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The effectiveness of all external connections, circuit protection devices, RCBOs etc.
should also be checked regularly and at the annual inspection time. The RCBO can
be tested by simply pressing the red test button to trip the circuit.
Fault finding
In nearly every case of a major failure of the dimming system, the first line of
investigation towards a fast solution will be to investigate the system through
DimSTAT. This network will give immediate indications of power supply failure or
dimmer rack failure, as any fault detected will show the Matrix dimmer address on a
red background.
Even if a fault condition appears to disappear, there is always a reason for a failure,
and it is vital to identify the cause before resetting MCBs or replacing fuses in case
the problem is unresolved and repeats with more damaging results. In the case
where DimSTAT is not installed, error messages are available on the front panel LCD
with more detailed information available by interrogating data through the display's
menu.
Note: Should any fault occur other than a complete loss of power or a 'no load' situation, the
Processor will have a red indicator 'check' light illuminated on the front panel. Only one phase
needs to be present to power the internal electronics and fault reporting system. For an
immediate guide to the cause of the problem, follow the 'View channel data' section.
Main power failure
If there is a main power failure where all, or a significant part of the system fails, the
first action is to set the control output to all dimmers to a minimum while the source of
the problem is located. Total mains failure will generally cause a loss of all lighting
levels not supplied by an emergency backup supply. Generally, if there is a problem
within the dimming system, either part of the system will blackout, or the DMX preset
backup into the dimmers will take over.
Failure of group of dimmers
An assessment of the number of dimmers affected is crucial for effective corrective
action. This will determine whether the problem is a mains supply problem, a dimmer
rack problem or a control problem.
Check the Processor front panel display for the presence of all phases of the mains
supply. If the mains supply is not present, check fuses or MCBs which power the
processor and Chassis. Before resetting the main supply, investigate and correct the
cause of the failure.
If the mains is present, and no control signal bar graphs are showing, check that the
control signal input connector is in place.
The dimmer operation can also be checked by using the manual preset control
feature in the PRESETS menu.
Check if the failure is restricted to a column or row in the Matrix Chassis. Cause may
be a cracked trace on the backplane PCB.
Failure of single dimmer
The fault reports through DimSTAT will give details of a circuit fault and if the fault
cannot be repaired externally, the problem may be a single dimmer failure. In the first
instance disconnect all loads and extension cables from the connected sockets and
check the dimmer channel again. If the problem still exists, the module concerned
should be replaced.
Over temperature alarm
If modules or dimmer racks report high temperatures, this may be due to either a
reduction in the efficiency of the ventilation system (caused by a fan failure) or the
effect of an unusual load. Check the load in the first instance, and also the
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