ACTION
GUIDE TO OPERATION, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE

NB: This information is provided online purely for research purposes.
No claims are made as to the accuracy of the information, or it's relevance to any equipment you may own or use.

ACTION Issue 1 1087

INTRODUCTION

Panel Layout Diagram

1. OPERATION - Reference Guide

2. INSTALLATION

• Control Positioning
• Environmental Conditions
• Mains Power Supply
• Earthing
• Connection to Dimmers
• Audio Input
• Earth Loops, Earth Verification

3. COMMISSIONING

• ACTION Block Diagram

4. MAINTENANCE

• System Description
• Fault Diagnosis
• Multiplexed Output Waveforms Adjustments

5. DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAMS

INTRODUCTION

ACTION is a low cost lighting control console giving control over 24 channels of dimming equipment. The console incorporates the following features :-

• 24 faders for control of the dimmers
• Push button memory selection for up to 99 Memories
• Lighting and Effects Memories maintained by rechargeable battery for 30 days without system power
• Manual or automatic timed playback of Memories Progammable Effects
• Multiplexed control output
• Integral 'back-up' - using the channel faders

This handbook gives guidance on the operation, installation, and maintenance of the ACTION lighting control system.

It is intended to be used primarily by Strand Lighting Service Agents, and other persons who may be called on to provide technical support and advice to customers.
The information within this handbook is believed to be correct and complete, however if you discover any ommission or error, please contact Strand Lighting. Strand Lighting accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors or ommissions which may have occurred during the preparation of this guide.

Strand Lighting accepts no responsibility or liability for any damage, loss, or injury, however caused, arising from the use of information contained within this guide.
Copyright Strand Lighting limited 1987

1) OPERATION
This section is not intended as a fully detailed Operator's Handbook, but as a reference guide to ACTION operational controls and facilities,
Refer to the Panel Layout drawing for the positions of individual controls and indicators.

1) Channel Faders
These form a 'single preset' manual control system, allowing levels to be set for individual channels.
The faders are used for setting up lighting states prior to recording, superimposing additional lighting during playback of memories, and as a 'back-up' control system in the event of a failure of the memory section of ACTION.

2) Master Fader
This operates as an overall master for the Channel Faders, and active Effects.
Memory playback and Flash to Full are unaffected by the position of this fader.

3) Blackout Switch
This operates as a master blackout switch over the entire system. The switch should be in the 'down' position for normal operation.

4) Flash Pushes and Indicators
These pushes have several functions - the standard one being to momentarily raise the corresponding channel to Full, or dim it to Off (depending on the setting from the Flash Enable Switch - 5). Refer also to 20, Modify Push, and 21, Effects Push.
The indicators in the Flash pushes show that the corresponding channel is active. (ie. not Off)

5) Flash Enable Switch 6) Flash Indicators
This 3-position, centre biased switch has several functions - the standard one being to alter the function of the Flash pushes. The current function is shown by the Flash Indicators as either Flash to Full, Flash to Off, or Flash pushes disabled.
If the top of the Flash Enable Switch is pressed the indication is altered in an upward direction. e.g. from Flash Off to Flash Full.
If the bottom of the Flash Enable Switch is pressed, the indication is altered downwards.
Refer also to 20, Modify Push, and to 21, Effects Push. .

7) Numerical Keyboard
This is used for entering Memory Numbers or Effect Numbers for use during Record, Playback, and Modify operations.

8) Numerical Display
This displays the number entered from the keyboard. Or, during Effect recording, displays Effect step numbers.
The decimal point (to the right of the units digit) will illuminate if the selected Memory or Effect contains active channels.

9) Clear Push
This clears the last entered number from the Numerical Display.

10) -1 Push
This reduces the number shown in the Numerical Display by 1.
This may be useful for 'reversing' the action of automatic 'sequence' during recording or playback.

11) Record Lock Keyswitch
When this is is in the locked. position, (key in line with the side of the console) no recording or modifying of Memories or Effects is possible.

12) Record Push
Records the current active lighting state into the memory whose number is shown in the Numerical Display. Any previous information recorded on that number will be erased. The audible tone will sound to confirm correct action, and a 'decimal point' will light in the Numerical Display if the Memory Number contains active lighting levels.
Refer also to 21, Effects Push.

13) A Preset Push
This enters the lighting state, recorded in the Memory number shown in the Numerical Display, into the A Preset Store.
The indicator will illuminate if the Preset has been loaded with a Memory containing active channels.

14) A Preset Fader
This acts as a 'master' fader for the lighting state stored in the A Preset. Refer also to 17, Time Control Fader.
Note: The A Preset Fader operates in an 'upside down' manner. ie. Full output levels are achieved when the fader is fully towards the operator.

15) B Preset Push
As for 13, A Preset Push, but for the B Preset Store.

16) B Preset Fader
This acts as a 'master' fader for the lighting state stored in the B Preset. Refer also to 17, Time Control Fader.

17) Time Control Fader
This allows the setting of a time for the crossfade between A and B Preset Stores. Time is variable between 'Manual' (fade controlled solely by the movement of the A and B faders), and the limits of 2 seconds and 5 minutes. When the setting is for a timed fade, only the A fader need be moved to achieve the fade, although it is good practice to also move the B fader. (this will prevent a possible unwanted change in lighting if the Time Control Fader is subsequently moved to the Manual position)
Refer also to 21, Effect Push

18) Fade Progress Display
This LED column indicates the progress of a timed crossfade - the number of illuminated sections indicating the amount of elapsed fade time.
If the Time Control Fader is in the Manual position, the top and bottom segments of the display illuminate to indicate this. The display is also used to show Channel levels during the modification process.
Refer also to 20, Modification Push

19) Sequence Push and Indicator
This push engages or disengages the 'sequence' mode, as shown by the indicator. When 'Sequence' is active, any Record or 'Memory transfer to active Preset' action will cause automatic selection of the next numerically higher memory number. When operating faders - either manual or timed - 'sequence' will cause the 'next' memory to be automatically entered into the 'blind' preset on fade completion.
Note: Automatic sequencing does not occur when transferring memories to the blind Preset.

20) Modification Push
This allows active or blind modification of an already existing lighting Memory or Effect.

To modify a recorded lighting state :-

• a. Ensure the Record Lock Key switch is in the Record position
• b. Select the Memory Number to be modified.
• c. Press modify. Its indicator will illuminate. The Flash Push indicators will illuminate for those channels which are active in the Memory.
• d. Press the Flash Push for a channel whose level is to be altered. The Flash Push indicator will blink on and off. The current level will be shown on the Fade Progress Display.
• e. Use the top or bottom of the Flash Enable Switch to raise or lower the displayed level.
• f. Repeat steps d. and e. as required.
• g. Press the Modify push to enter the changes into memory. The audible tone will sound to confirm the operation.

Notes:
The Modify function operates by 'adding' the channels controlled in steps d. and e. to the existing Memory. Channels whose levels are not changed will
therefore remain unaltered.
If the memory being modified is currently also held in either A or B Preset, any modifications made will be carried across to alter the copy of the Preset. Thus lighting states may be altered live, or blind - prior to fading them on to the output.
If clear is pressed before step g. the re-record action will not take place. Thus it is possible to make 'once only' modifications to lighting (held in Preset) during a performance or rehearsal.
Modify may be used for 'preview' of memories by omitting step e. and pressing Clear before step g.
Refer also to 21, Effect Push.

21) Effect Push 22) Effect Speed Fader
When this switch is pressed following entry of a number (1-9), that numbered Effect will begin to run, (if it has been previously recorded) or recording / modifying of that Effect will be possible. Effect types are specified by their numbers :-

1. Chase - #1
2. Chase - #2
3. Chase - #3
4. Chase - #4
5. Cycle - with 99% slope
6. Random
7. Flicker
8. Audio - 'sound to light'
9. Chase on bass beat
0. Clear

To record an Effect :-
a. Enter the desired number on the Numerical Keyboard.
b. Press the Effect Push. Its indicator will illuminate
c. Press the Record Push. Its indicator will illuminate, and any previous recording on the Effect number will be cleared.
The Numerical Display will now show a flashing 1 - step 1.
d. Press Flash Push(es) as required to select the channel(s) to be used in step 1.
The Flash indicators will show the channels active in the Effect step.
e. Press the Flash Enable Switch in the up direction. This will select and display the next step. The audible tone will sound.
f. Select and deselect channels as required for the next step.
g. Repeat actions e. and f. until all required steps are recorded (maximum 48).
h. Press the Record Push to complete the record action. The audible tone will sound to confirm the operation.

Note:
Do not press the Flash Enable switch after setting the last desired Effect step. If this is done, a blank step will be included at the 'end' of the Effect.

To run an Effect :-
a. Enter the desired number on the Numerical Keyboard.
b. Set the Time Control Fader to specify a fade-in time for the Effect. (Manual=instant time)
c. Set the Effect Speed Fader to specify a rate for the Effect (if relevant).
d. Press the Effect Push.

To stop the Effect, press Clear or '0' and then the Effect Push. The Effect will fade out in the time set on the Time Control Fader.

Notes:
Channels being controlled by a running Effect come under the influence of the Master Fader.
During a fade in or out of an Effect, the Time Control Fader may be moved to alter the fade speed.
The Effect Speed Fader may be moved at any time to alter the Effect running speed.
If a second Effect number is selected while an Effect is running and the Effect Push is pressed, the second Effect will' run in place of the first. (fade-in and fade-out times. will be as set on the Time Control Fader)

To modify (or preview) a recorded Effect :-
Follow the stages for recording an Effect, but press the Modify Push in place of the Record Push. (It is not possible to add, or subtract, steps to an already recorded Effect)
For Effect preview, press Clear before the second press of Modify.

23), 24), 25) Audio Filter Level Controls
These potentiometers respectively control the levels of the Treble, Middle, and Bass frequencies, from the Audio input, that are used in Effect numbers 8 - Sound to Light and 9 - chase on bass beat (Bass only).

26) Memory Clear Push
This push will cause a selective clearing of memory information if it is held down while the Record push is pressed. (and the Record Lock Keyswitch is in the record position)
To clear one memory - select that Memory, hold Memory Clear, and press Record.
To clear one Effect - select that Effect, hold Memory Clear, and press Record.
To clear all memories and Effects - ensure that the Numerical Display is blank, hold Memory Clear, and press Record.
The audible tone will sound to confirm the operation.

27) Diagnostic Programs Switch
If this switch, situated beneath the panel, is pressed (using a non-conductive object). diagnostic programs will be initiated.

28) Reset Switch
If this switch, situated beneath the panel, is pressed (using a non-conductive object) the system will be 'reset' as if it had been turned off and on again.

29) Writing Surface
Channel identifications and notes may be written on this surface using a chinagraph pencil or 'dry-wipe' marker pen.
nb. The surface is black.

2) INSTALLATION

ACTION has been designed as a portable control system, and as such does not require a complicated installation procedure. However, a carefully planned and well-executed installation will enhance the reliabjljty of the system.

The formal commissioning of ACTION control systems is not required, many customers will probably perform their own installations. In such cases, advice hould be given as to the correct manner of installing and connecting the equipment.

Control Positioning
Whenever possible, the ACTION should be positioned so that the operator will have
a clear view of the stage. A second (but more important) consideration in choosing a control position is that the environmental conditions must fall within the limits set down in the equipment specification. (refer next section)

Environmental Conditions
The absolute, and recommended, limits are set out below :-

Static Electricity
The floor covering and other furnishings within the control area must be of types which prevent a build up of static electricity. (certain anti-static carpet treatment methods are acceptable as long as the manufacturer's instructions are followed regarding regular re-treatment)

The reliable operation of ACTION cannot be guarranteed if the system is operated or stored) in conditions outside the specified limits.

Note: A system which has been stored, or transported, in cold conditions, and is then moved to warmer conditions, is likely to form condensation on internal surfaces. This condensation will evaporate if time is allowed. This time must be allowed before applying mains power to the equipment, if potential serious damage is to be avoided.

Mains Power Supply
The mains power required for ACTION is single phase (Live, Neutral, Earth) 120 or 240 Volts AC 50/60 Hz. maximum current 2A.
Note:
The supply voltage required for an ACTION console is fixed at time of manufacture. Care must be taken that the system is only connected to the correct supply voltage.
The mains supply must be stable and free from interference and disturbances as these may adversely affect the operational reliability of the system. It is strongly recommended that the mains supply for ACTION is not taken from the same distribution wiring as other equipment - especially 'noise' producing equipment such as electric motors or arc lamp luminaires.
Whenever possible, the mains supply for ACTION should be separately wired from the site main intake - via a suitable protection device - directly to the control position.

Earthing
ACTION must be earthed. The Earth connection must be adequately rated to ensure proper protection against electric shock in the extremely unlikely event of any exposed metal parts becoming 'live'.
The Earth must also be 'clean'
i.e. it must not carry electrical noise or interference.
If the site power distribution system utilises Protective Multiple Earthing (Earth
and Neutral as one common conductor), Strand Lighting should be consulted before the equipment is installed.

Connection to Dimmers
The dimmer control output from ACTION is 'multiplexed' (the signals for all dimmer channels are sampled on a cyclic basis and transmitted one after the other along a single cable). The connection to the dimmers must therefore involve a 'demultiplex' device. The multiplex signal specification matches the D54/ AMX85 standard currently used by Strand Lighting. (Two wire for European models, four wire for USA models).

Two Wire Multiplex Systems
Three options of demultiplex device are currently available :-

ACT 6 Multiplex or ACT 3 Multiplex
The ACT range of portable dimmer packs, fitted with the multiplex input panel may be directly controlled from ACTION by simply connecting the multiplex control line between the dimmers and the control system.

Permus Demultiplex Unit
This device is recommended for interfacing ACTION to permanently installed dimmers which require the standard Strand Lighting analog control input of 0 V = Off, -10 V = Full On - via a 10 kOhm resistor and a diode. Full installation and connection instructions are included with the Unit.

F&.D Multiplex Interface
This device is suitable for interfacing ACTION to Strand Lighting portable dimmer packs eg. Mini II+, Tempus, and to dimmers which require analog control inputs of other than 0v to -10v. (within the range of -15v to +10v = Full On, 0v =Off)
Five versions are currently available:
-10 V Bleecon connectors - for direct connection to Tempus dimmer packs
-15 V Bleecon connectors
-10 V Min D type connectors)
-15 V Min D type connectors) Control cable not included
+10 V Min D type connectors)

Control cables fitted with Min D type connectors are available separately.

Where there is doubt as to which unit should be installed, Strand Lighting should be consulted.

Note:
ACTION has no capability for using an input from faders. Therefore if a manual fader control system is connected to the F&.D Multiplex Interface Faders input, the faders will only drive the dimmers if the ACTION is either disconnected or switched off.

Multiplex Control Cable
Cable type must be single or twin screened microphone cable with a capacitance of less than 300pF /Metre and a nominal impedance of approximately 75 Ohms.
Maximum total multiplex cable length must be 1000 Metres or less.
Connections are made using 3 pin AXR style connectors: (except on the Permus Demultiplex Unit which utilises screw terminals)
(AXR style connectors are directly compatible with XLR style connectors)
AXR-3-12 - output from ACTION .
AXR-3-11 - into ACT dimmer pack, or F&.D Multiplex Interface

Pin connections are as follows :-

Pin 1 - Screen (Technical Earth)
Pin 2 - Red cable / no connection (Not used in ACTION installations)
Pin 3 - Blue cable / centre core (Multiplex signal to dimmers)

Four Wire Multiplex Systems
ACTION will connect directly to CD80 dimmer racks, or CD80 portable dimmer racks.
For connection to other styles of dimmers, please contact Strand Lighting for advice.

Multiplex Control Cable
Cable type must be 'Belden' type number 9156
Maximum total multiplex cable length must be 1000 Feet (300 Metres), or less.
Connections are made using 4 pin AXR style connectors:
AXR-4-11 - output from ACTION
AXR-4-12 - input to CD80

Pin connections are as follows :-

Pin 1 - Black cable (Technical Earth)
Pin 2 - White cable (Synch -)
Pin 3 - Red cable (Analog)
Pin 4 - Green cable (Synch +)

CD80 dimmers supplied until recently utilise 'Switchcraft' connectors instead of AXR connectors. Pin connections are as follows :-

Pin 1 - Synch -
Pin 2 - Synch +
Pin 3 - Technical Earth
Pin 4 - Analog

Audio Input
ACTION will accept an audio input signal for use with Sound-to-Light and Chase-on-Beat Effects.
The audio input circuit will accept 'line level' signals of a maximum amplitude of 5V peak - to - peak. The input circuit is 'unbalanced' and presents a negligable load to the signal source.
Cable type should be screened.
No maximum length is specified - the length should be as short as possible. Connector type is 5 pin DIN plug, 180 Degree style (DIN 41524)

Pin connections are as follows :-
Pin 1 - No connection
Pin 2 - Audio 0V
Pin 3 - Audio input, Left channel.
Pin 4 - No connection
Pin 5 - Audio input, Right channel

Note:
Right and left audio channels are 'mixed' within the ACTION audio circuitry.

Earth Loops

When installing an ACTION, it is very important that there are no 'loops' in the Earth and Technical Earth wiring. If loops exist, electrical resonance and noise may cause unreliable system operation, or in extreme cases, overheating and burn out of the Technical Earth wiring.
The multiplex cable screen, which forms the Technical Earth conductor from ACTION, is connected to Mains Earth inside the control console. This Technical Earth must not be connected to Mains Earth at any other point.
The Dimmer Common connection is usually connected to Mains Earth inside the dimmer packs. (this is almost always the case with portable dimming equipment)
Whenever possible, the connection between Dimmer Common and Mains Earth should be broken. However, with portable dimmer packs, it may be difficult to effect this disconnection, and doing so may compromise the integrity of the Protective Earth circuit.
Demulitplex devices currently supplied by Strand Lighting incorporate an input circuit which effectively isolates the demultiplex cable screen from the Dimmer Common connection (as long as the potential between the multiplex cable screen and the Dimmer Common is less that about 7 volts A.C.) This isolation circult therefore reduces the need to disconnect the Dimmer Common from Mains Earth.
Isolation input demultiplexers are, however, not always 100% successful in removing the effects of Earth loops.
In cases of difficulty, Strand Lighting should be consulted.

Notes:
Demultiplex devices supplied in the past by Strand Lighting may not incorporate isolation input circuitry. However, adaptor units are available to order.
CD80 dimmers do not incorporate isolation input circuitry.

Earth Verification
The Earthing within an installation should be checked for Earth loops, and other problems:

• Fully connect the ACTION, demultiplex unit and dimmers.
• Remove a multiplex cable from the ACTION. (All equipment turned off).
• Connect a multi-meter between the 0 Volt pin (pin 1) of the output connector on the ACTION and the 0 volt pin (pin 1) of the multiplex cable connector.
• First check that there is no voltage measurable (AC or DC)
• Next set the meter to measure resistance, and check that there is a high resistance (several thousand Ohms or more) between the two points. A very low resistance reading indicates the presence of an Earth loop.
  Note:
  Do NOT use high voltage resistance testers.
• Finally, set the meter to measure current. Set the range progressively more sensitive, on both AC and DC, to check that there is no significant current (less than a few micro-amps) flowing in the earth line - with all equipment turned on.
  Should any current register, the earth arrangements must be checked and improved to the point where no measurable current flow is indicated.

3. COMMISSIONING

ACTION has been designed such that commissioning is largely unnecessary, however, other equipment in the installation may not be of a similar status.
If commissioning is necessary, either because of circumstances at site, or because the customer requires it, the procedure is that of a series of checks that all equipment is correctly installed and is operating according to its specifications.

Check:-

• Environmental conditions are within the required limits.
• All mains wiring is correct and conforms with any relevant regulations.
• Control cabling to dimmers and demultiplex unit is correct.
• Earthing is correct.
• The ACTION is fully operational (and correctly adjusted - refer to the Adjustments section)
• All dimmers are fully operational (and correctly adjusted)
• Any additional equipment is fully operational.

Operator training may also form part of the commissioning procedure, and is an ideal procedure for proving full system operation to the customer.

ACTION Block Diagram

4) MAINTENANCE

An ACTION console provides its own back-up in that the circuitry has been designed such that a failure within the microprocessor section of the systen will not prevent the channel faders from driving dimmers - although any memories or effects recorded into the system will be unusable.

Maintenance support for ACTION will be primarily carried out by the Strand Lighting Service Agents network.
A customer whose ACTION has developed a fault should be directed to return the complete console to the nearest Service Agent who is equipped to carry out repairs, or who has a replacement unit available for complete exchange.
The Agent will usually effect repair by sub-assembly exchange (possibly 'while the customer waits'). The faulty sub-assembly will be repaired at a later time either by the Agent or by Strand Lighting.

Notes:
Care must be taken if totally exchanging and ACTION. Many customers tend to 'embellish' the casings of their systems. If such 'decoration' has taken place, the casing should not be exchanged - only the internal electronics.
As ACTION memory is located on the main PCB, which may well be exchanged during repair, the customer will lose any memories or effects he has entered into his control system. Customers should therefore be advised, at time of purchase, to make a written note of all memory and effect information.
There is no possibility of transferring memory contents directly from one ACTION to another.

System Description

The ACTION lighting control comprises a single console, housing all system electronics.
External connections are:

• Mains input, IEC connector, 120/240 volts AC 50/60 Hz.
• Multiplexed dimmer output, AXR type 3 pin connector (2 wire systems)
• Multiplexed dimmer output, AXR type 4 pin connector (4 wire systems)
• Audio input, DIN type 5 pin connector, max. input 5 volts peak-to-peak
  high impedance, unbalanced
• Plot lamp connector, AXR type 4 pin connector (2 wire 'mux' systems)
• Plot lamp connector, AXR type 3 pin connector (4 wire 'mux' systems)

Housed within the console are two electronic sub-assemblies:
the power supply assembly, and the system main PCB.

Power Supply
This is attached to the base of the console and comprises two parts :-
a.) A toroidal mains transformer, providing two 17.5 Volt AC inputs to-
b.) The power supply regulator PCB (Ref. 1863) This PCB first rectifies and smooths the AC transformer outputs to give three DC voltages of +25 V, +25 V, -25 V.
+25 V and -25 V are fed to two solid state regulator devices which provide stabilised voltage outputs of +12 V and -12 V.
The second +25 V is fed to a switched mode regulator circuit which provides the main power output of +5 V.
The outputs are protected against short circuit, over-current, and over-voltage conditions.

Note:
The power supply is similar, but not identical, to that used in M24 FX. They are NOT interchangeable.

Main Printed Circuit Board
This is attached to the system front panel. It carries all operator controls and displays, together with all system electronics.
The electronic circuit is organised in seven sections :-
(refer to the ACTION Block Diagram)

1) Timing Generator
A 2 MHz. crystal oscillator generates a clock signal. This signal is then frequency divided to give timing control to various parts of the system, particularly the fader multiplexer and output drive circuit.

2) Channel Faders and Multiplexer
Under timing control from the Timing Generator, a multiplex circuit scans the Channel Faders and derives a multiplexed output containing all channels' levels. This output is used for driving dimmers from the faders. It is also fed to the memory section of ACTION for recording purposes.

3) Microprocessor Circuit
A Motorola MC68BO9 microprocessor is used to control the operation of memory recording and playback, together with effects.
The microprocessor operates using a program which is stored in a PROM.
The microprocessor circuit utilises two RAM devices - one for temporary storage of data during system operation, the other for recording of lighting and effect memories. In order to preserve memorised information, the RAM devices are powered by a rechargeable Ni-Cad battery when ACTION is powered down.

4) Contacts and Mimics
All operator push switch controls are organised in a 'matrix' circuit. The microprocessor program causes a regular scanning of the switch matrix. Any switch detected as closed will cause an appropriate operation to occur.
When such an operation requires a change to a panel display, the microprocessor writes appropriate data to latch devices, the outputs of which drive the individual displays and indicators.

5) Playback Faders, Analog to Digital Converter
The levels from the playback and speed faders are multiplexed, together with the inputs for sound controlled effects, and the already multiplexed channel fader levels, and fed to an analog to digital converter. The microprocessor then reads the individual digital levels from the converter.

6) Audio Input Filters
The audio input is fed via a simple automatic gain control into three faders, corresponding to the Treble, Middle, and Bass channels. Each fader then feeds a filter network giving an output corresponding to the peak level of audio signal within the appropriate frequency range.
An additional circuit detects the 'beat' from the Bass filter output.
The filter outputs are fed to the microprocessor via the analog to digital converter. The beat circuit output is read by the microprocessor as a direct digital signal.

7) Digital to Analog Converter, Output Mixer, and Line Drive
The memory section of ACTION generates its channel output levels in digital form. These digital levels are converted to analog levels in a digital to analog converter. These resulting levels are then combined with the levels from the channel faders in a circuit which allows the higher level to take precedence.
Finally, the combined channel levels are fed through a line driver circuit to form the multiplexed system output.
If the system is configured for two wire multiplex line operation, demultiplexer synchronising signals are added to the output signal by the line driver circuit.
If the system is configured for four wire multiplex line oper ation, the demultiplexer synchronising signals are transmitted separately. The synchronising signals are derived in the timing generator.

Fault Diagnosis
Diagnosing faults to sub-assembly level is extremely simple as there are only two sub-assemblies.
The simplest checks to make are the power supply voltages. If these are correct - and the system is not functioning - it must be assumed that the main PCB is at fault.
Obviously, not all faults will affect the overall operation of the system, and it may be possible to further diagnose the fault to a particular failed component. For components such as switches, indicators, or faders, diagnosis may be relatively easy. However, diagnosis of faults within the electronic circuitry will be more difficult and may require the use of specialised test equipment.

ACTION contains a series of diagnostic progams which may aid the process of locating a faulty component. (It is suggested that, if possible, the customer be requested to run the diagnostic programs - and note the results - before returning a system for repair)
Unfortunately, it is possible that, under certain fault conditions, the diagnostic progams will not operate - either totally or partially.

Instructions for the use of the diagnostic progams are given in section 5. of this handbook.

Adjustments
ACTION adjustments are set up before consoles are despatched from Strand Lighting. However, the adjustments should be checked if the system is to be commissioned, and as part of maintenance procedures.

Power supply

• The power supply is not adjustable.
• The +12 V and -12 V output accuracies are determined by encapsulated devices - the only method of correcting an incorrect voltage is to replace the relevant regulator device.
• The +5 V output accuracy is determined by the value of a resistor (R11) on the Power Supply PCB. If the +5 V output voltage is inaccurate, it may be altered by altering the value of R11 - an increase in resistor value leading to an increase in output voltage. The relationship between voltage and resistor value is one of 1mV to 1 Ohm. (an increase of 1 Ohm in the value of R11 will give rise to an increase of 1 m V in the output voltage)

Measurement Points

• The +5 V power rail should be measured between pin 1 (0 V) and pin 7 (+5 V) on the MC68B09 microprocessor. (IC. 7)
• The voltage should be between +4.95 V and +5.05 V - measured with a digital voltmeter of +/-2% accuracy or better.
• The +12 V and -12 V power rails should be measured at the power connector (P2) on the main PCB +12 V - pin 1, -12 V - pin 6, 0 V - pins 4&5.
• The voltages should be between +/-11.5 V and +/-12.5 V.

Multiplex Line Output Levels
Two adjustment potentiometers allow alteration of the output levels derived from the fader section of ACTION, and the memory section.

To check the adjustments :-

• Display the multiplexed output signal on an oscilloscope.
  (Refer to the Multiplexed Output Waveforms Diagram)
• Set the Master Fader at Full, and at least one Channel Fader at Full, adjust RV28 until the channel output pulse(s) has an amplitude of +5 V.
• Drive a channel to Full using its Flash Button, adjust RV26 until the channel output pulse has an amplitude of +5 V.

Notes :
RV26 and RV28 are accessible under a small removable cover situated on the back of the console behind the Blackout Switch. Viewing the console from the rear, RV26 is the potentiometer on the right, RV27 is in the centre, RV28 is on the left. RV27 is not used.

5) DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAMS
ACTlON facilities include a Self-Test program. To enter the test program, press the Test push. This is situated behind the panel above Channel fader 24. A non-conducting implement should be used.
This will cause ACTION to cease operating as a memory lighting control, although the basic manual mode of operation will continue. (throughout the majority of the tests)
When the test program is operating, this is indicated by the decimal points on the Numeric Display flashing on and off at about one second intervals. All other displays will blank.

There are eight separate tests within the test program.
Each test may be initiated by entering its number on the keypad.
The running of any test may be halted by pressing CLEAR.
To resume normal operation, the system should be turned OFF and ON again, or the Reset Switch should be operated. (having first halted any test which is running)

Test 1 Displays

This test switches on all indicators and display segments one at a time in quick succession. Once switched on, indicators remain on until all are on, when they commence switching off one at a time, until all are off. The test then repeats.

Test 2 Program Checksum

This test performs a check on the ACTION program storage PROM. The test adds the numerical contents of every PROM address together to give a sum, which is then compared with the known expected answer. The test will repeat until CLEAR is pressed.
If the sum does not equal the expected answer, an error code of E0 will be isplayed in the Numerical Display.

Test 3 Cue Data
This test performs a similar operation to Test 2, but on the lighting cue storage
memory.
The test will repeat until CLEAR is pressed.
If the sum does not equal the expected answer, an error code of E1 will be displayed in the Numerical Display.

Test 4 Real Time Clock
This test checks the accuracy of the timing generator, which is used to give ACTION its 'sense' of time.
During the test all displays will be blank unless an error is detected. The error code for a detected failure is E8.

Test 5 Multiplex Output
This test will cause the multiplexed output line to be driven with a changing pattern of dimmer level information. This will allow the system output circuitry to be checked - preferrably by observing the multiplexed output signal with an oscilloscope, or by observing a changing pattern of lighting.

Test 6 Switch Contacts
This test causes a number to appear in the numerical display whenever a switch is pressed.
Switch numbers:

If more than one switch is pressed, the display will show the number for the last switch pressed.
To exit from this test, CLEAR must be pressed twice in quick succession.

Test 7 Faders
This test allows checking of faders, multiplexing electronics, and analog to digital conversion electronics.
When the test is running, faders may be selected one at a time, and their level will be displayed as a count (0-99) in the numerical display.

To select faders:-

Note: Channel faders are mastered by the Grand Master.

Test 8 Memory

This is a comprehensive test of all ACTION memory, including lighting cue storage memory. As such, this test will destory any memories which have been recorded. In order to protect against this happening accidentally, the test will only run if the Record Lock key is in the REC position.
The test will indicate a detected fault using an error code:-

E3 - Address line fault
E4 - Data line fault
E5 - Data errors in several random locations
E6 - Data errors in a limited address area
E7 - Memory locked. Test aborted.

Test 0 Continuous Testing

This test will run one pass of the following tests, after which it will repeat until CLEAR is pressed.

Power-up Tests

These tests are run immediately following switch-on or system reset. They remain invisible to the operator unless an error is detected, in which case the numerical display will momentarily show the appropriate error code. Normal system operation will then commence if the detected failure is not such as to prevent the main lighting program from running correctly.

Tests:-

Check system operating memory (not lighting memory)

Run diagnostic tests 2,3,4.

Summary of error codes (Self tests and Diagnostics)

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© Strand Lighting Limited 1987
This online version © Strand Archive 2002