Wybron Coloram II User manual

Color Changer
User Manual

2
4520 4-inch Coloram II Color Changer
7110 7.5-inch Coloram II Color Changer
10100 10-inch (2K) Coloram II Color Changer
15010 15-inch (5K) Coloram II Color Changer
16090 Large Format Coloram II Color Changer
16080 Eight Light Coloram II Color Changer
16100 Thomas 9 Light Coloram II Color Changer
7080 7.5-inch Aquaram Color Changer
5000 Large Format Aquaram Color Changer
Software versions: CR1.0, LF1.0 and AR1.0
Manual revision: June 2006
CONTENTS
Safety Information......................................................3
Introduction................................................................4
The Coloram II System ..............................................5
Quick-Start.................................................................6
Using The Coloram II Color Changer .........................7
The Coloram II System Components .........................7
Color Changer ............................................. .... ...7
Gelstring...................................................... .... ...8
Power Supply .............................................. .... ...9
Cables ......................................................... .... ...9
Installing The Coloram II ............................................9
Head-Feet Restrictions ............................................13
Mounting and Installation Accessories .....................15
Color Changer Mounting Plates ...............................15
Replacing a gelstring ...............................................16
Equipment Compatibility ..........................................18
Cables .....................................................................18
Specifications...........................................................19
Parts list...................................................................22
Warranty information................................................24
Gelstring order form.................................................25

3
Safety Notice
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
This manual gives step-by-step instructions for preparation, setup and
operation of the Coloram II Color Changer.
There is a potential risk of injury to persons if the product is not used as
instructed.
The Coloram II is not intended for residential use.
WARNING: When using electrical appliances, use basic precautions,
including:
Read this manual before connecting power.
Use supervision around children.
Do not touch moving parts.
Only use attachments recommended or sold by Wybron.
Use in a dry location only.
Replace only with same type and rating of fuse.
For questions, contact Wybron at 1-800-624-0146.
Product Modification Warning
Wybron, Inc. products are designed and manufactured to meet the
requirements of United States and International Safety standards.
Modifications to the products could affect safety and render the product
non-compliant to relevant safety standards.

4
Introduction
The Coloram II System is a scrolling color changer and power supply in a complete
range of models offering ease of setup and use. Its variable color capacity and DMX
compatibility affords the designer economy and versatility, particularly when budget and
space are limited. The lightweight color changers slide easily into the gel frame holder
of the light fixture. The compact power supplies attach effortlessly to the truss of the
lighting rig or mount into a 19-inch rack.
This manual gives step-by-step instructions for preparation, setup and operation of the
Coloram II Color Changer.

5
The Coloram II System
The Coloram II System consists of one or more color changers and a remote power
supply. The DMX512 control signal from the lighting board is connected to the power
supply and can continue on to more Coloram II (RAM) Power Supplies or other DMX-
controlled devices. The power supply sends both power and control signal on a single
cable eliminating the need for a separate power cable for each color changer.
The Coloram II System also allows you to control the color changer fan speed via an
additional DMX channel on the lighting console.
The Coloram II System is equipped with the Intelligent Diagnostic System (IDS). Status
information is sent from each of the Coloram II Color Changers to the Coloram II (RAM)
Power Supply.
Caution: The Coloram II System is not compatible with The Forerunner System.
Do not connect Coloram II Color Changers to Forerunner Power Supplies, or
Forerunner Color Changers to Coloram II (RAM) Power Supplies. Damage from
such action will not be covered by the Coloram II or Forerunner warranties.
UP TO 24
COLOR
DMX CONSOLE
DMX
Console
Coloram II (RAM)
Power Supply
Coloram II
Color Changers
AC Power
To additional
Coloram II (RAM)
Power Supplies
DMX512
To additional
DMX devices

6
Quick-Start
Follow these steps to get the Coloram II Color Changer operational quickly.
1. Connect the equipment
a. Attach the Coloram II Color Changer to a powered light fixture.
b. Connect the Coloram II Color Changer to the power supply using the 4-pin
Wybron Power/Data Cable.
c. Connect the Coloram II (RAM) Power Supply to 115/230 VAC power and
to a DMX source.
2. Setup the Coloram II Color Changer
Set the color changer to an address of 1 as follows:
a. Set the DIP switches as follows:
DIP switch Position
1 motor speed: NORM
2 operation: 24 CHAN
3 channel range: 1-12
4 fan speed: NORM
b. Set the rotary "channel select" switch to 1
3. Setup the Coloram II (RAM) Power Supply
Use the SETUP menu for the following:
a. Set the starting channel to 1.
b. Set the mode to CR2.
4. Send DMX levels
The Coloram II color changer will respond to DMX channel 1. Vary the DMX
level to move the gel string.

7
Using The Coloram II Color Changer
The Coloram II Color Changer sets its gel string position according to the DMX512 level
it receives from the control console. As all Coloram II Color Changers will accommodate
variable length gel strings, the level settings which correspond with each frame position
will vary depending on the number of frames in the gel string.
The following chart shows the level settings that correspond with each frame position if
a 24 frame gel string is installed on a 7.5-inch color changer. The color of each frame
position will be determined by your custom gel string specification.
Channel
Level
Frame
Position
Channel
Level
Frame
Position
00
Frame 1
51
Frame 13
04
Frame 2
55
Frame 14
09
Frame 3
59
Frame 15
12
Frame 4
64
Frame 16
17
Frame 5
69
Frame 17
21
Frame 6
73
Frame 18
25
Frame 7
78
Frame 19
29
Frame 8
82
Frame 20
34
Frame 9
87
Frame 21
38
Frame 10
91
Frame 22
42
Frame 11
96
Frame 23
47
Frame 12
FL
Frame 24
If you send a channel level that is between the values shown, you can create split frame
effects. For example, if you send a level of 49, the color changer positions the gel string
halfway between frame 12 and frame 13 creating a blend of the two colors.
Note: If you wish to use gel strings longer than 24 colors, Wybron recommends the use
of a moving light console. This gives the operator more accurate control of the gel string
position.
The Coloram II System Components
Color Changers
All Coloram II Color Changers use gel strings which can vary in length. The color
changers set the position of the gel string via the signal from the power supply in
proportion to the DMX level. The color changers are powered by 24 volts DC which also
comes from the power supply. The control signal and DC power are both supplied in
one cable connecting the color changers to the power supply.

8
Note: Refer to the Specifications section of this manual for the maximum number of gel
string frames each color changer will hold.
Gelstring
The gelstring is a series of precisely cut, colored gel frames joined together, side by
side, to create a sequence of colors. Two additional gels at each end of the gelstring are
called the leader and the trailer. The leader and the trailer allow for proper attachment to
the rollers. The gelstring has foil tags near each end which are necessary for the color
changer's automatic calibration to the length of that particular gelstring.
Leader
Frame 1
Frame 2
Frame 31
Frame 32
Trailer
Figure 3
Long foil tag Short foil tag

9
Power Supply
The power supply converts the DMX512 signal level from the lighting console into
Coloram/Coloram II control signal which it then sends to each color changer along with
24 volts DC. The power supply features a DMX bypass relay to pass the DMX signal to
the DMX output connector in the event of AC power loss.
Cables
The Power/Data Cable connects the Coloram II (RAM) Power Supply outputs to the
Coloram II Color Changers or Goboram II Gobo Changers and provides them with
power and control signal. The Cable uses 4-pin XLR connectors on either end and
consists of two 4 AWG conductors and a 22 AWG twisted, shielded pair.
Note: The cable used in the Coloram II System is the same cable which is used in the
Forerunner System and may be referred to as either Coloram II cable or Forerunner
cable.
Installing The Coloram II
To get your Coloram II System up and running, follow these hookup and checkout
procedures.
1. Attach the color changer to the fixture
Slide the color changer's mounting bracket into the gel frame holder of your lamp and
lock the gel frame retention clip (if available). If the mounting plate installed on your
color changer doesn't fit the fixture, you may replace it with a different plate.
The mounting plate allows you to position the color changer with the gel string rolling
either horizontally or vertically. However, Coloram II operates most effectively with the
fan, which is located in the top of the center panel, blowing air vertically (as hot air
naturally rises).
2. Attach the safety cable
A safety cable is attached to the color changer.
Run this cable around the pipe or truss from
which you hang the light fixture and clip it to itself.
3. Mount the power supply

10
The Coloram II Power Supply is designed to be free standing, truss mounted, or rack
mounted. You decide which mounting method best suits your application.
The power supply comes with a mounting bracket which hooks over the pipe or truss of
your lighting rig and is then locked into place with a thumb screw. If you have selected
this mounting method, connect the safety cable by running it around the pipe or truss to
which the power supply is attached.
The power supply can also be mounted into a 19" rack using the optional Coloram II
Power Supply rack mount kit. The rack mount kit will accommodate two Coloram II
Power Supplies side by side.
4. Connect the color changers to the power supply
Connect the color changers to the power supply using 4-pin Wybron Power/Data cable.
Refer to the HEAD-FEET RESTRICTION section of the manual for details of the length
of cable runs.
5. Connect the power supply to AC power
Plug the AC cord into a non-dimmed power circuit. The power supply automatically
accommodates 100 - 132 VAC (50/60 Hz) or 170 - 240 VAC (50/60 Hz).
Power at the Coloram II (RAM) Power Supply is indicated by a red LED display which
can be viewed from the stage. Power is also indicated on the bottom of each color
changer by a red or yellow LED.
The connected color changers will automatically "calibrate" themselves to the gel string
installed by doing the following actions:
a. Moving the gel string toward the last frame, in search of the
long foil tag.
b. Turning around at the long foil tag and then searching for the
short foil tag at the beginning of the gel string.
c. Stopping at the short foil tag and staying there if no DMX
signal is present or going to it's commanded position if DMX
signal is present.
Note: It may take up to 30 seconds before all color changers start to initialize. Upon
power up, the power supply will scroll a short message which includes the software
version installed in it. The power supply will then initiate a "roll call" which tells the color
changers to initialize.
Caution: Do not power the Coloram II (RAM) Power Supply from a dimmer.
Severe damage will result and is not covered by product warranty.

11
6. Set the power supply/color changer channels
Each color changer is assigned a DMX channel to which it will respond from the lighting
console. Valid DMX addresses are 001 - 512.
First, set the first channel for the block of DMX channels chosen for the power supply --
do this on the power supply. Then, set the color changer (the rotary switch and third DIP
switch) for the first, second, etc channel of the block of power supply channels.
For example, if you want a color changer to respond to DMX channel 105, first set the
power supply channel block to start on channel 105 and then set the color changer to
channel 1-- the first channel in the block of power supply channels.
Set the power supply starting DMX channel by using the SETUP menu. If talkback is
enabled on the power supply, the starting power supply channel is limited to 1, 4, 7, 10,
13, etc.
The rotary switch window is the channel indicator. The color changer switch settings
and the 24 channels they represent are as follows:
Rotary
Switch
DIP Switch
#3
Color Changer
channels
1
Off
1
2
Off
2
3
Off
3
4
Off
4
5
Off
5
6
Off
6
7
Off
7
8
Off
8
9
Off
9
A
Off
10
B
Off
11
C
Off
12
1
On
13
2
On
14
3
On
15
4
On
16
5
On
17
6
On
18
7
On
19
8
On
20
9
On
21
A
On
22
B
On
23
C
On
24

12
The formula for calculating DMX channels is as follows:
DMX channel = Color Changer channel + Power Supply starting channel -1
Example: DMX channel (221) = Color Changer channel (20) + Power Supply starting
channel (202) -1
Note:For the 24-Way Power Supply, the Coloram II Color Changers can only be
addressed to the first 24 channels of the 48 channel block of the power supply.
Note: The color changers will not respond to the DMX signal until you return in the
"menu tree" to the RUN SCREEN loop.
7. Set the Coloram II operating modes
The Coloram II System offers you optional settings so you can custom tailor its
performance to best suit your application. These settings are accessed via the 4 DIP
switches on the bottom of each color changer in combination with the power supply. To
set the DIP switch, press the switches in the direction of the words shown on the
chassis legend.
The functions and indications of the LEDs and DIP switches on the color changer are as
follows:
LED On Indicates
DIP Switch Function
Yellow
Low Motor Speed
1
Motor Speed
Red
Low Voltage (< 22V)
2
12/24 Channel Mode
Red
Normal Motor Speed
3
Channel Range
Green
All Flashing
Low Fan Speed
Shutdown (< 15V or no
tags detected)
4
Fan Speed
Fan speed (when enabled at the power supply) is remotely controlled with the following
DMX levels:
51% to 100% = fan at normal (high) speed
0% to 50% = fan at low speed
8% = fan off (when this function is enabled at the power supply)
Note: DIP switch 4 (Fan Speed) set to "Remote" allows the operator to control the fan
speed via the lighting console.
Note: The 12/24 channel mode is used to support either the original 12 Channel
Coloram I Color Changers/Power Supplies (CR1) or the 24 channel Coloram II Color
Changers/Power Supplies (CR2). All color changers in a system must be set to the
same mode as the power supply to function correctly.

13
Figure 9
CHANNEL
SELECT
0
8
12
7110
8. Connect and set the DMX512 source
Connect the DMX512 signal source to the DMX input connector on the front of the
power supply using standard DMX cable. Valid DMX signal will be indicated by the
words "DMX OK" on the power supply display. The color changers will now position
their gel strings according to their respective DMX signal levels.
Head-Feet Restrictions
The HEAD-FEET parameter is a method of accounting for the voltage drop in the
power/signal cable caused by the current drawn by each color changer.
To help understand this issue, think of it as water pressure (voltage) in a hose (cable)
where you have multiple water sprinkler heads (color changers). If the hose (cable) is
too long or you have too many sprinkler heads (color changers), the water pressure
(voltage) will be too low.
HEAD-FEET is defined as "the sum of cable lengths from each color changer to a single
power supply output".
Operating Mode DIP Switches
LED Indicator Display
Rotary Switch

14
Head-Feet Example:
The length of cable from the Power Supply to:
1st Coloram 100'
2nd Coloram 120'
3rd Coloram 140'
4th Coloram 160'
520 "head feet"
The maximum HEAD-FEET for each of the Coloram II Color Changers is as follows:
(If a daisy chain consists of different models, use the model with the least amount of
"head feet" for the calculation).
4520 - 4-inch Coloram II: 1500 head feet
7110 - 7.5-inch Coloram II: 1500 head feet
10100 – 10-inch Coloram II: 1000 head feet
15010 – 15-inch Coloram II: 1000 head feet
16080 - 8 Light Coloram II: 1000 head feet
16090 - Large Format Coloram II: 1000 head feet
16100 - Thomas 9 Light Coloram II: 1000 head feet
7080 - 7.5-inch Aquaram: 1000 head feet
5000 - Large Format Aquaram: 1000 head feet
Figure 8
Coloram II (RAM)
Power Supply
Coloram II
Color Changers
1
2
3
4
100’
20’
20’
20’
Power/Data Cable

15
Mounting and Installation Accessories
The components of your Coloram II System may require the installation of additional
mounting accessories or the replacement of others. Some of these accessories, such
as the power supply hanger brackets and your choice of one color changer mounting
plate, are supplied, while other accessories, such as the power supply rack mount kit
and additional mounting plates, may need to be purchased separately. The following
sections describe the procedures for installation and replacement of some of these
accessories.
Color Changer Mounting Plate
The Coloram II Color Changer ships with your choice of available mounting plates
installed. It may be necessary, when mounting the color changer on different light
fixtures, to replace the mounting plate.
Note: Some fixtures which require larger versions of Coloram II Color Changers use
multiple piece mounting assemblies. Some pieces of these mounting assemblies may
have to be attached directly to the fixture and some may attach in a different manner
than described below to the color changer.
Follow these instructions to replace the mounting plate on 4-inch through 10-inch color
changers.
1. Place the color changer on a flat
surface, with the Coloram II logo face
down.
2. Unscrew the four screws which
hold the current mounting plate on.
3. Place the replacement mounting
plate on the color changer, aligning the
screw holes properly.
4. Fasten the four corners of the
mounting plate to the color changer using
the same screws you removed in step 2.
Note: Always use the supplied screws, as they are treated with an anti-vibration
compound to keep them from loosening
Figure 12
Mounting plate screws
Mounting plate

16
Replacing a gelstring
At some point in time you may find that you need to replace the gelstring in your color
changer, either because the old one wears out or because you want a different
selection of colors. With all the Coloram II Color Changers this is quick and easy.
Caution: Operating the Coloram II Color Changers with damaged
gelstrings will damage the color changers. Replace the gelstrings before
damage occurs.
Note: If a frame in the gelstring becomes damaged, do not remove the frame and splice
the gelstring. Replace the gelstring. Gelstrings may be ordered from Color Express by
WYBRON INCORPORATED.
Remove the old gelstring
This procedure is performed with no power to the color changer.
1. Place the color changer on a flat surface with the Coloram II logo
facing up.
2. Remove the front panel by unscrewing the two thumb screws at the
top right and left corners of the front door as shown in the first
picture on the left.
3. Gently roll the gelstring onto the left roller, exposing the clear leader
taped on the right roller.
4. Untape the leader from the right roller. Remove the tape from the
leader.
5. Roll the gelstring onto a cardboard tube as you slowly remove it
from the left roller.
6. When you reach the clear trailer, untape it from the roller.
Hint: To save time, move all gelstrings to the first frame via the DMX
source before disconnecting power.
Thumb screws
Figure 13
Figure 14
Left roller
(Drive roller) Right roller
(Spring Roller)

17
Install the new gelstring
Note: Use gaffer's tape to attach the gelstrings to the rollers. Do not use duct tape or
masking tape.
1. Put a strip of gaffer's tape on the edge of the gelstring trailer.
Holding the trailer, let the rest of the roll hang off the right side of
the color changer.
2. Center the edge of the trailer between the two ends of the left
roller as shown to the left. Tape the trailer along the top of the
roller as shown.
3. Roll the gelstring onto the left roller until the end of the leader is
directly above the right roller.
4. Put a strip of gaffer's tape on the gelstring leader.
5. While holding the end of the gelstring, turn the right roller toward
the left roller. The sticker at the bottom end of the roller has a
black line on it to help you judge the number of turns.
6. Tape the gelstring to the right (spring) roller.
Note: Use maximum number of spring roller turns for gel strings with maximum number
of frames. Use less turns for shorter gelstrings. Refer to the gelstring tension chart
below for the exact number of turns for your color changer/gelstring combination.
Models: 4520, 7110, and 7080
Number of Turns
2 - 10 frames
5
11 - 18 frames
6
19 - 26 frames
7
27 - 32 frames
8
Model: 10100
Number of Turns
2 - 5 frames
5
6 - 10 frames
6
11 - 17 frames
7
18 - 24 frames
8
Models: 15010, 16080, 16090, 16100,
and 5000
Number of Turns
2 - 4 frames
8
5 - 8 frames
9
9 - 12 frames
10
13 - 16 frames
11
17 - 20 frames
12
21-24 frames
13
Gaffer’s
Tape
Last
Frame
Trailer

18
Equipment Compatibility
The following is a chart of compatibility and capacity of the various models of Coloram II
Power Supply and the companion components.
Max # of
Power Supply
Model
Output
Channels
Max # of
Max # of
Max # of
Max # of
Description
Number
Power
Available
CXI (2)
Coloram (3)
Eclipse (4)
Goboram (5)
6-Way
19060
150 watts
12
3
6
6
4
12-Way
19012
300 watts
24
6
12
12
8
24-Way
20240
600 watts
48
12
24 (1)
24 (1)
16
Notes:
(1) can only use the first 24 channels
(2) CXIs use 1, 2 or 3 channels
(3) Coloram IIs use 1 channel
(4) Eclipses use 1 channel
(5) Goboram IIs use 3 channels
Cables
Power/Data Cable
The Power/Data cable uses 4-pin XLR connectors on either end and consists of two 14
AWG conductors and a 22 AWG twisted, shielded pair. The shells of the two XLR
connectors are not electrically connected -- this prevents high power currents from
flowing from chassis to chassis of the Coloram II equipment. The twisted pair shield is
not connected at either end.
XLR Pin # Wire Color Function Size
1 White 24 Volts DC 14 AWG
2 Green Data - 22 AWG
3 Red Data + 22 AWG
4 Black Ground 14 AWG
DMX512 control cable
The DMX control cable from the lighting board to the power supply is a five conductor
cable with 5-pin XLR connectors on each end. The wiring pin out is specified by the
USITT DMX512 / 1990 standard.

19
XLR Pin # Function
1 Common
2 Data -
3 Data +
4 Talkback -
5 Talkback +
Specifications
Coloram II Color Changer Technical Information
End to end speed:
3.2 seconds
Models: 4520, 7110, and 7080
5 seconds
Models: 10100, 15010, 16080, 16090, 16120, 16110 and 5000
Fan: Multiple speed - normal
- limited
- off
Fuse: 1.5 Amp Slo Blo
Models: 4520, 7110, 7080, 10100 and 15010
2 Amp Slo Blo
Models: 16080, 16090, 16110, 16120 and 5000
Gelstring: 2 - 32 frames
Models: 4520, 7110, and 7080
2 - 24 frames
Models: 10100, 15010, 16080, 16090, 16110, 16120 and 5000
Coloram II address: 01 - 24
LED Indicators: Motor speed
Low voltage
Fan speed
Shutdown (all flashing)
Power supply compatibility:
Coloram II (RAM) 6-Way Power Supply
Coloram II (RAM) 12-Way Power Supply
Coloram II (RAM) 24-Way Power Supply
Signal termination: Not required
Weight:
Models:
4520 - 4-inch Coloram II Color Changer – 4.04 lbs./1.83 kg
7110 - 7.5-inch Coloram II Color Changer – 4.92 lbs./2.23 kg
10100 -10-inch (2K) Coloram II Color Changer – 6.38 lbs./2.89 kg
15010 -15-inch (5K) Coloram II Color Changer – 15.06 lbs./6.83 kg
16090 - Large Format Coloram II Color Changer – 17.92 lbs./8.13 kg
16080 - Eight Light Coloram II Color Changer – 15.62 lbs./6.92 kg
16100 - Thomas 9 Light Coloram II Color Changer – 18.5 lbs./8.39 kg

20
7080 - 7.5-inch Aquaram Color Changer - 7.74 lbs./3.51 kg
5000 - Large Format Aquaram Color Changer – 25.56 lbs/11.59 kg
Dimensions:
4520 - 4-inch – 9.55”/242.57mm x 9.65”/245.11mm x 2.69”/68.33mm
7110 - 7.5-inch – 11.08”/281.44mm x 12.65”/321.31mm x 2.69”/68.33mm
10100 -10-inch – 14.2”/360.68mm x 15.15”/384.81mm x 2.69”/68.33mm
15010 -15-inch – 22.59”/573.79 x 20.53”/521.47mm x 5.09”/129.29mm
16090 - LF – 25.06”/636.53mm x 22.63”/574.81mm x 5.09”/129.29mm
16080 - 8 Light – 32.82”/833.63mm x 20.28”/515.12mm x 4.97”/126.24mm
16100 -Thomas 9–25.06”/636.53mm x 23.76”/603.5mm x 5.09”/129.29mm
7080 - 7.5-inch Aquaram – 12.65”/321.31mm x 12.80”/325.12mm x 12”/104.65mm
5000 - LF Aquaram – 26.68”/677.68mm x 23.88”/606.56mm x 5.45”/138.43mm
The Coloram II Color Changer Fixture Compatibility
Fixture compatibility with optional mounting plates:
Models:
4520 – 4-inch Coloram II Color Changer
Source Four
Shakespeare 600
Other fixtures with 6.25" gel frames
7110 - 7.5-inch Coloram II Color Changer
Source Four
Shakespeare 600
Other fixtures with 6.25" gel frames
Source Four PAR
PAR 64
Full size ellipsoidals
7080 - 7.5-inch Aquaram Color Changer
Source Four
Shakespeare 600
Other fixtures with 6.25" gel frames
Source Four PAR
PAR 64
Full size ellipsoidals
10100 – 10-inch Coloram II Color Changer
Source Four 5 degree
Source Four 10 degree
Various 2K
15010 – 15-inch Coloram II Color Changer
Various 3K
Various 4K
Various 5K
4-light
16080 - 8 Light Coloram II Color Changer