BOTEX SDC-6 DMX Control User Manual

This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the document for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that they also receive this document.
Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development. They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

Symbols and signal words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this document.

Signal word	Meaning
DANGER!	This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!	This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.

Warning signs	Type of danger
	Warning – high-voltage.
	Warning – danger zone.

Safety instructions

Intended use

This device is used to control spotlights, dimmers, lighting effects equipment or other DMX-controlled devices. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.

This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

Safety

DANGER!
Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervision. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children could play with.

DANGER!
Danger to life due to electric current!
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not use the device when covers, safety equipment or optical components are missing or damaged.

NOTICE!
Damage to the external power supply due to high voltages!
The device is powered by an external power supply. The external power supply can be damaged if it is operated with the incorrect voltage or if high voltage peaks occur. In the worst case, excess voltages can also cause a risk of injury and fires. Make sure that the voltage specification on the external power supply matches the local power grid before plugging in the power supply. Only operate the external power supply from professionally installed mains sockets that are protected by a residual current circuit breaker (FI). Ensure that the power cord plug is easily accessible at all times if it is the only device to safely disconnect the device from the mains supply. As a precaution, disconnect the power supply from the power grid when storms are approaching or it the device will not be used for a longer period.

NOTICE!
Damage to the device due to use of unsuitable external power supplies!
If the device is operated with an unsuitable external power supply, the device can be damaged by overvoltage or incorrect polarity. If things go badly, using an unsuitable power supply can also cause a risk of injury and fire. Only use the external power supply designated for the device or an equivalent external power supply with identical parameters. If in doubt, compare the voltage specifications on the external power supply and the polarity (+/-) with the specifications in this manual and printed on the device. Voltage and polarity must always match.

NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to covered vents and neighboring heat sources!
If the vents of the device are covered or the device is operated in the immediate vicinity of other heat sources, the device can overheat and burst into flames. Never cover the device or the vents. Do not install the device in the immediate vicinity of other heat sources. Never operate the device in the immediate vicinity of naked flames.

NOTICE!
Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!
The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions specified in the “Technical specifications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in environments with direct sun‐light, heavy dirt and strong vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature fluctuations. If temperature fluc‐tuations cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately. Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device cleaned by qualified specialists at reg‐ular intervals to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions.

NOTICE!
Possible staining due to plasticiser in rubber feet!
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may react with the coating of the floor and cause permanent dark stains after some time. If necessary, use a suitable mat or felt slide to prevent direct contact between the product’s rubber feet and the floor.

Features

Special features of this DMX controller:

6 channel faders
Master fader

Compact design
Simple operation

Power supply by 9 V battery (not included) or the supplied 9 V external power supply

Installation and starting up

Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.

Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.

Power supply
You can use either a 9 V block battery or the 9 V connection as an external power supply. Before connecting check for correct polarity.

Changing the battery

NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to incorrect polarity!
Incorrectly inserted batteries may cause fires and destroy the device and the batteries.
Observe the markings on the batteries and on the device.
Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.

NOTICE!
Possible damage due to leaking batteries!
Batteries can leak and cause permanent damage to the device.
Take the batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for an extended period of time.

To insert or change the battery, switch off the device first. Carefully lift and remove the battery compartment cover. Change the battery. Replace the battery compartment cover and press it gently until you hear it engage.

Connecting the power supply
Connect the included power adapter to the power supply socket on the device and then put the power plug into the wall outlet. The device is immediately operational.

DMX connections

NOTICE!
Data transfer errors due to improper wiring!
If the DMX connections are wired incorrectly, this can cause errors during the data transfer.
Do not connect the DMX input and output to audio devices, e.g. mixers or amplifiers.
Use special DMX cables for the wiring instead of normal microphone cables.

Connections in DMX mode

Connect the DMX output of the device (C) to the DMX input of the first DMX device (1). Connect the output of the first DMX device to the input of the second one, and so on to form a daisy chain. Always ensure that the output of the last DMX device in the daisy chain is terminated with a resistor (110 Ω, ¼ W).

Connections and controls

[1]…[6] | Channel faders 1 to 6. The channel faders are used to control DMX channels 1…6 individually.
[POWER] | Power indicator
[MASTER] | Master fader. The master fader serves as the sum controller for the six individual channels.
[DMX OUT] | DMX output, designed as XLR panel socket, 3-pin
[ON/OFF] | Main switch. Turns the device on and off.
Connection socket for the power adapter for power supply

Technical specifications

Control protocols	DMX 512
Number of DMX channels	6
Input connections	Power supply		Hollow plug socket for the power adapter
Output connections	DMX control		XLR panel socket, 3-pin
Power supply Operating voltage Battery	External power adapter, 100 – 240 V 9 V…12 V / 100 mA, centre positive 9-V block battery 6LR61 or 6LF22	50/60 Hz
Dimensions (W × H × D)	153 mm × 55 mm × 173 mm
Weight with power supply	1.3 kg
Ambient conditions	Temperature range		0 °C…40 °C
Ambient conditions	Relative humidity		20%…80% (non-condensing)

Further information

Type	Compact control unit
Preset function	No
External storage option	No
DMX universes	1
Ethernet	No

Plug and connection assignment

Introduction
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment so that a perfect light experience is guaranteed.
Please take our tips, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into a socket, the result of an incorrect connection may be a destroyed DMX controller, a short circuit or ‘just’ a not working light show!

DMX connection
A female 3-pin XLR socket serves as the DMX output. The figure and the table show the pin assignment of the XLR socket.

Pin	Assignment
1	Ground (shielding)
2	Signal inverted (DMX–, “Cold”)
3	Signal (DMX+, “Hot”)

Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packing material

Environmentally friendly materials have been chosen for the packaging. These materials can be sent for normal recycling. Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of in the proper manner.
Do not dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the instructions and markings on the packaging.

Observe the disposal note regarding documentation in France.

Disposal of batteries and rechargeable batteries

Do not dispose of batteries and rechargeable batteries with normal household waste, but in accordance with the local regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste. Use the available collection sites or contact your local waste disposal facility.
Before disposing of your old device, remove the batteries if this is possible without destroying it.

Disposal of your old device

This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) as amended.
Do not dispose of your old device with your normal household waste; instead, deliver it for controlled disposal by an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. If in doubt, consult your local waste management facility. You can also return the device to a retailer if they offer to take the device back for free or if they are legally obliged to do so. When disposing of the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. You can also return your old device to Thomann GmbH at no charge. Check the current conditions on www.thomann.de.
Proper disposal protects the environment as well as the health of your fellow human beings. This is because the proper handling of old devices negates the potential negative effects of hazardous substances, and because it conserves resources by recycling them.

Also note that waste avoidance is a valuable contribution to environmental protection. Repairing a device or passing it on to another user is an ecologically valuable alternative to disposal. For example, use the classified ads of Thomann GmbH.
If your old device contains personal data, delete those data before disposing of it.

FAQ

Q: Can I use rechargeable batteries with this DMX controller?

A: Yes, you can use rechargeable batteries as long as they are compatible with the required voltage (9 V).

Q: How do I clean the DMX controller?

A: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the controller. Avoid using any liquid or chemical cleaners on the device.

Documents / Resources

BOTEX SDC-6 DMX Control [pdf] User Manual
SDC-6 DMX Control, SDC-6, DMX Control, Control

References

User Manual

BOTEX SDC-6 DMX Control

General information