Response Speed - ETC SMARTRACK User Manual

Smartrack User Manual
page 40

5.9. Response speed

The response speed is the time taken for a dimmer to ramp to a new level
received via DMX. Response speed is measured in milliseconds, and should not
be confused with current risetime, measured in microseconds. Smartrack offers a
range of four response speeds, which are appropriate for different lighting tasks.
30mS Response speed
Very fast response, used with light filaments and where dynamic response
to bump buttons and chases is essential. The downside is that, in certain
circumstances, such a fast response can cause nuisance tripping of MCBs
and RCDs – for example when large cold filaments are suddenly switched
to a high level, in an installation with exceptionally low loop impedance.
100mS Response speed
Factory default setting gives acceptably fast response in most situations,
eliminates nuisance tripping in all but most severe circumstances, and pro-
longs lamp life by reducing thermal shock to cold filaments.
300mS Response Time
Used mainly in TV studios where most loads are 5kW, further prolongs
lamp life by reducing thermal shock to cold filaments. Since 300mS is less
than the thermal response delay of a 5kW filament, no visible delay is
introduced when using such loads. This setting may also be useful for tun-
ing installations with very low loop impedance where RCD nuisance trip-
ping is a problem.
500mS Response Time
Used exceptionally to reduce inrush currents on large loads, and to extend
lamp life. But note that a half second ramp will probably be visible on all
but the largest filaments.
ETC Ltd