Setup – Blizzard Lighting Quadra ROCKLITE (Rev A) User Manual

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ROCKLITE Quadra Manual Rev. A

3. SETUP

Fuse Replacement

CAUTION! The ROCKLITE™ Quadra utilizes a high-output switch-

mode power supply with an internal fuse. Under normal operating

conditions, the fuse should not require replacement. The fuse is fi eld

replaceable, however it is an advanced procedure suited to qualifi ed

individuals. Should your ROCKLITE™ fuse require replacement, please

contact Blizzard Lighting for instructions, or to return your unit for

service.

Connecting A Bunch of ROCKLITE™ Quadra 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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ROCKLITE Quadra Manual Rev. A

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

DMX Data (-)

Pin 2

DMX Data (+)

Pin 3

Not Used.

No Connection.

Not Used.

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.