American DJ SP-1500 DMX MK II Strobe

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the American DJ SP-1500 DMX MK II Strobe. To optimize the performance of this product, please read these operating instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with the basic operations of this unit.

Customer Support

American DJ provides a toll-free customer support line to assist with setup and answer any questions. You may also visit their website at www.americandj.eu for comments or suggestions. For parts, visit www.adjparts.eu.

Warnings and Cautions

• Warning: To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
• Caution: There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not attempt repairs yourself, as this will void the manufacturer's warranty. Contact your American DJ reseller for service.
• Do not obstruct the air vents.
• Do not touch the unit while it's hot.
• Do not discard the shipping carton; please recycle whenever possible.

Features

• Includes hanging bracket
• Sound-Active mode
• DMX-512, Master/Slave compatible
• Electronic Dimmer 0-100%
• Built-in microphone
• Compatible with UC3-Series controllers

Installation

The unit should be mounted via its screw holes on the bracket. Ensure the unit is firmly fixed to avoid vibration and slipping during operation. Use a safety chain to secure the strobe. Installation must be performed by professionals in a location out of reach of people.

Rear Panel Connections and Controls:

Diagram showing the rear panel of the unit with numbered ports and controls:

• 1. POWER INPUT: AC 230V 50Hz
• 2. FUSE: 20A/15A
• 3. DMX IN: XLR 3 Pole male socket for receiving DMX data.
• 4. DMX OUT: XLR 3 Pole female socket for sending DMX data to other units.
• 5. UC3 Remote input: ¼" microphone jack to connect UC3 controllers for Speed, Blackout, and Brightness control.
• 6. DMX DIP SWITCH: Switches 1-9 are used to set the DMX address of the unit.
• 7. DIMMER: Knob to adjust the unit's brightness (0-100%).
• 8. SPEED: Knob to adjust the strobing speed.

Power Supply and DMX Control

Power Supply

Before plugging in, ensure your area's voltage matches the unit's requirement (230v version). Use only the included IEC power cable, which matches the unit's voltage and current requirements.

DMX-512 Protocol

DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a universal protocol for communication between lighting fixtures and controllers. A DMX controller sends data serially from fixture to fixture via DATA "IN" and DATA "OUT" XLR terminals.

DMX Linking

DMX allows linking of fixtures from different manufacturers for operation from a single controller, provided they are DMX compliant. For optimal data transmission, use the shortest cable path. The order of fixtures in a DMX line does not affect addressing; a fixture set to address 1 will receive data assigned to address 1 regardless of its position in the chain.

Data Cable Requirements (DMX and Master/Slave Operation)

The SP-1500 DMX MK II uses 2 DMX channels: 1 for strobe speed and 1 for intensity. The DMX address is set via the rear dip switches. Your unit and controller require standard 3-pin XLR connectors for data input/output.

When making your own cables, use standard two-conductor shielded cable. Cables should have male and female XLR connectors on each end. DMX cables must be daisy-chained and cannot be split.

Figure 1: Shows standard 3-pin XLR male and female connectors.

Figure 2: Illustrates DMX512 OUT (3-PIN XLR Female) and DMX512 IN (3-PIN XLR Male) connections with pinouts for COMMON, DMX+, and DMX-.

Figure 3: Details XLR Male and Female Socket pinouts: Pin 1 for Ground/Shield, Pin 2 for Cold (DMX-), Pin 3 for Hot (DMX+).

Notice: Do not use the ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not connect the cable's shield conductor to the ground lug or allow it to contact the XLR's outer casing, as this can cause a short circuit and erratic behavior.

DMX Addressing and Termination

Special Note: Line Termination

For longer cable runs, a terminator (90-120 ohm, 1/4 watt resistor connected between pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector) may be needed on the last unit to prevent erratic behavior. Using a cable terminator (ADJ part number 1613000030) can reduce signal errors and interference.

Diagram showing a 120 Ohm 1/4W resistor connected between PIN 2 (DMX-) and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture, representing a DMX terminator.

5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors

Some manufacturers use 5-pin XLR connectors for DMX data. If connecting 5-pin XLR fixtures to a 3-pin XLR line, a cable adapter is required. The following table details a proper cable conversion:

DMX Addressing

To control units with a universal DMX controller, set dip switches 1 through 9 on each unit to receive its DMX signal. The DMX address is set using binary code. Refer to the following diagram and table:

Visual representation of dip switches (1-10) on three units, illustrating how to set addresses 1, 3, 5, and 7.

The DMX address is the sum of the values of the dip switches that are set to ON.

Master/Slave Mode

In master/slave connection, the first unit (master) controls other units (slaves) to create an automatic light show. The master unit is identified by having no DMX cable plugged into its DMX input jack. Slaves are connected via DMX cables plugged into their DMX input jacks (daisy-chained).

Setup Options:

1. Synchronized Show: Set dip switches 1 and 10 to ON on the master unit. Adjust the dimmer and strobe speed on the master; all slave units will follow.
2. 4-Units Lightshow: Set dip switches as shown in the diagram. The master unit will run its built-in programmer and control slave units like a 4-channel chaser.

Diagrams showing dip switch settings for Master, Slave 1, Slave 2, and Slave 3 units.

Chase Patterns in 4-Units Lightshow Mode:

Maintenance

Lamp Replacement

Important: Always unplug the power before performing maintenance.

1. Open the glass base-cover. Image shows the glass base cover being opened.
2. Loosen the screws of the lamp wire from the terminator. Image shows screws holding the lamp wire being loosened.
3. Take out the old lamp and place the new one into the fixture. Image shows an old lamp being removed and a new one inserted.
4. Connect the lamp wire to the terminator. Image shows the lamp wire connected to the terminator.
5. Reverse the procedures from step 2 to step 1 to close the unit. Image shows the unit with the cover closed.

Fixture Cleaning

Due to fog residue, smoke, and dust, periodic cleaning of internal and external optical lenses is necessary to optimize light output.

1. Use normal glass cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the outside casing.
2. Use a brush to wipe down the fan grill.
3. Clean the external optics with glass cleaner and a soft cloth every 20 days.
4. Always ensure all parts are completely dry before plugging the unit back in.

Cleaning frequency depends on the operating environment (e.g., smoke, fog residue, dust). For heavy club use, monthly cleaning is recommended. Periodic cleaning ensures longevity and crisp output.

Troubleshooting and Technical Specifications

Trouble Shooting

Listed below are common problems and their solutions:

No light output from the unit:

1. Ensure the unit is connected to a standard 230v wall outlet.
2. Verify that the fuse has not blown. The fuse is located on the rear panel.

Unit does not respond to sound:

1. Low frequencies (bass) should cause the unit to react to sound. Tapping on the microphone, quiet, or high-pitched sounds may not activate the unit.

Technical Specifications