DIMMING

PROBLEM:
My ETC dimmer pack turns on and off intermittently.

SOLUTION:
ETC packs have fans that draw air through filters. If the filters become congested, it will trigger the over-temperature shut-down mode. After the pack cools down, it will come back on. The simple fix is to keep the filters clean.

PROBLEM:
My lights are hung and plugged into the dimmers. The controller is connected to the dimmers and the controller is powered up. The LEDs are working on the console but nothing is happening.

SOLUTION:
Most likely you do not have power to the dimmers. Check switches and power and look for a lit indicator lamp. Still no luck? Check the DMX address.

CONSOLES

PROBLEM:
My memory lighting console brings up the wrong dimmers (i.e. my console handle #18 brings up dimmer #34).

SOLUTION:
Check with your user manual to set your console to clear the programmable dimmer assignment. Most consoles will direct you to a menu that allows you to set up the console 1:1, meaning channel 1 is dimmer 1, channel 2 is dimmer 2, etc.

STROBES

PROBLEM:
I have a series of strobes hooked up with DMX control cable into a common strobe controller. One unit seems to work at a very low level only. When I move other strobes into that same spot, the new unit also functions at a low level.

SOLUTION:
Whenever you use multiple strobes in a common controller, all the strobes have to be fed from the same phase (meaning the white wire is connected to the larger pole of the AC connector and the black wire is connected to the smaller pole). If you use ordinary wall outlets and the wiring is NOT in phase you will be out of phase and this problem will occur. Try moving the affected strobe to another outlet.

FOG/SMOKE GENERAL

PROBLEM:
My fog/smoke machine does not produce smoke even though there is a "pumping" noise.

SOLUTION:
This is the most common problem regarding nearly all of our fog and smoke machines. What is happening is that the take-up hose inserted into the bottle of fog fluid is not fully immersed and the machine is actually pumping air, not fluid. Most machines also require a fairly long warm-up period and usually have a "ready" light that turns on when the unit is ready to use.

MOVING LIGHTS

PROBLEM:
I have questions about or I'm having problems with my Martin moving lights.

SOLUTION:
Click here for solutions to all your Martin automated lighting questions.

PROBLEM:
I have questions about or I'm having problems with my High End moving lights.

SOLUTION:
Click here for solutions to all your High End automated lighting questions.

WHOLE HOG CONSOLES

PROBLEM:
I have questions about or I'm having problems with my Whole Hog.

SOLUTION:
Click here for solutions to all your Whole Hog questions.

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