X-laser Aurora 4C User manual

Aurora 4C and 4G
Product Manual and User Guide
For Professional Indoor Use Only - FDA Variance Required
X-Laser strongly recommends keeping this manual with your new laser
projector at all times as a field reference.

2
If you have any questions about any of the content of this manual or the
safe operation of your new laser projector, please do not hesitate to
contact your dealer or X-Laser directly.
X-Laser USA
301-543-1981
866-702-7768
Sales –Extension 0
Support –Extension 155
General Information –Dial 0
[e-mail]
www.x-laser.com
[email protected]m
9125A Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723 USA

3
Table of Contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................5
Product Labeling .......................................................................................6
Safety Notices ...........................................................................................7
Unpacking Your Laser Projector................................................................9
Projector Layout and Functions ..............................................................10
Projector Specifications ..........................................................................11
Power Variations.................................................................................11
General Guidelines for Safe Laser Use....................................................12
General Guidelines for Proper Usage .....................................................14
Installation ..............................................................................................15
Safe Beam and Projection Height .......................................................16
Operation................................................................................................16
Before Powering up Your Projector....................................................16
Warm Up and Duty Cycle....................................................................17
Sound Active Mode.............................................................................17
Auto Mode ..........................................................................................18
DMX Control........................................................................................18
DMX Traits...............................................................................................19
Troubleshooting......................................................................................20
Repair and Return Information...............................................................21
Product Registration ...........................................................................21
Return Material Authorization (RMA) and Shipping...........................21
Shipping within Continental USA ....................................................22
Shipping outside Continental USA ..................................................22
Out of Warranty Repairs.....................................................................22
General Notification............................................................................22

4
Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty ..........................................................23
Limitation of Liability...........................................................................23
Return Policy.......................................................................................24
Questions? Feedback? ............................................................................24

5
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an X-Laser product! You now own one of the
most powerful and best crafted aerial laser display systems ever created
for the mobile entertainment industry.
Before leaving our factory, every projector is carefully checked in a
comprehensive quality assurance process to ensure proper and safe
operation. In many cases, the quality assurance process is repeated to
ensure that the data from the first quality check remains consistent.
With this level of attention to detail, you can be sure that your new X-
Laser has left our factory in absolutely perfect working order. Please
check your laser immediately upon receipt to ensure that it was not
damaged in shipping, which can happen with sensitive optical
components.
Your new X-Laser projector is capable of producing absolutely stunning
aerial laser effects over audiences in nearly any performance application
with the convenience and flexibility of DMX control. With the power of
X-Laser fixtures also comes a responsibility for safety so we strongly
encourage you to read and follow all of the notices throughout this
manual.
Please note that this User Guide is NOT exhaustive. For clients in the
United States, we strongly recommend that your X-Laser only be used in
compliance with the terms of your FDA variance. We also recommend
that all of our clients, especially those who may be new to high powered
laser, seek advice and further training from experienced laserists and
laser safety officers. Truly great laser shows happen when artists really
understand the advantages and limitations of their medium. For laser
too, the importance of experience in creating powerful, but safe laser
displays cannot be understated.
If you have any questions about proper use of your laser system, laser
safety, troubleshooting or anything else, visit us on the web 24/7 at
www.x-laser.com so that we can best assist you!

6
Product Labeling
The following label is affixed to the top of your laser projector; if at any
point the label becomes illegible, please contact X-Laser for
replacement.
Caution--use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.

7
Safety Notices
1. Do not expose the human eye directly or indirectly to focused or
scattered laser radiation as loss of vision, complete blindness, and/or
other serious injuries may result. Lasers are capable of starting fires at
great distances. Do not use around flammable materials.*
2. This fixture is NOT intended for audience scanning effects. Operators
must ensure that the primary laser beam and any reflected beams
remain in designated safe areas only. Please refer to the terms of your
specific FDA variance for vertical and lateral separation requirements.
Commonly, all beams are required to pass no closer than 3m (10ft.)
above any surface upon which someone can stand to prevent human
access.
3. This unit is intended for indoor use only and should be protected at
all times from fluids and humidity. Do not expose this fixture to
temperatures outside of a normal working range of 60-90 degrees F.
4. There are NO user serviceable parts inside of the fixture. Opening the
outer casing will void the warranty and could result in radiation
exposure. Any modifications to the fixture are prohibited, may be
dangerous, and will immediately void the factory warranty.**
5. Always ensure that the main power supply is properly grounded
before use. Do not use a 2 prong IEC cord with this projector. You
should always hook up a laser system in such a way that you have both
a primary and backup means of instantly terminating laser emissions.
6. DO NOT USE this fixture if you suspect that it contains a defect of any
kind either from manufacturing, damage, general wear or has a broken
manufacturer’s seal. Return the fixture to the factory for service and/or
maintenance immediately.
7. Before using this product in any capacity, ensure that the unit is
properly secured to prevent accidental beam shifts and that a safety
cable is used for any aerial rigging.
8. This product is not a toy and should be kept inaccessible to
unauthorized persons before, during, and after use. Authorized persons

8
should only be employees of an FDA variance holder. Keep away from
minors. DO NOT EVER allow lasers to enter airspace or hit aircraft. ***
9. This unit should never be left unattended while operational and
should always be unplugged from both DMX and power while being
transported, rigged, de-rigged, cleaned, or when a qualified operator is
not present. We also recommend keeping your DMX controller separate
from the laser at all times to prevent unwanted activation.***
10. Before using this product, it is the responsibility of the user to be
familiar with all Federal and State reporting and usage requirements.
Laws vary by state. An FDA variance is required to operate this product
in the United States. Refer to the included user DVD for more
information.
11. Keep all body parts and clothing away from the laser, particularly
the aperture mirrors, at ALL times. The mirrors move EXTREMELY fast
and will cause serious injury and/or break if touched.
12. Do not stand in front of the laser while active. All persons should
wear protective eyewear while rigging, maintaining, or otherwise
working with the laser.
*Failure to follow the above precautions and other precautions
contained in this user manual, particularly with regard to human
exposure to laser radiation and electrical safety, may result in serious
injury, loss of vision, electric shock, skin damage, and death. Please refer
to the section on safe laser projector usage later in this manual for more
detailed operation guidelines. Always be mindful that Class 3B and 4
lasers shoot potentially hazardous radiation at the speed of light. They
should be handled and operated with care and caution.
**Any service and/or maintenance to the fixtures is to be performed by
factory authorized technicians only, except as specifically described in
this manual.
***This product should NOT be operated by persons who are not
trained in proper laser safety procedures and/or do not know how to
use all components of a laser system properly.

9
Unpacking Your Laser Projector
Your new X-Laser Aurora laser projector box should contain the
following items:
1) X-Laser Aurora laser projector
2) A grounded power cable
3) This user manual
4) “Black wrap” beam blocking foil
6) A DVD containing letters, forms, and a wealth of other information
about this product and laser safety in general

10
Projector Layout and Functions
1. DIP Switches
2. DMX signal receive LED
3. Sound active mode sensitivity adjustment
4. 3 pin DMX input
5. 3 pin DMX output
6. Replaceable fan filter
7. Sound level LED
8. Power on indicator LED
9. Main power switch
10. Replaceable fuse
11. Mains power input

11
Projector Specifications
Dimensions: 21.75" x 8.5" x 6"
Weight: 9.2lbs
Housing: Black Anodized 6061 Aluminum
Power: 110/220V auto switching, 3 pin male IEC inlet
40 watts typical, 60 watts peak
3A 250V Slow blow fuse
Scanners: Open loop micro stepper motors
Cooling: Forced air/TEC
Control options: Auto, Sound Active, 9 channel DMX
Settings interface: DIP switches
Ambient conditions: 60-90 degrees F, <70% relative humidity
Color Modulation: TTL
Nominal divergence: 1-2.5mRad
Beam source: DPSS/Direct diode
Laser power levels:
4C - 50mW 532nm, 100mW 650nm, 100mW 445nm, 100mW
650nm/100mW 445nm
4G –50mW 532nm x 4
FDA Hazard Class: 3B
Power Variations
X-Lasers are hand built laser light show products produced from scratch
and built to order. Because lasers are made with such small power
levels, variances from fixture to fixture do and will exist. This can be
influenced by a dozen factors from temperature and diode age to
normal voltage fluctuations and initial cold start power. We make all
lasers within very small (<10%) tolerances but under some conditions
differences can be noticeable. If you require precisely matched diodes
please contact your dealer and request a power match before ordering
as variances within tolerance are not considered a defect.

12
General Guidelines for Safe Laser Use
Your X-Laser product is a powerful laser device intended for aerial
indoor lighting displays operated by professionals. The major concern
with professional laser systems is to avoid human contact with the laser
beam and to create a safe area where patrons and staff can enjoy your
light show. Please observe the following guidelines when using your X-
Laser product:
1. For all venues you must designate restricted areas of the venue
where persons are not allowed to be. These restricted areas, which may
include the space above a dance floor for overhead beam shows, should
be the ONLY places that direct or reflected beams should be allowed to
enter and terminate. The goal, in all cases, is to avoid ANY human
contact with the laser beams.
2. As a laser light show operator you have a responsibility to reasonably
foresee circumstances where conditions could present a safety risk to
people. This means that you must make sure all laser units are properly
aimed via your show programming, physically blocked to prevent
radiation spill or reflection into safe areas, and securely mounted. Also,
to be sure that these conditions are met properly, trained employees
should be the only ones rigging or operating X-Laser products.
3. Because the AUTO and SOUND ACTIVE modes of the laser do not
allow for manual scanning control, this unit should ONLY ever be
operated in DMX mode in show conditions. You must use the X axis
controls built into the DMX protocols to confine the laser to the
restricted areas of your venue only.
4. Because there are no user serviceable parts inside of X-Laser
products, the outer case should never be opened by the user. To ensure
proper safe operation in demonstrations and performances, please
immediately discontinue use of your X-Laser product if you notice or
suspect that any part of the laser is not functioning properly. In such a
case, call X-Laser or your dealer for an RMA number and we will repair
the unit to bring it back into compliance.

13
5. As a reminder for clients in the United States, Class 3B and 4 laser
products may only be used by a person or employees of an organization
which holds a Laser Light Show Variance. All such persons must have
adequate and appropriate laser operation and safety training, keep a
copy of their variance with them at all performances, and keep
appropriate safety logs and checklists. The variance holder must also file
annual reports as required by the CDRH (FDA) and ensure that their
variance is renewed prior to expiration. Copies of these forms,
introductory training materials, and more may be found on the DVD
enclosed with this product.
6. We strongly recommend that each user of an X-Laser product read
“Safe Laser Display” literature published as ANSI Z136.1 and Z136.10.
These and a wealth of laser safety information are available from
www.rli.com and the Laser Institute of America. We also strongly
recommend that proper safety equipment such as wavelength specific
laser safety glasses be used during any times in which a technician or
others could be exposed to laser radiation.
7. Excellent laser training is available from a number of private
institutions such as RLI above and we recommend that all of our users
undertake it. Basic safety training is provided with this product but is
NOT meant to be comprehensive. Please follow the enclosed
instructions on the user DVD.
8. Do not ever, under any circumstances, allow laser beams to enter
airspace without approval from the FAA or any other applicable
authorities. Striking an aircraft with a laser beam, even if accidental, is
very dangerous and is a felony punishable by fines and jail time.
We want you to have a wonderful experience with our products so that
you can bring the thrill of professional laser light shows to your
audiences. The safety procedures outlined in this manual should be easy
to successfully implement in your shows and provide you with years of
safe and profitable laser displays. Please contact us if you have any
questions about how to safely and effectively use our products!

14
General Guidelines for Proper Usage
1. Always treat your laser with great care as some components are very
fragile. This is not a standard “DJ” light that can bounce around in the
back of a van for years and work just fine. Care for it as you would an
intelligent mirror scanner or laptop.
2. Aurora series X-Lasers are designed to work well with standard
DJ/club DMX lighting controllers. Controllers such as Grand MAs and
similar consoles which output faster DMX, may not be able to control
this laser.
3. Always keep all factory supplied labels on the unit and visible. They
are all required for legal compliance.
4. The unit is supplied with black wrap foil to be used as beam blocks to
prevent the laser from accidentally scanning into the audience area.
These are provided separate from the fixture so that they can be
applied, adjusted, and removed easily for mobile entertainment
applications.
If this unit is to be permanently installed, you may permanently apply
the foil to the outside of the unit. To apply, simply use thin strips of
gaffer’s tape or a heat safe glue for permanent installation. Using this
foil is required for maximum safety and we recommend replacing the
foil and/or tape at the first signs of wear. Replacement foil strips can be
obtained very inexpensively through your X-Laser dealer.
5. During any use of your X-Laser product be sure to leave open space
around all sides of the laser to facilitate airflow through the unit. Do not
obstruct the holes in the housing as these permit air to enter and cycle
though the unit.
6. Lasers work best at room temperature, with colder and warmer
temperatures resulting in inconsistent performance. Always ensure that
the laser housing has excellent airflow around the case and that the air
is no colder than 60 degrees F and no warmer than 90 degrees F. Failure
to do so may result in weak output or overly strong output (this is also a
safety issue!) which will diminish the life of the projector. Such failures
are NOT covered under our manufacturer’s warranty. Extreme cold or

15
hot temperatures WILL cause a diode failure. Keep this unit climate
controlled at ALL times.
Installation
Using the safety requirements previously addressed in this manual and
included on the user DVD as a preliminary but not exhaustive guide, you
may hang or otherwise mount your new X-Laser product in any suitable
orientation. The writing on the sides or front of the fixture should
always be right side up or at no more than a 90 degree angle to level.
Use great care if you change the orientation of your laser from show to
show to make sure that your programming and beam blocks are
suitable for the new orientation and will result in safe operation.

16
Safe Beam and Projection Height
According to most US variances, laser beams must be at least 3 meters
(10 feet) above any surface upon which your audience can stand. Refer
to your variance for required vertical and lateral safety distances.
Performers and trained personal MAY be exempt from these safety
distances at the discretion of an experienced Laser Safety Officer who
may be able to implement an alternative radiation safety plan.
Example of a safe projection, 3 meters above the dance floor
Operation
Before Powering up Your Projector
Laser beams may shoot in unexpected places during setup so be sure
that all areas which may be within the projection field of the laser do
not contain people.

17
Be sure the laser projector is safely and securely rigged.
Be sure you have at least one, but preferably two, reliable means of
attenuating the laser beam such as an emergency stop, functioning
DMX control, or the ability to quickly cut power to the projector.
Warm Up and Duty Cycle
From a "cold" start, it may take your X-Laser system as long as 15
minutes to reach full power. More commonly, warm-up time is less than
10 minutes. However, this time will be greatly increased if the unit is too
hot or too cold. Excessive temperatures, especially cold, will reduce the
laser power output by as much as 90% and may damage the laser. DO
NOT LEAVE THIS FIXTURE IN A VEHICLE FOR LONG PERIODS OR IN
DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
Once the laser reaches full power, the diodes may be turned off via
DMX and then back on at a later time. If this is done within
approximately thirty minutes, the laser will still project at full power.
Avoid turning the projector on and off repeatedly in short intervals or
leaving it on for more than three to four hours continuously. This fixture
does not have a duty cycle and unlike most intelligent lighting systems
with discharge lamps, the laser will perform a "hot re-strike," but it is
not recommended as this may shorten the life of the laser.
Sound Active Mode
The unit responds to low frequency notes in music and runs through
available laser patterns. Sensitivity to sound may be adjusted using the
knob on the rear of the unit.
Access Sound Active Mode by setting all DIP switches to the DOWN/OFF
position. Sound Active Mode is provided as a convenience for testing
but is not recommended to be used during shows due to a loss of
attenuation and X axis aiming control.

18
Auto Mode
The unit replays all available laser sequences in order.
Access Auto Mode by pushing switch #1 UP/ON and leaving all other
switches DOWN/OFF. Auto Mode is provided as a convenience for
testing but is not recommended to be used during shows due to a loss
of attenuation and X axis aiming control.
DMX Control
The unit responds only to DMX control inputs from an external DMX
controller. SOUND ACTIVE and AUTO modes are also accessible via DMX
Channel #1 on all fixtures.
Access DMX Mode by making sure that switches 9 & 10 are DOWN/OFF
and use switches 1-8 to set the DMX address as show below.
Dip switches 9 and 10 are used for special functions and thus the laser is not DMX
addressable above address 255. To reach a DMX address of 49 for example, turn
switches 1, 5 & 6 to “On,” (1+16+32=49).
Your X-Laser product can be linked to other X-Laser fixtures or other
DMX compatible fixtures. To create this link, it is recommended that
true DMX cable be used for best operation and that the DMX chain be
terminated at the end of the link. Please follow these steps:
1) From your DMX controller, connect a 3 pin DMX cable to the “DMX
IN” port on the back of your X-Laser Product. For any additional fixtures,
continue to daisy chain the DMX cable from the “DMX OUT” port on the

19
first fixture to the “DMX IN” port on the next fixture and so forth down
the line. Your total length of DMX cable should not exceed 300 feet.
2) At the end of the DMX link, place a DMX terminator in the “DMX
OUT” port of the last fixture in the link.
3) Use the dip switches (explained above) to set the DMX address of
each fixture in the chain.
DMX Traits
Channel
Function
Value
Description
1
Mode
0-49
50-100
101-150
151-200
201-255
Laser OFF
Auto Mode
Sound Active Mode
Static DMX Patterns
Dynamic DMX Patterns
2
Pattern
Selection
0-255
Static and Dynamic Patterns
3
Animation Speed
0-255
0 is slowest, 255 is fastest
4
Scan Rate
0-255
0 is fastest, 255 is slowest
5
X Axis Position
0-100
101-255
Move Left to Right
Movement Presets
6
Static Pattern
Size
0-1
2-63
64-95
96-127
128-159
160-255
Pattern Preset
Small to Large with Steps
Small to Large Animated
Large to Small Animated
Shrinking and Growing
Animated
Size Static at Last Position
7
Strobe
0-10
11-255
No Strobing
Fast to Slow
8
Mirror
0-79
80-127
128-223
224-255
Large to Small with Steps
Small to Large with Steps
Shrinking and Growing
Animated
Size Static at Last Position
9
Color/Aperture
Selection
0-255
Color/Aperture Selection
Presets

20
Troubleshooting
Here are a few simple solutions to common difficulties to try out first to
get you up and running quickly. If you are having any difficulty with your
laser projector, please feel free to contact us online, any time, at
[email protected]m
Problem
Solutions
Unit does not power
on
Check if power cable is secure in the wall outlet and
unit power inlet
Check if the power switch is turned on and illuminated
Check if the fuse is intact, if not replace with 250AC
2.5amp fuse
Replacement fuses
continue to break
Try using a different IEC power cable of at least 16
gauge
If problem persists contact X-Laser to return unit for
service
Unit powers on, but
has no output
Check manual for correct DIP switch settings
Check for output in all modes (DIP switch settings)
If in DMX mode check the DMX cable is securely
attached both in the unit and your DMX controller, and
make sure the unit is getting signal
No output in Manual
DMX mode
If in DMX mode check the DMX cable is securely
attached both in the unit and your DMX controller, and
make sure the unit is getting signal
Check that the DMX address is set the same on your
DIP switches and your DMX controller