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AbjectEvolution
Joined: Jan 29, 2008
Posts: 137
Location: US
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 Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:52 pm Post subject:
Linking the power for DMX lights
Subject description: How? |
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I just added a center piece to my DMX lighting setup and I'm wondering about power issues. The corner lights are fine because I can plug them into something easily, but the middle unit is a problem. It's between two Chauvet Color Strips and they have power outs in the back in order to link their power together, but it says to only use that with other color strips. Would it hurt if I plugged my Chauvet Derby into the power out on one of the strips even though it says not to? Why does it say not to?
And on another note, what's an easy and safe way to power up all the lights in a setup?
Thanks. |
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EdisonRex
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Joined: Mar 07, 2007
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| Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 1:45 am Post subject:
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I'm not sure why it says not to, either. The specs of the power daisy chain vs the colour strip's rating is inconclusive.
From the Chauvet website they say you can daisy chain up to 32 strips. This is curiously not supported by the manual's specifications of the daisy chain power socket. The socket is rated at "8A, 960W". The colour strip is rated at .3A, 33W. 960/33 = 29 so I don't see how they get away with the 32 strip claim.
However, the 8 amp (960W) rating is what's important. Nothing in the manual suggests that the power socket is anything but a bridge to the mains. However, looking at the Double Derby, that's got 2 x 300W lamps in it, so it's definitely near the limits of the socket rating.
It looks like Chauvet is covering itself against people who overload their supplies...
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AbjectEvolution
Joined: Jan 29, 2008
Posts: 137
Location: US
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| Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:48 am Post subject:
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So you think it's just a precaution to people being stupid about the power? You're thinking that I could probably plug the derby into it?
How do people normally power all their lights when they have a bunch? Is there some time of heavy duty extension cable that has outlets all along it? |
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EdisonRex
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| Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 10:14 am Post subject:
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| derekmecca wrote: | So you think it's just a precaution to people being stupid about the power? You're thinking that I could probably plug the derby into it?
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I can't tell you for sure that it's ok, but it's entirely up to you given the ratings and facts at hand.
| Quote: |
How do people normally power all their lights when they have a bunch? Is there some time of heavy duty extension cable that has outlets all along it? |
No. Back in the Good Old Days before DMX, when I did theatre lighting, we had Y splitters and things like that, you'd run a single supply line up for that particular channel, then split to all of the instruments that you were supposed to power from it. You could probably do something similar (use a multiple splitter) for your supply to your instruments but since the power is mains power you need to make sure you don't overload the circuit.
The LEDs take next to nothing to power, though, it's just any of the halogen powered lamps that would need to be accounted for.
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AbjectEvolution
Joined: Jan 29, 2008
Posts: 137
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| Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 10:24 am Post subject:
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Ok, thanks for the info.
In theory though, if something bad were to happen from plugging my derby into one of the color strips, what exactly would go wrong? Would I ruin the light? Would it just blow a breaker? |
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EdisonRex
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Location: London, UK
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| Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 3:03 am Post subject:
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| derekmecca wrote: | Ok, thanks for the info.
In theory though, if something bad were to happen from plugging my derby into one of the color strips, what exactly would go wrong? Would I ruin the light? Would it just blow a breaker? |
Well, if it's a normal UL/CE rated device, overloading it should blow a fuse or something, in any case it's not supposed to burst into flames or heat up or smoke. Is there a fuse holder in the colour bar? What's its rating, if so?
Not having any service diagram, or anything more than the manual I can only guess. You could consider writing to the manufacturer.
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Parker: Like, old and outdated.
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