Dove Systems DM-124 - Manual (Page 6)

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In addition to DMX termination, the DIP switch sets individual channels for non-dim (full on or off)
function or forces the output of all channels to full. In non-dim mode, the dimmer forces the load to full
when it receives a DMX value of 128 or more (about halfway to full on the slider) and forces the load
off when it receives a DMX value of 127 or less (about halfway or less on the slider). The emergency
on function forces all outputs to full regardless of the level of control.
IN CASE OF TROUBLE
A Troubleshooting
A review of the following paragraphs may save you a long distance phone call, a trip to the service
center, or the cost of shipping and/or repair. Even if something is still wrong, this process will help you
explain the malfunction to the service technician.
Read the operating instructions carefully. Be sure you know how to operate the equipment. Do not
expect this equipment to operate exactly like others. Many apparent failures result from not being fa-
miliar with the operating characteristics of the unit.
There are two forms of malfunctions common to solid state dimmers: "failed off", in which the lights do
not come on, and "failed on", in which the lights cannot be turned off.
If a load has "failed off", check that the instrument is plugged in and that the lamp has not burned out.
Verify that the dimmer pack is on (the LED will glow). Use the load test feature (see previous page) to
see if the load can be controlled at the pack. Test the channel output fuse for continuity. Check that
the control cable runs all the way back to the controller and that the signal has not been terminated at
a pack somewhere up the chain. Check the controller, paying particular attention to the softpatch fea-
ture if so equipped.
If a load has "failed on", especially after replacing a fuse, it is due to a shorted triac. The triac fails
when a short in the output overloads it. The short can be in the cable, in the connectors, in the light
fixture, or in the lamp itself. Although the fuse will blow, it is often not fast enough to save the triac,
and it will need to be replaced. Please check the load by plugging it into a known good wall outlet be-
fore plugging it into other dimming channels.
Channels which flicker or cut in and out can be victims of an intermittent connection somewhere, in-
cluding broken slide controls. This can occur if dirt, coffee, or some other liquid is spilled into the slide
control slot. Curing this problem usually requires the replacement of the control. Cleaning with WD 40
or TRI-FLOW may fix it temporarily.
Sometimes flickering is caused by a problem with the control cable. If DMX termination has not al-
ready been set at the last pack, set it. Try an opto isolator to eliminate any potential control cable
ground loop problems. Swap control cables. Route them away from motors or other sources of noise.
Do not use splitters.
Service technicians are generally available between 8am and 5pm, Pacific time, on Monday through
Friday at (805)541-8292. It is helpful to have a complete description of the problem from those who
saw it and to be in the theatre or otherwise have access to the equipment when placing a service call.