DMX-Merge User s Guide Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd Manual Revision V1.4
C O N T E N T S Introduction... 4 Overview... 4 Application Example... 4 Front Panel Controls... 5 Input Offset Address... 5 Merged Input Example... 5 Concatenated Input Example... 5 Data Received Indicator... 6 Power Supply... 6 Rear Panel Indicators... 7 DMX512... 7
I N T R O D U C T I O N Overview The DMX-Merge is a 1U rack mount solution to the common problem of connecting two controllers to one DMX512 line. Input: The product supports two DMX512 inputs which accept both flavours of DMX512. Each input also provides a data receive indicator. The A input provides an address switch which allows the input to be offset from channel one. The DMX512 inputs are optically isolated from the output and each other. This is a particular benefit in removing earth loop problems in large installations and outdoor events. Output: Application Example The output is formed by merging the two inputs. If the address switches are set such that the two incoming data streams overlap, the output is highest takes precedence. This means that the DMX- Merge may be used to either allow two lighting desks control of the same dimmers or to combine two desks to a higher channel count. For example to allow two 60 channel desks to operate as a single 120 channel desk. lighting console lighting console DMX-Merge DMX512 input dimming system Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd.DMX-Merge User s Guide 4
F R O N T P A N E L C O N T R O L S Input Offset Address The Input Offset Address defines the output channel number at which Input A data will start. When this control is set to '001', Input A data starts at the first output channel. The maximum Input Offset Address is 512. Input B data always starts at output channel number one. The setting of the Input Offset Address switches defines how the two inputs are merged to the output. If the address is set such that the two inputs overlap, the output is formed from a highest takes precedence merge. If the inputs do not overlap, the two inputs are concatenated to form the output. Example of HTP Merged Inputs 512 channels Input A Offset = 001 Output is HTP Merge of both inputs 512 channels Example of Concatenated Inputs 30 channels Input A Offset = 031 Output contains Input A on channels 31-60 and input B on channels 1-30 30 channels Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd.DMX-Merge User s Guide 5
Data Received Indicator Power Supply The red LED's to the left of the front panel show the status of received data. A constant red light shows that correct DMX512 data is being received. The internal power supply requires a 230V AC input with an earth connection. The mains fuse should only be replaced with a 500mA Slow Blow. Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd.DMX-Merge User s Guide 6
R E A R P A N E L C O N N E C T I O N S The DMX-Merge signal connections are as follows: (from left most connector of rear panel) DMX512 Input A DMX512 Loop Through Input A (Passive connection to Input) DMX512 Input B DMX512 Loop Through Input B (Passive connection to Input) DMX512 Output Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd.DMX-Merge User s Guide 7
Artistic Licence Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. 1996 24 Forward Drive Christchurch Avenue Harrow Middlesex England HA3 8NT Tel: +44 (0)20 88 63 45 15 Fax: +44 (0)20 84 26 05 51 Email: Sales@ArtisticLicence.com The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material. Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd.DMX-Merge User s Guide 8