Eurolite 70064224 ESX-4R Switchpack 4-Channel DMX Controller Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your Eurolite 70064224 ESX-4R Switchpack. The ESX-4R is a robust 4-channel DMX switchpack designed for controlling various lighting fixtures and electrical devices in stage and event environments. It features four Type F output sockets, DMX512 input and output, and a maximum total current capacity of 16A.

Please read this manual thoroughly before initial use and keep it for future reference. Adherence to these instructions is crucial for proper function and safety.

2. Safety Instructions

General Safety:

• This device is intended for professional use only.
• Ensure the device is connected to a grounded power outlet.
• Do not expose the device to rain or moisture.
• Disconnect from mains power before cleaning or servicing.
• Do not operate the device if the power cord or plug is damaged.
• All repairs must be carried out by qualified service personnel.
• Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating.

Electrical Safety:

• The maximum current per channel is 5A. Do not exceed this limit.
• The maximum total current for the unit is 16A.
• The device uses triac switching. Be aware that a small residual voltage may be present on the output even when a channel is switched off. This can cause low-energy devices (e.g., some LED bulbs) to glow faintly or flicker. This is a characteristic of triac-based switching and not a defect.

3. Product Components and Controls

Figure 3.1: Angled view of the Eurolite ESX-4R Switchpack, showing the front panel with controls and the four output sockets.

3.1 Front Panel

Figure 3.2: Close-up of the ESX-4R Switchpack front panel.

• CH1-CH4 Output Sockets: Four Type F sockets for connecting electrical loads. Each channel can handle up to 5A.
• Circuit Breaker: Provides overload protection for the unit.
• Digital Display: Shows current DMX address and menu options.
• Control Buttons (ESC, DOWN, UP, ENTER): Used for navigating menus and setting DMX addresses.
• Channel Status LEDs (CH1-CH4): Indicate the on/off status of each channel.

3.2 Rear Panel

Figure 3.3: Close-up of the ESX-4R Switchpack rear panel.

• DMX IN (XLR 3-pin): Connects to a DMX controller or the preceding DMX device.
• DMX OUT (XLR 3-pin): Connects to the next DMX device in the chain.
• Power Input: Standard IEC power connector for mains power supply.

4. Setup and Installation

4.1 Mounting:

• The ESX-4R Switchpack can be placed on a flat surface or mounted in a rack using appropriate mounting hardware (not included).
• Ensure the mounting location is stable and provides adequate ventilation.

4.2 Power Connection:

1. Connect the supplied power cable to the power input on the rear panel of the ESX-4R.
2. Plug the other end of the power cable into a suitable grounded mains power outlet (230V AC, 50Hz).
3. Ensure the circuit breaker on the front panel is in the "ON" position.

4.3 DMX Connection:

1. Connect a DMX cable from your DMX controller's output to the DMX IN (3-pin XLR) connector on the rear panel of the ESX-4R.
2. If chaining multiple DMX devices, connect a DMX cable from the DMX OUT (3-pin XLR) of the ESX-4R to the DMX IN of the next device.
3. For optimal signal integrity, terminate the last device in the DMX chain with a DMX terminator.

4.4 Connecting Loads:

1. Connect your lighting fixtures or other electrical devices to the CH1-CH4 output sockets on the front panel.
2. Ensure that the total current draw for each channel does not exceed 5A and the total current for the entire unit does not exceed 16A.

5. Operation

The ESX-4R Switchpack operates by receiving DMX512 signals from a DMX controller. Each of the four channels corresponds to a DMX channel, allowing you to switch connected devices on or off.

5.1 Setting the DMX Address

The DMX address determines the starting channel for the ESX-4R on your DMX universe. The ESX-4R requires 4 DMX channels (one for each output). If you set the starting address to 1, then Channel 1 will respond to DMX channel 1, Channel 2 to DMX channel 2, and so on.

1. Press the ESC button to enter the main menu if not already there.
2. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate to the "ADDR" (Address) setting.
3. Press ENTER to select the address setting.
4. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the DMX starting address (from 1 to 512).
5. Press ENTER to confirm the new address.
6. Press ESC to exit the menu.

5.2 DMX Channel Control

Once the DMX address is set, the ESX-4R will respond to DMX signals:

• Each channel (CH1-CH4) corresponds to a sequential DMX channel starting from your set DMX address.
• When the DMX value for a channel is above a certain threshold (typically 128-255), the corresponding output channel will switch ON.
• When the DMX value is below this threshold (typically 0-127), the corresponding output channel will switch OFF.
• The channel status LEDs on the front panel will indicate the current state (ON/OFF) of each output.

5.3 Important Note on Triac Switching

The ESX-4R utilizes triac-based switching for its outputs. This technology is efficient but has a characteristic where a very small residual voltage may remain on the output even when the channel is commanded OFF. For most traditional incandescent loads, this is imperceptible. However, for highly sensitive or low-power devices such as certain LED lamps or some types of relays, this residual voltage can cause them to:

• Glow faintly when switched off.
• Flicker intermittently when switched off.
• Cause small relays to activate or larger relays to hum.

This behavior is inherent to triac switching and is not a malfunction of the device. If this effect is undesirable, consider using devices designed for zero-cross switching or incorporating a dummy load (e.g., a small incandescent bulb) in parallel with the sensitive load to dissipate the residual voltage.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning:

• Disconnect the device from mains power before cleaning.
• Use a dry, soft cloth to clean the exterior of the unit.
• Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
• Periodically check ventilation grilles for dust accumulation and clean as necessary to ensure proper airflow.

6.2 Fuse Replacement:

The unit is protected by an internal circuit breaker. If the breaker trips, disconnect all loads and reset it. If it trips repeatedly, consult a qualified technician.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Technical Specifications

9. Warranty Information

Eurolite products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Eurolite website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

10. Customer Support

For technical assistance, spare parts, or service inquiries, please contact your local Eurolite dealer or the official Eurolite customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the Eurolite website or in the product packaging.

Manufacturer: Eurolite (Steinigke Showtechnic)