This can easily be achieved by hooking up to your fire alarm annunciator panel. Select a set of normally open contacts (these contacts close upon a alarm condition) and wire them to the "Fire" contacts on the selected dimmer. This dimmer would normally be the house light dimmer. When an alarm condition exists, the right fire terminal on the dimmer terminal strip (12+ vdc) sends 12 volts to the annunciate contactor (and if closed) will return the 12 volt signal back to the dimmer (left terminal) through a isolation diode to the dimmer signal line, bringing the dimmer to up/full output level while that alarm condition exists. When the alarm condition is removed, the dimmer reverts back to preset mode (last preset selected or last condition the dimmer was in.
When hooking up in a multi theatre environment, select only one dimmer to obtain the 12 volt feed from, this is the right fire terminal on the small two way terminal block. The return line from the annunciator panel can feed as many dimmers as needed and bring them all to full on /up condition.
Typical Projection Booth Layout
Dimmers are normally arranged in a manner that the projectionist can readily discern which (house) control what dimmers. By mounting the dimmers near the auditorium he can gain emergency control the fastest way, by accessing the controls or the breakers on the dimmers.
Order of control
The typical control flow, (the order of control) is normally dimmer to Projector automation. The projector automation contacts control the dimmers during a show, when the show is over manual control over the dimmers is possible, also fire alarm override and emergency bump override is always possible.
Typical Control Hook-ups
For Theatre use, normally the projection automation control the dimmers, with auxiliary controls on the dimmer itself.
For restaurants, hotels, auditoriums, meeting rooms etc. Ash-Stevenson #9921 push button controls are used. These stations fit into a standard single gang wall box and are designed as a retrofit item. These controls are ideal in installations that experience a high turn over of staff. Given three different preset levels, say morning, noon and night for example a restaurant manager can instruct one of the staff to push the evening setting say P3, all dimmers controlled by that set of buttons would dim to preset three. There is no more guessing on part of the staff and the settings once established would always be attained by any staff member. This does away with say a half a dozen or so individual rotary dimmers with marks on them and the staff maybe getting the setting near to what the management want, but usually never the same.
MX Series VRG Controller
These controls are usually for board room setups and utilize a MX controlled (rack mounted) for control interface to analog signaling devices. The controller is a wireless multi media type with interface to motor controls and projectors to dimmers.
This controller normally (controlled by a microprocessor ) outputs a pre programmed analog signal to the dimmer. This voltage is applied to the (signal input + common) of the dimmer. the dimmer then goes instantly to that level. When you wish to slowly fade up then the steps and timing must be programmed by the VRG controller.
Bump Override Stations
These are two button stations with LED status, ON/OFF control only. (emergency override) These stations can be ganged together for multiple control points.
Typical Mounting details
Please note clearances to ensure proper ventilation for dimmers mounted typically above one another. Should you have any questions regarding the mounting of any dimmer configuration please call the factory.