Pathway 8680 User Manual
DMX
Ultimate
Converter
Firmware Version 2.5
March 2007
1439 17th Avenue SE
Calgary, AB, T2G 1W4
Canada
Phone: (403) 243-8110
Fax: (403) 287-1281
E-mail: support@pathwayconnect.com
www.pathwayconnect.com
User’s Guide
DMX Ultimate Converter
User’s Manual
Table of Contents
About The DMX
Protocols Supported....................................................................................................................................................................3
Quick Start: Basic Conversion.................................................................................................................................................4
Configuring Inputs.........................................................................................................................................................................4
Input Terminator......................................................................................................................................................................4
Analog Inputs.............................................................................................................................................................................5
Configuring Outputs .....................................................................................................................................................................5
DMX Output................................................................................................................................................................................5
Speed.......................................................................................................................................................................................5
AMX Output................................................................................................................................................................................5
Reset........................................................................................................................................................................................5
Colortran......................................................................................................................................................................................5
AVAB .............................................................................................................................................................................................5
Channels.................................................................................................................................................................................5
EC-Mux..........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Microplex.....................................................................................................................................................................................6
Kliegl...............................................................................................................................................................................................6
Start Address .................................................................................................................................................................................6
6/12K Assignments (AMX only)...........................................................................................................................................6
AMX Start address.................................................................................................................................................................7
Configuration Memory...........................................................................................................................................................7
Diagnostics.......................................................................................................................................................................................7
Tweak Output.............................................................................................................................................................................7
Analyze Input..............................................................................................................................................................................8
User Options....................................................................................................................................................................................8
Status Quo..................................................................................................................................................................................8
About.............................................................................................................................................................................................8
Security.........................................................................................................................................................................................8
RS232 Link.................................................................................................................................................................................9
Output Test ......................................................................................................................................................................................9
Updating your DMX
Update procedure...................................................................................................................................................................9
Software Update Troubleshooting Tips......................................................................................................................10
Appendix......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Connector Pinouts ...............................................................................................................................................................12
DMX512.............................................................................................................................................................................12
Electro-Controls Mux (ECMux).................................................................................................................................12
Colortran Mux (CMX)...................................................................................................................................................12
AMX192 (XLR).................................................................................................................................................................12
AMX192 .............................................................................................................................................................................13
Strand D54........................................................................................................................................................................13
MicroPlex............................................................................................................................................................................13
Kliegl K96 ...........................................................................................................................................................................13
AVAB.....................................................................................................................................................................................13
Analog Multiplex Inputs Disabled...................................................................................................................................14
Technical Support...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Ultimate
Ultimate
Converter....................................................................................................................................3
Converter ............................................................................................................................9
2
DMX Ultimate Converter
User’s Manual
ABOUT THE DMX
Before the advent of the USITT DMX512 control signal standard, manufacturers developed a
number of proprietary multiplex communications protocols. Strand developed AMX, Colortran had
their CMX, Kliegl offered K96, and Electro Controls (also known as Control Lighting) used EC-Mux.
Additional protocols also followed in the form of NSI’s MicroPlex, Strand Europe’s D54 and AVAB’s
own multiplex protocol.
We designed
employ different communications protocols. In addition, the
other useful customization and diagnostic functions, all in a simple to learn and use device.
DMX Ultimate Converter
U
LTI MATE
to permit the interconnection of consoles and dimmers that
CONVERTER
DMX Ultimate Converter
also provides
P
ROTOCOLS SUPPORTED
The
DMX Ultimate Converter
They are:
Protocol Description Connector
DMX512 Probably the most widely used protocol for controlling
AMX192 Originally Strand Lighting’s first multiplex protocol,
Colortran Also referred to as CMX, Colortran’s digital protocol
AVAB The AVAB protocol was one of the early digital
EC-MUX Electro Controls’ foray into digital dimmer control
Kliegl Kliegl made a wide range of consoles and dimmers
D54 Designed by Strand for their European dimmers and
MicroPlex MicroPlex is a protocol developed by NSI to control
supports a wide range of lighting industry communication protocols.
5 pin XLR
lighting equipment, DMX was the first USITT industry
standard multiplex protocol. DMX generates up to
512 control signals.
4 pin XLR (also 4
AMX is an analog multiplex protocol that carries up to
192 control signals. AMX192 is now a USITT
standard.
was the forerunner of DMX512.
protocols. The AVAB protocol produces 240-252
control signals.
resulted in this 512-dimmer protocol. Commonly
used with
later bought Electro Controls.
prior to going out of business in the 80’s. The Kliegl
protocol is often referred to as K96, after the
dimmer rack it was developed for. K96 is able to
handle 10,000 dimmers on 480 control channels.
consoles, D54 produces 384 control signals.
their dimmers. It is also used by Lightronics. Limited
support (48 channels output, no input) is offered for
MicroPlex.
Celebrity
control consoles. Strand Lighting
pin mini TA4)
5 pin XLR
Variety
4 pin XLR
Variety
3 pin XLR
3 pin XLR
3
DMX Ultimate Converter
QUICK STAR T: BASIC CONVERSION
User’s Manual
Plug in the power cord to your
automatically sense and accommodate any voltage/frequency from 100-240VAC and 50/60 Hz.
The
DMX Ultimate Converter
on a helpful LCD menu display. The arrows at the end of each line show your options from that point
in the menu. Use the OK button to make your selection.
NOTE: Not all menu functions shown on the display are supported by firmware
Since your
will need to specify the conversion desired before you start. Use the X button until you see the
SELECT INPUT option, and then press the S or T button until you see the desired input protocol.
Press OK. Select TERMINATED or UNTERMINATED INPUT if displayed (see below), and press OK
again. Now press the X button until you see the SELECT OUTPUT option, and again use the S and
T buttons scroll through your output choices. Press OK when you find the desired output protocol.
Your converter is now ready to process and convert your control protocols. Press the X key until
you see GO TO STATUS DISPLAY and press OK. The status display will show a number of messages
pertaining to the current state of the converter. One of them will look something like:
This indicates the conversion mode in effect and the ports (A to F) you should be connected to. You
will also see something like:
This is provided as an additional, plain English indication of the selected conversion mode.
Some input protocols require termination when your
connected on a data line. For example, if
the console DMX output, then it
Where appropriate, you will be offered the option of terminating the input line after you have
selected the input protocol.
There are a number of additional optional parameters that can be set on your input and output
protocols. These are discussed in the next section.
versions earlier than 2.5. Only the items described in this manual are supported.
DMX Ultimate Converter
is configured using the arrow keypad to navigate the options provided
INPUT OUTPUT
A:DMX C:AVAB
CONVERSION MODE
DMX TO AVAB
DMX Ultimate Converter
is capable of performing a number of different conversions, you
DMX Ultimate Converter
the DMX Ultimate Converter
is
the last device on that data line and should be terminated.
. The internal power supply will
is the last device
is the only thing connected to
CONFIGURING INPUTS
INPUT TERMINATOR
When the
chain, it must be terminated in order to comply with wiring rules and to ensure reliable system
operation.
DMX Ultimate Converter
is the last device in a DMX, Kliegl, Colortran or AVAB daisy
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DMX Ultimate Converter
User’s Manual
When one of the above digital protocols is chosen from the Select Input menu, the current state of
the DMX input terminator is shown. To change the current termination setting, use the S and T
buttons to make your selection and then press OK. Note that when termination is on, the pass-thru
connector (port B) is disabled.
ANALOG INPUTS
The
DMX Ultimate Converter
controls such as Strand Mantrix (CD80/AMX protocol) and Galaxy (D54), as well as NSI consoles
with only Microplex output. These applications are not recommended for the
Converter
fluctuating output which may be noticed in certain types of equipment like color scrollers and moving
lights. See the Appendix for more information on analog multiplex inputs.
however because the analog to digital conversion it performs results in a slightly
CONFIGURING OUTPUTS
Different output protocols have different parameters and options. Use the following to help you
select the right configuration options for your application. If the recommended configuration does
not appear to work properly, try selecting a different option.
is designed to allow conversions from popular legacy analog multiplex
DMX Ultimate
DMX OUTPUT
SPEED
Fast
Medium
Slow
Custom
(recommended)
AMX OUTPUT
RESET
Normal
Narrow
Wide
(recommended)
COLORTRAN
No user settings are provided for CMX protocol. The
properly with most Colortran dimmers including D192 and ENR, as well as D/A converters.
DMX Ultimate Converter
will communicate
AVAB
CHANNELS
AVAB systems can be configured for 240 or 252 channels. Use the AVAB channels configuration
to use the minimum number of channels suitable for your existing system.
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