Recommended Moving Head: Focus Spot 2X - On Primary/Secondary Functions

Hello, everyone! As usual, I like to start my blogs with a bit of seasonal chat, and today is no different.
Here in Narita, the winters are as cold as ever. I’m already wondering how to stay warm this year. If only there were a desk equipped with a built-in kotatsu—I’d love to use it! Add some mandarins, and it’d be perfect. Though, let’s be honest, I’d probably just fall asleep on the job... haha.

Now, continuing from the previous post, I’m here to introduce another moving head fixture from ADJ. This time, let’s dive into the Focus Spot 2X. If you haven’t read the last article yet, I highly recommend checking that out too!

So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the Focus Spot 2X.
Here it is ↓

American DJ / Focus Spot 2X Moving Head

This is a spotlight-type moving head featuring a 100W cool white LED and a 3W UV LED as its light sources. It boasts motorized focus and manual zoom functionality. Additionally, it comes with an 8-color + white color wheel and a 6-pattern gobo wheel, each independently operable.

Here’s a video showing it in action ↓

Here are the specifications for the product↓ I’ll pick a few of these features and explain them in detail as we go along.

• Type: Moving Head, Spot Type
• Light Source: 100W high-output white LED, 3W UV LED
• Art-NET Compatibility: ×
• DMX512 Compatibility: ○
• DMX Channel Modes: 16 or 18 channels
• XLR Connector Type: 3-PIN XLR
• Pan: 540° / 270°
• Beam Angle: Variable 16–19°
• Motorized Focus: ○
• Colors: 8 colors + white
• Gobos: 6 patterns + open
• Gobo Size: 23mm overall, 19mm viewable, 0.5mm thickness
• Prism Function: ○
• Sound-Active Mode: ○
• Auto Program Mode: ○
• Master/Slave Mode: ○
• Power Consumption: 180W
• Power Supply: AC100V 50/60Hz
• Weight: 6.5kg
• Dimensions: 237 x 231 x 385 mm
• Included Accessories: Hanging Bracket

【 Function Menu 】

01. About Spot-Type Moving Heads

As explained in the previous blog, moving heads are primarily categorized into beam type, wash type, spot type, and hybrid type. The Focus Spot 2X introduced here falls under the spot type category. Spot-type moving heads produce sharp-edged light and can project gobos (patterns). Additionally, the Focus Spot 2X features a replaceable gobo system.
*For gobo replacement instructions, please refer to page 26 of the product manual.
*When replacing gobos, be careful not to bend or damage them.

02. About the Gobos

The Focus Spot 2X comes with the following six gobo designs:
Unlike the Pocket Pro introduced previously, which included a star (★) design, the Focus Spot 2X does not have it. The gobo designs here feel more unique and artistic, making this moving head an excellent choice for museums and exhibition events!

03. About the Color Wheel

The color wheel features 8 colors + white for adjustment.
Here’s an image of the colors ↓

04. About DMX

Moving heads are generally controlled using DMX-standard controllers. For fixtures like moving heads, which use a large number of channels, it’s essential to choose a DMX controller suitable for effects-heavy operations. Since the Focus Spot 2X operates on 16 or 18 channels, make sure to select a DMX controller that supports at least 16 channels.

■ About DMX512
DMX512 is a digital communication protocol originally developed and revised by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). It allows for the transmission of lighting control data across 512 channels via a single digital cable. Additionally, each channel’s signal can be controlled with 256 levels of precision.

05. About Primary/Secondary Mode

In addition to introducing the moving head, let’s explain the Primary/Secondary mode, a frequently asked topic.
In simple terms, the Primary/Secondary mode is used when you want multiple identical lighting fixtures to operate in sync without using a DMX controller. This feature is ideal for those who don't own a DMX controller but still want to create synchronized lighting effects. *For more details, refer to page 19 of the Focus Spot 2X product manual.

With Focus Spot 2X, you can control up to 16 units in synchronized motion using this mode. One unit functions as the control unit, while the other units respond to the control unit's program. Be sure to connect the units using DMX cables. The following conditions must be met to use this mode, so please check carefully:

• The equipment must support Primary/Secondary mode or Master/Slave mode.
• All fixtures must be the same model.

【 Key Points 】
If you want the units to perform the same movements using a DMX controller instead of the Primary/Secondary mode, you can achieve identical control by setting the start addresses and channels of all units to be the same.

How was that? This time, we introduced the compact and easy-to-use moving head, Focus Spot 2X, along with an explanation of the Primary/Secondary mode. If you’re looking for a cost-effective spot-type moving head, we highly recommend considering this option (*’▽’)!