mothership

360° MOVING HEAD MULTI-EFFECT LIGHT WITH LASER

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INTRODUCTION
The Venue MS-51 “Mothership” is a DMX intelligent moving head effect light,
which includes a green laser, LED beams, and an LED column effect. It is
lightweight and compact which makes it a great light for mobile DJs, clubs and
parties. This unit can be used as a stand-alone fixture in sound-activated mode, or
controlled via DMX controller.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BEFORE YOU BEGIN 4 AUTOMATIC / SOUND-ACTIVE 11
What is included 4 Audio sensitivity 11
Unpacking instructions 4 Manual Control 11
Manual conventions 4
Icons 4 DMX OPERATION 12
Configuring the Starting Address 12
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 5 Master/Slave
(Standalone Operating Modes) 12
INTRODUCTIONS 6 13-Ch mode DMX operation 15
Control Features 6 DMX Parameters 16
Additional Features 6
Control Panel 6 APPENDIX 14
DMX Primer 14
SETUP 7 General Troubleshooting 14
AC Power 7 Fixture Linking 14
Back Panel 7 DMX Data Cable 14
Mounting Orientation 8 Cable Connectors 14
Rigging 8 3-Pin to 5-pin Conversion Chart 16
Signal linking 9 Setting Up a DMX Serial Data Link 16
General Maintenance 16
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 9
Control Panel Buttons 9 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 17
Control Panel Menu Selections 10 WARRANTY 18

STANDALONE OPERATION 11
Pre-Programmed Chases 11

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What Is Included
• Mothership • Mounting Bolts (x2) • Power Cord
• Mounting Bracket • 13mm Safety Loop • User Manual
Unpacking Instructions
Carefully unpack the carton, then check the contents to ensure that all parts are
present and have been received in good condition. Notify the shipper immediately
and retain packing material for inspection if any parts appear damaged from
shipping, or the carton itself shows signs of mishandling. Save the carton and all
packing materials. In the event that a fixture must be returned to the factory, it is
important that the fixture be returned in the original factory box and packing.

Manual Conventions
Venue® manuals use the following conventions to differentiate certain types of
information from the regular text.

CONVENTION MEANING

<Menu> Key to be pressed on the fixture’s Control Display

1~512 Range of values

50/60 Set of values of which only one can be chosen

Menu option not to be modified (for example, showing the

Settings
operating mode/current status)
MENU > Settings Sequence of menu options to be followed

ON Value to be entered or selected

Icons
This manual uses the following icons to indicate information that requires special
attention on the part of the user.

ICONS MEANING

This paragraph contains critical installation, configuration or operation

information. Failure to comply with this information may render the fixture partially
or completely inoperative, cause damage to the fixture or cause harm to the user.

This paragraph contains important installation or configuration information.

Failure to comply with this information may prevent the fixture from
functioning correctly.

This paragraph reminds you of useful, although not critical, information.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Please read these instructions carefully. It includes important

information about the installation, usage and maintenance of
this product.

Use extreme caution when the laser beam is turned on. When device is in use, do NOT look directly or
indirectly (reflectance) into the laser beam. NEVER point the laser beam directly or via a reflecting surface
towards another people’s or animals’ eyes or skin. Burns and permanent eye damage will result.

Do not point the laser beam towards highly explosive gasses.

Keep out of reach of children.

FCC Statement
1. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
2. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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General Safety
Please keep this User Manual for future reference.
• Make sure that you are connecting to the proper voltage, and that the line voltage you are connecting to
is not higher than that stated on the decal or rear panel of the fixture.
• This product is intended for indoor use only! To prevent risk of fire or shock, do not expose fixture to rain
or moisture.
• Make sure there are no flammable materials close to the unit while operating.
• The unit must be installed in a location with adequate ventilation, at least 20” (50 cm) from adjacent
surfaces. Be sure that no ventilation slots are blocked.
• Always disconnect from the power source before servicing or replacing the fuse and be sure to replace
with same type fuse.
• Secure fixture to included safety loop using a safety chain.
• Maximum ambient temperature is 104° F (40° C). Do not operate the fixture at temperatures higher than this.
• In the event of a serious operating problem, stop using the unit immediately. Never try to repair the
unit yourself.
• Never connect the device to a dimmer pack.
• Make sure the power cord is never crimped or damaged.
• Never disconnect the power cord by pulling or tugging on the cord.
• Never carry the fixture directly from the cord. Always use the hanging/mounting bracket.
• Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while it is on.

INTRODUCTIONS
Control Features
• X-Axis moving head, with laser, LED beam, and LED column effects
• 540° pan control, with or without DMX controller
• Built-in automated programs via master/slave or DMX with variable speed
• Built-in sound activated programs via master/slave or DMX
• 13 channel DMX-512 operation

Additional Features
• Includes rubber feet for desktop placement & metal bracket/safety loop
for truss mounting

Control Panel

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SETUP
AC Power
This fixture runs on 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Before powering on the unit, make sure the line voltage is
within the range of accepted voltages.

To determine the power requirements for a particular fixture, see the label affixed to the bottom of the fix-
ture or refer to the fixture’s specifications chart. A fixture’s listed current rating indicates its average current
draw under normal conditions.

Always connect the fixture to a switched circuit. Never connect the fixture to a rheostat
(variable resistor) or dimmer circuit, even if the rheostat or dimmer channel is used only
as a 0 to 100% switch.

Always connect the fixture to a circuit with a suitable electrical ground.

Back Panel

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Mounting Orientation
The Mothership includes a metal bracket and safety loop for hanging upside-down only.

Rigging
Be sure that the structure can support the weight of the fixture. Please see the “Technical Specifications”
section of this manual for a detailed weight listing. Mount the fixture securely. This may be done with a
screw, nut and bolt, or a hanging clamp (not included). The hole in each bracket can fit a 13mm screw or
bolt. When rigging, consider routine maintenance and back panel access. Please see the following steps
for installation.

• Ensure that cables are neatly organized and sufficient space is provided to allow full movement
of the fixture.
• There are rubber feet attached to the base, which may be used primarily for floor or desk
standing positions.
• Safety cables must always be used.

Lighting clamp
not included.

Safety cables must

always be used in
conjunction with the
included Safety Loop

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Signal Linking
In order to use this fixture in a DMX or master/slave operation, you must daisy chain using DMX cables to
link from one fixture to another.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Control Panel Buttons
Access these functions using the four buttons located directly underneath the LED Control Display.

BUTTON FUNCTION

Scrolls through the current operating mode, as well as back out

<Menu>
of the current menu option
<UP> Selects increasing advancement in the value

<DOWN> Selects decreasing advancement in the value

<ENTER> Selects a value and stores it to memory

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The Control Display shows the current state of the unit. It is used to select the operating mode, as well as
the sub-features. For detailed functions, please see the section below.

Control Panel Menu Selections

SUB-
MAIN FUNCTION SELECTION INSTRUCTION
FUNCTION

DMX Address Addr A001-A512 Select starting DMX address

Mast Designate as the master unit

Master/Slave
SLNd
Mode
SLA– Designate as slave unit

SH 0
Shnd SH 1
Show/Program Select pre-programmed show 0–3
SH 2
SH 3

Select sensitivity level of the microphone

Audio Sensitivity SenS 0–100 between 0 (less sensitive) and 100 (more
sensitive)

Auto Enable automatic programs

Mode Mode
Sound Enable sound-active mode

On Select whether the LED display will

LED Display Led always be illuminated, or turn off after 5
Off seconds of non-use

No When this menu option is selected,

the display will instantly flip upside-
Flip Display dISP
down, for better visibility when hanging
Yes from a truss

No Select standard or reverse

Pan Direction rPAn
Yes x-axis movement

When this menu option is selected,

the light will test movement, and cycle
Test teSt
through all colors until “Menu” is
pressed again

PAN 0–255

Top 0–255

Mid 0–255

Bot1 0–255 Manually alter parameters, specifying

Manual Control MAnu
Bot2 0–255 values between 0-255 for all options

LASE 0–255

DIMM 0–255

STRO 0–255

When this menu option is selected,

Reset rSet the light will briefly reset, and factory
settings will be implemented

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STAND-ALONE OPERATION
Pre-Programmed Chases
This fixture has 4 preprogrammed lighting chases with corresponding movement sequences. These
“shows” are accessed via the Control Display (page 6).

1. Press <MENU> until “Shnd” appears on the LED screen.

2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the desired program (Sh0–Sh3).
4. Press <ENTER>.

AUTOMATIC / SOUND ACTIVE

While an automatic program is enabled, you can choose whether or not to use the built-in microphone for
sound-active response. This option is accessed via the Control Display (page 6).

1. Press <MENU> until “Mode” appears on the LED screen.

2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select either “Auto” to enable automatic operation, or “SoUn” to enable
sound-active mode.
4. Press <ENTER> to confirm settings.

Audio Sensitivity
While in sound active mode, you can adjust the sensitivity of the microphone via the Control Display (page 6).

1. Activate a sound-active program (Mode - SoUn).

2. Press <MENU> until “SENS” appears on the LED screen.
3. Press <ENTER>.
4. Press <UP> or <DOWN> to adjust the sensitivity between 0 and 100 (0 = least sensitive,
100 = most sensitive)
5. Press <ENTER> to save your sensitivity setting.

Manual Control
This fixture allows the user to manually control each lighting effect, as well as alter the dimmer, strobe, and
pan angle through the main menu. These are accessed via the Control Display (page 6).

1. Press <MENU> until “MAnu” appears on the LED screen.

2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the lighting zone or parameter you would like to adjust.
4. Press <ENTER>.
5. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the desired value (0 - 255). By selecting 0 for a lighting zone
parameter, that section will remain off.
6. Press <ENTER>.
7. Repeat steps 3 - 6 until the desired effect and position is obtained. The current setting will remain active
until <MENU> is pressed again, at which point the unit will revert back to its most recent program.

The lighting zones are represented by the following in the menu map:
toP = Top 4 Beams - Orange, CTO, Cyan, Amber (0-255)
MId = Middle 4 Beams – Red, Green, Blue, White
bot1 = Bottom Row Column Effect 1 of 2 – Orange, CTO, Cyan, Amber (0-255)
bot2 = Bottom Row Column Effect 2 of 2 – Red, Green, Blue, White
LASe = Green Laser (0-255)

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DMX OPERATION
This is the operating mode which will allow for an external DMX controller. You must set the starting address
for this mode. If this is your first time using DMX, then it is recommended that you refer to the “DMX Primer”
section in the “Appendix” of this manual.

Configuring the Starting Address

Each fixture requires a starting address from 1~512. A fixture requiring one or more channels for control
begins to read the data on the channel indicated by the starting address. For example, a fixture that uses
seven DMX channels and is addressed to start on DMX channel 100, will read data from channels: 100,
101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106. Choose the starting addresses for each fixture so that the channels used
do not overlap. In addition, you should note the starting address selected for future reference.

1. Press <MENU> until “Addr” appears on the LED screen.

2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select the desired DMX address (1–512).
4. Press <ENTER>.

Master/Slave (Standalone Operating Modes)

This is the operating mode which will allow one fixture to act as the master and control all of the other slave
fixtures. You must set both the master and the slave(s) fixtures to the correct mode for this operation.

Master Settings:
1. Connect the fixtures with DMX cables, as shown in the “Fixture Linking” section.
2. Press <MENU> until “SLnd” appears on the LED screen.
3.Press <ENTER>.
4. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select MASt.
5. Press <ENTER>.

Slave Settings:
1. Press <MENU> until “SLnd” appears on the LED screen.
2. Press <ENTER>.
3. Using <UP> and <DOWN>, select “SLA-“
4. Press <ENTER>.

Although any fixture in the DMX daisy chain may be set to master, it is advisable to set the
master as the first fixture in the line.
Only one fixture may be set to master.
Do not connect a DMX controller to the daisy chain for this operating mode. It does not
matter which DMX mode is selected for the slave fixtures.
Either mode will be effective.

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13 Channel DMX Operation

FUNCTION VALUE PERCENT/SETTING CHANNEL

Pan 0–255 0–100% 1

Pan Speed 0–255 0–100% 2

Dimmer 0–255 0–100% 3

Strobe 0–255 0–100% 4

Top Row LED 0–255 0–100% 5

Middle Row LED 0–255 0–100% 6

Bottom Row 1 LED 0–255 0–100% 7

Bottom Row 2 LED 0–255 0–100% 8

Laser 0–255 0–100% 9

0-15 Motion Off

16-44 Auto Movement 0

45-74 Auto Movement 1

75-104 Auto Movement 2

Auto Show - Motion
105-128 Auto Movement 3 10
Settings
129-157 Sound-Active Movement 0

158-187 Sound-Active Movement 1

188-217 Sound-Active Movement 2

218-255 Sound-Active Movement 3

Audio Sensitivity -
0–255 0–100% 11
Motion Settings

0 LEDs Off

1–7 Color Fade

8–39 Auto Colors 0

40–72 Auto Colors 1

Auto Show - Color 73–105 Auto Colors 2

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Settings 106–140 Auto Colors 3

141–167 Sound-Active Colors 0

168–195 Sound-Active Colors 1

196–223 Sound-Active Colors 2

224–255 Sound-Active Colors 3

Audio Sensitivity - Color

0–255 0–100% 13
Settings

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APPENDIX
DMX Primer
There are 512 channels in a DMX connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A fixture capable of
receiving DMX will require one or a number of sequential channels. The user must assign a starting address
on the fixture that indicates the first channel reserved in the controller. There are many different types of DMX
controllable fixtures and they all may vary in the total number of channels required. Choosing a start address
should be planned in advance. Channels should never overlap. If they do, this will result in erratic operation
of the fixtures whose starting address is set incorrectly. You can however, control multiple fixtures of the same
type using the same starting address as long as the intended result is that of unison movement or operation.
In other words, the fixtures will be slaved together and will all respond exactly the same. Consult the Owner’s
Manual to your DMX controller for more information.

DMX fixtures are designed to receive data through a serial Daisy Chain. A Daisy Chain connection is where
the DATA OUT of one fixture connects to the DATA IN of the next fixture. The order in which the fixtures are
connected is not important and has no effect on how a controller communicates to each fixture. Use an
order that provides for the easiest and most direct cabling. Connect fixtures using shielded two-conductor
twisted pair cable with three pin XLR male to female connectors. The shield connection is pin 1, while pin 2
is Data Negative (S-), and pin 3 is Data Positive (S+).

General Troubleshooting

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) POSSIBLE ACTION(S)

• Excessive circuit load • Check total load placed on the electrical circuit
• Short circuit along the • Check for a short in the electrical wiring (internal and/
Breaker/Fuse keeps blowing
power wires or external)

• No power • Check for power on Mains

Device does not power up • Loose power cord • Check power cord

• Wrong DMX addressing • Check Control Display and unit addressing

• Damaged DMX cables • Check DMX cables
• Wrong polarity settings • Check polarity switch settings on the controller
Fixture is not on the controller
responding to DMX • Loose DMX cables • Check cable connections
• Faulty DMX interface • Replace DMX input
• Faulty Main PCB • Replace Main PCB

• Non DMX cables • Use only DMX compatible cables

• Bouncing signals • Install terminator as suggested
• Long cable / • Install amplifier right after fixture with strong signal
Low level signal
Loss of signal
• Too many fixtures • Install an optically coupled DMX splitter after unit #32
• Interference from • Keep DMX cables separated from power cables or
AC wires black light

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Fixture Linking
You will need a serial data link to run light shows of one or more fixtures using a DMX controller or to run
synchronized shows on two or more fixtures set to a master/slave operating mode. The combined
number of channels required by all the fixtures on a serial data link determines the number of fixtures the data
link can support.

Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line. To comply with
the EIA-485 standard, no more than 32 fixtures should be connected on one data link.
Connecting more than 32 fixtures on one serial data link without the use of a DMX optically-
isolated splitter may result in deterioration of the DMX signal.

Maximum recommended serial data link distance: 500 m (1640 ft)

Maximum recommended number of fixtures on a serial data link: 32

DMX Data Cable

Use a cable which meets the specifications for EIA RS-485 applications. Standard microphone cables cannot
transmit DMX data reliably over long distances. The cable must have the following characteristics:

Type: Shielded, 2-conductor, twisted pair

Maximum capacitance between conductors: 30 pF/ft
Maximum capacitance between conductor and shield: 55 pF/ft
Maximum resistance: 20 Ohms/1000 ft
Nominal impedance: 100 ~ 140 Ohms

Cable Connectors
Cabling must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR connector on the other end.

Do not allow contact between the common and the fixture’s chassis ground. Grounding
the common can cause a ground loop, and your fixture may perform erratically. Test cables
with an Ohm meter to verify correct polarity and to make sure the pins are not grounded or
shorted to the shield or each other.

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3-Pin To 5-Pin Conversion Chart

If you use a controller with a 5-pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5-pin to
3-pin adapter. The chart below details a proper cable conversion:

3-PIN TO 5-PIN CONVERSION CHART

Conductor 3-Pin Female (Output) 5-Pin Male (Input)

Ground/Shield Pin 1 Pin 1

Data ( – ) Signal Pin 2 Pin 2

Data ( + ) Signal Pin 3 Pin 3

Not Used Pin4

Not Used Pin5

Setting Up A DMX Serial Data Link

1. C
onnect the (male) 3-pin connector side of the DMX cable to the output (female) 3-pin connector
of the controller.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the controller which will have a (female) 3-pin connector to the
input connector of the next fixture consisting of a (male) 3-pin connector.
3. Then, proceed to connect from the output as stated above to the input of the following fixture and so on.

General Maintenance
To maintain optimum performance and minimize wear, fixtures should be cleaned frequently. Usage and
environment are contributing factors in determining frequency. As a general rule, fixtures should be cleaned
at least twice a month. Dust reduces performance and can cause overheating.
This can lead to reduced lamp life and increased mechanical wear. Be sure to power off fixture before
conducting maintenance.

• Unplug fixture from power.

• Use a vacuum or air compressor and a soft brush to remove dust collected on external vents.
• Clean all glass when the fixture is cold with a mild solution of glass cleaner or Isopropyl Alcohol
and a soft lint-free cotton cloth or lens tissue.
• Apply solution to the cloth or tissue and drag dirt and grime to the outside of the lens.
• Gently polish optical surfaces until they are free of haze and lint.

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The cleaning of external optical lenses and/or mirrors must be carried out periodically to optimize light
output. Cleaning frequency depends on the environment in which the fixture operates. Damp, smoky or
particularly dirty surroundings can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the unit’s optics. Clean with soft cloth
using normal glass cleaning fluid. Clean the external optics at least every 20 days. Clean the fixture at least
every 30/60 days.

Always dry parts carefully after cleaning them.

Never spin a fan using compressed air.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Weight & Dimensions
Length: 13.46” (342mm)
Width: 13.46” (342mm)
Height: 7.18” (182.3mm)
Weight: 6.18 lbs (2.80 kg)

Power
Auto-Ranging Power Supply: 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption @ 120 V: 49 W max, 0.68 A inrush
Power Consumption @ 230 V: 47 W max, 0.39 A inrush Fuse 2A

Light Source
Laser x1 (Green)
Maximum Output <4.9mW
Emitted Wavelengths 532 nm
LEDs x16 (3-watt)
Lux @ 2 m
Red: 1234
Green: 1051
Blue: 17
Amber: 450
White: 1885
Cyan: 306
Yellow: 1099
Pink: 1214
Beam Angle 5°
Column Angle 180°
Thermal
Maximum Ambient Temperature 104° F (40° C)
Cooling Fan

Motion
X-Axis Rotation 540°

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WARRANTY
One (1) Year Limited Warranty
Subject to the limitations set forth below, Venue® hereby represents and warrants that the components of this
product shall be free from defects in workmanship and materials, including implied warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose, subject to normal use and service, for one (1) year (ninety (90) days on lamps) to
the original owner from the date of purchase.
Retailer and manufacturer shall not be liable for damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of product, loss
of time, interrupted operation or commercial loss or any other incidental or consequential damages including but
not limited to lost profits, downtime, goodwill, damage to or replacement of equipment and property, and any
costs of recovering, reprogramming, or reproducing any program or data stored in equipment that is used with
Venue® products. This guarantee gives you specific legal rights. You may have other legal rights which vary from
state to state. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation
may not apply to you.

Venue Lighting Effects

P.O. Box 5111, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359-5111 www.venuelightingeffects.com

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are recognized as the property of their
respective holders.
Made in China.

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