User Manual
1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
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1 x 4BAR™ Flex
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1 x Footswitch
What Is
Included
1 x Power Cord
1 x Warranty Card
1 x Quick Reference Guide
1 x Carrying Case
Unpacking
Instructions
Immediately upon receipt, carefully unpack the product and check the container to make
sure you have received all the parts indicated above in good condition.
If the container or the material inside the container (the product and included
accessories) appear damaged from shipping, or show signs of mishandling, upon receipt
notify the carrier immediately, not CHAUVET®. Failure to do so in a timely manner may
invalidate your claim with the carrier. In addition, keep the container and all the packing
material for inspection.
Claims
For other issues such as missing components or parts, damage not related to shipping,
or concealed damage, file a claim with CHAUVET® within seven (7) days of receiving
the merchandise.
Convention
1~512
Meaning
Text
Conventions
A range of values
50/60
A set of values of which only one can be chosen
A menu option not to be modified
Settings
Menu > Settings A sequence of menu options to be followed
<ENTER>
ON
A key to be pressed on the product’s control panel
A value to be entered or selected
Icon
Meaning
Icons
This paragraph contains critical installation, configuration, or
operation information. Failure to comply with this information may
render the product partially or completely inoperative, cause
damage to the product, or cause harm to the user.
This paragraph contains important installation or configuration
information. Failure to comply with this information may prevent
the product from functioning correctly.
This paragraph reminds you of useful, although not critical,
information.
The information and specifications contained in this document are subject to change
without notice. CHAUVET® assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or
omissions that may appear in this manual. CHAUVET® reserves the right to update the
existing document or to create a new document to correct any errors or omissions.
Document
Information
© Copyright 2012 CHAUVET®. All rights reserved.
Electronically published by CHAUVET® in the United States of America.
Author
Date
Editor
Date
A. Diaz
1/11/12
S. Graham
3/1/12
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Page 3 of 17
Use on Dimmer
Outdoor Use
Sound Activated
DMX
Auto Programs
Product at a
Glance
Auto-ranging Power Supply
Replaceable Fuse
User Serviceable
Duty Cycle
Master/Slave
Please read the following Safety Notes carefully before working with the product. The
Notes include important safety information about installation, usage, and maintenance.
Safety Notes
•
•
Always connect the product to a grounded circuit to avoid the risk of electrocution.
Always disconnect the product from the power source before cleaning or replacing
the fuse.
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Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while the product is on.
Make sure the power cord is not crimped or damaged.
Never disconnect the product from power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.
If mounting the product overhead, always secure to a fastening device using a
safety cable.
•
•
Make sure there are no flammable materials close to the product when operating.
Do not touch the product’s housing when operating because it may be very hot.
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Always make sure that the voltage of the outlet to which you are connecting the
product is within the range stated on the decal or rear panel of the product.
The product is for indoor use only! (IP20) To prevent risk of fire or shock, do not
expose the product to rain or moisture.
Always install the product in a location with adequate ventilation, at least 20 in (50
cm) from adjacent surfaces.
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•
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Be sure that no ventilation slots on the product’s housing are blocked.
Never connect the product to a dimmer.
Make sure to replace the fuse with another of the same type and rating.
Never carry the product from the power cord or any moving part. Always use the
hanging/mounting bracket or the handles.
•
The maximum ambient temperature (Ta) is 104° F (40° C). Do not operate the
product at higher temperatures.
•
•
In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using the product immediately.
Never try to repair the product. Repairs carried out by unskilled people can lead to
damage or malfunction. Please contact the nearest authorized technical assistance
center.
•
Keep this User Manual for future use. If you sell the product to another user, be
sure that they also receive this document.
Page 4 of 17
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
2. INTRODUCTION
Product Overview
Tripod Adjustment Knob
DMX Out
Light Adjustment Knob (x 4)
Power In
LED Display
Fuse Holder
DMX In
Power Outputs for
Additional Fixtures
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Page 5 of 17
Product Dimensions
Page 6 of 17
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
3. SETUP
The 4BAR™ Flex has an auto-ranging power supply and it can work with an input
voltage range of 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
AC Power
To determine the product’s power requirements (circuit breaker, power outlet, and
wiring), use the current value listed on the label affixed to the product’s back panel, or
refer to the product’s Technical Specifications. The listed current rating indicates the
product’s average current draw under normal conditions.
Always connect the product to a protected circuit (circuit breaker or fuse). Make
sure the product has an appropriate electrical ground to avoid the risk of
electrocution or fire.
Never connect the product to a rheostat (variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even
if the rheostat or dimmer channel serves only as a 0% to 100% switch.
Fuse
Replacement
Follow the instructions below to change the fuse, if necessary.
Disconnect the product from the power outlet before replacing the fuse.
1. Wedge the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the slot of the fuse holder.
2. Pry the fuse holder out of the housing.
3. Remove the blown fuse from the holder and replace with a fuse of the exact same
type and rating.
4. Insert the fuse holder back in place and reconnect power.
Installed fuse
(held by plastic clip)
Safety cap
Spare fuse holder
(inside safety cap)
The product does not ship with a spare fuse; however, the safety cap has room
for a spare.
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Page 7 of 17
The product provides power linking via the IEC outlet located in the back of the unit.
Please see the diagram below for further explanation.
Power Linking
1st Product
3rd Product
2nd Product
Power Linking
Diagram
Other products
You can power link up to twelve (12) 4BAR™ Flex units on 120 VAC or up to
twenty-one (21) 4BAR™ Flex units on 230 VAC.
The power linking diagram shown above corresponds to the North American
version of the product ONLY! If using the product in other markets, you must
consult with the local CHAUVET® distributor as power linking connectors and
requirements may differ in your country or region.
Page 8 of 17
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Before mounting the product, read and follow the safety recommendations indicated in
the Safety Notes.
Mounting
Orientation
Rigging
The 4BAR™ Flex may be mounted in any position; however, make sure adequate
ventilation is provided around the product.
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Before deciding on a location for the product, always make sure there is easy
access to the product for maintenance and programming purposes.
Make sure that the structure onto which you are mounting the product can support
the product’s weight. Please see the Technical Specifications for weight information.
When mounting the product overhead, always use a safety cable. Mount the
product securely to a rigging point, whether an elevated platform or a truss.
When rigging the product onto a truss, you should use a mounting clamp of
appropriate weight capacity.
When power linking multiple products, you must always consider the length of the
power linking cable and mount the products close enough for the cable to reach.
The bracket adjustment knobs allow for directional adjustment when aiming the
product to the desired angle. Only loosen or tighten the bracket knobs manually.
Using tools could damage the knobs.
Pod pan adjustment
Mounting Diagram
Tripod insertion
Pod tilt adjustment
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Page 9 of 17
4. OPERATION
To access the control panel functions, use the four buttons located underneath the
display. See the Product Overview to see the button locations on the control panel.
Control Panel
Operation
Button
Function
Press to find an operation mode or to back out of the current menu
option
<MENU>
<UP>
Press to scroll up the list of options or to find a higher value
Press to scroll down the list of options or to find a lower value
Press to activate a menu option or a selected value
<DOWN>
<ENTER>
Mode
Programming Steps
Description
Menu Map
DMX Mode
512
d 1-512
Sets DMX starting address
Sound Active
Mode
SND
S 1-S100 Sets Sound Active mode and sensitivity
S 1-S100 Sets Auto Program and speed
Automatic
Mode
AUTO
Set the product in DMX mode to control with a DMX controller.
1. Connect the product to a suitable power outlet.
2. Turn the product on.
Configuration
(DMX)
3. Connect a DMX cable from the DMX output of the DMX controller to the DMX input
socket on the product.
The 4BAR™ Flex has a single 15-channel personality.
DMX
Personalities
and Starting
Address
The 4BAR™ Flex uses up to 15 DMX channels in its highest DMX mode, which defines
the highest configurable address to 498.
When selecting a starting DMX address, always consider the number of DMX channels
the selected DMX mode uses. If you choose a starting address that is too high, you could
restrict the access to some of the product’s channels.
If you are not familiar with the DMX protocol, download the DMX Primer from
To choose your starting address:
1. Press <MENU> repeatedly until 512 shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER>
3. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to select the starting address.
1. Press <ENTER>.
Page 10 of 17
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
DMX Channel Assignments and Values
Channel
Function
Value
Setting
15-CH
000 009 RGB Color Mixing Mode
010 029 Auto Program 1
030 049 Auto Program 2
050 069 Auto Program 3
070 089 Auto Program 4
090 109 Auto Program 5
110 129 Auto Program 6
130 149 Auto Program 7
150 169 Auto Program 8
170 189 Auto Program 9
190 209 Auto Program 10
210 229 Auto Program 11
230 249 Auto Program 12
250 255 Sound Active Mode
000 008 No function
009 255 Dimmer 1~100%
000 255 0~100%
1
Control/Operating Mode
2
Dimmer
3
4
Strobe
Red
000 255 0~100%
RGB Color Mixing
(Pod 1)
5
Green
Blue
Red
000 255 0~100%
6
000 255 0~100%
7
000 255 0~100%
RGB Color Mixing
(Pod 2)
8
Green
Blue
Red
000 255 0~100%
9
000 255 0~100%
10
11
12
13
14
15
000 255 0~100%
RGB Color Mixing
(Pod 3)
Green
Blue
Red
000 255 0~100%
000 255 0~100%
000 255 0~100%
RGB Color Mixing
(Pod 4)
Green
Blue
000 255 0~100%
000 255 0~100%
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Page 11 of 17
Set the product in one of the standalone modes to control without a DMX controller.
1. Connect the product to a suitable power outlet.
2. Turn the product on.
Configuration
(Standalone)
Never connect a product that is operating in any standalone mode (either
Automatic or Sound) to a DMX string connected to a DMX controller. Products in
standalone mode may transmit DMX signals that could interfere with the DMX
signals from the controller.
To enable the Sound Active mode, do the following:
1. Press <MENU> repeatedly until SND shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER>.
Sound-Active
Mode
3. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone from S 1 (low) to
S100 (high).
4. Press <ENTER>.
5. Turn the music on and adjust the microphone sensitivity knob until the product
starts responding to the beat of the music.
The product will only respond to low frequencies of music (bass and drums).
To enable the Automatic Mode, follow the instructions below:
1. Press <MENU> repeatedly until AUTO shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER>.
Automatic Mode
3. Use <UP> or <DOWN> to adjust the duration of each step of the automatic program
from S 1 (fast) to S100 (slow).
4. Press <ENTER>.
The Master/Slave mode allows a single 4BAR™ Flex unit (the “master”) to control the
actions of one or more 4BAR™ Flex units (the “slaves”) without the need of a DMX
controller. The master unit will be set to operate in either Automatic or Sound Active
mode, while the slave units will be set to operate in Slave mode. Once set and
connected, the slave units will operate in unison with the master unit.
Master/Slave
Mode
Configure the units as indicated below.
Slave units:
1. Press <MENU> repeatedly until 512 shows on the display.
2. Press <ENTER> to accept.
3. Set the DMX address to 001.
4. Connect the DMX input of the first slave unit to the DMX output of the master unit.
5. Connect the DMX input of the subsequent slave units to the DMX output of the
previous slave unit.
6. Finish setting and connecting all the slave units.
Master unit:
1. Set the master unit to operate in either Automatic or Sound mode.
2. Make the master unit the first unit in the DMX daisy chain.
•
•
Configure all the slave units before connecting the master unit to the DMX
daisy chain.
Never connect a DMX controller to a DMX string configured for Master/Slave
operation because the controller may interfere with the signals from the
master unit.
•
Do not connect more than 31 slave units to the master unit.
Page 12 of 17
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
The included footswitch provides quick access to the preset colors, color change
programs, and triggering via the onboard microphone on the 4BAR™ Flex:
Footswitch
Operation
1. Power on the fixture.
2. Connect the footswitch to the 4BAR™ Flex via the 4-pin connection cable with plug.
3. Press pedal #1 (Preset) to activate control. When this is operating properly, the
LEDs on the 4BAR™ Flex will light white (first function on pedal #1).
Pedal
Sub-option
1 x press
2 x press
3 x press
4 x press
5 x press
6 x press
7 x press
Function
White
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
1
(Preset)
Color change every second in a
continuous loop
8 x press
9 x press
1 x press
1 x press
Color change every three seconds in a
continuous loop
2
Sound controlled
(Sound On)
3
All LEDs off (blackout)
(Blackout)
There is no need to modify any settings for the 4BAR™ Flex before connecting
the footswitch. It will operate properly in any mode.
Plug the master fixture in LAST!
Disconnecting
the Footswitch
In order to properly disconnect the footswitch, please follow these steps:
1. Unplug the footswitch from the 4BAR™ Flex.
2. Turn the power to the fixture off (unplug the power cable).
3. Turn the power to the fixture on again (plug in the power cable), and the fixture will
properly operate on any one of the three modes.
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Page 13 of 17
5. TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Dust build-up reduces light output performance and can cause overheating. This can
Product
Maintenance
lead to reduction of the light source’s life and mechanical wear. To maintain optimum
performance and minimize wear, you should clean your lighting products at least twice a
month. However, be aware that usage and environmental conditions could be
contributing factors to increasing the cleaning frequency.
To clean the product, follow the instructions below:
•
•
•
Unplug the product from power.
Wait until the product is cold.
Use a vacuum (or dry compressed air) and a soft brush to remove dust collected on
the external surface/vents.
•
Clean all transparent surfaces with a mild soap solution, ammonia-free glass
cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol.
•
•
•
Apply the solution directly to a soft, lint-free cotton cloth or a lens cleaning tissue.
Softly wipe any dirt or grime to the outside edge of the transparent surface.
Gently polish the transparent surfaces until they are free of haze and lint.
Always dry the transparent surfaces carefully after cleaning them.
Page 14 of 17
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
General Troubleshooting
Symptom
Possible Cause
Possible Action
Excessive load on the circuit
Make sure that the total load does not
exceed 80% of the breaker or fuse
nominal current
Circuit breaker or fuse
keeps blowing
Short circuit along the power lines
No energy on power outlet
Check the power lines and power cords
Check power outlet
Change to another outlet
Loose or damaged power cord
Blown fuse
Check the power cord
Product does not
power up
Replace blown fuse with a good one of the
same type and rating
Internal problem
Send product for repair
Wrong starting address on the product
Set the correct starting address on the
product
Use the right fader(s) on the controller
Wrong DMX personality on the product
Set the correct DMX product’s personality
Assign the faders accordingly
Product does not
respond to DMX
Wrong polarity setting on the DMX
controller
Change the signal polarity on the controller
Loose or damaged DMX cable
Internal problem
Check the DMX cable before the faulty unit
Send product for repair
Signal cables are not DMX compatible
Replace non DMX cables with true DMX
cables
Interference with AC or radio signals
DMX cable too long
Keep DMX cables away from AC wires or
radio equipment
Install an optically coupled DMX amplifier
right before the product with intermittent
problems
Intermittent DMX
Problems
Too many products connected
Terminator not connected
Install an optically coupled DMX amplifier
after unit #32
Install a terminator, as shown in the DMX
Primer
If you still experience problems after trying the above solutions, contact
CHAUVET® Technical Support.
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Page 15 of 17
In case you need to return a product or request support, follow the procedure below:
Contact
Procedure
•
•
•
If you live in the U.S., contact CHAUVET® World Headquarters (see below).
If you live in the UK or Ireland, contact CHAUVET® Europe Ltd. (see below).
If you live in any other country, DO NOT contact CHAUVET®. Instead, contact your
distributor of record. Refer to our website for contact details of distributors outside
the U.S., United Kingdom, or Ireland.
World Headquarters
CHAUVET®
General Information
United Kingdom & Ireland
CHAUVET® Europe Ltd.
General Information
CHAUVET®
Contact
Information
Address:
5200 NW 108th Avenue
Sunrise, FL 33351
(954) 929-1115
Address:
Unit 1C
Brookhill Road Industrial Estate
Pinxton, Nottingham, UK
NG16 6NT
Voice:
Fax:
(954) 929-5560
Toll free:
(800) 762-1084
Voice:
Fax:
+44 (0)1773 511115
+44 (0)1773 511110
Technical Support
Technical Support
Voice:
Fax:
(954) 929-1115 (Press 4)
(954) 756-8015
Email:
Email:
World Wide Web
World Wide Web
If you live outside the U.S., United Kingdom, or Ireland, contact your distributor of
record and follow their instructions on how to return CHAUVET® products to
them. Visit our website for contact details.
Call the corresponding CHAUVET® Tech Support office and request a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before shipping the product. Be prepared to
provide the model number, serial number, and a brief description of the cause for the
return.
Returning
Products to
CHAUVET®
You must send the merchandise prepaid, in its original box, and with its original packing
and accessories. CHAUVET® will not issue call tags.
Clearly label the package with the RMA number. CHAUVET® will refuse any product
returned without an RMA number.
Write the RMA number on a properly affixed label. DO NOT write the RMA number
directly on the box.
Before sending the product, clearly write the following information on a piece of paper
and place it inside the box:
•
•
•
•
•
Your name
Your address
Your phone number
The RMA number
A brief description of the problem
Be sure to pack the product properly. Any shipping damage resulting from inadequate
packaging will be your responsibility. Proper FedEx packing or double-boxing are
recommended.
CHAUVET® reserves the right to use its own discretion to repair or replace
returned product(s).
Page 16 of 17
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length
Width
Height
Weight
Dimensions and
Weight
47.4 in (1,205 mm)
5.2 in (133 mm)
14.7 in (375 mm)
13.5 lbs (6 kg)
Note: Dimensions in inches rounded to the nearest decimal digit.
Power Supply Type
Range
Voltage Selection
Power
Switching (internal)
100~240 V, 50/60 Hz
Auto-ranging
Parameter
Consumption
120 V, 60 Hz
47 W
230 V, 50 Hz
46 W
Operating
0.7 A
0.4 A
Power linking current (units)
Fuse
8 A (12 units)
F 2 A, 250 V
8 A (21 units)
F 2 A, 250 V
Power I/O
US/Worldwide
IEC
UK/Europe
IEC
Power input connector
Power output connector
Power Cord plug
Edison
IEC
Edison (US)
Local plug
Type
Lifespan
Light Source
LED
50,000 hours
Color
Red
Quantity
144
Green
Blue
144
144
Parameter
Illuminance @ 2 m
Beam angle
Photo Optic
558 lux
21º
Field angle
33°
Maximum External Temp.
Cooling System
Thermal
DMX
104° F (40° C)
Convection
I/O Connectors
Connector Type
Channel Range
3-pin XLR
Sockets
15
Product Name
Item Code
Item Number
Ordering
4BAR™ Flex
03030504
4BARFLEX
4BAR™ Flex User Manual (Rev. 3)
Page 17 of 17
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