Strand C21 User manual

C21 / EC21
OPERATION GUIDE
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DIMMER RACK

OPERATION GUIDEC21 / EC21 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DIMMER RACK
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PREFACE
NOTE: e material in this manual is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Strand
Lighting assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions, which may appear in this manual. For comments and
suggestions regarding corrections and/or updates to this manual, please contact the nearest Strand Lighting oce.
ank you for choosing Strand Contact Advanced Technology dimmer rack. We trust that the equipment will meet all
your dimming needs and will provide you with reliable service for many years.
Strand can assure you that every eort has been made to ensure that the equipment has been designed to meet the high-
est professional standards and that dimmer racks and their components have been assembled, inspected, and tested in
accordance with our strict quality assurance program.
Should you encounter any problems or diculties with your dimmer racks, please contact the nearest Strand service rep-
resentative. For a complete list of Strand Lighting oces and service centers or visit our website (www.strandlighting.
com).
is manual describes the operation of for Contact Advanced Technology dimmer racks. A separate Installation Guide
provided with the dimmer racks describes how to install the dimmer racks and perform initial setup procedures.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Contact racks and dimmers require a minimum of maintenance and servicing.
For operation or technical assistance, please contact Strand or the local Authorized Service Center serving your area.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
is manual uses the following terms throughout:
channel A device controlling a dimmer or group of dimmers. Historically, there is a physical controller
(such as a slider) for each channel. On most current control systems, channels are numbers ac-
cessed by a numeric keypad. Each channel can control multiple dimmers.
circuit A connection device and wiring for powering a lighting xture from a dimmer.
circuit ID A unique six-digit numeric identity which you can assign to each dimmer. e circuit ID may
be the same as the dimmer number, or may be a number used to indicate circuit location, phase,
channel number, etc. is feature is useful for tracking all circuits in the architecture.
crossfade A fade that contains both an up-fade and a down-fade, or any fade where the levels of one cue are
replaced by the levels of another cue.
cue e process of recalling a preset from its memory location and putting the result on stage. Preset,
Memory, and cue are oen used interchangeably.
curve e relationship between a control level and the actual dimmer output.
dimmer A device controlling power to a lighting xture. Two lights on the same dimmer cannot be sepa-
rately controlled.
default e original factory settings.
DMX512 An ANSI communications protocol standard that describes a method of digital data transmission
between controllers, lighting equipment and accessories.
Ethernet A high-speed network based protocol used to transmit data from a lighting controller to a dim-
mer rack using a single Ethernet cable.
fade A gradual change in stage levels from one set of intensities to another.
fade time e time it takes for dimmer levels to go from their current levels to the levels in the selected
preset, or DMX512 value. Each preset has its own fade time.
IGBT Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. IGBT dimmers are solid-state and operate silently without the
use of chokes and can handle a variety of load types. ey reduce lamp lament noise during
dimming operation, are smaller, lighter, and generate far less neutral harmonics than convention-
al dimmers. IGBT dimming technology provides superior overload and short-circuit protection
and operates at signicantly higher rise/fall times regardless of load size.

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level A numerical value used to express the “brightness” of the load on a dimmer. Usually shown as %.
patch Historically, the process of physically connecting circuits to dimmers. Now usually refers to elec-
tronic assignment of dimmers to channels.
phase e three phases of the mains supply to which the dimmers are connected are identied as Line
1, Line 2, Line 3 in 230v markets and as phase A, phase B, and phase C in 120v markets.
power module A chassis containing one, two or four dimmer or contactors. is is sometimes referred to as a
“dimmer”. However, each C21/EC21 power module can have multiple dimmers or contactors in
it, so this manual distinguishes between dimmers (individual power control circuits) and power
modules (a collection of one or more power control circuits).
preset A pre-dened setup of intensities for a set of channels, stored in memory for later replay.
preset fade time See fade time
profile e relationship between a control level and the actual dimmer output. Also known as “dimmer
law” or “curve”.
rack number A number used to uniquely identify each dimmer rack in a multiple rack system. Rack numbers
are set from the front panel of the rack processor module, and are usually set by the installation
engineer.
room An area separately dened for purposes of architectural lighting control. is is usually a room in
the traditional sense (an indoor enclosed area) or a portion of a room that can be partitioned o.
Each room may be separately and simultaneously controlled by the system.
RPH rack processor housing
RPM rack processor module
SSR solid state relay) A power control device used in Strand dimmers that contains two silicon con-
trol rectifiers (SCRs), control circuitry, and optical isolation circuitry.
Vision.Net A digital architectural control system for use with C21/EC21 dimmer racks.

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OVERVIEW
SPECIFICATIONS
For the latest specications for C21 / EC21 dimmer racks and dimmer modules, refer to the product datasheets available
for download on the Strand website at www.strandlighting.com.
RACK COMPONENTS
e C21 / EC21dimmer rack is a listed, free standing, factory assembly of steel and aluminum construction nished in a
ne textured, scratch resistant coating.
Each C21 / EC21dimmer rack consists of a rack processor housing (RPH) with one or two rack processor modules
(RPM), a fan module, and up to 24 or 48 dimmer modules. e dimmer connectors at the back of the rack provide for
load wire connection. Main bus bars are provided for line wire connections. An earth ground lug is provided in the rack.
e dimmer connectors in the rack are polarized to prevent dimmer modules being plugged into the dierent ampacity
slots. e dimmer racks can be individually fed or bused together using an optional busing kit.
Large dimmer racks have provision for up to 48 dimmer modules. Small dimmer racks have provisions for up to 24
dimmer modules. Dimmer modules contain one, two or four dimmers, and dimmer module types can be mixed within
a rack in various combinations.
FIGURE 1. C21 / EC21 DIMMER RACK FULLY POPULATED
1 RJ45 ETHERNET JACK
2 DIMMER MODULES
3 MODULE TRAYS
4 FAN MODULE
5 SIGNAL TERMINATION BOARD
6 PROCESSOR MODULE
7 FEED WIRING CHAMBER
8 3-PHASE, 4-WIRE BUS
(short circuit rating = 50KA)
module trays
9 HINGED REMOVABLE DOOR
654.0mm
(25.75 in)
AIR EXIT
AIR ENTRY
2032mm
(80.0 in)
2
3
6
OPTIONAL
FLOOR-MOUNT
VIBRATION PADS
(#1-259-0009)
SIDE VIEW
(DOOR CLOSED)
MAIN FEED
TOP VIEW
(DOOR CLOSED)
LOAD & CONTROL
WIRE ENTRY AREA
508mm x 178mm
(20 in x 7 in)
618.74mm
(24.36 in)
600mm
(23.62 in)
654.1mm
(25.75 in)
6
FRONT VIEW
(DOOR OPEN)
4
9
1
5
7
8

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DIMMER MODULES
e power modules are the high power switching section of the C21 / EC21 dimming system. e power block in
this module is the interface between the high power AC and low power control. It is driven by low level signals (5mA,
3-24V) and switches high level signals (up to 100A, 120/240VAC). High specication ltering, SCR dimming, contactor
non-dims, IGBT dimming, and load status reporting electronics are available as options. Dimmers can be mixed in any
combination in a rack. is lets you use the exact dimmer type needed for each circuit.
Power modules are constructed from aluminum, folded to form three sides of the dimmer and to support the dimmer
connector and heatsink. e fourth side of the dimmer is formed by the heatsink. e top and bottom of the dimmer are
open for cooling.
A sturdy handle is provided below the circuit breakers. An optional mechanical locking bar on the dimmer tray secures
the dimmers in the rack.
FIGURE 2. DUAL DIMMER MODULE
REPORTING DIMMER MODULES
Most C21 / EC21dimmer modules are available in load status reporting versions. Load status reporting versions of
dimmers can be mixed in any combination with standard dimmers in C21 / EC21racks. ese dimmers report many
dimmer status items back to the processor. e information can be accessed through various menu items. e processor
can then display a wide range of faults and diagnostic data.
Each Reporting dimmer module contains a temperature sensor which will shut it down if it overheats. Anything causing
overheating in the rack will cause a gradual shutdown as each Reporting dimmer module overheats.
IGBT DIMMER MODULES
C21 / EC21IGBT electronic dimmers provide users with exceptionally quiet and ecient dimming for a wide range of
loads. Each IGBT dimmer features forward and reverse phase control operating modes suitable for dimming incandes-
cent and low voltage loads as well as a broad range of LED loads.
All C21 IGBT dimmers oer low insertion loss and microprocessor controlled over current and short circuit protection.
Resetting the dimmer to zero percent (0%) from the control system will restore operation in the event of a module shut-
down.
WARNING: Make sure that the neutral wire is landed correctly with its corresponding load wire for proper operation
(see the C21 or EC21 Installation manual for more information). Failure to do so will cause the dimmer module to shut
down.
Since the IGBT dimmer module monitors the dimmer rack power feed at all times, it is imperative that the power feed is
clean and free of any distortion.
In the presence of poor quality power with signicant mains disturbances, the IGBT dimmer module may shut down to
protect the IGBT power devices.
IGBT dimmer modules should be congured as “Sinewave” module types when conguring the C21/EC21 dimmer rack
processor.
Connector
Reporting PCB
(optional)
SSR or SCR Pack
Chokes
Circuit Breakers
Dimmer Wing
With Type & Rating
Handle
Chassis

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IGBT DIMMER MODULE SWITCH PACK
e DIP Switches located at the side of the IGBT dimmer module allow for conguration of dimmer options.
NOTE: Dual-channel modules have a separate switch pack for each channel.
CONTROL MODE - (Factory Default ON) (Factory Default: Force FPC) Dimmer racks must be operated under normal
conditions with all dimmers congured to Force FPC. If directed by Strand Technical Support, changing this switch to
the AUTO mode position will allow the dimmer to automatically sense the load type and select either Reverse Phase
Control or Forward Phase Control, based on the load’s behavior. AUTO mode should be used only when a load does not
operate properly in the default Force FPC mode.
RPC LOCK (LED) - (Factory Default: Normal) When used in combination with CONTROL MODE = AUTO, setting
this switch to the Force RPC position locks the dimmer into reverse-phase-control only operation, which may be re-
quired for certain LED loads. Always set this switch to Normal in all other cases.
TRANSITION CONTROL - (Factory Default Automatic) Automatic operation allows the IGBT dimmer to monitor and
adjust its transition control (up to 1000uS in 120V installations, and up to 650uS in 230V installations) based on several
operational factors. e “Fixed at 400uS” position should ALWAYS be used when the dimmer is operating a phase-con-
trolled electronic ballast or LED driver as its load, because these devices expect xed transition times for proper dim-
ming level selection.
FULL OUTPUT VOLTAGE - (Factory Default: 120V / 240V) ese switches select the RMS output voltage to be delivered
by the dimmer when the control level is 100%. Choose a non-default value if lamps of a lower voltage rating (e.g., 115V
on 120V) are used in the lighting rig.
PREHEAT - (Factory Default: Preheat Disabled) When changed to the non-default position (Preheat Enabled), the dim-
mer will generate a very low voltage to the loads, when they are “o ”, to keep the laments heated, improving response
time. is feature should only be enabled on larger-wattage, incandescent lamps and only when faster turn-on response
is required.
CAUTION: It is never recommended to set the switches to Reverse Phase Control (RPC) for an entire rack of IGBT
modules.
FIGURE 3. DIP SWITCH SETTINGS
FAN MODULE
C21 / EC21 dimmer racks are cooled by one or two low-noise variable speed fans in a fan module inside the rack.
e cooling system is designed to let the rack continue functioning if any one of the fans fail. Cooling air is pulled up
through the dimmer stack and exhausted through venting at the top of the rack. ese fans are for dimmer cooling only,
and can be set to xed or variable speeds.
e xed speed fan setting is for situations where changes in ambient noise are a problem. With this setting, the fans are
always ON when the dimmer rack is in operation.
e variable speed fan setting minimizes noise and maximizes fan life. With this setting, the fan speed is adjusted so that
fans reach full when 24 dimmers are at full, or equivalent (e.g., 48 dimmers at 50%). Increases in fan speed take 1 minute
with this setting, while decreases in fan speed take 5 minutes. Fans are turned OFF when no dimmers are in use.
Fan and dimmer module choke noise may be acoustically objectionable. C21 / EC21 dimmer racks should be installed
away from performance, stage and audience areas.
FIGURE 4. FAN MODULE
ON
123456
CONTROL MODE
Switch 1:
-Force FPC
-Auto (RPC/FPC)
RPC LOCK (LED)
Switch 2:
-Normal Operation
-Force RPC
TRANSITION CONTROL
Switch 3:
-Automatic
-Fixed at 400us
DIP SWITCHES
FULL OUTPUT VOLTAGE
Switches 5 & 6:
-120V (240V)
-115V (230V)
-110V (220V)
-100V (200V)
PREHEAT
Switch 4:
-Preheat Disabled
-Preheat Enabled
DEFAULT
All Switches Up (ON)

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RACK PROCESSOR HOUSING
Each C21 / EC21 dimmer rack contains a rack processor housing (RPH) with all of the control electronics for the rack.
is RPH contains the processor module(s) (RPM), control station power supplies, and control interconnection card
(CIC) for the rack, and is shipped separately from the rack to minimize the possibility of damage.
is chassis can be equipped with one or two processor modules. e second processor module acts as a backup. e
conguration data from either processor can be transferred into the other processor. e currently inactive processor
always tracks the currently active processor.
FIGURE 5. RACK PROCESSOR HOUSING
RACK PROCESSOR MODULE
Each C21 / EC21 dimmer rack contains one or two rack processor modules (RPM). Each processor module has a backlit
LCD display, a 7 key keypad, and 6 LEDs to report processor module and dimmer status and allow setup and control at
the rack. In normal operation, this display normally shows the rack name and the OK message. If there are any rack or
dimmer events reported, the display will show error messages.
Pressing the < or > keys will takes you into a series of setup menus to view and set up the more frequently used
C21 / EC21features. See Section 3, Processor Module Programming for details on accessing these functions.
All programmed data is held in battery maintained RAM for up to 6 months without power.
24 MODULE RACK
48 MODULE RACK
Fan Module
Fan Module
Control
Interconnection
Card (CIC)
Rack Processor
Module (RPM)
Backup
Processor
Module
Power
Supplies

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FIGURE 6. RACK PROCESSOR MODULE
POWER SUPPLIES
Each C21 / EC21dimmer rack can have up to three power supplies, depending on the accessories provided. ese power
supplies are mounted on the rack processor housing.
CONTROL INTERCONNECTION CARD (CIC)
e electronics chassis also contains the control interconnection card (CIC). is is where the contractor terminates
all control wiring for the rack. All control terminal strips are 2-part plug-in strips so that the electronics chassis can be
easily removed from the rack.
PROCESSOR CONFIGURATION
Once you have applied power you need to make sure that the system is working correctly and the processor modules are
set properly for the installation. is step checks for any problems due to shipping or installation.
STARTUP
When the rack is switched ON, a number of self-tests are run. e system displays the rack name.
When the self-tests are complete the PROCESSOR OK LED on the front of the processor module will turn ON, and the
default text will show on the LCD display.
Rack 1
xxxV xxxV xxxV
xxHz
< or > to select menu

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FIGURE 7. PROCESSOR MODULE FRONT PANEL
NOTE: If the MODULE EVENT LED is ON, check the dimmer event log to see which dimmer is causing problems. If
any other LED does not illuminate correctly, switch OFF the power immediately and check the installation again. If all
wiring seems correct, call Strand or your local Authorized Service Center.
LED STATUS
e LEDs on the front of each rack processor module are the rst level of diagnostics and provide immediate visual sta-
tus indication. e nine LEDs on the front of the rack processor housing and module indicate the following:
Rack Processor Housing LEDs
Phase A (green): Should be ON if PhaseA/Line 1 is OK.
Phase B (green): Should be ON if Phase B/Line 2 is OK.
Phase C (green): Should be ON if PhaseC/Line 3 is OK.
Over-Temp (red): Should be OFF. Flashing indicates an Over-Temp condition. ON indicates dimmer module
automatic Over-Temp shutdown.
Panic (red): Should be OFF. On indicates that PANIC has Been activated.
Lighthouse (blue): Blue = normal. Flashing red = error. Solid red = shutdown.
Rack Processor Module LEDs
Network Connection (green): Should be ON if there is a network signal.
DMX512 A (green): Should be ON if there is a DMX512 signal.
DMX512 B (green): Should be ON if there is a DMX512 signal.
Vision.Net (green): Flashes ON when there is a Vision.Net signal.
Module Event (red): Should be OFF. On indicates a dimmer fault
Processor OK (green): Should be ON. O indicates there is a problem.
Active Processor (green): Should be ON if self-test is OK. Indicates active processor.
Dimmer Events
If the Module Event LED is on, the LCD will show the number of dimmer events at which time the display can be
manually accessed to show a description of the event(s). Refer to the appendices section of this manual for a description
of event codes. If any other LED does not illuminate correctly, switch OFF the power immediately and check the installa-
tion again. If the fault persists and all wiring seems correct, call Strand Lighting or your local Authorized Service Center
(www.strandlighting.com).

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After Startup
1. Check the following items to make sure they are correctly set in the processor module:
• Rack type
• Phasing
• Starting multiplex signal number and dimmer protocol
• Input Voltage
• Dimmer numbering
Other items you may wish to check at this time, depending on your system conguration, are:
• Mux patch
• Outlook patch
• Max Voltage
• Min Level
2. Switch on all load circuit breakers.
3. Connect a suitable luminaire to each outlet and check every dimmer using the SET LEVEL control facility or a
suitable control console. Investigate and correct any malfunctions you find.
NOTE: If any dimmers do not work, stop and check the slot type for the dimmer. Dimmers will not work properly if
their slot type is incorrectly assigned. Make sure that all of the modules are in their correct slots, and that the slot type
for each dimmer is correctly set in the processor module.
4. Install the fan grill and door to complete the system installation.
• An Audio Visual Interface port. is serial input will support connection to an external A/V or show control
system that supports an RS232 serial connection.
• 96 Panic Select switches
SAFETY FEATURES
In order to minimize the impact of failures to any part of C21/EC21 dimmer racks, a number of security features, some
of which are optional, are provided.
Standard safety features for C21/EC21 dimmer racks include:
• Convection cooling of all components with fan assist.
• Module over-temperature shutdown (Reporter modules only).
• e processor module can be set to hold the last dimmer levels forever, or to fade to a specied preset in cases of
DMX512 signal failure.
• Setup data is stored in non-volatile RAM.
• 2500V optical isolation of DMX512 A and DMX512 B inputs, architectural control communication.
• All, or selected dimmers in a rack can be set to either O or full On when the external Panic button is pressed.
• Automatic Panic on removal of processor module. In racks with two processor modules, both modules must be
removed to activate Panic.
• Password-protected menu lock.
Optional safety features for C21/EC21 dimmer racks include:
• Redundant tracking backup (requires a second processor module fitted to the rack). e backup processor
automatically tracks the master processor and takes over control of the dimmer rack on failure of the master
processor.

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FEATURES
3 OPERATIONAL
RACK CONFIGURATION
e following conguration items are usually programmed during commissioning, but can also be reprogrammed by the
user.
• Rack name.
• Panic selection and conguration.
• Maximum output voltage (per dimmer): 20-250 volts (e.g. set to 105V for extended lamp life).
• Minimum level (per dimmer): 0% - 100% (e.g. set to 10% for aisle lights or large lamp preheat).
• Room and channel Patching.
• Each dimmer can be patched to any valid DMX512 address number for the standard input A (DMX512 A),
input B (DMX512 B) or network.
• Circuit ID—used by status reporting soware.
• Dene Preset Number or “Hold” condition on DMX512 failure.
• Dene power-up preset.
• Set LCD contrast.
• Error log accessible from the processor module or status reporting soware.
• Individual dimmer reporting enable/disable.
DIMMER CONFIGURATION
Conguration items associated with the dimmer module can be set from the processor module front panel.
• e output response prole can be set to Linear, Square, S-Curve, Fluo- Electric (for electronic uorescent
ballasts), Fluo-Magnetic (for magnetic uorescent ballasts), and Non-Dim. e two uorescent settings let
you set the top end voltage and the bottom end cuto voltage. e Non-Dim setting lets you set the turn-on
threshold for the non-dim. Five additional user programmable proles are available through the Set Rack
Conguration menu or from the optional status reporting soware.
• Dimmer response (per dimmer): fast (30ms), normal (100ms), slow (300ms), very slow (700ms) or Glacial
(1000ms). is determines a dimmer‘s rate of response to a change in control level. Slow is usually set for large
tungsten loads to reduce lament inrush, medium or fast for small loads.
• Dimmer control assignment (per dimmer) to the “combined” levels of Vision.Net, DMX512 A, DMX512
B, Network or to a xed level (0% - 99% orFull). e way in which the various input levels combine is also
determined on a per dimmer basis by setting the dimmer DMX512 mode.
• A special smoothing algorithm is applied to small level changes to maintain smooth fades with long fade times.
CONTROL INPUTS
e Control Interconnection Card, or CIC, is the printed circuit board on which all contractor control wiring connec-
tions are made. It is located on the top of the Rack Processor Housing (RPH) and contains:
• An Ethernet switch which connects to a Strand ShowNet system. is switch allows for easy connections
between dimmer racks. It also connects to the network receptacle located in the upper le rear of the dimmer
rack.
• Two optically isolated DMX512 control inputs. Both inputs can be configured as a DMX512 input, DMX512
output. Each DMX512 input has a patch to allow overlapping or separation of any DMX512 control level.
• Dedicated Strand Vision.Net architectural protocol input/output. is can be set to ‘bridge’ commands to and
from Vision.Net-over-IP.
• Six optically isolated contact inputs, for:

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PIN FUNCTION TYPE DESCRIPTION
1PANIC ON Momentary Turns Panic On
2PANIC OFF Momentary Turns Panic Off
3FIRE ALARM Maintained Turns Panic On, No Override
4RESERVED Momentary Reserved for future use
5RESERVED Momentary Reserved for future use
6RESERVED Momentary Reserved for future use
7COM/GND COM/GND
8COM/GND COM/GND
• An Audio Visual Interface port. is serial input will support connection to an external A/V or show control
system that supports an RS232 serial connection.
• 96 Panic Select switches
SAFETY FEATURES
In order to minimize the impact of failures to any part of C21/EC21 dimmer racks, a number of security features, some
of which are optional, are provided.
Standard safety features for C21/EC21 dimmer racks include:
VISION.NET
Vision.Net is a comprehensive family of control stations designed for architectural applications needing a simple, exible
control solution with minimal installation and cabling costs. ese control stations can access, modify, and recall lighting
levels stored in the rack processor module. Vision.Net control station features and options include:
• Control up to 255 separate rooms, with up to 125 channels per room
• 32 preset scenes available for each room
• Manual sliders (3, 6, 9, or 15 sliders per station) for direct control of individual circuits
• Record facility for saving slider levels for future push-button recall
• Programmable fade times between 0 and 60 minutes from Vision.Net control stations
• Record lockout facility for playback-only operation
• Preset stations available from 1-button up to 8-buttons
• Audio-visual interface
• Room combine stations for room partitioning
• Photo sensor and motion sensor

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4
PROGRAMMING
CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS
You can access the range of C21 / EC21dimmer rack programmable features using the Jog Wheel and LCD display.
Menus are shown in English.
FIGURE 8. RACK PROCESSOR MODULE FRONT PANEL
LOCK MENU
To avoid accidental or unauthorized use, you can lock the menu. When Lock Menu is enabled, the menu is locked im-
mediately. When disabled, the menu is unlocked.
To unlock the Menu:
Press the jog wheel for >10 seconds. At prompt, enter passcode to unlock the menu.
NAVIGATING THE MENU
Turning the jog wheel clockwise is considered to be a ‘forward’ motion, and counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) is a
‘backward’ motion. Move the jog wheel forward to advance through the menu or increase selected value. Move the jog
wheel backward to reverse through the menu or decrease a selected value.
Pressing the knob is considered to be a ‘select’ command. Selecting a menu will drill down into a sub-menu, and select-
ing a value will toggle the ability to edit it. While a value is editable it will appear as red text, and when not-editable it will
appear with an underline as a cursor.
THE MAIN MENU
e main menu lets you access all the other menus for conguring C21/EC21 dimmer racks.
To access the main menu:
From any of the status displays, scroll the wheel clockwise or counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise). Pressing the wheel will
function as a select.
To return to the main menu
Navigate to either Cancel and/or Back menu option, or allow the screen to time out (congurable time).
NOTE: If no dimmer event is registered, returning from the main menu brings you back to the display from which you
called the main menu. If a dimmer event is registered you will return to the dimmer events display.

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DIMMER CONFIG
SET DIMMER PATCH
VIEW FULL OUTPUT V
SET FULL OUTPUT VOLTS
VIEW REGULATION MODE
SET REGULATION MODE
SET CIRCUIT NAMES
AUTONUMBER CIRCUIT ID
DIMMER DYNAMICS
VIEW RESPONSE TIMES
SET RESPONSE TIMES
VIEW PROFILES
SELECT PROFILES
VIEW CUT LEVELS
SET CUT LEVELS
VIEW MINIMUM LEVELS
SET MINIMUM LEVELS
BACKUP LOOKS
CFG BACKUP LOOKS
SET POWER-ON BACKUP
POWER-ON HOLD
SET ACTIVE LOOK
INPUT CONFIG
SET DMX A OPTIONS
OFF
IN
OUT
VIEW DMX A LABEL
SET DMX B OPTIONS
OFF
IN
OUT
VIEW DMX B LABEL
NO MUX HOLD TIME
SET PANIC OPTIONS
USE DIP SWITCH
ON REQUEST
AUTOMATIC
DISABLED
LOCAL CONTROL
SET DIMMER LEVEL
SET DIMMER LEVEL RANGE
STATUS REPORTING
VIEW LIVE STATUS
VIEW RACK STATUS
VIEW EVENT LOG
VIEW SYSTEM UP TIME
SET TEMPERATURE SCALE
CELSIUS
FARENHEIT
VISION.NET CONFIG
ENABLE BRIDGING
SET UNIQUE ID
SET AREA ID
ENABLE REFRESH
VN PATCH
FACTORY
SET PHASE CONFIG
A-B-C-A-B-C
A-A-A-C-C-C
L1-L1-L2-L2-L3-L3 (EC21 only)
SET RACK SIZE
12
24
48
SET RACK SLOT ORDER
ADJUST ZERO CROSS
VIEW SERIAL NUMBER
AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF
VIEW PROJECT NAME
VIEW DEALER NAME
VIEW DEALER CONTACT
VIEW DEALER EXTRA INFO
REVERT TO MFG CONFIG
REBOOT RACK
YES
NO
HIDE FACTORY MENU
VISIBLE
INVISIBLE
(requires key sequence to un-hide)
RACK IDENTITY
VIEW RACK NAME
VIEW RACK LOCATION
VIEW MAIN BREAKER ID
VIEW SERIAL NUMBER
VIEW DEALER INFO
SET DATE (MM/DD/YY)
SET TIME (HH:MM:SS)
VIEW RACK SIZE
VIEW SOFTWARE VERSION
NETWORK CONFIG
SET IP ADDRESS
SET SUBNET MASK
VIEW HOST NAME
SET GATEWAY IP
VIEW MAC ADDRESS
IP PROT SUBNET
RACK CONFIG
VIEW MODULE TYPES
SET MODULE TYPE
SET MODULE TYPE RANGE
SET FAN CONTROL
SET LCD BACKLIGHT
LOCK MENU
ENABLE
DISABLE
SET PREFERRED PROCESSOR
MAIN
BACKUP
FORCE ACTIVE PROC
ENABLE CABLE COMP
ENABLED
DISABLED
ENABLE VOLTLOSS COMP
ENABLED
DISABLED
SAVE CONFIG TO USB
DOWNLOAD CFG FROM USB
SAVE CFG TO EEPROM
RESTORE EEPROM CFG
UPDATE FIRMWARE
CHANGE PASS CODE
USER PROFILE
SET USER PROFILE
MAIN MENU

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RACK IDENTITY MENU
e Rack Identity menu allows you to congure the following settings for the dimmer rack:
VIEW RACK NAME. View or edit the name of the dimmer rack in this text eld. Rack name shows on the
second line of the display.
VIEW RACK LOCATION. View or edit the location of the dimmer rack in this text eld.
VIEW MAIN BREAKER ID. View or edit the name or location of the main breaker in this text eld.
VIEW SERIAL NUMBER. View the C21/EC21 Processor serial number. e serial number is entered by the
factory and should not be changed in the eld.
VIEW DEALER INFO. View Dealer Information text eld. e information for this text eld is entered within
the Factory Menu section.
SET DATE. View or edit the date eld. Format: MM/DD/YY
SET TIME. View or edit the time eld. Format: 24-hour (HH:MM:SS)
VIEW RACK SIZE. View the rack size (slot and dimmer count). e rack size is set in the Factory Menu
section. Default: 48 slot 96 Dims
VIEW SOFTWARE VERSION. View the current soware version of the rack processor.
NETWORK CONFIG MENU
e Network Cong menu allows you to congure the following settings for the network settings of the dimmer rack:
SET IP ADDRESS. Enter the IP address for the rack processor. Default IP address is 192.168.0.72.
NOTE: Every rack processor is set to this default IP address. Make sure to create a unique number for each dimmer
rack in the system prior to adding the racks to the network.
SET SUBNET MASK. Set the SubNet Mask for the rack processor. Default SubNet Mask is 255.255.255.0.
NOTE: e default subnet Mask should not be changed unless instructed to do so by Strand.
VIEW HOST NAME. View the Host Name for the processor.
NOTE: is eld is the name seen on the network and is dierent than the dimmer rack name created in the Rack
Identity Menu.
SET GATEWAY IP. Set the Gateway IP address for the processor. e default Gateway IP is: 192.168.0.1.
NOTE: e default Gateway IP address should not be changed unless instructed to do so by Strand Lighting.
VIEW MAC ADDRESS. View the MAC Address assigned to the C21 and EC21 processor. e MAC address is
set at the factory is not accessible.
IP PROT SUBNET. Used to modify the active Art-Net subnet.
RACK CONFIG MENU
Rack Cong Menu allows you to set the conguration of the dimmer rack.
VIEW MODULE TYPES. Review the dimmer module type assigned to the dimmer slots, 6 dimmers at a time.
SET MODULE TYPE. Set a single dimmer module type (based on the module part number) for each rack slot.
SET MODULE TYPE RANGE. Set the module type (based on the module part number) for a range of

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dimmer rack slots.
SET FAN CONTROL. Adjust the minimum fan speed.
SET LCD BACKLIGHT. View or edit the LCD backlight.
LOCK MENU. Enable or disable the keypad lockout.
SET PREFERRED PROCESSOR. Allows you to select which processor, main or backup, will be active.
FORCE ACTIVE PROC. Tells the Rack Mount Processor which Processor Module is currently driving the
simmer outputs.
ENABLE CABLE COMP. Enable or disable cable compensation.
ENABLE VOLTLOSS COMP. Enable or disable voltage loss compensation.
SAVE CONFIG TO USB. Save the current processor configuration as a recovery file on the USB drive.
DOWNLOAD CFG FROM USB. Restore the saved configuration file from the USB drive.
SAVE CFG TO EEPROM. Save the current processor conguration to the removable Control
Interconnection Card (CIC) EEPROM.
RESTORE EEPROM CFG. Restore the current processor conguration to the removable Control
Interconnection Card (CIC) EEPROM.
UPDATE FIRMWARE. Used to update the rmware on all processors in the system. Note that if there is a
backup main processor this will need to be updated separately.
CHANGE PASS CODE. Create a 4-digit pass code for secured menu items.
NOTE: e Default pass code of “2606” is always enabled and cannot be changed.
USER PROFILE MENU
e User Prole Menu View allows you to view and create the ve user-dened dimming curves.
SET USER PROFILE. View or edit ve user-dened dimmer proles (dimming curves) that may be applied
using the Select Proles function under the Dimmer Cong menu. You can set the input and output values for up to
100 steps for each user prole.
DIMMER CONFIG MENU
Dimmer Cong Menu allows you to set the conguration the dimmer modules and the priority of the discrete signals.
SET DIMMER PATCH. Allows you to assign ranges of dimmers to listen to net-slots at various priority or HTP
levels. e table below shows the three default patches.
DIMMERS NSLOT PRI
001 01-96 00001 01h
002 01-96 05121 02h
003 01-96 05633 03h
Column #1 Lists the number of the patch
Column #2 - Dimmers Lists the range of dimmers assigned to the patch.
Column #3 - Nslot (Netslot) Lists the start number of the range
Column #4 - Pri (Priority) Lists the priority number and if it is assigned as HTP
NOTE: By default all possible dimmers are assigned. Generally this number will reect the actual number of dimmers
in the rack.
VIEW FULL OUTPUT V. View the Maximum output voltage of the dimmers, six at a time.
SET FULL OUTPUT VOLTS. Set the Maximum output voltage for any range of dimmers in the rack. For
instance, you can set the maximum voltage lower than the rated voltage of your lamps for improved lamp life. If you
have lamps or other equipment which operate at a lower line voltage, you can set the output from the dimmer to an
appropriate voltage for the devices.
e maximum output voltage is applied to all dimmers and dimmers assigned as non-dims. It is not applied to

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contactor non-dims. You cannot use contactor non- dims for devices which need a maximum output voltage setting.
NOTE: is function sets the dimmer output voltage, not the maximum control level applied to the dimmer.
CAUTION! Be careful when using a maximum output voltage with dimmers set for PANIC. When panic is activated,
full output voltage appears at the output of any dimmer or non-dim set for PANIC, regardless of how the maximum
output voltage is set.
VIEW REGULATION MODE. View the dimming curve assigned to a range of dimmers, 6 dimmers at a time.
SET REGULATION MODE. Set the Regulation Mode for a range of dimmers. ese options are:
Reg = yristor dimmer regulated
Unr = yristor dimmer unregulated
N-Dim = Non-Dim
SiReg = SineWave regulated
SiUnr = SineWave unregulated
IGBT = IGBT dimmers must be configured to this setting
SET CIRCUIT NAMES. View or edit the Circuit ID number for individual dimmers.
AUTONUMBER CIRCUIT ID. Automatically assign sequential circuit ID numbers to the dimmers.
DIMMER DYNAMICS MENU
e Dimmer Dynamics Menu allows you to view and congure dimmer information.
VIEW RESPONSE TIMES. View the response times for the dimmers, six dimmers at a time.
SET RESPONSE TIMES. e response time of a dimmer is the rate at which it responds to increases or
decreases in the control level. C21 / EC21dimmer racks provide ve response times:
Fast = 30ms Slow= 300ms Glacial = 1000ms Normal = 100ms Very Slow = 700ms
ese options can be applied to a single dimmer or a range of dimmers. Slow is generally used for large lamp loads,
while fast is used for smaller lamp loads that might be used in a chase eect.
NOTE: e “fast” setting, together with the accuracy of digital dimmers can cause very high inrush current.
CAUTION! Do not use “fast” for IGBT dimmers or lamps that are 5kW or higher.
VIEW PROFILES. Allow you to view the dimming curve for the dimmers, six dimmers at a time.
SELECT PROFILES. Allows you to select the dimming curve for a range of dimmers:
SqLaw = Square Law
Old SqLaw = Legacy Square Law curve
S-Crv = S-Curve
Old S-Crv = Legacy S Curve
LinPw = Linear Power
N-Dim = Non-Dim
FlEle = Fluorescent Electronic
FlMag = Fluorescent Magnetic
MarkX = Advanced Mark X Ballasts
User1 = User Defined Dimming Curve #1
User2 = User Defined Dimming Curve #2
User3 = User Defined Dimming Curve #3
User4 = User Defined Dimming Curve #4

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User5 = User Defined Dimming Curve #5
VIEW CUT LEVELS. View the Cut Levels for the output dimmers, up to 6 at a time.
SET CUT LEVELS. Set the Cut Levels for the output dimmers. Note that the cut level is the percentage at
which, below this number, the output will automatically be set to ‘0’ instead.
VIEW MINIMUM LEVELS. View the minimum dimmer output level, 6 dimmers at a time.
SET MINIMUM LEVELS. Set the minimum dimmer output level for a range of dimmers.
Set a minimum level for any or all the dimmers. is can be used for security or safety lighting in locations where a
minimum light level is required under all circumstances. is function can also be used as a preheat for large lamps.
Minimum levels are displayed in control percentages.
NOTE: is function sets the minimum control level applied to the dimmer, not the minimum output voltage.
BACKUP LOOKS MENU
Backup Looks are also referred to as Active Looks. ey serve two purposes: the rst is to provide a default set of dim-
mer outputs on power up if there are no control signals available, and the second is to allow a user to manually activate a
specic Look in case all control signals are shut down (e.g., during a show). is product allows for 8 congurable Looks.
CFG BACKUP LOOKS. Congure the Looks dimmer by dimmer.
SET POWER-ON BACKUP. Congure which Look is automatically shown if there are no control signals at
power-up.
POWER-ON HOLD. Selects how long the Power-On Backup Look is enabled. Choices are O, 00:01, 00:10,
00:15, 01:00, 24:00, Forever.
SET ACTIVE LOOK. Manually activate or deactivate one of the 8 congurable Looks. Note that this will
override any incoming control signals until deactivated.
INPUT CONFIG MENU
Input Cong Menu allows you to view and set the Mux A and Mux B ports.
SET DMX A OPTIONS. Set the DMX512 A port:
O = Turns the DMX512 A port o
In = Dene the net-slot range for the DMX512 A port. (Default: In 5121)
Out = Dene the net-slot range of output for the DMX512 B port.
VIEW DMX A LABEL. View a label for the DMX512 A port.
SET DMX B OPTIONS. Set the DMX512 B port:
O = Turns the DMX512 B port o
In = Define the net-slot range for the DMX512 B port.
Out = Dene the net-slot range of output for the DMX512 B port. (Default: Out 5633)
VIEW DMX B LABEL. View a label for the DMX512 B port.
NO MUX HOLD TIME. Set the Hold Time for the last-used dimmer outputs when all input control signals
have disappeared.
SET PANIC OPTIONS. Options are Use DIP Switch, On Request, Automatic, Disabled
LOCAL CONTROL MENU
SET DIMMER LEVEL. Set an individual dimmer to INPUT or to a local level between 0% and FULL.
NOTE: Setting dimmer levels to something other than INPUT overrides the control inputs, including presets, you can
easily loose control of dimmers by forgetting to set them back to INPUT. e levels set in this menu are remembered
even when you shut down the rack.
You can use the Set Dimmer levels menu to set dimmer levels in order to record Backup Looks where there is no

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conventional lighting control system.
SET DIMMER LEVEL RANGE. Set a range of dimmers to INPUT or to a local level between 0% and FULL.
NOTE: Setting dimmer levels to something other than INPUT overrides the control inputs, including presets, you can
easily lose control of dimmers by forgetting to set them back to INPUT. e levels set in this menu are remembered even
when you shut down the rack.
You can use the Set Dimmer levels menu to set dimmer levels in order to record Backup Looks where there is no
conventional lighting control system.
STATUS REPORTING MENU
VIEW LIVE STATUS. View the Reporting Status of reporting modules. is can show temperature, errors,
curent dimmer level, voltage, current draw and power consumption.
VIEW RACK STATUS. View the status of the Rack. is shows the three input Phase Voltages, Line Frequency,
Rack Temperature, Fan Speed and number of dimmers.
VIEW SYSTEM UP TIME. View how long the system has been up without any resets or power cycles.
SET TEMPERATURE SCALE. Select Celsius or Farenheit.
VISION.NET CONFIG MENU
ENABLE BRIDGING. Enabling this will forward packets from the dedicated Vision.net Port to Vision.net-
over-IP and vice-versa. Default is Disabled.
SET UNIQUE ID. Sets a Unique ID for this system. Default ID is 0.
SET AREA ID. Sets the Vision.net Area to which this rack listens. Default is 1.
ENABLE REFRESH. When enabled, this system will request the current state of the Vision.net system. Default
setting is O.
VN PATCH. View or Change the Vision.net room and channel patch per dimmer.
FACTORY MENU
e Factory Menu congurable options are installation-specic which, once set, are not likely to ever change.
SET PHASE CONFIG. Congure between Single Phase and ree-Phase.
A-B-C-A-B-C
A-A-A-C-C-C
L1-L1-L2-L2-L3-L3 (EC21 only)
SET RACK SIZE. Set the number of dimmers in the rack. 24, 36, 48
SET RACK SLOT ORDER. Congure whether the modules are labeled Horizontally or Vertically.
ADJUST ZERO CROSS. Congure the phase shi from zero-crossing to prevent the dimmer outputs from
ashing (in microsends).
VIEW SERIAL NUMBER. Serial number format: AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF
VIEW PROJECT NAME. View the Project Name.
VIEW DEALER NAME. View the Dealer Name.
VIEW DEALER CONTACT. View the Dealer Contact.
VIEW DEALER EXTRA INFO. View extra Dealer Info.
REVERT TO MFG CONFIG. Resets the conguration to factory defaults.
REBOOT RACK. YES or NOHIDE
FACTORY MENU. VISIBLE or INVISIBLE

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is section provides basic information on the C21/EC21 Web Pages.
MAIN SCREEN
STATUS
Select [STATUS] to gain access to the following options:
STATUS > DIMMER
5 CONFIGURATION
WEB PAGES