ETC Matrix MkII Dimming System - Manual (Page 41)

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C h a p t e r 4
S e r v i c e
Contacting ETC
Changing rack modules
Regular inspection
Check ventilation
The only moving parts in the dimming system which will degrade over a period of
years, and will affect the operation of the dimmers, are in the ventilation system
comprising low-voltage dc axial fans located at the rear of each row of slots in the
Matrix Chassis. It is vital that no part of the ventilation system is obstructed from full
operation, and is checked at least once a year for correct and full operation. An
indication of a fan failure will be a rise in temperature of modules in a dimmer
cabinet. The ventilation system is significantly over-rated for the installed dimming
load, however, a small increase in the general level of dimmer temperatures may be
an early indication of a fan failure. Check regularly using the BLOWER TEST menu.
Annual inspection
Annual inspection should include checking of the operation of all fans, a check on the
level of dust inside each dimmer rack, and cleaning if there is a significant build-up of
dust in the electronics.
The effectiveness of all external connections, circuit protection devices, RCBOs etc.
should also be checked regularly and at the annual inspection time. The RCBO can
be tested by simply pressing the red test button to trip the circuit.
Fault finding
In nearly every case of a major failure of the dimming system, the first line of
investigation towards a fast solution will be to investigate the system through
DimSTAT. This network will give immediate indications of power supply failure or
dimmer rack failure, as any fault detected will show the Matrix dimmer address on a
red background.
Even if a fault condition appears to disappear, there is always a reason for a failure,
and it is vital to identify the cause before resetting MCBs or replacing fuses in case
the problem is unresolved and repeats with more damaging results. In the case
where DimSTAT is not installed, error messages are available on the front panel LCD
with more detailed information available by interrogating data through the display’s
menu.
Note: Should any fault occur other than a complete loss of power or a ‘no load’ situation, the
Processor will have a red indicator ‘check’ light illuminated on the front panel. Only one phase
needs to be present to power the internal electronics and fault reporting system. For an
immediate guide to the cause of the problem, follow the ‘View channel data’ section.
Main power failure
If there is a main power failure where all, or a significant part of the system fails, the
first action is to set the control output to all dimmers to a minimum while the source of
the problem is located. Total main failure can be experienced by a loss of all lighting
levels. Generally, if there is a problem within the dimming system, either part of the
system will blackout, or the DMX preset backup into the dimmers will take over.