Chauvet COLORado Batten Q15

Compare Personality on the batten with the console profile. Modes beginning with “1” control the fixture as one cell; those beginning with “15” offer individual control of all fifteen cells. Seeing the fixture in RDM does not confirm that the profile, address and DMX output are set up to control it.

1. Save a copy of the show and record Information → Firmware Version, console version, fixture library, universe, output and Start Address. For console control, the menu map identifies Master/Slave → Master as DMX mode. Leave Static Colors or Auto Programs and separate any chain operating in Master/Slave mode: Chauvet warns against feeding console DMX into that arrangement.
2. To isolate the profile, test one batten with a known 5-pin DMX cable. Select Personality → 1 Simple and a profile assigning RGBW exactly to channels 1–4. There is no dedicated dimmer in this mode. Test red at a low value with the other three channels at 0. If it responds, use that as a baseline for the cell mode; otherwise, check the universe and physical output before blaming the profile.
3. For RGBW cell control, 15 Simple uses 60 channels: the first cell occupies 1–4, the second 5–8, and the last 57–60. The 45-channel 15 Pixel mode offers RGB per cell, with no white channel. In 15 Basic and 15 Advanced, channels 1 and 2 are Dimmer and Fine Dimmer; the first cell’s RGBW starts at channel 3. Open the dimmer and keep Color Macros and Strobe at 0; in 15 Advanced, also set Color Temperature to 0. Do not test by raising every channel to 255.
4. Allocate the complete footprint before adding another batten. In 15 Simple, a start address of 100 occupies 100–159; the next independently controlled fixture can start at 160. Recheck all ranges and console output capacity after changing Personality. As a planning example, nineteen fixtures in 15 Advanced require 1,254 channels and at least three DMX512 universes, with each fixture kept within one universe: up to seven fixtures per universe. Other fixtures or controller limits may require additional outputs.
5. Test one cell at a time and identify which end responds first. Cell Order offers 1 - 15 (Left to Right) or 15 - 1 (Right to Left). If the sequence is reversed, compare this setting with the physical orientation before rebuilding the effect. If only whole-fixture colors work or some cells are missing, check the profile assignments and multicell support in the installed console version.

Check the wall wash filter and aiming before adding fixtures or increasing intensity. The filter widens the distribution along one axis. The glare shield helps restrict direct views of the source from certain positions. They serve different purposes, so check their effect on the drape, stage and seating areas.

1. Choose a stable test position with an approved mounting arrangement and access to the fixture. Record the distance to the drape, tilt, height, color and DMX values. Inspect the filter and lenses: dirt, damage or different accessories make comparisons between fixtures unreliable. If cleaning is needed, follow the manual’s Maintenance section with power disconnected and the fixture at room temperature.
2. Disconnect power and let the fixture cool before installing or removing the filter or glare shield. Chauvet specifies the end with the power and DMX inputs: press the filter locking tabs inward, lift the latch bar, slide the accessory through its slot, and close the latch securely. The shield is stored inverted; the Filter Installation drawing shows how to remove, turn and reinsert it. Keep ventilation clear and do not improvise an accessory over the lenses.
3. Keep position, color and level unchanged for the comparison. Identify the installed filter, then compare the fixture with and without the wall wash filter. The official photometric report separates Standard Optics from Wall Wash Filter. With the filter, the beam widens mainly along one axis; this does not produce a sharply cut edge. Check both the drape coverage and light falling outside the intended area.
4. Change one variable at a time: aiming, distance or accessory. Inspect the center, ends and overlaps between fixtures, then check from audience and camera positions. If coverage improves but spill increases, adjust aiming and check the shield before raising intensity. More even coverage may need different fixture spacing or positions; repeat the comparison while keeping the other settings unchanged.
5. Maintain at least 50 cm of clearance from adjacent surfaces and flammable materials, as required in Safety Notes. Do not press the batten against a drape or wrap it to hide it. For floor mounting, the manual requires the base plate to be bolted to a stable surface. Check supports and accessories before powering up; a vertical batten must not be left standing unsecured.