing a new lamp, page 6.
Replacing a Fuse
Power surges, short-circuit or inappropriate electrical power supply may cause a fuse to burn out. If the fuse
burns out, the product will not function whatsoever. If this happens, follow the directions below to do so.
1. Unplug the unit from electric power source.
2. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into a slot in the fuse cover. Gently pry up the fuse cover. The fuse will
come out.
3. Remove the used fuse. If brown or unclear, it is burned out.
4. Insert the replacement fuse into the holder where the old fuse was. Reinsert the fuse cover. Be sure to
use a fuse of the same type and specification. See the product specification label for details.
0-105 Dimmer
106-220 Strobe effect from fast to slow
221-249 White / Open
250-255 Shutter closed

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Troubleshooting
No Light
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.
If the light effect does not operate properly, refer servicing to a technician.
Response: Suspect three potential problem areas: the power supply, the lamp, the fuse.
1. Power supply. Check that the unit is plugged into an appropriate power supply.
2. The lamp. Replace the old lamp with a new one with the same specifications. See page 6 for replacing
lamps.
3. The fuse. Replace the fuse. See page 10 for replacing the fuse.
No Response to DMX
Response: Suspect the DMX cable or connectors, a controller malfunction, a light effect DMX card
malfunction.
1. Check the DMX cable: Unplug the unit; change the DMX cable; then reconnect to electrical power. Try
your DMX control again.
2. Determine whether the controller or light effect is at fault. Does the controller operate properly with other
DMX products ? If not, take the controller in for repair. If so, take the DMX cable and the light effect to a
qualified technician.
See next page for more problem solving.

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Problem Probable cause(s) Remedy
No power to the fixture ·Check that power is switched on and
cables are plugged in.
One or more
fixtures are
completely dead. Primary fuse blown. ·Replace fuse.
The controller is not connected. ·Connect controller.Fixtures reset
correctly, but all
respond
erratically or not
at all to the
controller.
3-pin XLR Out of the controller
does not match XLR Out of the
first fixture on the link (i.e. signal is
reversed).
·Install a phase reversing cable
between the controller and the first
fixture on the link.
Poor data quality
·Check data quality. If much lower
than 100 percent, the problem may
be a bad data link connection, poor
quality or broken cables, missing
termination plug, or a defective fixture
disturbing the link.
Bad data link connection
·Inspect connections and cables.
Correct poor connections. Repair or
replace damaged cables.
Data link not terminated with 120
Ohm termination plug.
·Insert termination plug in output jack
of the last fixture on the link.
Incorrect addressing of the
fixtures.
·Check address setting.
One of the fixtures is defective
and disturbs data transmission on
the link.
·Bypass one fixture at a time until
normal operation is regained: unplug
both connectors and connect them
directly together.
·Have the defective fixture serviced by
a qualified technician.
Fixtures reset
correctly, but
some respond
erratically or not
at all to the
controller.
3-pin XLR Out on the fixtures does
not match (pins 2 and 3 reversed).
·Install a phase-reversing cable
between the fixtures or swap pin 2
and 3 in the fixture, that behaves
erratically.
The power supply settings do not
match local AC voltage and
frequency.
·Disconnect fixture. Check settings
(page 7) and correct if necessary.
No light
Lamp missing or blown ·Disconnect fixture and replace lamp.
Lamp cuts out
intermittently.
Fixture is too hot.
·Allow fixture to cool.
·Clean fan.
·Make sure air vents at control panel
and front lens are not blocked.
·Turn up the air conditioning.
The power supply settings do not
match local AC voltage and
frequency.
·Disconnect fixture. Check settings
(page 7) and correct if necessary.

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Product Specification
Model: Showtec Bat 1 Digital
Voltage: 240V-50Hz (CE)
Fuse: 5A / 250V
Dimensions: 495x290x160mm (LxWxH)
Weight: 10 kg
Operation and Programming
Signal pin OUT: pin 1 earth, pin 2 (-), pin 3 (+)
Set Up and Addressing: LED control panel
DMX Channels 6
Signal input 3-pin XLR male
Signal output 3-pin XLR female
Lamp
Allowed lamp models*:
Showtec NSD 250/2 (2000 hr) (ordercode 82603)
Philips MSD 250 (3000 hr; 6700K) ordercode 80920P
Osram HSD 250 (2000 hr; 6000K) ordercode 80926O
Osram HSD 250/78 (1000 hr; 7800K) (ordercode 80933O)
Osram HSD 250/80 (1000 hr; 8000K) (ordercode 80935)
Control: Automatic and DMX remote ON / OFF
Electro-mechanical effects
Gobos: 9 gobos plus open
Dimmer: 0 – 100% linear dimmer
Strobe-effect with variable speed (1 flash -- 8 flashes/sec.)
DMX-control via standard DMX-controller
Sound-controlled via built-in microphone
Max. ambient temperature ta: 40°C; Max. housing temperature tB: 80°C
Cooling: 1 axial fan in the projector
Minimum distance:
Minimum distance from flammable surfaces: 0.5m
Minimum distance to lighted object: 0.8m
*: Versions for other lamps may be produced. Please check the specification label on your product.
Design and product specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

2005 Showtec.