Blizzard Lighting ProPar V12 Manual
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ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ProPar™ V12
1
1. Getting Started
3
What’s In The Box?
3
Getting It Out Of The Box
3
Powering Up!
3
Getting A Hold Of Us
3
Safety Instructions (Don’t Stick Your Hand In The Toaster!)
4
2. Meet The ProPar™ V12
5
Main Features
5
Optical Specs
5
Luminous Intensity Chart
5
The ProPar™ V12 Pin-up Picture
6
3. Setup
7
Fuse Replacement
7
Connecting A Bunch Of ProPar™ V12 PAR Cans
7
Data/DMX Cables
7
Cable Connectors
8
3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh?
8
Take It To The Next Level: Setting up DMX Control
8
Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode)
9
Mounting/Rigging
9
4. Operating Adjustments
10
Navigating The Control Panel
10
Control Panel Menu Structure
11
DMX Mode
12
DMX Personalities
12
ID Address Selection
14
Temperature Control Functions
14
Edit Programs & Scenes
15
Advanced Setup Functions
15
Color Temperature-Based White Balance
16
Menu Key Protection
17
Static Color Display
17
Automatic Programs
17
Run Mode
17
Troubleshooting
18
5. Appendix
19
A Quick DMX Lesson
19
Keeping Your ProPar™ V12 As Good As New
20
Returns (Gasp!)
20
Shipping Issues
20
Tech Specs
21
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
1. GETTING STARTED
What’s In The Box?
• 1 x ProPar™ V12 Professional LED PAR Fixture
• This Lovely User Manual
Getting It Out Of The Box
Congratulations on purchasing one of the coolest professional LED Par fixtures
anywhere! Now that you’re the proud owner of a ProPar™ V12 (or hopefully, V12’s!),
you should carefully unpack the box and check the contents to ensure that all parts are
present and in good condition. If anything looks as if it has been damaged in transit,
notify the shipper immediately and keep the packing material for inspection. Again,
please save the carton and all packing materials. If a fixture must be returned to the
factory, it is important that the fixture be returned in the original factory box and
packing.
Powering Up!
All fixtures must be powered directly off a switched circuit and cannot be run off a
rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer
channel is used solely for a 0% to 100% switch.
AC Voltage Switch - Not all fixtures have a voltage select switch, so please verify that
the fixture you receive is suitable for your local power supply. See the label on the
fixture or refer to the fixture’s specifications chart for more information. A fixture’s
listed current rating is its average current draw under normal conditions. Check the
fixture or device carefully to make sure that if a voltage selection switch exists that it is
set to the correct line voltage you will use.
Warning! Verify that the voltage select switch on your unit matches the line
voltage applied. Damage to your fixture may result if the line voltage applied
does not match the voltage indicated on the voltage selector switch. All
fixtures must be connected to circuits with a suitable Ground (Earthing).
Getting A Hold Of Us
If something is wrong, just give us a call or send an email. We’ll be happy to
help, honest.
Blizzard Lighting
N16 W23390 Stoneridge Dr. Ste E
Waukesha, WI 53118 USA
www.blizzardlighting.com
414-395-8365
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: The information and specifications contained in this document are subject
to change without notice. Blizzard Lighting™ assumes no responsibility or liability
for any errors or omissions that may appear in this user manual. Blizzard Lighting™
reserves the right to update the existing document or to create a new document to
correct any errors or omissions at any time. You can download the latest version of this
document from www.blizzardlighting.com.
Author:
Date:
Last Edited:
Date:
J. Thomas
2/20/2013
J. Thomas
2/20/2013
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Please keep this User Guide for future use. If you sell the unit to someone
else, be sure that they also receive this User Guide.
• ALWAYS make sure that you are connecting to the proper voltage, and that
the line voltage you are connecting to is not higher than that stated on the
decal or rear panel of the fixture.
• This product is intended for indoor use only.
• To prevent risk of fire or shock, do not expose fixture to rain or moisture.
• Make sure there are no flammable materials close to the unit while operating.
• The unit must be installed in a location with adequate ventilation, at least
20in (50cm) from adjacent surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are
blocked.
• ALWAYS disconnect from the power source before servicing or replacing fuse
and be sure to replace with same fuse size and type.
• ALWAYS secure fixture using a safety chain. NEVER carry the fixture by its
cord. Use its carrying handles.
• DO NOT operate at ambient temperatures higher than 104°F (40°C).
• In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using the unit immediately.
NEVER try to repair the unit by yourself. Repairs carried out by unskilled people
can lead to damage or malfunction. Please contact the nearest authorized
technical assistance center. Always use the same type spare parts.
• NEVER connect the device to a dimmer pack.
• Make sure the power cord is never crimped or damaged.
• Never disconnect the power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.
• Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while it is on.
Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not
open the housing or attempt any repairs yourself. In the unlikely event
your unit may require service, please contact Blizzard Lighting at
[email protected].
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2. MEET THE ProPar™ V12 FLAT LED PAR
MAIN FEATURES:
• User selectable DMX personality modes
• Fixture ID address assignment and operation
• Built-in automated programs via master/slave
• User defined programs/scenes and upload feature
• Fixture temperature display and protection settings
• Preset or user adjustable white balance settings
• Menu key protection settings
• Easy to use LED digital control panel
• 3-pin male input and 3-pin female output
• Dual mounting yoke allows flexibility in positioning
Optical:
• Beam Angle: 25°, Field Angle: 29°
• Light Source: 12* 15-watt, 5-in-1 RGBWA LEDs
• Flicker-free constant-current LED driver
Luminous Intensity:
Lux/Meter
All
Red
Green
Blue
Amber
White
1 Meter
18,750
2,730
5,480
4,530
1,600
6,410
2 Meter
5,690
890
1,630
1,470
520
1,930
control:
• USITT DMX-512 (3/4/5/6/7/ 12-Channels)
• 3-pin Input/Output
• LED 4-button control panel
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Figure 1: ProPar™ V12 Pin-Up Picture
Figure 2: The Rear Connections
AC Power In
DMX In
DMX Out
LED
Control Panel
12x 5-in-1 RGBAW LED’s
Dual Mounting
Yokes & Locking
Knobs
Die-Cast
Aluminum Housing
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
3. SETUP
Fuse Replacement
CAUTION! The ProPar™ V12 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 field
replaceable, however it is an advanced procedure suited to qualified
individuals. Should your ProPar™ V12 fuse require replacement,
please contact Blizzard Lighting for instructions, or to return your unit
for service.
Connecting A Bunch of ProPar™ V12 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
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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
fixture’s chassis ground. Grounding the common can cause a ground
loop, and your fixture 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
Pin 1
DMX Data (-)
Pin 2
Pin 2
DMX Data (+)
Pin 3
Pin 3
Not Used.
No Connection.
No Connection.
Not Used.
No Connection.
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 first fixture’s male
connector (input). Note: It doesn’t matter
which fixture address is the first one
connected. We recommend connecting the
fixtures in terms of their proximity to the
controller, rather than connecting the lowest
fixture number first, and so on.
Step 3: Connect other fixtures in the chain
from output to input as above. Place a DMX
terminator on the output of the final fixture
to ensure best communication.
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode)
1. Connect the (male) 3 pin connector side of the
DMX cable to the output (female) 3 pin connector of
the first fixture.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from
the first fixture which will have a (female) 3 pin
connector to the input connector of the next fixture
consisting of a (male) 3 pin connector. Then,
proceed to connect from the output as stated above
to the input of the following fixture and so on.
A quick note: Often,
the setup for Master-
Slave and Standalone
operation requires that
the first fixture in the
chain be initialized for
this purpose via either
settings in the control
panel or DIP-switches.
Secondarily, the fixtures
that follow may also
require a slave setting.
Check the “Operating Adjustments” section in this manual for
complete instructions for this type of setup and configuration.
Mounting & Rigging
This fixture may be mounted in any SAFE position provided there is
enough room for ventilation.
It is important never to obstruct the fan or vents pathway. Mount the
fixture using a suitable “C” or “O” type clamp. The clamp should be
rated to hold at least 10x the fixture’s weight to ensure structural
stability. Do not mount to surfaces with unknown strength, and ensure
properly “rated” rigging is used when mounting fixtures overhead.
Adjust the angle of the fixture by loosening both knobs and tilting the
fixture. After finding the desired position, retighten both knobs.
• When selecting installation location, take into consideration lamp
replacement access (if applicable) and routine maintenance.
• Safety cables MUST ALWAYS be used.
• Never mount in places where the fixture will be exposed to rain,
high humidity, extreme temperature changes or restricted ventilation.
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS
The Control Panel
All the goodies and different modes possible with the ProPar™ V12
are accessed by using the control panel on the rear of the fixture.
There are 4 control buttons below the LED display which allow you to
navigate through the various control panel menus.
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Control Panel Menu Structure
DMX 1 - 512 To choose the DMX address
PERS
STAG
Stage Mode (Gives full control over all functions)
ARC.1
Architectural 1 (RGB)
AR1.d
Architectural 1 w/Dimming (RGB)
ARC.2
Architectural 2 (RGBAW)
AR2.d
Architectural 2 w/Dimming (RGBAW)
AR2.S
Architectural 2 w/Strobe (RGBAW)
HSV
Hue, Saturation, Value Control
Id
Id.01 - Id.66 Fixture ID (Stage mode)
TEMP
CURR
Display current fixture temperature
TOP
Sets max temperature before cutoff
EDIT
PR01 - PR10 Edit a program (Each program holds up to 30 scenes)
SC01 - SC30 Edit a scene
SET
UPLd
Upload/transfer program function
REST
Factory reset
ID
Enable/disable ID address operation
RGBW
Enable/disable RGBW color correction
POW Power level settings, normal or high
dIM 8-bit dimming, 1 thru 4 = 16-bit dimming
CAL1
WT01 - WT11 Color temperature presets
000 - 255
Individual RGBAW settings
CAL2
000 - 255 RGBW-based white balance
KEY
ON - OFF Menu key protection setting
STAT
000 - 255 RGBAW static color settings
AUTO
AT.01-AT.10 Factory program playback
PR.01-PR.10 User program playback
SOUd
MOd1 Sound Active Mode 1 (Color Jump)
MOd2 Sound Active Mode 2 (Color Flash)
RUN
DMX Sets the fixture to master/DMX mode
SLAV Sets the fixture as slave
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
DMX
Allows the unit to be controlled by a universal DMX controller. To select a different DMX address,
hit the button and use the buttons to select the correct address. Hit
to return to the previous menu option.
PERS
This section allows you to select from the fixture’s 7 DMX personalities which govern operation &
channel structure in DMX mode.
1.) STAG - Stage Mode (12-Ch.)
Channel
Value
What It Does
1
000 <--> 255
Master dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2
000 <--> 255
Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3
000 <--> 255
Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4
000 <--> 255
Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5
000 <--> 255
Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
6
000 <--> 255
White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
7
000 <--> 005
No Function
006 <--> 020
High power (when in normal mode)
021 <--> 030
No Function
031 <--> 255
Color change (See Color Selection Table Below)
8
000 <--> 010
No Function
011 <--> 255
Strobe speed (fastest 255)
9
000 <--> 020
No Function
021 <--> 120
Built-in programs (1 per each 10 increments)
121 <--> 220
User programs (1 per each 10 increments)
221 <--> 255
No Function
10
000 <--> 255
Master speed control
11
000 <--> 009
Dimming speed
010 <--> 049
No Function
050 <--> 099
Speed 1 (fastest)
100 <--> 149
Speed 2
150 <--> 199
Speed 3
200 <--> 255
Speed 4 (slowest)
12
000 <--> 009
No Function
010 <--> 209
1 ID per each 10, ex. 010 <--> 019 = ID1
210 <--> 255
1 ID per each 1, ex. 210 = ID21, 211=ID22
Color Selection Table (Stage Mode, Channel 7)
CH Value
Function
031<-->050
R 100% / G Increment / B 0% / W 0%
051<-->070
R decreasing / G 100% / B 0% / W 0%
071<-->090
R 0% / G 100% / B increment/ W 0%
091<-->110
R 0% / G decreasing / B 100% / W 0%
111<-->130
R increment / G 0% / B 100% / W 0%
131<-->150
R 100% / G 0% / B decreasing / W 0%
151<-->170
R 100% / G increment / B increment / W 0%
171<-->190
R decreasing / G decreasing / B 100% / W 0%
191<-->200
R 100% / G 100% / B 100% / W 100%
201<-->255
Color temperature (also adjustable through the [CAL1] menu):
201~205: 3200K
206~210: 3400K
211~215: 4200K
216~220: 4900K
221~225: 5600K
226~230: 5900K
231~235: 6500K
236~240: 7200K
241~245: 8000K
246~250: 8500K
251~255: 10000K
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
2.) ARC.1 - Architectural Mode 1 (RGB, 3-Ch.)
Channel
Value
What It Does
1
000 <--> 255
Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
2
000 <--> 255
Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3
000 <--> 255
Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3.) AR1.d - Architectural Mode #1 w/dimming (RGB, 4-Ch.)
Channel
Value
What It Does
1
000 <--> 255
Master Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2
000 <--> 255
Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3
000 <--> 255
Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4
000 <--> 255
Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4.) ARC.2 - Architectural Mode 2 (RGBAW 5-Ch.)
Channel
Value
What It Does
1
000 <--> 255
Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
2
000 <--> 255
Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3
000 <--> 255
Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4
000 <--> 255
Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5
000 <--> 255
White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5.) AR2.d - Architectural Mode #2 w/dimming (RGBAW, 6-Ch.)
Channel
Value
What It Does
1
000 <--> 255
Master Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2
000 <--> 255
Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3
000 <--> 255
Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4
000 <--> 255
Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5
000 <--> 255
Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
6
000 <--> 255
White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
6.) AR2.S - Architectural Mode #2 w/strobe (RGBAW, 7-Ch.)
Channel
Value
What It Does
1
000 <--> 255
Master Dimmer (0% <--> 100%)
2
000 <--> 255
Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
3
000 <--> 255
Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
4
000 <--> 255
Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
5
000 <--> 255
Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
6
000 <--> 255
White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
7
000 <--> 255
Strobe
7.) HSV - Hue, Saturation, Value (3-Ch.)
Channel
Value
What It Does
1
000 <--> 255
Hue (0% <--> 100%)
2
000 <--> 255
Saturation (0% <--> 100%)
3
000 <--> 255
Brightness (0% <--> 100%)
ID
ID Address Selection
ID Address mode allows you to utilize up to 2,574 fixtures on only 1 DMX
universe while maintaining full individual control over each fixture. You can
enable or disable ID address operation within the SET menu. Control settings
are found in STAG mode, channel 11. (see stage mode table on page 12).
•
•
Id.01 - Id.66 - Sets the ID# for the fixture.
TEMP
Temperature Functions
Allows the user to set a temperature protection cutoff (default is 85 degrees
Celsius), and displays the current fixture temperature.
•
•
CURR - Displays current temperature.
••
TOP - Sets the max temperature before shutoff (0-150, 85=default).
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
EdIT
Edit Scenes & Programs
Create/edit up to 10 programs of up to 30 scenes for playback in standalone
mode, (from the “Auto” menu).
•
•
PR01-PR10 - Program numbers 1-10
•
•
SC01-SC30 - Scene numbers 1-30
To edit these programs and scenes:
•
R000-R255 - Red Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
•
G000-G255 - Green Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
•
B000-B255 - Blue Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
•
Y000-Y255 - Amber Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
•
W000-W255 - White Intensity (0% <--> 100%)
•
ST00-ST20 - Strobe Speed (Slow <--> Fast)
•
T000-T255 - Scene Time (0% <--> 100%)
•
F000-F255 - Fade Time (0% <--> 100%)
SET
Advanced Setup Functions
The following options sets the fixture’s advanced functions:
•
•
UPLd
This allows you to upload you own user-created custom programs to other
ProPar™ V12 fixtures. You must set any fixtures which will receive the
new programming to SLAVE mode, then on the master unit, enter the lock
password (UP/DOWN/UP/DOWN/ENTER), then press enter to confirm.
The fixtures will display yellow while uploading is in progress, and will turn
green once uploading is complete.
•
•
REST
Factory reset. Use this to reset the Puck Pro Zoom fixture back to its
original factory installed settings.
•
•
Id
Enables/disables ID address operation.
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
•
•
RGBW
Enables/disables RGBW color correction.
•
•
POW
Sets the fixture in “Normal” (Low Power, 33% output) or “High” power
mode.
•
•
DIM
Sets the 16-bit dimming curve (OFF=8-bit (standard) dimming, 1-4 are 16-
bit dimming profiles, fastest to slowest).
CAL1
Color Temperature-Based White Values
This menu option allows the user to set the fixture’s white output to one of 11
preset or user adjustable color temperatures.
Setting
Color Temp
Setting
Color Temp
Setting
Color Temp
WT01
3200K
WT05
5600K
WT09
8000K
WT02
3400K
WT06
5900K
WT10
8500K
WT03
4200K
WT07
6500K
WT11
10000K
WT04
4900K
WT08
7200K
To adjust the RGBW settings of any of these preset color temperatures, hit
and then use the and buttons to select the
desired R/G/B/W value you want to edit. Hit . Use the and
buttons to change the desired value. Then push the
button to confirm your choice and return to the previous menu option. Each
color has the adjustable values of 000 <--> 255 (0% <--> 100%).
CAL2
RGBW Based Values
This is used to setup a custom white balance using R/G/B/W values. Hit
and then use the and buttons to select the
desired R/G/B/W value you want to edit. Hit . Use the and
buttons to change the desired value. Then push the
button to confirm your choice and return to the previous menu option. Each
color has the adjustable values of 000 <--> 255 (0% <--> 100%).
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
KEY
Menu Key Protection
To enable the menu key protection, the menu setting must be set to ON. This
feature allows you to protect the control panel from unauthorized access using
a security key which is: (Up, Down, Up, Down, Enter). To disable, simply set
the value to OFF.
STAT
Static Color Display + Strobe
Allows you to display a static custom color using RGBAW color values.
Hit and then use the and buttons to select the
desired R/G/B/A/W value you want to edit. Hit . Use the
and buttons to change the desired value. Then push the
button to confirm your choice and return to the previous menu option. Each
color has the adjustable values of 000 <--> 255 (0% <--> 100%). Strobe can
also be applied, ST.00 <--> ST.20 (slow <--> fast).
AUTO
Automatic Programs (Built-In and Custom)
This feature allows you to select from one of 10 built-in programs, or to select
one of 10 user-defined programs of up to 30 steps.
•
•
AT.01-AT.10 - Built-In Programs
•
•
PR.01-PR.10 - User-Defined Programs
RUN
Run Mode
This is where you set the fixture to either DMX/Master or Slave Mode
•
•
DMX - Set the fixture as the master
•
•
SLAV - Set the fixture as a slave
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Troubleshooting
Symptom
Solution
Fixture Auto-
Shut Off
Check the fan in the fixture. If it is stopped or moving
slower than normal, the unit may have shut itself off due to
high heat. This is to protect the fixture from overheating.
Clear the fan of obstructions, or return the unit for service.
Beam is Dim
Check optical system and clean excess dust/grime. Also
ensure that the 220V/110V switch is in the correct position,
if applicable.
No Light Output
Check to ensure fixture is operating under correct mode, IE
sound active/auto/DMX/Etc., if applicable. Contact service
for more information.
Chase Speed
Too Fast/Slow
Check to ensure proper setup of speed adjustment.
No Power
Check fuse, AC cord and circuit for malfunction.
Blown Fuse
Check AC cord and circuit for damage, verify that moving
parts are not restricted and that unit’s ventilation is not
obstructed
Slow Movement
Verify that 220V/110V switch is in the correct position, if
applicable. Also check that speed channels are set appro-
priately.
Fixture Not
Responding /
Responding Er-
ratically
Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely.
Use Only DMX Cables.
Install a Terminator.
Check all cables for defects.
Reset fixture(s).
Fixture Moving
On Its Own
Verify proper mode of operation. Is the fixture in “Auto”
mode?
If your problem isn’t listed, or if problems persist,
please contact support: [email protected].
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 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 covers (and is an abbreviation for) Digital MultipleXed signals. It is the most common
communications standard used by lighting and related stage equipment.
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.
DMX data is transmitted at 250,000 bits per second using the RS-485 transmission
standard over two wires. As with microphone cables, a grounded cable shield is used to
prevent interference with other signals.
There are five pins on a DMX connector: a wire for ground (cable shield), two wires for
“Primary” communication 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 device, 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.
The greatest strength of the DMX communications protocol is that it is very simple and
robust. It involves transmitting a reset condition (indicating the start of a new “packet”),
a start code, and up to 512 bytes of data. Data packets are transmitted continuously. As
soon as one packet is finished, another can begin with no delay if desired (usually another
follows within 1 ms). If nothing is changing (i.e. no lamp levels change) the same data will
be sent out over and over again. This is a great feature of DMX -- if for some reason the
data is not interpreted the first time around, it will be re-sent shortly.
Not all 512 channels need to be output per packet, and in fact, it is very uncommon to find
all 512 used. The fewer channels are used, the higher the “refresh” rate. It is possible
to get DMX refreshes at around 1000 times per second if only 24 channels are being
transmitted. If all 512 channels are being transmitted, the refresh rate is around 44 times
per second.
In summary, since its design and evolution in the 1980’s DMX has become the standard
for lighting control. It is flexible, robust, and scalable, and its ability to control everything
from dimmer packs to moving lights to foggers to lasers makes it an indispensable tool for
any lighting designer or lighting performer.
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Keeping Your ProPar™ V12 As Good As New
The fixture you’ve received is a rugged, tough piece of pro lighting equipment,
and as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you. That said, like
anything, you’ll need to take care of it if you want it to operate as designed.
You should absolutely keep the fixture clean, especially if you are using it in an
environment with a lot of dust, fog, haze, wild animals, wild teenagers or spilled
drinks.
Cleaning the optics routinely with a suitable glass cleaner will greatly improve
the quality of light output. Keeping the fans free of dust and debris will keep
the fixture running cool and prevent damage from overheating.
In transit, keep the fixtures in cases. You wouldn’t throw a prized guitar,
drumset, or other piece of expensive gear into a gear trailer without a case,
and similarly, you shouldn’t even think about doing it with your shiny new light
fixtures.
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.
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
Tech Specs!
Weight & Dimensions
Length
9.25 inches (235 mm)
Width
9.75 inches (248 mm)
Height
9.25 inches (235 mm)
Weight
9.5 lbs (4.31 kg)
Power
Operating Voltage
100-240VAC, 50-60 Hertz
Power Factor
0.66
Power Consumption
139W
Current
1.8A (.1A inrush)
Light Source
LED
12* 15-watt 5-in-1 LEDs, 100,000 hours
Optical
Beam Angle
25°, Field Angle: 29°
Luminous Intensity
18,750 Lux @ 1m (all)
Thermal
Max. Operating Temp.
104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient
Control
Protocol
USITT DMX-512
DMX Channels
3/4/5/6/7/ 12-Channels
Input
3-pin XLR Male
Output
3-pin XLR Female
Other Operating
Modes
Standalone, Master/Slave, Color Preset
Other Information
Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard?
Warranty
2-year limited warranty, does not cover mal-
function caused by damage to LED’s.
ProPar™ V12 Manual Rev. A
© 2013 Blizzard Lighting, LLC
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