Lighting
ETC Source Four ERS / PAR / Fresnel (tungsten) troubleshooting
The ETC Source Four ERS / PAR / Fresnel (tungsten) problems live-event techs bring to Ask Roadie most (also called ETC Source Four, S4, S4 Jr, S4 PAR). Pick your symptom, or describe your own in plain words, and get the likeliest fix first, with the manual page when there is one.
Common Source Four ERS / PAR / Fresnel (tungsten) errors & problems
What techs run into most, and what's usually behind it. The step-by-step fix for your exact unit is in Ask Roadie.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Can't get a Source Four shutter cut at the angle needed
Likely cause: Rotating the barrel turns the whole shutter assembly.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Cleaning a dirty Source Four lens or reflector
Likely cause: Dirty optics cut output and cause hot spots; the wrong cleaner damages coatings.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Gel burning out fast in a Source Four
Likely cause: Heat concentrates at the gel frame differently depending on where the lens tube sits.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Source Four beam has a hot spot or a dark hole in the middle
Likely cause: The outer knob centers the filament in the reflector; the inner knob moves it along the axis to set peak vs flat field.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Source Four gobo/pattern looks wrong, or where does the iris go?
Likely cause: Correct holder size and slot position keep the pattern at the focal plane.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Source Four lamps failing early or socket problems
Likely cause: A half-seated lamp arcs and overheats the socket; skin oils and over-voltage shorten lamp life.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Source Four won't come into sharp focus / wrong lens in the tube
Likely cause: Each field angle uses a specific lens set and position in the tube.
Not on the list? Describe it your way, or paste the error code off the display. Ask Roadie works the problem with you until it's fixed or you have a clear next move.
How Ask Roadie helps with the Source Four ERS / PAR / Fresnel (tungsten)
- 1. Pick the ETC Source Four ERS / PAR / Fresnel (tungsten). It's already in the list.
- 2. Describe what you're seeing. In your own words, or the error code off the screen.
- 3. Get the likeliest fix first. Steps in order, the manual page when there is one, and a note when other techs have confirmed it.
- 4. Still broken? Tap 👎 and it keeps going from where you left off.
Free trial
Get your Source Four ERS / PAR / Fresnel (tungsten) back up before doors.
Try it free. No card required.
Start free trial →