Animator 4 Plus, 1-4 Channel Multifunction Controller

The Animator 4 Plus is 4 output, 16 function controller that can be set to function as a 1, 2, 3 or 4 channel multi-function controller. It is also the only multi function controller on the market that also has a speed control dial allowing you to control the speed of each effect across the desired number of channels. The multi-function patterns are programmed to achieve maximum effect by using all 4 channels. However, experiment with using 1, 2 or 3 channels and you can find an entirely new array of interesting effects to choose from. The performance, flexibility and quality of this controller will serve you for years to come. The Animator Plus controller is constructed with moisture protection in place but should not be considered waterproof. It should not be placed in standing water and should be protected from rain and snow. The controller uses 2 power inputs so be sure to connect both the black wall transformer and the white male 120v plug in order for the controller to operate correctly.

Built In Patterns:

• 1-4 build up, 2 second hold all on, then repeat
• 1-4 sequence, then repeat
• 1-4 sequence, pause, repeat
• 1-4 then 4-1, repeat
• 1-4 sequence cross fade, pause
• 4-1 sequence, pause, repeat
• All fade up, then down
• 1-4 cross fade
• Outer to center cross fade
• Random pattern
• 1 & 4 then 2 & 3
• Twinkle
• Sparkle
• 1 & 2 fade up, cross fade 3 & 4
• 2&3 to 1 & 4
• All on then all off

Features:

• Made in the USA!
• Programmable to function as a 1, 2,3 or 4 channel multi-function controller
• Replaces popular controllers such as a 3 channel 8 function controller and build up controllers - and with more flexibility to function as a 2 channel 16 function controller, a 3 channel 16 function controller or 4 channel 16 function controller
• 16 built-in effects including chases, fades, cross-fades, twinkle, sparkle and more!
• 8 amps max per controller, 2 amps max per channel
• Adjustable speed control dial
• The ONLY multi function controller on the market with speed control
• No cross talk (no crossover between channels when animation moves from one channel to the next)
• End user replaceable fuse.
• FCC part 15 Certified (will not cause EMF interference to radios and TVs or other broadcast signals)

NOTE: Do not use RGB ROPE lighting or string lighting of any kind that has its own controller built in to the lights as it will damage the controller and void the warranty. Single color rope light will work fine as will any standard string of Christmas lights or bulbs. 

Click the image below to view the compared specifications for all of the chase controllers we offer.

How Do Chase Controllers Work?

Chase controllers create effects across the channels of the controller and allow you to do all sorts of creative things with lighting. For example, a 4 channel chase controller will turn channel 1 on and then off when channel 2 comes on, channel off when channel 3 comes on, channel 3 off when channel 4 comes on, and then the sequence repeats. The same is true of 2 and 3 channel chase controllers. The speed of the chase between channels is controlled by a dial on the front of the controller. 

Multifunction Controllers

Multifunction controllers like our 3 channel and 4 channel multifunction controllers contain 8 different effects that apply themselves across the channels. Effects include slow chase, fast chase, twinkle, shimmer, all on, slow glow, cross fade and all glow. There is no speed control dial on the multifunction controllers

Other Controllers

Our higher end controllers from PBS lighting do have additional functionality such as the Animator controller which is programmable to be a 2, 3 or 4 channel chase controller and does not have any crosstalk They can be connected to computer controlled light controllers such as those from Light-O-Rama and the Light-O-Rama effects will be passed through to the channels on the animator controller and they have a much higher average lifespan.

Can a Chase Controller Make My Standard Lights Chase Down the string?

NOTE: No. Chase controllers do not make bulbs on standard light strings chase down the string. No controller can make standard lights chase down a string. Rather, they apply the chase or other effects across channels.

Do These Controllers Work with LED Lights?

Yes, in most cases they will work fine. There are some older LED light sets that do have issues with light controllers of any kind and will not work with any light controller. But most newer, commercial and professional grade rectified, dimmable LED lights will work fine with light controllers.

What is the Slowest/Fastest Speed I Can Get When Using the Speed Control Dial?

The speed of the on/off between a controller's output channels will be different from one controller type to the next and can be different from one unit to the next even among batches of the same controller type (due to how they are manufactured). hence, the speed/slowness you can achieve is simply defined as really slow or really fast. There is no pre defined time interval specification for the slowest or the fastest available speed settings. But in general, the slowest speed setting will be a delay between channels of about 1-3 seconds while the fastest speed setting on the control dial will be somewhere between what looks like a REALLY fast flicker to what basically look like all of the lights are always on.

Do I Need to Cover the Controller If I Use It Outdoors?

Most of our basic controllers are designed for outdoor use without the need for additional weather protection. However, if you use a weatherproof enclosure or even something as simply as a plastic bag to protect them, they will typically experience a longer lifespan. Controllers from PBS Lighting (Animator, Starburst, Music box) the manufacturer does recommend the use of a weatherproof enclosure.

Can I Plug one Controller Into an Output on Another Controller?

No. This will void the warranty and dramatically increase the potential for failure on of the secondary controller. Chase controllers are designed to host constant power. Hence, plugging one controller into another creates a situation in which the secondary controller (the one plugged into another controllers output) is being constantly turned on/off and/or having effects (like fading/dimming) at its power input source - which is expected to always be in an 'on' state.