blizzard node:b RGBAL Engine Modular Architectural Lighting System User Manual

blizzard node:b RGBAL Engine Modular Architectural Lighting System

Product Information

The node:b RGBAL is a lighting fixture from Blizzard Lighting, LLC with main features such as dimmer, color intensity control for red, green, blue, amber, and lime colors. It also has strobe, dimming speed and curves control, and DMX connectivity. The fixture can be mounted and rigged easily, and an optional lens barrel can be installed for better light control.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Getting Started: Unbox the fixture and check the contents. Connect the fixture to a suitable ground circuit and power it on.
   Note : Do not use a rheostat or dimmer circuit to power thefixture.

2. Setup: Replace the fuse if necessary, connect multiple fixtures using DMX cables and connectors, and install optional accessories such as a lens barrel.

3. Operating Adjustments: Use the control panel to adjust the dimming speed, curves, and frequency, as well as fan settings and DMX values. Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions.

4. Appendix: Follow the guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to keep the fixture in good condition. Contact customer support if any issues arise with the fixture or shipping.

Overall, the node:b RGBAL is a versatile lighting fixture suitable for various occasions such as concerts and events. With proper usage and maintenance, it can provide high-quality lighting for a long time.

GETTING STARTED

What’s In The Box?

• Node :b RGBAL Engine
• Mounting Brackets and Locking Knobs
• Lens Attachment Thumbscrew
• Gobo Holder
• This Lovely User Manual

Optional Accessories (sold separately)
The following accessories are available for this fixture. But the lone wolves that they are, they must be purchased separately. Contact your authorized Blizzard Lighting dealer for pricing

• Node :b-LENS-15-30: 15-30° Profile Zoom Lens
• Node :b-LENS-25-50: 25-50° Profile Zoom Lens
• Node :b-LENS-FRESNEL: 16-65° Fresnel Zoom Lens

Getting It Out Of the Box
Congratulations on purchasing the node:b RGBAL. Now that you’ve got your fixture, 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 fixture must be returned to the factory, it is important that the fixture be returned in the original factory box and packing.

Powering Up!
All fixtures 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.

Warning! All fixtures must be connected to circuits with a suitable Ground (Earthing).

Getting A Hold Of Us
If something happens to go wrong, visit blizzardpro.com/support and open a support ticket. We’ll be happy to help, honest.

Disclaimer: The information and specifications contained in this document are subject to change without notice. Blizzard Lighting™ assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may appear in this user manual. Blizzard Lighting™ reserves the right to update the existing document or to create a new document to correct any errors or omissions at any time. You can download the latest version of this document from www.blizzardpro.com.

Safety Instructions

Please read these instructions carefully. They include important information about the installation, usage and maintenance of this product

• 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 de-cal 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 20in (50cm) from adjacent surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are blocked.
• ALWAYS disconnect from the power source before servicing or replacing fuse and be sure to replace with same fuse size and type.
• ALWAYS secure fixture using a safety chain. NEVER carry the fixture by its head. Use its carrying handles.
• DO NOT operate at ambient temperatures higher than 104°F (40°C).
• 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 tech-nical assistance center. Always use the same type spare parts.
• NEVER connect the device to a dimmer pack.
• 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.

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 open a support ticket at www.blizzardpro.com/support.

MEET THE NODE B RGBAL

Main Features

• Light source: 200W RGBAL COB LED
• Engine accommodates profile or fresnel lens barrels (sold separately)
• Small in size, 10cm fixture diameter
• Lens: glass optical lens
• 1-25Hz strobe effects
• Flicker-free resolution, perfect for video
•  Adjustable LED refresh rates (1000-8000 Hz)
• 16-bit dimming, with 4 user-selectable dimming curves
• User selectable dimming speeds (low/medium/high)
• Dual mounting brackets for flexible positioning
• M12 sized bracket holes
• Heavy-duty, fixed power cord
• Quiet fan cooling
• 3-pin male/female XLR input & output connections

Control

• Protocol : USITT DMX-512
• DMX channels: 6/9-channels
• Easy-to-use 4-button control panel with OLED display
• Operating modes : DMX-512, standalone

DMX Quick Reference (6/9-Channel Mode)

Node:b™ RGBAL Pin-Up Picture

The Rear Connections

SETUP

Before replacing the fuse, disconnect the power cord. ALWAYS replace it with the same type and rating.

Fuse Replacement
Remove the fuse holder from of its housing. Then take out the damaged fuse from its holder and replace with exact same type of fuse. Reattach the fuse holder, and then reconnect power.

Connecting A Bunch of Node:b Fixtures
You can use a serial data link to run light shows when using a DMX-512 controller with two or more fixtures. 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. Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line. Also, 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. The maximum recommended cable-run distance is 500 meters (1640 ft). The maximum recommended number of fixtures on a serial data link is 32 fixtures.

Data/DMX Cabling
To link fixtures together you’ll need data cables. You should use data-grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to electromagnetic interference.
For instance, Belden© 9841 meets the specifications 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. 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

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

A Word on Termination:
DMX is a resilient communication protocol, however errors still occasionally occur. Termination reduces signal errors, and therefore best practices include use of a terminator in all circumstances. If you are experiencing problems with erratic fixture behavior, especially over long signal cable runs, a terminator may help improve performance.

Take It To The Next Level: Setting Up DMX Control

1. Step 1 : Connect the male connector of the DMX cable to the female connector (output) on the controller.

2. Step 2 : Connect the female connector of the DMX cable to the first fixture’s male connector (input).
   Note : It doesn’t matter which fixture address is the first one connected. We recommend connecting the fixtures in terms of their proximity to the controller, rather than connecting the lowest fixture number first, and so on.

3. Step 3 : Connect other fixtures in the chain from output to input. You should place a DMX terminator on the output of the final fixture to ensure best communication.

Installing a Lens Barrel

1. Align the notch of the lens barrel with the marked line on the engine.
2. Insert the and turn the lens barrel counterclockwise to the secured position.
3. Fully secure the lens barrel to the fixture using the included thumbscrew.

Insert the Gobo Holder (Profile Lens Barrels Only)

1. Remove the profile lens barrel, align the gobo holder with the barrel slots.
2. Insert the gobo holder into the slot, and turn counterclockwise to secure.
3. Align the V-shape on the holder with the marked spot on the lens barrel.

Mounting & Rigging
This fixture may be mounted in any SAFE position provided there is enough room for ventilation. The fan or vent pathway must never be obstructed. Mount the fixture using a suitable “C” or “O” type clamp. The clamp should be rated to hold at least 10x the fixture’s weight to ensure structural stability. Do not mount to surfaces of unknown strength, and ensure properly rated rigging is used when mounting fixtures overhead.

IMPORTANT : Regardless of the rigging option you choose for your fixtures, always be sure to secure your fixture with a safety cable.

OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS

The Control Panel
All the features and different modes possible with the node:b™ are accessed by using the control panel on the rear of the fixture. There are 4 control buttons under to the menu display which allow you to navigate through the various control panel menus.

< MENU>
Is used to navigate to the previous higher-level menu item.

< UP>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in ascending order.

< DOWN>
Scrolls through menu items and numbers in descending order.

< ENTER>
Is used to select and confirm/store the current selection.

The control panel display shows the menu items you select from the menu map on page #11. When a menu function is selected, the display will show immedi-ately the first available option for the selected menu function. To select a menu item, press . Use the and buttons to navigate the menu options. Press the 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