LSC APS Advanced Power System User Manual
- June 13, 2024
- LSC
Table of Contents
- LSC APS Advanced Power System
- Product Information
- Product Usage Instructions
- Introduction
- Installation
- Front Panel
- Configuration and Operation
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- RDM
- HOUSTON X
- Specifications and Output Options
- Feature History
- Compliance Statements
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
LSC APS Advanced Power System
Product Information
The product is the APS Advanced Power System, manufactured by LSC Control Systems Pty Ltd. It is a power distribution system with multiple channel options and mounting configurations. The user manual version is V4.01, released in August 2022.
Disclaimer
LSC Control Systems Pty Ltd has a policy of continuous improvement and may
release software updates for their products. Therefore, the information in
this manual may not match the exact operation of your specific product. LSC
Control Systems Pty Ltd cannot be held liable for any damages or losses
arising from the use or inability to use the product for its intended purpose.
Servicing should be conducted by authorized personnel to avoid voiding the
warranty.
Copyright Notices
LSC Control Systems is a registered trademark. The website
lsccontrol.com.au is owned and operated by LSC
Control Systems Pty Ltd. All trademarks mentioned in the manual belong to
their respective owners.
Contact Details
- LSC Control Systems Pty Ltd
- ABN 21 090 801 675
- 65-67 Discovery Road
- Dandenong South, Victoria 3175 Australia
- Tel : +61 3 9702 8000
- Email : info@lsccontrol.com.au
- Website : www.lsccontrol.com.au
Product Usage Instructions
Introduction
This section provides an overview of the user manual and conventions used.
Overview and Features
This section describes the features and capabilities of the APS Advanced
Power System.
Models/Options
This section lists the available models and options for the APS Advanced
Power System.
Operation
This section provides detailed instructions on how to operate the APS
Advanced Power System, including information on installation, configuration,
power output, and safety precautions.
Troubleshooting
This section offers troubleshooting tips and solutions for common issues
that may arise when using the APS Advanced Power System.
Maintenance
This section provides guidelines for maintaining and servicing the APS
Advanced Power System. It emphasizes the importance of having authorized
personnel perform servicing to avoid voiding the warranty.
Specifications
This section presents the technical specifications of the APS Advanced
Power System, including input/output voltage, current ratings, and dimensions.
Warranty and Support
This section outlines the warranty terms and conditions, as well as contact
information for customer support.
Feature History
This section provides a historical overview of the features and updates
introduced in different versions of the APS Advanced Power System.
Compliance Statements
This section includes compliance statements regarding regulatory
requirements and certifications applicable to the APS Advanced Power System.
Introduction
About this Manual
This manual describes the installation, configuration and operation of the APS
(Advanced Power System) intelligent power distribution unit manufactured by
LSC Control Systems.
There are four different colour themes that you can select on the APS touch
screen. The screen images in this manual use the default “Gothic” colour
theme.
Conventions Used in this Manual
Throughout this manual, certain conventions have been used to make the meaning
clearer.
- A word in Bold text represents a virtual button on the press screen.
- Emphasis is indicated by underlining.
- Notes or Hints are displayed in italic font
Overview and Features
The APS (Advanced Power System) is a power switching and distribution unit
with a 3 phase mains input (single phase input available) and either 6 or 12
single phase switched outputs depending upon the model.
Being a power control and distribution unit, the APS is equally at home in a
variety of permanent and touring applications including (but certainly not
limited to),
- Moving Lights
- LED fixtures
- Video walls
- Audio Systems
- Stall power for Markets and Fairgrounds
Power Distribution is the most critical components of any system and lighting
is no exception particularly these days when almost every fixture now needs
its own mains power source. However, with each fixture needing power, new
problems are introduced particularly during the power up sequence.
Firstly, in-rush currents of all the power supplies and lamps starting up at
the same time often causes main breakers to trip and secondly the transient
currents drawn by the power supplies can cause earth protection breakers to
trip. To avoid these effects, you require complicated power up sequences
usually requiring a human sitting there switching circuits on one at a time.
The APS units are a solution to this and other problems by using internal
relays to switch the power and controlling the power-on sequence of each of
the individual output circuits. In its simplest form, a single command starts
the sequence and then each of the 12 outputs is turned on, one output at a
time, with a programmable time before the next circuit turns on. In this way
the peak current drawn is always low and upstream breakers should not trip.
In addition, nuisance circuit breaker tripping is overcome by the APS by
switching on the relay as the mains voltage passes through the zero point of
the sine wave, thus providing a pseudo soft-start.
Page 5
APS units can be connected together where more than 12 circuits are required
and the units automatically cascade. That is, the second unit won’t commence
its start-up sequence until the first has finished.
One of the potentially most expensive faults that you might encounter is a
“dropped” Neutral on the mains supply. If you connect your video, lighting or
audio rig to power and turn it on and the Neutral is missing, you can
potentially get 415V across all connected devices and the result can be
catastrophic. The APS internal electronics are designed to run at 415V without
causing damage. When the APS powers up, it does not energise any of the
outputs until it has measured the voltages on all phases and checked they are
within safe working limits. If they are not, then it will not switch on the
outputs (no matter what you tell it to do) and instead displays a large error
message. Similarly, if the Neutral fails mid show, then the APS will
disconnect power within 50mS, therefore minimising damage to attached
equipment.
The APS measures both incoming voltage and frequency and uses this information
to delay the power-up sequence until they have stabilised. This is of
particular importance if your power is being supplied from a generator. In
addition, because the loads are sequentially switched on, there is no sudden
large load presented to the generator which increases the stability of the
generator output.
The APS is also ideal for permanent installations such as schools, churches,
public halls and other venues where Energy Management is a key goal. By using
the “APS” mode to power all the lighting and video system, the lighting and
video equipment will be automatically and sequentially powered up over a few
seconds when the lighting console is turned on (and DMX is detected) without
any user intervention. At the end of the session, after the lighting console
is turned off all the LED fixtures, video screens and moving lights will
automatically be switched off a few minutes. A truly green solution.
The APS includes the following features
- Automatic control via DMX512. The presence of DMX sequentially turns outputs on and loss of DMX turns outputs off after a pre-set time delay
- Remote GPI contact closure (if DMX is not used) sequentially turns outputs on and open contact turns outputs off after a pre-set time delay
- Remote On/Off switching of individual output circuits via DMX512
- “Stand Alone” mode for automatic On/Off of output circuits whenever input power is present
- Manual override (On/Off of output circuits) via front panel press screen (with user lock out)
- Control via RDM
- Control and monitoring via Houston X
- RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) output channel circuit breakers protect against current overload AND earth leakage faults. Also known as RCD (Residual Current Device) or GFI (Ground Fault Indicator)
- RCBO output channel circuit breakers also provide Neutral Disconnect function
- Staggered switch on of outputs (with adjustable delay) to prevent start-up surge overloading of the power supply feed
- Multiple APS units can be configured to start up in sequence
- Cascading start-up for individual units via XLR5 cabling and/or based on unit number
- Input voltage monitoring (RMS) per phase with over voltage switch off
- Input current monitoring (RMS) per phase
- Dropped neutral protection with almost instant load disconnect
- Input mains frequency monitoring
- Programmable over-voltage and under-voltage trips to protect loads. Voltage and current reporting via RDM
- Three phase operation
- Single phase operation possible but input current must be limited to 63A in total
Models/Options
Rackmount APS
The Rackmount APS is available in the following sizes,
- 12 channels x 10 Amp outputs
- 12 channels x 16 Amp outputs (export only)
- 6 channels x 25 Amp outputs
Output connection options,
- Australian sockets
- Weiland sockets
- Socapex sockets
- CEE7 (Shuko) sockets
- Powercon connectors
- Terminals (for permanent installations)
See section 8.1 for details on input and output connection options.
Wallmount APS
The Wallmount APS is available in the following sizes,
- 12 channels x 13 Amp outputs
- 6 channels x 25 Amp outputs
Output connection options,
- Front panel 12 X 15 Amp Australian GPO outlets
- Front panel 6 X paired (20A + 15A per channel) Australian GPO outlets
- Internal terminals (for permanent installations)
See section 8.2 for details on input and output connection options.
Installation
Safety
All electrical work must be carried out by suitably qualified persons.
Unpacking
The APS is fully tested and inspected before leaving the factory. Upon
delivery, inspect the APS for signs of damage or mishandling. In the event of
any damage, contact your LSC agent.
Mounting the APS
Rackmount APS
The Rackmount APS is designed for mounting in a standard 19 inch rack. It
occupies 3RU (Rack Units) of space.
Wallmount APS
The wall-mount version is comprised of two sections. The front section
(containing all of the electronics) is attached to the rear section by two
hinges located at the bottom and the front section can be completely detached
from the rear section to allow better access to the mounting points and the
supply and load cable terminations. This also allows the rear section to be
mounted and connected whilst the front section is safely stored until all
other trades have completed their work and the area is safe and clean.
The front section can be opened by removing the 4 large screws as indicated
below.
To completely detach the front section, remove the 4 large screws as shown then unfold the front section. Use a 10mm spanner to remove the 2 nuts holding the metal support straps and lift the straps off the bolts. Replace the nuts to retain the fibre washers. Carefully unfold the front section to the fully open position.
Disconnect the 3-phase cable to the front section from the input terminal block on the rear section and un-bolt the earth connection. Cut the cable tie that secures the 3-phase input cable
For hardwired output versions only
10-Amp output versions
Un-plug the load connector plugs from the load terminal blocks on the rear
section. These connections are tight and will need to be prised out.
25-Amp output versions
Remove the load terminal block by undoing the nuts that secure the terminal
block to the rear section.
The front section can now be removed from the rear section by sliding it
sideways off the split hinges.
The rear section has provisions for mounting to walls and other upright
structures such as uni-strut. Mounting brackets for P1000 Uni-Strut are
available from LSC.
APS Wall Mount Rear Section
Allow a minimum of 150mm clearance on either side and 155mm vertical clearance
to allow units above and below to be opened.
The wall mount APS weighs 16Kgm.
Connections
Input Power Supply
The APS must be fed from a suitable external circuit breaker.
The nominal input voltage is 220-240 Volts. 3-phase Star (380-415V). 50-60Hz.
Single phase operation is possible but input current must be limited to 63A in
total.
DMX Input (and GPI)
A 5 pin XLR is provided for DMX input. Two modes of DMX operation are
possible.
- DMX Presence. The switch on sequence is started whenever DMX is detected on the DMX input.
- DMX Control. Channels set to “DMX” are controlled by the DMX level of the DMX slot to which they are patched.
See section 4.7
The DMX Input connector is also used for a GPI (General Purpose Input). If DMX
is not being used to automatically control an APS, then the APS can be
remotely switched on (starting its standard switch-on sequence) by providing a
contact closure between pins 1 and 4 of the DMX Input connector. When the
contact closure is opened, the APS will switch off all channels after the
adjustable delay time
DMX Thru (and GPO)
A 5 pin XLR is provided for DMX Thru (output). The DMX Thru connector is
primarily provided to feed the DMX signal to another APS unit. The APS will
automatically connect the DMX input to the DMX Thru at the completion on the
switch on sequence when all 12 outputs have been switched on. This provides an
automatic method of sequentially switching on multiple APS units. When the
outputs of an APS are switched off (either automatically by the loss of DMX or
manually via the press screen) the feed of DMX to the DMX Thru connector is
also switched off. .
The DMX Thru connector is also used as a GPI output. This is provided to feed
a GPI signal to another APS unit. The APS will automatically provide a contact
closure between pins 1 and 4 of the DMX Thru connector at the completion on
its switch on sequence (when all 12 outputs have been switched on). If the GPI
output is connected to the GPI input of the next APS, then multiple APS units
can be sequentially controlled by a single switch connected to the first
When the outputs of an APS are switched off, the contact closure on the DMX
Thru connector is also switched off. This will therefore automatically switch
off any APS connected to the DMX Thru (GPI output).
Power Outputs and Phasing
The outputs are fed from the following input power phases.
Output | Input Phase |
---|---|
1 | 1 |
2 | 2 |
3 | 3 |
4 | 1 |
5 | 2 |
6 | 3 |
7 | 1 |
8 | 2 |
9 | 3 |
10 | 1 |
11 | 2 |
12 | 3 |
The input phase number for each output is also shown on the front panel below
each output circuit breaker.
The output connections and the pin-outs of the multi-pin sockets are listed in
section 8.
Front Panel
The front panel contains the RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) circuit breakers for each output. The number below each circuit breaker shows which input phase feeds that output channel.
Configuration and Operation
Overview
The APS uses a colour LCD touch screen which is operated by pressing the
virtual buttons with your finger or a stylus. Do not use sharp objects to
operate the touch screen.
Home Screen
Touch anywhere on the “Home Screen” to access the “Configuration Menu”.
The output channel status icons at the top of the home screen have two rows, A
and D.
- Channels in the “A” row are controlled by the APS. See section 4.7
- Channels in the “D” row are controlled by the DMX slot to which they are patched. See section 4.4
The output channel status icons also show the current status of each output.
- Green = The channel is on via APS or DMX control
- Black = The channels is off via APS or DMX control.
- Blue = The channel is always on
- X = The channel is always off
- Red = The channel has been automatically turned “Off” due to an over or under voltage input.
- Orange = The channel has been automatically turned “Off” due to an over or under voltage input but the input voltage is now within limits and the channel is about to automatically turn back on if the voltage stays with limits for 10 seconds.
The “Input Voltage High Limit” and “Input Voltage Low Limit” per phase can be
set. If these limits are exceeded, the outputs connected to that phase will be
switched off and their input voltage displays will turn to red. See section
The input current per phase is displayed in green. The readout turns orange as
a warning when the input current reaches 90% of the maximum allowable current
per phase.
Note: This reading is the total input current per phase. The maximum current per output channel is determined by the capacity of its front panel RCBO circuit breaker and is preset in the factory.
The DMX status is green when DMX is present and flashes red when DMX is not
present.
The GPI status is green when a GPI signal (contact closure) is present on pins
1 and 4 of the “DMX Input” connector. See section 4.7.2
If the outputs are manually turned on or off from the touch screen (Manual APS
On/Off), then the DMX and GPI status indicators are replaced by a “Manual
Mode” indicator. See section 4.7.4
Help Screens
Some menus have “Help” screens available as indicated by a ? button in the top
right corner of the touch screen. Press ? (when available) to see the help
screen.
Press anywhere within the help screen to cancel.
Channel Configuration / Operating Modes
The APS uses internal relays to switch the power on and off on each output.
Every output channel can be individually configured to operate in any of the
following modes,
- DMX. The channel is switched by the DMX level of the slot to which it is patched. See section 4.4
- OFF. Always Off. See section 4.5
- ON. Always On. See section4.6
- APS. The channels are sequentially switched on when triggered. There are several methods of triggering the switch on sequence. See section 4.7.
Note: In the unlikely event that the APS does not respond to your
commands, you can manually force the APS to switch on all of its outputs. See
section 4.9
Note: The RCBO’s (circuit breakers) on the front panel provide protection
against current overload and excessive earth leakage. They are not designed to
be used as an everyday switch due to the limited life expectancy of
1,000/2,000 cycles for an RCBO/MCB compared to 100,000 cycles for a relay or
switch.
To change the configuration of a channel, press anywhere on the home screen to reveal the “Configuration Menu” then press Chan Config.
Each channel button shows its current configuration setting. Channels set to
DMX show the DMX slot number to which they are patched.
Select the channels to configure by pressing their numbers. Selected channels
turn dark grey. When any channel has been selected the “Config” button
appears.
For example, if channel 1 was selected….
Press Config,
Press the desired configuration for the selected channel(s). The choices are,
- Set to DMX
- Set to OFF
- Set to ON
- Set to APS
Make your selection then press Save.
Each of these configurations are described below.
Set To DMX
Channels set to “DMX” are controlled by the DMX level of the DMX slot to which
they are patched. This is the equivalent of a DMX controlled switch. This
feature was introduced in version 2.0 of the APS software. Units with earlier
software can be upgraded to take advantage of this feature.
- A channel set DMX will switch ON when its DMX signal exceeds 60%
- A channel set DMX will switch OFF when its DMX signal drops below 40%.
- All Channels set to “DMX” are switched off when DMX is no longer present on the APS input (after the adjustable “Power Off Delay” time). See section 4.11.2.
Note: The “DMX Thru” connector only becomes active after the APS has
completed the staggered switch on sequence of its APS channels. This means
that the next APS unit, fed from to the DMX Thru connector, will only receive
DMX after the current APS has finished its switch on sequence.
To control a channel by DMX, press anywhere on the home screen then press Chan
Config. Select the channel(s) by pressing their numbers. Selected channels
turn dark grey. Press Config, Set To DMX.
The “DMX Patch Setup” screen shows the APS channels set for DMX control and
their DMX slot number if they have already been patched. To patch a channels
(or change the DMX slot of an existing patch) press the channels to be patched
(or changed) and the “Patch DMX” button appears.
Press Patch DMX. The “Set DMX Address” keyboard appears.
Enter the DMX channel number to control this channel. Multiple APS channels
can be selected and they will be patched in the order that they were selected
to sequential DMX slots starting from the DMX slot number that you enter. A
single DMX slot number can be patched to control multiple channels.
Press Apply.
View DMX
On the “DMX Patch Setup” screen (see above), pressing View DMX shows the
channel levels of the DMX signal connected to the DMX input.
Press either > or < to scroll through the DMX channels.
Set to Off
Channels set to “OFF” are always off and cannot be turned on by the APS. The
channel icon of OFF channels at the top of the home screen has a X.
To set an APS channel to be always off, press anywhere on the home screen then press Channel Config. Select the channel(s) by pressing their numbers. Selected channels turn dark grey. Press Set To OFF, then Save.
Set To On
Channels set to “ON” are always on whenever power is applied to the APS. All
control of the channel is ignored except that any ON channels will still turn
off if the supply volts are outside the set limits. The channel icon of ON
channels at the top of the home screen is blue.
To set an APS channel to be always on, press anywhere on the home screen then press Channel Config. Select the channel(s) by pressing their numbers. Selected channels turn dark grey. Press Set To ON, then Save.
Set To APS
Channels set to “APS” are switched on sequentially to minimise surge current.
This is also known as a “staggered switch on”. The time delay between channels
switching on can be set using the touch screen. See section 4.11.1.
To set a channel to APS control, press anywhere on the home screen then press
Channel Config. Select the channel(s) by pressing their numbers. Selected
channels turn dark grey. Press Set To APS then Save.
All APS controlled channels can be sequentially switched on via any of the
following methods as described below,
- DMX presence. See 4.7.1
- GPI (General Purpose Input) contact closure. See 4.7.2
- Stand Alone Mode (presence of input power). See 4.7.3
- Manual Mode (using the touch screen). See 4.7.4
DMX Presence.
The switch on sequence is started whenever DMX is detected on the DMX INPUT.
In this mode, the APS does not use a DMX slot (address) and is not controlled
by DMX levels. It only responds to the presence or absence of a valid DMX
signal.
When multiple APS units are cascaded from “DMX THRU” to “DMX INPUT”, the DMX
signal is not passed on to the “DMX THRU” connector until the APS has
completed its switch on sequence thus delaying the DMX signal to the next APS.
The next APS will then detect the DMX signal, switch on its channels and
repeat the procedure.
When the DMX signal is no longer present (when the lighting controller is
switched off) the APS will switch off all channels after the adjustable “Power
Off Delay” time. See section 4.11.2
GPI.
The GPI function allows a single APS or multiple APS units to be remotely
controlled by a single switch. Pins 1 and 4 of the “DMX INPUT” connector are
used as a GPI (General Purpose Input). When a contact closure is detected
between pins 1 and 4 of the “DMX INPUT” connector, the switch on sequence of
the “APS” channels is started.
When multiple APS units are cascaded, pins 1 and 4 of the “DMX THRU” connector
are used as a GPO (General Purpose Output) and connected to pins 1 and 4 of
the “DMX INPUT” of the next APS. The APS “DMX THRU” connector will
automatically provide a contact closure between pins 1 and 4 at the completion
on its switch on sequence thus sending the contact closure to the next APS.
The next APS will then detect the GPI signal and repeat the procedure.
When the contact closure between pins 1 and 4 of the “DMX INPUT” is opened the
APS will switch off all channels after the adjustable “Power Off Delay” time
and also open pins 1 and 4 of its DMX THRU connector thus switching off the
next APS.
GPI Cables
To make a GPI input cable, connect a switch (contact closure) between pins 1
and 4 of a 5-pin female XLR plug and plug it into the DMX INPUT connector of
the APS.
To make a GPI loop cable to connect the GPI THRU of one APS to the GPI INPUT
on the next APS connect pins 1 and 4 of a 5-pin male XLR plug to pins 1 and 4
of a 5-pin female XLR plug respectively. You can also use commercially
available DMX cables if they have pins 1 and 4 connected. DMX uses pins 1
(ground), 2 (- data) and 3 (+ data) however the DMX standard specifies pins 4
and 5 as an optional secondary data link so most DMX cables connect all 5
pins.
Stand Alone Mode
In standalone mode, the APS will automatically start its staggered switch on
sequence of channels that are set to “APS” mode, 3 seconds after power is
applied at the input.
To select “stand alone” mode, press anywhere on the Home Screen then press
Stand Alone, Enable.
If multiple APS units are to be operated in Stand Alone Mode, you can prevent
them from all starting their starting their staggered switch on sequence at
the same time by assigning a different “unit number” to each APS.
Each unit number adds an additional 12 second delay to the start of the
staggered switch on sequence.
- Unit 1 starts after 3 seconds.
- Unit 2 starts after 15 seconds.
- Unit 3 starts after 27 seconds etc.
In standalone mode, the “Stagger Power On” times of the output channels are fixed to ensure that channels in different size APS units do not turn on at the same time.
- 6 channel APS units have a fixed stagger time of 2 seconds.
- 12 channel APS units have a fixed stagger time of 1 second.
Manual Mode
If the APS controlled outputs are OFF pressing anywhere on the Home Screen,
then Manual APS On, starts the switch-on sequence of “APS” channels.
If the APS controlled outputs are ON, pressing anywhere on the Home Screen
then Manual APS Off switches off all “APS” channels after you say “yes” to a
confirmation warning.
To exit manual mode, connect a DMX signal to the APS or trigger the GPI input.
RDM Control
Channels can also be remotely turned on or off by RDM. See section 6.2
Emergency Mode
In the unlikely event that the APS does not respond to your commands, you can
manually force the APS to switch on all of its outputs. There is a small hole
located on the front panel below the touch screen. Inside there is a button
which, when pressed with a small pin or paperclip, turns ON all outputs
(simultaneously) and shuts down the APS monitoring and control system. The
touch screen backlight remains on to show the presence of input power.
The APS remains in this mode until input power is removed.
Configuration Menu
Press anywhere on the Home Screen to access the “Configuration Menu”. The
configuration menu provides the following sub menus,
- Timing. See 4.11
- Limits. See 4.12
- Chan Config. See 4.3
- Manual APS On/Off. See 4.7.4
- Stand Alone. See 4.7.3
- System. See 4.13
- About. See 4.14
- Lock/Unlock. See 4.16
Timing
Pressing anywhere on the Home Screen then pressing Timing allows you to set
the timing parameters.
Stagger Power On
When the command to switch on the outputs is executed, the outputs under APS
control are sequentially switched on to avoid an excessive surge current on
the power supply. Stagger power on is the delay time between switching on each
output. The range is from 0.1 to 5 seconds. The default time is 1 second. To
change the stagger power on time, select the “Timing” screen as described
above then in the “Stagger Power On” pane press Edit. Type in the required
time then press Apply.
Note: In Standalone mode, stagger time is fixed. See section 4.7.3
Power Off Delay
Power off delay is the time that the outputs stay on when either DMX is lost
or the GPI input contact closure is opened. The range is 1 to 60 minutes or
infinite. The default time is 5 minutes. To change the power off delay, select
the “Timing” screen as described above then in the “Power Off Delay” pane
press Edit. Type in the required time then press Apply.
Warning Beep
If the DMX signal is lost or the GPI input contact closure is opened, the
countdown to power off begins. When it reaches 1 minute a “warning beep”
sounds (if enabled). When it reaches 30 seconds a warning appears on the
screen and counts down the remaining time to switch off. The warning beep can
be enabled or disabled from the “Timing Parameters” menu described above.
Note: APS units manufactured prior to March 2014 are not fitted with a beeper.
You can postpone the switch off and restart the countdown timer by tapping the screen. To disable the automatic switch off, set the “Power off delay” time to “Infinite”.
Hint : If the APS about to turn off and you want to keep it on, press the screen to postpone the shutdown then press anywhere on the Home screen then press Stand Alone, Enable.
Limits
Press anywhere on the Home Screen then press Limits.
The “Limits” menu allows you to set maximum (High) and minimum (Low) limits on
the input voltage for each phase to protect the equipment connected to that
phase. If these limits are exceeded, the input voltage display for that phase
turns red and the outputs connected to that phase will be switched off and
their status indicators also turn red.
When the input voltage returns to within the limits, the input voltage display
turns green and the channel status indicators turn orange, but the outputs
will remain off until the following conditions are met for each limit,
- High. The input voltage drops to 3 volts below the high limit for at least 10 seconds
- Low. The input voltage rises to 3 volts above the low limit for at least 10 seconds
The channels then automatically turn back on after their staggered start up time delay. Pressing Limits (in the Configuration menu) shows the limit settings for each phase.
Pressing a Phase button allows you to select either the Low or High limit for that phase. These limits are also shown on the “Home” screen.
Pressing either Low or High allows you to set that limit.
When phases 2 or 3 are selected, the settings for phase 1 can be copied to
them by pressing Copy from P1.
The limits of each phase are also shown on the “Home” screen.
Removing Limits
To remove a limit on a phase press either Low or High then press Clr (Clear)
then Apply.
Default Limits
If no limits have been set then a high limit of 270 volts still exits.
If any phase reaches 270 volts then all outputs are turned off.
Normal operation is restored when the input voltage drops below 260 volts.
System
Touch anywhere on the Home Screen then press System. The “System” menu
provides the following sub-menus,
- Code Upgrade
- Reset
- Colour Theme
- Import Export
- Service
Code (Software) Upgrade
LSC Lighting Systems has a corporate policy of continuous improvement to its
products. The APS software (firmware) is subject to this policy as new
features are added and existing features improved.
To see the current software version of your APS press anywhere on the Home
Screen then press About.
To upgrade your APS software, download the latest version from the LSC web
site.
www.lsccontrol.com.au
As of 2021, APS units are manufactured using two possible types of controller
module. Both types perform the same functions but require their own version of
the operating software. The downloaded software is a ZIP file containing both
versions. Double click on the ZIP file to automatically extract the two files
then save both files to a SD card. The controller module in the APS knows
which filename to look for so only the correct code will be loaded and
upgraded.
Insert the SD card containing both files into the SD card socket on the APS.
Press anywhere on the Home Screen then press System, Code Upgrade.
Reset
Press anywhere on the Home Screen then press System, Reset. There are two
options
Restart
In the unlikely event that the APS fails to respond, the operating system may
be restarted so that the software may initialise and recommence normal
operation. Pressing Restart will not affect any of the settings or memory.
Reset To Defaults
This will ERASE all memory from the APS and reset to defaults.
The default settings are
- Set all channels to APS control
- Stagger power on = 1second
- Power off delay = 5 minutes
- Remove all phase voltage limits
- Disable “Stand Alone” mode
- Set to Manual Mode
Colour Theme
You can choose a colour theme for the touch screen.
Press anywhere on the Home Screen then press System, Colour Theme. The choices
are:
- Gothic (Default)
- Antarctic
- Dawn
Import Export
The configuration settings of an APS can be exported to a SD card allowing
them to be imported and copied to other APS units. Insert an SD card into the
front panel slot then press anywhere on the Home Screen, then System, Import
Export, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Service
The Service menu is for factory use only.
About
To see the “About” menu, from the “Dimmer Output” home page press Status,
About.
The About menu shows information about the software, capacity and owner of the
APS.
Owner
Warning : If you enter an owner name and or logo and press “Lock”, this
is permanently locked and can only be changed by an authorised LSC dealer. You
must set the name and logo before pushing Lock. Once Lock has been pressed,
the name and logo cannot be changed without contacting the factory. This acts
as a deterrent against theft of your APS.
From the “About” menu, above, pressing Owner allows you to enter a permanent
name for the APS (“ This unit belongs to :”) and also allows you to set a
“Logo” that will be momentarily displayed when power is applied to the APS
(instead of the LSC logo).
To enter an owner name, use the Next and Prev buttons to select a character
then Add to enter the character or Del to delete a character.
To set a custom logo a special file must be present on an SD card inserted in
the APS. There is a fee for LSC to convert your logo into the special file
that will load into your APS. Please contact LSC or your LSC agent for
details.
When the owner name and/or logo have been entered, the Exit button changes to
“Lock”. To permanently lock in your changes press Lock.
Lock / Unlock
To lock the touch screen and prevent unauthorised access press anywhere on the
Home Screen, then press the Padlock symbol.
Pressing the Padlock symbol provides 2 levels of lock.
- User. Prevents all configuration changes.
- Service. This lock level is reserved for factory use only.
Pressing the User button reveals a “Lock” keypad. Enter a four-digit code and the Lock button appears.
Press Lock to lock the user level.
Menu buttons that are locked are “greyed out” and cannot be used. To unlock,
press the Padlock symbol and enter your 4 digit code.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Warning. No user controls or user serviceable parts are located inside the APS. Refer all servicing to suitably qualified personnel.
Maintenance
Ensure that the air vents at the side of the frame are free from obstruction
and dust.
Check that all connector screw terminals (if fitted) are tight. This must be
performed by a suitably qualified person.
Check that the APS contains the latest software release.
Tripped Breakers
If a channel is not working check the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) for that
channel.
If the MCB has tripped (OFF), firstly try to determine the cause of the
breaker tripping. It could be a blown lamp or a circuit overload or and earth
leakage fault. Remember that the touch screen shows the load current per
phase, not per channel. Rectify to problem (replace the lamp or reduce the
load) then restore the MCB. If the MCB continues to trip, refer the problem to
a suitably qualified person.
RDM
Overview
RDM stands for Reverse Device Management. It is an “extension” to DMX.
Since the inception of DMX it has always been a ‘one way’ control system. Data
only ever flows in one direction, from the lighting controller outwards to
whatever it may be connected to. The controller has no idea what it is
connected to, or even if what it’s connected to is working, switched on, or
even there at all!
RDM changes all that allowing the equipment to answer back and for you to
remotely manage your device.
RDM has been designed to work with existing DMX systems. It does this by
interleaving its messages with the regular DMX signal over the same wires.
There is no need to change any of your cables but because RDM messages now go
in two directions, any in-line DMX processing you have needs to be changed for
new RDM hardware. This will most commonly mean that DMX splitters and buffers
will need to be upgraded to RDM capable devices.
APS RDM Commands
APS provides the following functions over RDM
- Identify (blinks a message on the screen).
- Voltage, Current, Frequency and Fan speed values are provided as sensors.
- Status of each output are provided as sensors.
- Status of GPI, GPO and DMX are provided as sensors.
- Over/Under voltage events are reported as “alarms”. In RDM language these are known as “Advisory Status Messages”.
- Manual On/Off control using either “Get/Set Lamp State” or “Get/Set Power State” commands.
HOUSTON X
HOUSTON X is LSC’s monitoring and remote configuration tool that works with LSC products such as APS, GEN VI, MDR-DIN, LED-CV4, UNITOUR, UNITY and Mantra Mini. HOUSTON X can be downloaded from the LSC website, www.lsccontrol.com.au
HOUSTON X is the central overseer of your venue’s equipment. The software runs
on Windows and Mac computers. It gives you the absolute authority to
interrogate, monitor and instantly change parameters of connected products.
Using HOUSTON X, you can quickly locate and isolate faults, monitor
temperatures, phase loadings, change a channel from dimmer to power-switching
mode (TruPower), save or recall show configurations, all from one central
location or remotely via the internet.
Some LSC products have additional functionality enabled when licensed to
operate with HOUSTON X.
Specifications and Output Options
Rackmount APS
Rackmount
Models
| 12 x 10A| 12 x 16A
Export Only
| 6 x 25A
---|---|---|---
Control| 3.2″ colour LCD with touch screen Programmable stand-alone mode via
easy-to-use menus
DMX512 (1990) or DMX512-A (E1-11) input with RDM (E1-20)
functionality on 5-pin XLR connectors
GPI voltage free contact closure on 5-pin XLR connectors (using pins 1+4)
Protection| 10A Residual Current
Breaker (RCBO) per output channel
| 16A Residual Current
Breaker (RCBO) per output channel
| 25A Residual Current
Breaker (RCBO) per output channel
30mA Earth leakage trip current per channel Dropped neutral protection with
almost instant load disconnect Programmable channel sequential start-up time
delay Cascading start-up between multiple units Programmable min and max
voltage cut-off per phase
Monitoring| 3-phase voltage and current levels monitoring on main display
Remote configuration and monitoring via RDM protocol Remote configuration and
monitoring via LSC’s HOUSTON X software
Power| Nominal 100-240V, 3-phase star, 50-60Hz (single-phase operation
possible, 63A maximum) Operating range typically 90-260V, 45-65Hz Hardwired
models supplied with L1, L2, L3, N and E terminals for power connection. All
other models as per below
Supplied with 1.2m long H07 rubber 5 core x 6mm² cable.
(Export models supplied without connector, Australian models supplied with
32A 5-pin 3-phase plug fitted)| Supplied with 1.2m long H07 rubber 5 core x
10mm² cable no connector supplied. (Export only. Not available in Australia)|
Supplied with 1.2m long H07 rubber 5 core x 6mm² cable.
(Export models supplied without connector, Australian models supplied with
40A 5-pin 3-phase plug fitted)
Mechanicals| 483mm :(w)
x 300mm :(d)
x 132mm: (h)
Weight: 11kg
Full metal chassis with rear-screened polycarbonate labels Touch screen, DMX
input, GPI input and RCBOs located on front panel
Output connectors and power input cable located on rear panel
Peace of mind| CE (European) and RCM (Australian) approved Two-year warranty
Designed and manufactured in Australia by LSC, an Australian owned company
with over 40 years’ experience in developing world-first product
Outputs| APS12/10A 12 x 3-pin 10 Amp Australian sockets| | APS6/25A 6 paired
3-pin
20Amp/15Amp Australian sockets
Wallmount APS
Wallmount Models | 12 x 10A | 6 x 25A |
---|---|---|
Control | 3.2″ colour LCD with touch screen Programmable stand-alone mode via |
easy-to-use menus DMX512 (1990) or DMX512-A (E1-11) input with RDM (E1- 20)
functionality on 5-pin XLR connectors GPI voltage free contact closure on
5-pin XLR connectors (using pins 1+4)
Protection| 12 channel x 10A RCBO breakers with 30mA trip per channel| 6
channel x 25A RCBO breakers with 30mA trip per channel
Dropped neutral protection with almost instant load disconnect
Programmable channel sequential start-up time delay Cascading start-up between multiple units Programmable min and max voltage cut-off per phase
Wallmount Models | 12 x 10A | 6 x 25A |
---|---|---|
Monitoring | 3-phase voltage and current levels monitoring on main display |
Remote configuration and monitoring via RDM protocol Remote configuration and
monitoring via LSC’sHOUSTON X software
Power| Nominal 100-240V, 3-phase star, 50-60Hz (single-phase operation
possible, 63A maximum)
Operating range typically 90-260V, 45-65Hz
All models supplied with L1, L2, L3, N, and E terminals for power connection
Mechanicals| 490mm (w) x 270mm (d) x 250mm (h) Weight: 16kg
Full metal two-part hinged chassis with rear-screened polycarbonate labels
Touch screen, dimmer output connectors, RCBOs located on front panel
DMX input and GPI input located on right side panel Input power terminals
housed internally, optional cable gland to allow flying tail to be connected
Peace of Mind| CE (European) and RCM (Australian) approved Two-year warranty
Designed and manufactured in Australia by LSC, an
Australian-owned company with over 40 years’ experience in developing world-
first products
Outputs| APW12/10A 12 x 3-pin 10 Amp Australian sockets| APW6/25A 6 paired
3-pin 20Amp/15Amp Australian sockets
APW12/10T Hardwired internal terminals| APW6/25T Hardwired internal terminals
Wieland Pinouts
Connector 1 | Function | Connector 2 | Function |
---|---|---|---|
Pin 1 | Chan 1 Active | Pin 1 | Chan 7 Active |
Pin 2 | Chan 2 Active | Pin 2 | Chan 8 Active |
Pin 3 | Chan 3 Active | Pin 3 | Chan 9 Active |
Pin 4 | Chan 4 Active | Pin 4 | Chan 10 Active |
Pin 5 | Chan 5 Active | Pin 5 | Chan 11 Active |
Pin 6 | Chan 6 Active | Pin 6 | Chan 12 Active |
Pin 7 | Not used | Pin 7 | Not used |
Pin 8 | Not used | Pin 8 | Not used |
Pin 9 | Chan 1 Neutral | Pin 9 | Chan 7 Neutral |
Pin 10 | Chan 2 Neutral | Pin 10 | Chan 8 Neutral |
Pin 11 | Chan 3 Neutral | Pin 11 | Chan 9 Neutral |
Pin 12 | Chan 4 Neutral | Pin 12 | Chan 10 Neutral |
Pin 13 | Chan 5 Neutral | Pin 13 | Chan 11 Neutral |
Pin 14 | Chan 6 Neutral | Pin 14 | Chan 12 Neutral |
Pin 15 | Not used | Pin 15 | Not used |
Pin 16 | Not used | Pin 16 | Not used |
Note: Earth connection is via the clips on the side of the socket insert.
Note: This is the recommended wiring scheme for Harting/Wieland
connectors. An alternative wiring scheme exists for these connectors and Power
Point units can be wired to the alternative scheme by special order. If you
order the alternative wiring then the pin-outs are listed in a separate
document that is included with your Power Point.
Socapex Pinouts
Connector #1 | Function | Connector #2 | Function |
---|---|---|---|
Pin 1 | Chan 1 Active | Pin 1 | Chan 7 Active |
Pin 2 | Chan 1 Neutral | Pin 2 | Chan 7 Neutral |
Pin 3 | Chan 2 Active | Pin 3 | Chan 8 Active |
Pin 4 | Chan 2 Neutral | Pin 4 | Chan 8 Neutral |
Pin 5 | Chan 3 Active | Pin 5 | Chan 9 Active |
Pin 6 | Chan 3 Neutral | Pin 6 | Chan 9 Neutral |
Pin 7 | Chan 4 Active | Pin 7 | Chan 10 Active |
Pin 8 | Chan 4 Neutral | Pin 8 | Chan 10 Neutral |
Pin 9 | Chan 5 Active | Pin 9 | Chan 11 Active |
Pin 10 | Chan 5 Neutral | Pin 10 | Chan 11 Neutral |
Pin 11 | Chan 6 Active | Pin 11 | Chan 12 Active |
Pin 12 | Chan 6 Neutral | Pin 12 | Chan 12 Neutral |
Pin 13 | Earth | Pin 13 | Earth |
Pin 14 | Earth | Pin 14 | Earth |
Pin 15 | Earth | Pin 15 | Earth |
Pin 16 | Earth | Pin 16 | Earth |
Pin 17 | Earth | Pin 17 | Earth |
Pin 18 | Earth | Pin 18 | Earth |
Pin 19 | Earth | Pin 19 | Earth |
Feature History
The new features added to APS in each software release are listed below
Release: v4.01 Date: 3-December-2021
- Unified Code : Due to our policy of continual product improvements the APS now has a new CPU card based on the Ti family of microprocessors. The new CPU card requires different software to the original NXP based cards. This is the first version of APS software that is available for both CPU variants and has all software features and GUI updates implemented in both versions. The unified code is based on our new v4 platform, hence the major version number jump from 3.xx to 4.xx. Some bug fixes apply to both CPU types and others are specific to one CPU type only, this is notated by the CPU type in brackets (eg. Ti + NXP).
- The unit now fully supports Houston X (Ti + NXP).
- The new CPU card now supports firmware upgrades via Houston X (Ti).
- The access levels for the menu system have been overhauled. The User and Owner Login levels are now redundant and have therefore been removed from the Login screen (Ti + NXP)
Release: v3.10 Date: 19-June-2020
- The fan is now controlled by total load on unit. Fans will go to full speed when the unit is fully loaded to 16A per channel for more than 60 seconds. Total Load is calculated once every second and the average taken over the last 60 seconds and then converted to a percentage of full load and this value is applied to the fans.
- RDM has been improved and enhanced to operate with HOUSTON X.
- Unit now powers up in Manual Mode by default.
- A user logo can now be uploaded to the APS, as per the GEN VI Dimmer
Release: v3.0 Date: 22-May-2018
- The timing of circuit switching has been changed to further minimise inrush current
- The minimum timeout for lost DMX or contact closures has been changed to include zero
- When updating code, the SD card is first checked for a valid file and a button now allows the user to choose whether to update or not
- Channel OFF and channel ON functionality has been added. It is now possible to park a channel in either the OFF or ON state. All control of the channel is ignored except that any ON channels will still turn off if the supply volts are outside the set limits
Release: v2.0 Date: 01-Sep-2016
- Each output circuit can now be controlled by a DMX slot directly. This is the equivalent of a DMX controlled switch. APS units with earlier software can be easily upgraded to take advantage of this feature
Release: v1.02 Date: 18-Mar-2014
- Fan Speed Control implemented
- If enabled, beeper sounds whenever shutdown warning is active. Enabled by default
- Power Off delay can now be set to infinite
Release: v1.00 Date: 29-Oct-2013
- First public release
Compliance Statements
The APS from LSC Control Systems Pty Ltd meets all required CE (European), RCM (Australian) and UKCA (United Kingdom) standards.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC).
Australian RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark).
UK Conformity Assessed.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>