Gray Interfaces DMXDart Users Manual August 2000.
Table of Contents ABOUT DMX DART 5 WHAT CAN IT DO? 5 DMXDART PHYSICAL ARRANGEMENT 6 THE FRONT PANEL THE TOP PANEL THE REAR PANEL INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES: 6 6 7 7 7 QUICK START 8 NAVIGATING THE MENUS CONTROLLING DIMMERS 8 9 DMXDART OPERATION 10 MENUS NAVIGATING THE MENUS 10 10 FUNCTION SUMMARY 10 MENU 1 MENU 2 10 11 GETTING STARTED 12 JOYSTICK 12 TRANSMITTING DMX 13 CHANGING THE DMX TRANSMIT MODE 13 ADVANCED DMX512 TRANSMIT OPTIONS 14 TRANSMIT S ETUP 1 - %/D E
Table of Contents 2 – H EX 3 – BUMP 4 – POWER UP 5 – PARAMETERS 15 15 15 16 PRINTING DMX DATA 16 MOVING LIGHT CONTROL 17 MOVING L IGHT S ETUP MOVING L IGHT MODEL DMX ADDRESS (DMX OFFSET) GROUP OFFSET TOTAL NUMBER OF MOVING L IGHTS 18 19 20 20 21 CONTROLLING MOVING LIGHTS 21 PAN / TILT S HORTCUT BRINGING F IXTURES “HOME” CONTROLLING DIMMERS WHILE IN MOVING L IGHT MODE 23 23 24 CUE MODE 24 MISCELLANEOUS TOOLS 24 TESTING CABLES DOUBLE ENDED CONTINUITY TESTING DOUBLE-ENDED DATA TEST S INGLE E ND
Table of Contents INTERNAL UTILITIES 33 POWER MANAGEMENT AND BACKLIGHT CHANGING THE BATTERY 34 35 SOFTWARE UPDATES 35 CONNECTING TO A PC INSTALLING S OFTWARE UPGRADES 35 36 DARTFLASH 36 TECHNICAL SUPPORT 36 APPENDIX A – MOVING LIGHT LIBRARY 37 APPENDIX B: CONNECTOR PINOUTS 39 DMX512 – 5 PIN XLR MALE RS232 PC COMM / E NCODER EXPANSION DMX L OOPBACK TEST CONNECTOR PORT – APPENDIX C – TROUBLESHOOTING RJ 45 F EMALE, 8 PIN 39 39 39 39 4
About DMX Dart The Gray Interfaces DMXDart is a fully featured DMX test tool that incorporates DMX reception and transmission tools, as well as a set of functions completely dedicated to moving lights. Complete cue recording and playback features are also provided so that the DMXDart can be used as a miniature standalone controller or as an inline backup DMX source.
DMXDart Physical Arrangement The front panel 1 2 3 Keypad Backlit LCD Display Joystick The top panel 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DMX 512 output (5 Pin female XLR type connector) DMX 512 input (5 Pin male XLR type connector) RS 232 PC serial port (RJ45 receptacle) DC power Input / Scope Sync output (1/8” mini phone receptacle) IR transmitter Future DartFlash slot Encoder panel mounts 6
The rear panel 11 12 13 Battery compartment Reset switch Belt clip mounting hole Included Accessories: • • • • Soft carry case 7702 Belt clip kit PC adapter kit with RJ11 – RJ45 cable, and RJ11 to DB9 adapter 9 Volt AC adapter Optional Accessories: 7704 DMXDart moving Light Encoder Panel Ericom Powerterm Software 7
Quick Start Turning on the DMXDart is as simple as pressing any of the 4 top row keys on the keypad. When one of these keys is pressed, the DMXDart will power up in the mode that it was in when it was turned off. NOTE: The DMXDart may transmit DMX immediately upon power up. Please insure that all equipment (such as moving lights) is safe prior to starting The PWR/BKLT key provides access to the DMXDart’s power management features, as well as operation of the LCD display.
QUICK START Controlling Dimmers From the main menu select screen choose 1 to load Main Menu 1. From Main Menu 1, select 2 - Transmit DMX512. The DMX 512 transmit function is now displayed: Transmit DMX512 Data Entry CH??? @??% From this screen, standard level setting commands can be used to transmit DMX dimmer levels. Enter 1 THRU 40 @ 30 OK. DMX channels 1 through 40 are now being transmitted at 30%.
DMXDart Operation Menus The DMXDart’s operating software is a menu-based system that provides quick access to all of the unit’s functions. The system consists of 2 main menus, one for DMX transmit functions and one for DMX receive functions. From each of the main menus, functions are chosen by pressing the number corresponding to the item desired. To swap main menus, choose the ‘main menu select ‘ option from either of the main menus.
DMXDart Operation Command line setting of DMX levels. Controls conventional DMX equipment. Transmits variable DMX ‘flavors’ for testing DMX reception equipment. 3 - Moving Light Tx Dedicated control of moving lights, complete with fixture library, and attributes. Encoders and integrated pointing device provide direct access to attributes. 4 - Cue Mode Playback of cues in standard DMX or moving light mode. Also contains backup mode for operation inline with a DMX console.
DMXDart Operation Getting Started Turning on the DMXDart is as simple as pressing any of the 4 top row keys on the keypad. When one of these keys is pressed, the DMXDart will power up in the mode that it was in when it was turned off. NOTE: The DMXDart may transmit DMX immediately upon power up. Please insure that all equipment (such as moving lights) is safe prior to starting Joystick The DMXDart features an integrated pointing device located at the center of the front panel.
DMXDart Operation Transmitting DMX The DMXDart supports 2 modes of transmitting DMX data, each having a different application when testing a lighting system. The first mode is Data Entry mode, which is more commonly referred to as command line level setting. In this mode DMX levels are set using standard command line language through the whole 512 channel DMX stream, and 512 channel ‘looks’ are established by “piling on” levels. Channel levels are held at their last set level until they are changed.
DMXDart Operation Press the Ü key and enter 10. This will set the channel test to a 1.0-second fade time. Press MENU then OK. This returns the Transmit DMX function display, changed for channel test mode. Transmit DMX512 Ch Test CH ??? @ ??% ^ Enter 1 @ 75 OK. DMX channel 1 is now being transmitted at 75%. Channels 2 through 512 are off. Press NEXT. DMX channel 2 is now being transmitted at 75%, Channels 1 and 3 through 512 are off. Press PREV. DMX channel 1 is now being transmitted at 75%.
DMXDart Operation NOTE: Changing the way that levels display, also changes they way levels are entered from the keypad. 2 – Hex This function adds the hexadecimal value of the level selected to the levels display. When this method of display is selected, the hexadecimal level is shown to the right of the (% or D) level display, next to the level information. The letter H follows the hexadecimal level.
DMXDart Operation 5 – Parameters 1 – Type Setup: This selection allows you to configure the characteristics of the DMX output signal. Sets the “flavor” of the DMX signal: A, B, C, or U. A through C are factory defaults, and U is a user programmable type for “tweaking” the DMX output.
DMXDart Operation Press Ý to change the format to “Decimal”. Press Ü to move the cursor to the beginning channel value: Transmit DMX512 Print Range Select * Decimal CH:001-050 ^ Enter the lowest channel to be printed, in this case 1. Press Ü to move the cursor to the highest channel value, and enter 400. Press Û twice to move the cursor below the asterisk (*), position the printer in a direct line with the top panel of the DMXDart, and press OK.
DMXDart Operation After the function loads the display will change to something like this. Pan Coarse Grp PanH PanL TiltH TiltL 000 000 000 000 ^ C This display is the Moving Light display, showing the first 4 attributes of the selected moving light. This is the display where moving light control takes place. Moving Light Setup In Moving Light mode, the DMXDart controls up to 512 DMX channels, and each channel controls one attribute of a moving light.
DMXDart Operation When actually controlling individual moving lights, they are called up as fixture numbers. Fixture number 1 will be patched by the DMXDart to the fixture who’s DMX address was set in the DMX offset. Fixture 2 will be patched to the address calculated by using the Group Offset and the DMX Offset, and so on. This patching process continues for the total number fixtures you have under your control.
DMXDart Operation DMX Address (DMX Offset) NOTE: Incorrect addressing can result in unpredictable moving light response to control. From the ML Parameters menu, press 2- DMX Offset to enter the DMX Offset display: DMX offset DMX offset 001 ^ Enter the DMX start address for the moving light with the lowest start address using the number keys or the up and down arrows. Press MENU to save and exit to the ML Parameters submenu.
DMXDart Operation Total Number of Moving Lights From the ML Parameters submenu press MENU to access page 2 of the submenu. Press 4 - # of lights/group # of lights/group Technobeam (full) # lights/group:020 ^ Enter the total number of moving lights being controlled (to a maximum of 512 DMX channels) using the number keys (followed by OK) or the up and down arrow keys. Press MENU to save and exit to the ML Parameters submenu. Press Menu 4 times to return to the ML TX function display.
DMXDart Operation From the Moving Light TX function display, press 2 - SGL / Grp to enter the setup display: SGL/GRP setup Mode Select Mode: group ^ Use the Ý and Þarrows to change from Group to Single mode. Press OK. display will change to: The SGL/GRP setup Sgl # within group Mode: single: 012 ^ Press Ü to move to the fixture number and use the Ý and Þ keys or direct numeric entry to select the desired fixture number.
DMXDart Operation Pan / Tilt Shortcut The Pan / Tilt Shortcut gives instant visibility and control of the three most commonly used moving light attributes; pan, tilt and intensity. This display can be accessed by simply pressing the @ key from the moving light control display. When Pan / Tilt mode is active, a P/T will appear in the upper left corner. P/T PanH PanL TiltH 000 000 000 ^ Grp TiltL 000 C This shortcut menu gives instant access to the optional Encoder Panel for pan and tilt.
DMXDart Operation Controlling Dimmers while in Moving Light Mode The moving light TX submenu allows for the setting of DMX levels outside of those channels used for moving lights. To set levels from the Moving Light Tx function screen press MENU to enter the Moving Light Tx submenu. Press 3 DMX512 to switch to Tx mode. Enter DMX levels using the standard command syntax, as outlined in the DMX512 Tx section of this manual.
DMXDart Operation • • Double ended data loss testing – checks a cable for its’ data transmission stability by connecting both ends to the DMXDart’s DMX input and output and transmitting 250Kbps data over it. Single ended loopback data loss testing – same as double ended data loss testing, but it allows for testing of permanently installed cable through the use of a loopback connector. Double ended continuity testing From Main Menu Select, choose 1- Transmit Functions.
DMXDart Operation Single Ended Data Test Pressing the Ý again switches the DMXDart mode. Cable test 00000 Single-end loop (TxJ)NoRx (RxJ)NoRx mode, clr-reset Note: TxJ Denotes the cable connected to the DMX output (Female) connector, and RxJ the cable connected to the input (male) connector. Connect one end of a DMX cable to one of the DMX connectors on the DMXDart. Connect a loopback XLR connector to the other end.
DMXDart Operation The ‘Control’ parameter should be left at “on” to allow for the fade time routines, as well as future real time clock functions to operate correctly. To exit the RTC Setup press MENU. Self Test The Self-Test function runs diagnostic routines on 3 key areas of the DMXDart’s hardware. Self Test is provided as a troubleshooting tool in the event of suspected DMXDart malfunction.
DMXDart Operation Pressing NEXT displays the next 5 DMX dimmer levels: Receive PS:512 006 007 20% 00% DMX512 PR:041 SC:000 008 009 010 00% 00% 00% Press PREV and NEXT to display the desired block of 5 dimmer levels. The Receive DMX512 function display will show the current status of the DMX signal it is receiving in the form of the 3 items on line 2 of the display.
DMXDart Operation The packet counter (top right of the display) begins to count the DMX data packets received. To cycle the display between the minimum, nominal (average) and maximum values, press the Ü key to move the cursor below the value being received. Then press the Ý or Þ to change to the desired parameter.
DMXDart Operation Next, go to Main Menu 2, select 2- Receive DMX. Press Menu and select 4 – Flicker Finder. Flicker Finder 1- Snapshot 4- Test 2- Clear Log 5- Print 3- View 6-Setup Connect the DMX source to be tested to the DMX input of the DMXDart. Snapshot the levels by pressing 1 on the DMXDart, then OK. The unit will prompt for confirmation of the snapshot (SURE??). Press OK a second time to confirm. Note: DMX must be present for Flicker finder to run.
DMXDart Operation Printing Received DMX Data From the Receive DMX512 submenu, the incoming DMX data stream can be printed using the Print Rx Data option. From the Receive DMX512 submenu, press 5 – Print Rx Data. Receive DMX512 Print Data * Hexval CH:001-050 ^ From this display, all of the print options are set.
DMXDart Operation Oscilloscope Sync The DMXDart provides oscilloscope users with a handy tool that will help synchronize an oscilloscope’s display with characteristics of the incoming DMX data stream. The Rx Sync test transmits a high-speed pulse from the 1/8” TRS jack on the top panel of the DMXDart. Using this feature requires an adapter cable (not included) to connect to the trigger input or alternate channel of an oscilloscope.
DMXDart Operation IDS Talkback The IDS talkback function accepts status data from dimmers, color scrollers, and other IDS-capable equipment over pair 2 of the DMX cable. When active this display shows “raw data” from any devices communicating over the alternate pair: IDS Talkback: Control Generic ID: 000 R: G: 001 B: 001: ^
DMXDart Operation Power Management and Backlight The PWR/BKLT key provides access to the DMXDart’s power management features, as well as operation of the LCD backlight. Pressing the PWR/BKLT key accesses the top-level power functions menu. MENU-continue OFF- power down BKLT-backlight view angle, more From this display, pressing the MENU key returns to the previous menu. Pressing the OFF key turns the unit off, and pressing the PWR/BKLT key toggles the LCD backlight on and off.
DMXDart Operation By monitoring the battery status display, problems present in cabling or DMX reception equipment may be discovered. The DMXDart’s power draw is typically between 28 and 80mA, depending on a number of operational factors. Seeing a current draw outside of this range indicates a problem somewhere in the signal path and may prompt the use of another of the DMXDart’s DMX analysis tools.
DMXDart Operation Format: 8N2 (8 data bits, no parity, 2 stop bits) Baud: 115.2Kbps Choosing 2 – PC comm test, and pressing OK can test the connection. A message will be sent to the PC, and will be displayed on the terminal screen of any standard communication software, such as Hyperterminal. If the message does not appear correctly, ensure that the communications settings of both the PC and the DMXDart are identical.
Appendix A – Moving Light Library 048: EC-1 049: Studio Spot 050: Studio Spot 575 CMY 051: Cyber M2 Litho 052: Technibeam Hi 053: Technoray 054: Technopro 055: Intellabeam 13 Ch 056: Dataflash Amptown 001: Amptown Posi-Fan 002: Amptown PML Mk2 003: Amptown Washlite Hal 004: Amptown Washlite-HP 005: Amptown Wash-Shutter Clay Paky 006: Superscan Zoom 007: Superscan Zoom Ext 008: Goldenscan HPE 009: Goldenscan 3 010: Goldenscan 2 011: Stagescan 012: Stage Light 300 013: Stage Color 300 014: Stage Color 575 01
Appendix A – Moving Light Library 103: Mac 500 M4 – 16 w spd 104: Mac 1200 M1-8 wo spd 105: Mac 1200 M2 - 16 wo spd 106: Mac 1200 M3 – 8 w spd 107: Mac 1200 M4 – 16 w spd 108: Robo Pro 918 M1 - 8 wo spd 109: Robo Pro 918 M2 – 16 wo spd 110: Robo Pro 918 M4 – 16 w spd 111: Robo 918 M2 112: FxPal 1200 M2 144: VL5 M2-8BE 145: VL5 M3-16R 146: VL5 M4-16E 147: VL5 M5-8B 148: VL5 M6-16B 149: VL6 M1 –8R 150: VL6 M2-8E 151: VL6 M3-16R 152: VL6 M4-16E 153: VL6 M5-8B 154: VL6 M6-16B 155: VL7 –16 M6 156: VL5 M3 157: V
Appendix B: Connector Pinouts Appendix C – Troubleshooting DMX512 – 5 Pin XLR Male Before contacting Gray Interfaces Technical Support, please use the following checklist to troubleshoot DMXDart Operation Problems: Pin 1 2 3 4 5 Function Ground Data TxData Tx+ Data RxData Rx+ Problem: Unit not responding to Keypad commands Possible Solutions: Power / Sync – 1/8 “ TRS Tip Ground Ring Sync Sleeve Power 1) Disconnect Encoder wing and repeat keypress 2) Manipulate Pointing device ( Lightly!) then repeat
Problem: Coarse / Fine selection not available Possible Solutions: 1) IPD Range set to OFF in MLTx Setup submenu. Turn range ON to activate FINE mode availability.
