Dove Systems MTX-DE 8 User Manual

MTX-DE8

8 Channel DMX Decoder

Dove Lighting Systems, Inc.

3563 Sueldo Street Unit E

San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401

[phone] fax [phone]

[e-mail] / www.dovesystems.com

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Table of Contents

Introduction.....................................................................................3

Quick Start......................................................................................3

Local Control..................................................................................4

Other Applications.........................................................................4

Questions and Comments.............................................................4

Service.............................................................................................4

LIMITED WARRANTY.....................................................................5

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Introduction

DE8 is mounted in the lighting grid near the fixtures to be controlled. A standard cable (available from

from an output to the fixture it is to control. If the output is to drive more than one fixture, use the “loop

the front of the MTX-DE8 lights. The LED is green if DMX is present and red if DMX is not present. As

Note that some fixtures do not dim all the way to off, no matter what the analog control voltage.

The MTX-DE8 is an 8 channel DMX decoder. It converts standard DMX-512 digital lighting
control signals to analog 0 to 10V control signal. The MTX-DE8 has 8 analog outputs. Each output
can drive one or more analog control inputs on dimmers or lighting fixtures (such as fluorescent fix­tures with analog control inputs).

The main application of the MTX-DE8 is the control of fluorescent lighting fixtures. The MTX­Dove Systems and other suppliers) with 50 ohm BNC connectors connects the fixture to the MTX-

DE8. Each BNC output on the MTX-DE8 corresponds to one DMX control channel. If several fixtures
are to always be driven with the same level, one BNC output can drive these several fixtures. If the
fixture has a pair of “loop through” BNC connectors, one fixture is connected to the MTX-DE8, and
the rest are “daisy-chained” from the first. If the fixture has only one BNC control input, a standard
BNC “Tee” connector can be used to provide the “loop through.”

The MTX-DE8 has a DMX input and a DMX output. The input is driven by the lighting control
console or a previous device in the DMX string. The DMX output drives the next device in the DMX
string. If no other device is to be driven, the terminate switch on the MTX-DE8 should be turned on to
properly terminate the DMX line.

Quick Start

Install the MTX-DE8 in the lighting grid near the fixtures it is to control. Connect a BNC cable
through” BNC connector on the fixture (if available), or a BNC Tee connector. Connect a cable from

this connector to the next fixture. The analog control signal does not need to be terminated at the last
fixture.

Set the channel select switch to the DMX channel the first output is to represent. The second
output will be this channel +1. The last output will be this channel +7. For example, if the channel se­lect switch is set to 001, the first output corresponds to DMX channel 1, while the last corresponds to
DMX channel 8. If the DMX switch is set to 008, the first output corresponds to DMX channel 8, while
the last output corresponds to DMX channel 16.

Connect the DMX input to the DMX source, whether that be the console or another device in
the DMX string. If this is the last device in the DMX string, turn on the DMX terminate switch on the
MTX-DE8.

Apply AC power to the MTX-DE48 and to the fixtures. When AC power is present, the LED on
the DMX control is varied, the brightness of the fixtures should vary appropriately.
If this is the case, you will have to turn off the AC to the fixtures to turn them off. Fixtures designed to

work with the MTX-DE8 include circuitry to turn the fixture off when the control voltage approaches
zero.

The option switches on the front of the MTX-DE8 are reserved for future features.

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Local Control

just that level. These levels will remain set until power is removed from the MTX-DE8. Remember to

To serve these needs, the MTX-DE8 includes an internal terminal strip with the analog outputs

We look forward to hearing your comments and questions on the MTX-DE8. The best way to learn

The MTX-DE8 can control analog fixtures without a DMX signal being present. To set a level
on the MTX-DE8, set the first digit of the channel select switch to 6. Set the second digit to the num­ber of the output to be controlled (1 to 8). Set the third digit to obtain the desired brightness from 0
(off) to 9 (full). Once a level is set, the second digit can be changed to select another output and ad-

set the appropriate DMX channel on the channel select switch when returning to DMX operation.

Other Applications

The MTX-DE8 can be used anywhere a small DMX to analog converter may be needed.

The BNC outputs are especially convenient for connection to fluorescent fixtures. In other ap­plications, a discrete wire connection or another connector type may be required.

and the analog common. In addition, a hole plug on the bottom of the unit can be replaced with a rub­ber grommet. A user supplied cable can be connected to the terminal strip and be routed through the
grommet. This cable may directly connect to external equipment or may terminate in a cable mount
connector appropriate for the application.

Each analog output can source or sink 20mA. These outputs can directly drive solid state re­lays to control large on/off loads.

Note that the MTX-DE8 circuitry is not grounded (it floats). Analog devices driven by the MTX­DE8 should also have floating control inputs to avoid a ground loop in the DMX control signal. The
DMX common line (pin 1) is connected to the common of the analog outputs (the shell of the BNC
connectors), but is not connected to chassis ground. The chassis is grounded through the third prong
of the AC plug.

Questions and Comments

more about the MTX-DE8 and to make your comments know is to visit the discussion area of the
Dove Systems web site at www.dovesystems.com . You can also email comments to
[e-mail] or contact us using information on the front cover of this manual.

Service

Should service on the MTX-DE8 be required, it should be returned to the factory. Email us at
[e-mail] or call [phone] to get a Return Merchandise Authorization num­ber. We normally complete repairs within one day of when we receive the equipment.

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LIMITED WARRANTY

the conditions of any warranty of shipping schedule, nor will claims for labor, loss of profits, repairs, or

The manufacturer agrees that its products shall be free from defects in material or workman­ship over a period of one year from date of shipment from the factory. Said warranty will not apply if
equipment is used under conditions of service for which it is not
specifically intended. The manufacturer is not responsible for damage to its apparatus through im­proper installation, physical damage, or poor operating practice.
If any device is found unsatisfactory under the warranty, the buyer should notify the manufac­turer, and after receipt of shipping advice, buyer may return it directly to Dove Systems, San Luis
Obispo, CA, shipping prepaid. Such equipment will be replaced or put in proper operating condition,
free of all charges except transportation. The correction of any defects by repair or replacement by
the manufacturer shall constitute fulfillment of all obligations to the purchaser. Manufacturer does not
assume
responsibility for unauthorized repairs to its apparatus, even though defective.
Manufacturer shall not be liable for any consequential damage in case of any failure to meet

other expenses incidental to replacement be allowed.
No other representation, guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied, are made by the
manufacturer in connections with the manufacture and sale of its equipment. This warranty is non­transferable and applies to the original buyer only.

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