Caution!
There are no user serviceable parts inside this unit. Do not
attempt any repairs yourself, doing so will void your manufac-
tures warranty. In the unlikely event your unit may require service,
please contact your nearest American DJ dealer.
Warning!
To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose
this unit to rain or moisture. Clearing memory often may cause damage
to the memory chip, be careful not to re initialize your unit frequency
often to avoid this risk. Only use the recommended AC/DC power adap-
tor.
Power Supply:
Before plugging your unit in be sure the source
voltage in your area matches the required voltage for your American
DJ
®
Marvel.™ The Marvel™ is available in a 115v and 230v version.
Because line voltage may vary from venue to venue, you should be sure
to plug your power supply into a matching wall outlet before attempting
to operate you controller.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements:
Your fixture and your controller require a
standard 3-pin XLR connector for data
input and data output (Figure 1). If you
are making your own cables be sure to
use standard two conductor shielded cable
(This cable may be purchased at almost all
pro sound and lighting stores). Your cables
should be made with a male and female
XLR connector on either end of the cable.
Also, remember that DMX cable must be
daisy chained and can not be “Y”ed or split.
Figure 1
Figure 2
1
2
3
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
COMMON
DMX512 IN
(X-CALIBUR)
CONNECTOR
3 PIN
DMX512 OUT
CONTROLLER
CONNECTOR
3 PIN
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
DMX512
DMX+,DMX-,COMMON
©American DJ Supply® www.americandj.com Marvel Instruction Manual Page 3
XLR MALE SOCKET
1 EARTH
2 COLD
HOT
XLR FEMALE SOCKET
1 EARTH
COLD 2
3 HOT
XLR Pin Configuration:
Pin 1 = Shield
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
Figure 3
Special Note: Line Termination.
When longer runs of cable
are used, you may need to use a terminator on the last unit to avoid
erratic behavior. A terminator is a 90 - 120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is
connected between pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector (DATA + and
DATA -). This unit is inserted in the female XLR connector of the last
1
2
3
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
COMMON
DMX512 IN
(X-CALIBUR)
CONNECTOR
3 PIN
DMX512 OUT
CONTROLLER
CONNECTOR
3 PIN
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
DMX512
DMX+,DMX-,COMMON
©American DJ Supply® www.americandj.com Marvel Instruction Manual Page 4
Linking:
Your Marvel comes with built in programs. These programs will auto-
matically run to the beat of music. For a more dramatic effect link sev-
eral Marvel units together. Each Marvel can act a “Master Unit” that
can control up to 15 more units. Link the units together using standard
DMX cable. Follow the Master/Slave Dip Switch Chart on page 7 for
proper dip switch settings. The built programs are optimized for a four
unit chase.
Warranty:
The American DJ Marvel™ comes with a one (1) year limited warranty.
We recommend filling out the warranty registration card that came with
your fixture to validate your warranty. You may also fill out a product
registration form on-line at www.americandj.com.
Notice:
Do not use the ground lug on the XLR connector. Do
not connect the cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug or allow
the shield conductor to come in contact with the XLR’s outer casing.
Grounding the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic behavior.
Figure 4
Marvel™ Set-UP
Marvel™ Set-UP
3