Pathway 910x User Manual
DMX Repeater Pro
For Firmware Versions 1.4.0 and higher
Version 3.0
January 2008
User’s Guide
Suite 103, 1439 - 17 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB, T2G 1J9
Canada
Phone: (403) 243-8110
Fax: (403) 287-1281
E-mail: support@pathwayconnect.com
www.pathwayconnect.com
DMX Repeater Pro
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ABLE OF CONTENTS
User’s Guide
Overview .....................................................................................................................3
Protocols Supported ..................................................................................................4
Startup Displays .........................................................................................................4
Setting Basic Personalities .......................................................................................5
Port Customization Options ......................................................................................8
DMX Monitor and Console.........................................................................................9
RDM Discovery .........................................................................................................12
More on DMX Hub Mode ..........................................................................................13
More on DMX Merger Mode .....................................................................................14
Appendix A – XLR Connector Pinouts ...................................................................15
Appendix B – Default Settings ................................................................................15
Appendix C – Specifications ...................................................................................15
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DMX Repeater Pro
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VERVIEW
This manual describes the function and configuration options for the
Pathway Connectivity DMX Repeater Pro with firmware versions of
1.4.0 or higher. Some features and menu choices described below
are not found in earlier firmware. Firmware is not currently
upgradeable by the end user.
The DMX512 entertainment lighting control protocol is accepted
throughout the world as the standard for interoperability between
equipment supplied by most manufacturers. RDM, or Remote
Device Management, is a recent enhancement to the DMX standard
that provides two-way communication between controllers (such as
consoles) and devices (such as scrollers and moving lights).
The DMX Repeater Pro provides three distinct operating
personalities to configure one dedicated input port and eight
input/output ports, to allow tailoring to the user’s specific DMX
network needs. DMX tester functions and RDM discovery and
device management are also integrated.
• Splitter: One incoming DMX data stream is repeated by eight
output ports, allowing a “star” topology to be created. Bi-directional
RDM communication is supported on all ports and is customizable
on a port-by-port basis. All ports are fully isolated.
• Merger: Two streams of DMX are merged on a highest-takes-
precedence (HTP) basis, and repeated by the remaining output
ports.
• Hub: Often console input connections are daisy-chained
together, creating an illegal DMX configuration, and the potential for
errors. In Hub mode, the DMX Repeater Pro automatically routes
signals from up to 9 input locations to up to 8 outputs without
breaking any rules and while maintaining DMX signal integrity.
• DMX Monitor and Console: A bar graph and numeric display
gives a quick indication of incoming DMX levels. DMX output can be
generated directly from the front panel to check downstream
devices, replacing the need for a separate tester. Both features are
indispensable tools for troubleshooting.
• RDM Discovery and Management: All RDM-enabled devices
can be detected and identified from the front panel display and
keypad. Management of DMX start addresses, personalities and
other device-dependent attributes can be done from the same user
interface. The DMX Repeater Pro is discoverable and configurable
User’s Guide
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DMX Repeater Pro
as an RDM device, as well as providing the functions of an in-line
controller.
Warning: Except for the IEC chassis plug marked for AC input, all
ports on the DMX Repeater Pro are intended for low voltage data
lines only. The 250 volt fault protection is not intended as primary
personal protection. Attaching anything other than low voltage
sources to the data ports may result in severe equipment damage,
and personal injury or death.
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ROTOCOLS SUPPORTED
DMX512 – The most widely used protocol for controlling lighting and
effects equipment, DMX512 was the first digital multiplex standard.
The DMX signal is simplex, or 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 version. The DMX Repeater Pro is designed to
work seamlessly with these and all manufacturer-specific variants of
the protocol.
RDM – A recent addition to the DMX512 protocol is ANSI E1.20
RDM (Remote Device Management). A separate optional standard,
it interleaves a get-and-set command structure into the basic DMX
data stream. RDM is a half-duplex, bi-directional protocol that
requires DMX ports to transmit as well as receive. Uses include
remote device addressing and status reporting. The DMX Repeater
Pro supports RDM on all ports.
User’s Guide
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TARTUP DISPLAYS
Plug in the power cord. There is no on/off switch. The internal
power supply will automatically sense and accommodate any
voltage/frequency from 100-240VAC and 50/60 Hz. The front panel
liquid-crystal display (LCD) and the keypad will illuminate. Once boot
up is completed, the display will cycle through the three main status
displays.
▲DMX Input ▲
▼512 Channels ▼
▲Port ABCDEFGH ▲
▼Src IIIIIIII ▼
▲RDM ▲
▼0 messages ▼
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DMX Repeater Pro
DMX Status: The first display shows DMX activity and the number
of current input channels detected. Some controllers transmit less
than a full universe of 512. If there is no DMX present, the display
will read ‘DMX Input – Inactive’.
RDM Status: The second display shows RDM activity and the
number of RDM messages since power was last cycled on the
Repeater Pro. In some modes, the screen will read “RDM Disabled”.
Port Status: The last display shows the port-by-port customization
for handling DMX and RDM signal packets.
For full explanations of the displays, see “Status and Monitoring”.
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ETTING BASIC PERSONALITIES
The DMX Repeater Pro operates in one of three basic personalities.
Individual ports can be further customized, as described in “Port
Customization Options” below. Certain DMX parameters and the
LCD backlight can also be modified. RDM discovery and DMX
troubleshooting are described in “DMX Monitor and Console” and
“RDM Discovery”.
Navigation
The functions for the DMX Repeater Pro are configured using the
menu keypad to the right of the LCD.
OK
Button
User’s Guide
Home
Cancel
Navigation
Buttons
During configuration, the rear illumination of each push button
changes, providing a contextual aid to the user. Only those buttons
that will do something are backlit. Generally, the up/down buttons
are used to cycle through menus and the OK button is used to
accept choices.
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