Enjoy your product! Our sincerest thanks for your purchase!

--The team @ Blizzard Lighting

Blizzard Lighting, LLC www.blizzardlighting.com Wisconsin, USA Copyright (c) 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tech Specs! 1 3 Length Width Height Weight Power Operating Voltage Fuse Power Consumption Light Source LED Optical Beam Angle Luminous Intensity Thermal Max. Operating Temp. Control Protocol DMX Channels Input Output USITT DMX-512 13 3-pin XLR Male 3-pin XLR Female Other Operating Modes Standalone, Master/Slave, Sound Active Coolness Factor Leventy Billion Percent Warranty 2-year limited warranty, does not cover malfunction caused by damage to LEDs. 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) ambient 30 degrees 2,970 Lux @ 1m 252x10mm, .5W (84x Each Red, Green, Blue), 100,000 hours. 20W 2A 250V 90-130VAC, 50-60 Hertz 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 2.5 inches (65 mm)
3 3 3 3 4

COLORStorm 252 Weight & Dimensions 42.3 inches (1070 mm)

1. Getting Started

Whats In The Box? Getting It Out Of The Box Powering Up! Getting A Hold Of Us Safety Instructions (Dont Stick Your Hand In The Toaster!)

2. Meet The COLORStorm 252

Features DMX Quick Reference

3. Setup
6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8

Fuse Replacement Connecting A Bunch Of COLORStorm 252s Data/DMX Cables Cable Connectors 3-Pin??? 5-Pin??? Huh? Take It To The Next Level: Setting up DMX Control Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode) Mounting/Rigging

4. Operating Adjustments
9 10 10 10 11 12

The Control Panel DMX Mode Sound Active/Auto Mode Master/Slave Mode DMX Channel Values In-Depth Troubleshooting

5. Appendix
13 14 14 14 15

13

A Quick DMX Lesson Keeping Your COLORStorm As Good As New Returns (Gasp!) Shipping Issues Tech Specs

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Keeping Your COLORStorm As Good As New

1. GETTING STARTED
Whats In The Box?
1 x COLORStorm 252 2 x Mounting brackets w/bolts & washers This Lovely User Manual

The xture youve 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, youll need to take care of it if you want it to operate as designed. You should absolutely keep the xture 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 xture running cool and prevent damage from overheating.

Getting It Out Of The Box

In transit, keep the xtures in cases. You wouldnt throw a prized guitar, drumset, or other piece of expensive gear into a gear trailer without a case, and similarly, you shouldnt even think about doing it with your shiny new light xtures.

Common sense and taking care of your xtures 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 clients satistfaction and wow factor. Thats what its all about, after all!

Congratulations on purchasing one of the brightest, best-built wash lights anywhere! Now that youve got your COLORStorm (or hopefully, COLORStorms!), 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 xture must be returned to the factory, it is important that the xture be returned in the original factory box and packing.

Returns (Gasp!)

Powering Up!
All xtures 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.

Weve 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 doesnt go as planned. If you nd yourself with a xture that isnt behaving like a good little xture should, youll need to obtain a Return Authorization (RA).

Dont worry, this is easy. Just send an email to [email protected], and well issue you an RA. Then, youll 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 xture for transit, and whenever possible, use the original box & packing for shipping.

AC Voltage Switch - Not all xtures have a voltage select switch, so please verify that the xture you receive is suitable for your local power supply. See the label on the xture or refer to the xtures specications chart for more information. A xtures listed current rating is its average current draw under normal conditions. Check the xture 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 xture may result if the line voltage applied does not match the voltage indicated on the voltage selector switch. All xtures must be connected to circuits with a suitable Ground (Earthing).

When returning your xture 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 xture. Please remember that any shipping damage which occurs in transit to us is the customers responsibility, so pack it well!

Shipping Issues

Getting A Hold Of Us

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.

If something is wrong, just give us a call or send an email. Well be happy to help, honest. Blizzard Lighting W220 N1531 Jericho Ct. Suite E, Waukesha, WI 53186 USA [email protected] www.blizzardlighting.com 866-493-6025

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 exibility. 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 classication. 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 sliders 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.

5. APPENDIX

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 xture.

This product is intended for indoor use only.

To prevent risk of re or shock, do not expose xture to rain or moisture.

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.

Make sure there are no ammable 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.

There are ve 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 ows 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 dened standard. DMX is connected using a daisy-chain conguration where the source connects to the input of the rst device, the output of the rst 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.

ALWAYS disconnect from the power source before servicing or replacing fuse and be sure to replace with same fuse size and type.

ALWAYS secure xture using a safety chain. NEVER carry the xture by its cord. Use its carrying handles.

DO NOT operate at ambient temperatures higher than 104F (40C).

Each receiving device typically has a means for setting the starting channel number that it will respond to. For example, if two 6-channel xtures are used, the rst xture might be set to start at channel 1 so it would respond to DMX channels 1 through 6, and the next xture would be set to start at channel 7 so it would respond to channels 7 through 12.

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.

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 nished, 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 rst time around, it will be re-sent shortly.

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.

Not all 512 channels need to be output per packet, and in fact, it is very uncommon to nd 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 1980s DMX has become the standard for lighting control. It is exible, robust, and scalable, and its ability to control everything from dimmer packs to moving lights to foggers to lasers makes it an indispensible tool for any lighting designer or lighting performer.

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].

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Troubleshooting CONTROL FEATURES

2. MEET THE COLORStorm 252

Symptom

Solution

Fixture AutoShut Off

Check the fan in the xture. 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 xture 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.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

RGB color mixing via 252 high power 10mm Red/Green/Blue LEDs Variable electronic strobe 3 DMX modes for ultimate control exibility Each xture can display 1, 2, or 3 different colors simultaneously Built-in color & chase macros via DMX Built-in auto & sound activated programs via master/slave & DMX

No Light Output

Check to ensure xture 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.

Compact and lightweight (it kept its new years resolution!) Lux: 2,970 @ 1m Light source: 252x 10mm .5 watt LEDs. 54 Red, 99 each Green/Blue DMX Quick Reference (3 Channel Mode 1) Channel 1 2 3 What It Does Red (All Segments) Green (All Segments) Blue (All Segments)

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 units 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 appropriately.

No Response to Audio

Verify that the xture is in Sound Active mode. Adjust Audio Sensitivity, If Applicable.

DMX Quick Reference (3 Channel Mode 2) Channel 1 2 3 What It Does Chase/Sound/Color Macro Mode Color Macro/Speed/Sound Sensitiviy Strobe DMX Quick Reference (9 Channel Mode) Channel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 What It Does Red (Segment #1) Green (Segment #1) Blue (Segment #1) Red (Segment #2) Green (Segment #2) Blue (Segment #2) Red (Segment #3) Green (Segment #3) Blue (Segment #3)

Fixture Not Responding / Responding Erraticly

Make sure all connectors are seated properly and securely. Use Only DMX Cables. Install a Terminator. Check all cables for defects. Reset xture(s).

Intermittant Lamp

Check lamp for properly installation. Relamp, lamp may have reached end of life.

Remote Doesnt Work

Verify remote control cable is installed properly and securely. Verify remote is correct type (CA-9 or other as applicable.)

Fixture Moving On Its Own

Verify proper mode of operation. Is the xture in Auto mode?

If your problem isnt listed, or if problems persist, please contact support: [email protected].

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3. SETUP
DMX Channel Values (3 Channel Mode 1)
Channel
1 2 3 000 <-> 255 Blue (All Segments) 000 <-> 255 Green (All Segments) 000 <-> 017 Red (All Segments)

Channel Value

Does...

DMX Channel Values (3 Channel Mode 2)

Fuse Replacement

With a philips head screwdriver, unscrew the fuse holder from its housing. Remove the damaged fuse from its holder and replace with exact same type fuse. Insert the fuse holder back in its place and reconnect power.
1

Connecting A Bunch of COLORStorm 252 Fixtures

000 018 036 054 072 090 108 126 144 162 180 198 216 234

<-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <->

017 035 053 071 089 107 125 143 161 179 197 215 233 255

Mode/Chase Select Color Macro Mode Chase #1 Chase #2 Chase #3 Chase #4 Chase #5 Chase #6 Chase #7 Chase #8 Chase #9 Chase #10 Chase #11 Chase #12 Sound Active Mode Color Macro Select/Chase Speed/Sound Sensitivity Color Macro Select (Channel 1 = 000 <-> 017) Chase Speed (Slow <-> Fast) (Channel 1 = 018 <-> 233) Sound Sensitivity (Least <-> Most) (Channel 1 = 234 <-> 255)

You will need a serial data link to run light shows using a DMX-512 controller or to run shows on two or more xtures set to sync in master/slave operating mode. The combined number of channels required by all the xtures on a serial data link determines the number of xtures the data link can support.
3 000 <-> 010 011 <-> 255

Strobe No Function Strobe (Slow <-> Fast)

DMX Channel Values (9 Channel Mode)

Channel Value
000 <-> 255 000 <-> 255 000 <-> 255 000 <-> 255 000 <-> 255 000 <-> 255 000 <-> 255 000 <-> 255 000 <-> 255

Does...
Red (Segment #1) Green (Segment #1) Blue (Segment #1) Red (Segment #2) Green (Segment #2) Blue (Segment #2) Red (Segment #3) Green (Segment #3) Blue (Segment #3)

Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line. Also, connecting more than 32 xtures 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 xtures on a serial data link is 32 xtures.

Data/DMX Cabling

To link xtures together youll need data cables. You should use datagrade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to electromagnetic interference.

For instance, Belden 9841 meets the specications 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

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To set the unit in DMX Mode

To control the COLORStorm 252 in DMX mode, rst select from one of the three DMX control modes (3 Channel Mode 1, 3 Channel Mode 2, or 9 Chnanel Mode.)

Cable Connectors Cables must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR connector on the other end. (Duh!)

1.) Press the <MODE> Button until the display reads Addr. 2.) To select 3 Channel Mode 1, press the <SETUP> Button, then use the

<UP> or <DOWN> Buttons until the display reads 03Ch. 3.) To select 3 Channel Mode 2, press the <SETUP> Button, then use the

<UP> or <DOWN> Buttons until the display reads P3Ch. 4.) To select 9 Channel Mode, press the <SETUP> Button, then use the <UP>

or <DOWN> Buttons until the display reads

09Ch.

To set the DMX address:

1.) Press the <MODE> button until the display reads

Addr. 2.) Press the <SETUP> button until the display reads d001.

3.) Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to set the appropriate DMX address.

To run one of 13 built-in programs:

CAUTION: Do not allow contact between the common and the xtures chassis ground. Grounding the common can cause a ground loop, and your xture 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 youd like to build your own, the chart below details a proper cable conversion:

1.) Press the <MODE> Button until the display reads

PG00 to PG12.

For all programs except PG00, PG05, PG06: 1.) Use the <UP> or <DOWN> Buttons to select the appropriate program.

2.) Press the <SETUP> Button until the display reads SP99. 3.) Use the <UP> or <DOWN> Buttons to select the appropriate chase speed.

Conductor Ground/Shield DMX Data (-) DMX Data (+) Not Used. Not Used.

3-Pin Female (Output) Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 No Connection. No Connection.

5-Pin Male (Input) Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 No Connection. No Connection.

4.) Press the <SETUP> Button until the display reads FS.00. 5.) Use the <UP> or <DOWN> Buttons to select the appropriate ash speed.

For PG00 (Static Color Selection):

1.) Press the <SETUP> Button until the display reads C-.-1. 2.) Use the <UP> or <DOWN> Buttons to select the appropriate static color.

For PG05 (Flash Color Selection):

1.) Press the <SETUP> Button until the display reads C-.-1. 2.) Use the <UP> or <DOWN> Buttons to select the appropriate ash color.

Take It To The Next Level: Setting Up DMX Control

To step through all built-in programs:

1.) Press the <MODE> button until the display reads

AU70.

To step through all built-in programs in Sound Active Mode:

1.) Press the <MODE> button until the display reads SO.31. 2.) Use the <UP> or <DOWN> Buttons to adjust sound sensitivity between 1 and 31.

Step 2: Connect the female connector of the DMX cable to the rst xtures male connector (input). Note: It doesnt matter which xture address is the rst one connected. We recommend connecting the xtures in terms of their proximity to the controller, rather than connecting the lowest xture number rst, and so on. Step 3: Connect other xtures in the chain from output to input as above. Place a DMX terminator on the output of the nal xture to ensure best communication.

To set additional units as slaves while in Program/Sound Active/Auto Mode:

1.) Press the <MODE> button until the display reads

SLACopyright (c) 2010 Blizzard Lighting, LLC

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Fixture Linking (Master/Slave Mode) The Control Panel All the goodies and different modes possible with the COLORStorm 252 are accessed by using the control panel on the front of the xture. There are 4 control buttons below the LED display which allow you to navigate through the various control panel menus. <MODE> Is used to initially access the control panel system, and also navigate to the previous higher-level menu item. <SETUP> Conrms selections and navigates secondary control panel options. <UP> Scrolls through menu items and numbers in ascending order. <DOWN> Scrolls through menu items and numbers in descending order.

1. Connect the (male) 3 pin connector side of the DMX cable to the output (female) 3 pin connector of the rst xture. 2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the rst xture which will have a (female) 3 pin connector to the input connector of the next xture consisting of a (male) 3 pin connector. Then, proceed to connect from the output as stated above to the input of the following xture and so on. A quick note: Often, the setup for MasterSlave and Standalone operation requires that the rst xture in the chain be initialized for this purpose via either settings in the control panel or DIP-switches. Secondarily, the xtures that follow may also require a slave setting.

4. OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS

Check the Operating Adjustments section in this manual for complete instructions for this type of setup and conguration.

Mounting & Rigging

This xture 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 xture using a suitable C or O type clamp. The clamp should be rated to hold at least 10x the xtures weight to ensure structural stability. Do not mount to surfaces with unknown strength, and ensure properly rated rigging is used when mounting xutres overhead.

Adjust the angle of the xture by loosening both knobs and tilting the xture. After nding the desired position, retighten both knobs.

The Control Panel LED Display shows the menu items you select from the menu map on page #11. When a menu function is selected, the display will show immediately the rst available option for the selected menu function. To select a menu item, press <ENTER>.

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 xture will be exposed to rain, high humidity, extreme temperature changes or restricted ventilation.

Press the <MODE> button repeatedly until you reach the desired menu function. Use the <UP> and <DOWN> buttons to navigate the menu options. Press the <SETUP> button to select the menu function currently displayed, or to enable a menu option. To return to the previous option or menu without changing the value, press the <MODE> button.

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