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Saturn Tri LED & UC3/DMX Help?

FM Former Member
Hey guys, I'm a manager at a local nightclub, and had zero light or DMX knowledge before finding this forum. Thanks to Chris and Jingles, I've managed to learn quite a bit just by reading responses to other requests for help, however I'm stuck with a few questions I couldn't find answers for.

A few weeks ago my boss left me a set (4) of Saturn Tri-LEDs to install, as well as a UC3 controller and an Elation SDC-6 (6 channel DMX controller). After some research I was able to explain why the lights didn't "move" (static by design), and why the DMX didn't work as assumed (using old XLR mic cables). Here's where I need help.

The UC3 controller manual and the Tri LED manuals fail to really explain HOW the UC3 controller works.

The Tri LED manual indicates the following:
STANDBY ---- Blackout
FUNCTION ---- 1. Synch Strobe ---- Chase Speed
2. Four Light Strobe
3. Sound Strobe
MODE ---- Strobe (LED Off) ---- Auto (LED On)

The Standby button works as expected, however the MODE button only seems to strobe when it's held down, and sometimes it does nothing. The FUNCTION light comes on and off as I push it, but doesn't seem to cycle through the 3 functions listed, nor can I find the chase speed option? Or maybe it does and I don't know the difference? I assume it's an operator issue? Hopefully one of you can explain what the manual is trying to tell me? There was a vague reference to using pre-programed "shows", is this available using the UC3 controller? Will the UC3 controller allow me to switch between "DMX", "Sound Active", and "Pre-programed" modes?

I have found that when I switch on the DMX controller, it overrides the UC3 controller, which allows the DJ to set the color of all 4 lights at the same time. I assume this is by design? Could having the two connected at the same time have anything to do with my issues?

Thanks for any direction you guys can give me.
Original Post
S Studio42 (Guest)
I'm no expect on the Saturn series or the UC3 controller.

First, let's just talk about DMX mode. You have ot make an either/or decision about DMX, at least from a position of "I am using it or I am not using it". Taking that in mind, you are either using stand-alone mode(coupled with or without master/slave mode), UC3 mode or DMX. Mot fixtures that support stand alone mode will do so when they DO NOT detect DMX signalling or master/slave type stuff going on. So, you don't need the UC3 controller to switch you into DMX mode. Simply connect DMX and disconnect the UC3 and you're done.

Second, I'm sure you've read the manual for the UC3 and the Saturn. Read it again if you get a chance. No, I'm not assuming anything. I think something may be overlooked. I find it interesting but good that DMX over-rides the UC3. I'm more pushing for DMX solutions anyways.

As far as them all getting set at once via DMX, I bet they are all using the same DMX addresses, which is fine if that's what you want to do.

I bet the units have a macro or pattern mode in 5-channel mode. 1,2,3 are for RGB, 4 is dimming and 5 is strobe/macro.(guessing, the order might be different).

I suggest your boss provide you with better DMX options, such as MyDMX, unless he never plans to expand past those Saturns.

Neat fixture. No place for them in my rig, but still, nice.

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