The AC612 Series Architectural Lighting Controllers¶
The ELC AC612 series is a range of compact architectural DMX lighting controllers designed for wall mounting, surface mounting, tabletop use, or DIN-rail installation. These controllers are intended for architectural lighting applications such as indoor lighting control, meeting rooms, restaurants and exhibitions. The series supports cue and cuelist playback, local memory recall, built-in DMX merging, and programming through either a live DMX source or the free AC612 Editor software for Windows and Mac.
All AC612 series models provide a DMX input, a DMX output and a built-in merger. The merger supports HTP, LTP and Priority operation. Memories are captured from the DMX input and each memory contains 512 DMX channels. In addition to memory playback, the controllers include a master intensity control from 0% to 200%. The Up and Down keys can also be configured for speed control.
The AC612 Editor software can be used to preprogram memories, scenes and cue lists. Each memory can contain multiple steps, with a total device capacity of 126 steps, and each step can have its own crossfade time and duration. Communication with the editor for import and export uses USB.
The AC612 series comes in the following variations:
- AC612XUB - 12-memory push-button playback panel with screw-terminal DMX connections
- AC612XUBX - same as AC612XUB, but with 5-pin XLR DMX connections and USB connection
- AC612XUF - 5-memory fader playback panel with screw-terminal DMX connections
- AC612XUFX - same as AC612XUF, but with 5-pin XLR DMX connections and USB connection
- AC612XUBF - combined playback panel with 6 memory buttons and 3 memory faders, with screw-terminal DMX connections
- AC612XUBFX - same as AC612XUBF, but with 5-pin XLR DMX connections and USB connection
- AC612DIN - DIN-rail mounted version based on the 12-memory push-button concept, with contact-closure terminals for each memory or chase and USB for programming
What's in the Box?¶
The ELC Lighting AC612 comes with the following package contents:
- 1 x ELC Lighting AC612
- 1 x Cable USB 2.0 USB-A to USB-B (X versions only)
- 1 x Power AC adapter 100-240V AC to USB 5.0V 1A with interchangeable plugs (X versions only)
Variations¶
AC612XUB¶
The AC612XUB is a 12-memory push-button playback panel with 16 keys and 12 memory slots for scenes or cuelists, plus an additional blackout scene. DMX input and output are provided on screw terminals.
AC612XUF¶
The AC612XUF is a 5-memory fader playback panel with DMX input and output via screw terminals. Each fader can recall an individual cue or cuelist.
AC612XUBF¶
The AC612XUBF combines 6 memory buttons and 3 memory faders in one controller, providing 9 memory slots in total. DMX input and output are provided on screw terminals.
XLR versions¶
The AC612XUBX, AC612XUFX and AC612XUBFX provide the same core functionality as their screw-terminal equivalents, but use 5-pin XLR for DMX input and output and are supplied with a universal USB power supply.
AC612DIN¶
The AC612DIN is a DIN-rail mounted version intended for system integration. It includes contact-closure terminals for each memory or chase, a USB connection for programming, and a programmable DMX merger. Memories on the DIN version are created through the AC612 Editor software rather than from the front panel.
Connections¶
DMX input and output¶
All AC612 series models include a DMX input and DMX output. Depending on the model, these are presented either on screw terminals or on 5-pin XLR connectors.
Power¶
The AC612XU series requires an external power supply rated at 9 to 24 VDC, 200 mA. XLR variants are supplied with a universal USB power supply.
USB¶
The USB connection is used for firmware upgrades, editor software communication, and memory import and export.
Contact-closure inputs¶
The AC612DIN includes 12 contact-closure inputs on screw terminals for memory and chase triggering. When connecting an opto-coupler output to a contact-closure input, polarity must be observed.
Functional overview¶
The AC612 series captures DMX data into memories, where each memory can function either as a scene or as a chase. The total desk capacity is 126 chase steps. Fade time and cue duration can be set individually, and the built-in merger allows live DMX data and stored memories to be combined depending on the configured operating mode.
Installation steps¶
Warning
The AC612XU is a hardwired, wall-mounted lighting controller. Installation must be carried out by a qualified technician.
- Open the unit cover by removing the two screws at the top and the two screws at the bottom.
- Connect the external power supply (9-24 V) to the
PWR +andPWR -screw terminals. -
Connect the DMX input to the
INterminals:G-> pin 1 (shield)+-> pin 3 (data +)--> pin 2 (data -)
-
Connect the DMX output to the
OUTterminals:G-> pin 1 (shield)+-> pin 3 (data +)--> pin 2 (data -)
-
Mount the unit to the wall, if required.
- Close the cover and secure it with the four screws.
The User Interface¶
Setup mode¶
For the AC612XUB, AC612XUF and AC612XUBF, operating modes can be changed by entering Setup mode.
To enter Setup mode:
- Press and hold the Store button
- Press and hold the Up button
- Wait approximately 10 seconds until the LEDs begin flashing
- Change settings as required
- When no button is pressed for about 10 seconds, the unit stores the current settings and returns to normal operation automatically
Merge mode¶
| Key Up | Key Down | Function |
|---|---|---|
| HTP merge | ||
| LTP merge | ||
| Priority merge (memories of the unit are disabled if a valid DMX signal is on the input) |
Store disable¶
If the LED on the store button is on, then storing new memories is disabled.
Startup memory (at power on)¶
These settings are only available on the button version.
| Key 1 | Key 2 | Key 3 | Key 4 | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No startup memory | ||||
| Memory 1 | ||||
| Memory 2 | ||||
| Memory 3 | ||||
| Memory 4 | ||||
| Memory 5 | ||||
| Memory 6 | ||||
| Memory 7 | ||||
| Memory 8 | ||||
| Memory 9 | ||||
| Memory 10 | ||||
| Memory 11 | ||||
| Memory 12 |
Memory mode¶
| Key 5 | Key 6 | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Swap → only one memory active | ||
| Toggle → switch memory on/off | ||
| Flash → temporary memory |
Fade tables¶
See also: Creating memories
| Key 7 | Key 8 | Table | Fade time 1 | Fade time 2 | Fade time 3 | Fade time 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 seconds | 1 second | 2 seconds | 5 seconds | ||
| 2 | 0 seconds | 5 seconds | 10 seconds | 15 seconds | ||
| 3 | 1 second | 10 seconds | 15 seconds | 20 seconds | ||
| 4 | 5 seconds | 10 seconds | 20 seconds | 30 seconds |
Up/down mode¶
| Key 9 | Key 10 | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Up/Down buttons control intensity | ||
| Up/Down buttons control speed | ||
| Up/Down buttons control intensity, Off/Store buttons control speed (AC612XUB only) |
Master / Slave (AC612XUB/DIN) / Operation mode¶
| Key 11 | Key 12 | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Normal standalone operation | ||
| Device is master of a system (contains memories) | ||
| Slave in a system | ||
| Last slave in a system (RDM signal is blocked) |
The AC612XUB and AC612DIN can operate in standalone, master, slave or last-slave mode. In master/slave operation, the master device must be first in the DMX line and the slave units are daisy-chained from it. Communication between master and slave devices is performed over RDM through the DMX line. The last unit should be configured as Last slave which will block the RDM signal.
Creating memories¶
Fader version¶
To store a memory on an AC612XUF or AC612XUFX:
- Press Store
- Create the required memory using the external DMX source
- Move the chosen fader to full
- Press Store again to save the memory
Selecting the same fader again cancels the selection.
Button version¶
To store a memory on an AC612XUB or AC612XUBX:
- Press Store
- Create the required memory using the external DMX source
- Press the chosen memory button
- Set the fade time for the memory using the table below.
| Key Up | Key Down | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Fade time 1 (0/0/⅕ seconds) | ||
| Fade time 2 (⅕/10/10 seconds) | ||
| Fade time 3 (2/10/15/20 seconds) |
- Press Store again to save the memory
To set the blackout or fade-out timing, follow the steps above, but select the Blackout button next to Store instead of one of the 12 memory buttons.
Button / fader version¶
For the AC612XUBF and AC612XUBFX, memory creation follows the same principles as the button and fader versions, depending on whether the target memory is assigned to a button or a fader.
DIN version¶
Memories for the AC612DIN are created through the AC612 Editor software only.
Normal operation¶
In normal operation, memories are recalled using the front-panel buttons or faders. The master intensity control runs from 0% to 200% and is handled by the Up and Down buttons. If both LEDs are off, the master is at 100%. If the Up LED is on, the output is above 100%. If the Down LED is on, the output is below 100%. Pressing Up and Down together resets the master to 100%.
AC612 Editor software¶
The AC612 Editor software can program the full AC612 range. It allows every button or fader to be assigned a scene or cue-list with custom crossfade and duration times. The software can also view DMX, merge DMX, grab DMX from the device, import and export device data, record and delete steps, and edit device settings.
Firmware upgrading¶
Button, fader and button / fader versions¶
For AC612XUB, AC612XUF and AC612XUBF variants, firmware upgrade is performed through USB Update software by powering off the device, holding Store, connecting USB, running the updater, selecting the firmware file, and then powering the device back up after the update. Previously created memories may be lost during the update.
DIN version¶
For the AC612DIN, the firmware update procedure requires disconnecting power, removing the white cover, moving the update jumper to the update position, connecting USB, running the updater, restoring the jumper, and reconnecting power after the update. Previously created memories may be lost during the update.
Maintenance & Safety¶
Before operating the product, read the user manual thoroughly and pay special attention to all safety requirements.
Cleaning¶
Disconnect all connected supply and signal cables before cleaning the unit. Clean with a dry cloth. Do not use any liquids or aerosols on the unit.
Usage¶
- Do not use the unit near water or moisture.
- Do not block ventilation openings.
- Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not insert objects through ventilation slots.
- Do not install near heat sources.
- Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- Do not place the unit on unstable surfaces.
Servicing¶
All servicing must be performed by qualified service personnel. If the apparatus is damaged, exposed to moisture, operates abnormally, or has been dropped, disconnect the mains plug immediately and contact your distributor or technical support.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. Maintenance and service may only be carried out by qualified personnel.