Blizzard Lighting RGBW LED Strip StormChaser (Rev C) - Manual (Page 14)

Page 14
StormChaser Manual Rev. C Copyright (c) 2012 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
5. APPENDIX
A Quick Lesson On DMX
DMX (aka DMX-512) was created in 1986 by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
as a standardized method for connecting lighting consoles to lighting dimmer modules. It was revised in
1990 and again in 2000 to allow more flexibility. The Entertainment Services and Technology Association
(ESTA) has since assumed control over the DMX512 standard. It has also been approved and recognized
for ANSI standard classification.
DMX provides up to 512 control “channels” per data link. Each of these channels was originally intended to
control lamp dimmer levels. You can think of it as 512 faders on a lighting console, connected to 512 light
bulbs. Each slider’s position is sent over the data link as an 8-bit number having a value between 0 and
255. The value 0 corresponds to the light bulb being completely off while 255 corresponds to the light bulb
being fully on.
There are five pins on a DMX connector: a wire for ground (cable shield), two wires for “Primary” commu-
nication which goes from a DMX source to a DMX receiver, and two wires for a “Secondary” communication
which goes from a DMX receiver back to a DMX source. Generally, the “Secondary” channel is not used
so data flows only from sources to receivers. Hence, most of us are most familiar with DMX-512 as being
employer over typical 3-pin “mic cables,” although this does not conform to the defined standard.
DMX is connected using a daisy-chain configuration where the source connects to the input of the first de-
vice, the output of the first device connects to the input of the next device, and so on. The standard allows
for up to 32 devices on a single DMX link.
Each receiving device typically has a means for setting the “starting channel number” that it will respond
to. For example, if two 6-channel fixtures are used, the first fixture might be set to start at channel 1 so it
would respond to DMX channels 1 through 6, and the next fixture would be set to start at channel 7 so it
would respond to channels 7 through 12.
Keeping Your StormChaser ™ As Good As New
Keeping the fans free of dust and debris will keep the fixture running cool and prevent damage from over-
heating. In transit, keep the fixtures in cases.
Common sense and taking care of your fixtures will be the single biggest thing you can do to keep them
running at peak performance and let you worry about designing a great light show, putting on a great
concert, or maximizing your client’s satisfaction and “wow factor.” That’s what it’s all about, after all!
Returns (Gasp!)
We’ve taken a lot of precautions to make sure you never even have to worry about sending a defective
unit back, or sending a unit in for service. But, like any complex piece of equipment designed and built
by humans, once in a while, something doesn’t go as planned. If you find yourself with a fixture that isn’t
behaving like a good little fixture should, you’ll need to obtain a Return Authorization (RA).
Don’t worry, this is easy. Just send an email to [email protected], and we’ll issue you an RA.
Then, you’ll need to send the unit to us using a trackable, pre-paid freight method. We suggest using
USPS Priority or UPS. Make sure you carefully pack the fixture for transit, and whenever possible, use the
original box & packing for shipping.
When returning your fixture for service, be sure to include the following:
1.) Your contact information (Name, Address, Phone Number, Email address).
2.) The RA# issued to you
3.) A brief description of the problem/symptoms.
We will, at our discretion, repair or replace the fixture. Please remember that any shipping damage which
occurs in transit to us is the customer’s responsibility, so pack it well!
Shipping Issues
Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper, and must be reported to the
carrier immediately upon receipt of the items. Claims must be made within seven (7) days of
receipt.