Setup, Page 8 – Blizzard Lighting Chroma SkyBox (Rev B) User Manual

Page 8

Page 8

SkyBox™ Chroma Manual Rev. B

3. SETUP

Connecting A Bunch of SkyBox™ Chroma 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 fixtures set to sync in master/slave operating mode.

The combined number of channels required by all the fixtures on a serial data link

determines the number of fixtures the data link can support.

Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line. Also,

connecting more than 32 fixtures 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 fixtures on a serial data link is 32 fixtures.

Data/DMX Cabling

To link fixtures 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 specifications for EIA RS-485 applications.

Standard microphone cables will “probably” be OK, but note that they cannot

transmit DMX data as reliably over long distances. 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

Using Skywire™ Wireless DMX

In addition to the unbridled thrill you already received the first time you turned

on your fixture, you’ll be delighted to know that the SkyBox Chroma’s wireless

Skywire™ DMX system is designed to work seamlessly with all Blizzard Lighting

wireless DMX products.

The SkyBox™ Chroma is equipped to release you from the crushing chains of cable-

fed DMX lighting! It features 512 auto-assigning frequencies in 7 groups allowing

up to 7 systems to run simultaneously in the same space, completely free of

interference! It’s capable of reliable wireless communication for over 1000 feet, line-

of-sight!

So first, you’ll either need a Blizzard wiCICLE®

transmitter, Lightcaster™ wireless transceiver, or any

Blizzard Lighting controller that has a built-in wireless

transmitter (such as the Kontrol 5 Skywire™) to act

as a transmitter for your lights. The 7 DMX receiving

frequencies in the SkyBox™ Chroma are designed to match up perfectly with the 7

frequencies of all Blizzard wireless DMX products.

If you’re using a Blizzard Lighting controller with built-in wireless DMX transmission,

please refer to the instruction manual of that controller for specific information.