[SML] Source 4 Power and LED Cabling

[Riter, Andrew]

> 1. How many units can be powered on a single 20 amp circuit?

While the specs may say 10 (I'm quoting another post, and not the specs), I'd stick with 8 per circuit.  Also, there may be limits within each lamp as to how many you can daisy chain the power through the units (1 twist lock to power con, and link the units via power con).  Not a bad idea to split the loads up.  If 1 unit fails, you won't lose your entire pipe.

> 2. I've been told some relays will be necessary to turn the units completely
> off when not being used, rather than simply turning them down to zero.
> True?

The units do need to powered down overnight (if you need to leave them powered on for a run for a couple of weeks, I'm sure that's fine, but for a long term install, they do need to powered off by the 20A circuit).  The console controls the intensity and colours, but the unit is still drawing power for the brains to sit there idling.  Eventually the Power Supply will go the way of all Power Supplies.  In my case, I have a non-dim module in the dimmer rack, and that powers up when the console is turned on.

> 3. Since the power cables may be somewhat near to the DMX at certain
> points other than at their terminations, is there some shielded DMX we
> should use?  Installers in this building will not have any experience with DMX
> cable and we will need to be specific about what to use and how to use it.

The units do not terminate DMX.  The last unit in the chain should have a terminator in its DMX OUT.

I suggest getting a DMX splitter.  1 DMX in, and any number of DMX outputs.  This lets you be less reliant on daisy chaining everything in 1 line, and can have a line going this way, and a line going that way.

(you could do the same with an RJ45 (Ethernet) connectors, but I don't know those specs)

> 4. Are there wall panels that will be able to run these S4 with some simple
> programs?  We'd also like the capability to plug in a board to run the lights.

Most venues have a House Light Control system, an event lighting control console, and the dimmer racks.  Often the dimmer racks will listen to both the console and the house light system (for when the console is turned off).  The racks can be programmed so that only a few dimmer respond to the house light control system.

With the LEDs, I sure there is, but best to contact your local supplier/consultant to walk you through the different parts, and the patching.  This project should use some experience to make sure it meets your needs.

Andrew M. Riter 
Assistant Technical Director, Head Lighting Technician
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

604-822-2372
andrew.riter at ubc.ca