Chauvet Switch DMX 55 DMX User Manual

DMX-55

DMX Controller

USER MANUAL

Chauvet, 3000 N 29^thCt, Hollywood, FL 33020 U.S.A

(800) 762-1084 – (954) 929-1115

FAX (954) 929-5560

www.chauvetlighting.com

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

What is included



DMX-55 Controller

DC 9~12V 500mA power adapter

Manual with warranty card

Unpacking Instructions

Immediately upon receiving a fixture, carefully unpack the carton, check the contents to ensure that

all parts are present, and have been received in good condition. Notify the shipper immediately and

retain packing material for inspection if any parts appear damaged from shipping or the carton itself

shows signs of mishandling. Save the carton and all packing materials. In the event that a fixture

must be returned to the factory, it is important that the fixture be returned in the original factory box

and packing.

Safety Instructions

Please read these instructions carefully, which includes important

information about the installation, usage and maintenance?



Please keep this User Guide for future consultation. If you sell the unit to another user, be sure that

they also receive this instruction booklet.

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 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 50cm from adjacent

surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are blocked.

Always disconnect from power source before servicing or replacing lamp or fuse and be sure to

replace with same lamp source.

In the event of 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.



Don’t connect the device to a dimmer pack.

Make sure power cord is never crimped or damaged.

Never disconnect power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.

Do not operate this device under 113° F ambient temperature conditions.

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

CHAUVET.

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INTRODUCTION

Features



Universal DMX-512 Controller

240 scene memory

192 DMX channels of control

Polarity selector

Fog control button

Strobe

3 space 19" rack or table top mount

Removable rubber edge guard

Midi compatible

Controls up to 12 intelligent lights

30 banks of 8 scenes

Beat-activation, tap sync, auto run

6 sets of chases containing 240 scenes

Assignable and reversible joystick

Override button

Reversible sliders

Grab any fixture on the fly

General Overview

The DMX-55 is a universal intelligent lighting controller. It allows the control of 12 fixtures composed

of 16 channels each and up to 240 programmable scenes. Six chase banks can contain up to 240

steps composed of the saved scenes and in any order. Programs can be triggered by music, midi,

automatically or manually.

On the surface you will find various programming tools such as 8 universal channel sliders, a joystick

and LED display indicators for easier navigation of controls and menu functions. You can control the

pan and tilt of different intelligent lighting fixtures using the same joystick at the same time by means

of a programmable joystick. This joystick allows the user to assign individual pan and tilt channels for

every fixture. Integrated fog and strobe controller simplifies setup and eliminates multiple control

sources.

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Introduction

Product Overview (front)

14 15

19 20

Item

Button or Fader

Function

Scanner select buttons

Scanner indicator LEDS

Scene select buttons

Channel faders

Fixture selection

Indicates the fixtures currently selected

Universal bump buttons representing scene location for storage and selection

For adjusting DMX values, Ch 1~8 can be adjusted immediately after pressing the

respective scanner select button, Ch 9~16 after pressing the Page select button

Page A Indicator LED

Represents Ch 1~8 range selected

Page B Indicator LED

Page select button

Represents Ch 9~16 range selected

In manual mode, press to toggle between pages of control or to select both pages

simultaneously. Both LEDS on will allow control of both lower and upper range channel.

Program button

Used to enter programming mode

Music/Bank Copy button

LCD display window

Mode Indicator LEDS

Bank Up button

Used to activate Music mode and as the copy command during programming

Status window displays pertinent operational data

Provides operating mode status, (manual, music or auto)

Function button to traverse Scene/Steps in banks or chases

Bank Down button

Tap Display button

This is a Tap-Sync during playback and during programming changes the DMX value

displayed in the LCD panel to percentages

Blackout button

Midi/Rec button

Auto/Del button

Chase buttons

Speed fader

Sets the shutter or dimmer value of all fixtures to “0” causing all light output to cease

Activates MIDI external control and also used to confirm the record/save process

Used to activate Auto mode and as the delete function key during programming

Chase memory 1 ~ 6

This will adjust the hold time of a scene or a step within a chase

Also considered a cross-fade, sets the interval time between two scenes in a chase

Built in Chauvet fog controller

Fade-Time fader

Fog button

Strobe button

Override button

Joystick

Built in Chauvet strobe controller

To control pan and tilt movement

Mode button

FINE button

Switches operating modes

Sets joystick to control pan and tilt in 16 bit resolution (fixture must have this feature)

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Connection Diagram (rear)

Item

Button or Fader

MIDI input port

Function

For external triggering of Banks and Chases using a MIDI device

May be used to correct signal polarity

DMX control signal

DMX polarity switch

DMX output connector

DC Input jack

Main power feed

Strobe connector

ON/OFF power switch

Fog connector

Chauvet Mono Strobe ¼” connector for built in strobe controller

Turns the controller on and off

Chauvet fog controller IEC connector

Audio input feed for music triggering

Used in data dumps between controllers

Audio input jack

DMX input connector

LCD Display Table of Definitions

Display Reference

SN1

Definition

Scene 1

BK1

Bank 1

CHASE1

Chase 1 is activated

STEP 009

DATA 184

SP :1M54s

TP:4.25s

ASS 04 05

RES 10 13

Step # 9 of a chase

DMX Value (000-255)

The current speed is 1 minute 54 seconds

Sampled time between the last two taps

Assign DMX channels 4 and 5

Reverse DMX channels 10 and 13

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Introduction

Common Terms

The following are common terms used in intelligent light programming.

Blackout is a state by where all lighting fixtures light output are set to 0 or off, usually on a temporary

basis.

DMX-512 is an industry standard digital communication protocol used in entertainment lighting

equipment. For more information read Sections “DMX Primer” and “DMX Control Mode” in the

Appendix.

Fixture refers to your lighting instrument or other device such as a fogger or dimmer of which you can

control.

Programs are a bunch of scenes stacked one after another. It can be programmed as either a single

scene or multiple scenes in sequence.

Scenes are static lighting states.

Sliders also known as faders.

Chases can also be called programs. A chase consists of a bunch of scenes stacked one after

another.

Scanner refers to a lighting instrument with a pan and tilt mirror; however, in the ILS-CON controller it

can be used to control any DMX-512 compatible device as a generic fixture.

MIDI is a standard for representing musical information in a digital format. A MIDI input would provide

external triggering of scenes using midi device such as a midi keyboard.

Stand Alone refers to a fixture’s ability to function independently of an external controller and usually

in sync to music, due to a built in microphone.

Fade slider is used to adjust the time between scenes within a chase.

Speed slider affects the amount of time a scene will hold its state. It is also considered a wait time.

Shutter is a mechanical device in the lighting fixture that allows you to block the lights path. It is often

used to lessen the intensity of the light output and to strobe.

Patching refers to the process of assigning fixtures a DMX channel or.

Playbacks can be either scenes or chases that are directly called to execution by user action. A

playback can also be considered program memory that can be recalled during a show or running

mode.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Setup

SETTING UP THE SYSTEM

1) Place the DMX-55 on a leveled surface. Note! The DMX-55 can also be rack mounted,

occupying 3U spaces by removing the outer rubber edge guard.

2) Plug the AC to DC power supply to the system back panel and to the mains outlet.

3) Plug in your DMX cable(s) to your intelligent lighting as described in the fixtures respective

manual. For a quick Primer on DMX see the “DMX Primer” section in the Appendix of this

manual.

4) Plug in a compatible Chauvet Fogger to the AC Fog Machine Remote Controller connector.

5) Plug in any Chauvet MONO strobes in a daisy like fashion using a ¼” mono phone cable.

FIXTURE PATCH

The DMX-55 is programmed to control 16 channels of DMX per fixture, therefore the fixtures you wish

to control with the corresponding “SCANNER” buttons on the unit, must be spaced 16 channels apart.

FIXTURE OR DEFAULT DMX STARTING

SCANNER # ADDRESS

DIPSWITCH SETTINGS

SWITCH TO THE “ON POSITION”

1,5

1,6

1,5,6

1,7

1,5,7

1,6,7

1,5,6,7

1,8

1,5,8

1,6,8

1,5,6,8

113

129

145

161

177

Please refer to your individual fixture’s manual for DMX addressing instructions. The table above

refers to a standard 9 dipswitch binary configurable device.

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Operating Instructions

JOYSTICK SETUP

Because not all intelligent lighting fixtures are alike or share the same control attributes, the DMX-55

allows the user to assign the joystick the correct pan and tilt channel for every fixture.

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

2) Hold the MODE button and press FINE.

The Reverse LED will light.

You will need to repeat this process to enter the

Assign Joystick Function.

3) Hold the MODE button again and press

FINE. The Assign LED will light.

4) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

select either Pan or Tilt.

5) Use the TAP/Display button to switch

between the first 8 available channels

(8CH) and the second 8 (16CH).

There are 16 available DMX channels but only 8 can

be selected at a time by using the SCENES buttons.

The TAP/Display acts like a page button allowing you

to have access to the lower 8 channels (8CH) and the

top 8 (16CH).

6) Press the button corresponding to the

SCANNER button you wish to assign.

7) While holding the MODE button press

the scene number that corresponds to

the slider which controls the movement.

Example: If pan is controlled by slider number 4,

press and hold Mode button while pressing Scenes

button # 4.

8) Repeat steps 4 through 7 as necessary.

9) To exit, hold the MODE button and

press FINE.

Make sure Assign and Reverse LEDs are off.

REVERSE DMX CHANNEL AND JOYSTICK

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

2) Hold the MODE button and press FINE.

The Reverse LED will light.

If the Reverse LED light does not light up repeat the

process until it does.

3) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

select either Pan or Tilt. The

corresponding LED will light.

4) Use the TAP/Display button to switch

between the first 8 available channels

(8CH) and the second 8 (16CH).

5) Press the button corresponding to the

SCANNER button you wish to assign.

6) Find the slider or you wish to reverse

DMX output on.

7) While holding the MODE button, press

the scene number that corresponds to

the slider you wish to reverse.

You may reverse a maximum of 48 channels for 12

scanners.

8) Repeat steps 4 through 7 as necessary.

9) To exit, hold the MODE button and

press FINE.

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Operating Instructions

DELETING A SCANNER’S DMX CHANNEL SETTINGS

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

2) Hold the MODE button and press FINE.

The Reverse LED will light.

Assign mode will also work in this case.

3) Tap the Scanner button delete settings.

4) Press the MODE and AUTO/Del

buttons at the same time. All LEDs will

flash three times to confirm operation.

CLEAR ALL SCANNER’S DMX CHANNELS

Action 

1) Turn the power off.

Notes 

2) Press and hold the MODE and

AUTO/Del buttons at the same time.

Assign mode will also work in this case.

3) Turn the power back on. All LEDs will

flash briefly to confirm operation.

DISPLAY PAN/TILT DMX CHANNELS

Action 

Notes 

1) Press the FINE and MODE buttons at

the same time putting the controller into

Assign mode.

Press the FINE and MODE buttons once

more to change to Reverse mode.

2) Press the Scanner button that you wish

to display Pan and Tilt DMX values for.

FADE TIME SETTINGS

Action 

Notes 

1) With power on the unit off, press the

MODE and TAP/Display buttons at the

same time.

2) Apply power to the unit while holding

the buttons pressed above.

3) Once unit is on, tap the TAP/Display

button to change between Fade Time

and Assign Fade Time.

ALL

TIME

Press the MODE and TAP/Display

buttons at the same time to store your

setting into memory.

ONLY

X/Y

TIME

4) You can also exit without saving by

pressing the Blackout button.

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Operating Instructions

SCENE PROGRAMMING

ENTERING PROGRAMMING MODE

1) Press the Program button until the LED blinks.

CREATE A SCENE

A scene is a static lighting state. The DMX-55 can save 240 scenes.

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

Deselect Blackout if LED is lit.

blinks.

2) Position SPEED and FADE TIME

sliders all the way down.

3) Select the SCANNERS you wish to

You can select more than one fixture.

include in your scene.

4) Compose a look by moving the sliders

and joystick.

You can access channels 9~16 by pressing the Page

Select button. This is necessary for fixtures that use

more than 8 channels of control.

5) Choose BANK.

There are 8 scenes available in every bank.

6) Tap MIDI/Rec button.

7) Select a SCENES button to store.

-> All LEDs will flash three times to confirm. The

LED display will no indicate the Scene number and

Bank number used.

8) Repeat steps 3 through 7 as necessary.

9) To exit program mode, hold the MODE

button and press FINE.

Shortcut: {Programming Fixtures}  Press [Save]  Select [Button 1~24] to store to memory

SCENE EDIT

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

Deselect Blackout if LED is lit.

blinks.

2) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

change banks.

3) Tap the scene to edit within the bank.

Remember this scene number!

4) Follow steps 2 through 4 from “Create a

Scene”

5) Tap MIDI/Rec button.

6) Tap the same scene number originally

selected on step 3.

Scene edit works by overriding a scene.

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Operating Instructions

COPY SCANNER SETTINGS

This operation allows the user to copy the programming state of one scanner to another. This is

especially useful when both scanners are of the same type.

Action 

1) Hold and maintain the Scanner button

Notes 

to copy.

2) Tap another Scanner button to copy

settings into.

COPY SCENE

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

2) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

change banks.

3) Tap the scene to copy within the bank.

4) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

change to another bank if desired.

5) Tap MIDI/Rec button.

6) Tap the SCENES button you wish to

copy the scene to.

DELETE SCENE

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

2) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

change banks.

3) Tap the scene to delete.

4) Press and hold the Auto/Del button and All DMX channels for the deleted scene will be set to

tap the scene button you wish to delete.

DELETE ALL SCENES

Action 

1) Power off the controller.

Notes 

2) Press and hold the Program and BANK

buttons while turning the power back

on.

COPY BANK

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

2) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

select the bank to copy.

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Operating Instructions

3) Tap the MIDI/Rec button.

4) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

select the bank to copy to.

5) Tap the Music/Bankcopy button to

All LEDs wil flash three times to confirm process.

execute the copy.

6) To exit programming mode press the

Program button until the LED turns off.

Chase Programming

A chase is created by using previously created scenes. Scenes become steps in a chase and can be

arranged in any order you choose. It is highly recommended that prior to programming chases for the

first time; you delete all chases from memory. See “Delete All Chases” for instructions.

CREATE A CHASE

A Chase can contain 240 scenes as steps. The term steps and scenes are used interchangeably.

Action 

7) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

8) Tap the Chase button you wish to

program.

9) Change BANK if necessary to locate a

scene.

10) Select the scene to insert.

11) Tap the MIDI/Rec button to store.

12) Repeat steps 3 ~ 5 to add additional

steps in the chase.

INSERTING A BANK OF SCENES INTO A CHASE

Action 

1) Pres the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

2) Tap the Chase button you wish to

program.

3) Use  BANK and  BANK buttons to

select the bank of scenes to copy.

4) Tap the Music/Bankcopy button to

execute the copy.

5) Tap the MIDI/Rec copy button to

confirm, all LEDs will flash three times.

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Operating Instructions

ADD A STEP

Action 

Notes 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

blinks.

2) Press the corresponding button to the

chase you wish to add a step to.

3) Press the TAP/Display button so that

the LCD display shows the current step.

4) Use the  BANK and  BANK buttons

to scroll to the step you wish to add a

step after.

5) Press the MIDI/REC button. The LCD

will display one step number higher than

previous.

6) Tap the TAP/Display button again. The

LCD will now display the current chase,

scene and bank. Create a desired

scene and record it as a new step or

select a previously programmed scene

to add to the chase.

7) Press the MIDI/REC button again. All

LEDs will flash three times to confirm

the save.

DELETE A STEP

Action 

1) Press the Program button until the LED

Notes 

blinks.

2) Select the chase that contains the step

you want to delete.

3) Press the TAP/Display button to

display the current step number.

4) Use the  BANK and  BANK buttons

to scroll to the step you wish to delete.

5) Tap the AUTO/Del button to delete the

step. All LEDs will flash three times to

confirm the deletion process.

DELETE A CHASE

Action 

1) Press and hold the Chase button you

Notes 

want to delete.

2) Then, press and hold the AUTO/Del

button until all LEDs flash three times.

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Operating Instructions

DELETE ALL CHASES

Action 

Notes 

1) With the power off, press and hold the

AUTO/Del and BANK  buttons.

2) Turn controller back on and all chases

will be cleared.

Playback (Scenes)

MANUAL RUN SCENE

When power is first turned ON, the controller will be in manual scene mode.

Action 

1) Make sure neither Music nor Auto

Notes 

If by chance you are in programming mode you can

also press and hold the PROGRAM button until the

Program LED goes off.

LEDs are on.

2) Select the program BANK that stores

the scene you want to run manually by

using the BANK UP/DOWN.

3) Press the SCENE button to run.

RUNNING IN SOUND-MODE

Action 

1) Press the Music/Bankcopy button until

Notes 

In the Sound mode, programs will be triggered by the

sound using its built-in microphone. All scenes in a

Bank will chase.

the Music LED turns on.

2) Change BANK programs by using

BANK UP/DOWN buttons if necessary.

3) Press the Music/Bankcopy to exit.

RUNNING IN AUTO-MODE

This mode allows you to run a bank of programmed scenes in sequence.

Action 

1) Press the AUTO/Del button until the

Notes 

In the Auto mode, programs will be triggered by

controllers fade and speed time as set on the faders.

All scenes in a Bank will chase.

Auto LED turns on.

2) Change BANK programs by using

BANK UP/DOWN buttons if necessary.

3) You can adjust the time between steps

by moving the SPEED fader and the

duration of the step by moving the

FADE TIME fader.

CAUTION! The fade setting should never be slower

than the speed setting or the scene will never

complete execution.

4) Use the TAP/Display button to set the

speed instead. The time between two

sequential taps sets the speed.

These settings will stay until the speed slider is

moved.

5) Press the AUTO/Del button to exit

mode.

BLACKOUT

The Blackout button brings all lighting output to 0 or off.

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Operating Instructions

Playback (Chases)

MANUAL RUN CHASES

This function allows the user to manually step through each individual step in a chase.

Action 

1) When the power is first turned on the

Notes 

controller enters manual mode

automatically.

2) Start a chase by pressing any one of

the Chase buttons.

3) Press the Chase button again to

deselect.

AUTO RUN CHASES

Action 

1) Press the AUTO/Del button to activate

Notes 

CAUTION! The fade setting should never be slower

than the speed setting or the scene will never

complete execution.

Auto mode. The Auto LED should light.

2) Start a chase by pressing any one of

the Chase buttons.

3) Pressing the Chase button again will

deselect it.

4) Adjust the SPEED and FADE faders to

your liking.

MUSIC RUN CHASES

Action 

1) Press the MUSIC/Bankcopy button to

Notes 

activate music mode.

2) Start a chase by pressing any one of

the Chase buttons. The chase will

instantly respond to the music.

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Operating Instructions

Midi Operation

The controller will only respond to MIDI commands on the MIDI channel which it is set to full stop. All

MIDI control is performed using Note on commands. All other MIDI instructions are ignored. To stop a

chase, send the blackout on note.

Action 

1) Press and hold the MIDI/REC button for

Notes 

about 3 seconds.

2) Select the MIDI control channel (1~16)

This is the Channel that the controller will receive

via the BANK UP/DOWN buttons to set. MIDI note commands.

3) Press and hold the MIDI/REC button for

3 seconds to save settings.

4) To release MIDI control, press any other

button except the BANK buttons during

step 2.

MIDI NOTE

00 to 07

08 to 15

16 to 23

24 to 31

32 to 39

40 to 47

48 to 55

56 to 63

64 to 71

72 to 79

80 to 87

88 to 95

96 to 103

104 to 111

112 to 119

120

FUNCTION (TURN ON/OFF)

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 1

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 2

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 3

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 4

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 5

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 6

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 7

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 8

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 9

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 10

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 11

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 12

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 13

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 14

Scenes 1~8 in BANK 15

Chase 1

121

Chase 2

122

Chase 3

123

Chase 4

124

Chase 5

125

Chase 6

126

BLACKOUT

Data Transfer

It is possible to transfer the programs stored in one DMX-55 controller to another. Connect from the

DMX output of the programmed controller to the DMX input of the other.

Action 

1) Source unit: Turn unit Off, press and

Notes 

The display should show TRANSMIT, this indicates it

is ready to transmit data.

hold SCANNER buttons 2, 3 and

SCENE button 1 then turn unit back On.

2) Destination unit: Turn unit Off, press

and hold SCANNER buttons 8, 9 and

SCENE button 2 then turn unit back On.

The display should show RECEIVE, this indicates it is

ready to receive data transmission.

3) Both units are now ready to transmit

and receive. Press SCENE buttons 7 &

8 simultaneously on Source unit to

begin transmission.

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APPENDIX

DMX Primer

There are 512 channels in a DMX-512 connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A

fixture capable of receiving DMX 512 will require one or a number of sequential channels. The user

must assign a starting address on the fixture that indicates the first channel reserved in the controller.

There are many different types of DMX controllable fixtures and they all may vary in the total number

of channels required. Choosing a start address should be planned in advance. Channels should

never overlap. If they do, this will result in erratic operation of the fixtures whose starting address is

set incorrectly. You can however, control multiple fixtures of the same type using the same starting

address as long as the intended result is that of unison movement or operation. In other words, the

fixtures will be slaved together and all respond exactly the same.

DMX fixtures are designed to receive data through a serial Daisy Chain. A Daisy Chain connection is

where the DATA OUT of one fixture connects to the DATA IN of the next fixture. The order in which

the fixtures are connected is not important and has no effect on how a controller communicates to

each fixture. Use an order that provides for the easiest and most direct cabling. Connect fixtures

using shielded two conductor twisted pair cable with three pin XLR male to female connectors. The

shield connection is pin 1, while pin 2 is Data Negative (S-) and pin 3 is Data positive (S+). CHAUVET

carries 3-pin XLR DMX compliant cables, DMX-10 (33’), DMX-4.5 (15’) and DMX-1.5 (5’)

FIXTURE LINKING

Figure 1 - DMX connector configuration

Resistance 120

ohm 1/4w between

pin 2 (DMX -) and

pin 3 (DMX +) of

the last fixture.

COMMON

DMX +

INPUT

OUTPUT

Termination reduces signal errors and to

avoid signal transmission problems and

interference, it is always advisable to connect

a DMX signal terminator.

DMX -

Note!

If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5

pin to 3 pin adapter. Chauvet Model No: DMX5M.

The chart below details a proper cable conversion:

3 PIN TO 5 PIN CONVERSION CHART

CONDUCTOR

3 Pin Female (output)

5 Pin Male (Input)

Pin 1

GROUND/SHIELD

DATA ( - )SIGNAL

DATA ( + ) SIGNAL

DO NOT USE

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Pin 2

Pin 3

Do not use

DO NOT USE

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Appendix

Maintenance

To maintain optimum performance and minimize wear fixtures should be cleaned frequently. Usage

and environment are contributing factors in determining frequency. As a general rule, fixtures should

be cleaned at least twice a month. Dust build up reduces light output performance and can cause

overheating. This can lead to reduced lamp life and increased mechanical wear. Be sure to power off

fixture before conducting maintenance.

Unplug fixture from power. Use a vacuum or air compressor and a soft brush to remove dust

collected on external vents and internal components. Clean all glass when the fixture is cold with a

mild solution of glass cleaner or Isopropyl Alcohol and a soft lint free cotton cloth or lens tissue. Apply

solution to the cloth or tissue and drag dirt and grime to the outside of the lens. Gently polish optical

surfaces until they are free of haze and lint. Do not to touch the lamp glass when cleaning fixture. Oil

and dirt can cause damage and premature aging of the lamp. In the event that the lamp is touched or

becomes dirty, clean the lamps with an alcohol wipe.

The cleaning of internal and external optical lenses and/or mirrors must be carried out periodically to

optimize light output. Cleaning frequency depends on the environment in which the fixture operates:

damp, smoky or particularly dirty surrounding can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the unit’s

optics. Clean with soft cloth using normal glass cleaning fluid. - Always dry the parts carefully. - Clean

the external optics at least every 20 days. Clean the internal optics at least every 30/60 days.

Returns Procedure

Returned merchandise must be sent prepaid and in the original packing, call tags will not be issued.

Package must be clearly labeled with a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RA #). Products

returned without an RA # will be refused. Call CHAUVET and request RA # prior to shipping the

fixture. Be prepared to provide the model number, serial number and a brief description of the cause

for the return. Be sure to properly pack fixture, any shipping damage resulting from inadequate

packaging is the customer’s responsibility. CHAUVET reserves the right to use its own discretion to

repair or replace product(s). As a suggestion, proper UPS packing or double-boxing is always a safe

method to use.

Claims

Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper; therefore the damage must be

reported to the carrier upon receipt of merchandise. It is the customer's responsibility to notify and

submit claims with the shipper in the event that a fixture is damaged due to shipping. Any other claim

for items such as missing component/part, damage not related to shipping, and concealed damage,

must be made within seven (7) days of receiving merchandise.

DMX-55 User Manual

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Appendix

General Troubleshooting

Applies to

Foggers

& Snow

Dimmers

& Chaser

Symptom

Solution(s)

Lights

Controllers

Auto shut off

Check fan thermal switch reset



Beam is very dim or not Clean optical system or replace lamp



bright

Check 220/110v switch for proper setting

Breaker/Fuse keeps

blowing

Check total load placed on device



Chase is too slow

Check users manual for speed adjustment



Device has no power

Check for power on Mains.



Check device’s fuse. (internal and/or external)

Fixture is not

responding

Check DMX Dip switch settings for correct addressing

Check DMX cables

Check polarity switch settings



Fixture is on but there

is no movement to the

audio

Make sure you have the correct audio mode on the control

switches. If audio provided via ¼” jack, make sure a live

audio signal exists



Adjust sound sensitivity knob

Lamps cuts off

sporadically

Possible bad lamp or fixture is overheating.

Lamp may be at end of its life.



Light will not come on

after power failure

Some discharge lamps require a cooling off period before

the electronics in the fixture can kick start it again, wait 5 to

10 minutes before powering up

Loss of signal

Use only DMX cables

Install terminator

Note: Keep DMX cables separated from power cables or

black lights.



Moves slow

No flash

Check 220/110v switch for proper setting

Re-install bulb, may have shifted in shipping



No laser output

Bounce mirror motor may have shifted during shipping,

readjust



No light output

Check slip ring & brushes for contact

Install bulb



Call service technician

Relay will not work

Check reset switch



Check cable connections

Remote does not work

Stand alone mode

Make sure connector is firmly connected to device



All Chauvet lighting fixtures featuring stand-alone functions

do not require additional settings, simply power the fixture

and it will automatically enter into this mode

DMX-55 User Manual

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Appendix

Technical Specifications

WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS

Length......................................................................................................................514 mm (20.25 in)

Width..............................................................................................................................89 mm (3.5 in)

Height ........................................................................................................................171 mm (6.75 in)

Weight............................................................................................................................ 2.7 Kg (6 lbs)

POWER

Operating Range..............................................................................................DC 9V-12V 500mA min

Adapter ...................................................................................................................................Provided

THERMAL

Maximum ambient temperature.......................................................................................45°C (113° F)

CONTROL & PROGRAMMING

Data input ............................................................................................. locking 3-pin XLR male socket

Data output ...................................................................................2 x locking 3-pin XLR female socket

Data pin configuration ............................................................................pin 1 shield, pin 2 (-), pin 3 (+)

Protocols.....................................................................................................................DMX-512 USITT

ORDERING INFORMATION

DMX-55 DMX Controller...........................................................................................................DMX-55

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We declare that our products (lighting equipments) comply with the following specification and bears

CE mark in accordance with the provision of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

89/336/EEC.

.................................................................EN55014-1: 1993, EN61000-3-2: 1995, EN61000-3-3:1995

......................................................................................................... EN55014-2: 1997 CATEGORY II

..............................................................EN61000-4-2: 1995, EN61000-4-3: 1995, EN61000-4-4:1995

...........................................................EN61000-4-5: 1995, EN61000-4-6: 1995, EN61000-4-11: 1994

Harmonized Standard ...............................................................................................EN60598-1: 1993

Safety of household and similar electrical appliances Part 1: General requirements

Following the provisions of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and 93/68/EEC.

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We declare that our products (remote controller) comply with the following specification and bears CE

mark in accordance with the provision of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

89/336/EEC.

.................................................................................................................................... EN55015: 1993

.................................................................................................................................EN50082-1: 1997

..............................................................................................................................EN61000-3-2: 1995

..............................................................................................................................EN61000-3-3: 1995

DMX-55 User Manual

2006-01-11 11:59:07

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