Pathway MR User Manual

DMXPathfinder MR

Installer’s Guide

Version 1.2

February 2004.

480C - 36 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB, T2G 1W4

Canada

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Web site: www.pathwayconnect.com

DMXPathfinder MR Contents

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................2

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF DMXPATHFINDER!......................................................................................2

CHAPTER 1: INSTALLATION AND ASSEMBLY...................................................................................3

SUMMARY................................................................................................................................................3

BEFORE STARTING.................................................................................................................3

RACK SIZING AND PLACEMENT..................................................................................................................5

MOUNTING TERMINATION BOARDS............................................................................................................5

I/O CABLE INSTALLATION..........................................................................................................................6

MODULE PREPARATION............................................................................................................................7

MODULE INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................7

I/O CABLE CONNECTION ..........................................................................................................................8

PATCHING..............................................................................................................................................10

CHAPTER 2: MAINTENANCE & TESTING...........................................................................................11

TESTING THE INSTALLATION....................................................................................................................11

CARD REPLACEMENT .............................................................................................................................11

TEST PROCEDURES................................................................................................................................12

ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................................................................13

1

DMXPathfinder LR Introduction

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF DMXPATHFINDER!

This Installation Guide is intended to walk you through a typical installation. In
preparing the User Guide, it has been assumed that you are reasonably
familiar with the DMX512 and the various wiring methods associated with
RS422/485 based protocols.

DMXPathfinder MR is a DMX512 distribution tool, providing a method for
distributing up to eight DMX sources (such as dimming or moving light
controls) to a number of DMX devices or outlets. All inputs and outputs are
opto-isolated and repeated, in conformance with the USITT/ESTA
specifications for DMX512 signal distribution.

The Installer’s Guide is divided into 2 chapters:

• DMXPathfinder Installation leads you through all the steps necessary
for a “clean” installation of your hardware.

• Maintenance and Testing offers troubleshooting tips and procedures
to keep everything running smoothly.

2

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

Chapter 1: Installation and Assembly

SUMMARY

This section describes how to correctly assemble the DMXPathfinder MR
hardware into an equipment rack and connect permanently installed external
wiring.

To ensure a trouble-free installation, you should follow this sequence:

1. Install the equipment rack

2. Run conduit and pull cable

3. Install auxiliary rack equipment and power bars

4. Mount termination boards (if applicable)

5. Dress cable in the rack and terminate (if possible)

6. Unpack the DMXPathfinder MR I/O Modules and prepare

7. Install the I/O Modules in the rack

8. Connect cabling to the I/O Modules

9. Power up and test

BEFORE STARTING

Before installing the DMXPathfinder MR equipment rack, you should carefully
consider the environment in which the equipment is to be installed, the
proximity to power sources, and the required conduit and/or cable runs.

Environmental Considerations -- To maximize equipment life and minimize
the possibility of unreliable operation or failures, the following conditions
should be adhered to:

• Ambient temperature extremes: -10 to 50 degrees C

• Recommended operating temperature: +10 to +40 degrees C

• Relative humidity: 10-95% non-condensing

• General conditions: clean, dust-free environment

Fan Cooling -- Each of the DMXPathfinder MR Output Modules is provided
with an internal cooling fan. These fans draw air in on the right hand side
and exhaust air on the left. To ensure adequate air circulation, do not block
the modules at either side. If more than two or three Output Modules are
installed in the same rack, allow for at least a 1U ventilation panel at the top
and bottom of the rack.

3

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

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SYSTEM
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(inputs 1 - 8)

Output Module #1
(outputs 1 - 32)

Output Module #2
(outputs 33 - 64)

Output Module #3
(outputs 65 - 96)

Input Module

19" Rack

Power Requirements -- A single-phase power source (50 or 60Hz, 100­240VAC, at 0.2A per Input Module and 0.5A per Output Module) must be
provided to the DMXPathfinder MR equipment rack. It is recommended that
no more than ten I/O modules be connected to one power circuit due to the
startup current requirements of their switch-mode power supplies.

4