Configuring the EM264

Setting starting address

Three rotary switches on the front panel allow you to set the starting address for the EM264.

For touring systems, the starting address can be any number from 001 to 512. The starting address number for each module progresses sequentially from module to module, based on the size of the first dimmer controlled by each module. For example, in a dimming rack containing only 1kW dimmers, set the starting addresses to 001, 005 and 009. In. a dimming rack containing only 2kW dimmers, set the three EM264s to 001, 003 and 005. In. a dimming rack containing only 6kW dimmers, set the three EM264s to 001, 002 and 003.

For installation systems, the starting address is the rack number. The dimmer numbering sequence for each rack is contained in configuration tables stored in the EM264’s memory.Valid addresses are 001 to 064 for installation racks. Set the rack address on the rotary switches. See Selecting configuration tables, below.

Addresses 513 to 999 are used for self tests.

Note: If an address outside the available range is selected, the Quiet LED flashes and all other LEDs turn off until the address is corrected.

Selecting configuration tables

The three DIP switches labeled Table set the EM264 operating mode. If customized configuration tables have been programmed at the factory, you must enable all three switches and the rack address must be set on the rotary address switches. If a standard configuration is used, set the switches as shown on the chart below.

Note: All EM264s in an installation system are programmed with information for the entire system. This means that they are interchangeable within the system.

Left	Center	Right	#	Mode of operation
Down	Down	Down	1	All quad 1.2kW dimmers
Down	Down	Up	2	All dual 2.4 kW dimmers
Down	Up	Down	3	All single 6.0kW dimmers
Down	Up	Up	4	All double high 12kW dimmers
Up	Down	Down	5	All dimmers in consecutive DMX order
Up	Down	Up	6	Not used
Up	Up	Down	7	Not used
Up	Up	Up	8	Custom tables

Enabling the second DMX512 port

The EM264 is equipped with two DMX512 input ports. If the module simultaneously receives input from both DMX512 sources, it sets dimmer output at the higher of the two levels.

The second DMX512 port is activated by enabling the DIP switch labeled DMX 2. If you are only using one input, disable the switch.

Enabling the SIO (Serial Input/Output) port

The SIO port is activated by enabling the DIP switch labeled SIO. The port is turned off by disabling the switch. If your system is not equipped with the SIO function, leave this switch disabled.

Enabling Quiet mode

The EM264 allows you to operate some or all of your system's dimmers in Quiet mode. Quiet mode can reduce lamp noise significantly in lamps connected to these dimmers. Available only in EM264s in L86 Installation Racks, Quiet mode is most often specified for certain dimmers at the same time the system's configuration tables are programmed at the factory.

Enable the DIP switch labeled Quiet to activate Quiet mode for all dimmers programmed to use the mode. Disable the switch for normal operation.

Warning: Do not connect load types other than incandescent lamps to the dimmer if Quiet mode is enabled for that dimmer. In Quiet mode, the dimmer may produce a DC voltage that can damage other types of load.

Enabling Lock

Lock protects programmed information in your module. Once you have configured an EM264, you should leave it locked at all times. Before a module can be reprogrammed, you must disable Lock. Lock is activated by enabling the DIP switch labeled Lock. It is turned off by disabling the switch.

Note: Lock does not affect rotary or DIP switch settings. It protects internal programming.

Enabling Preheat mode

In Preheat mode, the EM264 maintains all dimmers at a minimal level even when the dimmer output level is set to zero. This can prolong the life of your lamps. If your rack contains dimmer modules with indicator lights, Preheat mode makes the indicators glow slightly at all times. Enable the DIP switch labeled Preheat to activate Preheat mode. Disable the switch for normal operation.

Note: If you run a blackout while Preheat mode is active, the system blacks out fully for six seconds, then raises all dimmers slightly to the preheat level.

Enabling Soft Start

Soft Start adds a filter that reduces lamp shock caused by turning a lamp with a cold bulb on to full. Soft Start checks the bulb to see if it is cold; if it is, Soft Start applies a filter to protect it. Enable DIP switch 9 to activate Soft Start. Disable the DIP switch labeled Soft for normal operation.

Enabling filtering

The two DIP switches labeled Filter set DMX512 filter levels for the EM264, as shown on the chart below. Four levels of filtering are provided to help stabilize control levels. Filter settings affect all dimmers.

Left	Right	Filter selected
Down	Down	None
Down	Up	32 ms
Up	Down	64 ms
Up	Up	128 ms

Setting delay

If DMX512 input is interrupted, the EM264 holds dimmer levels for either three minutes or three seconds, then fades outputs to zero. To set the delay for three seconds, disable the DIP switch labeled Delay. For a three minute delay, enable the DIP switch. The fade takes five seconds.

Control termination

Three sets of double DIP switches labeled Term-1, Term-2 and Term-s are provided to allow you to activate the control termination circuit required at the end of the DMX512 and SIO communication links. Enable all three pairs of termination switches on the highest numbered EM264 installed in the highest numbered rack in your system. Disable all three pairs of switches on the other two EM264s in that rack and all EM264s in all other racks.

Note: On some installation racks the termination settings may vary. Consult the switch settings chart in your System Manual before changing termination switches.