Instruction manual

Power Supply: The American DJ® Flash Panel 16 contains a elec-
tronic ballast, which will auto sense the voltage when it is plugged into
the power source. With the electronic ballast you do not need to worry
about wall voltage, this unit can be plugged in anywhere.
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal pro-
tocol used as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures
and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from
the controller to the fixture. DMX data is sent as serial data that trav-
els from fixture to fixture via the DATA “IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR ter-
minals located on all DMX fixtures (most controllers only have a DATA
“OUT” terminal).
DMX Linking: DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of
different manufactures to be linked together and operate from a single
controller, as long as all xtures and the controller are DMX compli-
ant. To ensure proper DMX data transmission, when using several
DMX fixtures try to use the shortest cable path possible. The order
in which fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not influence the
DMX addressing. For example; a fixture assigned a DMX address of 1
may be placed anywhere in a DMX line, at the beginning, at the end,
or anywhere in the middle. When a fixture is assigned a DMX address
of 1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to address 1
to that unit, no matter where it is located in the DMX chain.
Dip-switches in DMX mode: This unit uses dipswitches to assign a
DMX address. Each dipswitch represents a binary value.
Dipswitch 1 address equals 1
Dipswitch 2 address equals 2
Dipswitch 3 address equals 4
Dipswitch 4 address equals 8
Dipswitch 5 address equals 16
Dipswitch 6 address equals 32
Dipswitch 7 address equals 64
Dipswitch 8 address equals 128
Dipswitch 9 address equals 256
Dipswitch 10 - Some units omit dipswitch 10. When a unit does include
dipswitch 10 it is used for special functions such as sound activation.
Each dipswitch has a preset value. A specific DMX address is set by
combining the dipswitches that sum your desired value. For example:
To achieve a DMX address of 21, combine dipswitches 1, 3, and 5.
Sense dipswitch 1 has a value of 1, dipswitch 3 has a value of 4, and
dipswitch 5 has a value of 16, the combination of the create a DMX
value of 21.
Set DMX address 21: Set DMX address 201:
Dipswitch # 1 = 1 Dipswitch # 1 = 1
Dipswitch # 3 = 4 Dipswitch # 4 = 8
Dipswitch # 5 = 16 Dipswitch # 7 = 64
= 21 Dipswitch # 8 = 128
= 201
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX Operation):
The Flash Panel 16 can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol. The Flash
Panel 16 is a 48 channel DMX unit. The DMX address is set on the back
panel of the Flash Panel 16. Your unit and your DMX controller require
a approved DMX-512 110 Ohm Data cable for
data input and data output (Figure 1). We rec-
ommend Accu-Cable DMX cables. If you are
making your own cables, be sure to use standard
110-120 Ohm shielded cable (This cable may be
purchased at almost all professional sound and
lighting stores). Your cables should be made with
a male and female XLR connector on either end
of the cable. Also remember that DMX cable must
be daisy chained and cannot be split.
©American DJ® - www.americandj.com - Flash Panel 16 Instruction Manual Page 5
Flash Panel 16 DMX Set Up
©American DJ Supply® - www.americandj.com - Flash Panel 16 Instruction Manual Page 6
Figure 1
Notice: Be sure to follow gures two and three when making your own
cables. Do not use the ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not con-
nect the cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the shield
conductor to come in contact with the XLR’s outer casing. Grounding
the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic behavior.
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT OUTPUT
DMX512
DMX+,DMX-,COMMON
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
1
2
3
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
COMMON
DMX512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
Figure 2
Flash Panel 16 DMX Set Up
ON
1 98765432 10
1282 8 32
256651641
SP
DMX CHANNEL