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ROCKER PANEL RGBAW Manual Rev. A
Copyright (c) 2010 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! The ROCKER PANEL™ RGBAW utilizes a high-output
switch-mode power supply with an internal fuse. Under normal oper-
ating conditions, the fuse should not require replacement. The fuse is
fi eld replaceable, however it is an advanced procedure suited to quali-
fi ed individuals. Should your ROCKER PANEL™ fuse require replace-
ment, please contact Blizzard Lighting for instructions, or to return
your unit for service.
Connecting A Bunch of ROCKER PANEL™ RGBAW Fixtures
You will need a serial data link to run light shows using a DMX-512
controller or to run shows on two or more fi xtures set to sync in mas-
ter/slave operating mode. The combined number of channels required
by all the fi xtures on a serial data link determines the number of fi x-
tures the data link can support.
Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line.
Also, connecting more than 32 fi xtures on one serial data link without
the use of a DMX optically-isolated splitter may result in deterioration
of the digital DMX signal.
The maximum recommended cable-run distance is 500 meters (1640
ft). The maximum recommended number of fi xtures on a serial data
link is 32 fi xtures.
Data/DMX Cabling
To link fi xtures together you’ll need data cables. You should use data-
grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to
electromagnetic interference.
For instance, Belden© 9841 meets the specifi cations for EIA RS-485
applications. Standard microphone cables will “probably” be OK, but
note that they cannot transmit DMX data as reliably over long distanc-
es. In any event, the cable should have the following characteristics:
2-conductor twisted pair plus a shield
Maximum capacitance between conductors – 30 pF/ft.
Maximum capacitance between conductor & shield – 55 pF/ft.
Maximum resistance of 20 ohms / 1000 ft.
Nominal impedance 100 – 140 ohms
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ROCKER PANEL RGBAW Manual Rev. A
Copyright (c) 2010 Blizzard Lighting,
LLC
Cable Connectors
Cables must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR
connector on the other end. (Duh!)
CAUTION: Do not allow contact between the common and the fi x-
ture’s chassis ground. Grounding the common can cause a ground
loop, and your fi xture may perform erratically. Test cables with an
ohm meter to verify correct polarity and to make sure the pins are not
grounded or shorted to the shield or each other.
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh?!?
If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5 pin to 3 pin adapter.
They are widely available over the internet and from specialty retailers If you’d like to build your own, the
chart below details a proper cable conversion:
Conductor
3-Pin Female
(Output)
5-Pin Male
(Input)
Ground/Shield
Pin 1
Pin 1
DMX Data (-)
Pin 2
Pin 2
DMX Data (+)
Pin 3
Pin 3
Not Used.
No Connection.
No Connection.
Not Used.
No Connection.
No Connection.
Take It To The Next Level: Setting Up DMX Control
Step 1: Connect the male connector of the
DMX cable to the female connector (output)
on the controller.
Step 2: Connect the female connector of the
DMX cable to the fi rst fi xture’s male connec-
tor (input). Note: It doesn’t matter which
fi xture address is the fi rst one connected.
We recommend connecting the fi xtures in
terms of their proximity to the controller,
rather than connecting the lowest fi xture
number fi rst, and so on.
Step 3: Connect other fi xtures in the chain
from output to input as above. Place a DMX
terminator on the output of the fi nal fi xture
to ensure best communication.
