Pathway 8721, 8741 User Manual
DMXDecoder User Guide
Operational Philosophy
DMXDecoders convert DMX, AMX or D54
multiplexed protocols to analog control signals.
Features
• Microprocessor-based electronics
• Rotary address switch selects unit address in
one-dimmer increments
• Selectable status quo memory retention feature
maintains output levels at last known values for
five minutes upon loss of input control signal
• Auto recognition of control protocol on 24
channel models
• User-configuration positive or negative analog
outputs on 48 channel models
• LED indicators for control signal detect and
microprocessor status.
• Built in output test function allows dimmers to
be turned on from front panel switches
• 19 inch rack mount kit available
Indicators
Two LEDs are used to indicate, from left to right,
power supply and processor run status and data
receive detection.
L1 : Glowing solidly indicates power supply and
processor OK; off indicates no power, and
flashing indicates defective processor
hardware.
L2 : Glowing solidly indicates data signal received;
off indicates no signal present. Note that an
Address Selection
Three rotary switches select the offset start
address for the unit in most configurations. In test
mode, the switches set dimmers to full one at a
time. From left to right the switches are set as
hundreds, tens, and ones.
5
5
5
4
4
4
6
6
6
3
3
3
7
7
7
2
2
2
8
8
8
1
1
1
9
9
9
0
0
0
4321
1
1
Ad dress sele c t switc hes
Mode selec t DIP switc he s
2
3
LED indic ators ( power and data )
2
3
DMXDecoder User Guide
Setup Instructions
The Gray Interfaces 24 48 channel decoders have
been designed to permit easy, economical
upgrades to older lighting control systems with
analog dimmers. Standard input protocols are
USITT DMX-512 or AMX-192, or Strand D54.
A few simple steps are required to prepare your
interface unit for operation.
First, assemble your mating cables and ensure that
they conform to the connector pinouts as shown on
page . Plug the cable from your lighting control
board into the input connector on the rear panel of
the decoder unit. Note that AMX or DMX input
models include “in” and “thru” connectors, whereas
AMX and DMX input models only have “in”
connectors. The 25-pin output connector(s) of the
decoder unit wire directly to the dimmers’ analog
inputs.
Note: Unless otherwise ordered, all decoder
units are shippe d with a factory default output
configuration of 0 to 10VDC. F or other out puts,
refer to the confi guration instructions on page
4.
Next set the starting address of the first output signal
using the three rotary address select switches.
Then, refer to the DIP Switch Settings on page 4.
The shaded settings are factory defaults.
Now apply power to the decoder unit by plugging the
card from the power supply into the power jack on
the rear of the box, and plug the power cube into a
120V outlet (the decoder can be left powered up all
the time, current draw is minimal). If the
microprocessor is operating properly, the “POWER”
LED on the front panel should illuminate. Turn your
control board “DATA” LED will illuminate if the
decoder unit is receiving a valid data signal. Now run
some dimmers up to verify that the decoder is
working.
Note that in test mode (DS2 on) dimmers may be
turned on individually without the use of a control
board. Simply dial up the desired dimmer number on
the rotary address switches.
System Layout
5
5
5
4
4
4
6
6
6
3
3
3
7
7
7
2
8
2
8
2
8
1
9
1
9
1
9
0
0
0
4321
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