Utopia 250S™
General Information
Unpacking: Thank you for purchasing the Utopia 250S™ by Ameri-
can DJ®. Every Utopia 250S™ has been thoroughly tested and has
been shipped in perfect operating condition. Carefully check the ship-
ping carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the
carton appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your fixture for any
damage and be sure all equipment necessary to operate the unit has
arrived intact. In the event damage has been found or parts are miss-
ing, please contact our toll free customer support number for further
instructions. Do not return this unit to your dealer without first contact-
ing customer support.
American DJ
®
Introduction: This unit use a single color/gobo wheel combination for
vibrant colors and extravagant gobo patterns. The Utopia 250S™ is an
intelligent fixture that can run In DMX mode, as a stand alone sound
active piece, or in a Master/Slave configuration. The Utopia 250S™
comes with several build in programs and is best used in multiples of
four. This piece is best used with a fog or haze machine to enhance
the beam output. When used in DMX mode channel 4 access a spe-
cial strobe function. When used as a stand alone unit or when used
in multiples linked in a master/slave configuration an optional Utopia/C
controller may be used. The optional controller will access different pro-
grams and control a blackout function.
Customer Support: American DJ® provides a toll free customer sup-
port line, to provide set up help and to answer any question should you
encounter problems during your set up or initial operation. You may
suggestions. Service Hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Voice:
Fax:
(800) 322-6337
(323) 582-2610
E-mail:
User Instructions
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 this unit. Do not
attempt any repairs yourself, doing so will void your manufactures war-
ranty. In the unlikely event your unit may require service please contact
your nearest American DJ® dealer.
American DJ
4295 Charter Street
Los Angeles CA. 90058
Revised 9/01
Utopia 250S™
Controls and Functions
Utopia 250S™
Controls and Functions
1. Thumb Screw - This thumb screw holds the lamp socket assembly
cover (16) into place.
REAR
6
7
1
2
2. Microphone - This microphone receives external low frequencies
to trigger the unit in Sound-Active and Master/Slave mode.
7
8
3
4
3. Audio Sensitivity Knob - This adjust audio sensitivity of the
internal microphone (3). Turning the sensitivity knob in the clockwise
direction will increase the sensitivity to sound. Turning the knob in
the counter clockwise direction will decrease the fixture’s sensitivity
to sound.
9
10
11
5
4. Option Switches - These switches will activate one of four
options:
Switch 1: Focus - When activated this switch will center the mirror
with a white spot. This will allow you to focus the beam
properly.
FRONT
Switch 2: Sound Active - Turning this switch to the on position will
activate sound-active mode.
Switch 3: Inverted Pan - When activated this switch will invert the
PAN value. Left will become right and vice versa.
Switch 4: Inverted Tilt - When activated this switch will invert the
TILT value. Up will become down and vice versa.
12
13
5. Dip Switches - These switches serve two functions. In master
slave mode these switches are used to assign a specific head
address. In DMX mode these switches are used to assign a DMX
address to the unit. In DMX mode each switch corresponds to a
specific value based on binary code. See page 7 for a detailed
explanation of DMX binary code.
6. Power Indicator - This light will flash when the unit is in use.
14
7. Utopia/C Controller Jack - This jack is for use with the optional
Utopia/C Blackout controller only. Do not attempt to connect an audio
signal this jack, this will damage the PC board and void your manufac-
tures warranty!
15
8. XLR Input Jack - This jack is used to accept an incoming DMX
signal or Master/Slave signal.
1
9. XLR Output Jack - This jack is used to transmit the incoming
Utopia 250S™
Controls and Functions
Utopia 250S™
Operation
DMX signal to another DMX fixture, or transmit a Master/Slave signal
to the nest Utopia 250S™ in the chain. For best results in DMX or
Master/Slave mode terminate this jack if it is the last unit in the
chain. See “Terminator” on page 7.
on pages 5 - 7 as well as the set-up specifications that are included
with your DMX controller.
3. Use the controller’s faders to control the various DMX fixture traits.
4. This will allow you to create your own programs.
5. When using a DMX controller and setting up for DMX operation
follow the dip switch settings on page 14.
6. For help operating in DMX operation consult the manual included
with your DMX controller.
7. For longer cable runs (more than a 100 feet) use a terminator on
the last fixture.
10. Fuse Holder - This housing stores the 3 amp GMA protective
fuse. Always replace with the exact same type fuse, unless other
wise instructed, by an authorized American DJ® service technician.
11. Power Cord - Connect only to a matching power outlet. Never use
this fixture is the ground prong has been removed or broken off.
12. Mirror - This is a highly reflective surface mirror specifically
designed to optimize and enhance beam output. Never use glass
cleaner that contain ammonia to clean the surface of the mirror (such
as Windex).
Stand-Alone Operation (Sound Active): This function allows a
single unit to run to the beat of the music. Only use this function when
running a single unit, or when running several units as individuals.
1. To activate the Sound-Active mode be sure the number 2 function
switch is set to the “ON” position and refer to “Master Unit” on the
Master-Slave DIP SWITCH chart on page 14).
13. Lens - This is a fully focusing high quality lens. Focus the lens by
manually turning the lens in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direc-
tion.
2. The unit will now react to the low frequencies of music via the inter-
nal microphone.
14. Lamp Socket Assembly - This assembly holds a ZB-ELC
(24v/250w) lamp. A long life version of lamp may be used in place of
the original lamp (ZB-ELC3 300 hours).
3. Adjust the audio sensitivity knob on the top of the unit to make the
unit more or less sensitive to sound. Turning the sensitivity knob in
the clockwise direction will increase the sensitivity, turning the knob
in the counter-clockwise direction will decrease the fixture’s sensi-
tivity to sound.
15. Lamp Socket Assembly Plate - This plate accesses the lamp
socket assembly.
4. The optional Utopia/C Blackout Controller may be used with this
function for blackout.
Utopia 250S™
Operation
Universal DMX Control: This function allows you to use a universal
DMX 512 controller as the American DJ® DMX Operator™ or Show
Designer.™ to control mirror movement and the color/gobo wheel. The
use of a DMX controller will allow you to customize the use of fixtures
allowing you to control the rotation direction as well as the rotation
speed. Operating through a DMX controller allows the freedom to
create unique programs tailored to one’s individual needs.
1. The Utopia 250S™ uses four DMX channels. Channel 1 controls
pan, channel 2 controls tilt, channel 3 controls the color/gobo
wheel, and channel 4 controls the strobe function. See page 14 for
detailed description of the DMX traits.
Master-Slave Operation (Sound Active): This function will allow
you to link up to 4 units together and operate without a controller. The
units will be sound activated. In Master-Slave operation one unit will act
as the controlling unit and the others will react to the controlling units
programs. Any unit can act as a Master or as a Slave.
1. Using standard XLR microphone cables, daisy chain your units
together via the XLR connector on the rear of the units. Remember
the Male XLR connector is the input and the Female XLR connector
is the output. The first unit in the chain (master) will use the female
XLR connector only - The last unit in the chain will use the male
XLR connector only. For longer cable runs we suggest a terminator
at the last fixture.
2. To control your fixture in DMX mode, follow the set-up procedures
Utopia 250S™
Operation
Utopia 250S™
Set Up
Dip Switch 1 address equals 1
Dip Switch 2 address equals 2
Dip Switch 3 address equals 4
Dip Switch 4 address equals 8
Dip Switch 5 address equals 16
Dip Switch 6 address equals 32
Dip Switch 7 address equals 64
Dip Switch 8 address equals 128
Dip Switch 9 address equals 256
2. Follow the chart on page 14 for proper unit dip switch settings.
3. The optional Utopia/C Blackout Mini-Controller may be used with
this function for blackout.
4. After all the units settings have been set and are plugged in, adjust
the sensitivity knob on the rear of the master unit to make them
react to sound.
DMX CHANNEL
32 128 SP
2
8
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Note: In Stand-Alone and Master-Slave operation the units will blackout
to conserve bulb life when a sound source is not received.
1
4
16 65 256
Dip Switch 10 - Some unit omit dip switch 10, when a unit does
included dip switch 10 it is used for special functions such as sound
activation.
Utopia 250S™
Set Up
Power Supply: Before plugging your unit in, be sure the source volt-
age in your area matches the required voltage for your American DJ®
Utopia 250S.™ The American DJ® Utopia 250S is available in a 120v
and 220v version. Because line voltage may vary from venue to venue,
you should be sure your unit voltages matches the wall outlet voltage
before attempting to operate you fixture.
Each dip switch has a preset value. A specific DMX address is set by
combining the dip switches that sum your desired value. For example:
To achieve a DMX address of 21, combine dip switches 1, 3, and 5.
Sense dip switch 1 has a value of 1, dip switch 3 has a value of 4,
and dip switch 5 has a value of 16, the combination of the create a
DMX value of 21.
™
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal
protocol used as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures
and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from
the controller to the fixture. DMX data is sent as serial data that
travels from fixture to fixture via the DATA “IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR
terminals located on all DMX fixtures (most controllers only have a
DATA “OUT” terminal).
Set DMX address 21:
Dip-switches # 1 = 1
Set DMX address 201:
Dip-switches # 1 = 1
4 = 8
3 = 4
5 = 16
= 21
7 = 64
8 = 128
= 201
DMX Linking: DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of
different manufactures to be linked together and operate from a single
controller, as long as all fixtures and the controller are DMX compliant.
To ensure proper DMX data transmission, when using several DMX
fixtures try to use the shortest cable path possible. The order in which
fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not influence the DMX
addressing. For example; a fixture assigned a DMX address of 1 may
be placed anywhere in a DMX line, at the beginning, at the end, or
anywhere in the middle. When a fixture is assigned a DMX address of
1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to address 1 to
that unit, no matter where it is located in the DMX chain.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX and Master/
Slave Operation): The Utopia 250S™ can be controlled via DMX-512
protocol. The American DJ® Utopia 250S™ is a four channel DMX unit.
The DMX address is set on the front panel of the Utopia 250S™. Your
unit and your DMX controller require a standard
3-pin XLR connector for data input and data output
(Figure 1). If you are making your own cables, be
sure to use standard two conductor shielded cable
(This cable may be purchased at almost all pro
sound and lighting stores). Your cables should be
made with a male and female XLR connector on
Dip-switches in DMX mode: This unit uses dip switches to assign a
DMX address. Each dip switch represents a binary value.
either end of the cable. Also remember that DMX
cable must be daisy chained and can not be split.
Figure 1
Utopia 250S™
Set Up
Utopia 250S™
Fuse & Lamp Replacement
Notice: Be sure to follow figures two and three when making your own
cables. Do not use the ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not con-
nect the cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the shield
conductor to come in contact with the XLR’s outer casing. Grounding
Caution: Always replace with the exact same type lamp and fuse,
unless otherwise specified by an authorized American DJ® technician.
Replace with anything other than the specified part can damage your
unit and will void your manufactures warranty.
the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic behavior.
Warning: If, after replacing the lamp or fuse either one continues
to blow, STOP using the unit. Contact customer support for further
instructions, you may have to return the unit for servicing. Continuing
to use the unit may cause serious damage.
COMMON
1
2
1
2
DMX +
DMX -
DMX512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
3
3
Figure 2
XLR Female Socket
XLR Male Socket
XLR Pin Configuration
Pin 1 = Ground
Fuse Replacement: Disconnect the unit’s main power supply. Insert
a standard flat head screw driver in to the fuse holder housing. Turn
the screwdriver in counter-clockwise direction to remove the fuse
holder. Remove the fuse holder to expose the fuse. Remove the old
fuse and discard it. Replace the fuse with the same type. Insert the
fuse holder back into it’s housing and turn it in clockwise direction to
lock the holder in place.
1 Ground
2 Cold
2 Cold
1 Ground
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
3 Hot
3 Hot
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
Figure 3
Special Note: Line Termination. When longer runs of cable are
used, you may need to use a terminator on the last unit to avoid erratic
behavior. A terminator is a 90-120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is con-
nected between pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector (DATA + and
DATA -). This unit is inserted in the female XLR connector of the last
unit in your daisy chain to terminate the line. Using a cable terminator
(ADJ part number Z-DMX/T) will decrease the possibilities of erratic
Lamp Replacement: Caution! Never attempt to change the lamp
while the fixture is plugged in. Always disconnect the main power and
allow the unit ample time to cool before attempting to replace the
lamp. Lamp replacement has been made simple by incorporating the
use of a flip-up front cover that is retained by thumb screws.
1. Be sure to follow the proper handling procedures that deal
with halogen lamps.
2. Remove the thumb screw on the top/rear of the unit that holds the
lamp socket assembly cover in place.
3. After removing the thumb screw, slide out the cove from the rear of
the unit to expose the lamp socket assembly.
behavior.
Termination reduces signal errors and
1
avoids signal transmission problems
3
and interference. It is always advisable
2
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
Figure 4
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors. Some manufactures use 5-pin XLR
connectors for DATA transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin XLR fixtures
may be implemented in a 3-pin XLR DMX line. When inserting standard
5-pin XLR connectors in to a 3-pin line a cable adaptor must be used,
these adaptors are readily available at most electric stores. The chart
below details a proper cable conversion.
4. Carefully remove the old lamp and discard it in the trash.
5. Replace the lamp with an exact match and reassemble in reverse
order.
Lamp Socket
3-Pin XLR to 5-Pin XLR Conversion
Conductor
Ground/Shield
3-Pin XLR Female (Out)
5-Pin XLR Male (In)
Pin 1
Assembly
Lamp Cover
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Data Compliment (- signal)
Data True (+ signal)
Not Used
Pin 2
Thumb Screws
Pin 3
Do Not Use
Do Not Use
Not Used
Utopia 250S™
Cleaning
Utopia 250S™
DMX Traits
This chart below details the DMX traits. The individual trait can only be
accessed an universal DMX controller.
Fixture Cleaning: Due to fog residue, smoke, and dust cleaning the
internal and external optical lenses and mirror should be carried out
periodically to optimize light output. Cleaning frequency depends on
the environment in which the fixture operates (I.e. smoke, fog residue,
dust, dew). In heavy club use we recommend cleaning on a monthly
basis. Periodic cleaning will ensure longevity, and crisp output.
DMX CHANNEL
4
3
1
2
PAN
TILT
COLOR/GOBO
STROBE
White/Lg Spot
248-255
Strobe 1fps
255
Strobe 8fps
Strobe 2fps
247
208
1. Use normal glass cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the outside
Fast Rotation
Slow Rotation
Gobo 17/Ylw-Lt Blue 152-159
Gobo 16/Purple
Gobo 15/Blue
Gobo 14/Lt Blue
Gobo 13/Green
Gobo 12/Yellow
Gobo 11/Red
Gobo 10/White
Gobo 9/4-Colors
Gobo 8/Purple-Wht 80-87
Gobo 7/Red-Green 72-79
Gobo 6/Purple
Gobo 5/Blue
Gobo 4/Lt Blue
Gobo 3/Green
Gobo 2/Yellow
Gobo 1/Red
Blackout
207
160
255
145˚
73˚
255
90˚
45˚
Strobe Step Up
casing.
144-151
136-143
128-135
120-127
112-119
104-111
96-103
88-95
2. Use a brush to wipe down the cooling vents and fan grill.
3. Clean the external optics and mirror with glass cleaner and a soft
cloth every 20 days.
4. Clean the internal optics with glass cleaner and a soft cloth every
30-60 days.
Strobe 7fps
Strobe 7fps
129
128
128
128
64-71
56-63
48-55
40-47
32-39
24-31
16-23
08-15
01-07
00
Strobe Step Down
0
0˚
0˚
0
5. Always be sure to dry all parts completely before plugging the unit
back in.
Lrg Spot/White
Blackout
Lamp Off
Strobe 1fps
Stop
01
00
Utopia 250S™
Trouble Shooting
Trouble Shooting: Listed below are a few common problems that you
may encounter, with solutions.
This chart details the gobo pattern as well
as the gobo wheel placement.
No light output from the unit;
1. Be sure you have connected your unit into a standard 120V wall
outlet.
2. Be sure the external fuse has not blown. The fuse is located on the
bottom panel of the unit.
3. Remove the lamp cover and be sure the lamp is seated in its
socket properly. Occasionally lamps become loose during shipping
be sure the lamp is push in to its socket all the way.
4. Be sure the fuse holder is completely and properly seated.
Utopia 250S™
Master/Slave Settings
This chart details the Master/Slave dip switch setting for Master/Slave
configuration. Use this configuration only when you will be using your
fixtures in a Master/Slave configuration. Be sure the number 2 function
switch is set to the on position for sound-active operation.
Unit does not respond to sound;
ON
ON
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.
2. Be sure the SENSITIVITY KNOB (5) is not set to the minimum
position
ON
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Master - Head 1
Head 2
1
2
3
4
ON
ON
Function Switch
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Head 3
Head 4
Technical Specifications:
Utopia 250S™
DMX Dip Switch Chart
This chart list the DMX dip switch setting for DMX address 1 through
511. Follow the instructions below to configure fixture dip switches with
your desired DMX address.
Model:
Lamps:
Voltage:
Utopia 250S™
ZB-ELC, 24v/250w
120v/60Hz or 220v/50Hz
20”(H) x 8.5”(W) x 9.25”(D)
with yoke collapsed
Multiple
Dimensions:
DMX Address Quick Reference Chart
Colors
Gobos:
Weight:
Fuse:
Duty Cycle:
DMX:
Sound Active:
Working Position:
Warranty:
DIP SWITCHES
17, plus spot
25 Lbs.
5A GMA (120v)/3A GMA (220v)
30 min on / 5 min off
4 Channels
Dip Switch Position
#9
#8
#7
#6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
O
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
O
X
X
O
O
X
X
O
O
O
O
X
X
X
O
X
X
O
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
O
X
X
O
O
X
O
O
O
X
O
O
O
O
DMX DIP Switch Settings
X = OFF
O =ON
O
O
O
O
O
O
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
X
X
O
O
X
X
O
X
X
X
X
O
O
O
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
64 96 128 160 192 224 256 288 320 352 384 416 448 480
1
2
3
4
5
6
33 65 97 129 161 193 225 257 289 321 353 385 417 449 481
34 66 98 130 162 194 226 258 290 322 354 386 418 450 482
35 67 99 131 163 195 227 259 291 323 355 387 419 451 483
36 68 100 132 164 196 228 260 292 324 356 388 420 452 484
37 69 101 133 165 197 229 261 293 325 357 389 421 453 485
38 70 102 134 166 198 230 262 294 326 358 390 422 454 486
Yes
Any Safe, Secure Position
1 Year (365 days)
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O
O
X
X
O
O
X
X
O
O
X
X
O
O
X
X
O
O
X
X
O
O
X
X
O
O
O
X
X
X
X
O
O
O
O
X
X
X
X
O
O
O
O
X
X
X
X
O
O
O
O
X
X
7
8
9
39 71 103 135 167 199 231 263 295 327 359 391 423 455 487
40 72 104 136 168 200 232 264 296 328 360 392 424 456 488
41 73 105 137 169 201 233 265 297 329 361 393 425 457 489
Please Note: Specifications and improvements in the design
of this unit and this manual are subject to change without any
prior written notice.
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
X
X
X
X
10 42 74 106 138 170 202 234 266 298 330 362 394 426 458 490
11 43 75 107 139 171 203 235 267 299 331 363 395 427 459 491
12 44 76 108 140 172 204 236 268 300 332 364 396 428 460 492
13 45 77 109 141 173 205 237 269 301 333 365 397 429 461 493
14 46 78 110 142 174 206 238 270 302 334 366 398 430 462 494
15 47 79 111 143 175 207 239 271 303 335 367 399 431 463 495
16 48 80 112 144 176 208 240 272 304 336 368 400 432 464 496
17 49 81 113 145 177 209 241 273 305 337 369 401 433 465 497
18 50 82 114 146 178 210 242 274 306 338 370 402 434 466 498
19 51 83 115 147 179 211 243 275 307 339 371 403 435 467 499
20 52 84 116 148 180 212 244 276 308 340 372 404 436 468 500
21 53 85 117 149 181 213 245 277 309 341 373 405 437 469 501
22 54 86 118 150 182 214 246 278 310 342 374 406 438 470 502
23 55 87 119 151 183 215 247 279 311 343 375 407 439 471 503
24 56 88 120 152 184 216 248 280 312 344 376 408 440 472 504
25 57 89 121 153 185 217 249 281 313 345 377 409 441 473 505
26 58 90 122 154 186 218 250 282 314 346 378 410 442 474 506
27 59 91 123 155 187 219 251 283 315 347 379 411 443 475 507
28 60 92 124 156 188 220 252 284 316 348 380 412 444 476 508
29 61 93 125 157 189 221 253 285 317 349 381 413 445 477 509
30 62 94 126 158 190 222 254 286 318 350 382 414 446 478 510
31 63 95 127 159 191 223 255 287 319 351 383 415 447 479 511
X
X
X
X
X
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
DMX Address
The center numbers of this chart (1-511) represent a DMX address. The "X"'s
and "O"'s along the top and side of the chart represent dip switch poistion ("X"
for off and "O" for on). Find your desired DMX address from the center chart.
Identify the position for dip switches 1-5 from the chart on the left and dip
switches 6-9 from the chart on the top. Adjust the dip switches on your fixture to
match the position settings of the chart. For fixtures with 10 dip switches; dip
switch 10 is reserved for special functions.
A Division of the American DJ® Group of Companies
©American DJ® World Headquarters:
4295 Charter Street Los Angeles, CA 90058 USA
Tel: 323-582-2650 Fax: 323-582-2610
|