The Chroma-Q is designed to be one of the most reliable colour changers available. The utilisation of digital circuitry and high technology composite materials, produces an affordable colour changer which is capable of scrolling gel strings of various lengths from 2 to 16 colours.

The Chroma-Q is designed to give years of trouble free use, providing that it is regularly adjusted and used in accordance with the instructions detailed in this manual. If you should experience any problems which fall outside of the scope of this manual, contact the selling dealer for further details.

If the selling dealer is unable to satisfy your servicing needs, contact A.C. Lighting directly for full factory service:

The Chroma Q will read USITT DMX512 (1990) protocol, which enables individual addressing of each unit. This allows for easy grouping of multiple units. The units are individually addressed by the positioning of three rotating switches, as displayed in the Rear Panel View on page 4.

The Chroma-Q is supplied power and control signals by means of a XLR 4-pin input connector. The XLR 4-pin output may then be used to connect other units in turn to the same line. Each chain line must be terminated by patching the output from the last unit in the chain to it's corresponding return, as shown in the System Diagram on page 7.

Note: The quantity of Chroma-Q colour changers and maximum cable length per distribution line is dependent upon the size of PSU / Splitterbox used

The Chroma-Q is equipped with an integral cooling fan. Each unit is also equipped with three diagnostic LED indicators (found on the underside of the unit); showing Power, DMX signal and DMX level (see Troubleshooting on page 10 for full details).

The leader and tail dimensions are as follows:

Note: Leaders and tails should be made from 0.076mm / 0.003" thickness Gel. Procolor 130 (clear) is ideal.

The gel frame dimensions are as follows:

To join a leader, tail and gel together, a high temperature, clear gel tape is recommended (see Product Ordering List).
To join leader and tail to rollers, a paper tape product is recommended.
The completed string should look like this:

Note: A range of completed gel strings are available from (see Product Ordering List). Custom gel strings are available upon request. Contact the selling dealer for details.

Only genuine Tourflex Data Safe cable is recommended for use with the Chroma-Q colour changing System (see Product Ordering List).
The Chroma-Q utilises an XLR 4-pin cable system. This is used for power and data transfer. Pins 1 and 4 serve as 24VDC power. Pins 2 and 3 are used for USITT 1990 DMX512 control protocol.

Note: It is very important to ensure that the drain wire from the cable shield is connected to both connector cases.

When assembling XLR 4-pin cables, heat shrink should be used on each individual pin to prevent short circuits.

Note: Damage will occur if power connections short-circuit to control protocol connections.

The pins are wired one to one, in the following format:

In order to load gel strings, each unit must be powered and control protocol must be at zero level, as indicated by Level LED.
The gel string should be positioned at the first colour frame and inserted as shown by the following diagram:

To apply tension to the gel string being loaded, the following procedure should be followed:
1) Hold fixed roller (roller with black knob).
2) Lift spring-loaded roller (roller with grey knob) unit it rotates freely.
3) Rotate spring-loaded roller clockwise while lifted.
4) Replace spring-loaded roller securely on shaft base.
5) Repeat procedure as required, until excess slack is removed
(2-3 turns of spring-loaded roller is usually sufficient).

Note: Always ensure that fixed roller does not rotate while completing this procedure.

To calibrate the individual gel string length for each Chroma-Q, proceed as follows:
First, load the gel string as described above.
Then, slowly increase control protocol level until the gel string reaches it's tail, or until maximum control level is attained. At this stage, the gel length calibration screw (range pot) will be adjusted according to the following conditions:

If the get string reaches tail before maximum level, rotate calibration screw counter-clockwise with a jeweller's screwdriver. Then slowly increase control protocol level. Continue these adjustments until the last colour frame is positioned properly at maximum control protocol level settings.

If maximum level is reached before the last gel string frame, repeat above procedure, but rotate the trim pot clockwise until the final frame is parked in the appropriate position.

The Chroma-Q PSU / Splitterboxes are the only units suitable to be connected to Chroma-Q colour changers. Connection to other units will invalidate the warranty and may cause serious damage to Chroma-Q colour changers and / or Chroma-Q PSU / Splitterbox.

The Chroma-Q PSU / Splitterbox is available in 2 sizes: One suitable for connection to 18 Chroma-Q colour changers and the other suitable for connection to 8 Chroma-Q colour changers.

Each Chroma-Q PSU / Splitterbox is equipped with the following:
1) DMX input and thru sockets
2) DMX data indicator
3) Mains power indicator
4) XLR 4-pin output sockets
5) XLR 4-pin return sockets
6) AC mains input

The basic purpose of the PSU / Splitterbox is to combine the DMX control signal and the 24VDC power into individual lines. There are separate circuit outputs for distribution on each PSU / Splitterbox, each capable of supplying power and data for 8 Chroma-Q colour changers. The maximum total cable length for each output circuit is 60M / 200' on the 8 unit PSU / Splitterbox and 105M / 350' on the 18 unit PSU / Splitterbox.

All outputs are independent of one another, and each line has it's own return. The purpose of the return socket is to maintain a constant voltage level across all units on each line, and to prevent line loss.

Note: A return must always be plugged into the same channel as it's corresponding line out. Mixing up of lines may cause Chroma-Qs or PSU / Splitterboxes to fail.

The 8 unit PSU / Splitterbox has two Chroma-Q circuits and produces 24VDC at 6.5 Amps maximum output. This means a total of 8 Chroma-Q colour changers can be powered through a single 8 unit PSU / Splitterbox. The power consumption is approximately 2 Amps at 120V AC.

To change the operating voltage on the 8 unit PSU / Splitterbox, first isolate the unit from the mains supply, then remove the main body cover by unscrewing the two screws on the end plate. Set the voltage selection switch to the desired setting and refit the cover and endplate using the 2 screws.

The 18 unit PSU / Splitterbox has four Chroma-Q circuits and produces 24VDC at 15 Amps maximum output. This means that a total of 18 Chroma-Q colour changers can be powered through a single 18 unit PSU / Splitterbox (maximum of 8 per circuit). The power consumption is approximately 5 Amps at 120V AC.

To change the operating voltage on the 18 unit PSU / Splitterbox, first isolate the unit from the mains supply, then locate the power input panel which includes the main switch and chassis plug. Open cover, using small blade screwdriver or similar tool; set aside cover / fuse block assembly; pull voltage selector card straight out of housing, using indicator pin; orient selector card so that desired voltage is readable at the bottom; orient indicator pin to point up when desired voltage is readable at bottom (note that when indicator pin is fixed, successive voltages are selected by rotating the card by 90° clockwise); inset voltage selector card into housing, printed side of card facing towards IEC connector, and edge containing the desired voltage first; replace cover and verify that indicator pin shows desired voltage.

Your Chroma-Q colour changers and PSU / Splitterbox are covered by a 12 month warranty against defects in manufacture. The warranty covers parts and labour but excludes the cost of freight. In the case of any warranty claims, please contact your selling dealer. If the selling dealer is unable to assist you, please contact A.C. Lighting directly at the appropriate address as detailed on page 3.