SHOWTEC Arc-Bar 3 User manual

Arc-Bar 3

ORDERCODE 41350

Congratulations!

You have bought a great, innovative product from Showtec.

The Showtec Arc-Bar 3 brings excitement to any venue. Whether you want simple plug-&-play action or a

sophisticated DMX show, this product provides the effect you need.

You can rely on Showtec, for more excellent lighting products.

We design and manufacture professional light equipment for the entertainment industry.

New products are being launched regularly. We work hard to keep you, our customer, satisfied.

For more information: iwant@showtec.info

You can get some of the best quality, best priced products on the market from Showtec.

So next time, turn to Showtec for more great lighting equipment.

Always get the best -- with Showtec !

Thank you!

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Showtec

Showtec Arc-Bar 3™ Product Guide

Warning..…...................................................................................…………………………………….………….…….

Unpacking Instructions………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Contact Us…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..

Safety-instructions………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Operating Determinations…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Rigging………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

Interlocking Multiple Fixtures………………………………………………………………………….………………

Description..…..............................................................................……….…………………………………………….

Features…….……………………………………………………………………………………….……...……………..

DMX Channel Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Backside…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Installation...............................................................................…...…………………………………….…………….…

Set Up and Operation.....................................................................……..…………………………….………………

Fixture Linking…………………............……..……………………………………………..……………………………

Data Cabling…………………............……..……………………………………………..……………………………

DMX Addressing without ID addressing.……………………............……..……………………………………….

DMX Addressing with ID Address……….........………………………………………....……………………………

ADAS with ID address...........……..…………....……..………………......……..…………………………………….

Control Panel...........……..…………....……..………………......……..……………………………………………...

MENU OVERVIEW ……..……………………………………..…………………………………….…….…………...…

- Creating a static color …...............................................…......……………………....…………..………..

- DMX 512 Address......................................................................….....……………..………………………..

- Activating an Auto Program …...............................................………………….....………………………

- Changing the Settings...............................................................….....……………..……………...……….

- Activating the Password …...............................................…......……………………....…………………..

- Power ON/OFF.................................…......……………………....…………………………………………….

Menu Map.....................................……..…………………………….......……..…………………………………..…..…

DMX Protocol.....................................……..…………………………….......……..…………………………………..…

Basic Instructions for DMX512 Operation DMX Mode 1...................................……..…………………………

DMX Control Mode 1..............……..….………………......………………....………………………………….……

Basic Instructions for DMX512 Operation DMX Mode 2...................................……..…………………………

DMX Control Mode 2..............……..….………………………………………………………………………………

DMX Value – ID Addresses......................................……..…………………………….………………………………

Examples.………………...................................................................……..…………………………….………………

Example 1..............……..………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Example 2..............……..………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Beam Angles…………...................................................................……..…………………………….………………..

Connection Cables.….................................................................……..…………………………….………………..

Maintenance...................................................................................………..………….…….………………………..

Troubleshooting............................................................................………………….………………….………………

Product Specifications.................................................................……………….…….………………………………

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WARNING

Unpacking Instructions

Immediately upon receiving this product, carefully unpack the carton and check the contents to ensure

that all parts are present, and have been received in good condition. Notify the dealer 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.

Your shipment includes:

• Arc-Bar 3

• 1X Powercable

• 1X XLR to 3-pin special connection cable

• User manual

Contact Us

General Information Highlite International B.V..

Vestastraat 2

6468 EX Kerkrade

The Netherlands

Sales Department: 0031 45-5667701

Export Department: 0031 45-5667706

Technical Support Highlite International B.V..

Vestastraat 2

6468 EX Kerkrade

The Netherlands

Technical Department: 0031 45-5667703

Internet www.highlite.nl/

LED Expected Lifespan

LEDs gradually decline in brightness over time. HEAT is the dominant factor that leads to the acceleration

of this decline. Packaged in clusters, LEDs exhibit higher operating temperatures than in ideal or singular

optimum conditions. For this reason when all color LEDs are used at their fullest intensity, life of the LEDs is

significantly reduced. It is estimated that a viable lifespan of 40,000 to 50,000 hours will be achieved

under normal operational conditions. If improving on this lifespan expectancy is of a higher priority, place

care in providing for lower operational temperatures. This may include climatic-environmental and the

reduction of overall projection intensity.

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, PLEASE READ THIS USER MANUAL CAREFULLY

BEFORE YOUR INITIAL START-UP!

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Every person involved with the installation, operation and maintenance of this device has to:

- be qualified

- follow the instructions of this manual

Before your initial start-up, please make sure that there is no damage caused by transportation. Should

there be any, consult your dealer and do not use the device.

To maintain perfect condition and to ensure a safe operation, it is absolutely necessary for the user to

follow the safety instructions and warning notes written in this manual.

Please consider that damages caused by manual modifications to the device are not subject to

warranty.

This device contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer servicing to qualified technicians only.

IMPORTANT:

The manufacturer will not accept liability for any resulting damages caused by the non-

observance of this manual or any unauthorized modification to the device.

Never let the power-cord come into contact with other cables! Handle the power-cord and all

connections with the mains with particular caution!

Never remove warning or informative labels from the unit.

Never use anything to cover the ground contact.

Never look directly into the light source.

Never leave any cables lying around.

Never use the device during thunderstorms, unplug the device immediately.

Never leave various parts of the packaging (plastic bags, polystyrene foam, nails, etc.) within

children’s reach, as they are potential sources of danger.

Do not insert objects into air vents.

Do not open the device and do not modify the device.

Do not connect this device to a dimmerpack.

Do not shake the device. Avoid brute force when installing or operating the device.

Do not switch the device on and off in short intervals, as this would reduce the system’s life.

Only use device indoor, avoid contact with water or other liquids.

Only operate the device after having familiarized with its functions.

Avoid flames and do not put close to flammable liquids or gases.

Always allow free air space of at least 50 cm around the unit for ventilation.

Always disconnect power from the mains, when device is not used or before cleaning! Only

handle the power-cord by the plug. Never pull out the plug by tugging the power-cord.

Make sure that the device is not exposed to extreme heat, moisture or dust.

Make sure that the available voltage is not higher than stated on the rear panel.

Make sure that the power-cord is never crimped or damaged. Check the device and the power-

cord from time to time.

Make sure that no side forces can impact on the truss system.

The cable insert or the female part in the device must never be strained. There must always be

sufficient cable to the device. Otherwise, the cable may be damaged which may lead to deadly

electrical shocks.

If the external cable is damaged, it has to be replaced by a qualified technician.

If the lens is obviously damaged, it has to be replaced. So that its functions are not impaired, due

to cracks or deep scratches.

If device is dropped or struck, disconnect mains power supply immediately. Have a qualified

engineer inspect for safety before operating.

CAUTION! Be careful with your operations.

With a dangerous voltage you can suffer

a dangerous electric shock when touching the wires!

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If the device has been exposed to drastic temperature fluctuation (e.g. after transportation), do

not switch it on immediately. The arising condensation water might damage your device. Leave

the device switched off until it has reached room temperature.

If your Showtec device fails to work properly, discontinue use immediately. Pack the unit securely

(preferably in the original packing material), and return it to your Showtec dealer for service.

For adult use only. The device must be installed out of the reach of children. Never leave the unit

running unattended.

For replacement use fuses of same type and rating only.

The user is responsible for correct positioning and operating of the Arc-Bar 3. The manufacturer will

not accept liability for damages caused by the misuse or incorrect installation of this device.

This device falls under protection class I. Therefore it is essential to connect the yellow/green

conductor to earth.

Repairs, servicing and electric connection must be carried out by a qualified technician.

WARRANTY: Till one year after date of purchase.

OPERATING DETERMINATIONS

This device is not designed for permanent operation. Consistent operation breaks will ensure that the

device will serve you for a long time without defects.

The minimum distance between light-output and the illuminated surface must be more than 1.5 meter.

The maximum ambient temperature t

a

= 45°C must never be exceeded.

The relative humidity must not exceed 50 % with an ambient temperature of 45° C.

If this device is operated in any other way, than the one described in this manual, the product may suffer

damages and the warranty becomes void.

Any other operation may lead to dangers like short-circuit, burns, electric shock, lamp explosion, crash

etc.

You endanger your own safety and the safety of others!

Improper installation can cause serious damage to people and property !

CAUTION ! EYEDAMAGES !.

Avoid looking directly into the light source.

(meant especially for epileptics) !

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Rigging

Please follow the European and national guidelines concerning rigging, trussing and all other

safety issues.

Do not attempt the installation yourself !

Always let the installation be carried out by an authorized dealer !

Procedure:

If the Arc-Bar is lowered from the ceiling or high joists, professional trussing systems have to be

used.

Use a clamp to mount the Arc-Bar, with the mounting-bracket, to the trussing system.

The Arc-Bar must never be fixed swinging freely in the room.

The installation must always be secured with a safety attachment, e.g. an appropriate safety net

or safety-cable.

When rigging, derigging or servicing the Arc-Bar, always make sure, that the area below the

installation place is blocked and staying in the area is forbidden.

The Arc-Bar 3 can be mounted in a hanging position (Fig. Above) or Upright (Fig. Below), using the

support frame. It is recommended to use at least 2 mounting points per fixture. Mounting the Arc-Bar with

a clamp or any other mounting bracket is recommended, depending on the requirements of your

application.

The Arc-Bar 3 can be placed on a flat stage floor or mounted to any kind of truss by a clamp.

Improper installation can cause serious damage to people and property !

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Interlocking Multiple Fixtures

The figure below shows how multiple units can be interlocked together to create a 'panel' or 'blinder'

arrangement.

The 'male' and 'female' connections enable the fixtures to be interlocked together in the way shown in

the figure below.

Note: When multiple units are mounted together, it is not necessary to attach every single unit to the truss,

wall or weight supporting system. However, it is important to ensure that all fixtures are securely locked

together and that each fixture is individually secured using a safety cable.

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Description of the device

Features

The Arc-Bar 3 is a LED system from Showtec.

• IP rating: IP-65

• Output/LED: 1W

• Total LEDs: 54 (18x Red, 18x Green, 18x Blue)

• 12-channel DMX-512 LED bank system

• Separate DMX channels for red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow and white

• Blackout/static/dimmer/strobe

• Separate RGB control over each individual pod

• RGB color mixing with or without DMX controller

• Flip-down knobs for interlocking multiple units together, which can create blinder, wall and strip

light

effects (flush mounted)

• Automatic DMX-512 addressing (ADAS)

• LED display with lock-out feature

• Black anti-UV plastic cover

• Low power consumption

• Cooling: Direct air convection

• Beam Angle: 30 degrees

• Control: DMX-512 with 12 channels (with ID addressing)

• Effects: RGB Color mixing, Auto-programs, Strobe, Dimmer, Automatic DMX Addressing,

Intelligent ID addressing

NOTE: Knowledge of DMX is required to fully utilize this unit.

DMX Channel Summary

DMX Mode 1

Channel

Description

1

Red

2

Green

3

Blue

4

Yellow

5

Cyan

6

Purple

7

White

8

Strobe

9

Mode selection 245 <>255 : DMX Mode 2

10

ID Address selection

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Module selection

12

Effect macro

DMX Mode 2

Channel

Description

1

Module #1

2

Module #2

3

Module #3

4

No Function

5

No Function

6

No Function

7

No Function

8

Strobe

9

Mode selection 000 <>244 : DMX Mode 1

10

ID Address selection

11

No Function

12

No Function

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Overview

Fig. 1

1) 3x18 LEDS; Total 54 LEDs

2) Mountingbracket for Truss mounting

Backside

Fig. 2

3) Screws for connecting device side by side and/or on top of eachother

4) Adjustment Screw

5) DMX signal connector (IN)

6) DMX signal connector (OUT)

7) Power IN

8) Power OUT

9) LCD Display + Nenu Buttons (Set / Up / Down / Ext)

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Installation

Remove all packing materials from the Arc-Bar 3. Check that all foam and plastic padding is removed.

Connect all cables.

Do not supply power before the whole system is set up and connected properly.

Always disconnect from electric mains power supply before cleaning or servicing.

Damages caused by non-observance are not subject to warranty.

Set Up and Operation

Before plugging the unit in, always make sure that the power supply matches the product specification

voltage. Do not attempt to operate a 120V specification product on 230V power, or vice versa.

Fixture Linking

You will need a serial data link to run light shows of one or more fixtures using a DMX-512 controller or to

run synchronized shows on two or more fixtures set to a 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.

The Arc-Bar 3 uses 12 channels.

Important: Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line. To comply with the

EIA-485 standard no more than 32 devices should be connected on one data link.

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.

Maximum recommended serial data link distance: 500 meters

Maximum recommended number of Arc-Bars on a serial data link: 32 fixtures

Data Cabling

To link fixtures together you must obtain data cables. You can purchase DAP Audio certified DMX cables

directly from a dealer/distributor or construct your own cable. If you choose to create your own cable

please use data-grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to electromagnetic

interference.

DAP Audio Certified DMX Data Cables

• DAP Audio Basic microphone cable for allround use. bal. XLR/M 3 p. > XLR/F 3 p.

Ordercode FL01150 (1,5m.), FL013 (3m.), FL016 (6m.), FL0110 (10m.), FL0115 (15m.), FL0120 (20m.).

• DAP Audio cable for the demanding user with exceptional audio-qualities and connector made by

Neutrik®. Ordercode FL71150 (1,5m.), FL713 (3m.), FL716 (6m.), FL7110 (10m.).

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DMX512 ADDRESSING WITHOUT ID ADDRESSING

1) Connect a DMX controller (example 50403 Showdesigner) to the series of Arc-Bars.

2) Each Arc-Bar has 12 DMX channels (DMX address Arc-Bar #1=1, Bar #2=13, Bar #3=25, Bar #4=37,

etc.).

3) The ID address has not been set, so therefore when using the controller CH10 must be inactive (

CH10=0 ). It is also possible to deactivate the ID address, by selecting ID OFF from the Settings menu.

4) Any DMX address in the range from 001 to 244 may be used.

Showdesigner (50403)

Note: When using the Arc-Bars, the CH10 ID function must be inactive (CH10=0).

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DMX512 ADDRESSING WITH ID ADDRESS

1) Connect a DMX controller (example 50403 Showdesigner) to the series of Arc-Bars.

2) Each Arc-Bar has 12 DMX channels (DMX address Arc-Bar #1=1, Bar #2=13, Bar #3=25, Bar #4=37,

etc.).

3) Any DMX address in the range from 001 to 244 may be used.

4) Each DMX address may carry up to 66 separate ID addresses.

5) The ID Address should be set in the SETTINGS menu, on each unit in ascending values (i.e. 1,2,3...).

6) ID On should be set in the SETTINGS menu on each unit.

7) ID addresses are accessible from CH10 on the DMX512 controller.

Showdesigner (50403)

The figure above shows a simple DMX layout. All the Arc-Bars have different ID addresses which allows

the user to collectively control the whole group of Arc-Bars with the same DMX address by setting CH10

to 0, or to control each Arc-Bar independently by first selecting the DMX address and then by using CH10

to locate the target ID address.

Note: When using ID addresses it is also possible to activate ADAS (=Automatic DMX Addressing system),

which allows for even more options with DMX addressing and control.

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ADAS WITH ID ADDRESS (Automatic DMX Addressing System)

1) Connect a DMX controller (example 50403 Showdesigner) to the series of Arc-Bars.

2) Select ADAS ON from the Settings menu.

3) The ID Address should be set in the SETTINGS menu, on each unit in ascending values (i.e. 1,2,3...).

4) ADAS addressing is based on the ID address as follows:

ADAS DMX Address = { ADAS fader * (ID Address -1)}+ 1.

5) ADAS addressing is activated by moving CH8 + CH10 faders to the 255 value (CH8 = 255 & CH10 =

255).

6) ADAS addressing is deactivated by moving CH8 + CH10 + CH11 to the 255 value (CH8 = 255, CH10 =

255 & CH11 = 255).

7) When ADAS is deactivated, all DMX addresses will return to their original DMX Address.

8) To permanently store ADAS DMX addresses, select ADAS copy from the Settings menu,on the target

fixtures to store the new DMX Address.

Showdesigner (50403)

The figure above shows a simple ID address layout with only using one DMX address. Each Arc-Bar has a

different ID address, which will receive a new temporary DMX address when ADAS is activated (unless

ADAS copy is selected). The user is able to activate and deactivate ADAS, thus giving the possibility of

creating many different fixture grouping possibilities using the ID address, real DMX address and the ADAS

temporary DMX address.

Note: When using ADAS, all fixtures must have the following settings from the SETTINGS menu:

ID address Each unit should have the target ID address set in ascending order.

ID ON/OFF Each unit should set ID On.

ADAS fader no Each unit should be set to the same number of faders as your controller (must be≥ 12).

ADAS ON/OFF Each unit should be set as ADAS On.

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Control Panel

Fig. 5

A. Display D. Down Button

B. [SET] Button E. EXIT Button

C. UP Button

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MENU OVERVIEW

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Press the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll through 5 options of the menu:

Creating a static color

When you press SET in menu Static color, you can use your colors or strobe.

When you press SET again (choosing RED), the display shows:

You can use the up/down buttons to select the percentage of Red (0-255).

Press EXiT to go 1 step back.

You can combine RED, GREEN and BLUE to create an infinite range of colors (0-255).

Alternatively you can select YELLOW, CYAN, PURPLE and WHITE with full control over the intensity (0-255).

Or you can set the value of the strobe (0-20Hz).

Red Cyan

Set the value of the red LEDs (0-255). Set the value of the cyan LEDs (0-255).

Green Purple

Set the value of the green LEDs (0-255). Set the value of the purple LEDs (0-255).

Blue White

Set the value of the blue LEDs (0-255). Set the value of the white LEDs (0-255).

Yellow Strobe

Set the value of the yellow LEDs (0-255). Set the value of the flash (0-20Hz).

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DMX 512 Address

When you press SET in menu DMX 512 address to set the DMX address.

You can choose your DMX address between 0-244.

Activating an Auto Program

When you press SET in menu Auto Program, you can choose one of the 8 built-in programs.

When you press SET again (choosing Auto), the display shows:

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Changing the Settings

When you press SET in menu settings, you can choose:

1) ID address [01-66]

2) ID ON/OFF ON [OFF]

3) ADAS fader no [000-512]

4) ADAS ON/OFF ON [OFF]

5) ADAS copy ON [OFF]

6) ADAS copy ON/OFF ON [OFF]

When you press SET again (choosing ID address), the display shows:

You can use the up/down buttons to select the ID address (0-66)

Ad 1) Enter the ID Address to set the ID address for the unit.

Ad 2) Enter ID ON/OFF in order to allow/disallow ID address function from the DMX512 controller.

Ad 3) Enter the ADAS fader no to set the number of channel faders in each layer of the controller.

Ad 4) In ADAS ON/OFF select allow/disallow Automatic DMX512 Addressing System (ADAS).

Ad 5) In the ADAS COPY menu select whether to allow copy of DMX address to unit after ADAS has

assigned new DMX address when ADAS function is activated from the DMX512 controller.

Ad 6) Enter the [Reset to Factory Settings] in order to reset to default factory settings.

Activating the Password

1) Enter the Password mode to set a password ON/OFF.

2) When the password is activated, the display will ask for password each time the fixture is powered on.

3) Enter the Set password menu to change password.

4) Set a new password using the UP & DOWN keys.

5) Input an 8 digit password and then press SET to confirm.

NOTE: In the event that the password is forgotten. Please use the factory password shown below.

UP > DOWN > UP > DOWN > UP > UP > DOWN > DOWN

Power ON/OFF

1) When the display shows MENU , hold down the EXIT button for 3 seconds to turn off power.

2) When display is off, hold down the EXIT button for 3 seconds to turn on power.

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Menu Map

Main Function

Sub-Function

Selection

Description

Red

Green

• User can combine Red, Green and Blue

Blue

000 – 255*

to generate a custom color

Static Color

Yellow

(0 – 100%)

• Select intensity over pre-composed

Cyan

colors yellow, cyan, purple and white

Purple

*strobe range

• Select strobing frequency between 0

White

Is 0 – 20

and 20Hz

Strobe

DMX address

001 – 244

• 244 addressable DMX channels

1

2

3

Auto Program

4

• Choose from 8 Automatic run programs

5

6

7

8

ID Address

01 – 66

Assigns the ID address to a fixture

ID ON/OFF

On – Off

Either enables or disables ID addressing

Settings

ADAS Faders no

001 – 244

Sets the number of ADAS channels for use

when automating DMX channel assignment

ADAS ON/OFF

On – Off

Enables the Automatic DMX512

Addressing System

ADAS Copy

On – Off

When activated the DMX512 address

assigned by the ADAS will become

permanent on the fixture

Factory Settings

Reset Confirm

Resets fixture to factory default settings

When password is set to on the control

ON/OFF

On – Off

panel will ask for a password each time the

Password

control panel is accessed

Use UP and DOWN buttons to set and

press SET to confirm

Set Password

[????????]

Note! If you forget the password use the

following factory password:

UP, DOWN, UP, DOWN, UP, UP, DOWN

,DOWN

Power

Description

Turn OFF

When MENU is displayed in the LCD panel, hold down the EXIT-button for

3 seconds to turn off the fixture

Turn ON

Hold the EXIT-button for 3 seconds to turn power on

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