American DJ
®
User Manual
DMX-512
© American DJ® Los Angeles, CA 90058 - vortex™ User Manual page 1
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Intelligent Lighting Fixture
SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 8lbs.
Size: 14.25"L x 4.25" x 5.75"
Lamp: EXY 82V 250W
Fuse: 5A
Supply Voltage: 120V
Working Position: Any Safe position
Duty Cycle: Several Hours
Colors: 8 Dichroic Colored + White
Uses DMX 512 Protocol
CAUTION! Read instructions before installing or plugging unit in.
Introduction
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the American DJ Vortex
TM
. The Vortex
TM
is one of the finest pieces of its kind on the market today. The Vortex
TM
is a semi intelli-
gent fixture that can run as a stand alone sound active piece or in a master / slave
mode. This fixture is sound active and can be linked via XLR cables up to 16 pieces.
The Vortex comes with several build in programs that are best used in multiples of four
or more. The Vortex
TM
also offers you the ability to run with a standard DMX controller.
This piece is best used with a fog or haze machine. The Votex
TM
comes with a swivel
mirror that gives the allusion of X / Y movement, this mirror can be adjusted by hand.
The Vortex can operate in any of three modes; Stand alone, Master / Slave, and DMX,
these will be explained later in this manual. An optional Vortex/C controller may be
purchased separately that allows the user to control Black Out of the Vortex. This unit is
extremely light weight and compact which makes it perfect for mobile DJs, but is also
great for small club, bars, bowling centers and roller rinks.
HALOGEN LAMP WARNING!
This fixture is fitted with halogen
lamps which are highly suscepti-
ble to damage if improperly
handled. Never touch lamp with
bare fingers as the oil from your
hands will shorten lamp life. Also,
never move fixture until lamp
has had ample time to cool.
Remember, lamps are not cov-
ered under warranty conditions.
VORTEX
TM
Operating Instructions
STAND ALONE:
1. This function allows a single unit to run to the beat of the music.
2. To activate this mode set dip switches #1and #10, on the front of unit to the ON position
(
see master fixture on the DIP SWITCH chart on page 3
).
3. Adjust the music sensitivity knob on the bottom of the unit until you reach the desired
sound level sensitivity. Note: The fixture will automatically stay in black out mode until
there is sound.
4. The optional Vortex/C controller may be used in this function to allow independent control
over the fixture.
MASTER / SLAVE:
1. This function allows you to set up several units to operate without a controller.
2. The units will be sound activated and run to the internal built in programs.
3. To activate this function set one unit, the master unit, dip witches as followed: Set dip
switches #1and #10 to the on position (
see the chart on page 3
).
4. For additional units (slaves), up to 16 units total, follow the chart on page 3
5. Connect the units together via XLR cables remembering that the
Male XLR socket is IN
and the
Female XLR socket is OUT
.
6. The optional Vortex/C controller may be used in this function to allow independent control
of Black Out over the fixtures.
Note: In sound active mode the units will go in to blackout mode in 7 seconds if no
sound is present and the lamp will shut down 30 seconds later to preserve lamp life.
UNIVERSAL DMX CONTROL:
1. This function allows you to us a standard DMX controller such as the American DJ Show
Designer
TM
.
2. The use of a DMX controller will allow you to customize the use of fixtures allowing you
independent control of the colors, speed, and the ability to black out.
3. This will allow you to create your own programs or use your fixtures as spot lights.
4. The Vortex
TM
is a DMX two channel fixture; channel one controls the color and shutter,
channel two controls the mirror movement.
5. When using a DMX controller and setting up for DMX operation follow the dip switch set-
tings on page 3. If starting at a higher DMX channel follow the standard DMX Binary
Code.
6. For help running in DMX operation consult the manual that comes with your DMX
controller.
LLaammpp RReeppllaacceemmeenntt::
Caution! Never open the unit when in use. Always disconnect the main power
before attempting to replace the lamp. Remember always replace with the same type lamp and fuse.
Lamp replacement: Remove the two thumb screws on the cover located on the front of the fixture.
Remove and replace the lamp. Replace the cover.
The American DJ Vortex comes with a 90 day limited warranty. We recommend filling out the warranty registra-
tion card that came with your fixture to validate your warranty. For service contact American DJ.
TM
American DJ® Los Angeles, CA 90058 - vortex™ User Manual page 2
VORTEX
TM
10
MASTER
123 54791086
ON
123 54791086
ON
123 54791086
ON
123 54791086
ON
SLAVE 1
SLAVE 2
SLAVE 3
123 547986
ON
SLAVE 4
123 54791086
ON
SLAVE 5
123 54791086
ON
SLAVE 6
123 54791086
ON
SLAVE 7
American DJ
®
American DJ® Los Angeles, CA 90058 - vortex™ User Manual page 3
VORTEX
TM
Stand Alone Master/Slave Dip Switch Settings
123 54791086
123 54791086
ON
123 54791086
ON
123 54791086
ON
SLAVE 8
SLAVE 9
SLAVE 10
SLAVE 11
SLAVE 12
SLAVE 13
SLAVE 14
SLAVE 15
123 54791086
ON
123 54791086
ON
123 54791086
ON
123 54791086
ON
XLR CONNECTIONS
DATA IN
MALE XLR INPUT
3 Data +
2 Data -
1 Ground
WHITE
COLOR
CHANGE
SPEED
STROBE
IN
WHITE
MAGENTA
PINK
AMBER
GREEN
ORANGE
YELLOW
BLUE
LIGHT
GREEN
WHITE
BLACKOUT
255
254
160
159
86
78
72
60
54
44
37
26
18
9
This chart shows the value
used to set the desired effect.
The Vortex uses 2 channel
DMX per unit.
To set the DMX Channel
Use Binary Code, 1 to 8
are shown above. If higher
starting Channels
are needed read DMX
When longer runs of cable are used you may need to
use a terminator on the last unit. A terminator is a 90 -
120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is connected between
DATA + and DATA - use an extra male Plug for this and
insert in last unit
ON
0
/