DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide formerly RDM Repeater Version 2.0 October 2007 Suite 103, 1439 - 17 Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB, T2G 1J9 Canada Phone: Fax: (403) 243-8110 (403) 287-1281 E-mail: support@pathwayconnect.com www.pathwayconnect.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents .......................................................................................................2 Overview .....................................................................................................................3 Protocols Supported ..................................................................................................3 Startup Displays ..........................................................................
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro OVERVIEW This manual describes the function and configuration options for Pathway DMX Repeater Pro (formerly Pathway RDM Repeater) with firmware versions of 1.3.5 or higher. The DMX512 entertainment lighting control protocol has become accepted throughout the world as the standard for interoperability between equipment supplied by most manufacturers.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro unidirectional. The standard connector type is 5-pin XLR. Since its inception in 1986, there have been two revisions: USITT DMX512/1990 and the newer ANSI E1.11 DMX512-A (2005) version. The DMX Repeater Pro is designed to work seamlessly with these and all manufacturer-specific variants of the protocol. RDM – A recent (2006) addition to the DMX512 protocol is ANSI E1.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro CONFIGURATION Navigation The functions for the DMX Repeater Pro are configured using the menu keypad to the right of the LCD. Home OK Button Cancel Navigation Buttons Basic Modes The DMX Repeater Pro operates in one of three basic modes. Individual ports can be further customized, as described in “Port Customization Options” below. Certain DMX parameters and the LCD backlight can also be modified. To begin, press the Home button.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro DMX Merger: A one-in/eight-out or two-in/seven out merger/opto-splitter with RDM disabled on all ports. Some older equipment may not check the start code of a DMX packet, and misinterpret RDM requests as level changes, leading to erratic behavior. RDM can be re-enabled on a port-by-port basis. While in this mode, the Repeater scans ports A through H for active DMX.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro Be careful how you use hold time. While it can save a show when someone kicks the DMX cable out of the wall, it can have an undesirable outcome if you shut down a console without running down the grand master first, since the levels that were present prior to shutdown will be maintained. LCD Backlight. Use the up\down arrows to set the desired level of backlight and the check-mark to accept. The factory setting is full.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro input source. If multiple ports are customized, the active port will be selected using the same rules as DMX Hub mode. In DMX Hub mode, selecting a port forces the DMX Repeater Pro to switch signal sources, but only if DMX is active at the new port and it has a higher letter (e.g. C is higher than D). For example, the primary console is plugged into Port A, but has crashed. The DMX Repeater Pro has automatically switched to the back-up console in Port B.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro By using the left/right arrow keys, you can highlight a channel and see the current numeric level on the right hand side of the screen. The upper number is the DMX value between 0 and 255. The lower number is the same value shown in hexadecimal format. Levels can easily be compared against console or controller sources. The Console generates DMX levels, allowing an independent check on downstream or end devices.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro Port Status: The letters appearing below the Port indicate the port’s customization. Many combinations are possible; the examples are generic for clarity. ▲Port ABCDEFGH▲ ▼Src IIIIIIII▼ The letter “I”: Indicates the port is patched to the primary input “DMX IN” and that RDM is enabled. ▲Port ABCDEFGH▲ ▼Src CCCCCCCC▼ Letters “A” through “H”: Indicates the port is in Hub mode and is repeating signal from the indicated port.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro MORE ON DMX HUB MODE When hard-wiring a number of console input receptacles to a dimming or distribution system, the usual practice would be to daisy chain them to the dimmer rack or opto-splitter. While this method often works with no apparent problems, this practice is expressly forbidden by DMX rules. The problem has been that there is no realistic ‘legal’ alternative. The DMX Repeater Pro remedies this.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro The ideal application for the DMX Repeater Pro's 'Hub Mode' is in installations where a single console is frequently moved between different locations within a hall. Rather than use a cord patch, the DMX Repeater Pro will automatically connect the console wherever it's plugged in. Note that the 'Hub Mode' of the DMX Repeater Pro does not support HTP merging or prioritization, and can only route one active universe at a time.
User’s Guide DMX Repeater Pro APPENDIX A – XLR CONNECTOR PINOUTS DMX512A 1 – Common 2 – Data – 3 – Data + 4 – Aux Data 5 – Aux Data + PUSH 5 4 3 1 1 2 2 OUT (F) 5 4 3 IN (M) APPENDIX B – DEFAULT SETTINGS There is no global method of returning the DMX Repeater Pro to its factory settings.
