LIGHTRONICS RD121 Rack Mount Dimmer Owner’s Manual
- June 12, 2024
- LIGHTRONICS
Table of Contents
RD121
RACK MOUNT DIMMER
OWNER’S MANUAL
VERSION 1.4
02/17/2022
UNIT DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS
The RD121 is a 14,400 Watt, 12 channel, rack mountable dimmer. Each of the
channels has a capacity of 1200 Watts. It is controlled via low voltage
signals which may be LMX-128 (3 wire multiplex) or USITT DMX-512. The unit is
fan cooled. Channels may be independently assigned from the unit. The unit is
over temperature protected and has a magnetic circuit breaker for each
channel.
There are five options for channel output connection panels. Options include:
Duplex outlet panel with 1 connection per channel, External terminal strip
(includes knockout cover), Stagepin panel with 1 connection per channel,
Patchbay panel with 2 powerlock connections per channel and Socapex connector
panel (wiring per customer selection).
The RD121 has several stand alone functions which enable it to operate without
a control console. These functions include a storable scene which may be
activated by an external switch closure, a programmable chaser and 7 factory
set chase patterns.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Each RD121 requires both hots from a SINGLE PHASE 120/240 VOLT AC or TWO
PHASES OF A THREE PHASE 120/208 VOLT AC service. The neutral conductor is
shared by two hots so it is important the two hots used are of different
phases.
EACH PHASE must be capable of providing 60 AMPS. Line frequency is typically
60HZ. A 50HZ model is available for export. Refer to the dimmer electrical
rating markings to determine the operating frequency. One or more RD121
dimmers may be installed into a standard 19″ equipment rack with provisions
for connection to an appropriate electrical service in accordance with the
National Electrical Code.
INSTALLATION
PLACEMENT
The RD121 is designed to be mounted in a standard 19″ equipment rack using the
four mounting holes in the face plate of the dimmer. If the dimming system
will be used for touring shows, it is recommended you provide additional
support for the rear of the unit. The dimmer is fan cooled and requires no
space between units when multiple dimmers are used. Air enters the dimmer
through slots on the side and exits through holes in the bottom of the face
plate. Make certain these ventilation holes are not obstructed. Do not place
the RD121 where it will be exposed to moisture or excessive heat. The RD121 is
intended for INDOOR USE ONLY.
POWER CONNECTIONS
WARNING
MAKE CERTAIN POWER IS REMOVED FROM THE FEED CIRCUITS BEFORE YOU BEGIN
INSTALLATION.
Consult your local electrical codes to determine the proper wire type and
wiring methods for your installation.
Power enters the RD121 through a knockout sized for 1” conduit at the rear of
the unit. Remove the top cover and install an appropriate cable clamp in the
knockout hole. Pass the power cables through the hole. Behind the hole is a
terminal block with three lugs. The connections labeled “H1” and “H2” are the
line connections or “hots”. The center connection labeled “N” is the neutral.
There is an additional lug labeled “G” to the right of the terminal block.
This is for connecting the unit to earth ground. When connections are
completed, reinstall the cover and tighten the cable clamp.
OUTPUT CHANNEL CONNECTIONS
The RD121 can be supplied with one of several rear panel output options.
Channel output connections are according to the rear panel selected. Channel
connections generally proceed from left to right (if you are facing the rear
of the unit). Channel “1” will be on the left end. On a unit supplied with
edison plug outlets, channels 1 – 6 are on the top row (from left to right).
Channels 7 – 12 are on the lower row (from left to right). Connections for
load Neutrals are provided. There is also a ground lug terminal to be used for
your load circuit grounds.
CONTROL SIGNAL CONNECTIONS (Units with DB9 connectors)
A control signal enters the RD121 through connectors on the rear of the unit.
If you are using the 3 pin multiplex protocol (“LMX” or compatible), plug the
control cable into the 3 pin “XLR” connector.
If you are using the DMX-512 protocol, plug your 5 pin DMX control cable into
the 5 pin to 9 pin adapter supplied with the RD121 and plug the 9 pin
connector into the upper 9 pin connector on the rear of the dimmer. In either
case, the lower 9 pin connector and the ribbon cable jumper that is supplied
can be used to connect from the lower connector of the first dimmer into the
upper connector of the next dimmer and so on. See the included drawings at the
back of this manual for clarification. The RD121 is shipped with the power
supply set to provide +15 volts DC console power when using the 3 pin
multiplex protocol. Note the DMX-512 protocol does NOT provide a means for
console power via the control cable. Systems using the DMX protocol must have
console power supplied by other means.
CONTROL SIGNAL CONNECTIONS (Units with 5 pin DMX & 7 pin Phoenix connector)
A control signal enters the RD121 through connectors on the rear of the unit.
You can plug the 5 pin control cable into the 5 pin XLR connector or connect
individual wires into the 7 pin Phoenix connector. Connections to additional
DMX devices can be made via the lower 5 pin XLR connector or into the 7 pin
Phoenix connector. See the included drawings at the back of this manual for
clarification.
SETUP
The RD121 has a front panel LCD display and operator controls. The display
indicates dimmer status information and is used with the operator control
buttons to set up and monitor dimmer operation. A menu system is used to
access the various features of the RD121. During normal dimmer operation the
display shows the current intensity setting for each channel and indicates
what type of dimmer control is in effect. This is called the STATUS DISPLAY
and is shown in the diagram below.
STATUS DISPLAY AND OPERATOR CONTROLS
RESETTING THE UNIT
The RD121 may be reset to a “factory provided” configuration by holding down
the MENU button on the front panel for about 5 seconds. A message “SYSTEM
RESET” will appear on the front panel LCD display. Release the MENU button
when you see the message. Resetting the unit causes the following actions:
- Channel patch is set to 1 to 1.
- All channels are set to DMR (relay mode turned off).
- The external switch sensing function is turned off.
- The internally stored scene is turned off. (it is not erased).
- The programmable chase pattern is turned off and erased.
- Chase parameters are set to a default set of conditions. The Default conditions are given in the table under the section CONTROLLING CHASER CHARACTERISTICS.
You should perform a setup procedure before using the unit. Setup includes (1)
Setting the channel assignments the dimmer will respond to and (2) Setting
individual channels to “DMR” or “RLY” (relay). Once the setup is completed the
unit will retain the settings until changed by the operator (including when
the unit is powered off and restarted).
ASSIGNING DIMMER CHANNELS (CHANNEL PATCHING)
The RD121 has 12 dimming channels labeled 1-12.
Each of these channels may be assigned to any console channel number from 1 to
512. Multiple dimmer channels may be assigned to a single console fader if
desired. This gives you the ability to soft patch at the dimmer itself.
TO ASSIGN DIMMER CHANNELS:
-
Press the MENU once to enter the patch mode.
The display will indicate “PTCH”. -
Push SELECT. The left display bar graph channel (for dimmer channel A) will flash and the currently assigned console channel will be shown on the display bottom row. Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to change the console channel assignment for channel 1.
-
Push SELECT to advance to the next dimmer channel. Continue to assign channels through channel 12.
-
Push MENU three times to return to the normal operation mode.
TO SET CHANNELS TO DIM OR NON-DIM (RELAY):
- Press MENU twice. The LCD display will indicate “NDIM”.
- Push SELECT. The left display bar graph channel (for dimmer channel 1) will flash. The display will show “DMR” or “RLY” on the bottom row according to the current setting.
- Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to change between dimmer and relay modes for that channel.
- Push SELECT to advance to the next dimmer channel. Continue to set channels through channel 12.
- Press MENU twice to return to the normal display.
MANUAL OPERATION
Dimmer channels can be operated manually from the dimmer front panel. Press
the SELECT button until the desired channel’s “bar graph” is flashing.
Press the UP or DOWN arrow buttons until the desired level is reached. Press
the SELECT button to advance to other channels. To return control to your
console, press the SELECT button until you go PAST the last channel and stop.
After approximately 6 seconds the dimmer will return to console control.
A channel continues to respond to console settings when operating from the
front panel unless you change the level for that channel at the dimmer front
panel. Once this occurs – that channel will NOT respond to console settings
until you return to normal console control.
NORMAL OPERATION
As you operate faders on your console, the associated channel levels are
indicated on the RD121 display. The display will also indicate any abnormal
conditions such as over temperature. The fan will run at full speed whenever
there is a control signal present and one or more faders are at full on.
The fan will drop to half speed a few minutes after all faders are lowered to
full off and will stop shortly after the control signal is removed.
INTERNAL SCENE OPERATION
The RD121 has the ability to internally save a single scene which may be
activated remotely. The scene remains in the unit’s memory when it is shut off
and will be available the next time the unit is powered on. A saved scene is
not lost when the unit is reset.
TO SAVE A SCENE:
-
Create the scene from a control console or from the front panel of the dimmer itself by activating the applicable channels.
-
Press and hold the front panel SELECT button until you see the front panel display appears as shown below (You will have to hold the button down for about 6 seconds):
Scene
Save #01 -
Push SELECT. The display will show the message:
SAVING
NOW ! -
The scene has been recorded when the LCD reverts to its normal display.
TO ACTIVATE A STORED SCENE:
A scene previously stored in the RD121 is activated by connecting together
Switch Input & Switch Common (Pins 6 and 7 of the 7-pin Phoenix connector or
pins 5 and 9 of either DB9 connector depending on the rear plate design). The
connectors are on the rear of the dimmer. This may be done via a remotely
located switch. The activated scene will remain active as long as a closed
circuit is maintained between these pins.
In addition to activating a scene, the RD121 can be set to ignore the remote
switch or activate chaser functions. In order to use the remote switch for
internal scene activation you must enable that function as follows:
- Push MENU 3 times. The display will show the message “MENU” on the bottom row.
- Push SELECT. The LCD will display one of the messages shown below.
- If “Not Used” or “Chaser” appears on the bottom row, push the UP or DOWN until “Scene” appears.
- Push SELECT to return the unit to normal operation.
The front panel display shows an “S” on the bottom row as an indication that
an internal scene is active.
NOTES ABOUT INTERNAL SCENE
The RD121 continues to respond to control console signals when the internal
scene is activated. The intensity of any given channel will be the “greatest
of” or “pile on” result of the internal scene and console level setting.
If multiple RD series dimmers are connected as a system (See CONTROL SIGNAL
CONNECTIONS), then a remote switch connected to the system can activate system
wide scenes or only scenes in specific dimmers depending on how the remote
switch function is set in each dimmer. These scene features give you the
ability to use the dimmer for house lights and other applications where it is
not practical to operate a control console.
CHASER OPERATION
The RD121 can operate chaser functions as a “stand alone” unit with no
control console present.
There are 7 factory set chase patterns embedded in the unit software. There is
also one pattern which may be programmed by the user. The chase step rate,
chase step fade rate and chase intensity can be set by the user for all chaser
functions. Chaser functions may be set to run continuously or as a single
occurrence. The number of steps (up to 32) can be set for the programmable
chase. The RD121 may be set to begin chaser functions at “power up” or in
response to a remote switch. A bounce option can be imposed on a chase
pattern. This results in a pattern which runs in its normal sequence then runs
the same sequence backwards.
ACTIVATING A CHASE PATTERN
A chase stored in the RD121 is activated by connecting together Switch Input
and Switch Common (Pin 6 and 7 of the 7-pin Phoenix connector or pins 5 and 9
of either DB9 connector depending on the rear plate design). The connectors
are on the rear of the dimmer. This may be done via a remotely located switch.
The activated chase will remain active as long as a closed circuit is
maintained between these pins.
In addition to activating a chase, the RD121 can be set to ignore the remote
switch or use it to activate a scene. In order to use the remote switch to
activate chase patterns you must enable that function as follows:
- Push MENU 3 times. The display will show the message “MENU” on the bottom row.
- Push SELECT. The LCD will display one of messages shown below.
- If “Not Used” or “Scene” appears on the bottom row, push the UP or DOWN arrow buttons until “Chaser” appears.
- Push SELECT to return the unit to normal operation.
The Front panel display shows a “C” on the bottom row as an indication that an
internal chase is active.
SELECTING A CHASE PATTERN
You can select any of the 7 factory preset chase patterns to run or create and
run your own custom pattern. Instructions for creating a custom chase pattern
are given further on in this manual.
A chase pattern is selected using the RD121 menu system as follows:
- Push MENU 3 times. The LCD will appear as shown:
- Push SELECT. Then push MENU. The LCD will appear as shown: The bottom display row shows the currently selected pattern. The pattern “4Ch Seq” is shown as an example.
- Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to scroll through the available chase patterns. Push SELECT when the desired pattern appears.
Note: Remember this action does not activate the chase pattern. This
action selects which pattern will be run when activated by the remote switch
function.
The available patterns are:
| 4 CHANNEL SEQUENCE | 8 CHANNEL SEQUENCE |
|---|---|
| 4 CHANNEL BUILD | 12 CHANNEL SEQUENCE |
| 6 CHANNEL SEQUENCE | RANDOM |
| 6 CHANNEL BUILD | PROGRAMMABLE |
CONTROLLING CHASER CHARACTERISTICS
You can control seven characteristics of a chase pattern. These controls are
described as follows:
Chase Rate| The duration of each chase step (.25 – 999.75 seconds).
Default = 1 Second
---|---
Chase Fade Rate| The time for each step to reach maximum intensity (0 – 100%
of step time). Default = 100%
Chase Intensity| The overall brightness of the chase (0 – 100%) Default = 100%
Chase Steps| The maximum number of steps in the chase (1 – 32) Default = 4
Chase Bounce| Causes reversal at the end of each sequence (Ignored during
RANDOM). Default = Off
Continuous /Single| Enables/Disables a “one shot” chase occurrence (Ignored
during RANDOM). Default = Continuous
Activate Chase at power up| Enables chase to begin automatically when dimmer
is turned on. ** Default = Off
**Overrides remote switch setting.
The default setting is the factory set value.
All of these characteristics can be set via the RD121 menu system. See the
diagram STRUCTURE OF MENU SYSTEM for a complete layout of menu system
operation.
“CREATING YOUR OWN CUSTOM CHASE PATTERN
The programmable chase pattern is created by setting the intensity for all
dimmer channels for each step in the chase. The chase step is then recorded.
This action is then repeated for each additional step to be recorded. The
channel intensities can be set either from the RD121 front panel as in manual
operation or by using a control console.
TO SAVE A CHASE STEP:
-
Create the step from a control console or from the front panel of the dimmer itself by activating the applicable channels. Channel intensities are recorded as either full ON or full OFF. If you want a given channel to be on for a chase step then the channel must be set to greater than 50 % intensity. Note the overall intensity of the whole chase pattern may be set using the menu system.
-
Press and hold the front panel SELECT button until the front panel display appears as shown below (You will have to hold the button down for about 6 seconds):
Scene
Save #01 -
Push the UP arrow button. The display will appear as follows:
Chs Stp
Save #01
This is the display for chase step #1. If you want to record to another step number – use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to make the correct step number appear on the lower display row. -
Push SELECT. The display will show the message:
SAVING
NOW ! -
The chase step has been recorded when the LCD reverts to its normal STATUS DISPLAY.
The above recording process is repeated for each step in the programmable chase pattern. See the section CONTROLLING CHASER CHARACTERISTICS for information about how the chase can be made to appear when activated.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
FRONT PANEL BREAKERS AND FUSES
The RD121 has two fuses. The left fuse is 1 Amp.
The right fuse is 1/4 Amp. Both are 250V, 1.25 x .25 inch, fast acting fuses.
These fuses provide protection for the internal electronic control circuitry
and the fan. They may be replaced ONLY by fuses of identical type and size.
Each channel of the RD121 is protected by a 10 Amp, fast acting, magnetic
circuit breaker located on the front panel of the unit. If the total load for
a channel is greater than 1200 Watts the channel circuit breaker will trip.
TROUBLESHOOTING
VERIFY ALL POWER IS REMOVED FROM THE DIMMER BEFORE HANDLING THE UNIT.
- To simplify troubleshooting – reset the unit to provide a known set of conditions.
- Check the console is powered and the console channels are correctly patched or set.
- Check the control cable between the dimmer and console.
- Verify the loads and their connections.
OWNER MAINTENANCE
There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.
The best way to prolong the life of your unit is to keep is cool, clean, and
dry. It is important the cooling intake and exit vent holes are clean and
unobstructed.
Service by other than Lightronics authorized agents may void your warranty.
OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE ASSISTANCE
If service is required, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the
equipment or contact Lightronics, Service Department, 509 Central Drive,
Virginia Beach, VA 23454 TEL 757 486 3588. All items returned for service must
include a description of the problem along with your name, address, and phone
number.”
Lightronics recommends you record the serial number of your unit for future
reference.
SERIAL NUMBER __
WARRANTY INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION – CLICK LINK BELOW
www.lightronics.com/warranty.html
STRUCTURE OF MENU SYSTEM
CONTROL SIGNAL CONNECTIONS FOR LMX PROTOCOL
CONTROL SIGNAL CONNECTIONS FOR DMX 512 PROTOCOL
PIN ASSIGNMENTS OF CONTROL SIGNAL CONNECTORS USED ON THE
RD121
PIN #| 3 PIN LMX| 3 PIN DMX|
5 PIN DMX| 7 PIN PHOENIX| 9 PIN DB9
---|---|---|---|---|---
1| LMX COMMON| DMX COMMON| DMX COMMON| DMX COMMON| LMX COMMON
2| LMX POWER| DMX DATA –| DMX DATA –| DMX DATA –| LMX POWER
3| LMX SIGNAL| DMX DATA +| DMX DATA +| DMX DATA +| LMX SIGNAL
4| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| NOT USED| LMX POWER| NOT USED
5| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| NOT USED| LMX SIGNAL| SWITCH COMMON
6| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| SWITCH COMMON| DMX COMMON
7| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| SWITCH INPUT| DMX DATA –
8| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| DMX DATA +
9| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| — — — — — —| SWITCH INPUT
www.lightronics.com
Lightronics Inc.
509 Central Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
757-486-3588
Documents / Resources
|
LIGHTRONICS RD121 Rack Mount
Dimmer
[pdf] Owner's Manual
RD121 Rack Mount Dimmer, RD121, Rack Mount Dimmer, Mount Dimmer, Dimmer
---|---
References
- Lightronics - Complete Lighting and Control Systems
- Lightronics Lighting Control Product Warranty Information
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