Atomic Colors User Manual Introduction
5
The Atomic Colors is a dedicated add-on unit for the Martin Atomic 3000 DMX strobe. This unit
enhances the versatility of the Atomic 3000 DMX by adding the extra dimension of color changes
that can be controlled and programmed with any standard DMX controller.
Color changing is achieved by moving (or scrolling) a string of colored ‘gels’ (theatrical grade,
plastic color media) in front of the strobe unit. A processor controlled, low voltage DC motor
drives the movement of the gel string, with the processor receiving instructions from a lighting
controller. The internal processor also determines the positions of the individual colors and
controls the speed of the cooling fans. The lighting controller can be any device that outputs the
widely used USITT DMX (1990) data protocol (‘DMX’), including the one that may already be
controlling your Atomic 3000 DMX strobe.
The Atomic Colors requires an external power supply that is not included. Standard scroller
power supplies are available in various unit sizes. Each Atomic Colors requires one unit of power.
The size of power supply required is dependant on how many Atomic Colors you are using. Eight
Atomic Colors, for example, can be driven with a standard 8-unit scroller power supply.
The scroller power supply combines the low voltage and the DMX data for the Atomic Colors in
a special four-wire cable with XLR-4 connectors. The Atomic Colors features a ‘through’ XLR-4
connector that allows multiple units to be connected in a ‘daisy-chain’ to a single external power
supply.
The unit comes supplied with a gel string installed. This gel string has 10 color filters joined
together with special high temperature tape, to form one continuous piece. The colors in this gel
string have been chosen to offer a wide choice of color and intensity, and various other gel strings
are also available from your dealer. Custom made gel strings can be supplied, to special order.
It is possible for the user to manufacture their own gel strings for use in the unit, although this
must be done with great care. Poorly constructed gel strings may contribute to the unit failing to
work properly.
Mounting the Atomic Colors unit onto the Atomic 3000 DMX strobe is easily achieved using
existing hardware from the Atomic DMX 3000, and a permanently fixed steel safety wire is
supplied for secondary attachment.
I
NTRODUCTION
2