ShowLed Chameleon User manual
Controller
Manual
version 2.0
2
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 4
Safety instructions 5
How to replace the fuse 5
Product Overview 6
Connections 7
Connecting the ShowLED controller 7
Setting up the control network 7
Configurations with a DMX lightboard 7
Configuration without a DMX lightboard 8
What is DMX? 8
Controller Menu Structure 9
Operator Console 10
How to set up the controller 10
Controller Modes 12
Stand Alone Mode - setting the parameters 12
DMX Mode 10 – Controlling the build in patterns 13
DMX Mode 24 - Controlling the channels individually 16
FAQ’s 17
Contact Information & Support 17
Technical Specifications 18
Declaration of conformity 19
4
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for buying our product.The ShowLED* Chameleon controller has the following
features:
• 8 output channels for driving RGB LEDs
• Stand-alone mode with Chase Patterns and Effects Memory
• Chase patterns
- Stand alone (or selected by DMX signal)
- Selection hard or soft chase
- Variable chase speed
- A number of predefined patterns
- Interactive colour selecting
• DMX-compatible
- The DMX signal is cleaned up and amplified every time it passes through a controller.
- 2 separate DMX modes
- preset chasers (via 10 DMX channels)
- individual control 8 RGB output channels (via minimum 24 DMX channels)
• Two or more controllers can be synchronized
• The LED outputs are protected against short circuit
• Uses standard cables (4 or 5 pin XLR-cables, IEC power cord)
• Maximum 512 LEDs per controller
• Maximum 256 LEDs per XLR plug (4x 4-pin plug per controller) via connector box
• 4-line LCD display (20 characters per line)
• Master-slave configuration
*ShowLED is our brand name for LED-products we develop for the entertainment
industry.
5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
To avoid electric shock the power cord protective grounding must be connected to
ground.
Make sure you understand the function of each connection before you connect it.
Make sure that all connections are made correctly before turning on the controller.
Always disconnect the controller from the mains supply when connecting the signal
leads, the power cord should be connected last.
Do not apply voltage higher than 250 Vac to the controller. (See also technical data)
The controller has a fuse accessible on the IEC power inlet; replace them only with the
correct type. See below how to replace them.
To insure good ventilation in order to prevent fire caused by overheating,do not install
or use the controller in a closed space.Make sure that the ventilation exits at the front
and the back of the controller are not blocked.
If the controller is not supported by a floor or a table, you must secure it with a
mechanical safety. The connecting cables are NOT mechanical safeties! If you are not
familiar with mechanical safeties, feel free to contact us. We can provide you with
professional advice. (See Contact Information)
Take care with the environmental limits. Do not exceed them. (See technical data)
Keep a minimum distance of 1 meter between you (or the audience) and the LEDs.
Do not stare into the LEDs, especially when narrow angle LEDs are used.
This controller is designed and tested for driving LEDs; do not use it for other
purposes.
Do not expose the controller to water (rain) or direct sunlight.
Do not subject to excessive shock by dropping the unit.
How to replace the fuse
Disconnect the powercord! Pull out the fuse drawer next to the mains input and
replace the faulty fuse(s). If you are not sure, replace both. Make sure to use the right
kind of fuses. (Fuse, medium delay 4A, 20x5mm). Connect the powercord and check if
the controller is working properly.
Should you encounter any problems operating the ShowLED Chameleon system
please contact ShowLED FZC at +971 6 557 83 07. Never try to open up or repair the
Chameleon curtain without consulting our technicians.
!
6
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Note that the DMX lightboard is not a ShowLED
product, but it can be provided through a third party.
Starcloth
RGB LED
Strings
Connector
Box
4 pole XLR link cable
User Interface
5 pole XLR link cable
ShowLED Chameleon
Controller
Powercord
DMX lightboard
7
Powercord
CONNECTIONS
Connecting the ShowLED controller
Connect your application1to the LED output connectors of the controller.
Insert the powercord into the MAINS (90-250V) input of the controller.
At this point you will need to set the parameters of the controller. You will learn how
to do so from this manual. (See How to setup the controller)
A DMX lightboard can be connected to the controller via the DMX IN port.
If you want to connect two or more controllers together, you can do so by connecting
the DMX OUT from the first controller to the DMX IN of the second controller.
(See Setting up the control network)
Setting up the control network
The control network is set up with the use of 5 pole XLR cables. In the following
drawings only the control network is drawn. Depending on your application, you will
have to choose a configuration.
CONFIGURATIONS WITH A DMX LIGHTBOARD
In configurations with use of a DMX lightboard the first controller can either be set in
DMX mode 24 or in DMX mode 10 SYNC.2
In DMX mode 24 you can choose if you want to address the controllers all together
or separately. By setting all the controllers in the control network in DMX mode 24 on
the same DMX base² you can address all the controllers together. By setting all the
controllers in the control network in DMX mode 24 on a different DMX base (e.g. 1, 25,
49, 73 …) you can address all the controllers separately.
In DMX mode 10 SYNC only the first controller in the control network is set
on DMX mode 10 SYNC all the other controllers are set as slave.²
Note that no device can be put after the slave controllers or after the master
controller in this control network, only before the first controller!
1 For instance, a starcloth, a logo, …
2 See “How to setup the controller?”
DMX Lightboard
DMX
out
Controller
1
DMX DMX
in out
Controller
2
DMX DMX
in out
Last
Controller
DMX DMX
in out
!
8
CONFIGURATION WITHOUT A DMX LIGHTBOARD
In a configuration without use of a DMX lightboard the first controller is set as master
and all the other controllers are set as slave.
The first controller
is set as master
All other controllers are set as slave
WHAT IS DMX?
DMX 512 is a standard protocol by means of which theatre lighting control desks can
communicate with lighting equipment. It was designed to allow equipment from
different companies to be used together easily.
Note that the DMX protocol does not have any form of error correction!
Controller
1
DMX DMX
in out
Controller
2
DMX DMX
in out
Last
Controller
DMX DMX
in out
9
CONTROLLER MENU STRUCTURE
- - - - STATUS - - - -
stand alone master
[select DMX mode]
> DMX mode 24
DMX mode 10
U/D=scroll select >
[select type]
> set as master
set as slave
U/D=scroll select >
[choose operat. mode]
> stand alone
DMX mode
U/D=scroll select >
[set DMX base]
001
U/D=modify confirm >
[parameter source]
> set parameters
recall a preset
U/D=scroll select >
[select a preset]
> user memory 1
user memory 2
U/D=scroll select >
[parameter list]
> pattern type
pattern behaviour
U/D=scroll select >
[modify parameter]
chase speed
057
U/D=modify confirm >
[choose an action]
> set other parameter
store setting
U/D=scroll select >
[choose a location]
> user memory 1
user memory 2
U/D=scroll select >
[EXIT]
> discard changes
save changes
U/D=scroll select >
10
OPERATOR CONSOLE
The operator console consists of an LCD display and a keypad with five push buttons.
This console is the physical interface that lets you access the menu structure.
The menu structure lets you modify the parameters of the controller.
Use the buttons (Up, Down, Left and Right) to scroll through the menu structure.
The UP button lets you scroll up in the menu structure or increase a parameter.
The DOWN button lets you scroll down or decrease a parameter.
The LEFT button lets you go back in the menu structure.
The RIGHT button lets you select or confirm a menu item.
HOW TO SE TUP THE CONTROLLER
Press the UP button and then the DOWN button to unlock the keypad.
After unlocking the controller, [Choose operat. Mode] will appear.
• Choose“Standalone”ifyoudon’twanttouseaDMXsource.
• Choose“DMXmode”ifyouwanttouseaDMXsource.
If you choose “Stand alone”, [Select type] will appear. Choose whether you want
to set the controller as“master” or as “slave”.
• Ifyouchoose“Setasmaster”,[Parametersource]willappear.Hereyoucansetallthe
parameters of the controller.
- Select“Set parameters”if you want to set and modify the parameters.
[Parameter list] will appear; select which parameter you want to modify.
[Modify parameter] will appear; modify the parameter and confirm.
[Choose an action] will appear; select if you want to set another parameter or
want to store your settings.
•Ifyouchoose“setotherparameter”,[Parameterlist]willappear.
•Ifyouchoose“storesetting“,[Choosealocation]willappear.
Select in which“user memory”you want to store your settings.
- Select“Recall a preset”if you want to use a previously saved“user memory”.
[Select a preset] will appear, select a previously saved“user memory”.
[Exit!] will appear. Choose if you want to“Discard” or “Save” your“changes”.
• Ifyouchoose“Setasslave”,[Exit!]willappear.Chooseifyouwantto“Discard”
or“Save”your“changes”.
11
If you choose “DMX mode”, [Select DMX mode] will appear. Now you can choose in
which DMX mode you want to set the controller.
• Select“DMXmode24”tocontrolthechannelsindividually.
• Select“DMXmode10”tocontrolthebuildinpatternsofthemastercontroller.
• Select“DMXmode10SYNC”tocontrolthebuildinpatternsofallthecontrollers
in the control network and synchronize all the slave controllers with the master
controller.
When you have selected a DMX mode, [Set DMX base] will appear. Here you can
choose the DMX base address and confirm. (numbers 001 to 500)
After confirming the DMX base, [Exit!] will appear. Choose if you want to “Discard” or
“Save”your “changes”.
12
CONTROLLER MODES
Stand Alone Mode - setting the parameters
This Mode is accessible via the menu structure as described on previous pages. By using
the operator console of the controller, the desired effect can easily be programmed
by setting the following parameters. The parameters need only be set on the master
controller.
• PatternType: 1channel@maximumintensity
2channels@maximumintensity
3channels@maximumintensity
4channels@maximumintensity
5channels@maximumintensity
6channels@maximumintensity
7channels@maximumintensity
Strobe effect
• PatternBehaviour: softchase
hard chase
• ChaseSpeed:000(minimumspeed)...255(maximumspeed)
• MinimumIntensity:000...255(SeealsoDMXmode10–fader4-MinimumIntensity)
• MaximumIntensity:000...255(SeealsoDMXmode10–fader5-MaximumIntensity)
• NumberofColours: 1colour
2 colours
3 colours
4 colours
4 colours rotating
3 colours rotating
2 colours rotating
Chameleon!
• Colour1:000...255(SeeDMXmode10-Fader7to10-Selectionofcolour)
• Colour2:000...255(SeeDMXmode10-Fader7to10-Selectionofcolour)
• Colour3:000...255(SeeDMXmode10-Fader7to10-Selectionofcolour)
• Colour4:000...255(SeeDMXmode10-Fader7to10-Selectionofcolour)
Colours 1 to 4 are colour presets in which you can store a colour chosen from
the colour pallet.
13
DMX Mode 10 – Controlling the build in patterns
If you have more than one controller, it is advisable to use DMX mode 10 SYNC. The
channel descriptions of DMX Mode 10 have the same meaning as the parameters in the
stand alone mode. Only the means of changing them are different. Instead of using the
operator console, the channels (faders) of the DMX lightboard are used.
Fader 1 - Pattern Type
Fader 2 - Pattern Behaviour
With soft chase the lights will gradually fade in and out.
With hard chase the lights will blink on and off.
Fader 3 - Chase Speed
Fader 4 - Minimum Intensity
Limiter function sets the minimum intensity level. When set to a value higher than zero,
the LEDs will not dim completely.
Fader 5 - Maximum Intensity
Limiter function sets the maximum intensity level. When set to a value lower than 255,
the LEDs will not burn at full capacity.
Note that the maximum intensity has a higher priority than the minimum intensity!
DMX value Function Description
0... 31 Chase Pattern 1 1channel@maximumintensity
32... 63 Chase Pattern 2 2channels@maximumintensity
64... 91 Chase Pattern 3 3channels@maximumintensity
92... 127 Chase Pattern 4 4channels@maximumintensity
128... 159 Chase Pattern 5 5channels@maximumintensity
160... 191 Chase Pattern 6 6channels@maximumintensity
192... 223 Chase Pattern 7 7channels@maximumintensity
224... 255 Chase Pattern 8 Strobe effect
DMX value Description
0... 127 Soft chase
128... 255 Hard chase
DMX value Description
0 Minimum speed
...
255 Maximum speed
14
Fader 6 - Number of colours
Fader 7 to 10 - Selection of colour
Choose from the following colour pallet to set the 4 colour presets.
0 255
DMX value Description
0.. 31 1 colour
32.. 63 2 colours
64.. 95 3 colours
96.. 127 4 colours
128.. 159 4 colours rotating
160.. 191 3 colours rotating
192.. 223 2 colours rotating
224.. 255 Chameleon colour change
DMX value Description
0 Blue
1.. 31 bluish white
32 White
33.. 63 yellowish white
64 Yellow
65.. 95 greenish yellow
96 Green
97.. 127 greenish cyan
128 Cyan
129.. 159 bluish cyan
160 Blue
161.. 191 bluish magenta
192 magenta
193.. 223 reddish magenta
224 Red
225.. 254 orange
255 yellow
15
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Colour 4
Colour 3
Colour 2
Colour 1
number of colours
Maximum Intensity
Minimum Intensity
Chase Speed
Pattern Behaviour
Pattern Type
GRAPHICAL PRESENTATION OF THE DMX CHANNEL ARRANGEMENT
setting as byte value
Chameleon
colours!
2 colours
rotateting
3 colours
rotateting
4 colours
rotateting
4
colour
3
colours
2
colours
1
colours
255 0
16
DMX Mode 24 - Controlling the channels individually
DMX
channel
offset
Function
0 Red
1 Green LED channel 1
2 Blue
3 Red
4 Green LED channel 2
5 Blue
6 Red
7 Green LED channel 3
8 Blue
9 Red
10 Green LED channel 4
11 Blue
12 Red
13 Green LED channel 5
14 Blue
15 Red
16 Green LED channel 6
17 Blue
18 Red
19 Green LED channel 7
20 Blue
21 Red
22 Green LED channel 8
23 Blue
E.g.: When the DMX base address is set to 171 the red colour of LED channel 1 will
appear on DMX channel 171 and the blue colour of LED channel 8 will appear on DMX
channel 194.
17
FAQ’S
1. What is the maximum length of the cable between the controller and the
connector box of the application?
You can determine the maximum length of the cable by using the following table:
Number of LEDs
96 128 192 256
Wire Size
(mm²)
0,75 34m 26m 17m 13m
1,0 45m 34m 23m 17m
1,5 68m 52m 34m 26m
2. How many DMX channels are required for controlling the ShowLED
controller?
DMX mode 10 (SYNC) requires minimum 10 channels and DMX mode 24 requires
minimum 24 channels. Note that if you want to address all the controllers separately
in DMX mode 24, you will need 24 channels per controller in the control network.
(e.g. 4 controllers require 96 DMX channels)
CONTACT INFORMATION & SUPPORT
• Visitthesupportsectionofourwebsiteatwww.showled.com.
Here you will find up-to-date FAQ’s and Tips and Tricks.
• Sendyourquestionstoinfo@showled.com,wewillreplytoyouassoon
as possible.
• PlaceacalltoShowLEDFZC
Tel: +971 6 557 83 07
Office hours: Sunday through Thursday from 09.00 to 18.00.
Fridays and Saturdays we are closed.
• NotethatweareintheGMT-zone+4hour.
Here are some useful links to convert time zones: www.worldtimeserver.com •
www.timezoneconverter.com•www.timeanddate.com
• Contactaddress
ShowLEDFZC•P.O.Box:120888•WarehouseQ4-006•SharjahAirportFreeZone•
Sharjah•UnitedArabEmirates
18
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Input
- Supply voltage: 90 .. 250 Vac
- Line frequency: 50 .. 60 Hz
-Inputcurrent:2.2A(@115Vac)/1.2A(@230Vac)
- Input power: 225 Watt
- Fuses, medium delay, 4A, 20x5mm
- Mains input: standardized IEC power inlet
- PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuit present
Outputs ( 4 XLRs in total)
- Output Voltage: 24 V
- Total Output Power: 200 Watt
Data Ports
- DMX input (5 pole male XLR)
- DMX output (5 pole female XLR)
Environmental
- Operating temperature, humidity*: 0°C .. +50°C, < 80% RH
- Storage temperature, humidity*: 0°C .. +50°C, < 60% RH
(* non-condensing)
Mechanical
- Dimensions: 215 x 213 x 55 mm
- Weight: 2.05 kg
19
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (2nd edition)
We, ShowLED FZC
P.O. Box : 120888 - Warehouse Q4-006 - Sharjah Airport Free Zone - Sharjah - UAE
Declare that the product
ShowLED Chameleon System²
is in conformity with the essential requirements of the following directives and
standards:
Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)
IEC 60065, 12-2005 (Edition 7.1) Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus –
Safety requirements
EMC Directive (89/336/EEC and 92/31/EEC)
EN 55103-1, 11-1996 Electromagnetic compatibility for audio, video, audio-visual
and entertainment lighting control apparatus for
professional use.
Part 1: Emission
EN 55103-2, 11-1996 Electromagnetic compatibility for audio, video, audio-visual
and entertainment lighting control apparatus for
professional use.
Part 2: Immunity
EN 55022 Standards of radio disturbance of information technology
equipment
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Kenny Janssens, Managing Director
01/9/2011
(Date of issue) (Signature of authorised person)
2 See page 6 for an overview of the system
LED starcloths for:
theatres
TV studios
concerts
night clubs
exhibitions
corporate events
movie theatres
cruise ships
Visit our website for further information
or to check contact details of your local ShowLED supplier.
www.showled.com
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