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 Page  7  of 13 

RD - 121  RACK MOUNT DIMMER 

 Version 1.2   

 

 

 

 

 

 

OWNERS MANUAL

 

      

 

 

 

 

02/28/2005 

www.lightronics.com 

Lightronics Inc. 

 

 

 

 

 

509 Central Drive,  Virginia Beach, VA 23454 

 

 

 

 

       (757) 486-3588 

 
NOTES ABOUT INTERNAL SCENE: 
 
The RD-121 continues to respond to control console signals when the internal scene is activated.  The intensity of 
any given channel will be the "greatest of" or "pile on" result of the internal scene and console level setting. 
 
If multiple Lightronics RD series dimmers are connected as a system (See CONTROL SIGNAL CONNECTIONS), 
then a remote switch connected to the system can activate system wide scenes or only scenes in specific 
dimmers depending on how the remote switch function is set in each dimmer.  These scene features give you the 
ability to use the dimmer for house lights and other applications where is is not practical to operate a control 
console. 
 
 

CHASER OPERATION 

 
The RD-121 can operate chaser functions as a "stand alone" unit with no control console present.  There are 7 
factory set chase patterns embedded in the unit software.  There is also one pattern which may be programmed 
by the user.  The chase step rate, chase step fade rate, and chase intensity can be set by the user for all chaser 
functions.  Chaser functions may be set to run continuously or as a single occurance. The number of steps (up to 
32) can be set for the programmable chase.  The RD-121 may be set to begin chaser functions at "power up" or 
in response to a remote switch.  A bounce option can be imposed on a chase pattern. This results in a pattern 
which runs in its normal sequence then runs the same sequence backwards.  
 
ACTIVATING A CHASE PATTERN 
 
A chase stored in the RD-121 is activated by connecting together pins 5 and 9 of either DB9 connector.  The DB9 
connectors are on the rear of the dimmer.  This may be done via a remotely located switch.  The activated chase 
will remain active as long as pins 5 and 9 on the DB9 connectors remain connected together.  
 
In addition to activating a chase, the RD-121 can be set to ignore the remote switch or use it to activate a scene. 
In order to use the remote switch to activate chase patterns you must enable that function as follows: 
 
1. Push 

MENU

 3 times.  The display will show the message "MENU" on the bottom row. 

2. Push 

SELECT

.  The LCD will display one of messages shown below. 

Input1 

×

 

Chaser   

Input1 

×

 

Scene   

Input1 

×

 

Not Used 

 
3. 

If "Not Used" or "Scene" appears on the bottom row, push the 

UP

 or 

DOWN

 arrow buttons until "Chaser" 

 appears. 
4. Push 

SELECT

 to return the unit to normal operation. 

 
The Front panel display shows a "C" on the bottom row as an indication that an internal chase is active. 
 
SELECTING A CHASE PATTERN 
 
You can select any of the 7 factory preset chase patterns to run or create and run your own custom pattern.  
Instructions for creating a custom chase pattern are given further on in this manual. 
 
A chase pattern is selected using the RD-121 menu system as follows:  
 
 
 
 

Summary of Contents for RD-121

Page 1: ...RD 121 RACK MOUNT DIMMER OWNERS MANUAL REVISION 1 2 02 28 2005 www lightronics com Lightronics Inc 509 Central Drive Virginia Beach VA 23454 757 486 3588...

Page 2: ...IMMER CHANNELS 5 TO SET CHANNELS TO DIM OR NON DIM 5 MANUAL OPERATION 5 NORMAL OPERATION 6 INTERNAL SCENE OPERATION 6 TO SAVE A SCENE 6 TO ACTIVATE A STORED SCENE 6 NOTES ABOUT INTERNAL SCENE 7 CHASER...

Page 3: ...r to determine the operating frequency One or more RD 121 dimmers are to be installed into a standard 19 equipment rack with provisions for connection to an appropriate electrical service in accordanc...

Page 4: ...tor into the upper 9 pin connector on the rear of the dimmer In either case the lower 9 pin connector and the ribbon cable jumper that is supplied can be used to connect from the lower connector of th...

Page 5: ...itself TO ASSIGN DIMMER CHANNELS 1 Press the MENU once to enter the patch mode The display will indicate PTCH 2 Push SELECT The left display bargraph channel for dimmer channel A will flash and the c...

Page 6: ...panel SELECT button until you see the front panel display appears as shown below Scene Save 01 You will have to hold the button down for about 6 seconds 3 Push SELECT The display will show the message...

Page 7: ...e chase The RD 121 may be set to begin chaser functions at power up or in response to a remote switch A bounce option can be imposed on a chase pattern This results in a pattern which runs in its norm...

Page 8: ...RANDOM 6 CHANNEL BUILD PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLING CHASER CHARACTERISTICS You can control seven characteristics of a chase pattern These controls are described as follows Chase Rate The duration of each...

Page 9: ...nnel SELECT Advance to Next Channel Set Flashing Channel to Relay Dimmer Mode RLY Relay Mode DMR Dimmer Mode SELECT Advance to Next Channel Set Remote Switch Function Not Used Chaser Scene SELECT Exit...

Page 10: ...en channel to be on for a chase step then the channel must be set to greater than 50 intensity Note that the overall intensity of the whole chase pattern may be set using the menu system 2 Press and h...

Page 11: ...nsole Verify the loads and their connections OWNER MAINTENANCE There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit The best way to prolong the life of your unit is to keep is cool clean and dry It is...

Page 12: ...Supplied with each unit Ribbon Cable Jumper Supplied with each unit 3 Pin Multiplex Protocol Input 3 Wire Control Cable Console using 3 pin multiplex protocol DMX 512 CONNECTIONS MULTIPLEX CONNECTIONS...

Page 13: ...82 AND RD 121 DMX 512 CONNECTOR 5 PIN MALE XLR Used on adapter cable MULTIPLEX LMX CONNECTOR 3 PIN MALE XLR Used on rear of chassis 2 1 3 NOT USED 5 1 DMX DATA NOT USED 4 3 2 COMMON CONSOLE POWER DMX...

Page 14: ...s not cover loss or damage direct or indirect arising from the use or inability to use this product F Lightronics reserves the right to make any changes modifications or updates as deemed appropriate...

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