Wahlberg 281 User manual

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Rotator
Item No .281
User Manual

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805.281.001 Date: March 22rd, 2017
Safety Information
The following symbols are used to identify important safety information on the product an in
this manual:
This product is for professional use only. It is not for household use.
This product presents risks for sever injury or death due to fire hazards, electric shock, and falls.
Read this manual before installing, powering or servicing the rotator; follow the safety
precautions listed below and observe all warnings in this manual and printed on the rotator. If
you have questions about how to operate the rotator safely, please contact you Wahlberg
Motion Design supplier or Wahlberg Motion Design.
PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK
Disconnect the rotator from AC power before removing or installing any cover or part
and not when in use.
Always ground (earth) the rotator electrically.
Use only a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical codes and
has both overload and ground-fault (earth-fault) protection.
Before using the rotator, check that all power distribution equipment and cables are in
perfect condition and rated for the current requirements of all connected devices.
Power input throughput cables must be rated 16 A minimum, have three conductors 1.5
mm2(AWG16) minimum conductor size and an outer cable diameter of 5-15 mm (0.2-
0.6 inch). Cables must be hard usage type (SJT or equivalent) and heat-resistant to 90°C
(194°F) minimum. In the EU the cables must be <HAR> approved or equivalent.
Use only Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 NAC3FX-W cable connectors to connect to power
input sockets. Use only Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 NAC3FX-W cable connectors to
connect to power throughput sockets.
Assembly power supply cables following the instructions in this manual only (see page
12).

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Before each use
Ensure that the rotator is correctly and safely mounted
Ensure that the attached load is correctly mounted
Warning! Do not use the rotator if any damage or error is found!
Isolate the rotator from power immediately of the power plug or any seal, cover, cable,
or other component is damaged, defective, deformed, wet, or showing signs of
overheating. Do not reapply power until repairs have been completed
Do not expose the rotator to rain or moisture.
Refer any service operation not described in this manual to a qualified technician.
PROTECTION FROM BURNS AND FIRE
Do not operate the rotator if the ambient temperature (Ta) exceeds 40° C (104° F).
Do not modify the rotator in any way not described in this manual.
Install only genuine Wahlberg parts.
PROTECTION FROM INJURY
Fasten the rotator securely to a fixed surface, rig, or structure when in use. The rotator is
not portable when installed.
Ensure that any supporting structure and/or hardware can hold at least 10 times the
weight of all the devices they support
If suspending from a rigging structure, fasten the rotator using the supplied Manfrotto
slim coupler and M12 bolt, nut, and washers supplied with the rotator according to the
manual, see page 10.
Always install the rotator as described in this manual. If the rotator is installed in a
location where it may cause injury or damage if it falls, install as described in page 10.
If possible, allow enough clearance beneath the rotator so it cannot cause any danger to
personnel beneath it. Else, adjust the lower limit accordingly following the instructions in
this manual.
Check that all external cobblers and rigging hardware are securely fastened.
Block access below the work area and from a stable platform whenever installing,
servicing or moving the rotator.
Do not operate the rotator with missing or damaged covers, shields, or shaft.

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Disposing of this product
Wahlberg Motion Design products are supplied in compliance with Directive
2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European
Union on WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), as amended by
Directive 2003/108/EC, where applicable.
Help preserve the environment! Ensure that this product is recycled at the end
of its life. Your supplier can give details of local arrangements for the disposal of
Wahlberg Motion Design products.

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805.281.001 Date: March 22rd, 2017
Index
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
INDEX 3
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 6
INTRODUCTION 8
PACKAGE CONTENT ...................................................................................................................................... 8
DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................................................... 8
AREA OF USE............................................................................................................................................... 9
USING FOR THE FIRST TIME ............................................................................................................................ 9
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION 10
FASTENING THE ROTATOR TO A FLAT SURFACE................................................................................................. 10
MOUNTING THE ROTATOR ON A TRUSS .......................................................................................................... 10
MOUNTING THE ROTATOR IN AN ANGLE......................................................................................................... 10
AC POWER 11
POWER CABLES AND POWER PLUG ................................................................................................................ 11
INSTALLING A POWER INPUT CONNECTOR ON A POWER CABLE ........................................................................... 12
DATA LINK 14
TIPS FOR RELIABLE DATA TRANSMISSION ........................................................................................................ 14
CONNECTING THE DATA LINK........................................................................................................................ 14
ATTACHMENT POWER AND DATA LINK 14
POWER VOLTAGE ....................................................................................................................................... 15
ATTACHMENT CONNECTION PLUG................................................................................................................. 15
CONNECTING THE POWER CABLE .................................................................................................................. 15
CONNECTING THE DATA LINK........................................................................................................................ 15
SETUP 16
MODE SETTING ........................................................................................................................................ 17
DMX ADDRESS SETTING ........................................................................................................................... 19
MANUAL RESET ......................................................................................................................................... 20
POSITIONING............................................................................................................................................. 21
SYNCHRONIZED MOVEMENTS OF MULTIPLE ROTATORS ..................................................................................... 22
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 23
MAINTENANCE PLAN .................................................................................................................................. 23
ON-SITE SERVICE........................................................................................................................................ 24
LIFE TIME OF THE ROTATOR.......................................................................................................................... 24
SPARE PARTS............................................................................................................................................. 24
POWER DEFECT.......................................................................................................................................... 24
ROTATOR 281 - CHEAT SHEET 25

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Technical specifications
Model: Rotator 281
Item no.: 281
Dimensions(without mounting clamp): 260 × 178 × 317 mm. / 10.2 × 7.0 × 12.5 in. (L×W×H)
Power supply: 100-240 V AC 50-60 Hz.
Power consumption: Max 150 Watt.
Power plug: Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 NAC3FX-W
DMX control signal: DMX 512 1990 + DMX512A / 7 channels used.
DMX connection: 5 pole XLR, In & link
Rotating limit: No limit / Continuous rotation
Rotating speed: Variable, 0.15-6.8 rpm
Maximum attachment current:
1+ (1.5 mm2): 10A through power connection
1- (1.5 mm2): 10A through power connection
2+ (1.5 mm2): 10A through power connection
2- (1.5 mm2): 10A through power connection
Minimum breaking load: > 1500 kg
Maximum load:
Shaft - down 150 kg. (330 lbs.)
Shaft - up 100 kg. (220 lbs.)
Shaft - sideways 50 kg. (110 lbs.)
Noise emission: ~50 dB (1m distance)
Weight: 11.8 kg (26 lbs)
Mounting clamp: 3xSlim eye coupler (Max load: 300 kg) 50 mm (2 inch)
Motor: 24 V DC, 28.9 W, IP30

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805.281.001 Date: March 22rd, 2017
.Rotator 281

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805.281.001 Date: March 22rd, 2017
Introduction
Before using the Wahlberg Rotator for the first time, please read this manual carefully. Failure in
handling can cause injury of persons and/or damage the rotator.
Package content
1× Rotator 281
3× Manfrotte Slim coupler
3× Mounting bolts, nuts, and washers (M12) for slim coupler mounting
1× PowerCON TRUE1 NAC3FX-W Female plug for power cable
1× SpeakON SPX NL4FX Female plug for power/signal-throughput
1× SpeakON SPX NL4FX Male plug for power/signal-throughput
1x Instruction manual
1x Clamp for shaft
Description
Rotator 281 is a rotator for stage use, mainly for use in theatres, shows and concerts.
It is designed for rotating lamps and other electrical devices. The rotator has a positioning
system that enables a Rotator to stop at any desired position. The load is up to 150 kg. The
rotation speed is between 0.15 rpm and 6.8 rpm.
The rotators are easily connected as a chain, allowing for advanced and creative ways of making
dynamic movements. The rotator is controlled by the DMX channels from the lighting desk. It
has a built-in positioning system which is utilized in locating the desired position. The positioning
system is controlled from a 16 bit DMX channel and is highly accurate; the rotator stops within
1°. The speed of the rotator is likewise controlled from the lighting desk, and it is possible to set
the left and right limits of the movement of the rotator, adjusting its span of motion. Six DMX
channels controls the wanted position and the speed of the movement, and the rotator finds the
position applied on the lighting desk. The movements are programmed as lighting and in
interaction with the light.
The control system ensures that the motor only is powered when:
The control signal is reliable.
The position and speed control is on.
The motor position is calculated after witch a PID regulator calculates the motor speed
and distance.
Rotator 281 should only be operated by an experienced DMX-controlled-lighting-desk-operator.
The lighting desk has to be programmed according to the manual, so the rotator will stop when
the speed is put to 0 %. It is also possible for the user to stop the rotator on the main. After
power failure the start and 0°position of the rotator needs to be reset before the rotator can
function again.
Manually operation of the rotator is only intended for mounting, service, and tests.

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Area of use
The Rotator is intended for indoor use only. It is designed for rotating lamps and other electrical
devices at the weight and speed stated in "Technical Data". Any other use of the rotator may
result in a risk of injury of persons or equipment damage. Exceeding the load rating may cause
failure of the equipment.
Use only approved rigging connectors to secure the load to the rotator and do not modify the
shaft as this may damage the rotator and result in a risk of injury of persons or equipment
damage.
Do not modify the rotator. For any modification of your rotator, contact Wahlberg.
It is the customers' responsibility that any local restrictions concerning the use of the rotator are
complied with.
For indoor use only!
Caution! To reduce the risk of electric shock or injury: use indoors only
Caution! To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose to rain: store indoors!
Using for the first time
Important! The Rotator 281 must be protected from environmental factors such as physical
shocks and vibration during transportation and storage.
Warning! Read “Safety Information” on page 2 before installing, powering, operating, or
servicing the rotator. Before applying power to the rotator:
Check the Wahlberg Motion Design website at www.wahlberg.dk for the most recent
documentation and technical information about the Rotator 281. Wahlberg user manual
revisions are identified by the revision number in the bottom of each page.
Carefully review the “Safety Instructions” on page 2.
Check that the local AC mains power source is within the rotator power voltage and frequency
ranges.
See “Power cables and power plug” on page 2. Install a Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 NAC3FX-W
power input connector on a suitable power cable. If drawing the power from a mains power
outlet, install a suitable power plug on the power cable.

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805.281.001 Date: March 22rd, 2017
Physical installation
Warning! The Rotator 281 must be either fastened to a flat surface such as a floor or roof, or
clamped to a truss or similar structure. Do not apply power to the Rotator 281 if it is not
securely fastened.
Warning! The supporting surface must be hard and flat. Fasten the rotator securely.
Warning! Use only the supplied rigging clamps and M12 bolts. The clamp must be screwed into
the central holes in the rotator’s mounting brackets using the supplied M12 washers and M12
locking-nuts.
Fastening the rotator to a flat surface
The Rotator 281 can be fastened to flat surface such as a floor or roof. Check that the surface
can support at least 10 times the weight of all rotators and equipment to be installed on it.
Mounting the rotator on a truss
The Rotator 281 can be clamped to a truss or similar rigging structure.
When loading the rotator with full load it is important to use all 3 slim couplers when mounting.
To clamp a Rotator 281 to a truss:
1. Check that the rigging clamp is undamaged and that the rigging
structure can support at least 10 times the combined weight of all
Rotators and equipment to be installed on it.
2. Use the 3 supplied rigging clamp or contact Wahlberg Motion Design
for a replacement.
3. Fasten the clamps to the rotator with the supplied M12 bolts, nuts,
and washers in the holes in the mounting brackets of the rotator.
4. Block access under the work area. Working from a stable platform,
hang the rotator on the truss. Tighten the rigging clamp.
Mounting the rotator in an angle
The Rotator 281 can be mounted in any angle.
Warning! Always mount the load with the center of mass directly below the center of the axis.
Warning! The maximum load depends on the angle the rotator is mounted in. Refer to table
below
Maximum load:
Shaft - down 150 kg. (330 lbs.) only with 3 rigging clamps mounted!
Shaft - up 100 kg. (220 lbs.) only with 3 rigging clamps mounted!
Shaft –sideways 50 kg (110 lbs.) only with 3 rigging clamps mounted!

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AC power
Warning! Read “Safety Information” on page 2 before connecting the Rotator 281 to AC mains
power.
Warning! For protection from electric shock, the Rotator 281 must be grounded (earthed). The
power distribution circuit must be equipped with a fuse or circuit breaker and ground-fault
(earth-fault) protection.
Warning! Socket outlets or external power switches used to supply the Rotator 281 with
power must be located near the rotator and easily accessible so that the rotator can easily be
disconnected from power.
Warning! Check that the voltage range specified on the rotator’s serial number label matches
the local AC mains power voltage before applying power to the rotator. Do not apply AC
mains power to the rotator at any other voltage than that specified on the rotator’s serial
number label.
Power cables and power plug
The Rotator 281 requires a power input cable with a Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 NAC3FX-W cable
connector for AC mains power input. The cable must meet the requirements listed under
“Protection from electric shock” on page 2.
If you install a power plug on the power cable, install a grounding-type (earthed) plug that is
rated 16 A minimum. Follow the plug manufacturer’s instructions. Table 1 shows standard wire
color-coding schemes and some possible pin identification schemes; if pins are not clearly
identified, or if you have any doubts about proper installation, consult a qualified electrician.
Table 1 - Colour guide
Wire Colour
Conductor
Symbol
Screw (US)
Brown
Live
L
Yellow or brass
Blue
Neutral
N
Silver
Yellow/green
Ground (earth)
or
Green

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Installing a power input connector on a power cable
To install a Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 NAC3FX-W input connector on a power
Cable, follow the original Neutrik instructions below:

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Data link
A DMX 512 data link is required in order to control the rotator via DMX. The Rotator 281 has 5-
pin XLR connectors for DMX data input and output. The pin-out on all connectors is pin 1 =
shield, pin 2 = (data -), and pin 3 = (data +). Pins 4 and 5 in the 5-pin XLR connectors are not used
in the Rotator 281, and there is no connection between the 5-pin XLR in and out connectors.
The Rotator 281 is subject to the common limit of 32 devices per daisy-chained link. Note that if
independent control of a rotator is required, it must have its own DMX channels. To add more
rotators or groups of rotators when the above limit is reached, add a DMX-splitter and another
daisy-chained link.
Tips for reliable data transmission
Use shielded twisted-pair cable designed for RS-485 devices: standard microphone cable
cannot transmit control data reliably over long runs. 24 AWG cable is suitable for runs up to
100 meters (328 ft.).
Never use a rotator’s outputs to split a DMX link. To split the link into branches, use an opto-
isolated RS-485 splitter/amplifier.
Terminate the link by installing a termination plug in the output socket of the last rotator. The
termination plug, which is a male XLR plug with a 120 Ohm, 0.25 Watt resistor soldered
between pins 2 and 3, “soaks up” the control signal so it does not reflect and cause
interference. If a splitter is used, terminate each branch of the link.
Connecting the data link
To connect the Rotator 281 to data:
1. Connect the DMX data output from the DMX controller to the Rotator 281’s male 5-pin
XLR DMX input connector (DMX 512 IN).
2. Connect the DMX output of the rotator to the DMX input of the next rotator and
continue connecting rotators output to input (DMX 512 OUT).
3. Terminate the last rotator on the link with a 120 Ohm resistor.
The DMX lamp is the green led, next to the DMX-selectors.
Glows constant, when the DMX connection is correct.
Flash if the DMX signal is missing or wrongly connected.

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Attachment power and data link
Warning! Read “Safety Information” on page 2 before connecting AC mains power to the
attachment power inlet.
Warning! Socket outlets or external power switches used to supply the attachment with
power must be located near the rotator and easily accessible so that the attachment can easily
be disconnected from power.
Power voltage
Warning! Check that the voltage range specified on the rotators serial number label for
attachment power voltage matches the local AC mains power voltage before applying power
to the rotators attachment power inlet. Do not apply AC mains power to the rotators
attachment power inlet at any other voltage than that specified on the rotators serial number
label.
Attachment connection plug
The Rotator 281 requires a power and data input a Neutrik speakON NL4FX cable connector. The
cable for connecting the speakON plug on the rotator for the attachment power and data, must
meet the requirements listed under “Protection from electric shock” on page 2.
The attachment connection has four conductors; two for power and two for data or power.
Connecting the power cable
Refer to the section “AC power” on page 11 for installation of the power connection.
Connecting the data link
Refer to the section “Data link” on page 14 for installation of the data connection.
To install a Neutrik speakON NL4FX cable connector, follow the original Neutrik instructions
below:

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Setup
Warning! Read “Safety Information” on page 2 before installing, powering, operating, or
servicing the Rotator 281.
Warning! Only experienced DMX users should operate the rotator. Contact Wahlberg for
further information and education on DMX protocol.
MODE setting
The MODE setting allows you to operate the rotator in
different ways. Each MODE setting has a given function.
Each mode gives an opportunity for different run settings
of the rotator. The MODE is selected using the MODE
selector on the rotator.
The rotator needs to be reset, before the positioning MODE is possible. The rotator must be
reset each time its power supply has been disconnected.
Read the passage about controlling the clockwise (CW)-end- and counter clockwise (CCW)-end
positions, to explore and setup the rotator best for your own particular need.
Warning! Only operate the rotator when there is a clear view to the rotator and area
beneath/above or besides it, depending on the method used for mounting.
Warning! Before running the rotator, ensure that the ‘danger zone’ next to the rotator is
cleared so no people can be harmed.
Warning! MODE 7 and MODE 8 is only for service and tests!
Warning! Before running the rotator in MODE 7 or MODE 8, ensure that the area beneath the
rotator is cleared so no people can be harmed.
MODE 0 –Not used, Motor stops
MODE 1 –Slow Speed Change (Ramp)
Positioning mode with slow ramp
MODE 2 –Normal Speed Change (Ramp)
Positioning mode with medium ramp
MODE 3 –Fast Speed Change (Ramp)
Positioning mode with fast ramp

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MODE 4 –Not used, Motor stops
MODE 5 –Not used, Motor stops
MODE 6 –Not used, Motor stops
MODE 7 –Manual run up (no DMX needed) –Only for service and tests!
The rotator rotates clockwise (CW) with the speed set on the DMX-selectors. This function can
be used as a test-function.
E.g. Set the rotator to MODE 7 and the DMX address to 100, for a slow movement, or set the
DMX address to 500 for fast movement.
MODE 8 –Manual run up (no DMX needed) –Only for service and tests!
The rotator rotates counter clockwise (CCW) with the speed set on the DMX-selectors. This
function can be used as a test-function.
E.g. Set the rotator to MODE 8 and the DMX address to 100, for a slow movement, or set the
DMX address to 500 for fast movement.
MODE 9 –Not used, Motor stops
Table 2 - Overview of MODE functions
MODE
Function
Note
0
Not used, Motor stops
1
Slow speed change (Ramp)
2
Normal speed change (Ramp)
3
Fast speed change (Ramp)
4, 5, 6
Not used, Motor stops
7
Manual clockwise (CW) (no DMX needed)
Warning! Only for service and tests!
8
Manual counter clockwise (CCW) (no DMX needed)
Warning! Only for service and tests!
9
Not used, Motor stops

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DMX ADDRESS setting
The DMX address, also known as the start channel, is the
first channel used to receive instructions from the
controller. For independent control, each rotator must be
assigned its own control channels.
The DMX address is configured using the three DMX
ADDRESS selectors on the rotator. The selected DMX address states from which channels, on the
lighting desk, the rotator is controlled. The DMX address can be selected from 1 –505. The
Rotator 281 uses six DMX channels.
DMX channel 1 –Position rough (16 bit DMX channel):
This channel controls the position of the rotator, with the speed (DMX channel 3). This rough
position works together with the fine position (DMX channel 2). The rough position and the fine
position are multiplied in to a 16 bit channel. The rough position is the MSB.
DMX channel 2 –Position fine (16 bit DMX channel):
This channel controls the position of the rotator, with the speed set on DMX channel 3. This fine
position works together with the rough position (DMX channel 1). The fine position and the
rough position are multiplied in to a 16 bit channel. The fine position is the LSB.
DMX channel 3 –Speed:
This channel controls the speed of the rotator.
This channel defines the maximum speed. The rotator runs with the set max speed, but slows
down as closing in on the wanted position. This channel also works as a main brake; the motor
does not run unless the channel is set above 0%. The speed-channel can also be used to make
soft and slow movements or fast and sudden movements.
DMX channel 4 –Manual CW / Set CW end position:
This channel makes the rotator, rotate clockwise (CW). The channel value determines the speed.
If DMX channel 6 is set between 51-54%, the end position for position mode is saved.
DMX channel 5 –Manual CCW / Set CCW end position:
This channel makes the rotator, rotate counter clockwise (CCW). The channel value determines
the speed.
If DMX channel 6 is set between 51-54%, the end position for position mode is saved.
DMX channel 6 –Mode Control:
Channel value
Function
0-79%
Position mode
51-54%
Position mode and enable ‘end position’ save
80-100%
Angular mode
Attention! The positioning run in positioning mode works only, when the rotator has been
reset.

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Table 3 - Overview of DMX addresses
DMX
Channel
Function
Note
1
Position rough (Hi of a 16 bit DMX channel)
MSB
2
Position fine (Lo of a 16 bit DMX channel)
LSB
3
Set the maximum speed
4
Manual CW / Set CW end position
5
Manual CCW / Set CCW end position
6
Mode control
Manual reset
When the rotator is ready, the first thing to do is to reset it. The CW-position needs to be set
manually, before the rotator is able to use for positioning run. To get the most precise run, fit for
your own needs, it is possible to regulate the CW- and CCW- end positions. This is done manually
on DMX channel 4 and DMX channel 5
Reset example:
The DMX channel 4 is set to 30% → the rotator starts to rotate clockwise.
Let it run until it reaches a desired position.
Set DMX channel 5 is set to 30% → the rotator starts to rotate counter clockwise.
Let it run until it reaches a desired position.
The rotator is now reset and the CW-end position and the CCW-end position define the total
travel length of the rotation.
If you want to change the rotating length, simply just use DMX channel 4 and 5 to set new end
positions.