STRATUS-1200 - Light effect machine Qtx - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Low fog machine (dry ice effect)
Brand	Qtx
Model	STRATUS-1200
Power Supply	220-240V AC, 50/60Hz (IEC)
Power Consumption	1200W
Fuse Rating	F5A
DMX Channels	2
Warm-up Time	3-5 minutes
Fog Output	Approx. 7500 cu.ft per minute
Fluid Capacity (Fog Fluid)	1.2 litres
Water Reservoir Capacity	3 litres
Dimensions (W x D x H)	510 x 360 x 260 mm
Weight	9.3 kg
Remote Control	Wired digital control panel and RF wireless remote (433MHz)
DMX Connection	5-pin DIN (2 channels)
Included Accessories	UK/EU mains leads, wired control panel, RF remote, user guide
Recommended Fog Fluid	QTX 160.644UK (1L) or 160.583UK (5L) pink fluid
Cleaning	Use soft damp cloth; periodically run distilled water through system; use cleaning fluid (160.670UK)
Safety Features	Earthed unit; hot surface warning; automatic heating indicator
Operating Position	Upright only
Warranty	Damage from misuse not covered
Disposal	WEEE compliant – do not dispose with household waste

Frequently Asked Questions - STRATUS-1200 Qtx

How does the STRATUS-1200 produce a low fog effect?

The STRATUS-1200 uses standard fog fluid and water to create a ground-hugging, flowing mist similar to dry ice fog without needing carbon dioxide or ice.

What fluids are recommended for the STRATUS-1200?

We recommend using QTX fog fluids: 160.644UK (1 litre) or 160.583UK (5 litres) pink high-quality fog fluid. For cleaning, use fog machine cleaning fluid (160.670UK) periodically.

How do I set up the STRATUS-1200 for the first time?

1. Unpack the unit. 2. Unscrew the top cap, fill the fog fluid tank (1.2L). 3. Replace cap securely ensuring the pipe reaches the bottom. 4. Open the water tank cover and fill with water up to the fill line (max 3L). 5. Connect the wired digital control panel to the 'Remote Control' socket. 6. Optionally connect DMX. 7. Plug in IEC mains and power on. Allow 3-5 minutes warm-up.

Can I control the STRATUS-1200 without the wired panel?

Yes, the unit includes an RF wireless remote (433MHz) with buttons for continuous fog start/stop and output increase/decrease. The wired panel must be connected for the remote to work.

How do I use DMX control with the STRATUS-1200?

Connect a DMX controller to the DMX IN XLR connector. Set the desired DMX address (1-512) via the wired panel. The unit uses 2 channels: CH1 (fan speed 0-100%) and CH2 (fog output 0-100%). Additional units can be daisy-chained via DMX OUT.

What should I do if no fog comes out in manual or continuous mode?

Check: 1. Fog fluid level in the tank. 2. Ensure output volume is not set to zero on the control panel. 3. Ensure the remote is not turned off. 4. If the pump is running but no fog, the lines may be blocked – clean with distilled water and fog machine cleaner. 5. If using DMX, check that the fog output channel is not zero and address is correct.

How do I clean the STRATUS-1200?

Use a soft dry or slightly damp cloth to clean the exterior. Do not use strong solvents. Periodically run distilled water through the fog mechanism to clean internal lines, and occasionally use fog machine cleaning fluid to prevent blockages.

What is the warm-up time for the STRATUS-1200?

The unit typically takes 3-5 minutes to reach operating temperature. The display shows 'Warming up' during this phase and 'Ready to fog' when ready.

What safety precautions should I observe when using the STRATUS-1200?

Always operate in an upright position on a stable, non-slip surface. Do not expose to water or moisture. The unit contains a heating element; parts may become hot. Do not open the case; no user-serviceable parts inside. Use only the correct mains voltage and ensure the unit is earthed.

How do I dispose of the STRATUS-1200 at the end of its life?

This product is classified as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Do not dispose with household or commercial waste. Follow your local council guidelines for proper disposal.

USER MANUAL STRATUS-1200 Qtx

Order ref: 160.448UK

User Manual

Caution: Please read this manual carefully before operating Damage caused by misuse is not covered by the warranty

Small form factor, portable effect machine producing "dry ice" type low fog effects without the use of carbon dioxide or ice. New technology delivers a ground-hugging, flowing mist from standard fog fluid and water, perfect for stages, theatres and themed events. The main unit has a removable fluid tank and easy access water reservoir with drain tap and can be operated by a wired digital control panel, separate RF remote or 2 channel DMX connection if required.

• Produces an impressive, ground hugging mist effect
- Works using only standard fog fluid and water
- Small form factor unit for easy transportation
• 2 Channel DMX connections
• Supplied with wired digital control panel and RF wireless remote

In the box:

Please check the contents to ensure that the product has been received in good condition.

• Stratus-1200 Low Fog Machine

- UK/EU Mains Leads

- Wired digital control panel

- User guide

• RF wireless remote

If you find any accessory is missing or the machine has arrived with damage, please contact your local dealer at once. Do not try to fix this item yourself or you will invalidate the warranty. Please keep the original packaging and invoice for any possible replacement or return demands.

Warnings:

1. To prevent risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose electrical parts to water or moisture.
2. If liquids are spilled on areas other than inside the fluid tanks, disconnect the mains, allow the unit to dry out and have it checked by qualified personnel before use.
3. Avoid any impact, dropping or extreme pressure to the housing.
4. No user serviceable parts inside - do not open the case.
5. Allow the unit to acclimatise to room temperature before operating.
6. The Stratus-1200 has a built-in fluid container and reservoir so should be operated in an upright position. Ensure that the unit is positioned on a stable, non-slip surface.

Safety and Cleaning:

1. Check for correct mains voltage and condition of IEC lead before connecting to mains.

2. This unit must be earthed.

3. This unit uses a heating element – be aware that parts of the housing may be hot during use!

4. Use a soft dry or slightly damp cloth to clean the casing.

5. Do not use strong solvents for cleaning the housing.

6. Clean the fog mechanism periodically by operating with distilled water.

7. It is also recommended to use fog machine cleaning fluid (160.670UK) periodically.

Recommended Fluids:

For the Stratus-1200 fog machine, we strongly recommend the following fluid which has been specifically formulated to perform best with any heater-based fog machines.

QTX ref code	Description	Size
160.644UK	High quality fog fluid pink	1 Litre
160.583UK	High quality fog fluid pink	5 Litre

Rear Panel:

Wired Digital Control Panel:

FUNC: Press to scroll through menu options

TIMER: Press to set up the fog timer function

UP: Press to increase the current menu value

START/STOP: Press to start/stop continuous fog

DOWN: Press to decrease current menu value

MANUAL: Press and release for fog on demand

Setting Up:

1. Unpack the Stratus-1200 unit.
2. Unscrew the top cap of the tank and remove to fill with fog fluid.

3. Replace the bottle and screw the cap securely, making sure that the pipe is fed down to the bottom of the bottle to ensure a consistent flow of fluid.

4. Open the water tank cover and add water or distilled water to the reservoir ensuring you don't fill over the recommended fill line.

5. Connect the wired digital control panel to the socket marked "Remote Control" on the rear panel.
6. If DMX is to be used for control, connect the DMX signal from the controller to the DMX IN XLR connector. Any further DMX controlled units may be connected via the DMX OUT XLR connector.
7. Connect the IEC mains plug and power the unit on.
8. The unit will begin the warming up process which normally takes around 3-5 minutes.

Operation:

The LCD panel on the wired digital control panel will display the following outputs:

Function	Selection	Content
Heating status	Warming up Ready to fog	Unit is warming up please wait Unit is ready to use
Manual volume adjust	Set 1-100	Set manual fog output low to high
Interval	Set 1-900	Set continuous fog intervals low to high
Duration	Set 1-200	Set continuous fog duration
Volume	Set 1-100	Set continuous fog output low to high
Wind	Set 1-100	Set fan speed low to high
DMX512	Set 1-512	Set required DMX address

If the unit is set to DMX mode (d001-d512), the unit will operate by DMX control as follows:

Channel	Value	Content
CH1	0-255	Fan speed 0-100%
CH2	0-255	Fog output 0-100%

RF Remote Control:

The small RF remote control supplied can also be used when wireless control of the unit is needed. Ensure the wired digital control panel is connected to the unit, to use the remote for the following functions:

A: Continuous fog stop

B: Continuous fog start

Up arrow: Fog increase

Down arrow: Fog decrease

Specifications:

Power supply	220-240Vac, 50/60Hz (IEC)
Power consumption	1200W
Fuse rating	F5A
DMX Channels	2Ch
Warm up time	3-5 minutes
Remote control connection	5 pin DIN
Remote control frequency	433Mhz
Fog output (approx.)	7500 cu.ft per minute
Fluid capacity	1.2 litre (fog fluid), 3 litre (water)
Dimensions	510 x 360 x 260mm
Weight	9.3kg

Troubleshooting:

No power to main unit or wired controller	Check mains voltage is correct and socket is switched on
	Check IEC lead is OK and connected properly
	Check mains fuse in IEC connector and fuse in plug top
	If fuse blowing repeatedly, refer to qualified service personnel
Power to unit but no fog output in manual or continuous mode	Check fluid level in tank
	If fluid is OK and pump working, the lines may be blocked
	Check that output is not set to zero on the control panel
	Check that output is not switched off on the key fob remote
	If blocked, clean with fog machine cleaner & distilled water
	Check that if DMX mode is selected, the DMX channel is correct
	In DMX mode, check that fog output is not set to zero
Fog output from unit drifts upwards	Ensure you are using the correct fog fluid for the unit
	Ensure there is sufficient water in the reservoir and that its not overfilled

This product is classed as Electrical or Electronic equipment and should not be disposed with other household or commercial waste at the end of its useful life. The goods must be disposed of according to your local council guidelines.

Errors and omissions excepted.

Copyright© 2023 AVSL Group Ltd, Unit 2 Bridgewater Park,

Taylor Road, Trafford Park, Manchester. M41 7JQ.

AVSL (Europe) Ltd, Unit 3D North Point House, North Point Bus. Park, New Mallow Road, Cork, Ireland.